5 Stops: Seattle, Washington

As an urban city surrounded by natural beauty, Seattle’s roster of attractions and must-sees are endless. Student groups visiting the Emerald City experience fun-filled days while learning at the same time. 

Seattle is positioned on the eastern shore of the Puget Sound. Its location provides for plentiful water activities, like paddling and whale-watching. The city is known for its parks, where students can hike and explore among fresh air. 

Students enjoy visiting Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously-operated farmer’s markets in the U.S. The market features fresh fish and produce stands, arts and crafts, ethnic groceries and gift stores, vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, international restaurants, cafes and a myriad of food counters.

The city’s historic district, Pioneer Square, also is an itinerary-must. While exploring the district’s 20 square blocks, students see museums, art galleries, restaurants and architecture. 

The following five stops will keep groups busy while visiting Seattle.

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Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour

Take students below Seattle’s streets with Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour. Groups enjoy a humorous stroll through intriguing subterranean storefronts and sidewalks that were entombed when the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889. The 75-minute guided walking tour begins beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House, then spills into historic Pioneer Square, Seattle’s birthplace, before plunging underground for an exclusive, time-capsule view of the buried city. 

Argosy Cruises Locks Cruise

Take in spectacular views and experience the transition from salt to fresh water with Argosy Cruises. The fully-narrated tour provides students with knowledge, fun facts and the chance to become the attraction to those on shore as the vessel raises up or lowers, due to the ever-changing tides of Puget Sound. Between Elliott Bay and Lake Union, students are surrounded by floating homes and houseboats, large fishing vessels, seaplanes and majestic city parks. 

Seattle Aquarium

The region’s premier resource for hands-on marine experiences and conservation education, the Seattle Aquarium offers fun, exciting ways to discover more about the amazing Puget Sound and the world’s one big ocean. Six major exhibits house the aquarium’s animal collection, which includes giant Pacific octopus, harbor seals, sea stars and tufted puffins, just to name a few. Student programs include activities like interacting with live marine invertebrates, getting hands-on with live oysters and learning about sea otter conservation. 

MoPOP

The Museum of Pop Culture is dedicated to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary popular culture. MoPOP serves as a gateway museum, reaching multi-generational audiences through collections, exhibitions and educational programs. All educational visits include an orientation and self-guided gallery access for the day. Educators can add an in-museum workshop or have students participate in the Tune Up! Concert Series, which brings student ensembles and pop culture together through dynamic musical performances.

Living Computers: Museum + Labs 

Living Computers: Museum + Labs (LCM+L) provides a hands-on experience with computer technology from the 1960s to the present. LCM+L honors the history of computing with the world’s largest collection of fully restored — and usable — supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers and microcomputers. Educational programs include access to all exhibits and galleries, lab activities of varying length, tour options and reserved space for brown-bag lunches.