Fun things to do in Seattle are your ticket to the ultimate Emerald City staycation! Of course, as such a popular destination for visitors, trying to navigate the city’s offerings as a local can be quite an adventure, both on and off the beaten path.
Luckily, Seattle is a city that knows how to seamlessly blend both everyday life and tourism, in a way that its residents proudly embrace. Thanks to the many events and activities in Seattle year-round, amid the backdrop of famed attractions and natural beauty — there’s something for everyone, any time of year. So whether you’re brand new to the area and ready to explore, or have called it home for a while and looking for more reasons to love it — opportunity abounds!
Discover the city’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets. Venture outside of city limits. Have fun with family or friends. Be a tourist for a day. Or an outdoor explorer for a weekend. And delight in a true Seattle staycation that gives other fine U.S. cities some serious competition. The ideas below are just the beginning — and include fun for families, couples, friends, or treating yourself!
Cool Things to do in Seattle for a Memorable Staycation
1. Chihuly Garden and Glass
This venue attracts plenty of guests, but is probably favored just as much among locals as out-of-towners. Take a whimsical wander among gorgeous glass creations and breathtaking exhibits, scattered among unique flora. Not to mention, its location offers pretty phenomenal views of the celebrated Seattle attraction, the Space Needle.
2. Sunday-Funday at Center for Wooden Boats (FREE!)
Volunteer skippers and crew members make this magic happen all year long! Head to Lake Union starting at 10:00 AM on Sundays to sign up for free rides on a variety of boats: steamboats, schooners, yachts and more. Outings are first come, first serve. But the area has plenty of fun ways to spend time if you have some waiting to do. Family activities in Seattle don’t get better than this, as it’s great fun had by those of ALL ages!
3. Be a Tourist in Your Own City
Whether you’ve lived in Seattle for a month, a year, or a decade — there’s always more to learn about this urban mecca! Embrace your stomping grounds like a visitor, and enjoy a reminder why folks fuss over classic Seattle sightseeing sensations. Indulge in chocolates. Get the inside scoop on Pike Place Market. Try Seattle’s best food and cocktails. Bike to famed landmarks with a guide. And much more! You can even venture underground, exploring the “archived” network of enthralling streets and buildings that were once historical Seattle’s surface!
4. Outside Things to Do in Seattle: Go Hiking (FREE!)
Don’t let Seattle’s claim to rainy fame fool you! The region’s beautiful landscapes certainly use any damp-doings to an advantage. The result is some of the country’s most vibrant, lush hiking territory! Venture to local areas like Discovery Park and Seward Park, or head to a nearby national forest to immerse yourself in surrounds featuring lakes, mountains, treetops, wild flowers, and more.
5. Stay Outside: Rent Boats or Kayaks
The abundance of lakes and rivers in the Emerald City area means Seattle staycations can come with lots of aquatic adventures! So don a life jacket and get ready to paddle, row, ride, and then some. Head to H2O hot spots like Lake Union, Washington Lake, Lake Sammamish, and Green Lake — and let the good times begin.
6. Sample ‘n’ Sip at Woodinville Wineries
Only about 30 minutes outside of metro Seattle lies Woodinville, the PNW’s very own wine country hub. Various companies throughout Seattle offer transport and/or organized tours in conjunction with these vino destinations; so a safe alternative to driving is available to those wishing to partake in grape-y goodness. And while this may not fall under the category of “family activities in Seattle,” it sure makes for a great daytime getaway with friends or a date with special someone!
7. Escape to the San Juan Islands
This staycation idea is one of the most wonderful things to do in Seattle. Wander this beautiful territory at your leisure, hop on a tour, stay for the day, or make it a weekend getaway! Try fun activities like driving the scenic byway; shopping local boutiques; orca whale watching; visiting breweries, distilleries, and wineries; or paddling along on a picturesque San Juan Island guided kayak tour.
8. Free Museum Days (Obviously FREE!)
A healthy handful of area museums participate in this recurring Seattle event. The first Thursday of each month means admission is waived! And here’s an insider-scoop many folks may not know about… Possessing a Seattle Public Library card scores you a FREE museum entry ticket ANY day of the month, subject to availability and participating locations (including the Seattle Aquarium), while supplies last. Visit the library’s website for more info on this awesome incentive.
9. Score Big at the Pinball Museum
When it comes to cool museums, this one takes the cake. (Even if it’s not on the list of ‘first Thursday freebies,’ it’s a Seattle attraction still well worth checking out!) Housed in the International District, this place is perfect for an afternoon or evening full of arcade fun! One admission fee covers access to play over 50 games (at no extra cost!), ranging from vintage to modern style machines. Admission is open to ages seven and up, making it an entertaining Seattle activity for families. But rest assured plenty of adults and non-family patrons frequent the arcade, too, as evidenced by the craft beer available for purchase.
10. Wander a New Neighborhood (FREE-ish!)
With 17 major neighborhoods to choose from, there’s no shortage of things to do in Seattle if you wish to get out ‘n’ about to poke around at your leisure. So spend an entire day finding the nooks and crannies of a given area, eating and enjoying activities only within its blocks! Or, stay in a B ‘n’ B for the weekend and hop around to explore a variety of neighborhoods, as if you are actually a visitor.
11. Ballard Farmer’s Market (FREE!)
Operating every Sunday year-round, this is THE place to enjoy fun attractions in Seattle with family or friends. It’s also a nice way to forego the touristy vibes often associated with of Pike Place Market, assuming you’re on the hunt for an atmosphere that’s a bit more mellow and off the beaten path. Support local vendors, check out artists, delight in fresh produce, and splurge on unique goods for purchase.
12. Explore Tidepools (FREE!)
Hands down, this is one of the coolest family activities in Seattle! Round up the kids, and head to areas like Constellation Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park. Scamper around rocks and get awesome views of some of the Puget Sound’s most fascinating creatures. Go when tides are in a negative range to check out what the waters have left behind, allowing for up-close looks at starfish, sea anemones, urchins, and hermit crabs. This makes a pretty sweet natural attraction in Seattle for groups of adult friends or creative afternoon dates, too!
13. Check Out Local Festivals
These vibrant things to do in Seattle are a wonderful option for those looking for entertainment and variety during any season. Options abound all year long, celebrating fun topics like music, culture, food, arts, trades, lifestyle, and plenty more. So expand upon an already-established interest, or discover something fun and new to get into!
14. Learn to Fly in Seattle by Airplane or Helicopter
Check an unforgettable item off your bucket list, with an introductory flight lesson! Plus get remarkable views of downtown, Mount Rainier, beautiful lakes, and other breathtaking Seattle attractions and landscapes. Go solo or see if a couple of buddies can be accommodated as passengers in the aircraft, to share in the breathtaking moments from high overhead.
15. Outdoor Movies (FREE!)
Take advantage of these popular summer Seattle events that bring the community together for fun flicks! Check out city-wide or chamber of commerce calendars for movies offered and schedules. Not only is this a wonderful Seattle staycation idea, but it serves as a great activity for families, too, as most locations include dates with kid-friendly movie options.
16. Shakespeare in the Park (FREE!)
This urban amenity is one of the best things to do in Seattle for free, especially with older teens or as an outing with friends or cute date idea. Available at select parks throughout the Puget Sound area, these summer performances are presented by companies like Wooden O and GreenStage. Are you a parent of teens who are inspired by what they saw on stage? Enrolling them in summer acting camp is a great way to add to Seattle staycation plans!
17. See a Pro Sporting Event
There’s nothing quite like rooting for the home team. So show some city spirit, sport festive colors, and head to the stadium to enjoy the amped-up atmosphere. No matter the sport you choose to cheer for, rest assured the afternoon or evening will come with plenty of entertainment and indulgent eats!
18. Go Camping
Whether by tent or by cabin, the PNW’s great outdoors offer plenty of opportunities to use a Seattle staycation as a grand escape. So spend a weekend getting delightfully lost in the wilderness. Go prepared for cozy campfires, memorable adventures, and tranquil surroundings.
19. “Ride the Ducks” Tour
This unique way of checking out Seattle attractions deserves a shout-out all its own. Because how often is it that you can roll across land and float across water — all on the same vehicle?! Even as a local, this fun, quirky way to do some sightseeing in Seattle is bound to bring lots of smiles.
20. Race a Lamborghini at Pacific Raceways
For one of the fastest, most exhilarating things to do in Seattle, hop into a flashy set of wheels to defy speed limits! Venture over to the Kent area to burn some rubber like never before in a real Lamborghini! Availability is limited and this experience is only offered on select dates each year. So be sure to contact Virgin Experience Gifts to book ahead of time, as advanced reservations for this thrilling experience are a must. Then get ready to get your VROOOM on for the Seattle staycation activity of a lifetime!
