The Ave has great draw for families and kids: 65 (yes, we counted them!) restaurants, most with reasonably priced meals from around the world. Plus, you’ll find a premier farmers market, a great little museum and a bookstore with a bright children’s section.
University District Farmers Market
Drop in for seasonal produce, “market bites” and live music Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm year-round. University Way NE between 50th and 52nd Streets.
WOW Bubble Tea
Among the nine coffee/tea/bubble tea places on the Ave, this one stands out for kid-tempting boba combinations in a rainbow of colors, along with frozen yogurt and fruit concoctions. You can play board games while you sip. 4553 University Way NE
The Burke Museum
Explore dinosaurs, a monster snake, volcanoes, animal bones, fossils and cultural displays. See the mask that inspired the Seahawks logo as part of the “Native Artists Inspired” exhibit through July 2015. 17th Avenue NE and NE 45th Street, one block off the Ave on the UW campus.
University Book Store
The colorful and cozy children’s book department on the second floor, with a good young adult section, has free storytimes Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11 am. It also has the only public restrooms on the Ave. 4326 University Way NE
Shiga’s Imports
Help your children do their holiday shopping at this mainly Asian gift shop, a fixture on the Ave since 1962. You can find a hundred items for $10 or less — pretty things people would love to receive, not tourist schlock. 4306 University Way NE
Full Tilt Ice Cream
After you’ve tried teriyaki, pho, ramen, falafel, tacos, gyros, sausages or whatever else for lunch, maybe you’d like dessert? Hit up Full Tilt on Brooklyn Avenue, not technically on the Ave, for a few killer scoops. 4759 Brooklyn Ave NE
Editor's note: This article was originally published in December of 2014.
