Things To Do

Pike Place Market

Located in the heart of downtown Seattle lies Pike Place. Reminiscent of a farmer’s market, it has multiple floors of fresh produce, flowers, meat and novelty shops. The most infamous part of the Market is the fish toss, done on the top floor at the south entrance. The first Starbucks and a Beecher's cheese store, where you can watch cheese curds be made, is right across the street from the market.

Seattle Aquarium/ Seattle Wharf

Located just a short walk from Pike Place, the pier is full of fun sights and experiences. The Seattle Aquarium is located at Pier 59 & 60, and Miner’s Landing is on Pier 57. Miner’s Landing has the Seattle Great Wheel, an arcade, some restaurants and the attraction called Wings Over Washington, which is a “flying theater” where you experience a bird’s eye view of many of the natural wonders of Washington state. The Great Wheel costs from $15-20 per person and Wings Over Washington is $17-21 per person and has a height requirement of 42”.

Mount Rainier

While it may be the 2nd tallest mountain in the lower 48, it has the most prominence of any mountain in the US; it can be seen from over 60 miles away. The park is filled with waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife.

Mount Saint Helens

Site of the infamous 1980 eruption, see the regrowth and revival of the volcano and the land around it from Johnston Observatory (if it has reopened after a recent landslide) or check out the Forest Learning Center, which is located just inside the blast zone and full of amenities, exhibits and hands-on activities.

Ape Cave

The Ape Cave is the 3rd longest lava tube (at 2.5 miles) in North America and located near Mt. St Helens. Reservations are required to be able to walk the cave. The temperature in the cave is 42 degrees F year-round so be sure to bring warm clothes, sturdy shoes (as some spots require climbing rock walls), and at least 1 source of light (preferably 2) per person. A cell phone light is not bright enough.

Point Defiance Park

The secondest largest inner-city park in the US behind Central Park, Point Defiance is full of attractions, such as Owens Beach, 5 mile drives and trails, Fort Nisqually Living History museum and gardens. Smack dab in the middle of it all is Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Animals here range from the Arctic Tundra and Asian forests, to the Pacific and Tropical reefs.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Northwest Trek is a zoo and wildlife park with a focus on animals that are found in the Pacific Northwest, including grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves and you can take a walk through some eagle’s habitat (mesh enclosed) and the animals in Washington wetlands. A highlight of the zoo is the tram, where you get into an open windowed vehicle and ride through a free-roaming area full of deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, caribou and bison.

T-Mobile Park

Take in a Seattle Mariners game! They’re hosting the San Francisco Giants August 23-25 and the Tampa Bay Rays August 26-28. The games against the Rays are also Mariners Value Games, which means tickets cost anywhere from $10-$35 per ticket.

Woodland Park Zoo

Snoqualmie Falls