Seattle · With kids

On the waterfront, with an octopus, a sea otter feed on schedule and the newer Ocean Pavilion across the road. Ages two to ten.

Ninety-two acres in Phinney Ridge with an indoor tropical house for wet days and a large playground by the west gate. Ages two to ten.

Under the Space Needle arches: butterfly house, planetarium, tide pool tanks and an IMAX. Ages four to thirteen, and easily three hours.

Thirty-five minutes each way past the skyline, with an outside deck children can run on. Free coming back into Seattle, so any age works.

Locals never use umbrellas — hooded jackets only. Seattle Center puts the fountain, the children's museum, the science centre and the monorail in one square.