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Museums tell the story of a place, it’s history, culture and art. If you really want to know what makes a town tick, first visit it’s museums. You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy learning the steps it took for a town to become what it is today. In fact, making museums part of a family vacation itinerary will not only teach your children while they think they are just having fun, it will show them that learning can be an enjoyable endeavor. Whether it be science, art, nature or history, you won’t be sorry you stopped by Seattle’s museums.

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture offers Native American crafts, masks, totem poles, Asian costumes, bugs and birds, oh my. They have expert exhibits with such interests as fossils, dinosaurs, marine reptiles, wildlife photography, and much more. It one of the “Top Ten Peoples Pick” for Seattle Museums. Check their website for current and traveling exhibits. It’s open every day, except holidays, from 10 am to 5 pm with late hours to 8 pm the first Thursday of every month. There is a slight admission fee, but it is free on the first Thursday of every month.

Seattle Microbrewery Museum will teach you about the entire history of beer. Located at Pike Brewing Company in the famous Pike Place Market, you can stop and have a cold one after your tour. Or better yet have a hearty, wholesome lunch. You might fancy one of their salads full of fresh vegetables with smoked salmon.

Wing Luke Asian Museum recently moved to a larger location, the East Kong Yick Building. Explore the history, culture and art of Pacific American Asians. This museum was founded in 1967 and named for the beloved City Council Member, Wing Luke. As the first Asian American to be elected a public official in Seattle, Wing Luke is most well known for passing the Open Housing Ordinance which fought against racial discrimination in housing. Contact the museum for special timely exhibits. Group tours are available by reservation. They charge a small admission fee. However, free admission days are every third Thursday and third Saturday of each month.

The Children’s Museum encourages children to touch. Their hands-on exhibits help children to garner more interest and learn more easily. However, they won’t realize how much knowledge they are gaining while having so much fun. While vacationing, if you have children up to age 10, there won’t be a better stop-off in Seattle. They will have the option to climb a mountain or jump down into a marmot hole. They’ll learn cultures of different people as they jump into different locations of the globe. You can even have the museum all to yourself by renting it after hours. Plan a birthday party in a special room at the museum. After birthday cake and presents, enjoy the many exhibits.

Museum of Flight, located on Boeing Field just west of I-5, you’ll see one of the first primitive Write Brother gliders to the Mach 3 “Blackbird.” The massive flying machine collection of commercial, military and civilian planes is situated over several buildings. Enjoy the thrill of boarding a retired Air Force One Plane and a Concord or visit the original Boeing Barn. If you are on a budget, the admission fee of $16 may seem more than you would like to spend, however it is worth the price and then some.

Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is located on 24th avenue in McCurdy Park. Opened February of 1952, it is the largest private heritage association in Washington. The history of Seattle, from the 1800s to today, can be viewed through their many artifacts, images and information. The hands-on exhibits are a joy for both adults and children. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the grounds of McCurdy Park after your tour of the museum. Then get a little exercise by following the trail at the edge of the museums parking lot. You’ll find a bridge half way through the trail where you’ll enjoy views of hilltop houses and natural foliage.

Seattle Art Museum (SAM), admission free on the first Thursday of every month, displays nearly 25,000 pieces of art. This eclectic, non traditional art museum has a very impressive collection of contemporary art. Their traveling exhibits on the third floor are not to be missed as they are always the showcase of the visit. The Native Alaskan art is impressive of itself.

Pacific Science Center should be on your list of “several visits” list of vacation spots. You’ll learn something new every time. Kids will love the video game history room - they had no idea. Adults and children alike will enjoy the tic-tac-toe robot, see if you can beat him. The Pacific Science Center was voted one of the “50 Top Family Attractions.”

Center for Wooden Boats Museum, located in the heart of Seattle on Valley Street, is a hands on maritime heritage experience. They will take you out onto the water, every Sunday, in a restored historic sailboat or rowboat, originally handcrafted. Enjoy Tug Boat Story Time aboard the Arthur Foss, a tugboat near 100 years old. Here’s your chance to learn how to sail, tie a sailor’s knot or navigate by the stars. It’s located on Valley Street, admission is free. A good choice for the family if you are trying to stay on a budget.

Seattle Museums

We’ve touched on just a few of Seattle’s fun yet educational spots to visit. After you’ve stop by each of these museums, you may want to look into Rosalie Whyle Museum of Doll Art, the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, the Klondike Gold Rush Museum or even the Nordick Heritage Museum. There seems to be something for everyone’s interest.

Tags: children's museum | museums | North America | seatle museums | Seattle | United States