Queen Anne & the Seattle Center
The top of Queen Anne Hill is lined with casual restaurants and stores, cozy coffee shops, and pricey Craftsman and Victorian homes. In lower Queen Anne, which gives way to a more urban vibe, are edgier shops and hip bars. Just a bit farther south is the Seattle Center, built for the 1962 World's Fair and home of the iconic Space Needle. (The wait for a trip to the top is worth it—on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Cascade Mountains, almost 100 miles away.) You'll also find the Pacific Science Center and the International Fountain, which just begs for a splash-fest.
RESTAURANTS
Racha Thai Cuisine
A short walk from the children's museum, this place has great chicken satay. 23 Mercer Street, (206) 281-8883.
5 Spot
Come for breakfast and order the loaded egg scrambles, which are big enough to share. 1502 Queen Anne Avenue N, (206) 285-7768.
Julia's
Julia's is in a converted 1910 Victorian-style house and offers comfort food like black-bean soup, spicy tuna melts, and Reuben sandwiches piled high with corned beef. 1825 Queen Anne Avenue N, (206) 282-0680.
STORES
Bouncing Wall
Find fashion and home items from nearly 100 local artists. 2225 Queen Anne Avenue N, (206) 285-9255.
Urban Kids Play
Peruse enviro-friendly toys and baby gear from Eco Tots, Automoblox, Infantino, and more. 1805 Queen Anne Avenue N, (206) 285-7529.
Blue Highway Games
Even grown-ups can't resist the floor-to-ceiling selection of board and card games—all of which you can test-play. 2203 Queen Anne Avenue N, (206) 282-0540.
ACTIVITIES
Children's Museum
Permanent exhibits include a drop-in art studio, interactive storybooks, and a play forest. 305 Harrison Street NW,
(206) 441-1768.
Pacific Science Center
Check out five buildings of interactive exhibits, including the Tropical Butterfly House. 200 Second Avenue N,
(206) 443-2001.
Kerry Park
Locals flock here for unparalleled views of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay. A grassy play area, a playground, and a basketball hoop are just down the hill from the overlook. 211 West Highland Drive, (206) 684-4075.
