If you’re looking for something to entertain the kids besides the usual museums and attractions in our fair city, we’ve got just the ticket. Part ride, part movie, Wings Over Washington is an aerial adventure that flies high over Washington state, from the coast to the mountains and everything in between. You can see it all without ever leaving your seat.
Located in the shadow of the Great Wheel at Miner’s Landing on Pier 57 on the Seattle waterfront, Wings over Washington is a flying theater that opened in 2016. It uses 5K cameras, drones and innovative art laser projection to show guests the wonders of Mt. Rainier, the San Juan Islands, downtown Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls, wine country and more.
After a short wait in line, we were let into what looks like a log cabin. There, we were introduced via video to a cheesy park ranger who welcomed us to the ride and went over safety instructions. He also went over a bit of Native American folklore involving totem poles and the spirit eagle that led us on this sweeping, soaring journey.
After the brief introduction, we were led into the theater and strapped into our oversized theater chairs. The lights went down and the platform our chair is on rose up and tilted until we were right over the giant IMAX-like screen.
Then it’s up, up and away – over the treetops, the Tieton River, Elliott Bay and, of course, the Seattle Great Wheel. Water mists your face as you pass over the hydroplanes racing in Lake Washington and wind blows as you soar over the Cascades. The audience – us included – gasped as we narrowly missed a plane and squealed as we plummeted and rolled through the sky.
Our only complaint was that the 15-minute experience was too short. We wanted more! Visitors must be over 40 inches to ride, so it’s best for older kids, but if you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to skip this one.
Combine it with a ride on the Great Wheel while you’re down there, or take a ride on the carousel and then indulge in crabs, clams, mussels and shrimp at The Crab Pot or Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar, all on Pier 57.
Note: Construction on the Seattle waterfront may affect some travel routes and parking.
If You Go:
Where: 1301 Alaskan Way, Pier 57, Seattle
When: Monday – Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-midnight; Saturday 10 a.m.-midnight; Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: Adult (12 and older) $17, Youth (11 and younger) $13, Senior $15
Contact: www.wingsoverwa.com
