Outdoor enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in the cities of Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. Seattle, which is built against the backdrops of the sea and the mountains, has one of the largest parks systems in the country. Tacoma is home to several zoos, museums and parks, and offers a family-friendly environment that is rich in culture and history.
Water Activities
In Seattle, take a tour of the downtown area and neighborhoods in a duck boat. Not just for children, these World War II vehicles drive down the streets of Seattle before diving into Lake Union for a tour of the famous Seattle houseboats,including a glimpse of the house featured in the movie "Sleepless in Seattle." If you would rather stick to the sea, Argosy Cruises offers tours of Elliott Bay, the Ballard Locks and Lake Union. These tours last from one to three hours, and the Ballard Locks tour features a ride through a functioning locks system. In Tacoma, the Steward Heights pool lets you cool off in a 160-foot water slide and a lazy river ride; if you want a more-active experience, you can play water basketball. At the Tacoma Dragonboat Paddle Club, you can paddle on a 20-man team or watch one of their regattas.
Family Activities
Both Seattle and Tacoma offer many family-friendly activities. Seattle's famous Underground Tour is a two-hour walking tour of the Seattle underground. Once street-level in Seattle, this underground tunnel twists and turns past original buildings, some of which were damaged in the great Seattle fire. Or visit the Seattle Space Needle, left over from the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. Take a trip to the top for some of the most majestic views of Seattle. In Tacoma, see animals from all over the world at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Or take a trip to the Tacoma Children's Museum, where kids of all ages can disappear into a storybook or create their own art.
Outdoor Activities
Seattle's Discovery Park offers a variety of activities including hiking trails, a scenic beach with a lighthouse and the Daybreak Native American cultural center. More-serious hikers might enjoy a trip to Tiger Mountain, located off of exit 20 on I-90. Trails vary from novice to advanced and are available year-round. In Tacoma, board a safari-like tram for a guided Northwest wetlands tour that features animals such as bears, elk, birds and cats. Tacoma's Nature Center has a two-mile self-guided tour that features animals such as red foxes, raccoons and blue herons.
Sports and Active
Both Seattle and Tacoma feature sports activities. The Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle is a bike trail that runs for more than 18 miles, from Shilshole Bay in Seattle to the city of Bothell, Washington. The Wallingford School of Om offers free tai chi in Seattle Center and free yoga in the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. In Tacoma, attend drop-in classes at the Tacoma Soccer Center or join a league. The center is also home to the Tacoma Stars, an indoor soccer league. If you would rather learn about sports than play, visit the Tacoma Sports Museum for a look at the history of sports in Washington State.
Festivals
Seattle and Tacoma are both known for their festivals, especially during the summer. In June, The Fremont Arts Council sponsors the Summer Solstice Parade, which ends in the downtown Fremont area, where guests can browse vendor booths and eat local food. Bumbershoot, which takes place Labor Day weekend in Seattle Center, features music, art and culture. Previous bands have included the Black Eyed Peas, Deathcab for Cutie and Spoon. Tacoma hosts a variety of music festivals year-round, including the Wintergrass Festival that features bluegrass music in February. In April, the Tacoma Jazz Festival features jazz, big band and blues music.
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