Activities for Kids

Act Like a Tourist: Our Favorite Seattle Spots to Visit (and Revisit)

Can't remember the last time you had a spontaneous family adventure? From iconic landmarks, to sweet tours, to memorable rides, grab the gang and visit (or revisit) our favorite touristy Seattle hot spots.

By Katie Gruver July 16, 2015

If you can’t remember the last time you had a spontaneous family adventure or (gasp!) an unplanned Saturday afternoon, it’s time to shake things up a bit. No need to leave town, just put on your Seattle uniform (fleece jacket and Dansko clogs or Chaco sandals… bonus points for Mariners, Huskies, Seahawks or Sounders gear) and grab the gang. It’s time to act like a tourist for the day and visit (or revisit) our favorite touristy Seattle hot spots.

Pike Place Market & Gum Wall

Play Paparazzi at Pike Place Market
Feeling like you’ve “done” Pike Place Market a million times? (Like, every time you’ve ever had any out of town guests, ever?). Re-fresh this Seattle fave by playing up its touristy point of view. Give everyone in your group a dollar limit ($5?) and fan out (reunite at the Gum Wall, of course). See who can find the weirdest food to try (salmon jerky, spiced cheddar almonds, lychee nuts) or the most Seattle-y tourist trinket (Space Needle post card, Mount Rainier key chain, reindeer antler earrings). Winner gets to pick the flavor of mini doughnuts from the Daily Dozen Donut Company. Or play Instagram Bingo: Get in teams of two (each needing a smart phone), and take copious amounts of iconic pics: in front of the market sign, riding Rachel (the brass pig), with the original Starbucks mermaid and throwing a fish gracefully through the air. Post proof of your fabulous outing immediately to Facebook. First team with 10 comments gets treated to an old-fashioned crab boil feast at the The Crab Pot.

Pike Place Market
85 Pike Street
Seattle, Wa 98101
206-682-7453
Online: pikeplacemarket.org

Open: Daily; Fresh Produce & Seafood opens at 7 a.m.; Crafts Market open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Merchants open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

photo: Kristina Moy

Did we miss your favorite Seattle tourist activity? Tell us where you like to take out-of-town guests or the fam in the Comments below.

— Katie Gruver, Kristina Moy & Katie Kavulla