Downtown/Capitol Hill

Seattle's bustling downtown and Pike Place Market areas attract tourists from all corners of the world, and rightly so. The shopping, food, and Puget Sound views are world-class. Just up the hill from downtown lies Capitol Hill, where you'll encounter plenty of musicians and artists, as well as those who just look the part. The Hill's happening Pike/Pine area is dotted with indie boutiques, coffeehouses, skate shops, galleries, and eateries. Centrally located on the Hill, Cal Anderson Park resembles a small-scale Luxembourg Gardens. Watch the chess matches starting, children playing, and dogs trotting through the lush grass.

Eat

A cozy Greek Café with a large play area in the back for kids. Wonderful lunch and dinner fare includes meatball sandwiches and chicken or lamb souvlaki.
903 19th Ave. E., Capitol Hill, (206) 329-3236; closed Sundays

A tiny, local food–focused restaurant where families rub elbows with tattooed types. It's hard to decide between brunch and dinner, but the French toast soaked in orange custard just might sway you.
1621 12th Ave., Capitol Hill, (206) 388-0526

This café serves Ethiopian food as well as dishes from other African countries. The vegetarian options are delicious. At lunchtime on weekdays, expect a wait; Pan Africa draws a lot of office workers.
1521 First Ave., Downtown, (206) 652-2461

An old churchlike setting for authentic Neapolitan pizza. Go early and try to score one of the high-backed booths.
913 E. Pike St., Capitol Hill, (206) 322-9234; closed Mondays

Shop

The vibe is punk-rock here, with tiny Ramones tees, rain boots by Kamik, and the like. Cloth diapering supplies, wooden toys, and gently worn maternity clothing are also for sale.
1317 E. Pine St., Capitol Hill, (206) 328-0636

European-style, vintage-inspired clothing for newborns to 12-year-olds. Whether it's an embroidered dress or a pair of linen pants, the attention to detail is obvious.
717 Pine St., Downtown, (206) 749-9698

Along with the mod sofas and chairs, you'll discover Oeuf furniture for kids, Wallcandy wall decals, and Sirch doll houses.
251 Yale Ave. N., (206) 749-9575

Do

The large, recently renovated park boasts artsy water features and a calm reflecting pool. The kids' play area sees a lot of action.
1635 11th Ave., Capitol Hill, (206) 684-4075

Pick up everything from seafood to Market Spice tea from the various vendors. Take a picture of Rachel, the market's bronze piggy bank, then follow your nose to the Daily Dozen mini-donuts stand.
Pike Pl. between Union and Virginia Sts., Downtown, (206) 682-7453

Explore the enormous, modern, Rem Koolhaas–designed main library; bright colors and great vistas from the top floors stimulate young minds.
1000 Fourth Ave., Downtown, (206) 386-4636

The 35-minute ferry ride is a blast for children, and adults love the mountain and city views. Check out the Winslow Way business district on the island.
Leaves from Pier 52, Downtown

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