On our last day up in Washington visiting family, we decided to take a ferry and head over to the big city of Seattle, Washington. This was a first for our family (besides flying in at the airport and quickly flying to another location).
We left Bainbridge Island after the commuter rush, and loaded our ferry headed to ward the big city. If you look closely enough you can see Seattle in the background of my ferry selfie below.
Look! It is my cute family on a boat (with my niece photo bombing behind). The boys had a great time exploring the ferry, checking out jellyfish as we floated by, and the excitement of the big city!
We attempted another family shot, with only us. It was a bit windy on that ferry! My monkeys and The Husband and I.
The moment we got off the ferry, city life overwhelmed us. The smells, sights, sounds and even vibrations. It was alive with busyness and life. It was exciting and fun! We made sure each kiddo had a buddy and I found myself doing kid count the entire day. Helicopter mom, much?
Our first stop was Pikes Public Market. We were excited to see and experience this landmark for ourselves. We watched and enjoyed the fish being thrown in the air as people purchased fresh fish. We smelled beautiful bouquets of flowers. We people watched! Oh the joy in checking out the diverse population and fashion styles!
We walked to the Alweg Monorail station. There we had lunch and then hopped on the mono rail to take a quick tour of the city (above the city) to get to our next destination.
Once off the monorail, we see a sight that sent my 6 year old sons thumping. We saw Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper! He loves (is obsessed with) Star Wars! I knew we had to take a photo with them. Or rather, HE had to take a photo with them. Memories, right?
We walked over to the Pacific Science Center. The boys and their cousins had a great time exploring, learning, and TOUCHING while learning the exhibits.
I think their favorite exhibit was the dinosaurs. T-man was really concerned that those dinosaurs were going to come down and eat him. I picked him up and tried to get him closer to the dinosaur’s mouth. He screamed, shook and cried. I don’t think he liked that idea at all. Bad mom.
They also loved the water cannons. We finished the day exploring there with some water fun.
After the science center, we got coffee for the adults. You can’t go to Seattle without stopping at Starbucks. We did. It was yummy. We walked past the Space Needle. It was Friday so I had to do a handstand for handstand Friday.
We hopped the monorail back to Pikes Market. We had to see the famous gum wall or gum alley is it should be called. It was amazing! Walls THICK with chewed gum squished on a wall. Covering windows, doors, graffiti, pipes and more! It was a sight to be seen!
Gum anyone?
Even the kiddos had to get in on the shock factor of the gum wall. Too bad we didn’t have any gum to add! Apparently that action was the norm on that particular spot!
After some much needed hand sanitizer, we headed back into the market to enjoy some epic pastries. We stopped at Pikes Bakery and the kiddos enjoyed donuts, rolls, croissants, and baked goods as big as their head. Talk about sugar rush!
These poor kiddos were wiped! They thoroughly enjoyed that sugar rush to help them stay awake. No. They didn’t share with Mommy, Daddy or Aunt Kendra. They ate it all. They enjoyed every bite. I don’t blame them… it looked and smelled delicious!
Before we knew it we were back on the ferry (with the commuter rush ready to end their week and start their weekend). Goodbye Seattle! We had a great time exploring you.
My husband and I hope to return again (this time kid free) for a weekend of exploring. OR I would love to come back and run the Rock N Roll Seattle race event! Check out and use this race code for $15 off your registration: RunWithRachel
Yvonne G. says
I would love to visit Seattle .. for the people watching alone 🙂 and of course the RNR! Looks like you had fun .. and you are not a bad mom .. the boys will look back on your trip with great memories.
Rachel says
Thanks. No, I don’t think I am a bad mom. I think I might have scarred him a bit for fear he thinks a dinosaur (robot) will eat him. 🙂
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Haven’t been to Seatle since I was a kid would love to go back with my own kids
Rachel says
I think they would really enjoy it. 🙂
Ganeeban says
Seems like the perfect day! I wouldn’t share either 😉 xoxo, ganeeban
Rachel says
Thanks. It was. 😉
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
I have never been, but hope to soon one of my best friends is moving near there from GA on Tuesday.
Rachel says
Awesome. 🙂 Maybe next year you can run the Seattle Rock N Roll race series 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You didn’t add gum to the wall!? Haha that really is so gross, but such a piece of “must-see” history, haha!
Rachel says
Ha! I know right!? I was chewing mint gum… and considered adding it to the wall. But hesitated and stopped because I didn’t really want to TOUCH someone elses chewed gum! LOL