Seattle may be famous for glassblowers, muralists, and iconic architecture (thank you, MoPOP), but it also shines when it comes to public art that captures a child’s imagination. Some works are playful, others mysterious, and many invite kids to wonder, laugh, or even climb a little closer. From giant cowboy gear to a whale tail fountain, these pieces prove that art in Seattle is not just for grown-ups. It can be bold, whimsical, and a little larger than life.
Whether your child loves animals, history, or just things that feel bigger than they are, Seattle has a piece of art to match. These installations invite families to pause, explore, and see the city through a creative lens. Here are seven spots where the art is so eye-catching, it is guaranteed to wow kids and bring out the young at heart.
“Nine Lives”
- Artist: Peter Reiquam
- Location: Fire Station 9, 3829 Linden Avenue North, Seattle
You don’t need to look twice to know this fire station has something special. Perched on the rooftop is a towering black cat, stretched as if ready to leap into action. This playful guardian is no ordinary decoration. The sculpture nods to the Eveready Cat, a longtime symbol of the station, and reminds passersby that firefighters are always prepared.
For kids, the cat feels almost like a superhero sidekick, frozen mid-pounce as if it might spring to life at any moment. The oversized scale makes the cat seem both protective and mischievous, perfect for sparking imaginative stories on a family walk. Beyond being a neighborhood landmark, it helps identify the station as a civic hub. Parents can use the visit as a way to talk about fire safety, while kids will probably just be thrilled to spot a giant kitty watching over the block.
“Guests”
- Artist: Ann Hamilton
- Location: Under the Overlook Walk pedestrian bridge, Seattle waterfront
Just beneath the Overlook Walk on the newly completed Seattle waterfront lies a secret world of giants. Artist Ann Hamilton filled the sheltered space with 42 massive puppet-like figures, each one swaying and drifting as if the wind were pulling their strings. These “guests” have carved wooden heads that sit on top of long, flowing bodies of bright sail-like cloth, mimicking the same fabric that catches the wind on boats nearby.
By day, the puppets bob and move like oversized mobiles, visible through the patterned metal screen along the street. Kids can peek through special viewing windows or gaze down from the Pike Place Market garage for a closer look. At night, the glowing figures shimmer with color and motion. For children, the scale alone is astonishing. They might imagine sea creatures rising from the depths or storybook characters caught mid-dance.
“Guests” by Ann Hamilton. (Image: Ann Hamilton)
Cat Murals
- Artist: Paul Nunn, organizer and others
- Location: Alley between 2nd and 3rd Ave off Stewart St. Behind Basecamp 2
What used to be an alley with random graffiti is no longer so random, because cats have taken up residence there. A very “catsual” conversation and an off-the-cuff idea to “fill the whole alley with cat paintings” has turned a quiet Belltown alley into a meow-worthy wall of art. Local artists jumped in, each adding their own feline touch, and now more than 250 feet of wall space is filled with playful cats. Plans are underway to extend the mural farther down the block.
The alley of cats gives families a chance to ‘paws’ for a moment of fun. Kids can hunt for their favorite kitty and snap some furball photos along the way. Even a quick stop lets families scamper through the alley together, enjoying a playful break in Belltown full of whiskers, tails, and feline surprises.
Cat Murals, but Paul Nunn & others. (Image: by Jenise Silva / Seattle’s Child)
“PlayLand”
- Artist: Jen Dixon
- Location: Linden Avenue North, just north of North 135th Street
Bright and bold, “Playland” is a celebration of motion and memory. Artist Jen Dixon used salvaged SDOT road signs to build a roller coaster–like structure that playfully dots a walkway with colorful twists and turns. The piece takes its name from the amusement park that once stood nearby in Bitter Lake, a favorite Seattle destination from the 1930s through the early 60s.
For families, the art can work on two levels. Adults might appreciate the nod to neighborhood history, recalling how the area shifted from amusement rides to modern homes. Kids, on the other hand, will likely just see a wild track of colors and arrows racing overhead. The recycled signs give the work a puzzle-like quality, inviting young viewers to pick out animals, symbols, or familiar road shapes.
“Playland” by Jen Dixon. (Image courtesy of City of Seattle, Office of Arts & Culture)
Neototems Children’s Garden
- Artist: Gloria Bornstein
- Location: Seattle Center, near Seattle Children’s Theater, 201 Thomas Street
The Neototems Children’s Garden feels like stepping into a storybook tide pool. Bronze sea creatures hide among the paths and garden beds, waiting for little explorers to find them. There’s a curious seahorse, a friendly hermit crab, a trio of pufferfish, and even a whimsical flying pig.
The centerpiece is a 5-foot bronze whale tail, water spilling over its surface like a real whale breaking the waves. Children are encouraged to wander the winding paths, making new discoveries at every turn. The layout of the garden is designed as a labyrinth, giving kids the chance to test their independence and sense of direction in a safe space. Bonus: Borenstein also created the popular, kid-friendly bronzed whales that sit by Seattle Center’s International Fountain.
Neototems Children’s Garden by Gloria Bornstein. (Image courtesy of City of Seattle, Office of Arts & Culture)
“Dinosaur Mural”
- Artist: Derek Wu (aka Mister Mural) and helpers
- Location: Corner of Bell Street and Western Avenue
Belltown’s streets got a prehistoric twist during the Belltown Mural Festival. With input from festival founder Aaron Asis, Mister Mural joined forces with a crew of artists to bring two towering dinosaurs to life on the side of a building, proving that teamwork really does make the dream work. At nearly 40 feet tall, the dinos loom over painted shipping containers with their massive shapes set against a fiery sunset sky. The scale alone is jaw-dropping.
The mural does more than show off dinosaur power. These glorious creatures double as a playful nod to the container cranes along Seattle’s waterfront. With a little imagination, kids can see how the monolithic machinery inspired these painted giants. For extra fun, pair a stop at the mural with a drive by the real cranes as they load and unload ships along Elliott Bay.
Dinosaur Mural by Mister Mural. (Image: Jenise Silva / Seattle’s Child)
“Hat N’ Boots”
- Artist: Lewis Nasmyth
- Location: Oxbow Park, 6430 Corson Ave. S, Seattle
Once upon a time, Hat N’ Boots wasn’t just art. It was a gas station. Built in the 1950s as a roadside attraction, the station featured a cowboy hat so big it covered the office and boots tall enough to serve as restrooms. For years, it drew visitors from all over, even earning a stop from Elvis himself during the 1962 World’s Fair.
Although the gas station faded with the rise of I-5, the whimsical sculptures found a second life thanks to Georgetown neighbors who rallied to save them. Today, kids can see the restored hat and boots in Oxbow Park, where they tower over the playground like something straight out of a cartoon. The sheer size (44-ft. wide cowboy hat and 22-ft. high boots) makes the pieces irresistible for young imaginations. They’re fun, a little silly, and a reminder that not all art needs to be serious to leave a lasting mark on a community.
“Hat n Boots” by Lewis Nasmyth. (Image courtesy of City of Seattle Parks and Recreation)
