Grown-ups, stop reading. This guide is solely for kids ages 3 and under, who always get in free at the Seattle Aquarium. The fact that you would have to read this to them is immaterial.
Greetings to our most esteemed guests,
We offer our sincere thanks for gracing our campus with your presence once more and hope you will find our offerings to your liking.
Activities for the Renaissance man toddler
Whether you’re a scientist, an artist, a naturalist or all of the above, our campus offers numerous activities to dazzle the mind and delight the senses.
We recommend starting your trip in Pier 59 with a visit to Life on the Edge. No, we’re not talking about grabbing the edge of a table so you may toddle away from your entourage. This is our popular touch pool habitat where you can find Salish Sea invertebrates, including anemones, sea urchins and more.
Should you be so inclined (and so dexterous) you can even touch the animals in the habitat using one gentle finger. You might need to have a member of your entourage assist you, but that’s all in a day’s work for them.
For those seeking a larger challenge, toddle over to Caring Cove, an immersive play space designed for you and your peers. Slip on a veterinarian’s coat and examine the health of a variety of stuffed animals. Design an entire marine ecosystem using felt. Or simply sit back and relax with a book. You’ve earned it.
If your busy schedule allows you to visit on select Sundays and Mondays, we highly recommend venturing upstairs on Pier 59 for Toddler Time. Any baby who’s anybody will be there. Enjoy a variety of developmentally appropriate, hands-on activities, including crafts, songs and story time, perfect for the sippy cup set. Like you, this drop-in program is always free.
Care to take in a show? Join us Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for our critter-ly acclaimed Puppet Story Time. Get swept up in tales of conservation, empathy and the marine world.
Animal adventures
No trip to the Seattle Aquarium would be complete without getting up-close-and-personal with some of the most enchanting animals that live in and near the ocean. At Piers 59 and 60, you’ll encounter the charming fish, invertebrates, birds and marine mammals (including otters and seals) who call the Salish Sea home. In the Ocean Pavilion, you can indulge in a mini tropical vacation and see the brightly colored fish and striking sharks and rays of the Coral Triangle.
As you know, sometimes it is the smallest and youngest among us who make the biggest impact. So, make sure to check out the pinto abalone habitat in Pier 59 and jelly nursery in the Ocean Pavilion.
Off-campus excursions
The Aquarium is conveniently situated near two local playgrounds. On Pier 58, just to the south of the Aquarium, you can find a marine-themed playground with a slide, climbing structures, balance games and more. There’s even a smaller play structure exclusively for the area’s most youthful patrons.
For an even grander view of your waterfront, head to the top over Overlook Walk and enjoy the playground located under Old Stove Brewing. Simply board the elevator just outside the Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion and head up. Once you get to Overlook Walk, take the ramps and head north (away from the Great Wheel). Past Boon Boona Coffee, you’ll find a delightful little playground with a slide, climbing walls and more, perfect for the burgeoning young adventurer. Plus, there are benches and beautiful views for your entourage to enjoy.
We suggest young naturalists embark on a journey to one of Seattle’s local urban beaches. From the Aquarium, ask your entourage to transport you north for about 1 mile to reach Pocket Beach or head south for half a mile to reach Pioneer Square Habitat Beach. Both beaches are prime locations to see marine invertebrates and birds.
Logistics for your crew
Allow us to provide the sort of trivial details you would not normally concern your busy self with, but certain members of your entourage may find useful.
The Aquarium is happy to offer private lactation spaces for our guests to use. A private pod is available in Pier 59. Located between Caring Cove and the Virtual Reality space, the pod can be accessed by reservation through the Mamava app or with help from Aquarium staff. A second lactation space is available in the Ocean Pavilion, on the first floor next to the restroom. Please ask a guest services representative for access.
For those navigating with strollers, we have elevators conveniently located in both Pier 59 and the Ocean Pavilion. Should you need to park your chariot, two stroller parking areas are available in Pier 59: near the elevator and just past Caring Cove.
For navigating outside our campus, there are multiple nearby public elevators. Outside the Ocean Pavilion’s entrance is an elevator that grants you direct pedestrian access to the Overlook Walk and Pike Place Market. The Pike Place Market Garage also includes a public elevator between the market and Alaskan Way, near the Aquarium.
For more information on getting to the Aquarium, please see our Directions & Transit page.
To our most esteemed clientele: All of these delights and more are yours for free when you visit the Seattle Aquarium. Of course, you’ll need to bring a member of your entourage with you, but there’s lots for them to enjoy as well.
