Category: Travel
Let’s be real for a second. We’ve all seen those travel influencers on Instagram. You know the ones, the family of five standing perfectly still in front of a sunset, everyone is wearing coordinated linen outfits, and not a single child is mid-meltdown because their granola bar snapped in half.
Back in the real world, family travel is a beautiful, chaotic, exhausting, and rewarding mess. But here’s the secret: you can have both. You can have a vacation where the kids actually have fun, and you still walk away with a camera roll full of shots that look like they belong in a gallery.
I’m Edin Chavez, and at Photoguides, we’re all about making the technical side of photography feel easy so you can focus on the memories. Today, we’re kicking off our 30-day series on the funnest family things to do when traveling, starting with one of my favorite Pacific Northwest gems: Seattle.
Whether you’re a pro with a mirrorless setup or just rocking the latest iPhone, this guide will help you navigate the best family activities while keeping your sanity (and your aesthetic) intact.
1. The Classics: Seeing the City from Above
You can’t come to Seattle and skip the Waterfront. It’s like going to Paris and skipping the big metal tower. But for families, the waterfront is a goldmine of activity.
The Seattle Great Wheel
If you want a photo that screams "vacation goals," the Seattle Great Wheel is your best friend. It’s one of the largest Ferris wheels in the US, and the enclosed gondolas are a lifesaver if you’re traveling with a toddler who has a "flight risk" personality.
The 'Gram Strategy: Go at "Golden Hour" (about an hour before sunset). The light hitting the Elliott Bay water is pure magic. If you’re looking for a smooth experience without the long lines, I highly recommend booking your Seattle tours and activities through Viator before you arrive.
Pro Tip: For those focusing on the technical side, check out our guide on essential photography gear to make sure you have the right lens for those tight gondola spaces.
The Space Needle vs. Sky View Observatory
The Space Needle is iconic, but here’s a local tip: the Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center is actually taller and offers a view of the Space Needle. For the best family photos, having the Needle in the background often looks better than standing on top of it.
2. Museums That Are Actually Fun (No, Seriously)
I know the word "museum" can sometimes trigger a "boring" alarm in kids' heads, but Seattle does things differently.
MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture)
This building looks like a melted guitar from the outside (designed by Frank Gehry), which makes for an incredible backdrop for a family portrait. Inside, it’s a wonderland of music, sci-fi, and video games. It’s interactive, loud, and visually stunning.
The 'Gram Strategy: The "Indie Game" section and the "Guitar Tower" are the winners here. The lighting is moody, so make sure your ISO settings are dialed in. You can read more about low-light performance in our camera reviews 2024 section if you’re planning to upgrade before your trip.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
This is arguably the most beautiful place in the city. The glass sculptures are vibrant, massive, and look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book.
Parent Reassurance: It sounds terrifying to take kids into a "glass garden," but the paths are wide and well-managed. Just keep the "no touching" talk going on a loop. The visual payoff is worth it. I’ve spent hours here capturing frames for Edin Fine Art, and the colors never cease to amaze me.
3. Burn Off the Energy: Parks and Playgrounds
Kids need to run. If you try to force them into three museums in a row, you’re asking for a rebellion. Luckily, Seattle has some of the coolest outdoor spaces in the country.
Artists at Play Playground
Located right at the base of the Space Needle, this isn't your neighborhood plastic slide set. It has a 30-foot climbing tower and custom musical instruments. It’s a visual masterpiece.
The 'Gram Strategy: Set your shutter speed high! Kids move fast here. Capture them mid-climb with the Space Needle looming in the background. If you’re struggling with action shots, jump over to the community at Shut Your Aperture to get some quick tips from fellow photographers.
Olympic Sculpture Park
This is a free, nine-acre outdoor park. You get massive art installations, a view of the mountains, and plenty of space for the kids to wander. It’s the perfect spot for those candid "walking away from the camera" shots that look so effortless on the feed.
4. The "Hidden" Gems for Families
If you want to escape the main tourist throngs, head over to the Ballard Locks. You can watch boats transition between the salty Puget Sound and the fresh water of the lakes. From May to September, you can see salmon jumping up the fish ladder. It’s educational, free, and surprisingly mesmerizing for kids of all ages.
The 'Gram Strategy: The botanical gardens surrounding the locks are lush and green year-round. It’s a great place for close-up portraits. If the sky is looking a bit grey (it is Seattle, after all), you can always cheat a little later using our sky overlays to bring back that blue.
5. Logistics: Keeping the Peace (and the Battery Life)
Travel photography with a family is 20% framing and 80% logistics. Here is my "Reassuring Edin" checklist for a successful day:
- The Snack Tax: Never leave the hotel without more snacks than you think you need. A hungry kid will not "rank on the 'gram." They will only rank in the "loudest tantrum" category.
- The "One Shot" Rule: Tell the kids, "Give me 60 seconds of your best smiles at this spot, and then we go get ice cream/go to the park." Usually, that 60 seconds is all you need if you’ve prepared your gear beforehand.
- The Experience Matters: Don't get so caught up in the perfect photo that you forget to enjoy the moment. Sometimes the best photo is the blurry one where everyone is laughing because a seagull tried to steal a fry.
- Booking Stress: Use tools to make your life easier. Whether it’s a photography booking experience or just pre-booking your museum slots on Viator, do it early.
Where to Eat (That Kids Actually Like)
Seattle is a foodie city, but not every spot is kid-friendly. If you’re looking for a casual vibe with great lighting:
- Pike Place Market: Yes, it’s crowded, but getting a piroshky or a donut and sitting by the water is a core memory.
- The Pink Door: Great food, amazing views, but definitely book ahead.
- Ballard Breweries: Many breweries in Seattle are incredibly family-friendly (dogs too!). It’s a great way to end the day. If you’re ever traveling further east, check out our guide on breweries in Williamsburg, VA for a similar vibe.
Final Thoughts for the Family Photographer
Photography is about storytelling. When you look back at these photos in ten years, you won’t care if the composition was 100% perfect according to the rule of thirds. You’ll care that you were there, together, exploring a new city.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the technical side of things, we have plenty of resources to help. From educational categories to deep dives on my personal blog, the goal is to make you feel confident behind the lens.
So pack the diaper bag, charge your batteries, and get out there. Seattle is waiting, and those memories aren't going to capture themselves!
Ready to start your adventure?
Check out the latest Seattle activities on Viator and don't forget to tag us in your family travel photos!
Stay tuned for Day 2 of our series, where we head south to find the best family-friendly spots in the sun. Happy shooting!
