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

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.

Space Needle & SkyCity Restaurant

Take in the Sights and Sounds of Seattle With a 360 Degree View
It takes just over 30-seconds to get to the top of the Space Needle in its super-fast elevator and we guarantee that it will be the quietest 30-seconds you’ve had from your kids in ages without convincing them to play the “who can be quiet longest” game. In addition to being one of Seattle’s most popular tourist spots, the Space Needle is also a local dining destination perfect for families who want to upgrade dinner. The restaurant, appropriately named SkyCity, is often filled with families taking in the views while enjoying a family date night.

You’ll discover from the moment you sit down at your very own rotating table that the staff and servers at SkyCity are going to fall all over themselves to make your kids feel comfortable. The kid-friendly menu offers everything from Space Noodle Pasta (made with real Space Needle noodles) to a flat iron steak and smoothies that are made from the freshest seasonal fruit. If possible try to request one of the booths that sit along the edge of the restaurant – the booth part is the perfect trap, er, we mean, barrier, to keep your kids in their seats and there is a space between the booth and the windows that is practically designed for kids to stand up and watch the city go by. And, be sure to bring along a pad of paper and a pen – you’ll want to leave a note for the other diners on the window and see who’s left you a message when your table gets back to that same spot.

After your meal, be sure to venture up to the Observation Deck where you can walk around the perimeter of the Needle and work off some of those calories. Be sure to take a SkyHigh Selfie at one of the cameras located on the Observation Deck (Psst… You’ll need your Space Needle ticket, so you can claim your free photo online) and be sure to check out the SkyPad located inside. This is where you can immerse yourself in 52 years of sunsets, celebrations, history and imagination at the Needle. The SkyPad’s 20’ x 8’ high-definition touchscreen helps you explore the Needle’s past, present and future like never before. Plus, you can make your mark on the global guest book or upload your Needle memories to share with the world.

If your kids prefer to take in the views from inside the Observation Deck, check out the 520 Teleporter. From 520 feet, you can get behind-the-scenes access to iconic houseboats, underwater marvels, and sports stars with just the swipe of a screen. And don’t leave before checking out the SpaceBook. This is the easiest place to store and share your Needle photos and memories all in one place. Your ticket to the top will unlock the SpaceBook – your online Needle memory book that stores photos and highlights from you sky-high experience. Share your favorite memories with friends and family on social media, all from the SpaceBook kiosks or online.

Space Needle & SkyCity Restaurant
400 Broad St.
Seattle, Wa 98109
Online: spaceneedle.com

Note: Book your dining reservations online or call 206-905-2100 (especially for parties over five guests).

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