Seattle Center050

You can see Seattle Center from almost anywhere in the city - just look for the Space Needle. The Center's 74-acre site offers music and dance at McCaw Hall, theater, three museums, sports, and family-friendly festivals throughout the year.

The International Fountain, open all year, is at the center of the grounds' strolling and picnicking area. About a half-block east of the fountain, you'll see the Fisher Pavilion across from the hulking Center House. The Center House contains tables and chairs (little ones for little kids, too), a dance floor, a stage, and fast food restaurants serving everything from hot dogs to Thai food. It's the site for community festivals and celebrations as well as everyday hanging out. An entrance to the Monorail is also located here.

The Children's Museum is located on the ground floor of the Center House. Walk a block east and you'll find the Seattle Children's Theatre, the Stage Door Store, and the Pacific Science Center. KeyArena anchors the west end of the grounds. At the north end of the center, look for the Experience Music Project alongside the Space Needle.

Two small gardens invite kids' exploration. The Neototems Children's Garden, located in the Allen Family Pavilion next to the grounds entrance to the Pacific Science Center, features kid-friendly bronze sculptures that kids can find tucked here and there, pretty plantings, and a fountain in the shape of a whale's tail. Kids can play in the water that splashes gently off the tail. At the base of the Space Needle, directly behind the circular drive, look for a fragrant, densely planted garden that offers seating areas and cobbled paths.

Free Wi-Fi is available at the Center House, the International Fountain, the South Foundation Lawn, Fisher Pavilion, the Mural Amphitheatre, and the Northwest Rooms Courtyard. Instructions for using the Wi-Fi service are available at the Seattle Center website.