Will be in Seattle area April 1st - 7th...what are some "not to miss" things? (Bellevue: coupons, apartments) - Washington (WA) -Seattle and King County Suburbs - City-Data Forum

operaphantom2003 · 03-05-2012, 04:36 PM

Bought tickets and son and I will be in NW Washington for the week of April 1st-7th. I plan on going to Olympia and PA and then head up to Seattle area. He wants to see Anacortes but most important things to him are seeing "the ocean" (he's 7 and doesn't really understand the finer details), the space needle, and trees. We hope to get a good feel for the area and would love to do a little job/apartment hunting while there but will be near next to impossible with him (I can't find any drop off child care for school age kids).

What are some things "not to miss" about NW Washington?

Xeon1210 · 03-05-2012, 05:01 PM

pacific science center which is next to the space needle.

for that oceanic feel head directly to the pier (just head towards the water after you leave the science center/space needle then it's about a half/quarter mile stretch of stuff to do along the water's edge.

avoid pikes place market it's nothing but a tourist trap and you'll get stepped on the whole time. No one shops there all they do is stop to take pictures and toss fish.

Point defiance doesn't suck so that's an option.

operaphantom2003 · 03-05-2012, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emerald_octane

avoid pikes place market it's nothing but a tourist trap and you'll get stepped on the whole time. No one shops there all they do is stop to take pictures and toss fish.

My son wants to go to Beecher's and I was interested in the antique shops there...is Pikes Place Market really that bad?

tobester · 03-05-2012, 05:06 PM

Well that week will be week 14 of the annual Seattle Rain Festival, so dress appropriately. If you really want to see the ocean, drive over to the coast while you're in Olympia - not much to see in Anacortes for a 7 year old or any year old for that matter. Confused if you want stuff for you to "not miss" or for your 7 year old to "not miss". For your kid, the Science Center is fun and he can do the Space Needle (something a 7 year old would love). I disagree vehemently that Pike Place Market (note not plural) is not fun ... we've lived here nearly 30 years and enjoy every visit.

operaphantom2003 · 03-05-2012, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobester

Well that week will be week 14 of the annual Seattle Rain Festival, so dress appropriately. If you really want to see the ocean, drive over to the coast while you're in Olympia - not much to see in Anacortes for a 7 year old or any year old for that matter. Confused if you want stuff for you to "not miss" or for your 7 year old to "not miss". For your kid, the Science Center is fun and he can do the Space Needle (something a 7 year old would love).

LOL...I often forget I even exist. This is his first trip out of state and we have lots of time there. I am pretty happy with whatever (have to admit never been interested in seeing the Space Needle though). I am going to be keeping my eye out for apartments and jobs while making sure he is entertained.

phoenixmike11 · 03-05-2012, 05:12 PM

Seattle - Wikitravel
Washington travel guide - Wikitravel
here are some travel tips

Seacove · 03-05-2012, 05:14 PM

Pike Place Market is awesome.
Take a ferry - Seattle to Bainbridge is a good one.
The Space Needle elevator takes you to the top and slowly turns - you can have lunch there though it may be pricey.
Whidbey Island is very cute and you can take a ferry from Mukilteo to the island. The town of Langley is small and nice to visit and your son can climb all around Fort Casey.
The Underground Tour is fun since Seattle was rebuilt one story up after the fire. The old Seattle is underground one story and your son will be able to see the old storefronts.
Whale Watching
Not sure PA is worth the time to travel there since it's small and job opportunities are quite limited.
Lake Union and the floating homes
Seattle Duck tour (some like this more than others, I wouldn't choose it but your son might love it)
Drive around the Microsoft campus, the Amazon campus, cross the 520 floating bridge, stroll through Bellevue Square, go bowling or play arcades in Lincoln Tower across bridge from Bellevue Square
Just driving around you will be amazed, it's quite beautiful.

Inkpoe · 03-05-2012, 05:40 PM

I concur with Ride the Duck suggestion. I think that since your boy never seen the "ocean", he's especially going to enjoy the duck. The thing is a tank, it goes onto the water as well. It'll probably end up blowing his mind, LOL.

Ride the Ducks of Seattle - Fun and unique tours of Seattle! Call 206-441-DUCK!

Be sure to look around on the web for coupons.

I'd agree... skip out on PA-- it's just going to eat the time you could've use for apartment/job hunting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by emerald_octane

avoid pikes place market it's nothing but a tourist trap and you'll get stepped on the whole time. No one shops there all they do is stop to take pictures and toss fish.

Pike Place Market... is way more than just a tourist trap and you're wrong on that "no one shops there".

Its there for a reason and its because people *do* shop there. You couldn't even get the name down right. Have you even been there?

tatania199 · 03-05-2012, 05:43 PM

The Ballard Locks were a hit with both our six year old and two year old and it's a nice one for parents, too - it's a super short walk from parking to the locks (but pretty) and then you can spend a while watching the water and wandering, or just make it quick. I always like those quick, easy fun things - let's you pack in more and fill time (or tuck in one last neat thing before YOU collapse for the day!).

Alki Beach was a good 'ocean' hit with the kids. Lots of walking along a sandy beach with fantastic views, and then tons of restaurants across the street.

Bainbridge or Whidbey - somewhere you can take a ferry to - the ride alone is the most fun!

Just driving around is fun, too. The trains and boats around the pier will be enough entertainment for a 7 year old boy, for sure! Everything is green and the parks are fantastic.

We find this just a fantastic city for kids.

operaphantom2003 · 03-05-2012, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

I concur with Ride the Duck suggestion. I think that since your boy never seen the "ocean", he's especially going to enjoy the duck. The thing is a tank, it goes onto the water as well. It'll probably end up blowing his mind, LOL.

He saw something similar to that on Fetch and thought it looked really cool. Thanks for the link and info.