Things to Do in Seattle with Kids

Seattle For Kids

Seattle, with its natural beauty, is a city full of exciting opportunities for children to explore, learn, and have fun! Whether you’re a local or visiting, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly activities that will make lasting memories. Seattle has something for every child, from engaging birthday parties to summer programs that foster creativity and growth. Let’s dive into some of the best things to do for Seattle Kids!

Things to Do for a Kids Birthday in Seattle

Planning a fun and memorable birthday celebration for your child? Seattle offers a variety of exciting venues where kids can celebrate their special day. Here are some fantastic birthday party options for your little one:

1. Kids Science Labs

For an unforgettable, educational birthday experience, Kids Science Labs is the ultimate choice. Our science-themed birthday parties are interactive, fun, and hands-on. Kids will get to perform exciting experiments, create gooey slime, and dive into the world of science with our loved teachers. We have been perfecting our science experiments and activities since 2010 and love to engage and exite children age four and up. If your child loves asking, "How does this work?" and "Can I try that?", Kids Science Labs is the perfect place to foster their curiosity.

2. Roaring Mouse

If your child loves creative play, Roaring Mouse offers an amazing experience with DIY art and craft birthday parties. Kids get to create their own masterpieces, make a mess, and enjoy their artistic endeavors. It’s a perfect way to let children explore their artistic side while having a blast with friends.

3. Hands On Children’s Museum

The Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia (a short drive from Seattle) is a great place to host a birthday party. With interactive exhibits on everything from science to art and water play, it’s sure to keep kids entertained and engaged all day long. The museum provides educational fun that encourages curiosity and hands-on learning.

4. Arena Sports

For kids who love to stay active, Arena Sports offers birthday party packages featuring games, inflatables, and plenty of space to run around. Whether it’s soccer, dodgeball, or an obstacle course, Arena Sports delivers a high-energy celebration experience.

5. Catapult Adventure Park

If your child loves adventure and thrill, Catapult Adventure Park is an exciting option. With activities like a giant swing, zip lines, and aerial obstacle courses, it’s a perfect destination for an adrenaline-filled birthday party. Kids will love the challenge and the adventure in a fun and safe environment.

Seattle Summer Programs for Children

Summer is the perfect time for kids to explore new interests, build skills, and have fun. In Seattle, there are plenty of summer programs that offer everything from STEM activities to arts and sports. Here are some of the best programs for your child:

1. Kids Science Labs

At Kids Science Labs, Seattle summer camps are designed to engage young minds in hands-on learning experiences that combine science, creativity, and fun. From experimenting with slime to learning about physics and chemistry through play and STEAM projects, our summer camps keep kids curious and excited about learning. Kids will gain confidence in science, build problem-solving skills, and make new friends—all in an interactive, engaging environment. They are located at 405 NE 71st St in Seattle, Washington. To learn more about our summer camps, visit here.

2. Tech Revolution

Tech Revolution offers summer programs where kids dive into the world of coding, robotics, and computer science. Kids will have the chance to build their own apps, robots, and video games while learning valuable STEM skills. If your child loves technology and problem-solving, this is the perfect program for them!

3. Seattle Parks and Recreation

Seattle Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of summer programs for kids, including outdoor camps, sports, art, and swimming. These programs allow kids to enjoy the natural beauty of Seattle while learning new skills and making lasting friendships.

4. YMCA

The YMCA provides summer camps that focus on fitness, arts, and outdoor activities. Whether your child is interested in sports, nature, or building new friendships, the YMCA offers fun and educational opportunities to make the most of the summer.

5. Froglegs Cooking School

For kids who love cooking and trying new things, Froglegs Cooking School offers fun and interactive culinary camps. From baking to making international dishes, your child will develop essential cooking skills while learning about different cultures through food.

Seattle is bursting with amazing opportunities for kids to have fun and learn new things. Whether it’s celebrating a birthday with science experiments at Kids Science Labs or enrolling your child in a summer program that fosters creativity and critical thinking, there’s no shortage of exciting options. Whatever you choose, make this summer a season of adventure, learning, and fun for your child!

Mad Scientist Birthday Party That Kids Love

Scientist Birthday Party for Kids

If your child loves mad science and fizzing potions, why not celebrate their special day with a party full of exciting experiments, hands-on learning, and scientific fun? A science-themed birthday party is the perfect way to combine education and entertainment, creating a memorable experience for your child and their friends. From DIY science-themed activities to professional venues like Kids Science Labs, here’s everything you need to plan the ultimate mad scientist birthday party for kids.

Science-Themed Birthday Party Ideas

Disclaimer: All the info here is for informational use; children should not perform experiments without adult supervision.

Planning a science-themed birthday party at home? With a little creativity and preparation, you can transform your space into a mini science lab. Here are some fun DIY ideas to make your child's day unforgettable:

1. DIY Slime Station

Set up a table where kids can make their own slime and experiment with the thickness (viscosity) of this wet, sticky, cohesive liquid. Provide bowls, mixing tools, glue, safe activator solution (pre-dissolved in H20), food coloring, and glitter. Not only is this hands-on activity fun, but it also gives kids a chance to learn about chemical reactions (and answer the age-old question: Is slime a chemical or physical change?).

2. Baking Soda Volcanoes

This classic science experiment is always a hit! Create mini volcanoes using modeling clay and let kids watch as baking soda and vinegar erupt in a bubbly explosion. Add food coloring for a more dramatic effect.

3. DIY Lava Lamps

Combine water, oil, food coloring, and effervescent tablets to create mesmerizing lava lamps. Kids can take these home as party favors, extending the science fun beyond the party.

4. Balloon Rockets

Demonstrate basic physics by making balloon rockets. All you need is string, tape, balloons, and straws. Set up a "rocket race" and let the kids experiment with different balloon sizes to see which goes the fastest.

5. Glow-in-the-Dark Experiments

Turn off the lights and let kids explore glowing science. Use tonic water, black lights, and highlighter ink to create glowing liquids. You can even incorporate glow-in-the-dark paint for a creative twist.

Best Places to Go for a Science Party

If you prefer to leave the setup and cleanup to professionals and want the confidence that the science activities will be conducted by knowledgeable staff dedicated to ensuring your child has an engaging and enjoyable experience, there are excellent venues that specialize in science-themed birthday parties. Here are five great options to consider:

1. Kids Science Labs

At Kids Science Labs, we take birthday parties to the next level with hands-on experiments, exciting demonstrations, and interactive learning tailored to your child’s interests. Our experienced educators guide kids through experiments listed in our Kids Birthday Party Packages, which you can find here. Designed for kids aged 4 and up, these parties are as educational as they are fun. Plus, we handle all the details so you can relax and enjoy the celebration. We specialize in creating unforgettable birthday experiences featuring personalized slimes, volcano demonstrations, and exciting fizzing chemical reactions. Whether in Chicago or Seattle, your child’s birthday party will include one of the top STEM programs for kids, all hosted in a stunning location that stands out as one of the best in the U.S.

2. Local Science Museums

Science museums often offer birthday party packages that include guided tours, hands-on experiments, and access to exhibits. Some even provide themed party rooms for added convenience.

3. Planetariums

For kids fascinated by space, a planetarium party is a stellar option. Guests can enjoy star shows, learn about the solar system, and participate in space-themed crafts and activities.

4. Zoos or Aquariums

Many zoos and aquariums offer science-themed birthday parties where kids can learn about wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts. These parties often include animal encounters or behind-the-scenes tours.

5. STEM Activity Centers

STEM-focused venues provide interactive experiences like coding challenges, robotics activities, or engineering projects. These parties are ideal for older kids who want to dive deeper into science and technology.

Why Planning Your Science-Themed Birthday Party at Kids Science Labs Is Worth It

Hosting your science-themed birthday party at Kids Science Labs ensures an unforgettable experience for your child and their friends. Here’s why our parties stand out:

1. Hands-On Fun

Our birthday parties are built around interactive experiments that keep kids engaged and entertained. Whether they’re creating a chemical reaction or building a bridge, kids leave with smiles and new knowledge.

2. Expert Educators

Our skilled educators are passionate about making science fun and accessible. They guide children through experiments, answer questions, and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.

3. Customizable Themes

We tailor each party to fit your child’s interests. We have a variety of packages we offer that include various amounts of personalized slimes, chemical reactions, and and color-changing science experiments to delight every child. 

4. Stress-Free for Parents

We handle everything from setup to cleanup, so you can focus on enjoying the celebration. We provide all the materials and equipment needed for the experiments, making planning easy and hassle-free.

5. Educational and Memorable

Mad Scientist parties at Kids Science Labs offer a good balance between fun and learning. Kids walk away with not just party favors but also a newfound excitement for science. On top of that, at the end of every party Slime and STEM Kits are included for every child guest as party favors to take home.

A mad scientist birthday party is the perfect way to celebrate your child’s special day while inspiring a love of learning. Whether you choose a DIY party at home or a professional venue like Kids Science Labs, this unique celebration will leave a lasting impression on your budding scientist and their friends.

4 Black Scientists That Changed Our Future - Honoring the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

4 Black Scientists, Inventors, and Researchers that changed America

On this Dr. Martin Luther King Jr National Holiday, we want to spend the time providing some perspective for kids, who might be at home tinkering, asking, and expressing their brilliant curiosity, just like these famous scientists, who happened to also be African-American. Those questions that kids are asking, and just the act of Wondering Why, can change the future of the country.

As a company, Kids Science Labs was founded on the belief that Science is a refinement of everyday thinking, and we want to briefly share each of their stories, so kids can learn more about each of their contributions. So let’s take a moment and learn a bit of Black History and Culture in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday, with a real experiments that you can do at home that relate to the work of these great Americans.

These 4 Black Scientists are sometimes forgotten, but their research changed America

1. Norbert Rilliuex

https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/norbertrillieux.html

Born in 1806 in Louisiana, Norbert Rilliuex was a black inventor and engineer, who is widely credited with one of the most significant inventions in the processing of sugar. His invention set the stage for the processing of sugar as candy, which relies heavily on processes that he invented 200 years ago to improve the efficiency of sugar manufacturing. There are many experiments that we can do with candy at home, from looking at its solubility, comparing sugar content, and even extracting artificial food coloring to help kids have a better conceptual understanding of why they can’t eat candy all day.

—> Science Demo at Home or Experiment at Kids Science Labs -  “Skittles Rainbow” - Students will explore the sugar chemistry with skittles, by creating a rainbow infused sugar palette, using water and everyday skittles to create colorful shapes.  

1. 1. Buy or acquire 1 small packet of skittles and 1 packet of m & m’s or similar colorful flavored candy.

2. Try spreading the skittles into a circle on the exterior of a six-inch plate (traditional) or in the shape of your initials. For older students 8+, instead of a plate, place 4 skittles into a glass and fill it with 4oz of water. Ask the kids if the water will change color (it won’t!). Observe and count to 27. Hint: the food coloring is a solid material that is more dense than water and as a result, it drops to the bottom of the cup, just like a rock. It doesn’t color the upper layers of the water in the glass, for the reason that red rocks dont’ change a swimming pool red…but it looks red from the sky!

3. Compare what happens when you add 2oz of water to the plate, ensuring that it touches all of the skittles, like in the video below. Compare what you see to what happens with a bag of M&M’s.

   • Candy science is cool and Norbert Rilliuex made it possible 200 years ago.

2. Dr. Walter Lincoln Hawkins

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Lincoln_Hawkins 

Born in 1911 in Washington DC as the child of a science teacher and lawyer, Dr. Hawkins is regarded as one of the fathers of polymer chemistry, a field he perfected during his 34 years at Bell Laboratories. He received his masters degree in Chemistry from the prestigious Howard University and his PhD in 1938 from McGill University. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2010. 

For the basic science, a “polymer” is just a large molecule that can be used in plastics, balloons, silly putty, manufacturing, and of course the making of all kinds of slimes. We need polymers today, which are just like a long chain of material that gives it wonderful function, such as stretchy protectants. The best example of a polymer is Elmer’s Glue.

—> Fun Things to Do with Kids at Home with polymers for science -  “Instant Snow Polymer” - 

Students will investigate what happens when you add water to expansive polymers, namely sodium polyacrylate, which is the absorbent polymer that is used inside babies diapers, jelly marbles, and other hyper absorbent consumer products. 

1. Grab a baby diaper

2. Open it up with a pair of scissors and pour the contents on a plate. You will see some small flakes that look a bit like granular salt, often mixed it with some paper

3. Compare the sodium polyacrylate (granules) to salt and ask your child how they are similar and different. Focus on the observation.

4. Pour some of the sodium polyacrylate into a small 6 inch or 4 inch plate.

5. Add a few drops of water and watch them absorb 80-200 times their weight in water.

3. Dr. Marie Maynard Daly

https://www.sciencehistory.org/education/scientific-biographies/marie-maynard-daly/

Born in Queens, NY in 1921, Dr. Daly was the first African-American to receive a PhD in Chemistry in the United States, earning her doctorate from Columbia in 1947, after just 3 years. A brilliant chemist, she studied cellular biology and physical chemistry, including chemical reactions like those with acids and corn starch. Dr. Daly taught for two years at the prestigious Howard University in addition to becoming a professor at Queens College and Columbia. 

—> Fun Activities with Kids at Home or Cool STEM at Kids Science Labs -  “Volcano in a Cup” 

Students love seeing chemical reactions so in this basic physical science investigation, kids 3-6yrs old will see what happens when mixing citric acid, baking soda, and water. 

4. Emmett Chappelle 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmett_Chappelle 

Born in 1925 in Phoenix, Mr. Chappelle worked for Stanford University and NASA for fifty years, where he became interested in Bioluminescence as a method of detecting life on other planets. In addition to their benefits to space, his inventions are commonly used in the creation of glow in the dark slimes 

—> At Home, You can experiment with Polymer Science, often referred to as Poly Vinyl Alcohol Slime, which can easily be purchased on amazon or other services. Just be sure its a safe combination and if you don’t know, email the experts at stem@kidssciencelabs.com or here

In Chicago, there are so many great activities that offer enriching experiences for families to grow, build, and give something back to our communities. We encourage every family to do what is best for their community on their block, especially in honor of the service of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. When you are done, or if you can’t make it outside to commemorate this holiday, and you just need a fun activity to do with kids ages 4-10, check out one of these two fun things to do with kids in chicago, compliments of Kids Science Labs.

Chicago Summer Camps That Build Confidence and Boost Learning

Chicago Summer Camps Provide Fuel to Avoid the Summer Learning Gap

As the school year comes to a close, many parents start to feel a little anxious about how to keep their kids engaged and learning throughout the summer. After all, those three months away from school can lead to what’s commonly referred to as the summer learning gap. This phenomenon occurs when kids forget some of what they’ve learned over the school year, which can make it harder for them to catch up when school resumes.

Luckily, Chicago is home to a wide range of summer camps that can help prevent this gap while also keeping kids entertained and active. The key to a successful summer is finding camps that not only engage your child in learning but also inspire creativity, foster friendships, and keep them active. In this blog, we’ll explore some amazing Chicago summer camps that can fuel your child's development and keep them thriving during the break.

Kids Science Labs is One of the Chicago Summer Camps That Parents Love for Its Outstanding Teaching, Fun Activities for Kids, and Focus on Unlocking Kids' Curiosity

If your child is naturally curious and loves to ask “how” and “why,” then Kids Science Labs is an excellent choice. This camp offers a dynamic environment where kids can dive into hands-on science experiments, test real engineering challenges that are age-appropriate, and explore the mysteries of science in a fun filled camp. The camp’s approach is both educational and fun, allowing kids to experiment with real science that facilitates deep understanding of concepts in an interactive and safe way.

One concern that parents often have is whether their child will be able to transition into a camp setting smoothly, especially if they haven’t been away from home much. Kids Science Labs has a fantastic track record for creating welcoming, supportive environments where children feel comfortable exploring new ideas without the pressure of traditional classroom settings. Their dedicated staff helps kids learn at their own pace, fostering both confidence and curiosity. By the end of each session, your child won’t just have had a blast—they’ll have gained new knowledge, found new friends, and and enhanced skills that will help them stay on track with their learning.

Easel Art Studio is a Wonderfully Engaging Art Camp to Expand Artistic Skills

For parents seeking a more creative and artistic experience for their child, Easel Art Studio is a great fit. This art camp encourages kids to explore different mediums, from drawing and painting to clay and sculpture. The camp is designed to inspire creativity, while also helping children build critical thinking and fine motor skills.

A common fear parents have when considering an art camp is whether their child will be able to keep up with more experienced campers or whether their creative abilities will be stifled. Easel Art Studio’s inclusive approach makes sure that kids of all skill levels feel confident in their artistic journey. The instructors are skilled at providing individualized attention, helping kids refine their techniques while also celebrating each child’s unique style. It’s a nurturing space where kids can build not only their artistic abilities but also their self-esteem.

The Adler Planetarium Chicago Summer Camps Are Always a Hit for Our Young Astrophysicists

For children fascinated by space, stars, and the mysteries of the universe, the Adler Planetarium offers a summer camp experience that is truly out of this world. This camp allows kids to immerse themselves in the exciting fields of astronomy and space science. With expert educators and interactive exhibits, kids explore planets, stars, galaxies, and even learn about space missions.

As with any specialized camp, parents might be concerned about whether their child will truly enjoy the experience, especially if their interest in space is still budding. The Adler’s approach is designed to captivate all levels of interest—whether your child is a budding astrophysicist or simply loves watching the stars. With engaging activities and hands-on exploration, the Adler Planetarium ensures that kids stay excited and curious, while learning valuable science concepts that will help them succeed academically.

Consider Chicago Park District for Affordable Summer Camps That Build Gross Motor and Teamwork Skills

If you're looking for an affordable yet high-quality option, the Chicago Park District offers a wide array of summer camps that help children develop essential physical and social skills. From sports and games to nature walks and outdoor adventures, these camps provide opportunities for kids to stay active and work on teamwork, leadership, and socialization.

A common fear parents often express when considering more affordable options is that the quality of the experience may not match that of pricier camps. However, the Chicago Park District’s camps are known for their fun staff, great variety of activities, and focus on creating inclusive environments for children of all backgrounds. These camps help kids develop important gross motor skills, such as coordination and balance, while also teaching teamwork and communication. Your child will leave the camp feeling physically stronger and more socially confident.

Chicago Summer Camps Offer a Variety of Choices, and We Recommend Offering Your Child a Balanced Approach to Build Confidence, Increase Imagination, and Meet Friends

With so many fantastic Chicago summer camps to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which is the best fit for your child. To ensure a well-rounded summer experience, consider a balanced approach that incorporates both educational and recreational activities. Combining camps like Kids Science Labs, Easel Art Studio, and the Chicago Park District can help foster creativity, improve physical fitness, and expand your child’s horizons.

By offering your child a variety of experiences, you help them develop key life skills, from problem-solving and creative thinking to social interaction and teamwork. These camps provide a safe space for children to grow, make new friends, and build confidence that will last long after the summer ends.

In the end, the goal is to create a summer experience that helps your child continue to grow, learn, and explore. With so many amazing camps in Chicago, you can rest easy knowing that your child will be engaged in meaningful, fun, and educational activities all summer long!