This popular Seattle destination is packed with things for kids and families to do

Seattle Center is home to some of the city’s most visited attractions, but families looking for hands-on activities can find plenty to explore at the Pacific Science Center.

Known locally as PacSci, the science center has interactive exhibits, dinosaurs, a tropical butterfly house, planetarium shows, and one of the largest dedicated laser domes in the world.

Located near the Space Needle in Seattle Center, Pacific Science Center can easily fill several hours of a family trip to the area.

Here’s what to know about Pacific Science Center tickets, including how much admission costs, what’s included, and which experiences cost extra.

How much does Pacific Science Center admission cost?

Pacific Science Center adult general admission prices range from $23 to $31, depending on the date.

Discounted admission is available for youth ages 3 to 17 and seniors ages 65 and older. Children under 3 are free. Washington residents also receive discounted admission, with proof of residency required when entering.

Booking at least 24 hours ahead can also save money compared with purchasing tickets closer to your visit. Because prices change by date, visitors should check the ticket calendar for the exact cost before planning a trip.

What does Pacific Science Center general admission include?

General admission covers most of the exhibits and several experiences throughout Pacific Science Center.

Here’s what’s included:

• Tropical Butterfly House: Visitors can walk through a warm tropical environment filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. The exhibit also gives families a closer look at the butterfly life cycle.

• Dinosaurs: Kids can see life-size dinosaur models and learn more about the prehistoric animals that once lived on Earth.

• Maker & Innovation Lab: This hands-on space gives kids and adults a chance to build, experiment, test ideas, and learn through making.

• Planetarium shows: General admission includes planetarium shows that take visitors through the solar system and beyond. Shows require free timed tickets, and space is limited.

• Daytime Laser Dome shows: Family-friendly daytime laser shows are included with general admission. The 30-minute shows combine music, colorful laser displays, and a large domed theater.

• Live science experiences: Visitors can catch demonstrations and other science programming scheduled throughout the day.

• Artemis Adventure with LEGO Bricks: The temporary exhibit uses LEGO bricks and hands-on activities to explore NASA’s Artemis missions and the return to the Moon. The exhibit is included with general admission.

Are Laser Dome shows included with admission?

Daytime Laser Dome shows are included with general admission.

Pacific Science Center’s Laser Dome combines laser imagery with music inside a domed theater equipped with 12,000 watts of concert sound.

Daytime shows run about 30 minutes and are designed to be family-friendly. Free timed tickets are required.

Evening Laser Dome shows are separate from general admission and require an additional ticket. Prices vary by age and whether tickets are purchased in advance or on the day of the show.

Are Planetarium shows included with admission?

Yes. Planetarium shows are included with Pacific Science Center general admission, but visitors need a free timed ticket to attend.

The shows are interactive and explore topics ranging from planets and stars to the solar system and the larger universe.

Space is limited, and Planetarium shows can sell out. Visitors should check availability when they arrive and plan around the showtime they want to attend.

Is IMAX included with Pacific Science Center admission?

No. Unlike the Planetarium and daytime Laser Dome shows, IMAX movies are not included with general admission.

Pacific Science Center has an IMAX theater showing documentaries and feature films on a large-format screen.

IMAX tickets are purchased separately, and visitors do not need to purchase general admission to Pacific Science Center to see an IMAX movie.

IMAX admission is included with the purchase of a Space Needle ticket.

How long should families plan to spend at Pacific Science Center?

Families should plan on spending at least a few hours at Pacific Science Center, especially if they want to visit the Butterfly House, explore the hands-on exhibits, and catch a Planetarium or Laser Dome show.

Visitors who add an IMAX movie or want to spend more time at the exhibits can easily make PacSci a larger part of a day at Seattle Center.

What are Pacific Science Center’s hours?

Pacific Science Center is currently open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The public courtyard is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Hours and daily programming can change, so visitors should check the schedule before heading to Seattle Center.

Where is Pacific Science Center?

Pacific Science Center is located at 200 Sue Bird Ct N, Seattle Center.

It is within walking distance of the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Seattle Center Monorail.

Its location makes it easy for families to combine PacSci with another Seattle Center attraction during the same day.

Visitors can check current admission prices, exhibits, and the daily schedule through the Pacific Science Center website.