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Pacific Science Center, Seattle

Observatory · Science Museum
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Conceived and built as one of the centerpieces of the 1962 World's Fair, Pacific Science Center stands as one of Seattle's primary attractions. Though its physical appearance, replete with distinctive arches, is a mainstay of the city's central area, the museum's displays draw many visitors every year. You can see everything from animatronic dinosaurs and gigantic insects to ocean ecosystems and a colony of naked mole rats. Visit the planetarium, interact with butterflies in the butterfly house, or catch a special documentary or presentation on one of the center's IMAX movie screens. Kids can learn a great deal about the natural world through many hands-on experiments and labs. Plan your Pacific Science Center visit and explore what else you can see and do in Seattle using our Seattle online travel planner.
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Pacific Science Center reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
1,909 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • Went there with an 8 year old that loves science and trying things out. We were visiting the area and mixed this in with some standard sightseeing. We've been to the exploratorium and academy of... 
    Went there with an 8 year old that loves science and trying things out. We were visiting the area and mixed this in with some standard sightseeing. We've been to the exploratorium and academy of...  more »
  • A couple of points from our visit: - entrance is rather expensive and we were surprised that children from the age of 3 have to pay - quite a few exhibits are currently closed for renovations but the....  more
    A couple of points from our visit: - entrance is rather expensive and we were surprised that children from the age of 3 have to pay - quite a few exhibits are currently closed for renovations but the....  more »
  • Our family has had membership at the PSC on and off over the last 35 plus years. This week we were excited to sign up again for a family membership and our family of three generations visited there... 
    Our family has had membership at the PSC on and off over the last 35 plus years. This week we were excited to sign up again for a family membership and our family of three generations visited there...  more »
Google
  • Very cool stuff and a perfect place to spend the whole day in. Watch a laser show, learn about science, play with fun interactive and educational displays. Perfect place that will entertain the whole family. Lots of changes being made so a bit of empty space when I went. But I definitely want to bring the nieces and nephews here!
  • I don't feel like it was worth the money we paid only because we had to pay extra for the movie and laser show. I think if those were included with the price I would've been satisfied but for teenagers, I don't feel as if we got our bang for our buck. For younger kids there is definitely more to appeal to them. The things we did enjoy were great. The butterfly exhibit is a treat. We likely won't go again, this was our first time going as well. It's one of those things I feel you've done once and can check it off the list.
  • This place is great to take young kids to tweens. There is not a whole lot currently for the 14+ age group. When we went, about 40% or so of the hands-on experiences were closed. The maker space and butterfly experience was what kept the kids' attention the most. This has always been a fun outing for our family. I just wish there was prior notice of the exhibition closures. Still, with that said, it kept the kids entertained for just over 2 hours. Still a fun day trip with the family
  • My two year old daughter and I visited for the first time yesterday and had a blast! Many of the exhibits were a little advanced for her but things were mostly hands on and if there was a button she loved it! They also had a show in the planetarium specifically for preschoolers! We will definitely be buying a membership! My one and only complaint is parking. It’s so expensive to park at the Seattle center. I wish there was some way to remedy that but I understand that that may be outside the museums control.
  • It’s a great experience and worth the money. It has different sections/buildings for different experiences, like space, dinosaurs, butterflies , etc. you can easily spend a day there and you can go out for lunch and come back. You can re-enter the museum on the same day. 100% recommended if you have kids.

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