Toddler Perks: These Seattle Spots Are Free for Your Youngest

Parents in the trenches of toddlerhood deserve a few perks. This thought crossed my mind as I cruised in the carpool lane during rush hour while my 2-year-old screamed that he wanted to buckle his car seat. And then again while chasing him around on an enriching yet exhausting outing where he at least got free admission.

That’s why I set out to find the best activities around Seattle to enjoy with your toddler while they’re still free (with a paying adult). So grab your stroller or baby carrier, pack plenty of snacks and plan around nap time to enjoy these awesome Seattle-area outings that will make your baby or toddler squeal with delight. And keep in mind that this stage (and the freebies) won’t last forever.

Anytime activities with toddlers

Woodland Park Zoo

Animals are often among the first things to captivate babies and toddlers, and visiting one of our local zoos is a must with your tiny tiger. Luckily, we have quite a few animal destinations around town that all welcome kids 2 and younger, free of charge, including the Woodland Park Zoo. Conveniently located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, Woodland Park Zoo has been a mainstay for wild animal viewing since its opening in 1899. Your toddler will find all their favorite creatures, from giraffes and gorillas to cows and butterflies.

Tickets: Free for ages 2 and younger. Adult tickets are around $28, and youth tickets (3–12) are around $17.

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, nestled in Point Defiance Park, offers stunning views of the Sound. It features tigers, polar bears, and two outstanding aquariums. You and your toddler will ooh and ahh over the hammerhead sharks, giant Pacific octopus, and the Tidal Touch Zone at the Pacific Seas Aquarium. You can pretend you’re snorkeling at the newly renovated Tropical Reef Aquarium — both are included with admission.

Tickets: Free for ages 2 and younger. Adult tickets are $23–$26 while youth tickets (3–12) are $16–$18.

Cougar Mountain Zoo

Tucked in the hills of Issaquah, Cougar Mountain Zoo promises a slew of animals from cougars to lemurs. Its smaller size and easy parking make it a great spot for a tot.

Tickets: Free for ages 2 and younger. Adult tickets are $18 while youth tickets (3–12) are $15.

Northwest Trek

Northwest Trek is a unique take on a traditional zoo, featuring an electric tram (did someone say train ride!) that takes you through free-roaming grounds where you can spot animals in a more natural setting. They also have traditional zoo exhibits and a fantastic nature-inspired playground where your toddler can explore a cave, crawl through a tunnel and wade in an artificial stream (open in the summer only). Just be prepared to find that some elements of this playground are reserved for older children and the line of sight isn’t great for parents.

Tickets: Free for ages 2 and younger. Standard adult tickets are $23–$26 and youth tickets (3–12) are $16–18.

Great Wheel

Thrill your toddler and expand their horizons with a ride on the Great Wheel at the Seattle Waterfront. The ride varies from 10–20 minutes and boasts gorgeous views of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle. Your toddler will love going around and around and spotting boats, trucks and skyscrapers from the 360-degree view. This attraction can get busy and the line can get long on the weekends, so your best bet with an impatient toddler is visiting on an off-season weekday. Fill up those little bellies before your ride as they do not allow food or drinks on the gondolas. They also require toddlers to have a ticket, even though it’s free.

Tickets: Free for ages 2 and younger. Adult tickets are $20, and youth tickets (3–11) are $15.

Pacific Science Center

There are endless things to discover at PacSci with your toddler. From a tropical butterfly house to giant life-size dinosaurs and even an area just for tots, plan on exploring this expansive science center all day — or at least until nap time.

Tickets: Free for ages 2 and younger. Tickets for adults start at $25, and youth tickets (3–17) start at $19.

Professional sports games

Seattle has four professional sports teams (Sounders, Kraken, Seahawks and Mariners) that all require tickets for kids 3 and older, meaning you can get your 2-year-old in for free (though be prepared to hold them on your lap). Choose your sporting event wisely as some can get a bit loud and rowdy (we’re looking at you Seahawks!). Invest in some baby ear protection — the Mariners have them free to borrow while at the game — and cheer on your home team. Toddlers will love dancing to the music, watching the live entertainment, eating stadium snacks and people-watching. Just don’t expect your little one to make it through to the end, as it’s a lot of stimulation (and sitting) for them.

Tickets: Ticket prices vary greatly between sporting events and specific games, but games are free for ages 2 and younger.

Seattle Aquarium

Kiddos three and younger will get so much out of a visit to the Seattle Aquarium, especially with the opening of the new Ocean Pavilion expansion. Babies as young as 6 months old will squirm with delight at the sight of a graceful jellyfish, a splashing seal or a darting fish. Plus, you can let them loose at the refreshed Caring Cove play space perfect for toddlers to explore. And, at the going rate of up to $53 for an adult and up to $32 for children 4–12, a visit before your kiddo hits their fourth birthday is the way to go.

Tickets: Free for ages 3 and younger. Tickets cost $27.95–$52.95 for ages 13 and older, and $16.77–$31.77 for children ages 4–12.

Museum of Flight

What toddler doesn’t light up at the sight of an airplane in the sky? At the impressive Museum of Flight, they can see planes up close and even climb into the cockpit of several aircraft. You will also find a Flight Zone kids’ play area where your tot can climb into replica aircraft and a mini-air traffic control tower. This is an outing where you’ll need to bring your patience and manage your expectations, as not all exhibits are toddler-friendly.

Tickets: Free for ages 3 and younger. Adult tickets are $26, and youth tickets (5–17) are $18 (or free first Thursdays of the month for all).

Burke Museum

Though these animals aren’t of the living variety, your toddler will still get a kick out of seeing giant dinosaur fossil displays and taxidermy animals at the Burke Museum. They also have a small play area for kids. Just be aware that some exhibits aren’t toddler-friendly, so bring your patience. With your little one in tow, you might not get to explore the awesome museum as much as you’d like.

Tickets: Free for ages 3 and younger. Adult tickets are $22, and youth tickets (4–17) are $14 (or free first Thursdays of the month for all).

Space Needle

Most Seattle-area toddlers have been fascinated by the giant needle touching the sky downtown. To really make their eyes light up, take them on a trip to the top. Their world will get a whole lot bigger with a view from the Space Needle. Just be prepared for an elevator wait (a weekday off-season visit is best) and come prepared with snacks as there isn’t much food for toddlers at the top.

Tickets: Free for ages 4 and younger. Adult tickets are $39–$46.50, and youth tickets (5–12) are $29–$35.

Seasonal activities with toddlers

Washington State Fair

Our state’s largest fair is up and running until Sept. 22 in Puyallup. Kids 5 and younger get in free and there is plenty for young kiddos to do and see. Visit adorable farm animals, feast on delicious fair food, and explore the Farm at Sillyville — a free, interactive experience where little ones can pretend to be farmers and learn about where our food comes from.

Tickets: Free for ages 5 and younger. Adult tickets are $15–$18 depending on the day and youth tickets (6–12) are $12–$14.

Pumpkin Patches

Pumpkin patch season is almost here, bringing new free outing options for your toddler. Most farms have resident animals to visit, yard games to enjoy and of course, pumpkin fields to tromp through. Visiting on a weekday is your best chance to avoid the crowds.

Tickets: Many local farms welcome kiddos 2 and younger free, some 3 and younger. Admission prices vary, check out our pumpkin patch round-up for details on each local farm.