Yes, the season of rain is upon us and if you’ve got kids you’ll know just how hard it can be trying to keep the little ones entertained. If keeping the kids happy from October to June fills you with dread, don’t despair! Here are some of the best places you can take the children that are the perfect solution to rainy day blues.
Playdate SEA – Magic under the sea
Located in the super hip area of South Lake Union, according to AreaVibes, this recently opened multi level play structure has bags of entertainment to keep the kids occupied. Featuring 8,500 square feet of Undersea/Atlantis themed play involving slides, tubes, tunnels and balancing challenges. Playdate SEA stimulates the imagination and gives children plenty of space to explore. For the grown ups there is an excellent cafe which offers a choice menu and the chance to relax over warm cup of Stumptown coffee.
Dizzybus – The mobile play bus
Located in Bellevue, this brightly decorated tumblebus plays host to children aged from 18 months to 6 years. It offers drop off playtimes which leaves you free to do the shopping or run those errands. You can stay with the kids if you like and the bus provides up to three hours of play, arts, crafts, stories and other kids stuff. Schedules change monthly and there are drinks and snacks available.
Happy Nest – A great indoor play area
Located in Redmond, HappyNest recently won a Golden Teddy Award for best indoor play area. With affordable prices it offers a variety of children’s classes, parties and activities including foam structures, play cars for toddlers and gym equipment for the older kids. For parents there is a coffee and snack bar offering free WiFi.
Seattle Gymnastics Academy – the indoor playground
No matter what age your children, head on over to the Seattle Gymnastics Academy in Lake City, Ballard or Columbia City. Here you’ll find stacks of equipment, props and fun to keep the kids entertained for hours. There is a wide variety of classes available to suit kids, juniors and teens as well as preschool kids and birthday parties.
Mountlake Terrace Pool and Lynnwood Pool
If you live in Seattle then these pools are well worth the drive to banish those rainy day blues. Both pools have beautifully warm water as well as toddler friendly rivers, water slides and hot tubs. If you are looking to take a short swim then you should try the $2 ‘Happy Hour’ at Mountlake Terrace. There are all kinds of things going on including swimming lessons, water fitness classes, spray toys and a shallow water leisure pool.
Baby’s Day at the Movies – baby-friendly movies
Located in Kirkland Park Place, Baby’s Day at the Movies shows plays every other Friday at 9.45am. Children aged 4 or under go free. It’s a great chance for mom and dad to relax and enjoy a choice of six movies whilst baby sleeps. Plus, with like minded cinema goers, there’ll be no harsh looks if baby starts to cry. Coffee is available and a list of movies can be found on the company’s facebook page. A wide range of movies are shown but they are not always aimed at children.
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium makes a great rainy day choice. It’s a place where kids and adults can get up close and discover seals, tide pools, watch octopus feeding and touch real starfish. There is a range of indoor fun for all ages and is perfect for babies and children alike.
Can you recommend a great place to take the kids on a rainy day? If so, let us know the details in the box below and we can maybe include them next time.
David Wilson is a travel writer exploring the best places to live and visit across the US.