Where to Stay in Seattle with Kids
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Finding the right place to stay in Seattle makes a huge difference when you’re visiting with kids.
On our trip with our four boys, staying near the Space Needle ended up being the best decision we made.
We were able to walk to almost everything, use the monorail for easy trips downtown, and get to playgrounds, museums, and food options within minutes.
What’s funny is that I didn’t pick our hotel because I knew the area would be perfect.
I was simply looking for something that wasn’t overly expensive, could fit our family of six, and had good reviews.
It ended up being such a great spot for families, and now I recommend this area to anyone visiting Seattle with kids.
Note: Everything I’m sharing is based on our own personal experience as a family of six. Every trip is different, and things can change, so always choose what feels best for your own family.
Why Seattle Center Is the Best Area to Stay with Kids
Seattle is big, busy, and spread out, but choosing the right location makes all the difference.
After staying here with our four boys, I can confidently say that Seattle Center is the best home base for families.
Here’s why it works so well:
✔ Walkable to the top attractions
Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, MoPOP, Pacific Science Center, Artists at Play Playground, and the Seattle Center Armory are all right there.
You can easily spend several days exploring this area without ever needing a car.
✔ Easy access to the monorail
You can hop on and ride straight to Westlake Center downtown.
No parking, no navigating traffic, and no hassle. With kids, this is a huge perk.
✔ Plenty of food options
The Armory Food Hall is a lifesaver for families.
Everyone gets what they want, it’s fast, and it’s affordable. It made grabbing meals so easy.
✔ It felt safe and family-friendly
I wasn’t sure what to expect before we arrived, but the area around Seattle Center felt welcoming, clean, and easy to navigate.
We didn’t walk around after dark, since it stayed light so late in the summer, but during the evenings we were out, I felt completely comfortable with the kids.
✔ Close to playgrounds
The Artists at Play Playground was such a fun surprise that we ended up going back several times.
Having a playground nearby is a big win when you need breaks between attractions.
Where We Stayed: Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
We chose Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown, and it ended up being the perfect fit for our family.
Here’s what we loved:
- Location: Directly across from the Space Needle
- Walkability: Steps from Seattle Center attractions
- Room types: Suites with kitchens are ideal for families
- Breakfast included: Saves money and time
- Comfort + safety: Clean, bright, and we felt good being there with kids
- Great views: Some hallways and rooms have amazing Space Needle views (like the picture I took!) 👇
This hotel made our trip feel easier and more doable, especially with our four boys.
Check current rates at Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
Other Family-Friendly Hotels Near the Space Needle
If Hyatt House is booked or you want other options, here are great picks within a few minutes’ walk of Seattle Center.
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Seattle Center
– Hyatt Place Seattle/Downtown
– Staypineapple The Maxwell Hotel
– Homewood Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown
These hotels offer a mix of suites, larger rooms, walkability, and family-friendly amenities.
What to Look for in a Seattle Hotel When You Have Kids
When choosing where to stay, here are the things that truly matter for families:
✔ Suites or two-room layouts
Gives kids space to decompress and parents a place to breathe.
✔ Breakfast included (helps with cost + time)
You don’t want to start each day searching for food with hungry kids.
✔ Walking distance
Seattle traffic and parking can be stressful. Walkability eliminates most of that.
✔ Easy access to the Monorail
This saves so much time and energy.
✔ Close to food
Armory Food Hall = family gold.
✔ Near a playground
Perfect for downtime between sightseeing.
✔ Parking options (if you have a vehicle)
Hotel parking in Seattle can be expensive or limited, so check ahead if you’re bringing a car.
✔ Recent guest reviews
Look for consistent notes on cleanliness, noise levels, and overall family-friendliness.
✔ Check distances on Google Maps
I always use Google Maps to see exactly how far the hotel is from attractions, restaurants, and transportation before deciding.
✔ Anything else that matters to your family
Every family is different. Think about what is important for you , whether that’s a pool, a quiet location, kitchen space, laundry access, or somewhere with room for kids to unwind.
Do You Need a Car in Seattle?
We had a car because Seattle was part of a larger road trip, but we kept it parked the entire time we were staying near Seattle Center.
We were able to walk to almost everything or take the Monorail downtown, which made getting around really easy with kids.
If you’re only exploring the Seattle Center area, Pike Place, and the waterfront, you won’t need a car, but if you plan to visit other neighborhoods (like Ballard, Fremont, or Alki Beach) or take day trips, having a car is helpful.
If you do bring a vehicle, make sure to check hotel parking options and fees ahead of time because they can vary quite a bit.
How Long to Stay in Seattle with Kids
Two to three nights is the perfect amount of time if you’re focusing on Seattle Center, Pike Place Market, and the waterfront.
If you want to explore more neighborhoods or add in a day trip, three to four nights is ideal.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Seattle with Kids
Here are a few quick answers to common questions families have when planning a Seattle trip.
Is Seattle a good place to visit with kids?
Yes. Seattle Center makes it especially easy because so many major attractions are right in one walkable area.
What’s the best area to stay in Seattle with kids?
Seattle Center, near the Space Needle, is the easiest and most family-friendly option thanks to walkability, food choices, and quick access to the Monorail.
Do you need a car in Seattle?
Not if you stay near Seattle Center. Most attractions are walkable, and the Monorail takes you straight downtown.
How many days do you need in Seattle with kids?
Two to three nights is perfect for a doable, enjoyable trip without feeling rushed.
Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in Seattle with Kids
Staying near Seattle Center made such a difference in how doable this trip felt.
When everything is walkable, food is easy, and attractions are right outside your door, it takes away a lot of the stress that can come with visiting a big city.
If you’re planning a Seattle trip with kids, staying near the Space Needle truly is the easiest and most family-friendly option.
Find family-friendly Seattle Center hotels and current prices here: View Seattle Hotels Near the Space Needle
✨Planning a Seattle trip with kids can feel like a lot of moving pieces. If you want a place to map out your days, keep track of hotel details, and plug in things like the Space Needle, Pike Place, and monorail rides, you can grab my Complimentary Travel Itinerary Planner here. It works for Seattle and any other family vacation you are dreaming up. 👇
