Museums are for KIDs!
How do things work? Who shares the earth with me? What does art say to me? Who do I want to become?
Museums tackle the big questions that young minds ask
The Museum of Flight
DON’T MISS THIS!
Runway to Runway
A new temporary exhibit featuring 100 artifacts ranging from classic suits and skirts to capes and go-go boots. Fun interactives include touchable fabrics and learning the proper way to tie a scarf. Open Now through January 2027.
Every Saturday and Sunday families can learn together through crafts and hands-on experiences while exploring the worlds of aviation and space.
What kids will love:
Kids will love the hands-on interactives in the Runway to Runway exhibit, walking through large aircraft in the Aviation Pavilion, and sitting in cockpits of real aircraft. Don’t forget about the Kids Flight Zone!
The Details
Website: museumofflight.org
What parents will love:
Parents will love the free parking and expansive indoor spaces. They will also enjoy being part of their children’s excitement as they discover the magical, mysterious, and huge world of aviation and space. And most of all, they will love making memories that last forever.
Address: 9404 East Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 7 days a week
Cost: $21-$29 (Kids 4 and under are FREE!)
Free/Discounted Days: First Thursday of each month is free 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Check website for special offers and low cost admission.
Special Events: Jet Blast Bash (Aug. 1-2), Seattle FlyDogs (Aug. 22)
Summer Camps: Yes; summer 2026 is full
After-School/Weekend Classes: Family Workshops
Programs for schools/homeschoolers: Yes; museumofflight.org/Education
Family-Friendly Features: Runway to Runway Exhibit, Flight Zone kid play area, Weekend Family Workshops, Education programs
Museum Café: Yes
Jet Blast Bash
Catch the landings and takeoffs of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels along with live music, family activities, food trucks, a beer garden and more! August 1-2, 2026
Family Workshops
Seattle Children’s Museum
TREASURE HUNT
Don’t miss these five exciting treasures at the Seattle Children’s Museum Free Programming
Experiment, create, and hear stories during our free daily programs: Silly Science, Creative Corner, and Story Time; themed around our monthly educational focus.
Beyond the Box
From July 15th through September 7th, our rotating exhibit, Beyond the Box, opens. Kiddos will use cardboard and recyclables to build a miniature city.
Create Your Way
What will you craft with mixed media, paint, and sustainable materials?
Children and families will discover their inner artist at our Corner Workshop.
Museum Gift Shop
Finish off your visit with a stop at our Museum Gift Shop. Find toys seen in exhibits and other curated items perfect for all ages.
Maximize Sunny Days
Enjoy the sunshine around Seattle Center by adding stops at the International Fountain and Artists at Play Playground after your next Museum playdate.
What kids will love:
Kids will explore STEAM-based exhibits, experiment and create in our free daily Silly Science, Creative Corner, and Story Time programs, discover seasonal exhibit enhancements that make each visit unique, and learn through play alongside their caregivers.
The Details
Website: seattlechildrensmuseum.org
What parents will love:
Museum admission includes re-entry for the day, allowing you to explore nearby attractions, including the free neighboring Artists at Play Playground, and return to the Museum for more fun. We offer sensory kits, a nursing room, birthday party rooms for booking, and a Museum Gift Shop to make your visit comfortable and engaging.
Address: 305 Harrison St. Seattle Center Armory Building, Seattle, WA 98119
Hours: Open Wednesday - Monday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. with 9:30 a.m. Member Early Access. Hours increase seasonally and may vary on holidays.
Cost: $18 general admission, $16 Washington State residents, Infants under 1 are free. Various discounts available
Free/Discounted Days: Vary annually
Special Events: Check out our website for upcoming programs and special events. Some annual events include Fall Fest, Noon Year’s Eve, Birthday Bash, and more.
Summer Camps: Yes
After-School/Weekend Classes: Weekend classes may be available in fall/spring. No afterschool classes available.
Programs for schools/homeschoolers: seattlechildrensmuseum.org/education/
Family-Friendly Features: 18,000 sq ft. of open-ended, immersive exhibit space inviting visitors to embark on a play-based journey from mountain to sound.
Museum Café: Some pre-packaged snacks and beverages are sold in our Museum Gift Shop. Upstairs from the museum is the Armory Building’s food court with plenty of family-friendly food and beverage options.
SPARK museum of electrical invention
HIGHLIGHTS
Get electrified!
Explore static electricity with thrilling live demonstrations that make science unforgettable — and hilarious. This is science you can feel (and
Step into history!
Docents bring vintage inventions to life with hands-on demos that fascinate kids and parents alike — learning truly becomes an experience here.
Become an inventor!
Curious kids become confident creators as they explore hands-on experiments. At SPARK, imagination meets real science in a fun, supportive environment.
What kids will love:
Older kids will love SPARK Museum’s immersive, handson exhibits that dive deep into science, invention, and electricity. With engaging docents who bring history and technology to life, the experience sparks real curiosity and excitement — perfect for curious minds ready to go beyond basic play and explore how the world works.
The Details
Website: sparkmuseum.org
What parents will love:
Parents will love that SPARK Museum isn’t just for kids — it’s designed to ignite curiosity in everyone. Hands-on exhibits educate, entertain, and inspire visitors of all ages. Whether you’re exploring electricity, sound, or inventions, parents often find themselves just as engaged (if not more!) than their children. Come play together!
Address: 1312 Bay St., Bellingham, WA 98225
Hours: 11:00 am-5:00 pm Wednesday-Sunday; MegaZapper Show, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30
Cost: General Admission: $6 for children (12 and under); $10 for adults; $5 additional for MegaZapper show
Free/Discounted Days: No, but passes are available from the local library
Special Events: Yes! Keep an eye on the website and sign up for our monthly newsletter!
Summer Camps: Yes
After-School/Weekend Classes: No
Programs for schools/homeschoolers: sparkmuseum.org/education/field-trips
Family-Friendly Features: Interactive science and history exhibits for all ages
Museum Café: No
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Burke museum of natural history and culture
The Details
Website: burkemuseum.org
Address: 4303 Memorial Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98195
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (closed Monday)
Cost: $0-$24
Free/Discounted Days: First Thursday of every month
Special Events: Please visit our website for the most up-to-date event schedule.
Summer Camps: Please visit our website for the most up-to-date educational opportunities.
Family-Friendly Features: Interactive exhibits, visible workrooms, birthday parties, play spaces, arts and crafts, public programs, and educational opportunities.
Museum Café: Off the Rez, Native Indigenous food made from scratch, by hand.
What kids will love:
Dinosaurs, animals, microscopes, scientists at work, crafts, fossil digs, and play spaces.
Children’s museum of skagit county
The Details
Website: SkagitChildrensMuseum.org
Address: 432 Fashion Way, Burlington, WA 98233
Hours: Check our website for current information!
Cost: Infants under 12 months: Free; Children 12 months or older and adults: $10.75/person; Military/Seniors (65 years old): $9.75/person; Museums for All $3.00/person, up to 4 people (EBT, WIC, CHIP, Provider One, Apple Health, or Foster Parent cards. Proof of eligibility will be required.)
Free/Discounted Days: Community Access Day, 2nd Tuesday of the month, Pay As You Can admission.
Special Events: See our website and social media pages! Summer Camps: SkagitChildrensMuseum.org/education/camps
After-school/Weekend Classes: Yes, see our website.
Programs for schools/homeschoolers: skagitchildrensmuseum.org/education/field-trips/
Family-Friendly Features: Interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages to learn through hands-on play. Celebrations and events throughout the year. Museum Explorers Preschool. Museum store. Memberships available.
What parents will love:
Exhibits, visible workrooms, public programs, behind-the-scenes opportunities, educational offerings.
What kids will love:
A real tug boat, semi-truck, crane and so much more to explore in the Main Street exhibits-Café, Dental Office, Doctor’s Office, Bank, Design Studio, Grocery Store and Construction Site. Create in the Art Studio, discover the Reading Room, Toddler Farmyard, Barn, STEAM Lane, Theatre Stage, Music Studio, and Train exhibits.
What parents will love:
The exhibits are as much fun for adults as they are for children! The museum offers opportunities and resources for parents to engage with their children, learn more about the community, in an atmosphere that feels welcoming and relaxed. Exhibits are filled with components that inspire curiosity, exploration and fun!
Hands on Children’s Museum
The Details
Website: hocm.org/
Address: 414 Jefferson St. NE Olympia, WA 98501
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: General (18 mo.-64 years): $19.95; Seniors (65+): $18.95; Military (w/valid ID): $17.95
Free/Discounted Days: On the First Friday of the month, 4–8 p.m., admission is just $3. Access Admission is available every day. $3 each with EBT/SNAP, Apple Health, WIC, Free/ Reduced School Lunch Program, or a Foster Family license for guests who qualify, sponsored by WSECU.
Special Events: Summer Splash: June–Aug.; Boo Bash: Oct.; Noon Years: Dec. 31; Arctic Adventures: Jan.; Spring Break: April Summer Camps: hocm.org/summercamps
After-School/Weekend Classes: Check website
Programs for schools/homeschoolers: Field Trips Available
Family-Friendly Features: Preschool, Sensory Friendly Hour Sundays, Sensory Friendly Room Saturdays and Sundays Museum Café: Yes
Harbor History Museum
The
Details
Website: harborhistorymuseum.org
Address: 4121 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Hours: Wed-Sat 11-4 p.m.; Summer Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $5 kids 5 and up, $10 Adults/Seniors
Free/Discounted Days: 2nd Saturday of the Month
Special Events: New Maritime Gallery with step-aboard 65-foot fishing boat.
Summer Camps: Check our website for updates
After-School/Weekend Classes: No
Programs for schools/homeschoolers: Yes, check our website for details
Family-Friendly Features: Family friendly exhibits and local interpretive trail
Museum Café: Nearby cafes and parks
What kids will love:
Over 150 exciting exhibits in 10 beautiful galleries. Half-acre outdoor play area. Year-round activities, guests, and special events. Don’t miss Summer Splash! Festival of Fun with animal encounters, visiting artist, and special activities June – Aug.
What parents will love:
Washington’s award-winning museum on Olympia’s waterfront. East Bay Plaza with 250’ interactive stream. Near downtown, Farmers Market, and Percival Landing. Clean and beautiful. Fresh foods, in the Play Day Café. Featured in several Blippi videos.
What kids will love:
The one-room Midway Schoolhouse, Shenandoah fishing boat, and annual round rock contest.
What parents will love:
Kid-friendly exhibits and activities; parent-intriguing local history mysteries.
PHOTO © BILLY HUSTACE PHOTOGRAPHY
Pacific Bonsai Museum
The Details
Website: pacificbonsaimuseum.org
Address: 2515 S 336th St., Federal Way, WA 98001
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (plus extended special event hours; see website for details)
Cost: Free thanks to support from 4Culture.
Free/Discounted Days: Every day
Special Events: Make-Your-Own Bonsai class for Kids
Summer Camps: No
After-School/Weekend Classes: Yes, occasionally; see website for details
Programs for schools/homeschoolers: pacificbonsaimuseum.org/learn/field_trips
Family-Friendly Features: Free “I Spy Bonsai” audio tour for kids, peaceful outdoor paths, stroller and wheelchair accessible, free admission for all.
Museum Café: No
What kids will love:
Go on a tree treasure hunt with our free “I Spy Bonsai” audio tour, full of seek-and-find fun and surprising tree science. Then meet the friends around the world who shape miniature trees in our exhibition, Bonsai United.
What parents will love:
Screen-free time outdoors that sneaks in real learning. Kids absorb botany, patience, and world cultures while exploring at their own pace. The peaceful, strollerfriendly setting makes for an easy family outing.
