Fun For The Whole Family

Top 9 Things To Do With Family Visiting Seattle Southside

Looking for some ways to entertain relatives?

Here are some of the top family-friendly attractions just south of Seattle. Whether you're hosting cousins, nieces, nephews, grandparents, or all of the above, we've got some great ideas for you.

1. Seattle Chocolate Factory Tour

2. The Museum of Flight

3. Defy Gravity with iFLY: Indoor Skydiving and DEFY

4. Westfield Southcenter

5. Get Outside at Des Moines Beach Park or Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden

6. Bowlero South Seattle

7. Explore Local Oppegaard Meadery

8. Get Your Game On at Waterland Arcade, Dimension XR and Legacy Gaming

9. Go Day Tripping

1. Tour a Chocolate Factory

Seattle Chocolate, makers of Maeve and Jcoco, offers tours of its colorful, whimsical factory in Tukwila. Learn about their sustainably sourced cocoa beans, see the chocolate-making process up close, and try delectable delights.

2. Marvel at Planes and Spacecraft

The Museum of Flight works to instill that sense of wonder and desire to take to the skies through awe-inspiring exhibits showcasing their massive air and space collection. From WWI/WWII fighter planes, to an original Air Force One, to the space shuttle trainer that the Apollo astronauts trained in, this is one world-class museum that can’t be missed.

Pictured: The Great Gallery at the Museum of Flight in Tukwila, Washington.

3. Defy Gravity with iFLY: Indoor Skydiving and Sky Zone

If you wish you could fly without the use of a plane, you're in luck. We have two different ways to triumph over the forces of gravity here in Seattle Southside. If you’ve ever wanted to skydive but you’ve been too afraid to jump out of a plane (or didn’t want to cough up the cash), iFLY is a great place to start. The 10-story vertical wind tunnel gives the sensation of skydiving without the fear of a faulty parachute. Step inside and feel the wind lift you off your feet! The best part about iFLY: ages 3 to 103 are all welcome to try it!

Sky Zone is a blast for the kid in everyone. Think of it as a massive trampoline gym mixed with American Ninja Warrior. It’s a free running/parkour paradise that kids and adults can both enjoy. It’s also a fun way to get a workout in, just be sure to pace yourself as there’s a lot of fun to be had in this metropolis of joy.

4. Westfield Southcenter

The largest indoor shopping center in the Pacific Northwest is right in Seattle Southside. Westfield Southcenter has hundreds of stores, including large department stores and small specialty shops. There’s also a diverse selection of restaurants, attractions, and even a movie theatre on the top floor.

5. Get Outside at Des Moines Beach Park or Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden

Des Moines Beach Park is the definition of a hidden gem. Located on the Puget Sound waterfront, it's a scenic destination year-round. If it's warm out, pack a picnic and enjoy the wide-open spaces, breathtaking views, and fresh air. In autumn, enjoy the bright fall foliage. And if you're there in the evening, you'll catch one of the most stunning sunsets in Western Washington.

Take in the scenic beauty of Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, which is open to the public and free all year. With multiple different gardens which are in peak bloom at different times, you're always sure to find something beautiful, even in the dead of winter. From the Seike Japanese Garden and its storied history to the rose garden to the celebration garden, you're sure to find something fantastic in bloom.

6. Bowlero South Seattle

Seattle Southside is the de facto bowling capital of the Pacific Northwest. While there are several places to bowl, one of our favorites is Bowlero South Seattle. With over 30 lanes, billiards, shuffleboard, an arcade, a full bar, and lots to eat, your crew will be entertained for hours. On select days, it offers “Cosmic” bowling, when the lights go off and the lanes turn blue.

7. Discover Local Mead at Oppegaard Meadery

If you have guests who love trying new, unique drinks, we've got the ticket for you. Locally owned Oppegaard is a delightful, family-friendly meadery serving small-batch, handcrafted mead. Order a round of this ancient honey wine, grab a board game off the shelf, and play a few rounds with the fam.

8. Get Your Game On at Waterland Arcade, Dimension XR and Legacy Gaming

Videogaming: it's not just for the kids anymore! Legacy Gaming features state-of-the-art Alienware PCs, all the latest consoles, and three different kinds of VR, but they also have a huge variety of retro games in their Turn Back Time Zone, so that you can relive arcade glory days of Pong, Ms. Pac-Man, and other classic games. Speaking of arcades, the Waterland Arcade not only recreates the classic feel of the arcade, but they also have lots of retro gifts and collectibles available - even VHS tapes! And if you have a competitive bunch, consider a game of virtual laser tag at Dimension XR - a novel change from the usual arguing over board games at the holidays.

Pictured: Virtual Tag at Dimension XR

retro pinball machines at Waterland Arcade in Des Moines Washington

Pinball at Waterland Arcade

9. Go Day Tripping

The open road is calling! Seattle Southside's convenient central location makes for the perfect hub for all your Western Washington adventures. With lots of scenic drives and fantastic day trips in the area, the journey never ends, no matter what kind of trip your crew is looking for.