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Sure, iPods may have supplanted radio as the dominant music delivery system, but you can still stimulate interest in radio by telling your grandchildren about an invention that you used to listen to for music when you were a kid. The museum traces the history of electricity from 1600 to the analog age of 1950 and features hands-on exhibits, a static electricity learning center and a robotics table. (Approximately 90 minutes north of Seattle.)
Info: Ages 13 and older $5, 12 and younger $2
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm and by appointment
Age: Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Museums & Exhibits
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Archie McPhee
2428 Market Street
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 297-0240
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Practical joking and kitsch-loving grandchildren of all ages will thank you for taking them to this internationally-known novelty store run amok. Joy buzzers, boxing nun puppets and an odd scientific surplus are just part of what’s offered at the store that brought you the librarian action figure. Allow at least 30 minutes and don’t be surprised if the kids sing your praises to their parents. Don’t miss Archie’s second store across the parking lot.
Info: Free
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm, Sunday 11am to 7pm
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Local Unique, Shopping
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Considering that design, craft and art are the focus of the museum, it’s no surprise that it has plenty of children’s activities centering on crafts. On Saturdays there are free, drop-in activities where children create their own works of art (that they might even be able to give you for Grandparents Day). The annual Arts Fair during the last weekend in July features many child-friendly diversions.
Info: Ages 7 to 61 $7, 62 and older and students $5, 6 and younger free
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5:30pm, Friday 10am to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 5:30pm, Sunday 11am to 5:30pm
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Museums & Exhibits
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One of the largest malls on the Eastside, this upscale shopping center has two play areas for the smaller kids, stroller rentals, toy stores for all ages and a variety of family friendly restaurants including the Cheesecake Factory and Red Robin. Pick up a toy or some ice cream to keep them occupied while you browse through the variety of quality retail outlets.
Info: Free
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30am to 9:30pm, Sunday 11am to 7pm
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Shopping
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Show your grandchild the joy of model trains with a trip to this small storefront museum featuring an exhibit of model trains from before and after World War II. There’s a G-gauge layout showing Bellingham in the 1950s and a Lionel train layout. Toddlers will enjoy the Thomas the Tank Engine and Brio train toys while the older kids will enjoy the train simulator where they can “drive” a locomotive. (Approximately 90 minutes north of Seattle.)
Info: Adults $3, students $1, ages 3 and younger free, families of four $5
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday 12pm to 5pm
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Museums & Exhibits
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Treat your granchildren to a unique activity, exploring a veritable buried city underneath downtown Seattle. Intrigue, silly stories and a touch of Seattle’s colorful history are the attractions at this 90-minute tour of the rugged underground passages that were once the heart of the city until the Great Seattle Fire burned everything to the ground and raised streets and buildings were erected on its ashes.
Info: Adults $14, ages 60 and older $12, 13 to 17 $12, children 7 to 12 $7, 6 and younger free; Public tickets available on first-come, first-served basis; Private Tours available, reserve two weeks in advance
Hours: Tour schedules vary
Age: Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Local Unique
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Few parks include gardens with kids in mind, but this one does in the form of an A to Z garden where they can learn about plants while learning the alphabet. The pesticide-free park has winding paths between gardens, a children's play area, lots of art, a basketball court and pretty views. Plenty for you to take in while your grandchildren burn up some energy.
Info: Free
Hours: Daily 4:30am to 11:30pm
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Outdoor Fun
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Carkeek Park
950 Northwest Carkeek Park Road
Seattle, WA 98177
(206) 684-0877
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Picturesque views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains are just a few of this park’s attractions. Grandchildren with a scientific bent can explore animal life in the tidal pools on the beach, watch salmon migrate in season or visit the Environmental Learning Center. The younger set will enjoy the giant salmon slide and a playground designed by artists. Older kids may gravitate towards the wetlands walk.
Info: Free
Hours: Park: Daily 6am to 10pm; Environmental Learning Center: Daily 10am to 4pm
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Outdoor Fun, Animals & Nature
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Why take your grandchild to a large, anonymous multi-screen multiplex when you can catch a movie in a smaller space and get a good meal as well? You won’t see the latest blockbuster at central cinema, but you will be able to see second-run and classic movies in a relaxed atmosphere and order from a kid-friendly menu.
Info: $5 for most shows
Hours: Wednesday to Friday 6pm to 11pm, Saturday to Sunday 12pm to 11pm
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Kid Friendly Eats
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Grandparents who live or are visiting in the southern suburbs (or just want a change of pace) can always head to this museum an hour from Downtown Seattle. It features a wide array of exhibits for grandchildren including a Learning Lounge focusing on peace and ways to find peaceful resolutions to problems. (Approximately 45 minutes from Seattle.)
Info: $6, 12 months and younger free
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Museums & Exhibits
