Top Destinations for Music-Obsessed Kids in Seattle

From toddlers to teens, kids love to express themselves through music, by singing along to the radio, learning to play instruments or even recording their own tunes. With this in mind, I’ve rounded up a bunch of great places to experience music for every age.

You can take your bass-playing tween to hear a professional jazz concert, explore an instrument “petting zoo” with your little one, experience opera for the first time as a family, record your own tunes or bring the whole family to a rockin’ concert. Even better, most of these outings are affordable (or even free!).

Kindiependent Kids Rock concert series

The Mount Baker Community Club hosts a kids’ concert every third Saturday through May 17. These concerts are great for all generations, and with the one-hour performance time, even better for little ones with short attention spans. Bring a blanket to spread out on the floor for sitting, and get your tickets early online because they sell out fast. Upcoming talent includes Recess Monkey, Highlight Quartet and Harmonica Pocket. Concerts run from 10:30–11:30 a.m., and doors open at 10 a.m.

Ages: All ages
Cost: $10 per person; free for babes in arms
Location: Mount Baker Community Club, 2811 Mount Rainier Dr. S., Seattle

Symphony Tacoma Mini Maestros concert series

This special concert series introduces kids to instruments and music with four 45-minute “informances” designed by early learning experts. While the emcee introduces foundational music concepts, costumed performers play musical selections and kids clap, sing and march to the beat. In the hour before each concert, kids can attend an instrument “petting zoo” in which they are allowed to touch and even try out instruments (with supervision from musicians).

Ages: 2–8 years old and their families
Cost: $14 adults; $11 children
Location: Schneebeck Concert Hall at University of Puget Sound, 1567–1625 N. Union Ave., Tacoma

Museum of Pop Culture Sound Lab

The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) has lots to offer musical kids. Explore exhibits featuring hometown musical acts like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, or browse the Guitar Gallery. Then kids can make music in soundproofed studio pods in the Sound Lab. Each contains a keyboard or drums, guitar and bass. Take a lesson with a sophisticated computer and audio or just jam. Or kids can learn how DJs do their thing in DJ Hallway, play the Big Drum, learn about audio technology interactives, or even record their own music that can be downloaded and shared for free.

Ages: All ages
Cost: Ticket prices vary by date and season, but general admission currently starts at $28.50 for adults; $20 for youth ages 5–12; free for ages 4 and younger. MoPOP now offers a 15 percent discount for Washington residents, and participates in programs that offer free or reduced-price museum admission for families.
Location: Museum of Pop Culture, 325 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle

The Vera Project

The Vera Project is another incredible place to take budding musicians and sound engineers. Beyond attending live shows here, kids can learn more about the craft, and live a day-in-the-life of a music industry pro. The Sound & Stage program includes workshops and training in live sound and recording engineering, lighting design, PA mixing and DJ mixing. You can even reserve a recording studio to record music with assistance from staff.

Ages: All ages
Cost: Recording studio starts at $40 per hour; classes are $40–$60; events vary.
Location: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle

Seattle Opera’s Opera Time at the Opera Center

The Seattle Opera offers a fun program for preschoolers and their caregivers called Opera Time at the Opera Center through June. In each 45-minute session, opera is explored through songs, stories and creative play. You can even check out past Opera Time sessions online.

Seattle Opera also offers events and activities for older children, including educational programming and sensory-friendly performances.

Ages: 2–5 years old with their caregivers
Cost: Pay what you wish; $5 minimum suggested donation
Location: Seattle Opera, 363 Mercer St., Seattle

Seattle Center Festál

Drop by the Seattle Center for a free festival, where you and the kids will hear great music from all different cultures. It’s an amazing way to not only experience music from all around the world, but also expose your kids to international food, traditions and more. Some upcoming Festál events include Irish Festival, French Fest, and Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival.

Ages: All ages
Cost: Free
Location: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle

Seattle Jazz Vespers

If you have an aspiring jazz musician at home, check out this free opportunity to hear professional musicians in a concert setting that — unlike many jazz concerts — is open to all ages. Held in the historic, gothic sanctuary at Seattle First Baptist on First Hill, the concerts include a break after the first set in which audience members can give a free-will donation and hear a short, nonsectarian positive message. The evening continues with another two hours of jazz. After the concert, kids are welcome to chat with the performers.

Pro tip: No reservations are needed, but get there early for good seats and parking.

Ages: All ages
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Location: Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave., Seattle

ZooTunes

For an outdoor music experience for the whole family, put ZooTunes on your summer bucket list. Concerts are held on the lawn, so bring your low-back concert chairs or a blanket or two to spread on the grass. There are food and beverages available for purchase, though you are also allowed to bring in food and drinks in non-glass containers. The 2025 performance lineup includes Elvis Costello, Regina Spektor, and Wilco. If you have a zoo membership, you can get your tickets a day early and check out the zoo before the concert. (Zoo admission is not included with ZooTunes tickets for nonmembers).

Ages: All ages
Cost: ZooTunes tickets cost $40–$75. Children younger than 2 are free with a paid adult; ages 3 and older need a ticket.
Location: Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle