It's our family's first time to the west coast and we're looking for info about the Seattle area. We have three children (15,13,11) and are going the last two weeks of July. Where should we go...what should we see...how is availability for Mariners tickets? Any help is appreciated. We'd also like to go to Vancouver...how long a drive?

Hi, Joni,
You and your family will love it here in July - usually the sunniest time of the year. There are so many things to see and do, it's hard to list them all - mountains, water, history, sports, food, ferries, museums, tour the Boeing plant in Everett (world's biggest building), Pike market...you shouldn't have any difficulty putting together a visit rewarding and fun for your whole family. Mariners tix may be a little tough because they'll be moving into their new (retractable roof) stadium in July (oh really?) but you'll be able to get some if you work a little at it (hotel concierge, etc.) Vancouver is around 3 hours plus or minus border delays (light to awful depending on your luck). A trip over the Cascades then north through the Grand Coulee country into central B.C., then west into Vancouver is a fine side trip if you are with car. By the way, you will be here during Seafair, Seattle's annual fun and funky summer festival - Blue Angels, parades, hydroplane races.. Enjoy!

July is great in Seattle. During Seafair a parade and The Blue Angels are a must. I would suggest going to THe Chinatown Parade. Also during Seafair there are many different ethnic celebrations. You should really consider going to a Native American Pow Wow. They are amazing and alot of fun.
The Pike Street Market has something for everyone and is a must see. Food, crafts, retail shops and interesting people.It doesn't say where you are from but if you have never done it and the weather and tides cooperate. Take a ferry and go dig some clams - maybe the Hood Canal area- But get a license first! Depending on how much time you have the Mt St Helens area ia amazing. You could easily spend 2 days there.My kids enjoyed hiking through the lava tube caves. If the weather is bad maybe check out the Museum of Flight. You even get to go through an retired Air Force One plane. By then you and your family will be ready to take a lunch down to Lake Washington and watch the hydroplane time trials and the Blue Angels speed by. Have Fun!!

At the risk of stating the obvious,
by all means, take the kids to the
Space Needle! There's also a lot to
see and do at the Seattle Center
(where the Space Needle is located).
I notice that a couple of posters
above mention the Pike Place
Market...yep! it's well worth
seeing, and my suggestion is that
you take the monorail from the
Seattle Center to get there. All of
you should enjoy the monorail ride;
it's much more interesting than
taking a bus! (You will have to
walk a couple blocks from the
monorail stop to get to the Market,
though, and part of the neighborhood
isn't too attractive.)

Also at the Seattle Center-they have a really great children's theater. Seattle has some of the best theater in the country, and generally the shows have broad age range appeal. Also, go to sidewalk.com 2-3 weks before you arrive and I beleive they have a section that you can search on for family activities