According to US News, fall is a select time for family friendly activities and tourism in Seattle, Washington. In fact, many travel and leisure experts say that September and October are the two best months of the year to visit the city. For one thing, the fall season is the perfect time to beat the crowds, since the many attractions of Seattle cater to large audiences. Autumn brings with it a sense of exclusivity as compared with the summer season for example, when there is far more traffic from tourism. Summertime is considered to be the high season. The weather is particularly lovely during this time and quite comfortable for the majority of activities, averaging around the 70’s F. Room rates are more expensive in the summer and there is reduced vacancy. The spring season brings the rainstorms that Seattle is so well-known for as well as the Pacific winds. However, these slightly more damp conditions are balanced with the fluctuating warmer temperatures. Better deals on hotel room rates are found during this time and there is greater availability. Winter temperatures are colder, averaging about 30 to 40 degrees through December and January, and many gravitate to Washington during this time to take advantage of the full range of sporting activities like snowboarding and skiing. Attractions such as Mount Ranier and Cascade Range are known to be well-equipped for these sporting wintertime occupations.
The fall season and the slightly chillier temperatures do not hamper activity in Seattle a bit. On the contrary, the city remains the sensational host to a bevy of leisure interests and pursuits. Enlivening Autumnal festivals are abundant as Seattle comes alive with color through the changing of the leaves. Many enjoy visiting the parks like Green Lake, Lincoln Park, and the Arboretum for a stroll to the gaze upon the changing hues. For more powerful hiking adventures, the Washington Trails Association provides an up to date list of the best hiking areas during the fall season.
Here are the top 5 family friendly activities for residents and visitors to take advantage of this fall:
Seattle Art Museum: When the weather is a bit chilly out, what could be better than an art exhibition? Trips to the museum are often inspiring and educational for children. Exhibitions scheduled during the fall include, Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style, Jennifer West-experimental films and installations, and Tabaimo Utsutsushi Utsushi in the Asian Art Museum.
Chihuly Garden and Glass at Seattle Center: Another museum that is said to be particularly captivating for children is the exhibition dedicated to the studio glass designs of Dale Chihuly. The center is located near both the SAM as well as the Space Needle.
Woodland Park Zoo: Just about every child enjoys close encounters with animals and nature. The Woodland zoological garden is located in the Phinney Ridge area of Seattle. The zoo has recently been involved with restoring rare butterflies to the Northwest. It also provides a daycare service that is also available during evenings.
Pike Place Market: Download the Pike Place Market visitor’s guide from their website and plan ahead. The market features delicious foods, crafts, and events, like Family Fun Night. Located in the historic district the market incorporates its historical location into the entertainment.
Kubota Garden: This 20-acre garden located in the Rainier Beach area. Behold the gold, orange, yellow and red marvels of the autumn season. The Japanese Maples are said to be particularly magical. Explore the many pathways of this extremely well-maintained city park.
Seattle Art Museum, Chihuly Garden, Woodland Park Zoo, Pike Place Market, and Kubota Garden, comprise only five of the numerous family friendly activities available in Seattle during the fall season. Road trips are especially advantageous in this particularly beautiful natural environment state. There are 29 officially designated State and National Scenic Byways, for example, the Marine Highway, which continues all the way through to Anchorage, Alaska. While en-route, stop by and visit the Washington state parks like Mt.Rainier or the Olympic Peninsula, and feast the eyes on the many natural wonders of this very rich and beautifully preserved state of the Pacific Northwest.