Wet feet can really bring you down on a dreary day. It’s easy to just snuggle up on the couch, sip some hot cocoa, and wait for the sun to show up.
We don’t really have that option in Seattle.
Some say that it rains 9 months out of the year. I don’t know if that’s actually true, but we do have our fair share of drizzles and storms rolling through.
I can’t really stay at home with a toddler and baby for 9 months, so I have to get creative and find indoor spaces to go out and explore when cabin fever sets in. There is no limit of things to do in Seattle when it rains, but finding things to do with kids daily can get tedious. With this list, you can get everyone out, inhale some fresh air, and meet a few friends while staying dry and warm.
There are loads of things to do on a rainy day in Seattle with kids at indoor kid zones and funapoloozas, but I want something that gets me excited and out the door as well.
Volunteer Park Conservatory
The flowers may enjoy their little bath, but I need a little break from puddles and wet pants. Hop over to the Volunteer Park Conservatory. Shed your coat and soak in the greenhouse humidity. Sit on a bench while you watch the kids run around. Go on a scavenger hunt for prickly beasts, waterfalls, and a lemon tree. Round out your trip with a short latte at the Volunteer Park Café.
Pacific Science Center Butterfly room
If it’s cold and raining, as most of the winter seems to be in Seattle, make your way to the Butterfly Room at Seattle’s Science Museum. Oh sure, you could play in the toddler area and hang out with the dinosaurs, but when I need to put a smile on my face after I haven’t seen the sun in over a week I like to be reminded that there is beauty still flourishing somewhere in the city.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle’s Chihuly Garden and Glass is a color explosion sure to dazzle your eyes and chase away those rainy-day blues. This museum should be on your list of things to do in Seattle when it rains, and even when it doesn’t. Grab your kid’s hand and saunter through a forest of glass.
Tell the tale of Dek the Pirate (or whatever your child’s name is) as he heroically sailed the mirror black sea in a boat filled with fragile bubbles. All will gasp in astonishment as they learn that Dek didn’t break a single one as he battled the sea serpent and rescued the mommy from certain death.
Seattle Central Library
Why not wrap yourself in adventure when the weather threatens to drown you in misery? Books can transport you to a sunny beach, a far-off land filled with dragons and knights, or down a dark hole as you follow the white rabbit to a tea party filled with delicious treats. The Seattle Central Library holds 362,987 square feet of spirit-lifting tales, but if you aren’t in the mood to read you can still marvel at this architectural wonder designed by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus. This building is on every list of things to do in Seattle on a rainy day and for good reason.
Seattle Aquarium
If the Woodland Park Zoo has turned into a river of floating animals you can always head downtown to the Seattle Aquarium where the animals actually float. Stroke a starfish, ogle a few jellyfish, and wave at our otter population. There are plenty of hands-on activities for all ages to keep you and your family entertained.
Read our full updated guide to the Seattle Aquarium.
Pike Place Market
Two words- comfort food. Rain always makes me want to snuggle up with a hot beverage and some sort of pastry. If we need a break from the house, the kids and I head down to the market for crumpets, fresh donuts, croissants, macarons, a little fresh fruit, cheese, and any number of other goodies we can sample along the way.
Head to the Seattle Mountains
If it’s raining in Seattle, remember, it’s usually snowing in the mountains. There are plenty of things to do in Seattle, but it’s even more fun outside of the city. Why not head east into the Cascades to build a snowman, do a little sledding, or hit the slopes. Ski lessons start at 3 years old on many mountains!
Start Planning Your trip to Seattle, WA
Now that you know what you want to do in Seattle, let’s start planning your trip! Here are just a few of our favorites places to stay, the rental car website we always go to for the best rates, and why keeping an eye on flights can save you a lot of money.
And as always, don’t forget to book your Flytographer photoshoot ahead of time. I love getting photos with family and friends whenever we travel, and these local photographer make it SO EASY.
Seattle Hotels
- Fairmont Olympic Hotel: Pet-friendly with a pool, hot tub and spa onsite within walking distance of Pike Place Market
- The Westin Seattle: Pet-friendly with a pool, sofa beds in some rooms, suites and easy walk to everything downtown
- Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle Downtown/Convention Center: Studio and 1-Bedroom suites with kitchen and free breakfast included
- Kimpton Palladian Hotel: Quirky design hotel right near Pike Place with suites available
- Hyatt Regency Seattle: Pet-friendly with multiple bed options in rooms and walking distance to downtown and waterfront attractions.
Check out DiscoverCars.com for the best rates on car rentals. And don’t forget to track prices on your flights before you book.
Pike Place Market would be 1st on my list. To be honest – any place with good food would be 1st on my list. 😀