16 of the Most Epic Winter Activities Seattle Has to Offer

When winter blankets Seattle with its chilly embrace, the Emerald City doesn’t hibernate; it transforms into a wonderland of snow-kissed adventures and cozy escapades. From the iconic Space Needle adorned with twinkling lights to the surrounding mountains that beckon with powder-covered slopes, Seattle offers a diverse array of epic winter activities that are sure to delight residents and visitors alike. In this guide, we present a curated list of 16 of the most exhilarating winter experiences that the Seattle area has to offer, promising a season of excitement, enchantment, and exploration in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Here are 16 of the best winter activities Seattle has to offer its residents and visitors:

Visit the Space Needle

The iconic Space Needle is one of the most known attractions in the world, let alone Seattle. Here at The PNW Report, we actually prefer visiting the Space Needle during Seattle’s winter months. Why? Well, there are several reasons. The first is that the festive atmosphere during the holiday season is unmatched when seeing it from above. Seattle does a great job of decorating for the holidays, and you won’t want to miss the beautiful views. The second reason: on a clear day, you’ll likely be able to see the majestic Mount Rainier looming in the distance. That’s why this is one of the best winter activities Seattle has to offer!

Use CityPass to save money on your visit to the Space Needle

Take a Tour of Seattle’s Best Coffee Shops

Coffee and winter just go together. Don’t come at us – they just do. Therefore, it’s a good thing that Seattle is known for its plethora of excellent coffee shops. During the colder months, Seattle’s coffee shops provide a respite from the rainy weather. Whether you’re sipping on a velvety latte or indulging in a comforting cup of hot chocolate, these coffee spots provide a perfect refuge to unwind and recharge. We highly recommend checking out Moore Coffee Shop, The Fremont Coffee Company, and Basecamp Cafe and Bar.

Make Some Animal Friends at the Woodland Park Zoo

In Sweden, there’s a saying: there’s no such thing as bad weather; only bad clothing. When visiting the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, take this saying to heart. While the weather may or may not be ideal for an outdoor excursion, there is one great thing about visiting the zoo during the winter: less crowds. So, in that respect, it’s worth it to dress in warm layers, bring umbrellas for the family, and have some warm drinks in tow. The zoo does their best to recreate the natural habitats for the animals, so it’s a great way to spend some time if you love animals!

Use CityPass to save money on your visit to the Woodland Park Zoo

The PNW Report Tip
There are several sheltered observation areas and indoor exhibits throughout the zoo. Zoomazium is an indoor play area for children ages 8 and younger. 

Buy Some Handmade Goods at Pike Place Market

Whether you’re looking to buy holiday gifts, or you’re just looking to browse, Pike Place Market in Downtown Seattle is an excellent place to do so. By shopping at Pike Place Market, you’ll be supporting local artisans and vendors instead of big-box corporations (yay for dismantling corporate greed)! 

The PNW Report Tip
You can browse the Pike Place Market directory ahead of your visit to see what vendors will be there at the time of your visitation.

Warm Up in a Hot Tub Boat

If you’ve never been in a hot tub boat before, you’re missing out. Luckily, Seattle has two incredible hot tub boat companies based on Lake Union to choose from for your hot tubbing experience. Here’s a little bit about both of these incredible hot tub boat companies: 

Lake Union Hot Tub Boats

Founded in 2019, Lake Union Hot Tub Boats is an all-weather experience that is truly unlike any other experience. The Lake Union Hot Tub Boats are made in the Netherlands and can fit up to 6 people. You’ll get to captain your own boat, adjust the heat to your liking, and fill the on-boat storage with all the snacks and drinks you’d like. One of the neatest things about the Lake Union Hot Tub Boats is that the hot tubs sit low in the boat, making Lake Union at eye level. So, basically, you’ll feel like you’re immersed in the lake…but, like, you’ll be warm. Crazy, huh?

2 hours for 6 people starts at $400. Included in your rental is the following: water, towels, waterproof phone cases, a bluetooth speaker, heated changing rooms.

Hot Tub Boats

Founded in 2011, Hot Tub Boats was the original hot tub boat company to grace the shores of Lake Union. These boats fit up to 6 people and operate rain or shine (let’s be honest: in Seattle, it’s gonna be more rain than shine). The diesel-fired boiler keeps the temperature of the hot tubs at a toasty 104 degrees, so you can cruise through South Lake Union without getting too chilly.

2 hours for 6 people starts at $400. Included in your rental is the following: access to the changing room/restroom/storage lockers/showers, a cooler, water, and towel service. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can always add on rose petals, catered food and drinks, and/or epsom salt.

Check Out the Museum of Pop Culture

The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle is an absolute must-visit, especially in the winter. Picture yourself escaping the chilly weather and stepping into a world where the vibrant and eclectic history of pop culture comes alive. Visiting MoPOP’s fascinating exhibits and interactive displays is the perfect way to get out of the cold weather and to beat those stir-crazy feelings that come with staying inside the house too long. From iconic music memorabilia to science fiction wonders, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. MoPOP is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the creative and imaginative world of pop culture, allowing you to forget about the frosty temperatures outside. Plus, the museum often hosts special events and exhibits during the winter months, making it an ever-changing and exciting destination for fans of all things pop…and one of the best winter activities Seattle has to offer!

Use CityPass to save money on your visit to the MoPOP

Take a Day Trip to Bainbridge Island 

Taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island in the winter is like embarking on a magical journey. Truly, it is. Picture this: the crisp winter sea breeze, the rhythmic hum of the ferry, and the stunning views of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains on the horizon. As you approach Bainbridge, the charming waterfront town comes into view, adorned with twinkling lights that add a touch of holiday enchantment. Once ashore, explore the quaint shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries that line the streets. The winter ambiance adds a layer of tranquility to the island, creating the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or a warm cup of cocoa by the fireplace. Bainbridge Island in the winter is a peaceful retreat, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm that is simply enchanting.

Not sure how to get to Bainbridge Island? Check out our article on using the Washington State Ferry System to get to Bainbridge Island.

Have a Plane Awesome Time at the Museum of Flight

Add the Musuem of Flight as another one of the awesome winter activities Seattle has to offer its residents and visitors. If you’re an aviation geek, or have friends/family members who are, this is the perfect place to escape the winter weather. Seattle has a rich aviation history, with Boeing being founded in Seattle in 1916. When you’re at the Museum of Flight, you can expect to see a wide range of Boeing-manufactured planes, alongside with other planes and space exploration vehicles from significant parts in history.

The PNW Report Tip
The Museum of Flight has FREE admission from 5PM – 9PM on the first Thursday of every month. Save those hard-earned dollars and go get your aviation on!

Hit Some Balls at the Seattle Pinball Museum

Looking to take out your pent-up energy during the long winter months and rainy days? The Seattle Pinball Museum is the perfect place to do that. Located in the heart of Chinatown, this unique museum features 50+ pinball machines that are chronologically organized starting from the 1960s. The best part? All 50+ pinball museums are free to play – included in the price of admission! Upon entry, guests will receive a wristband allowing in-and-out privileges for the day. There’s food and drink available for order, so this could definitely be an all-day experience if you want it to be. Oh, and this museum isn’t all just play…history geeks will rejoice at the tiny history-filled placards located above each machine. Overall, the Seattle Pinball Museum is an indoor haven where you can lose track of time, flipping those silver balls and reliving the golden age of arcade games. 

Ride the Seattle Great Wheel at the Seattle Waterfront

​Winter is one of the best times to ride the Seattle Great Wheel, as the bustling summer crowds have given way to a more serene maritime ambiance. Located on Pier 57, the Seattle Great Wheel lets individuals or groups grasp stunning views of Seattle from a private gondola that is protected from the elements. The Seattle Great Wheel spins around 3-5 times, allowing ample opportunity to see the Seattle skyline, the Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains. 

​If you don’t like heights and would rather view the Seattle Great Wheel from afar, never fear! The Seattle Great Wheel is covered in over half a million LED lights and has colorful light show displays that run on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. During the holidays or game days, the Seattle Great Wheel does special themed light shows that are captivating to watch.

​After your ride or viewing of the Seattle Great Wheel, warm up with a cup of clam chowder or a comforting bowl of seafood bisque from one of the cozy Seattle Waterfront restaurants. Sounds like the perfect winter day, no?

The PNW Report Tip
They have beer for purchase if you don’t have any minors riding with you!

Overdue It at the Seattle Public Library

​The Seattle Public Library is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the Pacific Northwest, let alone Seattle. It also happens to be one of the best places to spend a cold winter day in the Emerald City. Designed by Rem Koolhaas, the Seattle Public Library has ten floors, a cafe, and a gift shop. It’s the perfect place to curl up with a good book. Whether you’re seeking refuge from the rain or snow, or simply looking for a quiet place during this time of year to delve into a captivating novel, the Seattle Public Library is an absolute haven…and one of the best winter activities Seattle has to offer!

The PNW Report Tip
Check out the 4th floor…trust us on this one!

See Some Beauty at the Bellevue Botanical Garden

The Bellevue Botanical Garden is open year-round, but we actually prefer visiting during the winter months than the summer months. Why? The tranquility of the garden is accentuated during the winter months, allowing visitors to appreciate the structural elegance of the plants and the serene beauty of the Japanese Garden without the usual crowds. QR codes give information about the plants so you can satiate your inner botanist while you browse. There is an on-site coffee bar that provides coffee, tea, baked goods, and light lunches for visitors. If you like learning, the Bellevue Botanical Garden offers classes in the winter such as winter photography, a lichen workshop, and other classes.

​If you happen to visit the Bellevue Botanical Garden during the holiday season, definitely take the time to see the Garden d’Lights – the garden’s holiday light display that features over half a million sparkling lights. Oh, and the best part? These lights are formed into the shapes of animals, plants, birds, flowers, and waterfalls. Don’t miss it!

Grab Some Hot Chocolate and Go Ice Skating

​Looking for some winter fun for the whole family? Check out the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink, one block south from Bellevue Square, that’s open from mid-November to mid-January. This open-air ice skating rink has over 9,000 square feet of real ice and offers ice skating complete with ice skate rentals. On select evenings, Microsoft sponsors free skating lessons for those who might need a little extra help before hitting the rink. The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink also offers unlimited passes in addition to daily passes, just in case you can’t get your fix with just one session. You might want to look into it…after all, the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink will become one of your favorite winter activities.

The PNW Report Tip
There are no restrooms inside the ice rink (only portable restrooms on the plaza outside) so plan accordingly!

Get Up and Close with Marine Life at the Seattle Aquarium

​Going to the Seattle Aquarium is the perfect way to make a drab winter day into a fab one. This winter retreat brings the vibrant underwater world to life, offering a splash of color and excitement during the colder months. The aquarium’s cozy, indoor setting provides a welcome respite from the colder weather outside, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a solo adventure. If you do bring kids with you, make sure to check out the exhibit that lets them gently touch the sea animals. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the cheeky sea otters!

The underwater exhibits take on an extra layer of magic during the winter, with the soft glow of the tanks illuminating the mysteries of the ocean. It’s not just an educational experience; it’s a chance to be transported to a different realm, where the beauty of marine life takes center stage, making the Seattle Aquarium a must-visit winter destination for marine enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Use CityPass to save money on your visit to the Seattle Aquarium

Get Glassy at Chihuly Garden and Glass

​Chihuly Garden and Glass is one of the most unique attractions that the Seattle area has to offer, and because it’s mostly indoors, it’s a great place to go to escape the winter weather! Take a journey through the imagination of renowned artist Dale Chihuly as you view the interplay of light and color through the bevy of glass exhibits. There is an on-site bar that serves drinks, so you can make your experience at Chihuly Garden and Glass a swanky affair. Overall, you’ll enjoy the cozy contrast between the warm glass lights inside and the cold atmosphere outside.

The PNW Report
The Persian Ceiling should not be missed…trust us!

Use CityPass to save money on your visit to Chihuly Garden and Glass

Get Hands-On at the Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center is a local favorite, and for a good reason! Taking your family to the Pacific Science Center is one of the best ways to beat the winter blues during the winter season. It’s an indoor playground for the curious minds and a delightful refuge for those seeking a blend of education and entertainment during the colder months. Whether you’re interested in dinosaurs, the planets, or space events, there are numerous exhibits and hands-on activities for people to partake in together.

If you’re looking to be transported to a tropical paradise without leaving the city, check out the Tropical Butterfly House. You’ll get to step into a vibrant, humid sanctuary filled with the mesmerizing flutter of colorful wings, lush greenery, and cascading water.

The PNW Report Tip
Don’t miss out on the laser dome while you’re here!

So, there you have it! Seattle winters can be magic if you let yourself enjoy all the great winter activities Seattle has to offer its residents and visitors. The memories you have will remind you, that, even in the coldest of seasons, there’s a warmth to be found in the embrace of adventure and the joy of discovery of the winter activities Seattle has to offer.