Shop, Play, Fill the Day
Things to Do with Kids in Seattle Southside at Westfield Southcenter
Toy Stores, Play Spaces, Art Projects and More
Where can you find 60 family-friendly restaurants, dozens of places to buy toys and games, an indoor playground, and a movie theater all under one roof? Hint: It’s not a fancy theme park.
Westfield Southcenter, the largest shopping mall in the Pacific Northwest, is a haven for indoor family fun. Plus, it's only a 10-minute drive from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Seattle Southside, or want to get some shopping done without causing a meltdown, we've got you covered. Below is a guide to keeping the family happy at the mall, so you can sit back and sip a latte or bubble tea while your kids entertain themselves.
Places to Play
Westfield Playspace
When you need to take a load off with tots and babies in tow, head to Westfield PlaySpace, a free play area tucked away in a quieter aisle. There, they can climb and explore in a safe, soft setting filled with large puzzles, a small leaf-shaped slide, and friendly animal characters to climb on and around. There’s comfortable seating for caregivers to sit and rest while keeping an eye on little ones. A great place to sip a drink while you recharge!
Safari Play Space
Sometimes, kids need to burn off a ton of energy (or, let’s be honest, you need them to burn off energy before you go nuts). In those cases, take them to Safari Play Space, a large, safe, indoor play structure where they can take their shoes off, dive into a ball pit, zoom down slides, and get all the sillies out. The space is open to kids 52” or shorter and has a designated toddler area. Price varies depending on the day, but it’s always under $20 for two hours.
Immersive Gamebox
Dive into another world at Immersive Gamebox, an interactive gaming experience where you become the controller, and the entire room is the screen. You choose from lots of different games designed for 2-6 players, pay for a session, then don a special hat hooked up to sensors that let you control the game. It's the perfect way to get video game fans off the couch and onto their feet, all while bonding with friends or family. Little kids can play Paw Patrol and Angry Birds, while older kids and adults love popular brands like Floor is Lava and Ghostbusters.
Round1 Bowling and Arcade
When you’re all done shopping and want to treat your family and friends to a raucous good time, head over to Round1 Bowling and Arcade. This Japanese bowling chain is an entertainment hub with 14 bowling lanes, tons of arcade games (including rare Japanese games), and private karaoke rooms.
The Escape Game
Need to fill an hour? Book a 60-minute session at The Escape Game. This action-packed activity features several different themed games, each with multiple rooms. You might need to break out of a space shuttle, explore jungle ruins, or locate a stolen masterpiece. Work as a group to solve puzzles and challenges to get out before your time is up. Booking ahead online is encouraged, though walk-ins are accepted pending availability.
Great Big Game Show
Right next to The Escape Game is Great Big Game Show, another 60-minute activity designed for small groups. The experience is like nothing else: once inside, you're divided into two teams, and a charismatic live host guides you through a variety of fast-paced competitions. From trivia to word play to classic game show games, you'll have the opportunity to flex lots of different skills. Booking ahead online is encouraged, though walk-ins are accepted pending availability.
Places to Learn and Create
The Public Library
Who would think there was a public library right in the mall? The King County Library System (KCLS) Library Connection is a cozy place to take the fam when everyone needs a little quiet time. Head to the cute kids’ section, where you’ll find a colorful wall mural, small tables, rows of children’s books, and desktop computers with educational games. Everyone can relax without spending a dime.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
What’s better than a new stuffie? Creating one yourself! At Build-A-Bear, kids can choose from dozens of furry friends, from classic teddy bears in every color and print to specific characters like Hello Kitty, Sonic the Hedgehog, Bluey, and plenty more. Then, stuff the toy yourself and personalize it with clothes, accessories, sound effects, and even scents! When you’re done, your toy gets its own birth certificate to take home.
LEGO Store
A trip to LEGO store is a full-on experience, with opportunities for creativity and play right in the store. Kids can build their own “minifigures” by mixing and matching bottoms, tops, heads, and accessories. Then, they can choose bricks from a bright Pick & Build wall containing pieces in seemingly every color under the sun. And, of course, you can shop for lots of different LEGO kits.
The Slime Factory
What kid doesn't like getting their hands on some sticky, gooey stuff? The Slime Factory lets them do just that in a fun, playful environment. Each ticket includes 30-60 minutes of hands-on play in the ooey-gooey slime pool, as well as creating and decorating two custom slimes that you can take home. Everyone gets to don lab coats and safety goggles, making them feel like scientists.
Toy and Game Stores
GameStop
GameStop is an exciting destination for kids who love video games and collectibles. The store is packed with the latest gaming consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, along with a huge selection of video games for every age and interest. Kids can browse shelves full of action figures, Funko Pop collectibles, gaming-themed toys, and gear from their favorite franchises like Pokémon, Mario, and Minecraft. Whether trading in old games or picking up new ones, GameStop offers a hands-on, fun-filled shopping experience.
POP MART
POP MART is a leading character-based entertainment company celebrated for its designer toys and vibrant pop culture merchandise. The store features a diverse array of collectible figures from popular series such as MOLLY, The Monsters, DIMOO, and SKULLPANDA. Each collectible is crafted with incredible attention to detail. The store provides a creative and colorful shopping experience that will delight anyone who loves playful and artistic designs.
Squishable
It's virtually impossible to walk into Squishable without cracking a smile. This famous plushie brand manages to make a cute, squishy character out of anything you can imagine, including inanimate objects. Sure, there are adorable animals galore, but you'll also find such whimsical options as a smiling avocado or stick of butter. There are mini versions for easy gifts or stocking stuffers, and mega-big ones for an extra-squishy delight. And yes, grown-ups collect them, too, so no shame if you want to pick up a few just for you.
MINISO
Can't get enough cuteness? MINISO is a goldmine of adorable novelty toys and products. Young shoppers can pick out playful stationery, backpack charms, cuddly plush toys, and collectibles featuring popular brands like Hello Kitty and Stitch. It's also a popular place to get blind boxes, which tap into the fun of getting a surprise toy.
Rolife
There's something magical about peering into a miniature world, be it a cozy bakery, a book shop, or a scene from your favorite children's book. Rolife taps into the curious appeal of tiny scenes with gorgeous DIY miniature houses and other specialty products. It's also known for its DIY Book Nook Kits, which are designed to slide right between the books on your bookshelf and make for delightful gifts. The best part is, they're nice enough to display in your living room and definitely don't scream "kid decor."
Toys R Us
For many people, Toys R Us was the ultimate destination growing up. Now, you can share the magic with your kids at this iconic toy store. Just as you remember, the store stocks hundreds of different kinds of toys for kids of all ages of kids, from babies to preteens. Shop major brands such as LEGO, Disney, and Fisher-Price, and stock up on kids' books, outdoor gear for summer, building blocks and sets, dolls and stuffies, action figures, and more.
Pro Tip: Buy a new RC toy car? Take it straight to the RC Racetrack at North SeaTac Park, just a 10-minute drive from the mall!
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FAQ
Q: What is the largest shopping mall in Washington?
A: The largest shopping mall in Washington is Westfield Southcenter in Tukwila.
Q: What are some rainy day activities in Seattle?
A: Seattle Southside, the area encompassing Tukwila, SeaTac, and Des Moines, has a ton of fun rainy day activities for kids and families. Visit Westfield Southcenter mall, check out The Museum of Flight, take a tour of Seattle Chocolate Factory, try iFLY Indoor Skydiving, take the family bowling at Round1 or Bowlero, and play all day at Family Fun Center.
Q: What are the best children's clothing stores in Seattle?
A: There are many places to shop for children's clothes at Westfield Southcenter, including Macy's, Nordstrom, UNIQLO, and Journeys Kidz.
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