Things to do in Seattle with a baby

Jacqui publishes Red Tricycle, a newsletter and website dedicated to finding the cool stuff for kid-focused people in Seattle.

She shares with us some of her favorite activities for moms and new babies around the city as inspired by her own son, James Hudson:

Day One: Downtown
You can’t come to Seattle to without checking out the attractions. Shoot for mid-week, early morning/afternoon visits to Pike Place Market and Seattle Center to avoid the crowds.

Olympic Sculpture Park is the latest & great Seattle attraction (always open). Very easy to navigate with a stroller.
Pike Place Market – would definitely use a baby carrier, unless you go very early in the morning.
Seattle Center: Â If it’s sunny, play in fountains. If it’s rainy, wander through Pacific Science Center There are many festivals going on through the summer, check Seattle Center’s calendar.

Day Two: Madison Park / Madison Valley
Great neighborhood-y feel. Fun boutiques to check out.

Grab some sandwiches from Essential Bakery and have a picnic in the Arboretum or at Madison Park beach. My Coffeehouse is a cool mommy hangout On E Madison between 28th & 29th (it’s just not Seattle without a coffee shop visit).
The Original Children’s Shop at Madison and 41st featuresÂ high-end children’s clothes, toys, and more.
If you have a toddler, there is a playground in downtown Madison Park across from the Bakery.
If you get out of the house in time on a Thursday or Sunday, breathe through a mom & baby yoga class at Santosha Yoga (by appointment). Treat yourself to a donut after yoga class at Madison Park Bakery.

Day Three: Ballard
Ballard boasts boutique shops, neighborhood pubs, eclectic restaurants, and waterfront parks. But what about Ballard for babies?

Check out the Locks, the #1 tourist destination in Seattle Â beautiful park grounds and easy to get around with a stroller.
Firehouse Coffee – has a kids play area and is right next door to Gymboree
Me & moms – huge kids’ consignment store withÂ lots to look at
Archie McPhee – fun, over-the-top novelty store

Day Four: Columbia City

On Tuesdays, Columbia City Cinema shows movies for babies and parents. Call for current showings.
On Wednesdays, Check out the Farmers Market with Kids Activity area from May to October.
On Thursdays, Lotus Yoga has a great Mom & Baby yoga class
Also check out the art classes at Retroactive Kids, Columbia City Bakery and Tutta Bella Pizzeria, Sweet Peas Consignment Shop.

Day Five: Queen Anne
Upper Queen Anne has evolved from a singles marketplace to a kiddie haven. Enjoy wandering through the shops & cafes.

Queen Anne Books story time the first and 3rd Sunday
Urban Kids Play – cool kids shop that offers a range activities from yoga to story time in English and Spanish
Lily’s -Â just peek your head into this salon that focuses on updos, manis & pedis for kids

Day Six: Snoqualmie Falls
You should definitely take a trip out to Snoqualmie Falls a spectacular site to see — even taller than Niagara Falls.

A hike around the falls is doable with a stroller or baby carrier.
In Snoqualmie Ridge, there are some fun shops includingÂ Zeebis, a cool toy store
Peanut Butter & Lili sellsÂ high-end baby accessories

Day Seven: Capitol Hill
Playtime, swimming, excellent food, and an art museum with free admission. So much for resting.

Vios CafÃ© Â THE most kid-friendly restaurant in Seattle, On any given day the place is overflowing with kiddies from newborn through toddler. Great Mediterranean food as well.
Miller Community Center Âhas a drop-in play
time for infants 6 months and up, wading pool in Summer
Volunteer Park beautiful grounds to strollÂ checkout the conservatory or the Asian Art Museum (free on first Thursday and first Sunday)

A few more resources for visitors:
Crybabycomforts.com – rents baby gear, from strollers to high chairs and car seats, even co-sleepers and Amby Hammocks. Picks up and delivers from hotels. Daily or weekly rentals.

Bestsittersinc.com – very reputable Seattle-based baby sitting service that works with many top hotel concierge. I use them myself when my babysitter is sick or I need a last minute sitter. I trust them. $62 for 4 hours (minimum), $12/hour after that.

Wow! Well — if that’s not enough for you — Seattle residents and visitors alike can check out Red Tricycle at red-tri.com for an update on the weekly events & activities for kids under 5.

Author
Recent Posts

RookieMom Heather

RookieMoms co-founder & mom to 3 boys in Berkeley, CA. Bossy big sister and project manager turned blogger. Find me on my other site on 510families.com or hiding in my minivan eating dark chocolate.

Latest posts by RookieMom Heather (see all)