Seattle in winter offers many outdoor and indoor activities for children during the holidays. The multicultural city provides an international flavor and culture. Because of the temperate climate, children can play outdoors in mild weather at one of the many parks and beaches. Seattle's farmer's markets are filled with healthy holiday food choices. The international flavor of the city sprouts stores brimming with food and flavors from around the world.
Nutcracker Ballet
The Pacific Northwest Ballet puts on the Nutcracker every winter. This holiday activity runs through the month of December, and it's a favorite of families. While this activity does not offer an exercise option--other than climbing up and down the stairs to your seats--the venue provides healthy food choices during intermission, such as juices and fruit.
Walking in the Seattle Center
Because of the many varied activities around the Seattle Center--including an amusement park, Science Center and fountain--guests find this area to be a good place to get a walking workout during the holidays. The top of the Space Needle is a good place to view the holiday lights of Seattle. The Space Needle is located at the end of the Monorail line in the Seattle Center and was built for the World's Fair in 1965. An elevator leaves from the base of the Needle every few minutes, and it carries visitors to the Observation Deck. The next higher level hosts a revolving restaurant, where diners make a 360-degree turn every hour. The restaurant features local produce and healthy food choices.
Streetcar Trip to Eastlake
The Seattle Streetcars connect the downtown neighborhood with the Eastlake neighborhood, and they allow children to ride in an old-fashioned vehicle to the downtown shopping area for holiday shopping. At the north end of the line, numerous restaurants line Lake Union, where children may hike a portion of the trail that runs around the entire lake.
Ride the Carousel
In the holiday season, a Carousel entertains children in the pedestrian area in front of the major department stores downtown. While shoppers cruise the stores, parents line up with their children for this annual winter tradition. Numerous stores in the downtown corridor cater to families and children, with healthy food options and holiday treats.
Pike Place Market
The Pike Place Market is fun any time of the year, but it provides special adventures for children during the holiday season. Vendors sell crafts, trinkets and handmade ornaments along with the salmon and vegetables. As the oldest continually operating farmer's market, Pike Place has just celebrated its 100-year anniversary. In inclement weather, the covered market provides an area to walk and stroll. Outside, musicians line the street corners, and many of them offer entertainment for children, such as puppet shows, as well. Many farmers bring local farm fresh organic produce as well as holiday treats for visitors.
Green Lake
Green Lake Park contains a 2.9-mile trail that kids of all ages like to walk, ride and skate around in any weather. During the holidays, carolers sing as they walk the trail. Bring an umbrella and enjoy a temperate outdoor walk in one of Seattle's most popular parks. Dogs are welcome on leashes.
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