Seattle, Washington
One Day in Seattle: Family Adventures from Vashon Island to the Emerald City
Leaving Vashon Island and Taking the Ferry to Seattle
We woke up early on Vashon Island, packed up our bags, and said goodbye to the beautiful Lodges on Vashon. The morning air was crisp and peaceful as we made our way to the Vashon Island Ferry Terminal.
We boarded the Vashon to Fauntleroy Ferry, which takes about 45 minutes to cross Puget Sound. A bonus for travelers — there’s no fare collected for vehicles traveling from Vashon to Fauntleroy, which makes it a great value for your trip. We enjoyed a calm, scenic ride and ate our packed breakfast while admiring the morning views across the Sound.
Exploring Seattle Center — The Heart of the City
Our first stop after arriving in the city was Seattle Center, a vibrant 74-acre hub for art, culture, and family fun. The park is home to several of Seattle’s most famous attractions, including the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and the Pacific Science Center — all within easy walking distance.
Seattle Center Playground
Artists at Play Playground
One of the first things we noticed was the Artists at Play Playground — a massive, artist-designed play area filled with climbing towers, rope bridges, and musical swings. It’s a must-visit for families traveling with kids and is completely free to enjoy. From the playground, you can also spot the iconic Space Needle towering above the park — the perfect Seattle photo op.
Coffee Stop at Café Vita & KEXP
We couldn’t visit Seattle without stopping for some good coffee! Just steps from the Space Needle is Café Vita, part of the KEXP Gathering Space — a unique spot where music lovers can sip espresso, browse vinyl, and watch live performances broadcast from the famous KEXP studios.
This was a fun bucket-list stop for us since we often watch KEXP Live on YouTube.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Next, we visited the incredible Museum of Pop Culture, better known as MoPOP. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this colorful, wavy building celebrates all things music, movies, and pop culture.
Inside, we explored exhibits on Seattle’s music scene, sci-fi and fantasy films, video games, and even a hands-on sound lab where kids (and adults!) can jam out.
Location: 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tip: Buy tickets online ahead of time to skip the line — and plan for at least 2 hours to explore everything.
We could’ve easily spent half the day here, but with so much more to see, it was time to move on.
Lunch at Pike Place Market
No trip to Seattle is complete without visiting Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously running markets in the U.S. The atmosphere is electric — buskers performing on corners, vendors tossing fish, and stalls overflowing with flowers, produce, and local crafts. We stopped in at Piroshky Piroshky at Pike Place Market and picked up one of their famous hand-pies — the Potato and Cheese Piroshky, a warm, comforting pastry filled with creamy potatoes and cheddar. Just a few steps away, we couldn’t resist Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, where we enjoyed a rich and gooey bowl of their world-famous mac and cheese — absolutely worth the hype!
We sampled everything from savory bites to sweet treats, and of course, stopped at Shug’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream for dessert. The kids loved the old-fashioned vibe — and it was the perfect mid-day break.
Pike Place Market: 7 Must-Try Food Stops for Your Seattle Food Adventure (And I wish we could have tried them all!)
Top Food Highlights at Pike Place Market
Here are some of the most popular and delicious places to eat when you visit Pike Place Market in Seattle — perfect for food lovers and families alike.
Pike Place Chowder – Known for its award-winning clam chowder and seafood bisque, this stop is iconic for anyone craving a classic Seattle seafood dish.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese – Watch cheese being made through the windows and don’t miss the “World’s Best” mac & cheese.
Le Panier – A French bakery tucked in the market, offering buttery croissants, macarons and artisan breads — perfect for a sweet or light snack.
Oriental Mart – A hidden gem inside the market’s Corner Market building, recognized by the James Beard Foundation. Their menu rotates but includes Filipino classics like pork adobo and longanisa.
Mee Sum Pastry – Famous for its giant hum-bao (steamed buns) and other handheld treats — great for grabbing and walking while you explore.
Market Grill – Located near the fishmongers, this grill is a go-to for wild salmon sandwiches and fresh flat-top grilled fish in a casual, lively setting.
Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream – A fun dessert stop: old-school soda fountain, sundaes, ice cream cocktails and locally roasted coffee to end (or start!) your market tour.
Tips for Your Visit
Arrive early, especially if you want pastries from Le Panier or Mee Sum Pastry fresh out of the oven.
If Pike Place Chowder has a long line, consider ordering ahead online for pickup.
Bring cash or card, but many vendors have mobile payments — still, some smaller spots may prefer one method over the other.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for crowds: exploring the market often means walking between levels and levels of vendors.
After snacking, saving space for Shug’s!
Explore beyond the main arcade: some of the best bites and hidden gems are tucked in less-traveled corners of the market.
Hands-On Fun at the Pacific Science Center
After lunch, we headed back toward Seattle Center to explore the Pacific Science Center. This interactive science museum is filled with hands-on exhibits, a tropical butterfly house, planetarium shows, and even laser light shows in their signature dome theater.
Location: 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA
Hours: Typically 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (check current schedule online)
Admission: Adults ~$10, youth ~$7 (subject to change)
Best Time to Visit: Mornings or late afternoons are quieter, especially on weekends and school breaks.
Our favorite part of the day was the laser light show — a colorful, music-synchronized experience that left everyone smiling.
Wrapping Up Our Northwest Adventure
By the end of the day, we were tired but filled with gratitude for everything we’d experienced on this journey — from the quiet forests of Mount Rainier to the coastal charm of the Olympic Peninsula, and finally, the energy and culture of Seattle.
Though we only had one full day in the Emerald City, we packed it with unforgettable moments — and left already planning our next visit.
Seattle Highlights & Travel Tips
Top Seattle Attractions: Space Needle, MoPOP, Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Pacific Science Center
Best Way to Get Around: Park once near Seattle Center and explore on foot — most major attractions are close together
CityPASS Savings: Consider a Seattle CityPASS for discounted entry to top attractions if you’re visiting multiple sites
Coffee Lovers: Visit Café Vita, Storyville Coffee, or the Original Starbucks for iconic Seattle brews
Family Tip: The Artists at Play Playground and Pacific Science Center are two must-do stops for kids
Weather Tip: Always bring a light rain jacket — Seattle’s weather can change quickly!