World class attraction--for the locals! My favorite part about Seattle Center is how successful the city has been at redeveloping the old Worlds Fair site and keeping it relevant to people of all ages and interests here in the city. Of course tourists go to see the space needle...but Seattle Center is a hive of activity all year long. It is a civic treasure. Here's a few reasons why: * The lawns, gardens and plazas are welcoming and great for kids, laying down a blanket, throwing the frisbee around...whatever you do in grass. * In the summertime the fountains, fluffy green manicured lawns and mature trees make Seattle Center a guaranteed oasis from the heat. * The Space Needle brings tourists and a world-class tourist experience to the site. * There are usually some food cart vendors, buskers and random urban entertainment. * Key Arena and the various exhibition halls draw sports events, festivals, concerts and conventions year-round. * The monorail is a convenient way to get down to the central core of downtown in a train George Jetson would be proud of. * KEXP throws a free summer concert series at the ampitheater I can't think of anything negative to say about the Seattle Center--especially when comparing it to other cities' tourist traps. OK, I thought of something: people actually get stuck in the mud sometimes trying to cut across the big lawns after a rain. Seattle Center has sneaky mud pits! Actually that's pretty funny so I've got nothing against the Seattle Center after all. read more

Seattle Center has been undergoing a major transformation this year which happens to be the 50th anniversary of the World's Fair. What was once a place you walked through, or around, to get somewhere else, has once again become a destination for both locals and tourists alike. The biggest improvement by far as the food selection inside the old armory building with local hot commodities like Pie, and Skillet replacing tired old food court fare. This is now a place you actually want to make an effort to get to instead of trying to avoid. Another big addition is the beautiful Chihuly glass museum which now occupies the building that housed the fun forest carousel and games. Throw in classic favorites like the Pacific Science Center, Key Arena, and the Space Needle and you have a much more vibrant place for people from all walks of life to gather for big events or just spending a lazy summer afternoon. Hopefully Seattle Center continues to evolve so that it can regain its status as the heart of the Emerald City. read more

What is there not to like about the Seattle Center? Okay so sometimes a few homeless people will be camped out sleeping or talking to themselves or even you (I had one come and ask me for a few of the cherries I was eating.... ugh) but the positives are definitely far outweighing the negatives. The fountain is amazing. I can sit here all day and watching the different patterns of sprayer thingies, and watch the kids get sprayed. The events are the coolest in all the city- Bumbershoot, Bite of Seattle, Folklife- I've been to them all (I live about 5 blocks away). The bite of seattle is my favorite, crowded but not too crowded. Bumbsershoot is obviously the best musically, but it can get so crowded and stuffy, and HOT! I love it. Perfect for an afternoon picnic in the grass. read more

So Seattle Center is very cool but it has really been going down hill the last few years... a lot more gang activity, grafiti, general feeling of safety isn't there anymore and its not very clean.... BUT overall I have some awesome memories of this place and it will always hold a very special place in my heart. The amusement park area is ok, its got midway with some rides... nothing amazing but its fun to go and watch the kids or try your hand at a game. The fountain is always fun to watch especially when they have the music playing and its hot so kids run around and act all cute and silly. The mural is always fun, I remember pain in the grass concerts (do any of you remember that? it totally dates me doesn't it lol) learning how to crowd surf and stage dive. Every now and then I go back for nostalgia's sake and have a nice day. But I always bring my own lunch cause the food at the center is outrageously priced and barely ok. read more

So since my first review, I've had a kid, have one on the way & have probably visited Seattle Center 100 times...yes, seriously. Initially for us, the "attraction" was the Children's Museum. As members for the first few years of kiddos life, we probably went there 2+ times per month. These visits usually included a pre or post-visit to the food court, as well as a possible visit to the Fun Forest (no longer there). As kiddo has aged (now 5 years old), our activities have changed - most recently we visited to see the holiday trains, went ice-skating & watched a talented ice sculptor do his thing. We also often catch the monorail to Westlake Center now for a bite to eat or a walk around downtown. We also make more frequent visits to the Pacific Science Center now & kiddo has been to the Children's Theater several times on school field trips. We've let the Children's Museum membership lapse for now (don't even get me started on that place, now that I've been to many others, I am embarrassed to take anyone to the one in Seattle) - but we'll see how the new plans for Seattle Center shape up & if it is still a place our family frequents in the coming years. read more

Seattle Center is basically your one-stop-shop for Seattle tourism, especially for first-timers - families included. It should be nicknamed "Seattle for Dummies". You've got the children's museum, the Experience Music Project, the Space Needle, the monorail, Key Arena - and that's not even the half of it. There's even a quaint little shop selling all things Seattle so you can proclaim your tourism to your friends and family back home. Most of the attractions will give you a discount if you buy your tickets online, so be sure to check that out. Sure, it gets busy at times, but its a tourist attraction. I do think its a bit (ok, a lot) excessive to charge $18 to go up to the top of the Space Needle. I let my mom take me up when I was a kid, but momma didn't raise no fool - I won't pay it again! For $18, I expect more than a super long elevator ride and a nice view. If it weren't for the cost of the Space Needle, I'd give it 5 stars. read more

Loved Seattle center, although beware of the fisher pavilion ice skating rink. If I could rate that place it definitely be a zero. I came to visit my sister in ft Lewis we decided to go ice skating and mrs. P West snatched a learning walker from my son. She was extremely rude and unprofessional with my 10 year old. I understand it's primarily for smaller children. She pointed out that he was taller than 4 ft, however there was clearly taller kids than my son. After pointing that out to her she proceeds to tell my son well they aren't as heavy. So thank you for your disgusting rudeness towards my son. I had the opportunity to teach him how to be the the better person and reassuring him his weight is fine. read more

This is the ultimate place for really cool Seattle events. Each year to kick off the summer there is the Seattle Folk Life Festival over Memorial Day weekend. At the end of the summer is the famous Bumbershoot festival that lasts over 4 days, costs a fortune to attend and is a kicking good time! read more

Seattle Center - Brittney and Rob at the International Fountain - Amusement Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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C'mon...you've gotta give the Seattle Center credit where it deserves! An arena? A venue for art, concerts and theater? Museums? Carnival type rides? Lot's of leisure space to squat and watch stuff? Festivals? No fee to walk in? Huge fountain to play in? What is there not to appreciate about this diamond in the rough? Sure it's older, a bit confusing to get around and through, maybe even pricey in some aspects but c'mon people! You've got so many options to suite a variety of interests! I say plan to come when there is something going on that you'd like to check out. Come early or stay late but know that not only will you get the chance to see or try something new but will also be able (if you give yourself enough time), to walk around with ease and enjoy the simple things in life. It's a good place and Seattle is lucky to have it. read more

Went to the 2015 folklife festival yesterday and as usual loved it. A food lovers paradise, a smorgasbord of live music, food vendors & various knick knacks. A large oversized farmers market. A great time to be had, I usually try to sample as much food as I can during the course of my stay. Be prepared to walk a distance if you don't want to pay $30 for the "convenience" of parking close by. This is my 3rd straight year of attending the festival since I moved to Washington. read more

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Excellent place to take family and friends especially during the summer! There is a gift shop across from the Space Needle! Parking is not easy to find and it is not cheap. There are parking garages nearby, though. Give yourself plenty of time to get there due to weekend traffic! read more

Seattle Center is SO much fun! I went again yesterday and was saddened to see that all of the rides were gone. I hope they come back! Normally, there are tons of rides, rollercoasters, games, food, and it's a lot of fun, especially in the summer. Located by the Pacific Science Center, EMP, and Space Needle, the location is really great. You can get a Seattle Pass to go a bunch of these things for a very great price if you are looking to get a touristy but awesome Seattle experience. Seattle Center is great for hanging out in with friends, exploring with family and a great place for kids. It's also a really great place to take pictures, so don't forget a camera! :) read more

And disappointment. 1 star for having a food court. 1 star for the monorail stop. 1 star for the space needle (which in itself gets a good 4) read more

Lots of visits here when I lived in the area. Never made it up the Space Needle as it just didn't seem worth the money but everything else here is really nice. They have lots of festivals throughout the year so check the website and see if the place is going to be packed before you go. Bite of Seattle was here one year and I really enjoyed that. Wasn't at all what I expected but I tried gator for the first time so it was really interesting. Laser shows at the Science Center are great. Couple of good restaurants on the premises and there is a stadium that has sports and concerts. Overall it's a great place with lots to see and do. Take a nice stroll through the grounds, try the carnival rides, eat some good food, and just enjoy a nice sunny afternoon. read more

So if you live here, I am going to bet you've been here. Our own "Central Park", this is the gathering place for Seattle during our festivals, basketball games, and tragedies (I'll long remember 9/11 and leaving flowers in the fountain). There is lots to do, including the Fun Fair, the EMP, Space Needle, etc etc, but hands down, my favorite free activity here is to watch the International Fountain. The water is choreographed to music, and during the summer hear, it is so much fun to watch kids playing in it, and perhaps dare yourself to run in and touch the metal fountain without getting soaked. Really the heart and soul of this town, I think. read more

This review is that of a fairly new Seattlite (if you can even call me that living on the Eastside). I'm not sure if being new should give this review more weight or less, but keep in mind I'm viewing through the glasses of someone who did not grow up with such a free, eclectic and artistic culture. Obviously, the Seattle Center is one of the first places I went to when I visited here (before I moved). How could I visit Seattle and not go to the Space Needle? But, I didn't realize all the other things that sprang up around the Space Needle to make it a fun and interesting place to hang out. It's not the needle, or the food court, or the shops, or the attractions, or Key Arena that make this place so special to hang out at. It's the people, the atmosphere, the ambiance. There's just a special feel around the Seattle Center that makes you truly feel the culture of Seattle. You feel immersed in it because of the sights, sounds and people. There is nothing like hanging out by the fountain, reading a book while some guy rides up on his bike with a guitar strapped over his shoulder or some jugglers practice on the lawn over to the side. You don't get this kind of feeling outside of the Pacific North West. It's peaceful and relaxing, yet at the same time fun and buzzing with excitement. It's a feeling that one has to experience to understand. Can one truly understand that feeling if they haven't lived in other places that didn't have that culture and mindset? I'm not sure. The Seattle Center is one of the places one can go and just "hang" and soak in what it means to be a Seattlite. I imagine just the ambiance of it has inspired many local artists (especially since you will see so many of them there). Next time you have nothing to do for an afternoon, pop over for a sit by the fountain with a good book. Watch the kids play in the fountain. Enjoy the variety of smells wafting from the Center house Food court area. And when you do, thank yourself for being in the best city in the United States. read more

The first time I came here as a tourist. Did the space needle, sonics game, and the rides. All the festivals here has been wonderful memories. Northwest Folk all the way to Bumbershoot. The amount of Concerts I have attended here have expanded my love of music. From Elton John to Michael Buble. Key arena to the more intimate McCaw Hall. Great times can be had at the Seattle Center. Seattles place to congregate with friends and family. This place always brings a smile to my face. =) read more

Simply a great place for any occasion. Sonics / Storm / Thunderbirds games, ballet, the Pacific Science Center and so on (my senior prom was at McCaw Hall). It's a great place because there really is something for everybody: you can catch a play, learn a little at the Children's Museum or PSC, or sprawl out on a blanket and people watch, go to school (there's a high school in the Center House), go ice skating, or frolic in the International Fountain. Seattle would not be Seattle without the Center because it's our Central Park. It's where we go to gather (Folklife, the Bite, Bumbershoot, and every cultural festival imaginable, the Festival Italiano being the best I might add) and mourn (post-9/11, pit of the International Fountain filled with flowers). THANK GOD THE GREEN LINE MONORAIL DIDN'T CUT THROUGH THE CENTER I MUST SAY! So yes, best place to chill on a nice summer day, and catch the mist off the fountain and listen to the All-City Band rehearsing read more

This place turned out to be much more dated looking than I had thought. In wanting to see where the Sonics used to play and of course the Space Needle, we made the trek down here. Turns out Kiss was playing something so there were tons of people dressed up in makeup walking around celebrating their lost 70's rockhood. The food court area is quite interesting for people watching but other than the theater or children's center I expected a little more to be honest read more

Seattle Centre was originally built for one of the World's Fairs back in the 60s. Its 70+ acres offers an assortment of things to do, all year round. There's the Space Needle with its 360 view of our fair city and Puget Sound. The Monorail (though kinda pricey for such a short ride) takes you on an elevated ride to downtown. The International Fountain entertains viewers with water patterns that move with the recorded music. The music is changed every month and during warmer months, is thronged with folks playing in the fountain. This is the home of the Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, home to Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center Pavilion and Centre House where the Seattle Shakespeare Company and Book-It Repertory Theatre call home. The Children's Museum is here and The Pacific Science Center with its IMAX Theatres and Laser Dome. You can see a concert at KeyArena, catch some ballet at McCaw Hall, world and classic film at SIFF Cinema, and exciting plays and events at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. On my last visit, I discovered that there's a Skate Park here nicknamed Sea Sk8 Park. Information on the park states it was completed in 2009 and features a surface area of 10,000 square feet with a multitude of features that would make skaters of all skill levels happy! And wait, there's more! Events happen here all year long like the Northwest Folklife Festival, Winterfest, Bumbershoot, our Pride Festival, Festal events that highlight different world cultures and most recently GeekGirlCon! Check out their website to see what's happening. Midway through December, you'll find an ice skating rink and Winterfest events. Parking can be premium so be prepared to pay or look into bus routes. Oh yeah, there's a food court tucked away over in Centre House. It's on the smallish side but there's an Orange Julius there and a place that does decent gyros. On your way out, grab a bag of mixed saltwater taffy or homemade fudge if you like. But visit them soon, reports from various local magazines say that the food court will be in line for a major overhaul to make the digs more upscale and less like the food court at the mall. In fact, Skillet Street Food will be one of the first on site to sell their sliders and poutine to hungry patrons. read more

I visited the center when I went to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. When we were visiting they had the Bites of Seattle food festival as well so we walked around the area while grabbing some dinner to eat. It was a nice area to walk around in and made it easy to get to each tourist attraction. I enjoyed the fountain in the middle of the park. It was really pretty and was a great place to sit around as you ate food from Bites of Seattle. It's also great that you can take the monorail into the center from downtown. It made it so easy to get to and from this area. You can't beat the price either! Since many tourist attractions are around this area I highly recommend coming to the Seattle Center and looking around. They also have the Science Museum and the Museum that Bill Gates found in this area. I didn't go to these two venues but it's two more offerings the center offers. read more

Caveat: This is the review of a person who literally just turned up about an hour or so after getting off a plane to Seattle, with no idea what to do. I basically walked around and took in some of the touristy sights while finalizing plans for the week ahead. That said, the Seattle Center is sorta neat. I mean, if I lived here, I would probably never go here, but it has its charms. There's lots of open space to get a bit of exercise walking or jogging around, which is pretty nice in the middle of a city like this. The Space Needle is nice for the novelty of having seen it. I've got to be honest, I've always kind of thought this building was a bit of an eyesore (don't hit me!) and seeing it in person didn't change my mind. It's still satisfying to be able to say I've been there though. Walking along some of the more crowded paths gives me the same impression as any other tourist area. People stand out there and hawk their wares. In the course of about 10 minutes I think I had three amateur musicians ask me to buy their CD. Some of the less predatory people out there are neat though; when I was there you could get a picture with Darth Vader and a Stormtrooper (anybody can get a costume, but these guys were pretty committed to their roles). Some of the perminant shops are okay places to step out of the shade and browse. The fountain was the highlight though. Watching all the kids playing in the jets of water made me keep thinking "why on Earth doesn't my city have one of these?" It's such a neat thing to have publicly available. read more

When you think Seattle, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Starbucks? Sleepless in Seattle? Space Needle? Well whatever it is you're thinking of I'm pretty sure the Seattle Center will be it's answer. Conveniently located a monorail ride away from Downtown Seattle, the Seattle Center is home to some of Seattle's landmarks and unique museums. First you have the Space Needle, the EMP (Experience Music Project) Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Childrens Museum, and the list just goes on. If you're an out of towner, like moi, I'd definitely plan at least a good half day to spend at The Seattle Center. There is just so much to see and do. If you get hungry don't worry. There are plenty of restaurants and dining halls, or I suggest you pack a lunch on a nice day and enjoy it on one of their many garden lawns. read more

This place sort of sprung up organically over the years and the whole thing was never really planned. Thus, the layout is confusing. I've lived in Seattle my entire life and I always get lost here. The food court is kind of scary and depressing. It seems like every time I'm in there, half of the places are closed for some reason. Speaking of scary and depressing, oh Fun Forest. What happened? At least in the 70s, you had a Zipper! One star for Folk Life. Five for IMAX. I miss the Flight to Mars, and the Bubbalator. read more

Seattle Center is by far the best place to really have a great time in Seattle! Great place to take the kids and show them a good time. Had a group of 5, checked out the amusement park which was very fun. Kind of took me back to childhood. ;) We got our picture drawn up, rode the rides, played the games, bought some balloon swords and had a sword fight! Did a little bit of shopping and ran through the fountains. So glad to live in the beautiful northwest! read more

Considering I already reviewed the Space Needle and the EMP, those won't be factoring into this review. Actually what really is at play here is the holiday extravaganza they had going on here, or at least that's what they made it sound like. I was trying to find cool holiday-style things to do in Seattle for our trip, and I saw the Seattle Center pop up a few times. "That'll be a good way to spend a couple of hours I bet," I said to myself, out loud, frightening my cat. We went the night of a day they apparently had ice carving going on. And...I guess there was holiday stuff there. As much as the rest of the city gets decked out. Let's see, there was a skating rink, one ice sculpture, a giant tea cup for pictures (you heard me), and a model train village thing. A few decorations around as well. It was not what I was expecting. I was expecting...more. Just more. Not anything specific. We enjoyed ourselves, and I'm sure they have plenty of good times throughout the year. Wouldn't come back for Christmas here specifically though. read more

The Seattle center area is always fun to go to for any type of fun or food always so much to do or see around here. It's good for all ages so whenever in Seattle you should come to this area and just enjoy yourself. read more

The place looks a bit dated since it's 1960s construction for the World's Fair. I have good memories from the Bite of Seattle and watching The Dark Knight at the Imax. And of course, the Space Needle, you need to do it once, even if you live here in Seattle. 3 stars because I'm never impressed with the events and festivals that take place here. Parking is horrendous for anyone who's driving in, and it really is one big tourist trap. I feel for all those unsuspecting people who pay the $5 fare to get from Westlake to the Center...what a ripoff! The best thing about Seattle Center is the awesome fountain. read more

$18 to ride up to the top of the space needle? Uh NO! So we didn't I mean its not like I am cheap, but just for a view....Ok I have been up to the top when I was like 9 years old, but I wasn't about to do it again. The MEP was really cool all the different colors of metal and taking photos of shapes made it a fun place to visit and take photos! read more

I had a decisive conversation within my life sitting at a bench people watching outside the "Sputnik" fountain in Seattle Center. I'll forever remember that bench and that conversation. This space is just amazing during the summer months. The mist from the fountain, while frustrating to ironed hair, is wonderfully refreshing. There's always a good crowd and there seems to always be enough space to toss a frisbee or something. read more

I half love this place, half frustrated by this place. I love the grassy area with the fountain, and food court. My favs. I love the Seattle Fudge store- my fav. My dislikes: so much concrete! It feels like it gets paved over more and more. I am old enough to remember it with crazy kids rides and all that. The Pacific Science center is still groovy, as is the little park for playing live shows up the hill from said science center, (my first rock concert ever!) and the great yoga Saturdays and Best Damn Happy Hour Ever. Love it. Ton of concert halls around here and tons of festivals. Get on the website and see what is going on, you won't be disappointed for different festivals and entertainment- but your car might not be so happy nor your wallet afterwards. Parking is a downer, unless you are here on Sunday, when street and garages should be free. Do try for Sunday. read more

This is my backyard. Always events, people watching and more to do than can be done in a day

I live right by there and walk thru the park all the time. Its nice on a sunny day or just to take a stroll. On normal days its nice and quite but can be filled with people and crowded at times. There is a lot more going on there than more people realize. So look it up. read more

Absolutely beautiful and worth the visit!! Especially the science center! For being an adult, this was the most fun place I've ever been too! Definitely worth checking out! read more

Seattle Center - The science center - Amusement Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Nice trip up. A Seattle landmark to visit. Would recommend getting the city pass to enjoy a discount.

A lot of different activities going on all the time. And the fountain is really pretty when its on! :)

The Seattle Center is another reason that this is a great city for visitors. In an area the size of several city blocks you have something for every tourist: For grown folks, you have the the Space Needle, and Experience Music Project/The Sci-Fi Museum. Oh and that cool sky "shuttle" ends here. For kids, there's the Children's Museum, and nearby, there's a huge amphitheater of sorts, with a large globe in the middle that shoots out water in all directions. The kids we saw were loving it (it was 90 degrees on the day we went) and if I'd known, I would have worn my swim trunks! Other cool stuff inside or nearby: An area for skateboarders (including a quarter pipe and other surfaces); couple blocks south is Olympic Sculpture Park; there is even a small indie rock club/art space near the old Key Arena (inside the complex). This area has probably seen better days, and for locals, it is probably nothing special, as there are no rows of "neighborhood" cafes or restaurants that line Seattle. But take it from someone who lives in city devoid of attractions (Atlanta), this is great place for a visitor and part of what makes this city memorable. read more

While I was here the Seattle Center was home to a Turkish Festival, a heart walk and a 'Co-op-apalooza' - yup a festival about co-ops. Man, I miss the PNW sometimes...what a bunch of goofs! Seattle Center, home of all the touristy stuff you want to glance upon in the city. The 1960's monorail and Spaceneedle are a cool piece of history, but since I'd been up in the Needle before and the hubs was disappointed by its size (insert size joke here) we saved our $36 bucks for the overpriced coffee it takes to stay alert underneath the constant cloud cover. The fountain is pretty and its a fun place to people watch! It also serves as a museum mecca if that's your thing! Kind of convenient for the tourists to visit all in one area though! I did pay $4 to ride the monorail though, it has two stops and is super dorky, but I cant help something so retro and it kept pulling up the Simpson's episode for me. Win. Overall it's a must for tourists and a seemingly popular community gathering spot for locals. read more

Living near the Center is awesome. That being said, I wish some of the jerkoff tourists would die already. But whatever, people suck everywhere so I'm not going to hold that against Seattle Center. It is super touristy but I dislike people who dislike touristy things just because they are touristy even more than I dislike touristy things. Did that even make sense? (Wow, I'm a little rambunctious today...) During the summer there are so many fun free events here. From movies to concerts to festivals there are tons of fun things to check out. There is also Bumbershoot (which is expensive if you don't plan ahead) which is still really enjoyable if you check out the small stages (read: less commercial acts). The center also boasts McCaw Hall (performance hall for the Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet), SIFF cinema, Intiman Theater, Seattle Repertory Theater, the Pacific Science Center, the EMP and the Space Needle. What is there to not love? read more

I suppose this isn't going to be the most comprehensive review because my friends and I visited at night and it was dark, but it was still a really fun experience. This is a must-visit for any Seattle tourist. Within the Seattle Center, you'll find: - Chihuly Glass Museum: I really, really wish I had enough time to visit. The best I did was walk around the outside and stand on a ledge to try to catch a glimpse of their lit glass sculptures. It's really gorgeous! It's $19 for regular admission. - Space Needle: It's $19 to go up (even if you did what we tried to do and get a free ride by going up for a single cocktail or dessert at the restaurant up there). For that reason alone, we decided a view wasn't worth it. - Cool artwork and photo ops - Key Arena: I don't know what teams actually play within it (WNBA??) but there's a gigantic blow-up basketball outside that is really fun to see haha I know I'm missing tons of attractions that the Seattle Center has to offer, but with the limited amount that I saw, I was still able to have a good time. I can only imagine what it'd be like in the nice summer daytime :) read more