Seattle, Washington, Family Vacation

Seattle is chock-full of kid-friendly attractions. Older kids will enjoy Seattle's music history as well as the city's waterfront, especially Pike Place Market. The younger set will find plenty of hands-on fun at the various museums, plus lots of open, grassy spaces to romp in. And the entire family will appreciate the beautiful mountains and water that surround the city.

Seattle's peak tourist season is summer, when the skies are reliably sunny and fairs and festivals abound. Late summer is especially fun, with Seafair celebrations taking place through most of August, followed by Bumbershoot (a music and arts festival) on Labor Day weekend. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activity year-round, including downhill skiing, bicycling, hiking and camping, or just taking in a game with one of Seattle's pro sports teams.

Seattle weather is mild, with damp, cool air in the winter and dry, sunny skies in the summer. Despite Seattle's image as Rain City, it does not rain all the time; in fact, Atlanta, New York, and Washington D.C. all get more rain than Seattle. But most of the rain arrives in the winter here, with spectacular blue skies in the summer. During peak tourist season, Seattle often goes for weeks without any measurable rainfall. It's rarely very hot, though -- especially by east coast standards -- so be prepared with a light jacket (especially at night or on the water). Get more weather info.

SeaTac Airport (SEA) is served by most major airlines and is about 15 miles south of Seattle. Rental cars and taxis are widely available, or head to the Shuttle Express kiosk in the parking garage for shuttle, town car, or limo service to the city. Seattle is also served by Amtrak Amtrak and Greyhound bus lines, as well as by ferry and cruise ship.

Seattle is a compact city built on six hills. While it's very foot-friendly, traffic congestion can make driving frustrating. It's helpful to know that downtown streets are on a grid, with numbered streets running north/south and named streets running east/west.

Seattle also has an extensive bus system, and as long as you stay downtown or along the waterfront you can ride for free between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. This area includes Pioneer Square, the waterfront attractions, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and many of the city's major hotels. Get more information on Ride Free areas.

A word for those on foot: Jaywalking is taken seriously in Seattle, with citations routinely issued to violators. Pike Place Market is the only place where jaywalking is legal.

Summer is peak tourist season, but fairs and festivals take place throughout the year. Dates vary each year, so check official event websites or call the Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau for exact dates.

• Northwest Flower & Garden Show (Feb.)
• Seattle Center Whirligig (April)
• Northwest Folklife Festival (May)
• Seattle International Film Festival (May)
• University District Street Fair (May)
• Fremont Fair (June)
• Bite of Seattle (July)
• Family Fourth at Lake Union (July)
• Bainbridge Bluegrass Festival (July)
• Bellevue Arts Fair (July)
• Seafair (Aug.)
• Bumbershoot (Sept.)
• Puyallap Fair (Sept.)
• Earshot Jazz Festival (Oct.)
• Seattle Marathon (Nov.)
• Pacific Northwest Ballet Nutcracker (Dec.)
• Seattle Center Winterfest (Dec.)

Seattle: Metronatural is the official visitors website.

The Seattle CityPass is an all-in-one pass to six of the city's most popular attractions, including harbor cruises, the zoo, and the Museum of Flight. The Go Seattle card offers admission to 30 attractions, activities and tours.

• More than three million people call Seattle home.
• Seattle is young compared to the east coast. Founded in 1851, it was originally called "Duwamps" until its name was changed in honor of Native American Chief Sealth.
• The Seattle area is the home of corporate heavyhitters like Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon.com, and Starbucks.
• Jimi Hendrix was born in Seattle, as was the '90s grunge music movement.
• Central State University ranked Seattle as the most literate city in U.S. in 2005.