If you're wondering where to go with kids in rainy Seattle, the Museum of Flight is the answer. Get up close to large aircraft and space exhibits, and experience the cockpit.My child was very satisfied with the experience. Parking and access are convenient, so I highly recommend it as a family trip.
5 Great Reasons to Visit with Your Family
When I first said I was going to Seattle, the first thing I was recommended was this large airplane museum.
Actually, I didn't have high expectations, but it was a very enjoyable and happy time not only for my son but also for my wife and I. It was worth the admission fee.
1. Overwhelming scale of real aircraft
You can see real-size aircraft, such as the Boeing 747, Concorde, and SR-71 Blackbird, which you have only seen in books, right before your eyes. Just having your child stand under the plane and experience its size is a great learning experience.(They are so big and numerous that it is difficult to even take a picture.)
2. No time to be bored with experiential exhibitions
From cockpit experiences to flight simulators and touchscreen learning, there's so much to experience, not just see, but touch and operate. Because the space and atmosphere are constantly changing, children's concentration continues to be maintained.It can be done.
3. Best Indoor Course for Rainy Days
Seattle has over 150 rainy days a year. So Don't worry about rain in Seattle. More than 90% of the entire viewing route is indoors.You can enjoy it as much as you planned regardless of the weather.
4. Convenient indoor circulation and relaxation space
Wide hallways, benches here and there, and even a cafe space. A route structure that is comfortable even when accompanied by a stroller or the elderly.However, since the scale is so large, your legs may hurt, so please take breaks in between.
5. Living Education Site
From aviation history to space exploration, experiencing textbook-only content in person can spark a child's curiosity and enhance their learning experience. My son also found that watching airplanes helped him find answers to many of his questions.
Before reading the article below, check out the YouTube video I made!
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Location, parking, operating hours, and admission fees all in one place
🔻Location and accessibility
- address : Seattle, WA 98108 United States
It's a 15-minute drive from downtown Seattle.
If you have a car, it is a distance you can easily travel, and King County International Airport (Boeing Field) is right nearby. You can actually watch various aircraft take off and land. there is.
🔻Parking Information
The entrance building has a large parking lot, making it easily accessible. Parking is included in the adult admission fee, so there is no additional charge. step, It is recommended to visit early in the morning as weekend afternoons are likely to be full.do.
🔻Operating hours
- Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (open year-round)
- Closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas
- It's the quietest right after opening at 10 AM.do, 1-3pm is the busiest timei did it.
🔻Admission Fee (as of 2025)
- adult: $29
- Youth (ages 5-17): $21
- Infants (4 years old and under): free
- Seniors (65+): $25
- When you purchase an annual membership, you only need to visit 3 times to get the price. If you plan to return, an annual membership is a good option. (There are a variety of annual membership options. Check the website and choose the best option.)
- 🔎[Check annual membership information on the website]
Recommended 150-minute course (for children)
0-30 minutes: Great Gallery (6-story main exhibition hall)
The entrance opens with awe-inspiring displays of aircraft. Starting with the Wright brothers' first aircraft, visible right at the entrance, and then to fighter jets, stealth fighters, and more, this is a must-see for any aviation enthusiast!
Points parents like: You can take pictures in front of a large aircraft that was actually used, sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet, and take photos that will last a lifetime.
Child's favorite points: There are devices that allow you to look inside the cockpit and experience flying an airplane (separate experience fee: $10 per person)
30-60 minutes: Personal Courage Wings
Exhibits aircraft used during World War I and II, from fighter jets to personal small aircraft.It is a place where stories of the courage of the pilots who were active at that time are told.
Parents' Viewing Point: You can see various miniature fighter planes and listen to radio voices from 1944, and observe the appearance of old fighter planes like old cars.
Child Focus Point: You can experience a simulation game where you can drive a fighter jet while looking at a monitor. (He said he felt like he couldn't finish the whole day playing this game.)
60-90 minutes: Space Gallery
From NASA spacecraft models to actual spacesuits and lunar exploration equipment, you can see the history of space exploration at a glance, from the Apollo missions to the current Mars exploration.
Child Focus Point: A real spacesuit and a car that actually ran on the moon are on display.
Parents' Viewing Point: This could be a very exciting time for parents who are interested in space and lunar exploration.
90-120 minutes: Aeration Pavilion (large hangar-style exhibition hall)
By the way, this was my favorite exhibit. I got to ride in an airplane the size of a real building and even peek into the cockpit. I felt like a child again, and I enjoyed it even more than my son. I'm truly happy to be able to see historic planes like the Concorde and Air Force One, which I've only heard about in stories.i did it.
Child Focus Point: You can see and even board some incredibly massive aircraft. Taking photos with the different planes will be a lasting memory. My son especially loved the fighter jets.
Parents' Viewing PointI've never had the opportunity to ride planes like Air Force One or the Concorde. They were discontinued long ago. It was great to be able to see planes I'd only heard about in person.
120-150 minutes: Kids Zone, Experience Zone, and Souvenir Shop
The last 30 minutes are spent in hands-on, hands-on activities for children. These range from flight simulators to air traffic control experiences. The gift shop offers a wide variety of interesting aircraft and lunar exploration-related merchandise, keeping even adults entertained.
Top 5 Exhibits That Kids Love
1. Fighter cockpit experience
You can sit in the actual cockpit and touch the instrument panel. Your child can play as a pilot and ride in a fighter jet. Many people take pictures. We recommend visiting on a weekday morning as there may be a wait time.do.
2. SR-71 Blackbird actual display
You can witness the world's fastest reconnaissance aircraft in person. I was more captivated by the beautiful design of the black plane than my child.
3. Models of spacesuits and lunar landers
The photo I took next to the actual size spacesuit was the most impressive. I think it will spark my son's interest in airplanes and spaceflight, who had previously been uninterested in the subject.
4. Airplane pilot simulator
Using a screen, you can experience actual airplane operation, takeoff, and landing. Because it's a game, my child won't get bored, and since there weren't many other people trying it, it was a leisurely experience. I think it was my son's favorite experience.
Reasons to choose a rainy day
Seattle lives up to its nickname, "Rain City," with over 150 rainy days annually. So, on a rainy day, visiting the Museum of Flight is a great indoor activity. The Museum of Flight has over 80% of indoor exhibits, so you can visit it all day long without worrying about the weather.I can do it.
📌 I've attached a full map of the museum to help you organize your route.
🔻Consists of indoor circulation
The viewing path is connected, so there's no need to avoid the rain. The outdoor exhibition area is also a covered hangar, so you can enjoy the exhibition without worry, even if it rains heavily.
🔻Use of cafes and lounges
There are spaces where you can enjoy warm drinks and light snacks throughout the tour. Use these as a break if your child gets tired. Since the tour is quite long, adequate rest is essential. It's large so your legs might hurt, so wear comfortable shoes.do!
🔻Indoor photo spots
With a variety of life-size large aircraft on display, any photo will look great with just one airplane as the background. Everywhere inside the exhibition hall is a photo spot!
Collection of real-life tips
🔻Most rush hour :
Weekends are busiest between 1 PM and 3 PM. Try to arrive right after opening time on weekdays or right after opening time on weekends.
🔻Using a stroller:
The entire route is stroller-friendly, but please note that some of the second-floor exhibition halls have stairs only.
🔻Restroom and nursing room:
Each exhibition hall has a restroom, and a nursing room is also well-equipped in the main lobby.
🔻Bringing in drinks:
Water bottles are allowed, but food is not. There's a cafe on-site, so you can eat there. As for the taste, well... that's typical of food sold at amusement parks.
🔻Lunch timing:
The on-site cafe is most crowded between 12 and 1 p.m. On rainy days, there are plenty of tables outside, making it relatively quiet. However, if it rains and you have to dine indoors, it's usually only available before 11:30 p.m. or after 2 p.m.
🔻Souvenir prices:
Model airplanes are available in $15-50 and T-shirts in $20-30. They offer a wide selection of products. The quality is reasonable. It's worth buying at least one item your kids will like.
🔻Photographing manners:
There are many no-flash zones, so check the signs. Be considerate of other visitors.
🔻Parking Tips:
We offer a large, free parking lot. However, on weekends, you should arrive early to find parking relatively close to the entrance.
Overall Rating (out of 5 from a parent's perspective)
🔻Child satisfaction: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 points) :
He didn't get bored for the entire three and a half hours, and even after we got home, he kept talking about airplanes.
🔻Learning effect: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 points)
It has high educational value because it allows you to naturally experience the history and scientific principles of aviation.
🔻Intention to revisit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 points)
I think there will be many exhibitions that will feel new even if I come back a year later. It would also be great for my child to see when he or she is older.
🔻Cost-effectiveness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 points)
I'm satisfied with the fact that I can enjoy the park for over three hours for the admission fee of $29. It's also nice that parking is included.
🔻Overall recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 points)
A must-see for any family trip to Seattle. Kids with a passion for aviation will especially enjoy the 100%.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. When should I go to avoid crowds?
A. It's most relaxed right after opening on weekday mornings, rather than on weekend afternoons. Right after lunch (after 2 p.m.) is also relatively easy.
Q. Is parking convenient?
A. Parking is available right in front of the museum, making it easily accessible. During peak weekend hours, we recommend arriving before the museum fills up.
Q. What is the minimum viewing time?
A. If you're traveling with children, there's plenty to see, with at least two hours to spare, and up to three hours for adults. (Honestly, if you love flying, you could probably spend a whole day there.)
Q. Is it okay on rainy days?
A. Since the indoor exhibitions are large, we especially recommend this course on rainy days.
Q. Is there a children's experience zone?
A. Children will enjoy the cockpit experience and interactive exhibits.
Q. What about meals and rest?
A. There is an on-site cafe and lounge, making it easy to take a break, and it is also good to connect with meal courses in the surrounding neighborhood.
📌 For more detailed route The author's 🔎[YouTube Traveling Video]Organize byI did it.
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