Pike Place Market is one of the top things to do in Seattle with kids—whether you’re a local family enjoying a weekend outing or visiting the city for the first time. This iconic public market is a vibrant mix of food stalls, quirky art, street performers, and one-of-a-kind shops that’s perfect for family-friendly fun.
Perched on a hill overlooking Elliott Bay, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the U.S. But it’s not just about produce—it’s an experience! You’ll find flying fish, silly photo ops (hello, Gum Wall!), hands-on food stops like Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, and sweet treats around every corner.
From baby-friendly art to toddler giggles and treats big kids will love, here are our favorite kid-friendly things to do at Pike Place Market to turn your visit into a full day of family fun in Seattle.
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Meet Rachel the Piggy Bank
You can’t visit Pike Place Market with kids without stopping to say hello to its unofficial mascot: Rachel the Pig. This life-sized bronze piggy bank sits right at the entrance under the famous “Public Market Center” sign, near the fish-throwing action. Kids love climbing up next to her for a silly photo—and parents love the chance to sneak in a fun Seattle history lesson.
Who is Rachel?
Rachel was installed in 1986 and has been a beloved symbol of the market ever since. She weighs over 550 pounds and was sculpted by local artist Georgia Gerber. What makes her extra special? Rachel isn’t just for show—she’s a working piggy bank! Donations dropped into Rachel go directly to supporting the Pike Place Market Foundation, which helps fund housing, healthcare, and food services for the low-income community that lives and works in and around the Market.
There’s also a smaller pig named Billie, who joined Rachel in 2011 and can be found at the MarketFront plaza overlooking Elliott Bay. If you’re doing a full market tour, it’s fun to try and find both!
📸 Pro tip: Have your kids give Rachel a pat on the snout for good luck—and don’t forget to snap a photo with her!
Watch the Fish Fly at Pike Place Fish Co.
Let’s start with a classic! Kids love watching the fishmongers at Pike Place Fish Market toss giant salmon through the air like it’s the most normal thing in the world. The energetic staff shout, chant, and keep the crowd laughing. Don’t worry, you don’t have to buy a fish to enjoy the show—just find a spot near the counter and wait for the next order to fly.
📍 Tip: Pike Place Fish Market is right at the main entrance under the big “Public Market Center” sign with the clock.
Snap a Silly Photo at the Gum Wall
Okay, it’s gross… but also kind of amazing. Tucked into Post Alley just below the main market is Seattle’s weirdest and most colorful photo op: the Gum Wall. This brick wall is completely covered in thousands (maybe millions!) of pieces of chewed gum in every color imaginable.
Kids will be fascinated, a little grossed out, and definitely want to add their own to the “art.” Bring your own gum from home or grab a pack from one of the nearby shops and let your little ones make their sticky contribution.
🎥 Check out our short video as we toured Pike Place Market with our little one—visiting the Gum Wall, watching fish fly, and exploring fun family-friendly stops around Seattle’s most iconic attraction!
Fun Fact: The Wall Gets a Bath (Sometimes)
Believe it or not, the wall is occasionally cleaned with a high-pressure washer to remove layers of old gum—but not very often! The last major cleaning removed over 2,000 pounds of gum. Even so, people start adding new gum right away, and the wall never stays bare for long. It’s a constantly evolving (and slightly icky) art piece that your kids will talk about long after your visit.
📍 To find it, head down the stairs near the Pike Place Fish Market entrance and turn left into Post Alley. You can’t miss it!
See the Original Starbucks
Just around the corner from the main market is the very first Starbucks store, opened in 1971. While it’s no longer the actual first location (that one was a few blocks away), this is the longest-running Starbucks store and is styled to reflect the original design, complete with vintage logos, wooden signs, and an old-school feel. It’s a fun stop for coffee-loving parents and curious kids alike!
Unlike regular Starbucks stores, this one uses the original brown logo and has a more rustic, heritage-style interior. You can’t use the Starbucks app to order ahead or earn rewards here—it’s an old-school experience, and that’s part of the charm.
Any Special Drinks?
While the menu is mostly familiar, the Pike Place store sometimes offers exclusive Reserve drinks or small-batch coffee blends you won’t find everywhere. It’s also a great place to try a handcrafted pour-over if you want to slow down and enjoy the flavor.
Kids might not be into coffee (yet!), but this is a great place to grab:
- A hot chocolate or steamed milk with vanilla
- A cake pop or other sweet treat from the bakery case
- And of course—take a fun family photo with the original storefront!
📍 You’ll find it at 1912 Pike Place—look for the line of tourists and the classic brown logo sign!
Watch Cheese Being Made at Beecher’s
Right on the corner of Pike Place and Pine Street, you’ll find Beecher’s Handmade Cheese—one of the most delicious (and entertaining) stops at the market for families. The best part? You can actually watch cheese being made right through the large street-facing windows. Kids love seeing the huge vats of curds and whey being stirred and poured by hand—it’s like a science experiment you can eat!
What to Try
- “World’s Best” Mac & Cheese: We don’t use the word “best” lightly—this creamy, cheesy dish is legendary. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly kid-sized if you get a cup. Pro tip: share a larger portion and add some spice if you like a kick.
- Cheese Curds: These squeaky little bites are fun for kids and easy to snack on as you stroll through the market.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: For older kids (and grown-ups!), the grilled cheese is gooey, golden perfection. Pair it with tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Local Gifts: You can also pick up cheese, crackers, or gift boxes to take home or give as souvenirs—perfect for cheese-loving family members!
📍 Beecher’s is located on the corner of Pike Place and Pine Street, right across from the main entrance to the market.
🧀 Don’t be surprised if your kids want to come back the next day just for another mac and cheese fix!
Sweet Treats & Ice Cream Breaks
After exploring the lively market and watching fish fly, you’ll definitely want to take a sweet break—and Pike Place has no shortage of delicious dessert options for kids and grown-ups alike. From creamy scoops to handcrafted chocolates, here are our favorite spots to satisfy your sweet tooth:
Sweet & Juicy Local Fruit
Don’t skip the colorful produce stands while you’re exploring! Pike Place is packed with vendors selling ultra-fresh, often locally grown fruit—perfect for a refreshing and healthy snack on the go. Depending on the season, you’ll find juicy Washington apples, fragrant peaches, giant cherries, or sample-worthy pears.
Vendors are friendly and often hand out slices for tasting, which is a fun treat for kids and a great way to discover a new favorite. Pick up a paper bag of your child’s favorite fruit to snack on as you wander the market (or to balance out the sugar from those mini doughnuts!).
Shug’s Soda Fountain
Step into this adorable, vintage-style soda fountain just steps from the market. Shug’s Soda Fountain is a favorite for families thanks to its old-school vibe and fun menu of floats, ice cream sundaes, and sprinkles galore. Kids can build their own sundaes or try one of the colorful house specials like the Unicorn Float.
📍 Located just across the street from the market at 1525 1st Ave.
Fran’s Chocolates
A true Seattle treasure! Fran’s Chocolates is a family-founded, local company that’s been creating award-winning, small-batch chocolates since 1982. Their salted caramels are legendary—even former President Obama famously declared them one of his favorite treats!
At the Pike Place location, you’ll find beautiful chocolate gift boxes, rich truffles, and an elegant shop that feels fancy—but still totally welcoming for families. Let your kids pick out a single piece from the display case while you treat yourself to a dark chocolate ganache.
📍 Located in the courtyard near the Sanitary Market building entrance.
Bottega Italiana
If your family loves gelato, this cozy shop near the market is a must. Bottega Italiana serves up creamy, authentic Italian gelato in flavors like pistachio, chocolate hazelnut, mango, and stracciatella. It’s a refreshing stop, especially on a warm summer day. Grab a cup and enjoy it while overlooking the water nearby.
📍 Just around the corner at 1425 1st Ave.
Daily Dozen Doughnut Co.
This tiny doughnut stand is hidden inside the market but well worth tracking down. They make mini doughnuts fresh right in front of you—kids love watching the batter drop into the fryer and come out golden brown. Order a bag of warm cinnamon sugar or maple bacon mini doughnuts and try not to eat them all before you leave the market.
📍 Inside the main arcade of Pike Place Market.
Don’t Miss the Market’s Quirky Public Art
Pike Place Market isn’t just about food—it’s also an open-air art museum if you know where to look! Between the bustling vendors and historic charm, you’ll spot sculptures, murals, and installations that make exploring extra fun for curious kids.
The Bathroom Tile Wall (with Baby!)
If you’re near the downstairs bathrooms, keep an eye out for the playful tile mural featuring stick figures in silly poses. One of our family favorites? The tile with a man carrying a baby—kids find it hilarious every time. It’s tucked away but well worth finding. Don’t forget to snap a goofy photo!
📍 Look for this on the wall near the public restrooms downstairs, just below the main arcade.
Sidewalk Fish Imprints
Look down as you walk through the main arcade—embedded into the sidewalk tiles are bronze fish prints and market-related symbols. They’re easy to miss but fun for a little “scavenger hunt” as you walk through the stalls. Ask your kids to count how many fish they can find!
Billie the Pig
We mentioned Rachel the Pig earlier, but don’t miss her smaller companion, Billie the Piggy Bank, located at the MarketFront extension. Billie is another bronze pig statue, perfect for photos with the backdrop of Elliott Bay. It’s a fun “pig hunt” if your kids want to try spotting both.
📍 Find Billie near the western edge of the MarketFront deck.
🎭 You’ll also find talented street performers, from musicians to magicians, along the walkways and entrances.
Take a Stroll to the Waterfront (Recently Redone in 2025!)
If your kids still have energy after exploring the market (or need a change of pace), you’re just a short walk away from one of Seattle’s best family spots: the Seattle Waterfront—which was recently renovated in 2025! The updated space now features wider walkways, more green space, and new art and play areas that make it even more welcoming for families.
What to See & Do at the Waterfront:
- Seattle Aquarium – A must-visit for families with little ones! Get up close with sea otters, jellyfish, tide pool creatures, and even touch starfish.
- The Seattle Great Wheel – This giant Ferris wheel gives you a spectacular view of the city and Puget Sound. The enclosed gondolas make it great for all ages, even on chilly or rainy days.
- Miners Landing – A fun boardwalk-style area with souvenir shops, casual seafood spots, and old-school arcade games.
- Wings Over Washington – A kid-friendly, immersive flying theater ride that gives you a “bird’s eye” tour of the Pacific Northwest. It’s like Soarin’ Over California—but Seattle-style!
- Waterfront Park – Fully refreshed with new seating, picnic areas, and wide-open views of the ferries and water. Kids can run around while parents take a well-earned break. Look out for new interactive art installations, playground, and musical features added during the renovation.
📍 To get there, exit the market near the Gum Wall and take the Pike Street Hill Climb—a series of stairs and ramps that connect the market directly to the waterfront below. There’s also an elevator if you’re using a stroller!
Make It a Whole Day of Seattle Fun
With so much to see, eat, and explore, Pike Place Market with kids can easily turn into a full-day family adventure—especially when you add a stroll down to the newly renovated Seattle Waterfront. Start your morning with fresh fruit and flying fish, spend your afternoon chasing art, sampling sweets, and watching cheese being made, and end your day with a relaxing view of Elliott Bay and a ride on the Great Wheel.
Here’s a sample flow for a family-friendly Pike Place day:
- Morning: Watch the fish fly at Pike Place Fish Market, add your gum to the wall, and snack on fresh local fruit or warm mini doughnuts.
- Midday: Grab lunch at Beecher’s (mac & cheese for the win!), visit the original Starbucks, pick up a jar of local honey from one of the specialty shops or vendors, and treat yourselves to a sweet from Fran’s or Shug’s.
- Afternoon: Explore quirky art around the market (don’t miss the upside-down baby tile!), visit Billie the Pig and the MarketFront, and take the Pike Street Hill Climb down to the waterfront.
- Evening: Ride the Seattle Great Wheel, visit the aquarium, or just enjoy the sunset views from Waterfront Park with a snack and some people-watching.
If you’re still planning your visit, check out our blog on the best places to stay in Seattle with kids or our family-friendly hotel picks in Bellevue. We’ve also got guides to nearby playgrounds, splash pads, and hikes—perfect for building out a full Seattle itinerary!
👉 Whether you spend an hour or the whole afternoon at Pike Place Market, you’re sure to walk away with full bellies, fun memories, and maybe a piece of gum stuck to your shoe.
