What are the best things to do on the Seattle Waterfront for families? See the list

Seattle’s waterfront offers families plenty to explore, including a jellyfish-inspired playground, a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel and a chance to see marine animals at the Seattle Aquarium.

A major revitalization completed in 2025 added parks, walking paths and viewpoints along Elliott Bay, giving locals and visitors more reasons to spend an afternoon by the water.

The project aimed to reconnect downtown Seattle with its shoreline after the removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, an elevated highway that stood between them.

Today, the 20-acre Waterfront Park offers more space to walk, play and enjoy the views.

Here are some of the best things for families to do along the waterfront.

Start at Pike Place Market

Families looking for an early start can grab breakfast at Pike Place Market before browsing the shops and stalls.

The market’s fresh produce, flower stands and locally made goods give visitors plenty to browse, whether they’re picking up a snack for later or looking for a souvenir.

After exploring, visitors can follow Overlook Walk down to the waterfront, with places to pause and enjoy views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.

Walk the Seattle Waterfront

The Seattle waterfront along Elliott Bay underwent a major revitalization that was completed in 2025, creating new public spaces and pedestrian connections along the shoreline.

Visitors can reach the waterfront through Overlook Walk, an elevated park and pedestrian connection linking Pike Place Market with the shoreline.

The walk includes seating, a children’s play area and viewpoints overlooking Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Ramps and an elevator help visitors navigate the elevation change.

Along the promenade, visitors can find public art, cultural and interpretive signs, gardens, and places to stop along Elliott Bay.

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Visit the Seattle Aquarium

For families interested in marine life, the Seattle Aquarium offers a chance to learn about the Salish Sea and the wildlife that inhabits it.

Visitors can explore exhibits featuring otters, seals, fish and other coastal animals while learning about the region’s marine ecosystems.

Those looking for a hands-on experience can explore Life on the Edge, where visitors can gently touch tide-pool animals such as sea cucumbers and sea urchins.

Aquarium staff are nearby to answer questions and help families learn about the animals and their coastal habitats.

Ride the Seattle Great Wheel

For another view of the waterfront, visitors can take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, a 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel on Pier 57 overlooking Elliott Bay and the city skyline.

Its enclosed gondolas feature heating and air conditioning, making it an option for families exploring in different seasons.

Make time to play at the Piers

Pier 58 gives families another place to stop, with a marine-themed playground featuring a jellyfish-inspired climbing structure, nets and slides. Kelp-like poles and other play elements continue the underwater theme.

The pier also includes an open lawn, a grove of trees and seating where visitors can take a break and enjoy views of the bay and Olympic Mountains.

Nearby, Pier 62 hosts free events and activities, including live performances, markets and recreation. Visitors can check the Friends of Waterfront Park event calendar before heading out to see what’s happening during their visit.

Take a break at Habitat Beach

Near the southern end of the waterfront, Pioneer Square Habitat Beach offers a place to sit by the water just south of Colman Dock.

Visitors can bring a picnic and look for marine life along the shoreline.

The constructed beach also serves an ecological purpose. Rocks and shoreline vegetation help support the waterfront ecosystem and improve the migration corridor for young salmon.

The promenade also supports marine life, with sidewalk panels designed to let sunlight reach the water and help sustain habitat along the rebuilt seawall.