Washington Vacations For Families To Take Before Or After A Cruise

1. The Space Needle, Sightseeing and More Seattle Family Fun

Seattle might be the most famous of the main cities in Washington state to visit. Luckily for those taking a Royal Caribbean cruise to or from the American Pacific Northwest, it’s where the port is. I highly recommend making time before or after your Seattle cruise to explore the city if you’re traveling as a family, as it’s great for all ages, including little ones — think plenty of public transit (buses, streetcars, ferries, trains, a monorail, you name it), indoor and outdoor fun, lots of parks and a strong bakery scene.

Here are the best Seattle neighborhoods and what those taking family vacations in Washington can do there:

Learn

● Best for older kids and teens: The National Nordic Museum is perfect for anyone whose kids are even remotely interested in Vikings. This museum will also really appeal to teens, as there is plenty on pop culture, design, music and art. Some highlights include the massive troll out front, the Viking longships, northern lights displays and dedications to Scandinavian style. 

● Best for littles: The Ballard Locks are a local favorite, allowing visitors to get up close to famous Pacific Northwest salmon. Younger kids will especially be excited about seeing the boats pass through the locks. There are also indoor exhibits that you can duck into if it does start raining.

Shop

● Best for families who love to play games: Kids of all ages will love the games at Mox Boarding House. You can even test them out before you buy, making this shop a great place to spend a rainy day in Ballard. 

● Best for families who love the outdoors: The Kavu Ballard Flagship is a must if your kids love to camp, hike or other outdoor recreational activities. And teens will love the aesthetic outdoor wear as much as you do.

Eat

● Best for families with littles: Serious Pie offers a relaxed atmosphere, plentiful seating, and perfectly blistered pizzas that work well for those with toddlers, big families or those who just want to chill out and enjoy crowd-pleasing pie. 

● Best for families with teens: Un Bien offers unpretentious but famously delicious Caribbean sandwiches. Teens will appreciate trying something so flavorful, unique and buzzworthy (Un Bien has had Seattle in a chokehold for a while). As seating is limited, get these to go and enjoy them outside.

● Best for families who love dessert: It wouldn’t be right to come to Ballard without trying some Scandinavian food, and Larsen’s Bakery does dessert best. Split the Danish smorekage and sweet breads with your family for some pure hygge.

Learn

● Best for older kids and teens: The MoPop is another one of those aesthetic Seattle sites that are Instagram-friendly, interactive and vibrant. Teens and older kids will love learning about the city’s rebellious culture through exhibitions about music and the arts. 

● Best for littles: The Pacific Science Center is the best place to spend a rainy day in Seattle, as it can keep those of any age group entertained all day, but especially littles. Come for the immersive science exhibitions. Stay for the butterfly house. 

Shop

● Best for families who love art: The famous Chihuly Garden and Glass offers rainbow-hued souvenirs and a bit of Seattle’s blown glass industry to take home with you. This was a favorite for me when I was a teen, and today’s older kids will especially appreciate the delicate yet colorful art.  

● Best for families who read: Queen Anne Book Company is the best spot in the neighborhood to grab books, so make sure to stop by if your kids love to read or you just need a cozy space to spend an hour or two.

Eat

● Best for families with littles: Tilikum Place Cafe is such a cozy spot to enjoy many comfort dishes, but especially brunch fare (get the Dutch Babies, a sweet regional specialty that kiddos will love). There’s plenty of seating and kind service. 

● Best for families with teens: Big Max Burger Co. offers dressed-up burgers that impress any hungry teenager. They’re beautiful, affordable and customizable (pro tip: try them with a plant-based patty).

● Best for families who love dessert: Nielsen’s Pastries is the best bakery in the neighborhood, selling lovely little Danish treats like kringle and sweet rolls.

Learn

● Best for older kids and teens: Teens and older kids will appreciate digging into the city’s heritage at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. It’s the best rainy day activity in this corner of Seattle if you’re looking for something to do for a few hours. 

● Best for littles: Littles will love the interactive exhibits and airplanes inside the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). Meanwhile, parents and older kids will appreciate the displays concerning Seattle’s technology revolution, sports and other noteworthy industries.  

Shop

● Best for families who love playtime: Two Owls sells enchanting toys that will delight littles. Everything is really colorful and whimsical, so if your kids are being fussy but you still want to do some shopping, this will be entertaining for them.  

● Best for families who love storytelling: Elliott Bay Book Company is my favorite bookshop in the city, and it is massive, so there’s plenty of space to read out loud with your kids. There’s a little coffee shop inside too, so if it’s a rainy day, this is the place to be.

Eat

● Best for families with littles: Volunteer Park Cafe & Pantry is the epitome of a neighborhood eatery. Enjoy the cozy vibes as your kiddos chow down on some of the best sandwiches, breakfast foods and pastries in the city. 

● Best for families with teens: Older kids will appreciate the seafood and great views at 100 Pound Clam. This is a seasonal restaurant, but it’s a must if you come in the summer.

● Best for families who love dessert: One of the best tips I can give visitors is to order a delicious scoop or two from Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream and take it with you to walk a few blocks to Kerry Park. This is where you’ll find the most famous views of the Seattle skyline, and you can take it in with some fantastic ice cream.

Learn

● Best for older kids and teens: Come to the Wing Luke Museum to learn all about those who have contributed so much to Seattle’s development. Teens will especially be able to appreciate the historic art and cultural education. 

● Best for littles: If you have kids who love boats, they’ll adore the Coast Guard Museum Northwest. It’s not a massive space, but it’s got plenty to entertain curious minds for an hour or so.  

Shop

● Best for families who game together: Pink Gorilla Games International is home to all kinds of retro video games. If your family is into gaming, you and your kids will get a kick out of browsing multigenerational games together.  

● Best for families who love to travel: Getting lost in the Uwajimaya, a massive Asian food and goods market, is something I’ll never get tired of. If you’ve got adventurous kids, they’ll love browsing the international snacks and treats. Meanwhile, teens will love the Asian beauty offerings, gift shop and Studio Ghibli products.

Eat

● Best for families with littles: The dumplings and scallion pancakes at Dough Zone are the best I’ve ever had, and the menus are great for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. There’s also lots of seating, plus big windows to keep kids entertained. 

● Best for families with teens: Hood Famous Bakeshop is a trendy spot in Seattle serving all-day breakfast and Filipino breakfast bowls. Teens will also love the fun drinks like ube and pandan lattes, colorful teas and Philippine cold brew.

● Best for families who love dessert: Come to Dochi for mochi doughnuts decorated with bright frosting, sprinkles and more.

Learn

● Best for older kids and teens: The Seattle Art Museum is photogenic and filled with great art pieces that your older kids will appreciate. You’ll need at least an hour to take it all in. 

● Best for littles: The Seattle Aquarium captivates all ages with incredible ocean displays, but your younger kids will be especially excited about getting up close to sealife. I recommend putting aside at least two hours to take it all in.  

Shop

● Best for families who love local goods: Braving the crowds is worth it at Pike Place Market, even for locals, because the vendors here are great. I love coming here for fresh flowers, art of the city and snacks. Check out the lower levels if your kids are nervous around crowds, as they thin out below.  

● Best for families who have little ones: Magic Mouse Toys’ colorful window displays, festive atmosphere and endless rows of toy shelves will delight your younger children.

Eat

● Best for families with littles: Ivar’s Acres of Clams is a Seattle institution, and is super toddler-friendly thanks to the plentiful seating and kids’ menus. It’s a great spot to grab some seafood that the whole family will enjoy.  

● Best for families with teens: Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is a must for families who love dairy, and teens will especially love the Instagrammable premises. The mac n’ cheese here is famously good.

● Best for families who love dessert: Three Girls Bakery is old-school in the best way, having served up the yummiest treats for over a century. The cookies and the bars here are the best, so make sure to get a few things so you all can sample.

Learn

● Best for older kids and teens: The Woodland Park Rose Garden is beautiful and will delight kids who love tranquil spaces, flowers and photography (the ponds, fountains and landscaping is too stunning to ignore). 

● Best for littles: The Woodland Park Zoo is ideal for your smallest animal enthusiasts and will keep them entertained for a whole day if needed.  

Shop

● Best for families who have pen pals: Portage Bay Goods has all kinds of great stationery, cards and other little goodies like those.  

● Best for families who have Pacific Northwest fever: The Pacific Northwest Shop is ideal if you want Cascadian-themed souvenirs to take home with you.

Eat

● Best for families with littles: Pizza is a fantastic choice for families with younger children, as it pleases adults and picky kids just as easily. My Friend Derek’s is the best spot to get it in this part of Seattle, slicing up perfectly savory pies.  

● Best for families with teens: Backyard Bagel has some of the best namesake pastries in the city. Your teens will love the over-the-top bagel sandwiches and they’re so portable.

● Best for families who love dessert: The sweet drinks at the DIY Tea Lab are so refreshing, and act as a great option if your kids would rather drink their dessert.

Learn

● Best for older kids and teens: For your kids who are becoming curious about global issues or charity work, the Gates Foundation Discovery Center is the best stop. Spend an hour or two on a rainy day learning all about innovative solutions to big problems. 

● Best for littles: The Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center or the Environmental Learning & Visitor Center at Discovery Park are important institutions to check out if you want to teach your kids early about stewardship, nature or sustainability.  

Shop

● Best for families who love storytime: Magnolia’s Bookstore is a colorful little bookshop in the heart of this part of Seattle. The children’s section is a perfect spot to spend some time reading with your kids.  

● Best for families who have a sense of humor: The quirky gifts at Robot vs Sloth are sure to make any family laugh, but jokesters will especially appreciate them.

Eat

● Best for families with littles: I highly recommend going to the hot bar or deli counter at Metropolitan Market, as it has something for everyone and it’s all fantastic. Kids of all ages will love getting to pick what they want, but it’s especially helpful for parents who want to customize some items that work for larger age gaps like between parents and toddlers.  

● Best for families with teens: Swing Sandwiches and Pizza is an aesthetic cafe selling equally aesthetic dishes. Teens will love the rainbow chairs, sandwich cross-sections and burrata-heaped pizza slices.

● Best for families who love dessert: The Scandinavian treats at Byen Bakeri are superb, especially if you want something cozy for a colder day. Order a few items so your group can do some sampling (a must for any Seattle bakery).

Learn

● Best for older kids and teens: The Henry Art Gallery features all kinds of fantastic contemporary art and colorful spaces for your creative kids to enjoy. It’s completely free, so it’s one of the best indoor spaces to spend the day. 

● Best for littles: The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture will amaze your kids, but fans of dinosaurs, nature or animals will love it most. You’ll want to set aside at least a few hours to see it thoroughly.  

Shop

● Best for families who love to shop: University Village has loads of outlet shopping and great eateries, so if your family loves to browse or you want loads of options, come this way.  

● Best for families who feel nostalgic: If you’re a millennial like me or older, you might want to consider taking your kids to Scarecrow Video so they can see a real-life video rental store in person. It’s no Blockbuster, but it’ll do.

Eat

● Best for families with littles: Off The Rez Cafe inside the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture has fantastic fry bread tacos. Picky kids will even love them because they look familiar, but with a twist. 

● Best for families with teens: Hey Bagel is another locally beloved bagel joint, and teens will appreciate their fun schmears (biscoff, chocolate and espresso bean cream cheese, anyone?) and savory bialys.

● Best for families who love dessert: The baked goods at Saint Bread are too good to miss, from the cardamom croissants to the Danish Dream Cake.

Learn

● Best for older kids and teens: Alki Point Lighthouse is a fun spot to visit for a glimpse of Seattle’s nautical history. Opened in 1913, it’s still functioning and aids with navigation around the city’s busy waters. 

● Best for littles: Your little ones will love exploring the Myrtle Highpoint Bee Garden and learning all about the insects and plants that call Seattle home.   

Shop

● Best for families who love music: Come to Easy Street Records & Cafe for vintage finds. Look for records featuring Seattle artists for a unique souvenir to take home.  

● Best for families who read together: Paper Boat Booksellers is a great place to come and spend an hour. Look for books with your kids and try to pick one as a team. 

Eat

● Best for families with littles: Alki Spud Fish & Chips promises a classic regional dish that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy, fried to perfection. 

● Best for families with teens: Teens will understand our local obsession with Moto, a colorful joint selling Detroit-style pizzas with unique toppings. It’s fresh, flavorful and so fun.

● Best for families who love dessert: If you want something timeless, Shug's West Seattle is a great dessert stop for ice cream and soda pop.

2. Taking A Washington Vacation As A Family In The Salish Sea

If you’re taking a family cruise to or from Seattle, and you want to see more than the city, come to the Salish Sea, one of the best places to vacation in Washington state. This ferry-peppered landmark stretches from Olympia to Desolation Sound in British Columbia. As someone from the Salish Sea, believe me when I say this is where you’ll find the most scenic place in Washington. Toddlers and school agers will love taking the ferry, the beaches and the wildlife. Meanwhile, teens will get a kick out of kayaking opportunities and the accessible seaside towns are perfect spaces for multigenerational groups.

Here’s where to find the best Washington state tourist attractions in the Salish Sea:

The Islands Of The Salish Sea

● San Juan Islands: Take the ferry to these gems of the Salish Sea for whale watching, sea glass hunting, art galleries, bald eagles, coastal villages and wild swimming. 

● Fidalgo Island: Take the bridge from the mainland to enjoy amazing food (don’t miss Gere-a-Deli, the best sandwich shop on the planet), serene beaches, protected forestlands, bookshops and wildlife. 

● Whidbey Island: Take the ferry from Mukilteo or drive from Fidalgo Island across Deception Pass to this island of seafood, farmland, swimmable beaches and historic sites.

Skagit Valley

● Mt. Vernon: Come for a strong art scene, awesome farm stands, flower fields, orchards and mountain views. 

● Bow-Edison: This tiny community is famous for its bakeries (check out Breadfarm, my personal favorite), peaceful landscapes, ice cream and farming. 

● La Conner: Enjoy river views, artisan shops, great food, bald eagle sightings and endless walking.

Little Coastal Towns Along The Salish Sea

● Edmonds: This ferry town offers a quaint downtown, superb farmer’s market, cozy coffee shops and water views. 

● Mukilteo: Connecting Whidbey Island to the mainland via ferry, this little town features a historic lighthouse, gorgeous beaches, orca sightings, protected forestlands and fantastic dining (as a local, my favorite is Red Cup Cafe). 

● Bellingham: If you have more time to head north after your Seattle cruise, this quirky town of bookshops, organic dining, art galleries and harbor views is worth the drive.

3. Peak Washington Vacation: Family Adventures In The Cascade Mountains

Stretching more than 700 miles and dotted with volcanic peaks like Mt. Rainier, the Cascade Mountains look like they’re straight out of Europe or New Zealand. If you’re looking into taking family vacations in Washington and even slightly like hiking, this is the place to go. They’re part of the Ring of Fire, so if your kids are interested in volcanoes, this is a fun range to take them to. 

There are plenty of unforgettable outdoor Washington state tourist attractions scattered across the Cascades. There are hikes for all skill levels, making these ideal mountains for families who want to get out on the trail safely. So, if you’re looking for good places to go in Washington, consider these spots in the Cascade Mountains, from alpine towns to family-friendly treks that you can fit in while in port:

The Best Towns To Visit In The Cascades:

● Leavenworth: Bavarian food, Alpine souvenirs and a town that looks straight out of Switzerland. 

● Snoqualmie: Waterfall views, railway history and plenty of outdoor fun. 

● Cashmere: Pioneer heritage, Aplets & Cotlets and hikes with mountain views.

● Marblemount: Rugged landscapes, serene lakes and bald eagles.

The Best Outdoor Adventures In The Cascades:

● Mount Rainier: Volcanic mountain views, endless wildflowers in the summer and wildlife. 

● North Cascades National Park: Glaciers, diverse hiking and wild terrain that gave this park the nickname of “American Alps.”  

● Snoqualmie Falls: 268 feet of water, easy viewing and Twin Peaks fandom.

● Mt. Baker Wilderness: Alpine meadows, pine forests and unforgettable mountain hikes. 

● Diablo Lake: Turquoise water, peaceful shores and overhead viewing.  

● Alpine Lakes Wilderness: Rock climbing, more than 700 lakes and scenic hiking.

4. Exploring The Kitsap And Olympic Peninsulas As A Family

 In my opinion, the best places to vacation in Washington state are coastal. But the peninsulas stand out. With rainforests, volcanic beaches, cloud-draped mountains and turquoise lakes, the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas are among the most scenic places in Washington.

This is where many locals, including me, choose to vacation because it’s just so beautiful. I have so many memories as a kid playing in the mountain lakes, racing my siblings along the rainy beaches and taking epic drives like Hurricane Ridge with my family. So I can say firsthand that the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsula are more than worth their salt. 

Here are the best places in the region for those taking family vacations in Washington:

Make Family Memories In Washington With Royal Caribbean

From glacial lakes to volcanic peaks to seaglass-strewn beaches, the Evergreen State is bound to impress with its beauty. Luckily, a Seattle cruise offers direct access to the best places to vacation in Washington state.