Shop, Play and Fill the Day
Things to Do with Kids in Seattle Southside at Westfield Southcenter
Toy Stores, Play Spaces, Art Projects and More
Where can you find 60 family-friendly restaurants, dozens of places to buy toys and games, an indoor playground, and a movie theater all under one roof? Hint: It’s not a fancy theme park.
Westfield Southcenter, the largest shopping mall in the Pacific Northwest, is a haven for indoor family fun. Plus, it's only a five-minute drive from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Seattle Southside, or want to get some shopping done without causing a meltdown, we've got you covered. Below is a guide to keeping the family happy at the mall, so you can sit back and sip a latte or bubble tea while your kids entertain themselves.
Places to Play
Westfield Playspace
When you need to take a load off with tots and babies in tow, head to Westfield PlaySpace, a free play area tucked away in a quieter aisle. There, they can climb and explore in a safe, soft setting filled with large puzzles, a small leaf-shaped slide, and friendly animal characters to climb on and around. There’s comfortable seating for caregivers to sit and rest while keeping an eye on little ones. A great place to sip a drink while you recharge!
Safari Play Space
Sometimes, kids need to burn off a ton of energy (or, let’s be honest, you need them to burn off energy before you go nuts). In those cases, take them to Safari Play Space, a large, safe, indoor play structure where they can take their shoes off, dive into a ball pit, zoom down slides, and get all the sillies out. The space is open to kids 52” or shorter and has a designated toddler area. Price varies depending on the day, but it’s always under $20 for two hours.
Round1 Bowling and Arcade
When you’re all done shopping and want to treat your family and friends to a raucous good time, head over to Round1 Bowling and Arcade. This Japanese bowling chain is an entertainment hub with 14 bowling lanes, tons of arcade games (including rare Japanese games), and private karaoke rooms.
VR 360 Adventures
VR 360 Adventures take excitement to the next level with thrilling experiences that let you ride wild roller coasters, walk with dinosaurs, enter haunted houses, or escape from zombies in a fully immersive, interactive 9D environment. Using cutting-edge VR headsets paired with a realistic motion simulator, you’ll feel every air jet, water mist, leg sweep, back poke, and seat vibration for an unparalleled sense of realism. Combined with a 360-degree view that lets you look in any direction, these adventures don’t just look life-like—they feel like you’re really there!
Places to Learn and Create
Pekaso and Kids
Pekaso and Kids is an arts and crafts studio that feels like a quiet retreat from the hubbub of the mall, with a sweet play area and cute craft supplies lining the walls. This local business offers many art classes you can book online, as well as drop-in art activities for all ages. You pay by the art piece, typically $15-30, and take home your unique creation. Activities are available for varying ages–for older kids, there’s watercolor, jewelry making, pottery, and more. You can also shop for art supplies, such as kits for painting your own tote bag.
Pro tip: If you really need a break to do some shopping or enjoy a quick bite to yourself, you can drop off a child at the studio for an hour (provided they’re potty trained).
The Public Library
Who would think there was a public library right in the mall? The King County Library System (KCLS) Library Connection is a cozy place to take the fam when everyone needs a little quiet time. Head to the cute kids’ section, where you’ll find a colorful wall mural, small tables, rows of children’s books, and desktop computers with educational games. Everyone can relax without spending a dime.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
What’s better than a new stuffie? Creating one yourself! At Build-A-Bear, kids can choose from dozens of furry friends, from classic teddy bears in every color and print to specific characters like Hello Kitty, Sonic the Hedgehog, Bluey, and plenty more. Then, stuff the toy yourself and personalize it with clothes, accessories, sound effects, and even scents! When you’re done, your toy gets its own birth certificate to take home.
LEGO Store
A trip to LEGO store is a full-on experience, with opportunities for creativity and play right in the store. Kids can build their own “minifigures” by mixing and matching bottoms, tops, heads, and accessories. Then, they can choose bricks from a bright Pick & Build wall containing pieces in seemingly every color under the sun. And, of course, you can shop for lots of different LEGO kits.
Toy and Game Stores
Mind Games
Mind Games is overflowing with fun ways to keep the kids entertained, whether you're looking for a cute gift or a challenging group activity the whole family can enjoy together. From strategy games and brain-teasing puzzles to unique collectibles like Funko POP to adorable plushies of popular characters, you'll be sure to find something they love.
GameStop
GameStop is an exciting destination for kids who love video games and collectibles. The store is packed with the latest gaming consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, along with a huge selection of video games for every age and interest. Kids can browse shelves full of action figures, Funko Pop collectibles, gaming-themed toys, and gear from their favorite franchises like Pokémon, Mario, and Minecraft. Whether trading in old games or picking up new ones, GameStop offers a hands-on, fun-filled shopping experience.
Koneko Kafe
For the kid who's enamored with all things cute and cuddly, Koneko Kafe is a delightful shop offering a playful mix of adorable toys, collectibles, and kawaii-inspired gifts. From colorful plushies and fun stationery to quirky home goods, it’s a treasure trove for fans of all things cute and unique.
POP MART
POP MART is a leading character-based entertainment company celebrated for its designer toys and vibrant pop culture merchandise. The store features a diverse array of collectible figures from popular series such as MOLLY, The Monsters, DIMOO, and SKULLPANDA. Each collectible is crafted with incredible attention to detail. The store provides a creative and colorful shopping experience that will delight anyone who loves playful and artistic designs.
Go! Calendars & Games
Go! Calendars & Games is a one-stop shop for fun and creativity, with shelves upon shelves of toys, games, and activities. In addition to popular board games, the store features challenging puzzles for all skill levels. For younger kids, there are plushies galore and learning games to spark imagination and development. Fans of collectibles will find a treasure trove of action figures, trading cards, and novelty items from popular franchises.
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FAQ
Q: What is the largest shopping mall in Washington?
A: The largest shopping mall in Washington is Westfield Southcenter in Tukwila.
Q: What are some rainy day activities in Seattle?
A: Seattle Southside, the area encompassing Tukwila, SeaTac, and Des Moines, has a ton of fun rainy day activities for kids and families. Visit Westfield Southcenter mall, check out The Museum of Flight, take a tour of Seattle Chocolate Factory, try iFLY Indoor Skydiving, take the family bowling at Round1 or Bowlero, and play all day at Family Fun Center.
Q: What are the best children's clothing stores in Seattle?
A: There are many places to shop for children's clothes at Westfield Southcenter, including Macy's, Nordstrom, UNIQLO, and Journeys Kidz.
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