https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:49:52 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2814630 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 16:47:15 +0000 Mrs.Someone 2814630@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorthStar: Theres a nice food court inside the Seattle Center called the Armory. You should be able to find something there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2814562 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 12:51:59 +0000 NorthStar 2814562@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@RKitty: @Mrs.Someone: Thanks for your input! It's very helpful! Do you have any recommendations for a kid-friendly restaurant down by Seattle Center? My DD is SO picky. Like will only eat buttered noodles picky. We might just have to wing it this whole trip, but was curious if you had any suggestions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2814275 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 13:54:36 +0000 Mrs.Someone 2814275@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorthStar: You must be talking about Hot Cakes, yes, it's as amazing as it sounds :happy: The lines are super long at night, and for some reason they take forever to come out, so go in the afternoon if you can (they have a lunch menu too I think). Also, check out Salt &amp; Straw Ice Cream, it just got to Seattle from Portland and is really good.</p> <p>Yes, an Orca card can definitely make your life easier. If you're always traveling together, you can just get one and tell the driver to charge you for more people. On the lightrail it's a little more complicated since you scan yourself, but there are people around who can help. You DO have to preload it, and you can set it up to auto-reload when it reaches a low point.</p> <p>@RKitty: The bus tunnel is no longer free sadly :crying: There is a free Waterfront bus, but I've never tried it: <a href="http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/wfsc/wsc_stations.html" rel="nofollow">http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/wfsc/wsc_stations.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2814246 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 12:56:31 +0000 RKitty 2814246@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.Someone: I didn't even think of carseats! It probably makes zipcar not feasible.</p> <p>If the Orca card bills you or you could preload it probably be easier but I've never used it. Also there is - or was- a circle of public transportation downtown that was free so you may not have to pay as much as you think you might.</p> <p>Also Seattle is very hilly and sometimes something that seems like a short walk isn't because it's up a giant hill... And if your planning to do a lot of walking your littles might get tired quickly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2814155 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 07:43:54 +0000 NorthStar 2814155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.Someone: wow - that cookie place looks amazing! I also saw a molten chocolate place that I want to go to as well.</p> <p>As far as transportation, would you recommend we each get an Orca card for ease of paying? It looks like I can order them ahead of time so that we each have one (DD turns 6 the month prior so she won't be free). I would imagine trying to pay with cash with two kids in tow would be a hassle. </p> <p>And I'm not sure if it matters, but the Airbnb is a block west of Volunteer Park. It does look like there are some parking options, but I could see what a hassle it would be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2814117 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 20:43:48 +0000 Mrs.Someone 2814117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorthStar: if you’re staying in Cap Hill, don’t get a car. Parking sucks and it’s really easy to get around with the bus/lightrail/street car. It’s usually not so crowded trust you’ll have trouble with 2 Kids, just avoid rush hour. Also, check out Hello Robin for good cookies 😉</p> <p>@RKitty: Zipcar would be complicated with car seats! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2814061 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 16:04:50 +0000 RKitty 2814061@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've never used it but I've seen the cars. They have a service called ZipCar and it's car sharing where you can rent a car for an hour or a day. Might be worth checking out - <a href="http://www.zipcar.com/seattle" rel="nofollow">http://www.zipcar.com/seattle</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2814035 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 15:11:06 +0000 NorthStar 2814035@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@RKitty: yeah, i'm going to need to think about it because it also depends when our flight gets in. I don't want to be stuck with our luggage for a few hours between our flight arrival and when we can check into our Airbnb. But, I do think that I could get away using public transportation for some of the days. Maybe we will just rent a car and what method I use will depend upon what we choose to do that day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2814030 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 15:08:36 +0000 Mrs. Toad 2814030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorthStar: I can't say anything about Seattle's public transit, but I know in DC, public buses make you fold up a stroller, while it can be left open on light rail. </p> <p>I routinely take a 14 month old (in a carrier) on light rail and bus with a backpack, which would easily hold everything I need for the day. (I don't carry much more than some snacks and a diaper clutch when I am with the kids for the day.) I am usually going to work, so I don't have my 3yr old with me as well. My 3yr old is very good about following directions, so I would feel comfortable traveling by public transit without a car. </p> <p>It probably depends upon your comfort level with handling kids on the bus and rail if you want/need a car while staying downtown. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2814016 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 14:06:26 +0000 RKitty 2814016@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't rent a car Sat-Thur. Downtown Seattle has decent public transportation and it'll get you to all the places you need to go (as long as you keep those days the days you stay in town for the touristy stuff. Even if you take a Ferry to someplace most destinations have good public transport by the ferry terminals to take you places. The few times you can't use public transport you could also use uber or a taxi. </p> <p>Downtown traffic is a mess almost all the time and often quicker to walk places! </p> <p>I will admit I've never done touristy stuff with a kid in Seattle but this is what I would do if I were in your situation. </p> <p>A few other recommendations. Ballard Locks is a cool place with a park and you get to see boat locks in action which some people find really cool and is sort of a Northwest experience.</p> <p>There are two Zoos there in the area. Woodland Zoo is in Seattle and is a very nice zoo but I prefer Point Defiance Zoo &amp; Aquarium for kids. You'll want to go there on a day you have the car though. </p> <p>And the space Needle is under going a 'space lift' right now so if you're planning on going there it may still be under construction in July.</p> <p>For whale watching you can take local tours out of Seattle but often you can see Whales while on Ferries and they will occasionally go slightly out of the way to allow people to view whales. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2813988 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 12:26:17 +0000 NorthStar 2813988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am reviving this again as I need some input from those familiar with Seattle regarding when we should rent a car. </p> <p>Here is the situation: We will be flying in on Saturday, DH's conference runs from Sunday through Wednesday, so we have Thursday - Saturday to explore before we fly home on Sunday. From Saturday through Thursday morning, we will be renting an Airbnb in the Capitol Hill area (near Volunteer Park). The Airbnb is one block from a transit station/bus stop and brings DH directly to the conference center. Afterwards, we will have an Airbnb somewhat near the airport, so plan on renting a car no matter what once the conference is done (even if that means picking up a car downtown and returning to the airport for a slight fee).</p> <p>So, my dilemma:</p> <p>Do we rent a car for the whole week or just after the conference until we fly home? Do I need a car when he is gone if I only intend to explore the city? Will it be difficult to manage DD (6 years) and DS (1.5 yrs) on the lightrail or bus, along with diaper bag or whatever i have to bring with me when we try to explore during the day? I plan on trying to babywear him, but we will likely bring a stroller in case we need it.</p> <p>I was considering renting a car for the whole week, but OMG, it's expensive. Plus, I've read that driving downtown is horrible, along with very expensive parking. So, I'm extremely torn regarding what to do. I don't want to rent a car for a whole week and then not want to drive anywhere or not rent one and be stuck near the Airbnb because of the hassle of running around with the kids via public transportation.</p> <p>So, what would you suggest? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2810534 Sun, 18 Mar 2018 18:55:05 +0000 NorthStar 2810534@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.Someone: @mrsmacSLP: Thanks! Yeah, we planned to stay near the convention center during the conference itself. I was looking at Homewood Suites since then we would have a kitchenette and one separate room. It would make life immensely easier since our daughter can be picky with meals.</p> <p>We thought that if we rented a car, we would wait until the conference was done. Thanks for the ideas! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2810532 Sun, 18 Mar 2018 18:03:20 +0000 mrsmacSLP 2810532@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ditto what @mrs.someone said! Another Seattle native, plenty to do in downtown without a car!</p> <p>If you enjoy hiking, there’s a fairly simple walk to Franklin Falls if you take i90 out of Seattle and go East! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2810524 Sun, 18 Mar 2018 16:26:21 +0000 Mrs.Someone 2810524@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Seattle Native here! Skip the children’s museum and go to the Pacific Science Center instead, your 6yo will enjoy it more. Don’t miss Pike Place Market, and make sure to baby wear the 1yo. The Olympic Sculpture Park is fun to walk around too. Going up the space needle is fun too. </p> <p>I’d suggest doing a walk-on day trip to Bainbridge Island. There’s a Kids museum right off the ferry, and lots to explore within walking distance. Don’t expect to see sea life from any ferry trip though. </p> <p>July would be a great time to check out the Ferris wheel. The aquarium is ok, though not my favorite. </p> <p>If the conference is downtown, definitely stay around there. It’s a super easy light rail trip from the airport. If you decide to rent a car, Whidbey Island is nice. Take the ferry one way, then Deception Pass the other (you can hike around the bridge for great views). </p> <p>The weather should be great in July, so you shouldn’t have to worry about indoor stuff! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2810501 Sun, 18 Mar 2018 11:41:37 +0000 808love 2810501@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ooh and Northwest Trek is a cool adventure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2810441 Sat, 17 Mar 2018 12:56:48 +0000 helloperidot 2810441@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Whidbey Island is beautiful, check out Fort Casey for fun for the kids.</p> <p>If you are staying near the airport, it'll make more sense to take public transit into the city for your city day (via the Light Link train). Ride it to Westlake station and tbat will get you centrally located to Pike Place/Westlake/the aquarium/the waterfront (via Harbor Steps). You can also take the monorail from Westlake to Seattle Center (Space Needle, Science Center, Children's Museum, EMP).</p> <p>The San Juan Island ferry ride is about 2 hours (one way) and it's very expensive to bring a car on the ferry. It's a gorgeous ride, just be aware. You can ferry to Whidbey via Everett/Mukilteo and get the same sort of experience, plus check out Fort Casey and the drive over Deception Pass.</p> <p>For lavender fields, the Olympic Peninsula, and a cute small town, consider Port Townsend.</p> <p>Rainier is beautiful but day permit prices just skyrocketed. You could always consider driving further south and checking out Mount Saint Helens. I'm a volcano enthusiast so this is one of my favorite day trips. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2810433 Sat, 17 Mar 2018 11:38:09 +0000 808love 2810433@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I lived in the Seattle area as a child and then return often to visit family. Definitely check out their Children's Museum for a half a day to a full day...and if you have a lot of downtime, the Science Center.<br /> As for nature, check out Dosiwallips State Park. It is beautiful. There is a stream and the ocean. Hikes are very short and clearly marked. The park rangers help you. Not much online but it is such a nice getaway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-in-seattle-area#post-2810418 Sat, 17 Mar 2018 08:21:59 +0000 NorthStar 2810418@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband is going to be having a conference in Seattle the third week of July. We think it would be a great opportunity to turn it into a vacation and bring the kids. DD will be 6 and DS will be 1. We will likely fly in on a Saturday and hopefully get there mid-morning and have the day to check into the hotel and do some exploring in the city.</p> <p>His conference runs from Sunday through Wednesday. I will be solo with the kids during the day, but figure that we can check out parks, maybe the market, aquarium and/or children's museum. It seems like there is plenty to do and that we can forgo a rental car and instead use public transportation.</p> <p>So, my hangup is what to do from Thursday through Saturday since we will likely fly home on Sunday. It looks like we can get a rental car in the city, without having to go to the airport to grab one. I would LOVE to go to either San Juan Island or Orca Island so we can see sealife/ride the ferry. But, realistically, I don't think we would be giving ourselves enough time since we wouldn't be able to get up there until Thursday and would have to leave Saturday so we are near the airport as would fly home Sunday. So, any other ideas? Here are some ideas I had, but am unsure what would be more fun for the kids. Plus, what is realistic:</p> <p>*Get an airbnb south of the airport somewhere and do a day trip (or two) to Mt Rainier and surrounding area. Do some hiking and maybe there are some other activities?<br /> *Take the ferry from Seattle to the Olympia peninsula and do some driving around. Seems like there are lavender field and perhaps other activities we could do. Maybe stay a night over there?<br /> *Ferry to Bainbridge Island and explore<br /> *Go to Whidbey Island - I'm not quite sure what there is to do, but have seen it recommended in several places.</p> <p>What would you recommend? I'm seriously struggling with what to do because I want to do sooo much. We are definitely going to have to come back to see more. </p>