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Post by bunnyhug on Jul 8, 2014 17:02:44 GMT
So far, the only thing set in stone is a baseball game! The Needle and the market are also on the 'might do' list, but I'm travelling with a grumpy 15 yo dd, boys who are 10 and 12, and a dh who really doesn't enjoy museums or shopping, lol! Any suggestions of places that we could all enjoy? Or at least not whine and complain all the way through?! Thanks!
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Post by kmcginn on Jul 8, 2014 17:34:12 GMT
The Market is a must. The boys will love it - especially if you get to see them tossing the fish. The needle is only OK, but I would do it while there. Right next to the needle is a Music Museum that's really cool. Take a day and take the ferry to Bainbridge Island. It's a really cute and quaint little town. You can do a wine tasting while you're there. Walk along the water and take a look at the Totem Poles - pretty cool. I love Seattle and would go back again in a heartbeat. We stayed at the Red Lion about 4 blocks from the Market. It's in a great location if you need a place to stay. It's only half a block from the Monorail to the Needle. Have fun!
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Post by BeckyTech on Jul 8, 2014 17:38:25 GMT
If any of them are into flying and a bit of history, the Museum of Flight Aviation is very interesting when you go with someone who knows and can tell you what you are seeing. Although you said no museums, this one might be of interest to a bunch of guys/boys.
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The Birdhouse Lady
Drama Llama
Moose. It's what's for dinner.
Posts: 7,340
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Jun 30, 2014 17:15:19 GMT
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Post by The Birdhouse Lady on Jul 8, 2014 17:39:47 GMT
Leave the grumpy ones in the hotel and go out and have a great day sight seeing.
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,309
Jun 28, 2014 4:39:12 GMT
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Post by Belle on Jul 8, 2014 17:42:06 GMT
What are your dates?
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Post by lumo on Jul 8, 2014 17:43:17 GMT
EMP. I can't imagine that kids that age wouldn't love the EMP. We also did the Boeing Factory Tour in Everett, and it was super-interesting. And yes, the Market is a must-do. I'd think everyone would enjoy it.
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Post by ntsf on Jul 8, 2014 17:49:32 GMT
skip the needle...the view is available for free !! in addition to museum of flight, try museum of history and industry by lake union...or go to the boeing plant tour in everett. maybe go swimming at madison park--this is just east of downtown, again, on public bus routes..buy a picnic at grocery store..big park and you swim in lake washington...and eat in the neat small neighborhood places. , drive down to mt rainier or snoqualmie pass and go hiking. I also would endorse Experience music project and the science fiction museum. underground tour may or may not appeal to them. Ft casey and whidbey island can be interesting. take flashlights. you can actually take buses to mulketio ferry, then take free buses up the island to ft casey. it is a fort from the 1890's..great views and small exhibits in light house. nearby are blockhouses built in 1850's to protect local population from native americans. coupeville is a cute small town nearby
you could be full of adventure and take a sailplane flight from lake union.
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Post by cmpeter on Jul 8, 2014 17:53:02 GMT
If you are at Pikes Place Market, I would also ride The Great Wheel and visit Ye Old Curiosity Shop. Another thing they all might like is the Underground Tour. My dd is 14 and really likes the Museum of Flight. Museum of FlightThe boys would probably love the Pacific Science Center. Your dd might be bored. There is a cool IMAX theater there. Pacific Science CenterThe Pacific Science Center is by the needle and EMP. There is also the International Fountain there too, I am sure the boys would love running around in that...it's huge. Head over to West Seattle and spend some time at Alki Beach. Alki BeachTake a ferry ride to one of the nearby islands. Our favorite is Bainbridge because they have the world's best ice cream shop ever! The ferry ride is fun too. Mora's Ice Cream
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mjmone
Full Member
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Jul 3, 2014 2:58:29 GMT
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Post by mjmone on Jul 8, 2014 17:53:45 GMT
Dh just returned from a trip there...and what he is telling everyone about is that he "Rode the Duck"...and gave his duck call to our granddaughter... www.ridetheducksofseattle.com/don't know if link will work....
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Post by monicad on Jul 8, 2014 17:54:45 GMT
Museum of Flight is awesome!! We loved the Pacific Science Center. There is so much to see and do. Ride The Ducks is cheesy but fun, and you get to see the Sleepless in Seattle house. I wanted to take the underground tour but we ran out of time; it sounded really interesting. I think a ferry ride out on Emerald Bay is worth doing...you get some nice views of the city.
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Post by holly on Jul 8, 2014 18:07:15 GMT
I don't think the Great Wheel is worth the money. You'll get better views from the Space Needle. I wouldn't bother going up the SN if it's rainy/cloudy or hazy. You won't see much unless it's a clear day.
I think at those ages your boys would probably like the "ducks" tour. They are the boats that go on the water and land. They give you a good history of Seattle. It's cheesy but fun, IMO.
The Chihuly glass garden is pricey but beautiful. Maybe something just for mom to do when they maybe go to the Music Experience (which is right near each other).
The underground tour is cool. Not sure if they have a kids version for the public. I went with DS on a field trip and we got a "clean" version of the tour. I've heard the regular tour talks about the seedier sides of Seattle.
Bainbridge ferry has the best views of Seattle. You can walk on as a passenger too. I think there's stuff to walk to.
The original Starbucks is on the same street as Pike Place Markeet.
That's all I can think of off hand. Have fun!
ETA: I missed your DD in your post. She'd probably like most of what I posted about. She'll probably be grumpy about some things. She will definitely be bored at Pacific Science Center. Personally my kids got tired of it around 11-12. They'd also been a few times. We did the Boeing tour when DD was in 5th grade and she was bored, least favorite place while I thought it was great!
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Post by cmpeter on Jul 8, 2014 18:29:35 GMT
We went to the regular one and everything was kid appropriate. The tour guides are a hoot and interact well with the groups.
I forgot about Ride the Ducks. We did that a few years ago...the kids really liked it.
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Post by Dori~Mama~Bear on Jul 8, 2014 18:36:29 GMT
Pikes street market.... there is something for everybody there.
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Post by bunnyhug on Jul 8, 2014 18:37:47 GMT
Thanks everyone! This is reason #1 that I am glad the Peas have regrouped--I love getting suggestions and tips for travelling that I know haven't been generated by a tourism board!
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Post by workingclassdog on Jul 8, 2014 18:40:14 GMT
Go to the Air Force base and say hi to my son!! LOL
I have never been to Seattle so no advice from me except to go to the original Starbucks (if that is your thing)..
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Post by smokeynspike on Jul 9, 2014 3:27:08 GMT
If you go to Seattle, the Market is a must. I grew up there and when I fly in on Saturday, our first stop will be the market. They have THE best crepe place where we will be having lunch. And I love MarketSpice right next door. There is just so much cool stuff to look at and food to eat there.
I think we are going to do the Ride the Ducks tour too. I haven't ever done that and I think my 11 year old will enjoy it.
We also love Alki Beach.
I am jealous that you are going to a ball game. I wish I was doing that this trip, but we are going camping to Ocean Shores for half the week and then up on Mount Rainer for the rest of the week.
Melissa
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Post by Ryann on Jul 9, 2014 3:38:00 GMT
ride the duck boat!
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Post by honeyb on Jul 9, 2014 3:40:31 GMT
I have a couple of suggestions. First, I love the food tour that Savor Seattle puts on in the market. You walk around in a tour group and get the history of the markets as well as samples from some choice places. Great way to really learn about the market. www.savorseattletours.com/tours/pikeplacemarket/My kids and I absolutely love improv at the Market Theatre. I'd suggest the 7:00 comedy happy hour shows on Fri & Sat. nights. That particular show is a PG rated show so you are safe bringing your younger kids. I guarantee that even your grumpy 15 yo will love it. Especially if they are inclined to volunteer to go up on stage. The audiences are small (maybe 20ish people) so if you want to be on stage, you can. Cost is $5 per person (not necessary to purchase tickets in advance) and it's at the Market Theatre (this is where the Gum Wall is- in Post Alley, just down the stairs by Rachel the pig) unexpectedproductions.org/
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Jul 9, 2014 4:38:26 GMT
Where's Pennyring when you need her? Did she make it over? I haven't seen her yet.
I agree with the others: the market (first Starbucks, gum wall, theater sports), EMP and the waterfront are great ideas. Take a ferry ride, especially if you're already at the waterfront. Gas Works park and Fremont would be a fun day (cute stores, great restaurants, Theo's chocolate tour in Fremont). Madison park is great too. Your dd would probably like the shops there, same with downtown Kirkland (across lake Washington).
If you're into nature at all you should try a hike. It's so beautiful here it would be a shame to miss out.
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smginaz Suzy
Pearl Clutcher
Je suis desole.
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Jun 26, 2014 17:27:30 GMT
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Post by smginaz Suzy on Jul 9, 2014 5:31:22 GMT
Yes to the improv!
And I know it is 5 min but the Gum Wall (or as we have christened it, the Wall of Gum) is kind of awesome. My favorite part is watching the parents trying to keep their littles from touching it. Very entertaining. My other favorite part is where the Please Do Not Stick Gum Here sign is covered in gum. I am a weirdo.
But YES to the improv. Always awesome.
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scrapperdee
Junior Member
Refupea 1827
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Jun 27, 2014 22:13:54 GMT
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Post by scrapperdee on Jul 9, 2014 5:51:30 GMT
EMP. I can't imagine that kids that age wouldn't love the EMP. We also did the Boeing Factory Tour in Everett, and it was super-interesting. And yes, the Market is a must-do. I'd think everyone would enjoy it.
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nickit83
Throbbing Member
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Jul 4, 2014 4:01:24 GMT
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Post by nickit83 on Jul 9, 2014 7:59:24 GMT
I have never visited the US but Seattle would be on my list if I did. To me, Seattle is all about the grunge scene so I would research where to go to learn, absorb, immerse myself in that.
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Post by ScrapsontheRocks on Jul 9, 2014 8:58:43 GMT
Thanks, OP and all responders. I am due in your spring next year- jumping off place for an Alaska cruise! This response will mark my place, I hope.
ETA: due to be in Seattle...duh
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Post by jill225 on Jul 9, 2014 10:39:44 GMT
Another vote for the underground tour. Really a lot of fun! Also check out the bubble gum wall. Kind of gross but cool at the same time.
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Dani-Mani
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Jun 28, 2014 17:36:35 GMT
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Post by Dani-Mani on Jul 9, 2014 13:53:10 GMT
I did not like Seattle (the sun came out once in four days!), but at the market, they actually let US catch the fish! Ask when you're there, they may let one of y'all!
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Post by kimpossible on Jul 9, 2014 15:23:55 GMT
So far, the only thing set in stone is a baseball game! The Needle and the market are also on the 'might do' list, but I'm travelling with a grumpy 15 yo dd, boys who are 10 and 12, and a dh who really doesn't enjoy museums or shopping, lol! Any suggestions of places that we could all enjoy? Or at least not whine and complain all the way through?! Thanks! We will be taking our nearly 16 yo DS this fall so I will be intently watching this thread for ideas!
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Post by kimpossible on Jul 9, 2014 15:27:24 GMT
What is the weather like in early October? It would during DS's fall break which is the 2nd week of October.
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Post by cmpeter on Jul 9, 2014 16:07:32 GMT
Early October should still be beautiful. I forgot about the improv at Market Theater. My teens really like that too. I think Penny would also suggest a stop at Archie McPhee's - at least I remember her mentioning it on previous Seattle 2peas threads. :-)
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Post by honeyb on Jul 10, 2014 15:44:07 GMT
When I visit a new place, I always like to try some kind of food that the area is known for. I want to recommend Pike Place Chowder for clam chowder. They are in the market in Post Alley closer to the Sur la Table side. They make the BEST clam chowder. OK, maybe that's my opinion (I eat a lot of clam chowder!) Go and tell me if you agree
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valleyview
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Posts: 2,816
Jun 27, 2014 18:41:26 GMT
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Post by valleyview on Jul 10, 2014 15:56:06 GMT
Not to hijack - but any suggestions for a two year old? The fountain looks great! How is the zoo? Anyplace of specific interest to Japanese tourists? We have an international meet-up in Seattle next month.
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