Traffic can be a big deterrent for families thinking about visiting Seattle from Thurston County. Skip the I-5 traffic, and take the Amtrak Cascades train instead. Leaving every few hours from Lacey, trains take passengers to the King Street Station in Seattle in as little as 80 minutes. Ticket options include coach, business or a family room.
Insider tip: Get to the station early and let the kids watch the train arrive.
As the train pulls away from the Amtrak Centennial Station in Lacey, kids can pull out their coloring books, and have some snacks from the snack bar as you float by the calming waters of Puget Sound.
When the conductor comes by to punch each ticket, they stop to chat about their trip, things they may see along the way, and what they’ve liked about the train ride so far.
Where to stay in Seattle
The Maxwell Hotel, Seattle City Center
When spending the night at a StayPineapple Hotel, there are a few nice perks for the family.
Expect warm sugar cookies, shaped like pineapples on-demand at the front desk at The Maxwell Hotel. The robes are so comfortable, no one ever wants to take them off. Art in the hotel is carefully curated, down to the tiles in the indoor swimming pool.
Insider tip: Take a few of their in-house bikes around town, compliments of The Maxwell Hotel.
The W Seattle
The FACES floor at W Seattle facilitates a distinctive experience for guests who book a room on the 14th floor of W Seattle.
Each room has a different persona, imagined, and drawn by Morgan Zion. The persona is based on a specific neighborhood in Seattle.
Grab the guide conveniently provided in your room and reveal the neighborhood’s top finds, all based on tips from your persona.
At night, head downstairs and let the teens dance while they wait for dinner. An in-house DJ lights up the room and drops fun beats every Friday and Saturday night. Try the wagyu beef moco loco or the brioche French toast at TRACE Market for breakfast.
Lotte Hotel, Seattle
Closest to the train, you will find the illustrious Lotte Hotel, Seattle. Spoil your family with a stay in the presidential suite, giving kids plenty of space to stretch out for the trip. And giving adults the ultimate in hospitality and luxury.
Things To Do in Seattle
Museum of Pop Culture
This incredible building houses the Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP. Adults will enjoy checking out one of Biggie Smalls’ suits, or Kurt Cobain’s sweater and beanie combo while the kids take to the private studios to play drums, strum guitars or tune up their voice skills.
Seattle Space Needle
Learn some fun facts about Seattle and the Space Needle as you make your way to the elevator. Take the quick ride to the top, and have a hot dog and coke combo on the very top floor. Or make a reservation one floor down for cocktails and small bites at the Loupe Lounge, located on a rotating glass floor.
Insider tip: The best time to visit the Space Needle is right at sunset. Beautiful views of the entire city make for a special moment. The rotating floor is pretty fun for the kids too.
Pacific Science Museum
Take the family to the Pacific Science Museum for the butterflies, LEGOs, water features and the ability to r-u-n!
‘Artists at Play’ Playground
Sometimes, kids just need some “me time.” Take a break, or a few at the “Artists at Play” Playground between visiting museums.
Created by artists, this gigantic playground is for kids of all ages. Slide, climb and shimmy your way up to the tallest peak of the climbing tower. They even offer an old school merry-go-round.
Things To Do at Seattle’s Waterfront Park
The Great Wheel
Wind down the weekend at Seattle’s Waterfront Park. Start with the Seattle Great Wheel. Each family gets their own temperature regulated gondola. And before you get on the Great Wheel, stop by the bar for a drink – Maybe grab a stiff one, if you have an aversion to heights. Gondolas pause at the top to take in uninterrupted sights of the waterfront and the city below.
Wings Over Washington
Fly over the most breathtaking views of Washington State at Wings Over Washington. In this 4D experience, Wings Over Washington takes adventures on a local “flight.” Smell the tulips, feel the cold of Mount Rainier, see Orcas cruising through the sound.
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is a must visit while in Seattle with the family. Watch a wave form, then follow it as it travels around a corner and down the hall. Fun facts and plenty of fish will have even the adults oohing and ahhing.
Downtown Seattle has so much to offer within walking distance from King Street Station. Taking the train from Thurston County to visit Seattle as a low-fuss family getaway proves to be a solid option. No traffic to contend with. Museums galore. Great food and fun activities for the whole family. Can’t ask for much more than that from a quick getaway!
