Rob

Anyone kind enough to comment on week vacation at end of may with 15 year old in Seattle area? Hotels, reastaurants, side trips?

Donna F

We only had one full day in Seattle. My husband and 22 yo son didn't care for the Pike Market but I loved it. Great people watching in the park next door, however. We all enjoyed the Underground Seattle tour and a Duck Tour. If we had had more time friends have recommended seeing the locks and the Boeing plant and Mt St Helens. Prior to my arrival, the guys enjoyed hiking around across the bay and got great pictures of an elk herd. Your 15 yo would probably enjoy the Music Project next to the Space Needle.

Larry

Take one day and drive to Vancouver. It is really a beautiful city with many great places to shop and dine.

c

Take a drive out to Snoqualmie Falls for a day of hiking. It's around 40 minutes east of Seattle on I-90.

Is the 15 year old male or female?

Vancouver is a good suggestion. You might also want to take a daytrip to the San Juan Islands.

ALF

I would take a 1-2 day trip to Mt. Rainier and/or Mt. St. Helens. The drive up to Paradise on Mt. Rainier in May should be quite nice, and you can play in the snow up there as well. A ferry trip is always a great idea. There is a catamaran that will take you up to Victoria for the day. If you want a shorter ferry trip, you can drive onto the Bainbridge Island Ferry, explore the island, drive across the bridge off the west side, then mosey on up the Sound until you get to Kingston, where you can take a return ferry to Edmonds. Another great 1-2 day trip is to head over to the Olympic National Park. The drive up to Hurrican Ridge is quite spectacular. If you allow a bit more time, you can then head out to the Olympic Beaches and the Hoh Rainforest.

aja

I’ve taken my two nieces to Seattle a couple of times. They loved “Game Works”. You can easily spend a small fortune there. If you do go be aware that we were able to get a $15.00 play card per person, by proving that we were from out of town. We ate at a café in the Games Works. Food was OK, cost…a bit on the steep side.
Their favorite places to eat were Planet Hollywood and the Space Needle. You might look into the Seattle City Pass. It gives you 50% off entrance fees to several places. We used half the coupons and came out a few dollars ahead.
Have fun !

Wendy

Things to entertain you-Experience Music Project, IMAX at the Science Center, the Butterfly garden at the Science Center, maybe a Sonics game?, Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, a theater show? Gameworks, zoo (weather permitting), Aquarium, a movie at the Cinerama!!

Restaurants- I think Planet Hollywood is closed(?), Cheesecake Factory, Gorden Biersch Brewery in Pacific Place, Icon Grill, Ivars on the pier, Spagetti Factory (for picky eater kids).

Side trips- Clipper boat up to Vancouver for a night, drive out to Snoqualmie Falls for the day, drive to Ocean Shores for a couple of days, drive up to Vancouver for a day or Portland.

lisa

I second driving out of Seattle. I reccommend a drive to Anacortes and then take the Ferry to Friday Harbor, and go Whale Watching. Also, Mt. Ranier or St. Helens, Olympic Park, and Snoqualmie Falls. Personally, I think a 15yr. old might tire of Seattle. I'm in my 40's and prefer the above to the city.

John

Be advised that Memorial Day weekend is when the Northwest Folk Life Festival is conducted on the grounds of Seattle Center (where the Space Needle, Science Center, EMP and Sonics games occur, among other things.) See http://www.nwfolklife.org - it's a blast, your kid might dig it, but be warned - the whole area around Seattle Center becomes very congested. Also, the nearly-champion Mariners will be in full swing, and Safeco Field is a gem - close to day ferry rides, Pioneer Square prowling, etc.

For accommodation, how about bunk and breakfast on an historic tugboat moored in Lake Union? http://wwww.gtesupersite.com/tugboatchallenger/Page2.html

For outings, ferries and mountains are good, or how about a day trip to Victoria BC on a seaplane from the center of Seattle? More expensive than the Clipper, but faster and way cooler. http://www.kenmoreair.com/

Wendy

Oops! Sorry Rob, I didn't see "end of may" in your note-I agree with John that folklife is super fun, just be ready for the crowds. Scratch the Sonics and buy Mariner tickets! You will love that park!!