Pacific Science Center in the Seattle Center

Families visiting Seattle WA are drawn to the Space Needle like moths to flame, and there's nothing wrong with that: it brings them straight to one of the city's best attractions for kids: the Pacific Science Center. Pacific Science Center is showing some age on the surface, but inside, it's as vibrant as ever (or more so). In addition to its permanent exhibits on life science, natural … [Read more...]

Seattle’s Pike Place Market with kids

Any itinerary for Seattle Washington should include a family visit to Pike Place Market. Particularly bustling on weekends, the market is great to visit almost any day of the year, and is open all day, making it perfect to fit into anyone's travel plans. The market is best experienced during the morning, when produce stands (and vendors) are at their freshest. Right after 10 am is great, … [Read more...]

Seattle’s Museum of Flight with kids of all ages

For most visitors, Seattle WA is synonymous with Boeing and aero-engineering. For airplane and space lovers, there's no better stop than at the Museum of Flight. A huge, multi-building complex, the Museum of Flight can feel intimidating at first, especially if you have small children. For true fans, a full day is needed, but the highlights can be hit in a few hours if needed. On our last visit, we … [Read more...]

University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology

Vancouver's Museum of Anthropology is the perfect first stop for visiting families (and a great option during rainy weather, too). Much more comprehensive than we thought it would be, the Museum of Anthropology, or MOA, features not only an impressive main gallery of First Nations totem pole carvings, but also room after room of artifacts of native peoples (both of Western Canada and elsewhere). … [Read more...]

Where to stay in Vancouver BC: Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites

Vancouver, BC may be one of the best cities to tour with kids. It's full of outdoor experiences active kids crave--biking, beaches, parks and suspension bridges--while retaining the sophistication parents enjoy and seek to introduce to their children. And all within a stone's throw of the action (but please don't throw stones) is the Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites Hotel. Located in … [Read more...]

How to spend a day in Golden Gate Park with kids

Families looking for things to do in San Francisco will want to devote at least one day to exploring and enjoying Golden Gate Park. In fair weather or foul (San Francisco gets a few of those, you know), Golden Gate Park offers indoor and outdoor fun for families in a unique San Francisco environment. How to spend a day in Golden Gate Park with kids? Read on for our itemized Golden Gate Park … [Read more...]

Exploratorium Museum of Science

A short MUNI bus ride from just about all points in the city, the Exploratorium is a wonderful activity for kids in San Francisco. Located conveniently at Pier 15, the Exploratorium is a hands-on science mecca for preschoolers through teens. We love how this cavernous building is set up to encourage kids (and their parents) to really let loose: explore its exhibits in any order, for any … [Read more...]

California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is by far one of the best things to do with kids in San Francisco. Ideal for school-aged kids but also entertaining for preschoolers and toddlers, the California Academy of Sciences is a trifecta of scientific fun, featuring a planetarium, aquarium, and life science museum all under one (living) roof, which is an exhibit of its own. Families will want to … [Read more...]

San Francisco Pier 39 attractions for kids

Families touring San Francisco could easily dedicate a full day to the busy, touristy region of Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. And while not to replace visiting other parts of the city, a day here is well spent. We definitely suggest beginning your day with a family tour of Alcatraz Island, but this still leaves you with an afternoon and evening to fill at the wharf. Here's our picks for how to … [Read more...]

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco

An absolute must-do attraction for families with school-aged kids in San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, run by the National Parks Service, is a half-day tour that will wisk families across the bay by boat to the most famed island in the Bay Area. Departing from Pier 33 on the Embarcadero, the tour is self-guided, which makes it flexible for families, and utterly fascinating, which makes it an … [Read more...]