Neighborhood Spotlight: Capitol Hill

The vibe

More than a decade ago, my son was often the lone baby toddling around the north Capitol Hill neighborhood where we lived. Today, The Hill (we old-school residents would never call it “Cap Hill”) is home to more kids and fewer artists and rebels than in its grunge glory days of the mid-’80s and ’90s.

One reason for the big shift: Capitol Hill’s housing prices have soared as techies have moved in, following the growth of Amazon and other local tech startups. Still, the neighborhood maintains its hip and creative energy. Capitol Hill’s street art is some of the most vibrant in the city, events featuring visual arts and live performances are plentiful, and the neighborhood's roots as an LGBTQ haven are still strong.

In fact, The Hill’s centrally located Cal Anderson Park is named in honor of the first openly gay member of the Washington State Legislature, who served from 1987 to 1995. When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all state bans on same-sex marriage with the Obergefell v Hodges ruling on June 26, 2015, Cal Anderson Park boomed with joyful celebrations as locals gathered to mark the victory for marriage equality with cheers, music and fireworks all through that historic night.

Play and explore

When exploring Capitol Hill with your little buddies, kick off your adventure at Volunteer Park. Your kids can burn off their zoomies running through the expansive park, climbing on the woodsy play structure, and splashing in the wading pool during warmer months. While you’re there, explore the wild collection of flora at the beautiful Volunteer Park Conservatory where children 5 and younger are admitted free. In the southeast corner of the park, you’ll find the Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM) in a gorgeous 1933 Art Deco building. There, families can explore the extensive Asian art collection and learn about our region’s rich cultural history. SAAM is open Thursday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free for children 14 and younger.

For families with bookworms, head to Ada’s Technical Books and Café, where curious minds can delve into a world of innovation while snacking on poutine made with shredded Brussels sprouts and Beecher’s cheese curds. There’s also Seattle’s long-loved Elliott Bay Book Company, which now has a boat in the children’s section in which kids can curl up while flipping through a book. Every first Saturday of the month at 11 a.m., there’s a free storytime for children at Elliott Bay. It’s a great time for younger readers to discover new picture books while parents savor a cup of coffee in the café next to the children’s section.

For families with older children seeking thrills, Blade & Timber Axe Throwing offers an opportunity for some unconventional family bonding. With supervision, kids ages 10 and older can test their skills in the art of axe throwing alongside their lumberjack and lumberjane parents. Every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. is Family Play. Kids ages 10–18 throw for the price of their age with the purchase of an adult ticket.

For classic gamers of all ages, Raygun Lounge has 13 pinball machines, eight arcade consoles and a well-stocked tabletop gaming library. This all-ages and dog-friendly spot offers kid-fave fare, including grilled cheese sandwiches and hot dogs, with beer and wine available for grown-ups.

Eats and treats

While longtime Seattleites might still be mourning the loss of late-night espresso and pastries at B&O Espresso, young families are finding so many old and new treats to devour in this reborn historic neighborhood.

Looking for an Instagram-worthy treat? Coché Valley Dessert Café comes highly recommended by Rachel Oppenheim, a Capitol Hill mom of two. The cafe’s specialty is bingsu, a milk-based Korean shaved ice dessert with delicious toppings. Coché Valley’s mango cheesecake version comes topped with fresh mango, pieces of cheesecake and vanilla ice cream. If you prefer to enjoy your treats through a straw, the cafe’s beverage menu is also colorful — from a bright purple taro milk boba tea to a strawberry matcha latte.

For a taste of the Himalayas, head to Annapurna Café and savor authentic flavors from Nepal, India and Tibet. Enjoy savory momo dumplings and aromatic curries while surrounded by the festive and cozy ambiance of this neighborhood gem.