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United States/Things to Do in Seattle, with kids

The Seattle Great Wheel (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is The Seattle Great Wheel?

83%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 83% Kids-Friendly: Kids tickets lower cost, enclosed gondolas feel safe, narration and LED shows engage ages 3-12, nearby arcade extends fun, but 12-minute ride and no play area shorten overall visit.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 11,744 reviews)

Positives:

  • Climate-controlled cabins: Enclosed gondolas stay warm in winter and cool in summer for child comfort.
  • Stroller accessibility: A ramp and lift bring strollers right to the gondola door and attendants watch your stroller.

Challenges:

  • Pier breeze: Strong winds off Elliott Bay can feel chilly on the boarding platform.
  • Height concern: Some children may feel uneasy at the wheel’s 175-foot peak.
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🏖️ Explore The Seattle Great Wheel with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around The Seattle Great Wheel. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is The Seattle Great Wheel?

  • A giant Ferris wheel on Pier 57 extending over Elliott Bay
  • A 175-foot-diameter structure fitted with 42 fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas
  • A contemporary landmark that punctuates Seattle’s waterfront skyline

What is so special about The Seattle Great Wheel for with kids?

  1. Ride in climate-controlled gondolas with clear bay and mountain views
  2. Enjoy narrated stories that engage kids during the ride
  3. Watch colorful LED shows from the pier without extra cost
  4. Explore nearby carousel and arcade for more family fun
  5. Buy tickets online and plan around sunset for best experience

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for one or two gondola rides and exploring nearby pier attractions without rushing kids.

(View The Seattle Great Wheel on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in The Seattle Great Wheel

Shared gondola ride:

Take three slow revolutions over Elliott Bay in a fully enclosed, climate-controlled cabin.

Tip: Buy tickets online to secure adjacent seats and skip the ticket line.

On-ride narration:

Listen to a short story about Seattle’s waterfront history during your ride.

Tip: Ask staff for headphones and encourage kids to follow along with the views.

LED light show:

Watch the wheel’s colorful LED display from the pier at dusk.

Tip: Arrive by 8 pm on weekends for the full light-show experience.

Carousel at Miner’s Landing:

Ride a classic carousel just steps from the wheel.

Tip: Bring $3–$5 per child for token purchase at the booth.

Klondike Arcade:

Play classic and video games in the small arcade next to the wheel.

Tip: Carry quarters or $1 tokens; games cost about $0.50–$2 each.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Seattle Great Wheel

  1. Buy tickets online: Secure timed-entry slots to reduce wait times at the ticket booth.
  2. Time your ride: Schedule around sunset for city lights plus daytime views in one ride.
  3. Pack light snacks: Bring small snacks and water to avoid unplanned trips off the pier.
🏖️ Tour The Seattle Great Wheel like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in The Seattle Great Wheel. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of The Seattle Great Wheel

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Andrew Hansen

Andrew Hansen

Oct 2025

The Seattle Great Wheel is a fun experience and a great way to see the city from a new angle. The views of the waterfront and mountains are awesome, especially at sunset. The ride feels smooth and safe, and the cabins are surprisingly comfortable. It is a bit pricey for how short the ride is, but you’re really paying for the view and the novelty of it. Overall, it’s a solid 4-star stop if you’re e...

Ajit Kumar K

Ajit Kumar K

Oct 2025

The Seattle Great Wheel is one of the best attractions on the waterfront! The ride offers incredible panoramic views of Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle, and the Olympic Mountains—especially beautiful at sunset or after dark when the wheel lights up. Each gondola is enclosed and climate-controlled, so it’s comfortable no matter the weather. The staff are friendly and efficient, and the whole experien...

Marcin Przeworski

Marcin Przeworski

Sep 2025

This is a fascinating attraction that offers stunning views of the city’s beautiful infrastructure and the picturesque bay. It’s an excellent spot for anyone interested in urban design, architecture, or simply enjoying scenic vistas. The vantage point provides a unique perspective of the city's skyline, with its impressive buildings and thoughtfully planned layout, perfectly complemented by the tr...

Casey Grady

Casey Grady

Sep 2025

Little pricey, but it's a tourist destination so the wife and I had to do it while visiting Seattle and cheaper than Navy Pier. We went around 5 rotations allowing you to take in all the sights and plenty of time for pictures. Your group is able to get a cabin to yourselves, up to 6, which is nice for some time away from other tourists. We all know how that can be.

Tabitha Heckman.

Tabitha Heckman.

Sep 2025

The Seattle Great Wheel was such a fun experience! The views of the city skyline, Elliott Bay, and the mountains were absolutely breathtaking. The ride felt smooth and safe, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. It’s a perfect way to see Seattle from a new perspective, whether you’re visiting for the first time or a local enjoying a day out. Highly recommend it, especially around sunset!

When is the best time to visit The Seattle Great Wheel (Seattle, United States)?

Summer afternoons offer clear mountain views; visit on weekday mornings for shorter lines.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Seattle on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
2 adult gondola ticketsUSD 34
2 child gondola ticketsUSD 24
Carousel ridesUSD 10
Arcade playsUSD 8
Snacks at pier kiosksUSD 10
Total EstimatedUSD 86

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of The Seattle Great Wheel

Address: 1301 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

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Looking for other Things to Do besides The Seattle Great Wheel (Seattle)?

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About The Seattle Great Wheel

Opening Hours

Monday:11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday:11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday:11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday:11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 206-623-8607

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