Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center is at the Seattle Center, and perfect for kids.

It's located beneath the Seattle Space Needle, at 200 2nd Avenue North.

The hands on exhibits at Pacific Science Center are geared towards kids, however teens and adults will enjoy the IMAX movies, laser shows, virtual reality experiences, planetarium shows, and butterfly house.

The planetarium is included in general admission, but the IMAX, virtual reality, and laser shows require an add-on ticket.

Check hours & admission.

10 best things to do at Pacific Science Center.

1. Walk through a tropical butterfly house, where gorgeous butterflies flutter around you and might even land on you!
2. Check out the latest movies and documentaries at the IMAX Theater, with two state-of-the-art theaters. See IMAX movie calendar.
3. Try a Virtual Reality experience, including a trip to space to see Saturn's biggest moon, or step inside a cryovolcano. See Virtual Reality calendar.
4. Watch a Laser Show at the Laser Dome, with popular songs synced to choreographed lasers, while listening to a 10,000 watt concert sound system. See Laser Dome calendar.
5. See a cool planetarium show at the Pacific Science Center. The planetarium shows are included in the price of admission and run for 40 minutes, (with a special 15 minute show for preschoolers). Reserve timed tickets ahead of time to avoid missing out.
6. Explore the hands on marine touch pool, with sea anemones, star fish, and hermit crabs.
7. Design and build creations at the Tinker Tank Maker Space.
8. See giant animatronic models of dinosaurs at the Pacific Science Center. See animatronic models from the Mesozoic era at the "Journey through Time exhibit". Kids will get a big kick out of the roaring dinosaurs, and can learn about how they lived.
9. Gaze in wonder at a massive 6-foot globe of the world. See oceans and land projected onto a giant globe to explain weather events and natural disasters, at the "Science on a Sphere" exhibit.
10. Spray moving targets with outdoor water cannons. There's also a high ride bicycle elevated 15-feet off the ground.  

Just for toddlers at the Pacific Science Center,

Toddlers can also have engaging, hands on experiences at the "Just for Tot's Exhibition" at the Pacific Science Center including soft blocks, a water stream table, and musical instruments.

Know before you go

• Pacific Science Center address: 200 2nd Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109
• Hours and tickets: here. Save money by purchasing a Family Pass, or purchase a CityPass and bundle it with other popular Seattle attractions.
• Food:  on-site cafe.
• Parking:  There's a parking lot across the road from the Pacific Science Center.  There's also parking at these parking garages:  5th Avenue N Garage (516 Harrison Street, 98109), and Mercer Street Garage (650 3rd Ave N, 98109).

Other cool things to do at the Seattle Center.

If you're looking for other kid-friendly activities at the Seattle Center, try the FREE Artists at Play Playground outside the Museum of Pop Culture. 

If you have kids under age 7 or toddlers, take them to the Seattle Childrens Museum in the basement of the Armory.  There's a large food court above with a Starbucks to refuel.  On warmer days, the nearby International Fountain is the perfect place to be.  Sit out on the lawned area and enjoy the sunshine while your kids frolic in the fountain.

The Space Needle,  Museum of Pop Culture, and stunning Chihuly Garden and Glass are also next to the Pacific Science Center.  

Fun places to take kids in Seattle

Drive 25 minutes from downtown Seattle to the Eastside, to visit the KidsQuest Childrens Museum.