Seattle’s waterways offer endless opportunities for family fun, whether you’re climbing aboard a pirate ship, riding a water taxi, rowing a historic wooden boat or enjoying ice cream on the lake. These five family-friendly boat adventures are easy ways to experience the city from the water — or get up close to some truly impressive vessels — while making lasting summer memories.
- Zip over to Vashon Island or to West Seattle aboard the King County Water Taxi at Pier 50 on the Seattle Waterfront. At $6.25 per ride (free for kids 18 and under), it’s an inexpensive way to sail away.
- Want to wow the young boat lover in your family? Visit the massive cruise ships that dock at Smith Cove and Pier 66 at Bell Harbor throughout the summer. Challenge: How many windows can you count?
- Cool off with ice cream and other treats on the Seattle Water Tours Ice Cream Sail. You’re certain to feel the breeze on this 45-minute trip around Lake Union. Bonus: Pups are welcome aboard and frozen treats are available for them too!
- Row, row, row your … peapod? The Center for Wooden Boats offers families the opportunity to cruise around in a wooden boat (called a peapod) on Lake Union for an hour, at no cost. Spots fill fast. Great for beginners. (We tried it, and here’s how it went!)
- Get ready for some swashbuckling adventure aboard the Emerald City Pirates Family Treasure Cruise. Arrrr matey!
More family boat trips:
