The Seattle Aquarium is modest in scale but ambitiously fun, with lots of creatures at arm’s length that are extremely kid-friendly, including touching pools and special docent-led activities such as shaking hands with an octopus. Hours are 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, with last entry at 5 p.m. and exhibits close at 6 p.m. Admission is $16 for adult ages 13 and older, $10.50 for kids ages 4 to 12, and free for children ages 3 and under.