Seattle Southside Staycation

How to Have Two Days of Family Fun Close to Home

It was time for a last hurrah before school started so I made reservations and packed up the family for a fun filled Staycation.

Driving from our home in Tacoma we were only in the car for about 25 minutes before we arrived at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton Seattle Airport – Southcenter in good spirits. At check-in the kids were wide eyed when they were each handed a warm chocolate chip cookie. As we rode the elevator up to our suite both of my kids wore chocolate covered grins. Our family of four had plenty of space to spread out in our room before we split up and headed out for bonding individually with each of our kids.

AMC Movie Theatre at Westfield Southcenter

Day 1: Boys Night Out

My husband and son headed to a Mariners game. The hotel shuttle took the guys to light rail station so they didn't have to hassle with traffic or expensive parking.
Girls night out – I took my daughter on her first official shopping excursion to Westfield Southcenter and their huge selection of stores, followed by dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. After a short walk back to our hotel my daughter and I spent the remainder of the evening poolside before her bedtime. Then it was “me time” as I ordered an in-room “chick flick” I had unsuccessfully tried to drag my husband to see.

museum of flight

Day 2

We started our day with a healthy breakfast. The hotel buffet had plenty to choose from. Happy and full we set off to visit the Museum of Flight. The Museum is a crowd pleaser for our family. Included with our admission that day was a craft activity for kids. We learned about helicopters, built and decorated a small model then climbed up stairs to drop our copters and watch them fly. There’s a never ending array of things to look at it. Each time we visit we notice something new.

After a few hours at the museum we headed off in search of a local restaurant for lunch. Galliano’s was on the way back to our hotel. We sat outside, sipped Italian Sodas and enjoyed the flowers, shade, music and nice breeze. Then we headed back to the hotel for Dad and daughter to have an afternoon siesta. My son and I walked to the AMC Theater at Westfield for a 3D version of Spy Kids complete with smell-o-vision! After our movie we browsed the shops and picked up items on the “Back to School Shopping” list.

Plated Steak, Chicken, at Outback Steakouse in Seattle Southside

We met up at another family favorite, Outback Steakhouse. After a delicious dinner we walked back to the hotel, relaxed for a bit and went pool side. It’s amazing how much mileage you can get out of a hotel pool. The kids were content to swim for hours. We all had a great time! Staycations are fun and when winter weather hits – we’re headed poolside in the Southside.

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Author

Ashley Comar