Spark Your Sense of Wonder

What Are the Best Museums in Seattle and Seattle Southside?

Last Updated: October 2, 2026

The Seattle area is home to some of the best museums in the Pacific Northwest.

From world-class art museums and the aviation and space collections at The Museum of Flight to hands-on science exhibits, marine life, local history, and vintage technology, the Seattle area offers plenty to explore. In fact, there’s so much to see that you could never fit it all into one visit. If you're looking for museums and educational exhibits in the Seattle area, let this guide be your cheat sheet. Don't forget to check out niche specialty museums such as MaST Center Aquarium and Interim Computer Museum. These (slightly) lesser-known places contain some of the most fascinating exhibits, and you'll be welcomed by staff and volunteers who are bursting with knowledge about their subject areas. Meanwhile, science-focused exhibits and science centers provide hands-on learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.

The Museum of Flight
Highline Heritage Museum
MaST Center Marine Biology
Interim Computer Museum
The Des Moines Historical Society Museum
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
Wing Luke Museum
Central Library
Pacific Science Center
Northwest African American Museum

Seattle Southside

Seattle Southside is the area around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). With more than 60 hotels, it's one of the most popular places for visitors to stay when they fly into the area. There are also several places where people can board Link light rail, which takes riders into downtown Seattle within about 30 minutes. But there are many museums and attractions much closer. Check them out below.

Planes hanging from ceiling in gallery at The Museum of Flight in Tukwila

The Museum of Flight

Who hasn’t looked up at the sky and thought, “I want to be there”? The Museum of Flight is built for the aviation/spaceflight buff in all of us.

What can you see at The Museum of Flight? WWII fighter planes, an original Air Force One, a space shuttle trainer, the SR-71 Blackbird, and dozens of other air/spacecraft. You can climb inside vintage planes and a replica of a giant space shuttle. Learn about the history of Boeing inside its original Red Barn, delve into the history of soldiers and inventors, and look ahead to the future of flight.

Is The Museum of Flight kid-friendly? It's not a stretch to say that The Museum of Flight is one of the most kid-friendly learning centers in the Northwest. The spacious layout makes it easy to roam, even for tots, and there are tons of planes to see and climb inside. Kids love the hands-on exhibits where they can pretend to be air traffic control, and little ones can hang out safely in a dedicated Kids' Flight Zone. A relaxed vibe further makes visiting enjoyable; it's not one of those places so quiet you can hear a pin drop.

Food and drink: Wings Café features crowd-pleasing sandwiches and salads, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Bonus: it's right next to Boeing Field, so you can watch real planes take off while you eat!

Gift shop: Browse a large inventory of souvenirs, books, toys, and fun, aviation-themed merch. It's one of the best places to pick up unique gifts.

Plan your visit: The museum is generally open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Check the website for hours and admission info.

Getting there: It's just off I-5, about a 10-minute drive from Sea-Tac Airport.

Highline Heritage Museum

Love hyperlocal history? This one's for you. Highline Heritage Museum houses artifacts and exhibits about the Highline (Seattle Southside) region.

What can you see at Highline Heritage Museum? From prehistoric fossils dating back millions of years to DB Cooper's infamous hijacking out of Sea-Tac Airport, this museum tells our story from the beginning to the modern era. Learn the history behind how the beautiful Seike Japanese Garden came to be at Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, and see a life-size replica of a giant sloth fossil that was unearthed during the construction of the airport. (It's as big as a car!)

Is Highline Heritage Museum kid-friendly? This museum welcomes visitors of all ages (what kid doesn't love a giant fossil?), though children in elementary school and older will be especially engaged by the exhibits, especially if they are able to read. Some of the events are specifically geared towards kids aged 2-8.

Local events: Check the museum's event calendar for upcoming events, including family-friendly educational workshops, community storytelling, and cultural festivals.

Plan your visit: The Highline Heritage Museum is generally open Thursday–Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Visit the website for hours and admission.

Getting there: The museum is in Burien, about a 10-minute drive from Sea-Tac Airport.

The Marine Science and Technology (MaST) Center

Ever wondered what’s swimming beneath the surface of Puget Sound? At the MaST Center Aquarium in Des Moines, you can meet your underwater neighbors without getting your feet wet. Part of Highline College, this marine science center sits on a pier at Redondo Beach and houses more than 250 species of native marine life. It’s a chance to get a closer look at the underwater world just beyond the windows and learn why protecting it matters.

Is the MaST Center kid-friendly? Absolutely! Two large touch tanks give curious kids a hands-on introduction to local marine life. There’s plenty to spark wonder beyond the tanks, too, including a 38-foot gray whale skeleton that puts the size of these enormous animals into perspective. For little ones who are always asking what lives in the ocean, this is a fun place to start finding answers.

Plan your visit: The aquarium is free to visit during Discovery Days, held Saturdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Since the center also serves as a working marine laboratory and teaching space, public access is limited to designated hours. Check the current schedule before heading out.

Getting there: The MaST Center is about a 25-minute drive south of Sea-Tac Airport. Park in a lot across the street or on a nearby street and walk onto the pier where the aquarium is located.

A person exploring vintage computers at the Interim Computer Museum in Tukwila

The Interim Computer Museum

The Seattle area was a pioneer in the tech industry, so it's no surprise that we'd have a museum devoted to the early days of computing. The Interim Computer Museum in Tukwila will take you back in time to the days when a desktop took up the entire desk. It’s a fascinating look at how we got from room-filling hardware to computers that fit in our pockets.

What is there to see? The collection ranges from familiar favorites from early Apple computers to massive systems from the days before personal computers. Vintage gaming consoles and coin-operated arcade machines add to the nostalgia. Pull up a chair and try the technology for yourself; exhibits include software and guide cards to help you get started.

Is the Interim Computer Museum kid-friendly? While this museum definitely skews more "niche enthusiast" than "general family friendly," older kids who have an appreciation for the inner workings of computers will appreciate the exhibits, especially the hands-on aspects.

Plan your visit: The museum is open by appointment. Check the museum’s website for current visiting and booking information before heading over.

Getting there: The Interim Computer Museum is in Tukwila, about a 15-minute drive east of Sea-Tac Airport.

Vintage, earlt 20th century dresses on display at the Des Moines Historical Society

The Des Moines Historical Society Museum

At the Des Moines Historical Society Museum, you can discover the people and places that shaped this waterfront community, with plenty of surprising connections to the Pacific Northwest’s bigger story.

What is there to see? Browse historic photographs and everyday objects that reveal how earlier generations lived and played. Highlights include memorabilia from the Spanish Castle dance hall, where thousands of teenagers once gathered, and a permanent maritime exhibit exploring the town’s connection to Puget Sound. Even the museum’s home has a colorful past: The historic Odd Fellows Hall has served as a school and City Hall, as well as a police station and jail. Explore the museum’s history and collections.

Is the Des Moines Historical Society Museum kid-friendly? For curious kids (elementary school or older), old-fashioned tools and toys offer a fun starting point for imagining life long before smartphones. Try asking them to guess what an unfamiliar object was used for. It’s an opportunity for grandparents and parents to share their own memories, too.

Plan your visit: The museum is open Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12–4 p.m.; visits at other times are available by appointment. Admission is free, with donations welcome.

Getting there: The museum is in Des Moines, about a 15-minute drive south of Sea-Tac Airport. It's a bit tucked away, in Backstage Alley just off Marine View Drive South.

Downtown and Central Seattle

Seattle's downtown core is one of the most walkable places for tourists in the country. Within a small area, you can see many different attractions on foot. If you're staying in Seattle Southside (or anywhere south of downtown), you can take the Link light rail 1 Line north, towards Lynnwood City Center. Ride for about 30 minutes, then get off at the nearest station to walk to one of the following museums or libraries. Most are easily accessible via public transit. You could also take car service a short distance to complete your journey.

Seattle Art Museum outside view looking up

Seattle Art Museum (SAM)

Just a block from Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum (SAM) brings together art from around the world and across centuries.

What is there to see? Explore Indigenous art from the Northwest Coast, admire the intricate pieces in the Porcelain Room, and peek inside a Japanese tea house. In American Art: The Stories We Carry, historical works share space with contemporary art and Native perspectives, opening up conversations about whose stories get told. Rotating exhibitions give you more reasons to return.

Seattle Art Museum kid-friendly? Yes, though very young children might get restless and need help keeping their hands to themselves. Check the calendar for family tours and art-making programs. Strollers are welcome, and the museum has dedicated family spaces. Browse family activities.

Gift shop: Keep the inspiration going at the SAM Shop, where you can browse art books and creative toys alongside jewelry and ceramics.

Plan your visit: SAM is typically open Wednesday through Sunday, with evening hours on Thursdays. Check the visitor page for current hours and exhibitions, or plan around a Free First Thursday.

Getting there: Take the Link light rail’s 1 Line to Symphony Station, a short walk from SAM.

Wing Luke Museum

At the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, those stories come from the people who helped shape it. Through art and personal histories, the museum explores Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander experiences, connecting the region’s past with its communities today.

What is there to see? The building itself is part of the story. Explore preserved spaces in the East Kong Yick Building, including a general store and a single-room living quarters. These intimate spaces offer a glimpse into the lives of immigrants who found community here. In the galleries, changing exhibitions explore questions of identity and belonging through artwork and everyday objects. Explore the museum’s exhibits and tours.

Is the Wing Luke Museum kid-friendly? Yes, though those in elementary school or older will get more out of the culture and history than tots. The Uwajimaya & Moriguchi Family KidPLACE Gallery gives younger visitors their own space to explore. Older kids may also enjoy seeing the historic hotel rooms and imagining how daily life differed from their own. Learn about the KidPLACE exhibit.

Gift shop: The museum’s Marketplace carries books and gifts sourced from small businesses. Purchases help support exhibitions and youth programs, and you don’t need an admission ticket to browse.

Plan your visit: The Wing Luke Museum is typically open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m-5 p.m. Historic Hotel Tours are included with general admission, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The preserved hotel spaces are accessible only with a guide, so check current tour times and availability before visiting.

Getting there: If you're coming from south of downtown Seattle, take Link light rail’s 1 Line toward Lynnwood City Center and get off at International District/Chinatown Station. Walk east along South King Street to the museum at 719 S. King St.

Seattle Public Library's Central Library

Come for the books, stay for the building. The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library turns a downtown reading stop into an architectural adventure, with unexpected colors and spaces that invite you to explore.

What is there to see? Walk the Books Spiral, a continuous ramp connecting four floors of nonfiction, and explore the Red Floor, where 13 shades of red cover the walls, ceilings, floors, and stairs. Head to Level 10 for a dramatic view down seven floors into the Living Room below, then settle into the Reading Room with a book. Art throughout the building gives you even more reasons to pause.

Is the Central Library kid-friendly? Yes! Start in the Children’s Center on Level 1, where books share space with whimsical artwork. Download the library’s self-guided tour for kids and families to turn your visit into an exploration, with reading breaks along the way.

Plan your visit: The Central Library is generally open daily at 10 a.m. (it closes at 6 p.m. Friday-Monday and at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday). Use the library's free tour resources to explore. Check current hours before heading downtown.

Getting there: Take the Link light rail's 1 Line to Symphony Station, which is a short walk from the Central Library.

Pacific Science Center Frosty Fountains

Pacific Science Center

At Pacific Science Center in Seattle Center, curiosity leads the way. This longtime Seattle attraction invites you to explore the science behind everyday life and the mystery of the cosmos.

What is there to see? Step into the Tropical Butterfly House, where hundreds of butterflies flutter among tropical plants, then turn your attention skyward with a live planetarium show. Exhibits such as Brainy Bodies and Destination: Outer Space offer more discoveries, while the Maker & Innovation Lab encourages creative exploration. You can also catch an IMAX movie or settle into the Laser Dome for colorful imagery set to music. Explore the current exhibits.

Is Pacific Science Center kid-friendly? Very! It's one of the most popular destinations for local families and student groups.

Plan your visit: The Pacific Science Center is generally open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. General admission includes unlimited Planetarium and daytime laser shows (free timed tickets required). Find visitor and show information.

How to get to the Pacific Science Center: Take Link light rail's 1 Line to Westlake Station, then take the Monorail for a fun, fast ride directly to Seattle Center, where Pacific Science Center is located.

The Northwest African American Museum celebrates the region's Black history and art. Housed in the historic Colman School beside Jimi Hendrix Park, it’s a place to discover influential figures and everyday community heroes.

What is there to see? Changing exhibitions explore Black experiences and creativity, with a particular connection to the Pacific Northwest. In History Lives Here: The Power of Community & Commitment, discover local people whose contributions reach far beyond the spotlight. The exhibit honors the often-overlooked individuals who shape their communities and invites you to reflect on the people who have made a difference in your own life. Explore the exhibit.

Is the Northwest African American Museum kid-friendly? Yes, and Saturdays offer something especially fun for young visitors. The Benjamin Banneker Math Room welcomes children and families to explore math through puzzles and games while learning about its namesake, mathematician and astronomer. It’s open Saturdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Afterward, nearby Jimi Hendrix Park offers space for an outdoor break.

Plan your visit: The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Check the visitor page for hours and admission.

Getting there: From Seattle Southside, take Link light rail’s 1 Line toward Lynnwood City Center to International District/Chinatown Station. Transfer to the 2 Line toward Downtown Redmond and ride one stop to Judkins Park. Use the 23rd Avenue South exit, then walk south to the museum at 2300 S. Massachusetts St.

WANT EVEN MORE HISTORY?

Frequently Asked Questions About Museums Near Seattle

What are the best museums to visit near Seattle?

Some of the best-known museums and educational attractions in the Seattle area include The Museum of Flight, Seattle Art Museum, Wing Luke Museum, Pacific Science Center, and Northwest African American Museum. Visitors can also explore smaller specialty museums in Seattle Southside focused on local history, marine biology, aviation, and vintage computing.

What museums are near SeaTac Airport?

Several museums are within a short drive of SeaTac Airport. The Museum of Flight is about 10 minutes away, Highline Heritage Museum is about 10 minutes away, Interim Computer Museum is about 15 minutes away, and the Des Moines Historical Society Museum is about 15 minutes away.

What are the best Seattle museums for kids?

The Museum of Flight, MaST Center Aquarium, and Pacific Science Center are especially good choices for families. The Museum of Flight offers aircraft visitors can explore and hands-on exhibits, MaST Center has touch tanks and native Puget Sound marine life, and Pacific Science Center features interactive science exhibits, butterflies, planetarium shows, and other family-oriented experiences.

Are there free museums near Seattle?

Yes. The MaST Center Aquarium in Des Moines offers free admission during its public Discovery Days, and the Des Moines Historical Society Museum also offers free admission, with donations welcomed. Some Seattle museums and cultural attractions may also offer designated free days, so check individual museum websites before visiting.

Can you reach Seattle museums by light rail?

Yes. Visitors staying in Seattle Southside can take Link light rail's 1 Line toward downtown Seattle to reach several attractions. Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Central Library are near Symphony Station, while Wing Luke Museum is accessible from International District/Chinatown Station. Pacific Science Center can be reached by taking Link to Westlake Station and transferring to the Seattle Monorail. Pasted text

You may also be interested in...

Related Content: