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Seattle Center
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 206-905-2100
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This 605-foot structure was the main attraction of the 1962 World's Fair, and it continues to be a iconic symbol of Seattle. Its design, now so famous, is actually a compromise between two visions for the tower. Fair Organizer Edward Carlson initially sketched his idea for the tower on the back of a coffee house placemat, envisioning a balloon shaped observation deck tethered by cables. Architect John Graham tweaked the balloon into a flying saucer, and voila! Seattle history was born. Every day, some 20,000 people take the 43-second elevator trip to the top of the Needle, either to dine at the rotating Sky City Restaurant or to take in one of the best views you can get anywhere. On a clear day, you can see miles in every direction, from Lake Union just to the north, or to Mt. Rainier, some 50 miles to the South.
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave N.
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: 206-548-2500
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This 65-acre animal park opened in 1899, making it one of the oldest zoos on the West Coast. In the time since then, the zoo’s collection has grown to include nearly three hundred different animal species on display. The realistic habitats here at the zoo have won numerous national awards, making it one of the most honored zoos in the entire nation. In addition to the standard supply of lions, tigers, and bears, the Woodland Park Zoo also has a re-creation of an small village near its African Savannah exhibit, which gives visitors insights into native customs, traditions, and ceremonies. And, even if it happens to be one of those rare rainy days in Seattle, there’s plenty to do indoors as well, so no matter when you come, the zoo will have plenty of fins, fur, and feathers on display. With its vast array of species, and its impressive setting, it’s little wonder that the Woodland Park Zoo is one of the city’s most popular family attractions.
305 Harrison St
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 206-441-1768
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Another resident of Seattle Center, the Children's Museum has been "preserving play" since 1979. Through a series of kid-friendly interactive displays and exhibits, this museum encourages kids to get in on the museum-going act. Exhibits include a child-size neighborhood, a Discovery Bay for toddlers, a mountain wilderness area, and a "global village." It's not a huge museum (located inside the Center House near the arcade), but it's a terrific add-on to a family visit to the Seattle Center.
Seattle Monorail
Between Westlake Center & Seattle Center
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 206-905-2620
Website
To get to Seattle Center, you’ll probably want to take the monorail from the Westlake Center. It’s only a little over a mile from point A to point B, but hey, you’re in Seattle, right? You’ve got to take the monorail just to say you did. Every year, some two and half million people take the short ride from downtown, and as they do, they actually pass through an opening in the Experience Music Project, which was built around the monrail tracks.
Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame
325 5th Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 877-EMP-SFM1
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If you’re one of those guys who spends long hours with your friends debating the intricacies of Warp Speed or the Death Star, then let’s face it, you need a date. But in the meantime you’re not going to want to miss the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. Located right next to the Experience Music Project in the Seattle Center, this high tech celebration of the world of futuristic fantasy opened in 2004, when science fiction buff Paul Allen moved the Hall of Fame from Kansas City. He then added his own personal collection of memorabilia to the mix, greatly expanded the museum, and created one of Sci Fi’s most cherished houses of memory. With its fun mix of gadgets and nostalgia, the Science Fiction Museum figures to live long and prosper.