40 Fun Activities in Seattle for Adults | 2024 (with Photos)

Seattle is a vibrant city located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Known for its vibrant arts and music scene, stunning architecture, and lively markets, Seattle has something for everyone.

The Space Needle is an iconic Seattle attraction that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Some of the top outdoor destinations around Seattle include Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and the San Juan Islands.

Whether you love nature, good food, or quirky tourist attractions, you'll find something in Seattle to suit your needs. So, let's explore 40 fun things to do in the Emerald City with another guide by the Travel-Lingual team.

Table of Contents

1. Snack on local treats at Pike Place Market

2. See the Glistening Lights of T-Mobile Park

3. Get up close to wild animals at Woodland Park Zoo

4. Gaze at the Stunning Snoqualmie Falls

5. Ride the Seattle Great Wheel

View More

1. Snack on local treats at Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is one of the most iconic destinations in Seattle, located in the heart of downtown near the waterfront.

This historic Pike Place Market has been a fixture of the city since it first opened in 1907, and it is a must-see attraction for locals and visitors alike.

One of the most popular attractions at Pike Place Market is the fishmongers who toss large salmon through the air while shouting and entertaining the crowd.

This tradition, known as the "flying fish," has become an iconic part of the market's culture and draws visitors from all over the world.

2. See the Glistening Lights of T-Mobile Park

T-Mobile Park is a multi-purpose stadium located in Seattle, Washington. It is primarily known as the home field of the Seattle Mariners, a Major League Baseball team.

The stadium has a retractable roof, which allows for year-round use and protects fans from the city's frequent rain.

It has a seating capacity of over 47,000 and is a popular destination for baseball fans and tourists visiting Seattle.

3. Get up close to wild animals at Woodland Park Zoo

Woodland Park Zoo is a zoological garden located in Seattle, Washington. The Woodland Park Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals representing nearly 300 species from around the world.

Woodland Park Zoo is a popular destination for families and animal lovers, offering a range of exhibits and experiences, including African Savannah, Tropical Rainforest, and Temperate Forest Habitats.

4. Gaze at the Stunning Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is a scenic waterfall located about 30 miles east of Seattle in the town of Snoqualmie, Washington.

Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most popular natural attractions in the region, with over 1.5 million visitors each year.

The falls drop approximately 270 feet and are surrounded by lush forest and scenic views. There are multiple viewing platforms and trails to explore the area, including a hike down to the bottom of the falls.

5. Ride the Seattle Great Wheel

Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel located on Pier 57 in downtown Seattle, Washington.

It opened in 2012 and stands 175 feet tall, making it one of the largest Ferris wheels on the West Coast of the United States.

The wheel has 42 fully enclosed gondolas that can accommodate up to 8 passengers each, providing spectacular views of the Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay.

6. Get the Best Views of the City at the Sky View Observatory

Sky View Observatory is an observation deck located on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle, Washington.

At 902 feet tall, it is the tallest public observatory in the Pacific Northwest and offers 360-degree views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Seattle skyline from both indoor and outdoor observation areas, and there are informative displays and exhibits about the city's history and landmarks.

7. See What's Up at the Seattle Center

The Seattle Center is a cultural entertainment hub located in the heart of Seattle, Washington.

At the Seattle City Center, you will find many popular attractions, including the Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), the Pacific Science Center, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as taking in breathtaking views of the city from the top of the Space Needle, exploring the interactive exhibits at the Pacific Science Center, discovering the history and evolution of popular culture at MoPOP, and admiring the stunning glass artwork at the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit.

The Seattle City Center also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Bumbershoot Music and Arts festival and the Winterfest holiday celebration.

8. See Seattle's Main Attractions in Downtown Seattle

Downtown Seattle is the commercial and cultural center of Seattle, Washington. It is a bustling district with numerous skyscrapers, shopping centers, theaters, and museums.

Some of the popular attractions in the Downtown Seattle area include the iconic Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, the historic Pioneer Square, and the Seattle Aquarium.

Visitors can also enjoy shopping at high-end retail stores and boutiques, dining at world-class restaurants, and exploring the vibrant nightlife scene.

9. Play in Tide Pools at Golden Gardens Park

Golden Gardens Park is a waterfront park located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Washington.

It offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains and features a sandy beach, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

10. Explore the Seattle Waterfront

Seattle Waterfront is a bustling area along the edge of Elliott Bay in the downtown area of Seattle, Washington.

Seattle's waterfront is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the bay and the Olympic Mountains, as well as many shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Visitors can take a stroll along the boardwalk, watch the ferries come and go, and visit the Seattle Aquarium.

11. Get Artsy at the Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a world-class museum located in downtown Seattle, Washington.

It is home to over 25,000 works of art from around the world, including collections of African, Asian, European, and American art.

The museum features rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and public events.

12. Explore Seattle Asian Art Museum and Frye Art Museum

The Asian Art Museum in Seattle is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the United States, featuring over 23,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of history.

The Frye Art Museum, also located in Seattle, showcases a diverse collection of late 19th and early 20th-century paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, with a focus on German and Austrian art.

Admission to the Frye Art Museum is always free.

13. Splash in the Water at Lake Union - Lake Washington

Lake Washington is a large freshwater lake in the Seattle metropolitan area, located between Seattle to the west and Bellevue and Kirkland to the east.

Lake Washington is connected to Lake Union by the Lake Washington Ship Canal, completed in 1934 to facilitate navigation between the two lakes and provide a waterway for industrial development.

Lake Union is home to the floating bachelor pad of Tom Hanks's character in Sleepless in Seattle, and it's viewable from cruises and boat rides.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend the day relaxing by the shores of the freshwater Lake Washington.

14. Get your Game on at the Seattle Pinball Museum

The Seattle Pinball Museum is a unique museum and arcade in Seattle's International District, featuring over 50 vintage pinball machines and arcade games from the 1960s to the 1990s.

Visitors can play unlimited games with the purchase of a daily admission pass, and the Seattle Pinball Museum also offers guided tours and special events.

The Seattle Pinball Museum collection includes rare and historic machines and provides a fun and nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages.

The Seattle Pinball Museum also offers a Board Game Cafe and a selection of snacks and drinks, fun activities, making it a great spot for a fun and casual outing with friends or family.

15. Take Perfect Pictures at the Fremont Troll

The Fremont Troll is a public sculpture located under the north end of the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, depicting a troll clutching a real-life Volkswagen Beetle.

The Fremont Troll was created by artists Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter, and Ross Whitehead in 1990, and has become a popular tourist attraction and symbol of the neighborhood.

16. Get the Best Free View of Seattle at Kerry Park

Kerry Park is a small public park located in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, known for its stunning views of the city skyline, Space Needle, and Mount Rainier.

Kerry Park features a small play area, benches, coffee shops, and a viewpoint that attracts visitors and photographers from around the world, particularly at sunset.

17. Blow Bubbles at the Post Alley Gum Wall

The Post Alley Gum Wall is a unique tourist attraction located in Seattle's Pike Place Market, where visitors are encouraged to stick their used chewing gum onto the gum wall of an alleyway.

The tradition started in the 1990s and has grown into a colorful and somewhat controversial landmark, with some considering it a fun and quirky expression of art and others viewing it as unsanitary and a blight on the city.

Despite periodic cleanings, the gum wall continues to be a popular and divisive attraction.

18. Wander Through Chihuly Garden and Glass

Chihuly Garden and Glass is a museum and garden located in Seattle's Seattle Center, featuring the stunning and colorful glass artwork of renowned artist Dale Chihuly.

The museum Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases Chihuly's intricate glass sculptures, installations, and drawings, and also features a garden filled with his organic and whimsical creations.

The Chihuly Garden and Glass is a popular attraction for art enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a unique and immersive experience in the world of contemporary glass art.

19. Take in Breathtaking Views at the Smith Tower Observatory

The Smith Tower Observatory is an observation deck located on the 35th floor of the historic Smith Tower in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.

The tower, completed in 1914, was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi and has been beautifully restored to its original grandeur.

20. Tour the Theo Chocolate Factory

The Theo Chocolate Factory is a bean-to-bar chocolate maker located in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood, producing high-quality, organic, and fair-trade chocolate using sustainably-sourced cacao beans from around the world.

Visitors can take guided tours of the factory to learn about the chocolate-making process, sample different types of chocolate, and shop for artisanal chocolate products in the factory store.

21. Explore the Cal Anderson Park

Cal Anderson Park is a popular urban park located in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, offering a variety of recreational activities and amenities, such as a playground, sports fields, a fountain, and a reflecting pool.

It is smaller than other Seattle parks like Volunteer Park or Discovery Park, but its central location and bustling atmosphere make it a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike.

22. Venture into the Great Outdoors at Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast wilderness area located in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state, encompassing nearly one million acres of diverse ecosystems, including rugged mountains, temperate rainforests, and stunning coastal beaches.

The national park's scenic beauty and abundant wildlife make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation, nature lovers, and photography, drawing visitors from around the world.

This is not to be confused with the Olympic Sculpture Park, which is a free park featuring a permanent collection of sculptures, as well as some temporary exhibits. A visit to the Olympic Sculpture Park is well worth it when in Seattle.

23. Explore Discovery Park and Volunteer Park

Discovery Park and Volunteer Park are two of Seattle's largest and most popular urban parks, offering a range of recreational activities and amenities for visitors.

Discovery Park, located in the Magnolia neighborhood, features stunning views of the Puget Sound, wooded trails, a beach, and a historic lighthouse.

Volunteer Park, located on Capitol Hill, features a conservatory, a water tower with panoramic city views, a sculpture garden, a playground, and a wading pool.

Both parks are beloved by locals and tourists alike, providing peaceful and scenic escapes from the hustle and bustle of the city.

24. Marvel at the Architecture at Seattle Central Library

The Seattle Central Library or Seattle Public Library is a striking and modern architectural landmark located downtown, designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas and completed in 2004.

The library's unique geometric design features a 10-story glass and steel structure, with an iconic red exterior that has become a symbol of Seattle's skyline.

The library contains over one million books and multimedia materials, as well as a variety of public spaces and meeting rooms for visitors to use.

25. Explore the Washington Park Arboretum

Washington Park Arboretum is a 230-acre park located in Seattle, featuring a diverse collection of trees, plants, and flowers from around the world.

The Arboretum offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of gardens and natural habitats, including the Japanese Garden, Rhododendron Glen, and the Pacific Connections Garden.

26. Visit the National Nordic Museum

The National Nordic Museum, located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, is the largest museum in the United States dedicated to preserving and sharing the culture and heritage of the Nordic countries.

The museum features a variety of exhibits and artifacts related to Nordic history, art, and culture, including interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.

27. Discover Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center, located in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood, is a hands-on science museum that offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.

The museum features a planetarium, IMAX theater, butterfly house, and a variety of rotating exhibits that explore different aspects of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

28. Visit the Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium, located on the downtown waterfront, is a popular attraction that showcases the diversity of marine life found in the Pacific Northwest and around the world.

The Seattle aquarium features a variety of exhibits, including a giant octopus, sea otters, harbor seals, and a tropical reef tank.

Visitors can also participate in behind-the-scenes tours, feedings, and other interactive experiences to learn more about the local marine life.

29. Explore Space Needle

The Space Needle is an iconic landmark and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. This observation tower in Seattle was built for the 1962 World's Fair.

Standing 605 feet tall, the Space Needle offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains and waterways.

What's interesting is that during the Space Needle construction, it was built to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour and earthquakes up to a magnitude of 9.1, making it one of the most resilient structures in the world.

The Space Needle remains one of Seattle's most visited attractions and a symbol of the city's innovation and ingenuity.

30. Climb Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier is a massive active volcano located in the Cascade Range of Washington state, standing at 14,410 feet tall. It is the highest peak in the state and one of the most prominent in the country.

Mount Rainier is surrounded by a beautiful national park that features stunning glaciers, wildflower meadows, and hiking trails for visitors to explore.

As Mount Rainier is one of Seattle's most iconic landmarks, you simply must visit it while in town.

31. Get Spooked on a Seattle Ghost Tour

The Seattle Ghost Tour is a spooky and entertaining walking tour that takes visitors through some of the city's most haunted locations.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour explores the dark history of Seattle, including tales of ghosts, murder, and other eerie occurrences.

Visitors can expect to learn about the haunted history of Pioneer Square, visit the city's oldest cemetery, and hear chilling stories of ghosts and spirits that are said to haunt the streets of Seattle.

32. Try Bill Speidel's Underground Tour

Bill Speidel's Underground Tour in Seattle takes visitors on a unique journey beneath the city's streets, exploring the hidden passageways and storefronts that were once at ground level before the city was rebuilt after a devastating Great Seattle Fire in 1889.

33. Visit the Museum of Pop Culture

The Museum of Pop Culture, also known as MoPOP, is a nonprofit museum in Seattle that features exhibits exploring popular culture in a variety of forms, including live music venues, science fiction, and video games.

Museum of Pop Culture was founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2000 and has since become a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.

34. Visit Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is a vibrant neighborhood located in Seattle, known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

It is also home to many historic homes and buildings, as well as several parks, coffee shops, and green spaces, including Volunteer and Cal Anderson Park.

35. Try a Hot Air Balloon Ride

The hot air balloon ride is one of the fun group activities in Seattle, WA, allowing you to enjoy the city's beauty. Before your ride, you will also learn about the fascinating history of hot air balloons.

36. Explore Emerald City

Emerald City is a nickname for Seattle, Washington, often used to describe the city's lush greenery and natural beauty, which is attributed to its location in the Pacific Northwest and its rainy climate.

The term was popularized in popular culture in the book and movie "The Wizard of Oz," which featured a fictional Emerald city with the same name. Use this nickname as a guide in terms of your travel itinerary; make sure to hit all the parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces you can while in town.

37. Take a Food Tour

A food tour in Seattle is a popular way to explore the city's diverse culinary scene, which includes fresh seafood, artisanal coffee, craft beer, and more.

These tours typically take visitors to multiple restaurants and food markets, offering a chance to sample a variety of dishes while learning about the city's history and culture.

Some popular food tours in Seattle include the Pike Place Market Food Tour and the Chocolate Indulgence Tour.

38. Visit the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is a historic store located in Seattle, Washington, known for its unusual and eclectic collection of curiosities and oddities. It was established in 1899 and has been a popular tourist destination for over a century.

This is one of the most fun things to do in Seattle on a rainy day.

39. Sunbath on Alki Beach

Alki Beach is a popular beach park located in West Seattle, Washington, known for its stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

It was the site of the first white settlement in the Seattle area in 1851 and is now a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

40. Visit Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a one-of-a-kind coffee roasting facility and tasting room located in Seattle, Washington. It offers a unique and immersive coffee experience, with several brewing methods and coffee blends that are not available at regular Starbucks stores.

FAQs Regarding Fun Activities in Seattle

Let's look at the most frequently asked questions relating to fun activities in Seattle.

How can adults have fun in Seattle?

There are many ways for adults to have fun in Seattle. From the iconic Seattle Center to the Seattle Pinball Museum, there is something for everyone. Whether you prefer to visit the Seattle Aquarium or a rooftop bar, Seattle has something for every adult.

How do adults spend an evening in Seattle?

Adults can spend the evening in Seattle admiring the Seattle skyline from Kerry Park. Or, for an even more intimate evening, adults can head to Discover Park to enjoy the peace and quiet of the edge of the city limits.

If you go to a park in the evening, bring a flashlight and make sure you keep safe.

How can I spend 2 hours in Seattle?

If you only have two hours to spend in Seattle, there's still plenty to see and do. If it's a rainy day, consider visiting the historic West Point Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of Puget Sound and is only a short walk away from Discovery Park.

You can also check out the board game cafes in Seattle, most of which are within walking distance from the main attractions.

Summing Up: Fun Activities in Seattle for Adults - 2024

To sum up, there are many fun things for adults to do in Seattle. Visiting Seattle is a must for anyone who wants to experience the Pacific Northwest.

With its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, world-class coffee, and stunning natural beauty, Seattle has something to offer for everyone.

Take a trip to Lake Union, learn about Pop Culture, and relax at Alki Beach in Seattle, WA. Whether you are traveling with adult friends or a partner, you will have a great time.

So pack your things and let's go on a new adventure to get to know Seattle.