Mid-winter break is almost here, and you know what that means, parents…hasta la vista routine. Take advantage of these different days with late night adventures you wouldn’t dare try on a school night. From go-karting to skiing to late night museum programs, read on for details about what to do after dark.
Race Around the Track
As the area’s only indoor, electric go-kart track, K1Speed is the place to be after hours. They’re open until 10 p.m. every day of the week (and even later on weekends), so you and the kids will have plenty of time to race the night away. Plus, driving is as easy as walking in, signing a waiver and hitting the track (hint: call ahead on weekends to check possible wait times). Kids need to be 48 in. to drive. The only question left is who’s going to win?
Carve the Mountain at Night
Your kids have raced down these runs when the sun is up. Maybe they’ve even outpaced you. But when the sun sets, The Summit at Snoqualmie is a whole different brand of awesome. They’re open until 10 p.m. weekdays for Night Skiing and Galactic Tubing Night Sessions all season long. That means you and the kids can take in more runs, with less wait time once the sun goes down. And the lift ticket prices? Let’s just say they’re hard to beat.
Play a Mean Pinball
Punctuate your Friday night with the dinging bells and flashing lights of classic pinball machines at Seattle’s very own Pinball Museum. All the machines are set to free play so your kids can play till their hearts’ content. Join in or watch them win at this retro evening activity. The Pinball Museum is open until 8 p.m. on Friday nights. Kids 7 & up are welcome.
Strike Up Fun Bowling
10 pins. One ball. Enough said. Bring the kids for some evening bowling hours over break. From Monday Madness deals that save some green, to X-Bowl blowouts that include fog machines and laser lights, bowling in the dark is anything but tame. Check out our favorite spots to get your roll on before heading out.
Dive in to Family Swim Night
Wait for an hour after you eat, but definitely take the kids swimming before bed. Not only is it a natural segue to bath time, but it’ll wear them out in the best way. Check out Family Swim at the Meadowbrook Pool Tues. & Thurs. from 7-8 p.m. or the Mountlake Terrace Pool with its lazy river that’s open for public swim on the same days from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Those on the south end can swim at the Rainier Beach Pool on Fri. from 7-8 p.m. or the Federal Way Community Center Pool that’s open nightly from 6:30-8 p.m. (psst… kids can try their hand at the climbing wall during these hours too). Need more info? Find a pool that’s close to you and then dive in!
Ride The Great Wheel
You see its colorful, animated lights when you’re tooling around the city at night. But going for a ride once the sun sets? That’s a new trip. Both The Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington are open until 10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. Take the kids to see the city in a whole new light (or in this case, dark). Get the need-to-know details then plan it!
Take Flight
Suit up because this ride goes to eleven. Make the most of your evening hours when you take the kids indoor skydiving at iFly Seattle. Open Mon.-Thurs. until 9 p.m. and Fri. until 10 p.m., the adventure never stops here. After getting fitted for your gear, skilled instructors will walk you through the flight, in the most entertaining way. Then it’s your turn to catch air. Kids 3 & up are welcome. We know what they’ll be dreaming about tonight.
Go on a Night Hike
The best part about night hiking is that, short of a flashlight, there’s not much prep involved. Put on your walking shoes and bundle up, then take the kids to a local trail or park and get hiking. If you like things a bit more organized, join the monthly hikes at Mercer Slough through PacSci. Check our events calendar to get details about upcoming hikes.
Spend a Night at the Museum
You navigate them in the daytime with your eyes closed, but your favorite museums take on a whole different personality at night. Visit one after hours to take advantage of cool programming, like untangling octopus intelligence at PacSci and FiredUP Fridays at KidsQuest, where families can create pottery together. Many also offer free admission in the evening hours, like the Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett that welcomes families for free on third Fridays from 5:30-9 p.m. Find your nighttime favorite for a new adventure.
Go Roller Skating
Lace up your skates because the roller rink is calling. We love that so many rinks offer exciting nighttime skating options for families. Whether you love glow skating, games & prizes or just scoring a good deal, we’ve got just the rink for you and the kids to try.
Be Extreme
Indoor trampoline parks, laser tag arenas and play structures that rival the size of your house are all the rage with your crew. So why not let them have at it? Test their mettle in the laser tag arena at Arena Sports’ Mill Creek location, open Tues.-Thurs. until 9 p.m. and Fri. until 10 p.m. Elevated Sportz, another north end fave, also clocks late night hours, staying open until 9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 10 p.m. on Friday. Families can also log airtime on the tramps at Defy Seattle. They stay open until 9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and midnight on Friday. After all this excitement, you have to wonder, will they even stay awake for the car ride home?
—Allison Sutcliffe
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