Although skies may stay overcast when Seattle's fine misty rain stops, indoor and outdoor activities for toddlers abound. Toddlers can explore touching pools at the Seattle Aquarium or hop into a fire truck at the Seattle Children's Museum. Take your toddler on a water taxi boat ride on Elliot Bay from downtown Seattle to Seacrest Park. You can bring a picnic to lunch on the waterfront. Seattle boasts open, grassy spaces, panoramic vistas, outdoor adventures and nature to touch--all tot-friendly.
Playgrounds
In Seattle, you'll find playgrounds throughout the city. Researchers conducted a study with the Shasta Children and Families First Commission (SCFFC) on "The Benefits of Playgrounds." They concluded that playgrounds promote growth and accelerate all areas of learning for children up to age 5. In addition to playground equipment, parents can find toddler programs, play groups and trails at area locations. Hiawatha Playfield features a wading pool, toddler-dedicated play group and a music and movement program for toddlers. Alki Beach Park features a 2.5-mile wide trail to push a stroller or ride a bike with a bike trailer, white sandy beach for discovering treasures or building castles and a sea-themed playground.
Cultural Activities
Your toddler can experience global culture while in Seattle. Family-friendly festivals engage curious tots with hands-on activities, games, dance and music. Festival performances can include jugglers, puppet troupes, dancers and acrobats. By selecting the right festival and making time for toddler activities you can expand your toddler's imagination and keep him happy. Bring a wagon and grab a schedule of tot-specific activities when attending festivals such as The Giant Magnet, formerly known as Seattle International Children's Festival, Northwest Folklife Festival and Pike Place Market Street Festival.
Farmers' Market
A trip to one of Seattle's lively farmers' markets gives toddlers a chance to safely explore new foods. Even the finickiest toddler will want to taste market samples such as fresh peaches, artisan bread and European-style pastries. Let your tot bop to live music and participate in scheduled tot activities to keep the excursion simple yet entertaining. Approach the seafood sellers at the Pike Place Market who toss fish in the air. At the market's north end, discover and talk about the totem poles. Find other Seattle markets on metro bus routes in neighborhoods such as University District at the University Heights Center, Broadway in Capital Hill.
Outdoor Attractions
Interactive outdoor attractions appeal to toddlers who are keen on exploring the world around them. Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo provides daily activities and programs specifically intended for toddlers. Plan a morning visit to catch the penguin feeding. Enroll in programs such as Young Explorers and Zoo Tots that provide educational activities. Toddlers familiar with Theodore the Tugboat will want to see the Ballard Locks. Watch the tugboats, sailboats and barges travel through the locks. Observe migrating salmon swim up a "fish ladder" and jump in the air from mid-June through October, according to Salmon Conservation and Restoration.
Rainy Day Activities
Toddlers need movement found in activities such as yoga and dance. "Stretching exercises help improve flexibility, allowing muscles and joints to bend and move easily through their full range of motion," according to Kids Health. The 8 Limbs Yoga center features a parent and preschool yoga program geared for ages 2 to 5. This non-competitive program incorporates activities focusing on body and mind. Located near Gasworks Park, OmCulture offers a different approach to yoga. In an open gym environment, toddlers work on movement, yoga and dance. Seattle dance studios such as All That Dance offer toddler programs that hone social and brain development while others such as Dance Freemont explore movement, body awareness and coordination.
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