Get a bird’s-eye view above the Puget Sound on the city’s newest landmark, the Seattle Great Wheel.
If there’s one thing that rivals mountains in the hearts of Pacific Northwesterners, it’s water. At the Seattle waterfront—on a clear day—you get both. The Olympics form a jaggedly endearing backdrop to sparkling Elliott Bay. Add a few gleaming white ferryboats crisscrossing their way over Puget Sound, and your souvenir snapshot is waiting. This is a lively place to spend the day—though noisy, because of traffic rushing along an elevated highway across from the waterfront. The city has plans to have it removed by 2016, replaced by a waterfront park that will transform the city. Start: Bus 99, 113, 121 or 122 to 1st Avenue, walk to Western Avenue.
Victor Steinbrueck Park. Just north of Pike Place Market, this waterfront park is a great place for a picnic or people-watching. If the weather gods are with you, you’ll be treated to a panorama of mountains—the Cascades (starring Mount Rainier) curving around to the east and the Olympics to the west. 2001 Western Ave. Daily 6am–10pm.
Cruise Terminals. Seattle is a great hopping-off point for cruises to Alaska, and that’s where most of the luxury cruise ships you’ll see here are headed. Six major cruise lines come and go from Seattle. A second terminal, Smith Cove terminal, was added in 2009 at Pier 91 north of the old Bell Street terminal at Pier 66. Check the Port of Seattle’s website for an up-to-date cruise schedule. 2225 Alaskan Way S., Pier 66; 2001 W. Garfield St., Pier 91. 
206/615-3900. www.portseattle.org/seaport/cruise.
Seattle Aquarium. Be sure to grab a schedule of animal feeding times when you buy your tickets. It’s not every day you’ll get to see a gentle, giant octopus dine! Each mealtime “show,” is accompanied by a short talk by a naturalist. 1483 Alaskan Way on Pier 59. 206/386-4300. www.seattleaquarium.org. Admission: $22 adults, $15 ages 4–13. Daily 9:30am–5 pm. See p 11.
Waterfront Park. Stretching between Piers 57 and 59, this concrete park is my favorite spot for watching all the action out in Elliott Bay. It’s not a green oasis, but you can’t beat the location. With the “Waterfront Fountain” sculpture splashing merrily in the background, you can peer at your leisure at the working boats, cruise ships, and the occasional seal. 1301 Alaskan Way.
Seattle Great Wheel and Bay Pavilion. Seattle’s newest landmark, the Seattle Great Wheel, opened in 2012, takes visitors up 175 feet in enclosed pods for fabulous views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the city. Behind the wheel, Bay Pavilion is a good place to let the kids play arcade games or take a spin on the merry-go-round. Pier 57, 1301 Alaskan Way. $13 adults, $8.50 ages 4–11. Mon–Thurs 11am–10pm, Fri 11am–midnight, Sat 10am–midnight, Sun 10am–10pm.
A statue of Christopher Columbus graces Waterfront Park.
Argosy Cruises. In addition to its tours of Tillicum Village and Elliott Bay, Argosy offers brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises; a tour of lakes Washington and Union (including the famous Seattle houseboats); and a cruise through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. There are themed cruises, holiday cruises, musical cruises—you name it, they’ve got a cruise for it. 
1–21⁄2 hr. Pier 55, Seattle Waterfront. 206/622-8687. www.argosycruises.com. See p 105.
Ivar’s Seafood Bar. The best bowl of clam chowder in Seattle, for my money, is right here at Ivar’s, which has been dishing out local seafood since 1938. You can also get clams ’n chips, oysters ’n chips and a variety of other fresh, locally caught treats for munching as you wander the waterfront. Or take a break and relax at one of the outdoor tables set up beside the bar. Pier 54, 1001 Alaskan Way. 
206/624-6852. $
Stop into Ivar’s and try the excellent clam chowder.
When the winters are as long and gray as they are in Seattle, who can blame the locals for a little excess when summer shows up, with its picture-perfect days that stretch until 10 at night? Getting a jump on the season is the Northwest Folklife Festival, which is held at Seattle Center in May and showcases the region’s cultures. In June, the Seattle Pride Festival celebrates the LGBT community. At Bite of Seattle in July, crowds elbow their way into Seattle Center to hear live bands and sample gourmet treats and wine from local restaurants. Summer is officially kicked off by the Fourth of July fireworks over Lake Union, one of the finest displays in the nation. Seafair is a month of parades, competitions, and hydroplane races celebrating pirates and all things aquatic. The mother of all festivals, Bumbershoot, marks the end of summer and the return of drizzle. Fine arts, crafts, acrobats, big-name bands, and general zaniness rule supreme at Seattle Center over the Labor Day weekend.
Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. A century-old Seattle landmark, this is as much quirky museum as it is souvenir shop. The owner’s great-grandfather gathered oddities from around the world and hired local Native Americans to carve totem poles. Shrunken heads and mummies share the shelves with Seattle T-shirts and homemade fudge. Pier 54, 1001 Alaskan Way. 206/682-5844. www.yeoldecuriosityshop.com.
Washington State Ferry Terminal. From here, you can glide your way to Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, or Vashon Island. There is passenger-only service to Vashon from this spot, and if you’re headed to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton you can walk on or take your car. The latter is pricier, and the lines can be much longer. If you just want to walk on a ferry, go for a ride and poke around town, Bainbridge (35 min.) is your best option. If you’d like a long, leisurely ride, take the hour-long Bremerton run. And if you want to go exploring the Kitsap or Olympic peninsulas (the latter takes you through the rainforest to the northwestern edge of the state), drive onto the Bremerton ferry and leave from the western side of Puget Sound. 801 Alaskan Way, Pier 52. See p 18.
Despite its prime waterfront location, this neighborhood north of downtown has been some what underutilized by Seattleites. That’s all changing now, as apartments, shops, and restaurants pop up along the shore, and the adjacent South Lake Union area undergoes a dramatic urban transformation. This is an entertaining and evolving neighborhood, where you’ll see seaplanes gracefully taking off and landing, sailboats gliding dreamily along the lake, neighborhoods of houseboat-dwellers, and spanking-new towers and businesses. Start: South Lake Union Streetcar 98, or Bus 17, 70, 71, 72or 73 to Lake Union.
The Seattle Streetcar runs along Lake Union.
Kayaking Lake Union. There’s nothing quite like paddling a boat in the heart of a city, especially one as picturesque as Seattle. Seaplanes buzz overhead and splash down nearby as you explore the houseboat “neighborhoods” and soak in the dramatic view of the Space Needle and Seattle’s distinctive skyline. If you want to pay for the extra rental time, you can paddle up to the dock at one of the waterfront restaurants and enjoy a scenic lunch. Boats may be rented at Moss Bay (1001 Fairview Ave. N., #1900; 206/682-2031; kayak rentals June 1–Sept 15 $14/hr. single, $19/hr. double) or Northwest Outdoor Center (2100 Westlake Ave. N., Ste. 1; 206/281-9694; kayak rentals $14/hr. single, $15/hr. double, or $22/hr. triple). Standup paddle boards are also available at Northwest Outdoor Center.
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). This gem of a museum relocated to its present location in the refurbished Naval armory building in 2012. Exhibits provide a fascinating overview of Seattle’s history, including major events, iconic personalities, and original artifacts. 1 hr. 860 Terry Ave. N. 206/324-1126. www.seattlehistory.org. $7 adults, $5 seniors & ages 5–17. Daily 10am–5pm.
Compass Cafe. Enjoy the fabulous view of Lake Union with fresh soups and sandwiches or an espresso at this bright cafe in the northwest corner of MOHAI. 860 Terry Ave. N. 206/324-1126. $
The Center for Wooden Boats has an extensive collection of historic boats, both human- and wind-powered.
Center for Wooden Boats. This unusual spot is basically an outdoor museum, where you can walk along the dock and enjoy a fascinating collection of historic and replica human- and wind-powered boats. You can also rent a sailboat or rowboat and take sailing lessons; old salts love the maritime library. 1010 Valley St. 206/382-2628. www.cwb.org. Center admission free. Rowboats & sailboats from $25/hr. Free sailboat ride 2pm Sun; arrive as early as 10am to sign up—these are popular events.
Sunday Ice Cream Cruise. Capt. Larry (Kezner) is your congenial host for a 45-minute cruise of Lake Union on his charming ferry boat. The captain knows everything there is to know about Lake Union, its houseboat communities and environs—and provides a lively, entertaining narrative while passengers slurp chocolate ice cream floats. Other treats are also available. The boat—the m/v Fremont—leaves on the hour from 11am to 4pm year-round. Valley St. & Terry Ave. N. 206/713-8446, www.seattleferryservice.com. $11 adults, $10 seniors, $7 ages 5–13, $2 ages 4 & under.
Seaplane Flights. What better way to see Seattle than from the air, and what more fitting takeoff and landing than the water? Seaplanes have been leaving from Lake Union since 1916, and Kenmore Air has been flying floatplanes in the Pacific Northwest for more than half a century. Its Lake Union facility is the busiest commercial seaplane terminal in the country. You can take the popular 20-minute City Explorer flightseeing excursion, or opt for a longer flight to a private beach and a gourmet catered picnic, a day trip to the San Juan Islands, or even a getaway to Victoria (don’t forget your passport). 950 Westlake Ave. N. 425/486-1257. www.kenmoreair.com. 20-min. City Explorer tour: $99 per person; prices vary for longer tours.
Don’t miss getting an up-close view of Lake Union’s charming houseboats.
South Lake Union is undergoing a major transformation, thanks in large part to Microsoft co-founder/real estate magnate Paul Allen’s vision of the former warehouse and industrial area as a biotech hub and urban center. It’s easy to get there via the new, bright red or green South Lake Union Streetcar, which runs between this neighborhood and downtown every 15 minutes. In addition to the biotechs, online bookseller Amazon.com has built a huge campus in South Lake Union, and the old Navy armory building has reopened as the new home of Seattle’s much-loved Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). Visitors can enjoy the wide variety of boating and other waterfront activities along South Lake Union. If you work up a hunger, grab a burger or taco—or dine at one of the stylish lakeside restaurants. Try Daniels’ Broiler (809 Fairview Pl. N.), or watch the boats from the outdoor deck at McCormick & Schmick’s Harborside (1200 Westlake Ave. N.).
The Farm Boat. At this unique floating farmers’ market at South Lake Union you can buy fresh-picked produce and local crafts on a classic 125-ft. wooden steamship called the Virginia, which is operated by a farmers’ cooperative. The Virginia stops at nearby island and coastal farms, gathering produce and goods as it makes its way to Lake Union for the market, held Thursdays 11am to 3pm, June through October. Lake Union Park Wharf, 860 Terry Ave. N. 206/355-0133.
Argosy Cruises. Year-round, Seattle’s premier sightseeing cruise company offers a fun and informative 2-hour narrated cruise that begins on Lake Union and ventures into neighboring Lake Washington. Along the way you’ll see the floating houseboat neighborhoods made famous in the movie “Sleepless in Seattle” and learn about the cultural and industrial history of the lakes. Departs from AGC Marina. 1200 Westlake Ave. 888/623-1445. www.argosycruises.com. Oct–May Sat–Sun 1:15pm; June–Sept daily 1:15pm (add’l cruises at 11am & 3:30pm depending on season; check website for details). $34 adults, $31 seniors, $17 ages 4–12. Parking $4.
Watching the boats navigate the locks is a fascinating enough way to spend an afternoon, but at Hiram M. Chittenden, there’s much more: those amazing climbing fish, the painstakingly tended botanical gardens, and the best grassy hills in town for kids to roll down. (Do keep an eye out for goose droppings.) You’ll find lots of prime picnic spots where you can munch as you watch the boats go by. Start: Bus 44 to Northwest 54th Street & 30th Ave. NW.
Visitors Center. Stop here first for free brochures on the locks and garden, and watch the informational video shown every half-hour. Free hour-long guided tours of both the locks and the garden are offered March 1 through November 30 (call for tour times). 3015 NW 54th St. 206/783-7059. May 1–Sept 30: Daily 10am–6pm; Oct 1–April 30: Thurs–Mon 10am–4pm.
Come watch the salmon head upstream with little help from human technology at the Fish Ladder.
Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Garden. Building and dredging the locks produced a vast amount of empty space. Botanist Carl S. English Jr. came to the rescue, transforming the grounds into a splendid English-style garden with plants from around the globe. This fragrant, blooming quilt is a little-known Seattle secret. 3015 NW 54th St. 206/783-7059. Daily 7am–9pm.
Fish Ladder. Salmon have got to be the most inspirational fish in the sea. They hatch in streams, swim out to the ocean, then years later manage to swim upstream, against the odds, back to their exact birthplace to start the cycle again. Here, they swim from the ocean into Puget Sound, leap up a 21-“step” ladder to get up to freshwater Lake Washington level, then head home. It takes a lot of energy for a salmon to swim and flop its way up the ladder, but persistence pays. At different times during the summer you might see sockeye, Chinook, Coho, and steelhead salmon. Watch them climbing the ladders outdoors, then head down to an underwater viewing room for a different perspective. Though it’s open year-round, you won’t find much but water from October through May. Call ahead to see what’s running. 3015 NW 54th St. 206/783-7059. Daily 7am–9pm.
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. I never tire of watching the boats of all shapes and sizes make their ascent from salty Puget Sound up into the fresh waters of Lake Washington. Some pretty magnificent boats come through here. If you’re lucky, you might spot one of billionaire Paul Allen’s mega-yachts. You might also spot a sea lion or harbor seal, hoping for a tasty salmon lunch. 3015 NW 54th St. 206/783-7059. Daily 7am–9pm.
Lockspot Cafe. You can’t miss this eatery at the entrance to the locks: Just look for the undersea mural, complete with mermaid and orca. Grab some fish ’n chips at the outside counter and have a picnic at the locks. You can also dine inside in a pub-like atmosphere, but if it’s a nice day, opt for the picnic. 3005 NW 54th St. 206/789-4865. $
The Lockspot Cafe is a perfect place for a seafood break.
Rain or shine, the locals grab their babies and dogs and head here for their daily dose of fresh air. The path, nearly 3 miles long, winds around a beautiful glacier-carved lake, ringed by spectacular trees and Northwest plants. Cars zoom past on busy State Road 99, but the highway is just far enough away from this green oasis that you barely notice. START: Bus 16 or 316 to Woodlawn Avenue & NE 71st St., walk to East Green Lake Drive North.
Green Lake Path. This 2.8-mile trail around the lake has a crushed granite inner lane for walkers, joggers, and strollers; and an outer asphalt lane for bicyclists and skaters. The bird-watching is great! 7201 E. Green Lake Dr. N.
Swimming Pools. In addition to the outdoor wading pool and indoor heated pool, there is a beach on the lakefront with lifeguards and diving boards in the summertime. Note: Green Lake has frequent algae blooms when the weather turns warm, which means the lake will be closed to swimmers, so check for informational signs before you go for a dip. See p 37, 
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Playground. Parents and kids alike can take a break at this terrific play area, which offers some cool features not found in other parks. My daughter’s favorite was always the sand pit with the sand-digging machine and canoe for imaginary trips. If the weather turns nasty, the park’s nearby community center has an indoor playroom for the younger set. E. Green Lake Way & Latona Ave. NE (near the main entrance).
Tennis Courts. You’ll find some just inside the main entrance, at 7201 E. Green Lake Dr. N., and also at W. Greenlake Way & Stone Ave. N. To reserve a court, call 206/684-4075. Fees to rent the tennis courts are $32 for singles and $40 for doubles, for a 11⁄4-hour reservation.
Boating. Take a canoe out on the lake—or a kayak or paddle boat. Or try out one of the new stand-up paddle boards. You can rent them north of the main entrance, from Green Lake Rentals, and launch from there or the boat launch on the southwest side of the lake. 7351 E. Green Lake Dr. N. 206/527-0171. Rentals start at $16/hour.
72nd Street Café. Genial baristas, rich Zoka coffee beans—what more could you ask for? Maybe some tasty pastries, or a grilled panini from Mike’s East Coast Sandwiches. The kids can chomp on PB&Js while you sit back and smell the coffee. 308 NE 72nd St. 206/523-5623. $
Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse. This 1920s-era bathhouse has been converted into a popular playhouse on the west side of the lake. Here, tucked away in the middle of Green Lake Park, Seattle Public Theater presents shows that are sometimes controversial and usually worth watching. 7312 W. Greenlake Dr. N. 206/524-1300. www.seattlepublictheater.org.
Take a boat out on the lake, just like the locals do.
This is Seattle’s garden, sprawled along 200 acres of lush property, with Lake Washington winding its way around the northern edge. Breathtaking any time of year, the arboretum is especially stunning in the spring and early summer. Thousands of exotic plants have been gathered from every corner of the world. START: 2300 Arboretum Dr.
Get lost in a sea of color along Azalea Way.
Graham Visitors Center. Stop here for a map of the trails, then wander among the trees, ponds, and shrubs of the Arboretum (open daily dawn to dusk) at your leisure. 2300 Arboretum Dr. 206/543-8800. www.depts.washington.edu/uwbg/gardens/wpa.shtml. Daily 9am–5pm.
Nature Trails. Pick a trail on your map and start hiking! It’s a good idea to bring along a light backpack for snacks and water. These trails are all easy walks with no hills to scale. My favorite is the 3.5-mile Foster Island trail, which winds along a boardwalk through an emerald-green wetland area, and leads to two islands. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Lake Washington. 2300 Arboretum Dr.
The best time to visit is in the spring, when everything is in bloom, but the arboretum is gorgeous year-round.
Azalea Way. This garden near Graham Visitors Center comes alive in the springtime, when it is transformed into a riotous 3⁄4-mile promenade of azaleas and cherry blossoms. 2300 Arboretum Dr.
Japanese Garden. The centerpiece of the Arboretum, this exquisite garden is the perfect place to relax and contemplate life. World-famous garden artist Juki Iida designed it with nearly divine beauty. Formal tea ceremonies cost $10 per person and are held at the Shoseian Teahouse inside the garden, from April to October (check dates on the Urasenke Foundation’s website: www.urasenkeseattle.org). 1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E. 206/684-4725. www.seattlejapanesegarden.org. $6 adults, $4 seniors & ages 6–17. Open Mar–Nov. Daily 10am–dusk (closed Mon Mar & Oct–Nov).
Traveler Montlake. This friendly bar-restaurant, which opened in 2014, pours good libations to accompany new versions of comfort food, like buffalo meatloaf, wild boar sloppy joes, and roasted goose pot pie. 2307 24th Ave. E. 206/726-5968. $
The focal point of this park, of course, is the Woodland Park Zoo, a must stop for families with kids. It’s surrounded by grassy hills that are perfect for picnics and afternoons of fun. The part west of S.R. 99 (Aurora Avenue) is occupied mainly by the zoo; to the east of the highway stretch the parklands, which adjoin Green Lake Park. START: Bus 5 or 82 to Phinney Ave. N. & N. 50th Street, walk to 750 N. 50th St.
Woodland Park Zoo. There’s never a dull moment at this zoo, where the tenants range from red pandas to Komodo dragons. Though a zoo of some sort has occupied Woodland Park since the 1890s, the animal habitats at the present-day facility are on the cutting edge of zoo technology. The Humboldt penguin exhibit, which opened in 2009, won the national zoo association’s best-exhibit award. The next year, the zoo added eight playful meerkats to its menagerie. 750 N. 50th St. 206/684-4800. www.zoo.org. Admission May–Sept: $19 ages 13–64, $17 ages 65 & older, $12 ages 3–12; Oct–Apr: $13 ages 13–64, $ 11 ages 65 & older, $8.75 ages 3–12. May–Sept daily 9:30am–6pm; Oct–Apr: daily 9:30am–4pm. See p 37.
Woodland Park Rose Garden. Roses love the Pacific Northwest, and even non-flower-lovers will be captivated by the beauty and diversity packed into this 21⁄2-acre garden. Although it’s no longer an All-America Rose Selections test site, the Woodland Park Rose Garden displays the very latest prize-winning varieties. It’s no wonder the garden is always in great demand for weddings. You’ll find it east of the zoo’s south entrance gate, but in the summertime your nose will lead you there. 700 N. 50th St. Free. Daily 7am–dusk.
Come visit the local fauna, such as grizzly bears, along with more exotic species, at the Woodland Park Zoo.
ZooTunes. Summertime means outdoor concert season at Woodland Park Zoo, and they’re always great fun, whether it’s a time-honored act like Art Garfunkel or something a bit hipper, like Pink Martini. Bring a blanket or a low beach chair—yours might actually be measured if it looks too tall—and settle in on the meadow, just inside the zoo’s north entrance. Kids are welcome and dancing is encouraged! If you plan to visit Seattle from mid-June through August, check the schedule (www.zoo.org/zootunes) in early May. If you see a concert you like, book early because they sell out fast. The website explains how to buy tickets online. The prices are quite reasonable compared to most venues, averaging around $22 a ticket, plus service fee for web sales. N. 59th & Evanston Ave. 206/615-0076.
Woodland Park. This large urban park is a favorite picnic spot. Sheltered areas hold from 50 to 300 people, and these may be rented starting at $90 per day from April 1 to September 30 (other times they’re free and first-come-first-served). You’ll also find tennis courts, horseshoes, a ball field, playground, and an off-leash dog area. Aurora Ave. N. & N. 59th St. 206/684-4081.
The Woodland Park Rose Garden.
This is where Seattle comes to party. From the spectacular fountain—where Northwesterners “cool off” as soon as it hits the 60s—to the myriad festivals that mark summertime in Seattle, there’s always fun to be had here. Even in the winter, the grounds are a lovely place to enjoy a book on a sunny day. If it gets too chilly, pop into the Center House for a hot chocolate. START: Monorail or bus 3, 4, 8, 16 or 30 to Seattle Center.
Seattle Center Armory. This huge building is a focal point of Seattle Center, offering indoor activities that go hand-in-hand with the festivities outside, often hosting art shows and cultural activities, and musical performances on stage. The inside perimeter is lined with restaurants, cafes, and a candy shop. There are indoor tables, but on a nice day, it’s much more fun to take your food outside and people-watch while you eat! See p 36.
Space Needle. Take a ride to the observation deck. On a clear day, you’ll see all of Seattle (and Mt. Rainier) at your feet. 1 hr. Summer weekends are busiest. 400 Broad St. 206/905-2100. Observation deck tickets: $18 adults, $16 seniors, $11 ages 4–13. Mon–Thurs 10am–9pm; Fri–Sat 9:30am–10:30pm; Sun 9:30am–9:30pm. See p 48, 
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Chihuly Garden and Glass. This museum and landscaped garden showcases the extraordinary glass art of Tacoma native Dale Chihuly. See p 27, .
Movies at the Mural. Every August weekend, families bring their blankets and low folding chairs to the Mural Amphitheatre, to lounge on the lawn and watch a free movie projected onto a giant screen. Outdoor cinema on a perfect Seattle evening with the Space Needle as a backdrop is a little slice of heaven. Check the website for the schedule (www.seattlecenter.com; click “Events & Programs,” then “Film and Movies”).
Seattle Children’s Museum. Crafts and exhibits for the younger set transform education into playtime. 1 hr. 305 Harrison St. 206/441-1768. www.thechildrensmuseum.org. $8.25 adults & children, free under age 1. Mon–Fri 10am–5pm; Sat–Sun 10am–6pm. See p 36, .
Winterfest. From Thanksgiving weekend through December, this celebration puts a little magic into the cold season. An antique carousel is set up outside the Center House, and rides are just $1. There are also bonfires, choirs, ice sculpting, and storytelling. If you get chilly, duck inside and admire the huge train set, complete with an oversized turn-of-the-20th-century village, set up in the Center House. Outside, Fisher Pavilion becomes an ice rink (Sun–Thurs 11am–8pm; Fri–Sat 11am–10pm. $5 adults, $3 ages 6–12), open through the first weekend of January. 305 Harrison St. 206/684-7200. www.seattlecenter.com.
Yes, it’s indoors, but the Experience Music Project shouldn’t be missed.
Experience Music Project. Rock-music fans flock to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s museum, designed by Frank Gehry. 1 hr. 325 5th Ave. N. (at Seattle Center). 206/770-2700. www.empsfm.org. Admission $20 adults, $17 seniors, $14 ages 5–17. Late May–early Sept daily 10am–7pm; early Sept–late May 10am–5pm. See p 47, 
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International Fountain. It’s hard to match Seattle on a summer day for sheer joy, and you’ll see plenty of it on the faces of kids, grownups and a dog or two at this colossal fountain just north of the Center House. Water-lovers charge down the concrete ramp to splash through the glorious spray, while sunbathers arrange themselves around the fountain to soak up the rays. At night, the waters dance to rainbow colors.
Pacific Science Center. Spend some time with the cool outdoor exhibits before you go inside. Walk through a giant water wheel, spin a 2-ton granite ball, or ride a high-rail bicycle (weather permitting). This hands-on approach to science is fun for everyone. 2 hr. 200 2nd Ave. N. 206/443-2001. www.pacsci.org. Admission $18 adults, $16 seniors, $13 ages 6–15, $10 ages 3–5. IMAX: $9–$14 adults, $8–$12 seniors, $7–$11 ages 6–15, $6–$9 ages 3–5; Mon & Wed–Fri 10am–5pm; Sat–Sun 10am–6pm. See p 36, .
Seattle Fudge. Don’t even pretend to look for a healthy snack here (unless popcorn counts?) Just go ahead and indulge in the rich, creamy fudge. The kids can watch taffy being pulled—hey, consider it an educational experience! Center House. 206/441-0524. $
Seattle Children’s Theatre. The shows at this first-rate playhouse are based on beloved classic and contemporary books and movies. 201 Thomas St. at Seattle Center. 206/441-3322. www.sct.org. Ticket prices vary. See p 35, . •
