Tips for a Day in Seattle with Toddlers

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We decided to tackle a day in Seattle with toddlers and I had so much planned.

Little did I know the trip wouldn’t go as planned. But I mean, why didn’t I expect that with toddler twins? Rarely does anything go as planned!

I had planned to visit the Aquarium, Pacific Science Center, Woodland Park Zoo and maybe venture and tackle the Space Needle.

Obviously a lot for a day in Seattle with toddlers but I was so excited to take my twins to visit my favorite places in Seattle that I didn’t think twice.

And yeah, a good majority of that list didn’t happen.

I found out that I wasn’t as prepared for a day in Seattle with toddlers as I thought I was.

Here are a few things I wish I would have thought about before we took on Seattle with the twins in tow.

Tips for a Day in Seattle with Twin Toddlers

1. Bring a capable stroller. Forget the small, compact ones.

Though having a compact stroller is nice for the ease of use, I wish I would have brought my more capable stroller for the twins. Not only would it have handled the bumpy roads of seattle better, but they could have snacked in it and I could have stored my things in the large bottom compartment.

2. Don’t visit during peak hours

I should have known better than visiting on a Sunday afternoon with twin toddlers. The city is very busy, so roads were crowded quickly and this made for some fussy toddlers and way too close of quarters than I would have perferred. I’d suggest, if you can, to visit on a week day to avoid the crowds.

3. Drive where you can

We parked in a lot and planned to stay there for a whole day, not realizing that what we wanted to do were not walking distance from eachother. 600 feet in Seattle might mean 600 feet up flights of stairs that you can’t take with a stroller. So when we go next time, we will for sure be driving to each specific location.

5. Visit the Hard Rock Cafe

I honestly cannot speak more highly of any restaurant I have ever been to with the twins. They were over the top kid friendly, enough that I actually left them a few reviews on different networks.

We were greeted with toddler ready tables, handed towels because they knew the kids would likely get messy, and every waiter that walked by entertained and played with the twins. The food is already great, but with toddlers I always look for somewhere I feel they are welcomed and you best bet we’ll be making another stop into the Hard Rock Seattle during our next visit!

6. Do not, for the love of all that is holy, walk up the gum wall with toddlers

I never knew were the wall was until this past trip, and man. I wish I would have looked it up because that was a hard walk. Not only is it super inclined and hard to push a stroller up, but it is SO crowded. There is no space for a stroller to walk through, especially on a Sunday afternoon. If your directions tell you to walk through Post Alley, do not. Do not go that way. Drive instead, like I mentioned earlier!

7. Keep expectations low, go with the flow

This is my motto for life with twins, and honestly it is very fitting while visiting the major city. There is a lot going on in Seattle, and a lot to expect from your toddlers. You might not make it to everything on your list, but that is okay.

Keep the kids happy with low expectations, who knows, you might be surprised and get more out of your trip than you expected! 

8.  Visit the Aquarium if nothing else

The one place other than the Hard Rock Cafe that we got to experience was the Seattle Aquarium and I am so happy we did. It is a little costly, but so so worth it! They offer so many interactive experiences for the kids that it was perfect for my almost two year old twin toddlers. I can see it being great for littles from about 18 months and up. My twins loved playing in the tide pools and showed no fear in touching the sea life.

Keep your cool, mama.

A day in Seattle with toddlers is totally doable, especially if you plan your day around your toddlers rather than what you want your toddlers to expereince like I did.

Don’t forget to pin this for later to save for your next Seattle adventure!