2 Best Sights in Seattle, Washington

If you have kids, this nonprofit science center in the heart of Seattle is a must-visit; it's home to more than 200 indoor and outdoor hands-on exhibits, two IMAX theaters, a Laser Dome, a butterfly house, and a state-of-the-art planetarium. The dinosaur exhibit—complete with moving robotic reproductions—is a favorite, and tots can experiment with water at the ever-popular stream table. Follow the journey of a drop of water through an interactive outdoor maze, then warm up in the Tropical Butterfly House, the 80ºF home to colorful butterflies from South and Central America, Africa, and Asia. Look for the giant white arches near the Space Needle and make a day of the surrounding sights.  Pacific Science Center offers a number of lectures, forums, and "Science Cafes" for adults, plus a variety of educational programs for kids, including camp-ins, monthly parents' night outs, workshops, and more. See website for schedule information.

Founded in 1885, the Burke is the state's oldest museum with one of the newest buildings, thanks to a 2019 re-opening in a brand new space. It features exhibits that survey the natural history of the Pacific Northwest and a behind-the-scenes look at how museums work, with its open doors and windows. Highlights include artifacts from Washington's 35 Native American tribes, dinosaur skeletons, and dioramas depicting the traditions of Pacific Rim cultures. An adjacent ethnobotanical garden is planted with species that were important to the region's Native American communities, and the Native-owned café serves fry bread and Indigenous foods. Check out the schedule for family events and adult classes.