Seattle Center: Fountains Under the Space Needle
Start at Seattle Center, an easy first stop that works in any weather. Duck into its indoor attractions for air-conditioned relief, or head out to its plazas, some of the best spots in the city to get soaked on purpose.
The International Fountain steals the show, with more than 200 jets shooting water as high as 120 feet, and Seattle families have cooled off in its spray for generations. Smaller water play spots scattered around the campus, including the Fountain of Creation, the Kreielsheimer Promenade and the Center Steps Plaza, mean you can usually find room to splash even on busy afternoons.
Shady Parks and Gardens for Warm Afternoons
When the sun is strong, tree cover makes all the difference. Two of the city's large parks are especially good at keeping you comfortable.
Washington Park Arboretum and the Japanese Garden
Wander through wetlands and stroll beneath towering giant sequoias at the Washington Park Arboretum. On weekends, slip into the teahouse in the Japanese garden for a calm, unhurried break from the heat.
Discovery Park
Lace up for Discovery Park, where about 12 miles of trails wind mostly through the woods. Pair your hike with a stop at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center inside the park, which also gives you a chance to cool down indoors.
Spray Parks and a Saltwater Pool
Spray parks dot neighborhoods across the city, and they are a reliable go-to if you are traveling with young kids. Jefferson Park on Beacon Hill and Yesler Terrace Park stand out among them.
For a real swim, head to Lincoln Park in West Seattle, home to Colman Pool, an Olympic-size pool filled with saltwater. Seasonal hours can change, so check current pool schedules with Seattle Parks and Recreation before you go.
Indoor Escapes When the Heat Builds
Seattle Central Library
A library is an obvious place to cool off, and the downtown Seattle Central Library doubles as an architectural landmark. Join a tour, settle into its huge "Living Room" reading space, or catch one of its events for kids and adults.
A Classic Night at the Movies
Seattle has a strong independent film scene, and a dark theater is a fine place to wait out a hot evening. Grab a seat at SIFF Cinema Downtown, a single-screen house with comfortable seating and modern projection, and try the chocolate popcorn that has earned a loyal following. The Seattle International Film Festival also runs SIFF Cinema Uptown and the SIFF Film Center, both focused on indie and international films.
Over in Capitol Hill, Northwest Film Forum screens community and independent work and hosts festivals and filmmaking workshops. For dinner and a movie without leaving your seat, Central Cinema in the Central District serves food during films, while Big Picture downtown brings beer, wine and cocktails right to you.
Outdoor Movies Under the Summer Sky
Once summer arrives, lawn chairs and blankets come out for relaxed movie nights in parks across the region. Each series has its own personality, so choose one that suits your crowd.
Family Films and Crowd-Pleasers
Spread out a blanket at Movies at Westlake Park downtown, Movies at Marymoor Park or Movies by the Tower, all of which run summer lineups of popular releases and family favorites. At Seattle Center, Movies at the Mural shows family-friendly films on a 40-foot screen beneath the Space Needle. Each screening opens with a short film made by students at Cornish College of the Arts, a nice nod to local talent.
Cult Classics and Grown-Up Screenings
Three Dollar Bill Outdoor Cinema takes over Cal Anderson Park in Capitol Hill with campy cult favorites under the stars. For an adults-only night, Seattle Outdoor Cinema hosts 21-and-over screenings on the lawn at Discovery Center on Saturday nights. Lineups and dates change every year, so check each series before you pack the blankets.
Seafair: Seattle's Signature Summer Festival
Seafair is the city's long-running summer celebration, with events spread across neighborhoods for much of the season. Details and dates shift from year to year, so check seafair.org for the current calendar.
Fourth of July Fireworks
Watch the Seafair Fourth of July show light up the sky over Lake Union from Gas Works Park, the traditional viewing spot with wide views across the water. Seafair has also offered a ticketed premium experience at Lake Union Park, with a live DJ, a beer garden and reserved seating booked through seafair.org. Arrive early either way, because good spots fill fast.
The Torchlight Parade
Catch this evening parade through downtown Seattle, a longtime tradition celebrating the cultural diversity of the Pacific Northwest. Look for glowing floats and marching bands.
Seafair Weekend on Lake Washington
The festival's biggest weekend centers on Genesee Park and Lake Washington. Hydroplanes race across the lake while the Boeing Seafair Air Show fills the sky with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Army Golden Knights and vintage aircraft, and live music and food round out the weekend.
Neighborhood Events
Beyond the headline events, Seafair supports a long run of smaller community events in neighborhoods around the city all summer. Browse the full schedule on seafair.org.
