Wish You Were Here:

Wish You Were Here… For Family Fun

Photography by Cody Ulrich / Styling by Lauren Day

1. Sea Wolf Bakers

Although the brothers behind Sea Wolf only burst onto the scene in 2014, they’ve quickly become one of the city’s favorite purveyors of doughy deliciousness. The signature is the slow-risen sourdough loaf, but the cinnamon rolls, croissants, and lye rolls go quickly, too. Even if you don’t have a chance to visit the Fremont bakery itself, you’re likely to enjoy some Sea Wolf goods at some point during your visit—they’re featured on restaurant and cafe menus across the city. 3621 Stone Way N, Ste D; seawolfbakers.com

2. Neko Cat Cafe

“There’s like a bunch of cats in here,” declares the welcome mat at Neko, but that’s not all you’ll find inside. There are also feline-themed doughnuts and frosted shortbread cookies, cat ear headbands, and “pawtenders” serving Japanese soda and other beverages. Make a reservation to spend an hour hanging with the kitties, who like to nap in cozy chairs (or perhaps in your lap) as you sip your coffee. 519 E Pine St; nekoseattle.com

3. Golden Gardens Park

Feel the sand beneath your toes at Golden Gardens, where the beach wows with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Create a bonfire in one of the designated fire pits (don’t forget the s’mores supplies), stroll along the coastline, cast a line from the fishing pier, or just dig your toes into the sand. There’s more to Golden Gardens than beach, too; the park has more than three miles of trails leading through forested and wetland areas. 8498 Seaview Pl NW

4. Heritage Distilling Co

This one’s for the parents—the award-winning local craft distillery is known for its irresistible Brown Sugar Bourbon and flavored vodkas. It also has a following among the city’s football lovers, thanks to its Batch No. 12 collection, which pays homage to the team’s fans, collectively known as the “12th Man.” Try a tasting flight in chilled glasses, or sip a bevanda, a mixed drink that showcases how easy it is to turn these spirits into a fancy craft cocktail. *Multiple locations; heritagedistilling.com

5. Seattle Aquarium

How long does a giant octopus live? What does it feel like to touch the prickly spines of a sea urchin or the bumpy legs of a starfish? And could harbor seals be any cuter? Find the answers to all of these pressing questions (and more!) at this waterfront mainstay, which offers a full daily program of events including docent talks, feedings, and diver shows. *1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59; seattleaquarium.org

6. Gum Wall

Whether you’re delighted or disgusted by Seattle’s famed Gum Wall, located in Pike Place Market’s Post Alley, it’s hard to resist chewing up a wad of gum and adding to the collection. The colorful, gooey attraction (one of Seattle’s most photographed) dates back to the early 1990s, when theatergoers started sticking their gum to the wall while queueing up for improv comedy shows at Unexpected Productions. 1428 Post Alley

7. Gas Works Park

A former gasification plant might not sound like a prime choice for a relaxing afternoon, but the snaking industrial equipment juxtaposed against rolling green lawns and the blue waters of Lake Union make Gas Works one of the more unique parks you’ll come across in your travels. (You may also recall the park’s cameo in the film 10 Things I Hate About You.) Part of the 19-acre park’s disused equipment has been refurbished and serves as a climbing frame in a large play barn. On windy days, the large hill here seems tailor-made for kite flying. 2101 N Northlake Way

8. Nordic Museum

Inside a brand-new building in Ballard, the light and bright Nordic Museum explores the history of all five Nordic countries and the influence their cultures have had around the world. No architectural detail has gone unnoticed, from the energy-efficient Finnish elevators to the main hall’s slanted walls, meant to mimic a fjord. The museum’s collection includes more than 77,000 objects and artifacts, from midcentury-modern furniture and replica Viking boats to tiny treasures like this hand-carved wooden salmon spreader. *2655 NW Market St; nordicmuseum.org

9. Woodland Park Zoo

New to the zoo, Taj and Glenn are greater one-horned rhinos who are still babies—even though they weigh almost one ton each. See them, along with playful primates known as François’ langur, impressively balanced Chilean flamingoes, majestic Malayan tigers, cuddly twin red pandas (born in summer 2018), and Asian small-clawed otters, who play with each other in one big, adorable aquatic jumble. *5500 Phinney Ave N; zoo.org

*Visit Seattle Partner