Great places: Where to go and what to do on a summer day around Puget Sound

Seattle Art Museum

American, African, Asian, Native American, European art; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 100 University St., Seattle; $9-$15, ages 12 and younger free, free admission first Thursday of each month (206-654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org).

Seattle Veterans Museum

Displays to honor local military veterans, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Memorial Day (May 30) and July 4 and for groups by appointment, west side of Benaroya Hall on Second Avenue between Union and University streets, Seattle; donations appreciated (www.seattleveteransmuseum.org).

Soundbridge Seattle Symphony

Music Discovery Center

Activities and exhibits on symphonic music for kids, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays-Mondays; Benaroya Hall, Second Avenue and Union Street, Seattle; $5 (206-336-6600 or www.seattlesymphony.org/soundbridge).

Pike Place Market

The oldest continuously operated farmers market in America, farmers and craft-sellers, more than 200 stores including antiques, collectibles, restaurants, fish markets, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, hours of individual businesses may vary; First Avenue and Pike Street, Seattle (206-682-7453 or www.pikeplacemarket.org).

Pike Place Market tours

Market Heritage Tours, $7-$10, by reservation (206-774-5249 or www.pikeplacemarketfoundation.org);

• Ghost Tours, 5 and 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, adding 9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; $15-$20; Market History tours, 3 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, $13-$15 (206-805-0195 or www.seattleghost.com);

• Market Bites food tours, 10:30 a.m. daily, $39.99 (seattlebitesfoodtours.com);

• walking tours with tastes, noon daily, $39 (206-725-4483 or www.seattlefoodtours.com);

• Savor Seattle food tour, 9:30, 10, 10:30 a.m., 2 and 2:30 p.m. daily, $39; Gourmet Seattle and Chocolate Indulgence tours available (888-982-2867 or www.savorseattletours.com).

Waterfront

Seattle Aquarium

Sea life in Puget Sound and around the world, marine mammals, underwater dome, diver shows, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, exhibits close 6 p.m., 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle; $12-$19, or $12-$34.50 with Argosy Harbor Cruise (206-386-4300 or www.seattleaquarium.org).

Seattle Bug Safari

Live-bug zoo, insects, tarantulas, scorpions, gift shop, tours, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, 1501 Western Ave., Seattle; $6-$8 (206-285-2847 or www.seattlebugsafari.com).

Olympic Sculpture Park

Seattle Art Museum waterfront park, sculptures, natural landscapes, daylight hours daily; Pavilion, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sunday, 2901 Western Ave., Seattle; free (206-654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org).

Myrtle Edwards Park

On the waterfront, with path for walking and biking, Alaskan Way just north of Pier 70, Seattle (206-684-4075 or www.seattle.gov/parks/).

King County Water Taxi

Summer service (206-684-1551 or www.kingcounty.gov/transportation);

• West Seattle route daily, between Seacrest Park, 1660 Harbor Avenue S.W. and Pier 50, 801 Alaskan Way, Seattle; $1.50-$3.50/one way, free Metro DART shuttles operate between Seacrest Park and the West Seattle Junction and Admiral District and Alki Avenue Southwest;

• Vashon Island/Downtown Seattle, Mondays-Fridays only; $2.75-$4.50/one way.

Argosy Cruises

Cruise the Seattle Harbor, Lake Union, Lake Washington, Ballard Locks, Tillicum Village, special events and themed cruises; Pier 56 and Lake Union, Seattle and Kirkland Marina Park, prices vary (206-622-8687 or 888-623-1445 or www.argosycruises.com).

Seattle Waterfront

Shopping, dining, transportation options, history, information (www.seattlewaterfront.org).

Seattle Center

The Children's Museum

Interactive exhibits, special events for kids, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Center House lower level, $6.50-$7.50 (206-441-1768 or www.thechildrensmuseum.org).

Seattle Center Monorail

Monorail runs between Seattle Center and Westlake Center every 10 minutes, 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, extended hours for special events; $1.50-$4/round trip (206-905-2620 or www.seattlemonorail.com).

The Space Needle

Observation deck indoor and outdoor viewing areas, 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, 400 Broad St., $11-$18 (206-905-2100 or www.spaceneedle.com).

EMP/SFM

(Experience Music Project/

Science Fiction Museum

and Hall of Fame)

Interactive and interpretive exhibits on rock 'n' roll and its history; sci-fi robots, aliens, spaceships, art and literature, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through May 26, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily May 27-Sept. 5, hours may vary due to special events; $12-$15 (206-770-2700 or www.empsfm.org).

Pacific Science Center

Special events and exhibits, Dinosaurs, Tropical Butterfly House, Kids Works, Body Works, IMAX theaters, laser theater, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, starting June 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; 200 Second Ave. N., Seattle; $7-$14, additional charge for IMAX and laser theaters (206-443-2001 or www.pacsci.org).

Seattle Center

Information on attractions, events, transportation (206-684-7200 or www.seattlecenter.com).

Pioneer Square

Smith Tower

Observation Deck

The fourth-tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1914, 35th-floor open-air Observation Deck open 10 a.m.-sunset most days, hours subject to change, Yesler Way and Second Avenue, Seattle; $5-$7.50 (206-622-4004 or www.smithtower.com).

Underground Tours

Walking tour of 1890s Seattle under streets and buildings, hourly 10 a.m.-7 p.m., call ahead, 608 First Ave., Seattle; $7-$15, not recommended for ages under 6 (206-682-4646 or www.undergroundtour.com).

Klondike Gold Rush

National Historical Park

Photos, films, exhibits on Gold Rush of 1897-98 and its effect on Seattle, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 319 Second Ave. S., Seattle; free (206-220-4240or www.nps.gov/klse).

Waterfall Garden Park

Privately maintained park with 22-foot-tall man-made waterfall, benches, tables, plants, commemorates the spot where United Parcel Service (UPS) was founded in 1907, open daily, 219 Second Ave. S.(at Main Street), Seattle; free.

Sodo

Safeco Field tour

One-hour public tour, a mile of walking, wheelchair accessible, includes press box, dugouts, clubhouse, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on days with no home games; on days with home games at 6 p.m. or later, tours are at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; call to verify; $7-$9 (206-622-HITS or seattle.mariners.mlb.com).

Qwest Field tour

Tour the field, locker room, 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. daily June 6-Aug. 31, Seahawks Pro Shop, Qwest Field, Seattle; $5-$7 (206-381-7582 or www.qwestfield.com).

First Hill

Frye Art Museum

19th- and 20th-century American, German, French paintings, temporary exhibitions, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, until 7 p.m. Thursdays; free (206-622-9250 or www.fryeart.org).

Capitol Hill

Volunteer Park

Gardens, play areas, water tower, views of the city, dawn to dusk daily; Volunteer Park Conservatory Victorian-style greenhouse, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, free, donation suggested; 1400 E. Galer St., Seattle (206-684-4743 or www.seattle.gov/parks/).

Seattle Asian Art Museum

Art from China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, until 9 p.m. Thursdays; Volunteer Park, 1400 E. Prospect St., Seattle; $5-7, first Thursday and first Saturday of each month free, free 5-9 p.m. second Thursdays (206-654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org).

Cal Anderson Park

Neighborhood alliance organizes activities including chess club, ultimate frisbee, croquet, gay/bi/trans community events, 1635 11th Ave., Seattle (206-684-4075 or www.calandersonpark.orgwww.seattle.gov/parks/).

Chinatown International District

Wing Luke Asian Museum

Seattle History, culture of Seattle's Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Pacific Islander and Southeast Asian communities, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, until 8 p.m. first Thursday and third Saturday of every month, 719 King St., Seattle; $8.95-$12.95; Chinatown Discovery Tours, Tuesday-Saturdays, $10.95-$17.95 (206-623-5124 or www.wingluke.org).

Lake Union

Center for Wooden Boats

Display of wooden boats, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, free, donations welcome; free classic boat rides, weather permitting, 2 p.m. Sundays; boat rentals; 1010 Valley St., Seattle (206-382-2628 or www.cwb.org).

Lake Union Park

Boardwalk, paths, model-sailing pond at lakefront park, 860 Terry Ave. N., Seattle (206-684-7254 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Seattle Ferry Service

Cruise Lake Union and Portage Bay, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on the hour Sundays, $2-$11, snacks available, reservations recommended, from South Lake Union Park, Valley Street and Terry Avenue North, Seattle (206-284-2828 or www.seattleferryservice.com).

Queen of Seattle Paddle Wheel Cruises

Steam-powered paddle wheeler two-hour tour with Klondike Cabaret Show, 1 p.m. daily through Sunday, then 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays through Sept. 18, Lake Union Park, Seattle; $16-$32 (425-898-2701 or 877-783-3616 or queenofseattle.com).

Waterways Cruises

Dining cruises, special events, home port 2441 N. Northlake Way, Seattle, also sailing from Southport Renton and City Dock Kirkland (206-223-2060 or www.waterwayscruises.com).

Electric Boat Company

Enclosed electric boats for rent by reservation, Tuesdays-Fridays by reservation, 2046 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle; $89/hour, 2 hour minimum (206-223-7476 or www.theelectricboatco.com).

Gas Works Park

Open spaces, picnic areas, kite flying, access to Burke-Gilman Trail, 2101 N. Northlake Way, Seattle (206-684-4075 or www.seattle.gov/parks/).

University District/Montlake

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

Life and times of Washington; prehistoric animals, walk-through volcano, traditions of Pacific Rim; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, until 8 p.m. first Thursdays, 17th Avenue Northeast and 45th Street, University of Washington, Seattle; $6-$9.50; starting June 1, $7.50-$10, free on first Thursdays (206-543-5590 or www.burkemuseum.org).

Henry Art Gallery

Modern and contemporary art, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, University of Washington, 4100 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle; $6-$10; free for students with ID and ages 13 and younger, free on Thursdays (206-543-2280 or www.henryart.org).

Washington Park Arboretum

200 acres with 5,500 trees and shrubs; dawn to dusk daily, guided tours, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. most first and third Sundays, call to confirm; Graham Visitors Center open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, closed on University of Washington holidays, 2300 Arboretum Drive E., Seattle; free (206-543-8800 or depts.washington.edu/uwbg/gardens/wpa.shtml).

Seattle Japanese Garden

Traditional garden, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily; tours, 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays; 1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E., Seattle; $4-$6 (206-684-4725 or www.seattle.gov/parks/).

Museum of History

& Industry

Photos, artifacts, exhibits on the growth of the Puget Sound region, Seattle in the 1880s, Great 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, until 8 p.m. on first Thursdays, 2700 24th Ave. E., Seattle; $6-$8, free first Thursday of each month (206-324-1126 or www.seattlehistory.org).

Magnolia

Discovery Park and Environmental Learning Center

Seattle's largest park, 534 acres of meadows, forests, cliffs, beaches, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily; visitors' center, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, 3801 W. Government Way, Seattle (206-386-4236 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Fremont

History House

Old Seattle photos, murals, computer-discovery stations; noon-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, 790 N. 34th S., Seattle; $1 (206-675-8875 or www.historyhouse.org).

Phinney Ridge

Woodland Park Zoo

"Dinosaurs Real Close" animatronic exhibit, $3 in addition to zoo admission, through Sept. 5; daily keeper chats, safari around the African Savanna, 11 a.m. Wednesdays-Sundays; beading in the African village, 12:30-4:30 p.m. daily, $3/bracelet, $8/necklace; Family Farm animal contact experience, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; giraffe feeding, 10-11 a.m., 2:30-3:30 p.m. daily, $5/person, cash only; elephant feeding, 1:30-2:30 daily, $5; Willawong Station Bird Feeding Experience daily, seed sticks $1/each; historic carousel, $2 in addition to zoo admission; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $11.50-$17.50, parking $5.25 (206-548-2500 or www.zoo.org).

Woodland Park Rose Garden

Thousands of roses; gazebo, ponds, paths, 7 a.m.-dusk daily, 700 N. 50th St., Seattle; free (206-684-4863 or www.zoo.org/rose-garden).

Green Lake

Green Lake Park

2.8-mile path around the lake for runners, bikers, skaters, walkers; swimming beaches, boat rental, 7201 E. Green Lake Drive N., Seattle (206-684-4075 or www.seattle.gov/parks/).

Ballard

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

Boats traveling between Lake Union and Puget Sound; fish ladder with views of migrating salmon; visitor-center exhibits explain use and building of locks; grounds include Carl S. English Gardens; grounds and locks 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, tours available; visitor center, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; free concerts on lawn, 2 p.m. most Saturdays and Sundays June-August; 3015 N.W. 54th St., Seattle, free (206-783-7059).

Golden Gardens Park

Beach with picnic sites, trails, beach fire pits, dog off-leash area, boat launch, 8498 Seaview Place N.W., Seattle (206-684-4075 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Nordic Heritage Museum

Exhibits on Scandinavian contributions in the Pacific Northwest from 18th century to present, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays, 3014 N.W. 67th St., Seattle; $4-$6 (206-789-5707 or www.nordicmuseum.org).

North End

Carkeek Park

Scenic views, 6 miles of trails, Pipers Creek and Orchard, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily; 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Road, Seattle (206-684-0877or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Sand Point

Magnuson Park

Waterfront park with boat ramp, sports fields, trails, 6500 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle (206-684-4946 or www.seattle.gov/parks/).

South Seattle

Northwest African American Museum

History, culture and art of the region's African American community, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, 2300 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle; $4-$6, free first and second Thursday of every month (206-518-6000 or www.naamnw.org).

Seward Park

and Audubon Center

277-acre park with 2.5-mile loop for walkers, joggers and cyclists; playground, beach, amphitheater and old-growth forest trails, daily; Environmental and Audubon Center open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, activities, walks, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle (206-652-2444or sewardpark.audubon.org).

Kubota Garden Park

20-acre Japanese-American garden with ponds, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, 9817 55th Ave. S., Seattle (206-684-4075 or www.kubota.org).

Museum of Flight

Aircraft, air-traffic-control tower; children's area; history of aviation including Boeing's 100-year-old Red Barn, World War I and World War II, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, until 9 p.m. first Thursdays; Airpark outdoor display including original Air Force One, supersonic Concorde, 10:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle; $9-$16, first Thursday of each month free 5-9 p.m. (206-764-5720 or www.museumofflight.org).

Duwamish Waterway Park

Benches, lawn on the banks of the Duwamish River, 7900 10th Ave. S., Seattle (206-684-4075 or www.seattle.gov/parks

Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center

Duwamish Tribe traditional cedar structure with history display, special events, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 4705 W. Marginal Way S.W., Seattle (206-431-1582 or www.duwamishtribe.org).

West Seattle

Log House Museum

West Seattle history in 1903 structure near the site of the 1851 landing of the Denny Party, noon-4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, 3003 61st Ave. S.W., Seattle; $1-$3 (206-938-5293 or www.loghousemuseum.info/).

Alki Beach Park

Beach, 2.5 miles of wide paths with bike lane, art studio, birthplace of Seattle monument, campfires in designated fire pits, 1702 Alki Ave. S.W., Seattle (206-684-4075 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Camp Long

Forest, ponds, lodge, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, programs, rustic cabins available for overnight rental, 5200 35th Ave. S.W., Seattle (206-684-7434 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Schmitz Preserve Park

Old-growth forest with walking paths, 5551 S.W. Admiral Way, Seattle (206-684-4075 or www.seattle.gov/parks/).

Lincoln Park

Woods, playground, picnic shelters, playing fields, wading pool, trails, beach, Fauntleroy Way Southwest and Southwest Webster Street, Seattle (206-684-4075 or www.seattle.gov/parks/).

Around town

Seattle by Foot

Walking tours, Coffee Crawl, 10 a.m. Thursdays-Mondays, $22-$26; Scenic Emerald City, 2 p.m. Saturdays in May, Saturdays and Mondays June-Sept., $17-$21; Seattle Pub Crawl pubs and microbrews, 7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, $21-$25; Funky Fremont, 10 a.m. Sundays, $19-$23 (800-838-3006 or 206-853-3545 or www.seattlebyfoot.com).

Ride the Ducks of Seattle

City tour by land and sea in an amphibious landing craft; daily, hours vary, from Fifth Avenue and Broad Street and from Westlake Mall, Fourth Avenue and Pine Street, Seattle; $17-$28 (206-441-3825 or 800-817-1116 or www.ridetheducksofseattle.com).

Seattle Tours

City and regional tours, cruises and activities (800-305-9617 or www.seattletours.us).

Mount Rainier and City Tours

Guided Seattle tours, day trips to Mount Rainier, Boeing tours (888-293-1404 or www.seattlecitytours.com).

Let's Tour Seattle

City bus tours (206-632-1447 or www.letstourseattle.com).

Seattle Walking Tour

Walking tours of downtown Seattle, themed events (425-226-7641 or www.see-seattle.com/).

Scenic Seattle Tours

Tours include Explore Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls and Wineries, Mount Rainier, Boeing (206-878-3965 or www.toursofseattle.com).

Wines Northwest

Information on wineries in Seattle and the surrounding area (www.winesnw.com/puget2.html).

CityPass

Buy a pass, good for nine days, at any of the featured attractions for admission to the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, EMP/SFM and option for Museum of Flight or Woodland Park Zoo; $59/adult, $39/ages 4 to 13 (888-330-5008 or www.citypass.com).

Go Seattle Card

Admission to 35 top attractions in Seattle for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days, $37.99-$121.49 (800-837-9103 or www.smartdestinations.com).

Compiled by Madeline McKenzie, mmckenzie@seattletimes.com