We are blessed to live in a region brimming with educational adventures that are rich in history, art and wonder. The City of Seattle has so many diverse neighborhoods and places to explore that you could create a month worth of field trips! We know that most people do not have that long to spend adventuring, so we want to help narrow down the choices so you can easily pack a picnic and plan a day trip to Seattle full of fun learning experiences.
We are going to call this adventure “A Mini Seattle History Tour”. Now, please note that this is only the very tip of the iceberg, there are many other opportunities to be had in Seattle!
It is always helpful to have a goal for any trip you plan. The main objective for this field trip day is to visit places that are rich in history that really teach you and your children about how and why Seattle is what it is today (no not FREATTLE).
First up on our list is the Klondike Gold Rush Museum! Right in the heart of the city, next to Pioneer Square, this National Park has so much to offer! Did you know that Seattle flourished due to the Gold Rush? It became a gateway city and was one of the last pit spots before the prospectors headed up to the rugged north. The Klondike Museum is full of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and movies to really bring to life what it was like in early Seattle. Make sure to have your children sign up for the Junior Ranger program to earn a badge!
Another not to miss Seattle quest is the Underground tour! The 75-minute tour takes you to the original parts of Seattle and tells some pretty funny tales. Some of our crew still talk about a specific part of the guided tour….a little hint….there is just a tad bit of bathroom humor (but acceptable for all ages.)
If you are not too tired, head on up toward Lake Union for your next dose of Seattle history. The final three spots of our mini-history tour are all right together. By this time, you and your children are probably needing a rest and sustenance! The perfect place to stop for a bit to pull out that picnic you packed is the Lake Union Park. It is right across the street from the next two stops on our tour. After you get out the wiggles and are ready for the next leg of your exploration day, head on over to the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). This hands-on museum will explore the early beginnings of Seattle with the Native Americans and walk the journey to our modern-day city. They have permanent exhibits and also roving installments that will make you want to keep coming back over and over again. They are open daily from 10 am – 5 pm and the first Thursday of the month 1- am – 8 pm. The summer hours do vary slightly so please check that on their website before your visit.
One last stop of this whirlwind of a day is The Center for Wooden Boats. Sundays would be our choice to visit this enjoyable Seattle jewel with their free boat rides from 10 am – 3:00 pm They sail rain or shine all year long! This is a museum that brings to life the abundant early wooden boat history of our town.
When you are overflowing with the vivid scenes of Seattle past and present, you and your children are sufficiently tired (let’s hope for a full nights sleep!) and you have an understanding and appreciation for all that have come before us, make a pit stop at Top Pot Donuts and head for home being thankful that you had this opportunity to experience this day and make incredible memories that create your own history with your family. We would love to hear about your Seattle adventures! Please tag us with #cedarhillacademy so we can experience your adventure right along with you!
Would you like a custom map to use and have as a memento for all of this adventure? Head on over here to sign up for our mailing list and we will email you the full pdf map!
