Seattle is a great city to bring the whole family, even for just a weekend. There are plenty things to do with the kids in downtown Seattle, and some of those activities are free. But there is one place you must visit in Seattle, and no, it is not the Space Needle.
The 1 place you must visit in Seattle
The one place you must visit in Seattle is Chihuly Garden and Glass, located right next to the Space Needle in Seattle Center. It is truly amazing and guaranteed to take your breath away!
Last summer, our family spend a long weekend in Seattle as my oldest daughter finished her college touring there. While researching information about things to do in the city, I stumbled upon Chihuly Garden and Glass, and I was so glad that I did. It turned out to be the highlight of our entire weekend!
A museum and art gallery
Chihuly Garden and Glass is kind of a combination of museum and art gallery. Through his incredible creation, you learn a lot about the artist, his influences and craftsmanship, and the art of blowing glasses. The inside exhibits are lit in such a way that the colors are the stars.The layout, lighting, and visuals were all done beautifully.
In the outside gardens, the beautiful balls and flowers chandeliers are carefully incorporated. You can find shadows of the Space Needle in various colored balls. Gardening enthusiasts would truly enjoy it.
The entire place can be seen leisurely in about an hour. But we spent nearly two hours here, taking our time and enjoying every amazing piece of the incredible collection. There is nothing quite like it anywhere.
Admission is worth every penny
I was a little hesitant at first about the entry price ($22 for adults and $14 for youth), but it was worth every penny. My girls loved the place as much as my husband and I did, granted our youngest just turned 11.
You can purchase a combo ticket to visit the Space Needle. Additionally, you can also purchase the night tour to come back at night when the place is lit up. If you are in town for a few days, you can purchase the CityPASS and save money for admissions to more Seattle attractions.
Space Needle image CC 3.0 from Wknight94 via Wikimedia Commons
Chihuly Glass and Garden is the one place you must visit in Seattle. Don’t miss it even if you are in town for only a day.
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Dan Miller travels with his wife and 6 (SIX!) children. He loves to help families travel for free / cheap, especially larger families. If you are looking for help, drop him an email at 
There is actually a place like it…St. Pete, FL has a Chihuly glass museum.
Thanks for letting me know. I looked it up online, it seems like the collection there is not as big as the one in Seattle and there is no outdoor garden? not sure. But will definitely visit if I am in the area.
Could not agree more. Worth every penny of admission. One of the Celebrity cruise line ships has some of those.
Headed there in September. It’s been high on my list for a long time.
I loved it especially the room with the glass over the glass ceiling. The only problem was the day I was there a person stood outside the gates on a bull horn and protested labor conditions at the exhibit. It really ruined the outside garden all you could concentrate on was the chant from the bull horn.
Pike Place Market is 3 times better.