Unique Things to Do in Seattle
Seattle's most unique experiences include Chihuly Garden and Glass blown-glass sculptures, Museum of Pop Culture's sci-fi and music exhibits, The Museum of Flight with a Concorde and Air Force One, Burke Museum's behind-the-scenes fossil labs, and the Seattle Great Wheel over Elliott Bay.
5 places · Updated Oct 2026
One of the largest air and space museums in the world, with over 175 aircraft and spacecraft including a Concorde, Air Force One, and space shuttle trainer. Features a kid-friendly aviation pavilion and flight simulators. Children 4 and under are free. Free admission on first Thursdays from 5-9pm.
Washington state's natural history museum on the UW campus, with dinosaur fossils, live butterfly exhibits, Pacific Northwest cultural artifacts, and visible research labs where kids can watch scientists at work. The open-concept building lets visitors see behind the scenes. Children 3 and under are free. Free admission on first Thursdays.
A 175-foot Ferris wheel on Pier 57 with fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas offering views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline. Each ride is about 15 minutes with three full rotations. A glass-bottom VIP gondola is available for an extra charge. Children under 3 ride free.
Frank Gehry's wildly colorful building houses exhibits on music, sci-fi, fantasy, video games, and pop culture. Highlights include the Guitar Gallery, a Nirvana exhibit, horror film artifacts, and hands-on music studios where you can play instruments. Plan-ahead pricing means ticket costs vary by date — book online for the best rate. Kids 4 and under are free. Washington residents get 15% off.
A dazzling exhibition of Dale Chihuly's blown glass art at Seattle Center, featuring eight interior galleries, a centerpiece Glasshouse, and a lush outdoor garden woven with glass sculptures. The interplay of natural light and glass creates a constantly changing experience. Children 4 and under are free. Located steps from the Space Needle.