Last-Minute Family Fun for Spring Break 2019

1. Museum of History and Industry 

This South Union Lake spot is a gem not to be missed for a day of family learning and play. The impressive museum, better known as MOHAI, houses collections and exhibits that tell the stories of the Puget Sound area, highlighting the spirit of innovation that shapes our region to this day. 

Tip: The front desk lends out “Exploration and Innovation Packs,” which kids ages 3–10 can use to guide their visit. Strollers are allowed, and an on-site café serves hungry explorers. The best part? Kids ages 14 and under get in for free! 

If weather allows, combine your outing with a walk around Lake Union Park; also check out the neat maritime artifacts at The Center for Wooden Boats, just steps away.

Also nearby: If your kids are on the younger side, KidsQuest Children’s Museum in Bellevue may be more up their alley than MOHAI. This curious-kid mecca allows them to “drive” a truck, climb a three-story tree house, splash in water and plenty of other activities.

2. Snohomish Aquatic Center

Beach-going weather may still be months away, but that doesn’t mean you need to pass on splash-and-surf fun. Pack your swimsuits and head to the Snohomish Aquatic Center. 

The bright, 52,000-square-foot center features several pools and pretty much anything else you could want in a waterpark. Climb, swing and slide on one of the play structures; practice flips in the dedicated dive area; splash in the spray pad; float along the lazy river, or barrel down the 151-foot-long Splashtacular waterslide. 

Still not satisfied? Get your boards ready for the FlowRider machine, a groovy real-life surf experience with waves ready for riding. 

Classes and clinics are available to polish swimming and surfing skills. Spend the day and your kids will definitely be ready for bed by the time you’re back home!

Also nearby: For more ways to get the young ones moving, bounce off to We Rock the Spectrum, an awesome all-abilities, sensory-safe gym with locations in Bellevue and Federal Way.

3. Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour  

Just because your spring break doesn’t involve boarding a plane, there’s no reason you can’t get up close to one. The Future of Flight Aviation Center in Everett is a must for every airplane enthusiast or budding pilot. Discover the past and future of aviation, explore aircraft building and materials and track the progress of aerospace engineering and innovation. 

Younger visitors are welcome at the Family Zone, which features Lego activity carts and a kid-sized airport with plenty of planes to pilot. Families can also attend aviation-themed weekend workshops. Then, tour the Boeing factory floor to see a Dreamliner assembled before your eyes. (Note: The tour has a minimum 4-foot height limit; infants in arms aren’t allowed.) Same-day tour tickets sell out fast, booking a little ahead is recommended! 

Also try: For youngsters who can’t get enough planes, The Museum of Flight is another great destination, housing one of the country’s largest air and space collections and flying fun for all age groups.