Galley Gossip: Seattle - places to stay & things to do (with a 13 year-old boy)

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All great suggestions, though I've heard the Edgewater isn't quite up to the hype around it.

I live just outside Seattle and do the tourist thing quite often when my family comes to visit (including 12 and 11 year old nephews). Here are some things we enjoy doing when they are here:

Pike Place Market (sorry Heather, Pike is not possessive of the Market. First thing I learned when I moved here 3 years ago. PIKE not Pike's). See the fish throwing guys, walk through the first floor sampling the fruit and the chocolate pasta. Don't head to the lower floors unless you're into tchotchkes and the like. Head over to the "first" Starbucks. Go back to the fish throwers and head down the stairs by the golden pig. Stick some gum on the gum wall. From there head down to the water front and check out Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. It's full of all sorts of random stuff.

Riding the ferry to Bainbridge Island is a MUST. While there visit Mora Iced Creamery. Sample all that you'd like, but I'd suggest the chocolate ice cream with peanut butter and Oreos or head over to Cafe Nola (if it's the weekend) and have their Caramel Pecan french toast. If you've brought your car along with you, there are some gorgeous state parks with views of the Sound. If you kayak, this is a good place to do it.

EMP/Sci Fi Museum - unless the boy is VERY into music or sci fi novels, this will only take about an hour. The thing that will most interest him will likely be the music lab where he can play the guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, etc.

Seattle Center - there is an amusement park of sorts there, but it's not really of any consequence. There is, however, the Pacific Science Center. And if he's into science or how things work, etc. This is the place to go. My nephews LOVE this place. 3D movies, exhibits on bugs, rooms full of butterflies.

Riding the Duck isn't work the price, in my opinion, but it's a nice way to see the city and hit the water a bit. I much prefer the water taxi to Alki and the free shuttle that will drop you off anywhere you'd like on the beach. Head to Salty's for some seafood.

There's also many glass blowing places that have workshops the public can sign up for.

All in all, Seattle's a GREAT place to bring a 13 year old. I'm sure he'll have tons of fun.

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