On your mark, get set…the holiday card scramble is about to begin. Forget about composing a full-page holiday letter explaining in loving detail how little Johnny learned how to wipe his own nose. Here in Seattle, snapping a cool family selfie in front of scenery that will make far away friends and family drool is much more our speed. So put on those matching shirts and scroll down for 25 spots where you and your kid crew can put your best feet, err faces, forward.
photo: Ingrid Barrentine
South of the City
If you live in Olympia (or are up for a road trip to our state capitol), the fine folks at Experience Olympia & Beyond have all the best spots laid out for you here. Once you’re at your chosen spot, they’ve even labeled the best vantage points with handy decals, so all you have to do is stand, point and shoot.
photo: Experience Olympia & Beyond
Around the Emerald City
Seattleites may have to work a bit harder to find them, but there are plenty of picture-perfect scenes closer to home, too. Thankfully, Seattle parents are never ones to shy away from a challenge (think getting your hands on those elusive eclipse glasses or getting down to South Lake Union for 5:15 p.m. swim lessons.) Plus, we have you covered. Read on for a solid list of the area’s best spots for staging a holiday family selfie full of personality.
photo: SDOT Photos via Flickr
Cool Street Art for Hipster Families
Grab your thick-rimmed glasses (with or without the prescription), hand-knit holiday sweaters and cozy beanies, and head out in search of your favorite Seattle street art. Cool colorful graffiti is pretty much everywhere, but check out these murals from bona fide artists and muralists:
1. Greetings from Seattle mural by mural artist Victor Ving and photographer Lisa Beggs on the side of Bedlam Coffee, 2231 2nd Ave.
2. Mural by Seattle muralist Ryan Henry Ward on the west side of Sloop Tavern, 2830 N.W. Market St.
3. “Girl with Umbrella” mural by Los Angeles’s Bumblebeelovesyou on the Smith & Burns apartment building at 45th St. & Stone Way N.
4. The Aurora Bridge mural by artist Patrick Gabriel at 38th St. & the Aurora Bridge overpass
5. “Traveling With Out Movement” mural by Chicago graffiti artist Hebru Brantley on the temporary Civic Square construction fence between 3rd Ave. & 4th Ave. on James St.
Bonus blink-and-you’ll-miss it photo opp: Your wee ones will love posing on the wall next to a tiny elephant holding an umbrella on the side of Café Mox, 5105 Leary Ave. N.W.
photo: Jennifer Pinto
Nature’s Greatest Hits for Outdoorsy Families
This year, ditch the humble brag in favor of a family photo set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Pacific Northwest, and let the natural setting do the talking. Not sure where to start? Try these gorgeous gifts of nature:
6. Mt Rainer National Park in Ashford, Wa. Click here for a list of the best photo spots. The Nisqually entrance at 39000 WA-706 is open to vehicle traffic year-round.
7. Deception Pass in Oak Harbor at 41020 SR 20.
8. Franklin Falls in North Bend. Avoid deep winter snow by taking the I-90 Exit 47 for Denny Creek.
9. Golden Gardens in Ballard at 8498 Seaview Pl. N.W.
10. Louisa Boren Lookout on Capitol Hill at sunrise, 1606 15th Ave. E.
photo: Jennifer Pinto
City Skylines for Newly Transplanted Families
New to Seattle? You’re not alone. Some 1,000 people move here every week, making our city the ninth-fastest growing metro area in the country. Recent transplants and longtime residents alike can show Seattle some love with a holiday portrait in front of our stunning (and always changing) city skyline. Try these spots with a view:
11. Seacrest Park in West Seattle at 1660 Harbor Ave. S.W.
12. Kerry Park on Upper Queen Anne at 211 W. Highland Dr.
13. Gas Works Park on the north shore of Lake Union at 2101 N. Northlake Way.
14. Bainbridge Island Ferry on Bainbridge Island at 801 Alaskan Way.
15. Olympic Sculpture Park on the downtown Seattle waterfront at 2901 Western Ave.
photo: daveraley via Flickr
Iconic Views for Landmark-loving Families
Want to stage a photo that’s quintessentially Seattle? Choose a coordinated wardrobe and set out for your favorite instantly recognizable hotspot. These notable locations will fit the bill:
16. Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle at Pike St. & First Ave.
17. The Space Needle on Lower Queen Anne via The Seattle Center at 305 Harrison St.
18. University of Washington Campus in the U-District at 45th St. & 17th Ave.
19. The Great Wheel on Pier 57 at Miners Landing, 1301 Alaskan Way.
20. Fisherman’s Terminal in Ballard at 3919 18th Ave. W.
photo: Lane Fournerat via Flickr
Oddball Scenes for Families With a Sense of Humor
Moody pre-teens? Tantruming toddlers? No problem. Let your freak flag fly this holiday season with a family selfie that celebrates the joy that comes from being, well, your weird selves. Seattle has plenty of quirky landmarks that fit the bill. Find your favorite and strike your silliest pose. These kooky suggestions will get your wheels turning.
21. The Gum Wall at Pike Place Market, 1428 Post Alley.
22. The Fremont Troll in Fremont at Troll Ave. N.
23. “Waiting for the Interurban” sculpture in Fremont at Fremont Ave. N. & N. 34th St.
24. Archie McPhee in Wallingford at 1300 N. 45th St.
25. Mini Statue of Liberty replica at Alki Beach in West Seattle, 1702 Alki Ave. S.W.
Have a favorite spot for selfies that’s not on our list? Share a pic and tell us where to find it in the comments below!
— Jennifer Pinto
