We are going to be driving from Vancouver into Seattle in mid August, and stay there for 3 days, with our rented car. I was there 22 yrs. ago... and still, need to know what are the MUST-SEE's in and around Seattle. Is the Boeing plant in Everet still open for tours?
Also, considering the car, and considering being a fanily with 2 kids, is there a better hotel to stay in?
Thanks much. Amik.

You don't mention how old your kids are. The zoo is always fun, and the Pacific Science Center. I don't know if Boeing still does tours, but they might find the Museum of Flight interesting. Riding the monorail to the Science Center is a kick for kids, too. Always plenty of shopping, Pike Place Market, the Space Needle. Downtown, must-sees are NikeTown, REI, FAO Schwartz, and GameWorks, with lunch at Planet Hollywood. You don't mention what hotel you're staying at, so I don't know what would be better. Have fun!

Thanks for a quick reply!
We ARE looking for a hotel in Seattle that will be the right one for a family (my kids are 9 & 15) AND considering us arriving with a (rented) car Ð maybe it's better to stay outside of downtown?. I allways prefer a newer / renovated hotel (to me a brand new Motel 6 is better than an old Sheraton). Our max budget is $150.
Thanks a lot. Amik.

Amik: I may not be a lot of help, because we always stay at the Westin when we stay downtown. They usually run specials for around $105/night. I have also heard good things about Cavanaugh's, the Inn at the Market, and the Edgewater, but have never stayed at any of these. Most of the downtown hotels are older big-name hotels, rather than new Motel 6's, and I think all of them are fairly nice. Its funny you mention the Sheraton, because the downtown Sheraton is nice, but I don't know their prices. To emphasize my last reply, with a 9 and 15 year-old, definitely take in GameWorks downtown. There is so much to do within walking distance of downtown hotels, once you get there you can probably park the car most of the time, so don't let that deter you. Also, downtown Seattle isn't any worse than downtown Vancouver! Feel free to e-mail me if you have any more questions!

Yes, the Boeing plant in Everett still gives tours. Children under 50" tall and cameras and video equipment are not permitted. There is a fee. Be sure to ask for information on the Museum of Flight Restoration Center (at Paine Field). It is close by, interesting and free. Other things to see that would be fun for all, would be the Underground Tours at Pioneer Square, Seattle Center, Pike Place Market, and the waterfront. If you are interested in flight be sure to go to the Musuem of Flight at Boeing Field (King County Airport) in Seattle, not to be confused with Boeing in Everett.

We used to live just South of Seattle for many years and were just back for a visit with my 14 year old. He loved the Aquarium, waterfront, Pike's Place Market, and Seattle Center (Space Needle). The Science Center is great, but a little too young for my son. He LOVED rock climbing at REI downtown. The flight museum was a wonderful time- we saw the old Air Force One, many wonderful old planes, and a cool flight simulator. A trip out to Mount Rainier and the small town out that way is a wonderful trip as is Snoqualmie Falls and the Boat Locks. In my opinion the Zoo down in Tacoma is more fun than the one in Seattle. It has a neat shark exhibit. Needless to say, there is a lot to do there!! We have never stayed downtown, we usually stay in the Tukwila, Renton area and drive in to Seattle because we go lots of other places besides downtown. A wonderful experience is taking the ferry to the San Juan Islands for the day. It's beautiful there!! Have fun on your trip and enjoy the weather!!

Seattle is very child friendly! No matter what age - lots to do. All the above info is excellent. We recommend the Edgewater for a hotel, on the waterfront. Your kids may enjoy the monorail, horse/carriage rides or the trolley for different modes of transportation while here.

They're sure to notice there is a coffee (Starbucks or Seattles' Best) on every block. They also sell tempting sweets.

My family and I visit the Seattle area every year. We have found that staying at the Residence Inn hotels outside of Seattle to be a good deal for the family. The one located in Redmond is 155 a night and includes breakfast. They are very roomy with kitchens too. Look them up on the web at residenceinn.com. We enjoy the Woodland park zoo, The Point Defiance zoo and aquarium in Tacoma is worth a trip....cross over the Narrows bridge to Gig Harbor for an afternoon. The kids always love the Ferries to anywhere!Have fun!