Downtown Seattle is a hub of cultural and educational activities perfect for the outdoor adventurer. There are outdoor markets over 100 years old, with an array of organic food for purchase. Guests can also visit the sports centers of the city, or take a self-guided walking tour of the art galleries in the historic districts.
Pike Place Market
The Pike Place Market is not only the home of the world's first Starbucks coffeehouse, it is also the oldest farmer's market in the country. The Market opened in 1907, and has been in continuous operation ever since. There are over 150 vendors and 50 restaurants throughout the nine-acre property. Visitors can stroll the area and purchase organic dairy, fish freshly caught that morning, and free -range beef. The Market also has florists and clothing stores scattered throughout. The hours are Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Sundays, the Market is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Safeco Field
Safeco Field is the home of the Seattle Mariner's baseball team, and you can take in a game or take a tour of the field. It is a 20-acre ballpark with a retractable roof and a grass field instead. The walking tour of the facility includes both dugouts, the Press Box, and the private suites. The tours include walking about a mile, and leave from the Team Store.
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is in the downtown area, and can provide indoor and outdoor activity and education. The aquarium features exhibits focused on the waters of the Pacific Northwest. There is a circular room surrounded by an aquarium of glowing jellyfish, sea otters, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can also sign up to talk guided walking tours of the beaches to learn about sea life.
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is downtown Seattle's oldest district. It was burnt down in 1889, and rebuilt in a classic architectural style. The district is now home to independent restaurants and bookshops, as well as antique stores and art galleries. Many of the Pioneer Square shops have brochures for self-guided walking tours. The district also hosts the city's First Thursdays Art Walk, a day-long exhibit of art throughout the area.
Swimming Pools
There are two swimming pools downtown: the Queen Anne Swimming pool and the Ballard Swimming Pool. Both are 25- yard, six-lane pools owned by the Parks and Recreation Department. Seattle isn't well known for having a temperate climate, so swimmers in the family will appreciate these indoor pools. Both spots have rope swings, saunas, and warm- water pools.
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