Seattle with toddler - stay and do?
 

We are going to be in Seattle with our almost 2-year-old June 2nd through 4th and are wondering where to stay and what to do. Ideally, we would have a suite so he can go to bed at 7:30 (and so we don't have to!). Also ideally, we would like to be centrally located to fun things to do, particularly because we don't have huge chunks of time (due to naps) and we aren't staying that long. We don't want to spend all or time getting from here to there! We will most likely have a rental car for the rest of our trip, whether we leave it parked at the hotel or not. What would be our best bet for a good place to stay, with either one or the other or both of these ideal situations?

Also, which things would be best to hit on this short trip? I'm thinking about the Pacific Science Center, the Children's Museum, the Acquarium, Woodland Park Zoo? My son is active (loves to run around) and loves cars, trains, etc. as well as animals and fish. Basically, your typical toddler... What other area treasures should I be considering either in addition to or instead of those listed?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I'd look at the Summerfield Suites, next door to the Washington State Convention Center on Pike Street. Three blocks to the center of the retail district, thre more to the Pike Market area; free buses, easy to the waterfront, many advantages. All units are 1-bedroom suites I believe.

Here's the website: http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/SEAPP/main.wnt?aff=wyn03

As for what to do, I think the aquarium is a good idea, and the zoo is a very good one, with plenty of kid-oriented exhibits (although your son is pretty young to grasp much at such places.) The Pacific Science Center is aimed at considerably more mature kids.

Where are you going before or after? (You said you'd have a car "for the rest of the trip.") Might make a difference in what to shoot for in Seattle.

The aquarium was great fun, he should enjoy that. Also, maybe a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. You don't have to get off the boat, we had a very nice ride with some gorgeous scenery of Seattle. Have fun! ***kim***

From Seattle, we are headed to Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop for a wedding for the weekend.

Also, it turns out we are only going to have one full day in Seattle itself, so being "in the middle of things" is becoming more important than having a suite.

I am thinking about a room at Inn at the Market so we can explore the market.

Thanks for the input about the Pacific Science Center - it does look too old for him. I'm still thinking about the Children's Museum, though, so we can see Seattle Center. Maybe we'll figure out how to take the monorail to get there.

The monorail leaves from 5th and Pine which is more-or-less the center of the downtown shopping area. Nearby hotels include the Westin (south tower rooms newly remodeled), the Sheraton, and "new" hotel Andra which has corner suite rooms for an amazing price if you ask for "Belltown" something or other.

You have to walk about two blocks from the Summerfield Suites to get to the free buses, but no big deal of course. We thought it was a great hotel. The Springhill Suites are also excellent, but slightly less convenient. Both hotels do have a shuttle also (but enquire for details). Both have a free, quite adequate breakfast.

Take a look at the CityPass: http://www.citypass.net

I think it's quite likely there would be some things that would interest him at Seattle Center, like the fairground-style rides: http://www.seattlecenter.com

One thing I did on our last trip to Seattle was take a taxi several times. I'm usually one to scrimp, but the $20 or so that I spent on the whole weekend for taxi rides was worth it.

The monorail was great fun, we took it to the Space Needle. The Space Needle would also be fun for him! ***kim***

Julie-
You probably have your hotel booked -- but, if not, check out the Seattle Convention and Visitors bureau site with great hotel deals:
http://www.seattlesupersaver.com/

Also, go to their main site and print off some great coupons for places like the Woodland Park Zoo (I feel so lucky to live a short walk west of the zoo) and some other great kid-friendly attractions
http://seeseattle.org/coupons/

I'd definitely stay in the heart of the downtown area (Inn at the Market is great) and use the free bus service. When you visit the Seattle Center, use the quick, cheap and easy Monorail from Westlake Mall. The Seattle Center is fun for kids - and the Pacific Science Center has a GREAT toddler area. The Childrens Museum is fun as is the Space Needle -- all on the Seattle Center grounds.

The suggestion of a ferry ride is a great one. Take the Bainbridge Island ferry from the waterfront (also walking distance from any downtown hotel). Don't bring your car -- just walk on. Come right back on the return ferry or get off and wander for an hour. It's cheap and fun for a toddler - you get a great view of the Seattle skyline.

Bring jackets - Seattle weather is impossible to predict.

Have fun!