Fun things to do with a toddler in Seattle?

We're going to Seattle the last week in March for about a week. We're staying pretty much downtown, by the paramount, and are planning on doing the zoo, aquarium, emp, sam...I'm just looking for more ideas along the lines of places to eat, beaches that are close to town, shopping...any ideas from locals with toddlers. We're just coming from Spokane, so we sort of know the area and will have a car. Thanks.

The Olympic sculpture museum has a small beach - not a destination in itself, but it's a nice stop along the way when looking at all of the great (free!) sculptures.

Most Saturdays the museum has a free kid's activity as well, that is fun.

Plan to make some time for the indoor play area at the zoo - but with a toddler, I do not recommend his climging into the tree/slide that's in the back - it can be dark and a little scary.

As for food and restaurants - what are you looking for? I'm partial to places like the Coastal Kitchen - great regional american food and yes, they have a kids menu!

I know breakfasts can be difficult - Mae's Phinney Ridge Cafe is a great place for breakfast (and close to the zoo) I also like the Dish Cafe in the Ballard area.

I do not recommend the Center for Wooden Boats with a toddler - basically the entire place is a series of docks with classic wooden boats for rent to sail or row. Yes, they have free sails on Sundays, but you'll be freaking out about your toddler near all that water the entire time you are there. Save that for when your child is a little bit older.

The EMP doesn't offer much for children - if you have one parent interested in the EMP, the other could take your toddler to either the Children's Museum or the Pacific Science Center also at Seattle Center. For a toddler, I think you'll get more out of the water play area at the Pacific Science center than the tots area at the Children's Museum, but either could be a good choice.

Have a good trip!

check out this site for restaurants to other activities that are tried, true and work! Have fun!

Also, check out their Chamber of Commerce for more -

Ride the Ducks! Amphibious boat/bus combinations.
Seattle Aquarium
Washington state ferry (from Seattle across Puget Sound - lots to see).
The Center for Wooden Boats
The Children's Museum
Odyssey Museum

Innumerable parks and botanical gardens.

Enjoy your visit :-)

For beaches, you should check out Alki Beach located in West Seattle.

http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail...

Also SAM has an outdoor portion as well that end down on the northern portion of the the waterfront.