Seattle Aquarium (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Seattle Aquarium?
What makes it 94% Kids-Friendly: Touch tanks, otter feedings, Caring Cove play area, and discounted child tickets create a safe, hands-on science outing that keeps kids up to 12 engaged for several hours.
Positives:
- Interactive Learning: Hands-on exhibits keep kids curious and engaged.
- Easy Access: Waterfront location near Pike Place Market and transit.
- Sensory Support: Free sensory bags and weighted lap pads available.
Challenges:
- Crowd Peaks: Feeding shows draw crowds and seats fill quickly.
- Tight Spaces: Some areas are narrow and tricky with strollers.
What is Seattle Aquarium?
- A public aquarium dedicated to the marine ecosystems of Puget Sound and the Salish Sea
- Showcases more than 350 species, including sea otters, harbor seals, salmon, and tidepool invertebrates
- Includes a 120,000-gallon kelp forest exhibit and a 360-degree underwater dome constructed over Elliott Bay
What is so special about Seattle Aquarium for with kids?
- Hands-on touch-tanks for close marine encounters.
- 360° Underwater Dome for immersive ocean views.
- Dive shows and mammal feedings engage all ages.
- Caring Cove offers creative, pretend animal care.
- Puppet shows and salmon exhibit add seasonal fun.
Recommended visit duration: 2–4 hours
Why 2–4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to explore exhibits, attend feedings, and let kids play without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Seattle Aquarium
Window on Washington Waters Dive Show:
Watch divers feed fish and talk about local Puget Sound species in a 120,000-gallon kelp tank.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to get front-row seats and ask questions afterwards.
Underwater Dome:
Step into a 360° glass dome surrounded by marine life for an immersive ocean view.
Tip: Visit midday for optimal natural light illuminating the tank.
Life on the Edge Touch-Tank:
Touch sea stars, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers under staff supervision.
Tip: Have kids wash hands before and after to protect the animals.
Caring Cove Play Space:
Let kids explore a pretend vet clinic, mini tide pools, and felt-art walls.
Tip: Bring a spare shirt for kids in case of water play.
Marine Mammal Feedings:
See otters and seals fed while keepers explain their diets and care routines.
Tip: Check the feeding schedule at Guest Services on arrival for exact times.
Puppet Story Time:
Enjoy 20-minute puppet shows about local marine life in Puget Sound Hall.
Tip: Best for ages 3–8; arrive early for good seating.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Seattle Aquarium
- Visit Early: Arrive at opening to avoid lines and secure exhibit spots.
- Plan Around Feedings: Check the daily schedule online and time your visits.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water bottles and light snacks to keep kids energized.
Reviews of Seattle Aquarium
INNA
We enjoy our time in Ocean Pavilion/Seattle Aquarium. As parking can be really expensive in downtown Seattle, we parked for free in West Seattle( near Seacrest Ferry Dock ) and took Water taxi to Pier 50 in Downtown Seattle and then just walked about 10 min. To Seattle Aquarium. As other people mentioned it’s very small and need remodeling but you still can see different kinds of fish, birds, mam...
Chelsea Song
We visited the Seattle Aquarium around noon on a Wednesday so it wasn't super crowded. When you first enter, there is an interactive experience where you can dip your hands into a tidepool and touch sea urchins, starfish etc. Around the same area are exhibits for jellyfish and an octopus. Further in, you can view larger animals such as otters, seals, sharks, stingrays etc. However, we were sadly...
Eli Greenwood
Awesome! The aquarium has two parts. In one, you can have an interactive experience and touch the sea urchins and other things. You can also see some jellyfish and other pretty small animals. In the other park, you can see some sharks and whales and seals and stingrays. When you are entering, you may see a large tub of whales and other large aquatic animals above you. Overall, this is a very, very...
Samantha Fuster
Seattle Aquarium is a spot I like to visit when i travel to Seattle. It’s so pretty inside the building! The animals look like they’re healthy and are treated well. I believe my biggest issue with the aquarium is the fact that there’s not really a lot to see even with the Ocean Pavilion added onto the price. A lot of the stuff that they have is really cool and fun. You get to touch some of the an...
Nikolett M
Such a wonderful place! The ocean pavilion is incredibly well designed, watching all the fish in the large tank is such a fun experience. I enjoy the touch pool area where you get to interact with the sea creatures. The octopus is very fun, I recommend going to the 11am feeding. He gets very active then. I had a lot of fun by the closer look table where you get to see microscopic creatures in the ...
When is the best time to visit Seattle Aquarium (Seattle, United States)?
In autumn (Sept–Nov), watch the salmon migration exhibit and see spawning behaviors up close.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (×2) | USD 63.9 |
| Child admission (×2) | USD 39.9 |
| Cafe snack and drinks | USD 10 |
| Souvenir | USD 15 |
| Total Estimated | USD 128.8 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Seattle Aquarium
Address: 1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
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About Seattle Aquarium
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 206-386-4300Average price
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