CityPASS Seattle articles

Seattle was practically made for families. At once historic and innovative, educational and fun, hard-working and playful, Seattle embodies a robust balance that most parents would love to see reflected in their children and themselves. And good news: parents who take advantage of the exciting cultural experiences that Seattle has to offer with open, curious minds encourage young learners to be precocious observers and participants, too.

One of the oldest zoos in the United States, Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo spans almost 100 acres of pure animal enjoyment. Since 1899, it has delighted guests with over 1,000 animals that originate from all different habitats and geographic locations. Nestled in Woodland Park, this iconic destination is only a few miles from Ballard Locks (Hiram H. Chittenden Locks), another of Seattle’s top places to visit.

The Seattle Space Needle has been delighting visitors ever since its debut in the 1962 World’s Fair -- and it’s still a beloved attraction for locals and tourists alike. It’s the most iconic sight in the Seattle skyline and, for most people taking a trip to the Emerald City, it’s at the top of the "must do" list (it also tops our list of things to do with kids that parents also love!).

At Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP, previously the EMP Museum), visitors can celebrate pop culture and its rock 'n' roll roots and delve into the sensational films, television shows, and music that made Trekkies immortal and Jimi Hendrix a legend.

A Seattle must-do during the summer and early fall involves a short boat ride across the Puget Sound with Argosy Cruises Tillicum Excursion to Blake Island. Guests are treated to a traditionally prepared dinner, Northwest Native American storytelling, a live performance, and handcrafted art—all inside a cedar longhouse surrounded by lush forest and rocky beaches. From an infamously bold population of photogenic raccoons to knowing what to call the clothing worn by Native Americans, read on for more on this unique experience from a couple of insiders.

For many early risers, a cup of coffee (or two or three) is needed to kick-start the day. When the world needs to wake up and smell the best coffee, it heads to Seattle, the world's coffee culture mecca. Both the café curious and the coffee enthusiasts can satisfy their taste buds when immersed in Washington's coffee city. But with so many shops to choose from, how does one differentiate the best coffee shops in Seattle from the rest?