Free Museums in Renton

"Exhibits here explore American pop culture, from David Bowie to Jim Henson to Star Trek. Bring the kids, because The Museum of Pop Culture truly has a little bit of something for everyone. The Museum of Pop Culture: 325 5th Ave N; 206-770-2700www.mopop.org/"

"The Museum of Pop Culture’s Frank Gehry-designed building is stunning, and older kids will love this museum’s focus on contemporary culture. Don’t miss the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame and the temporary exhibits."

"The Museum of Pop Culture, established by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in the year 2000, has tons of exhibits that focus on preserving and promoting contemporary popular culture."

"With an extensive collection of world art, from Ancient American to Modern Art to Mediterranean to Islamic to Oceanic to Native American, The Seattle Art Museum, located downtown near the Pike Place Market, is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon. They’ve also got a sister Seattle Asian Art Museum in Capitol Hill and the Olympic Sculpture Park on the waterfront, which are equally worth exploring. But if you find yourself in Seattle for a day and pressed for time, a visit to Seattle Art Museum is a safe choice, as it’s the most all-encompassing collection you’ll find in Seattle."

"The Seattle Art Museum’s sleek and contemporary digs are as artful as the works that inhabit it. As an institution of Seattle’s art scene, it’s a must-see for any visiting art lover. And while it's not uncommon that a museum’s exhibits play second-fiddle to the permanent collections, here they are one of the main attractions."

"While the Space Needle tends to get all the architectural attention as far as Seattle Center goes, the Pacific Science Center is no slouch. While the center sits on a 7-acre campus, its most distinct features are the lacy arches in its open-air courtyard, while the Science Center itself is built from concrete slabs highlighted by delicate arches built into the design. The Pacific Science Center was designed by Minoru Yamasaki and opened to the public, like the Space Needle, in 1962 for the World’s Fair."

"The center has many hands-on activities and learning opportunities. My girls always love visiting the butterflies in the pollination garden. The Pacific Science Center is also next door to the Space Needle and Experience Music Project, so it’s perfect to see them all if you visit."

"The Seattle CityPASS offers the option of Chihuly Garden and Glass or Pacific Science Center. We opted for the glass museum, but had we been traveling with young children, I would probably have gone to the Science Center."

"Also often referred to as MOHAI, The Museum of History and Industry celebrates Seattle's position as a leader in innovation and industry. This education facility also catalogs the events that led to Seattle's rise as an important port city. The True Northwest exhibit takes tourists on a journey through the region's history, from Native American cultures through the present, exploring how geography and cultural events like the Gold Rush helped shape the Emerald City."

"Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily (10am to 8pm on Thursdays in July and August and every first Thursday of the month). Wish to know more about the city you’re visiting?. Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) offers you an insight into its rich and storied past."

"Kids and adults alike will appreciate the entertaining exhibits that show how the Northwest’s environment and diverse population have influenced its development. Be sure to check out the temporary exhibits as well. View this post on Instagram"

"A sweet little spot for kids 10 and under, the museum is located within the Armory. It offers exploration opportunities aplenty featuring a Construction Zone, Imagination Studio, a Marketplace, and even an Eye Clinic. The museum is currently closed, with plans to reopen in early 2022."

"Seattle Children’s Museum is located on the expansive campus of the Seattle Center. Imaginative plan and hands-on are the name of the game in this 22,000-square-foot museum. It was specifically designed for kids under ten, and of course, their families."

"For little ones who are on the move, the Children’s Museums is a wonderful play-based museum. Cog City is a series of pipe mazes, levers and a water wall teaching cause and effect. Discovery Bay allows toddlers to walk through an aquarium."

"Microsoft founder Bill Gates is another in that prestigious list of Seattleites and in 2012, a visitor center for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation opened near the foot of the Space Needle. This has been expanded in the last few years to become a Discovery Center”. Using plenty of interactivity, the exhibits document the impact of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation around the world, as it aims to improve lives and tackle the big challenges facing the world."

"At the Discovery Center, you’ll encounter powerful stories about the impact of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and its partners toward improving the quality of life for billions of people. Our interactive exhibits let you explore first-hand bold, innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing communities around the globe. Discovery Center Website"

"For over 70 years, the Bellevue Arts Museum (or BAM) has been celebrating artists and the people who love their work. From the ornate to the whimsical, there is much to appreciate here. Even if you don’t like what you see initially, just turn the corner and you might be surprised by what you might find."

"Vegan comfort food at this Roosevelt cafe includes pancakes, scrambles, and biscuits for breakfast, plus fried faux chicken, fettuccine alfredo, and garlic quinoa with kale and chopped walnuts for dinner. It’s open for takeout with preorders through the website, or delivery via Postmates and Caviar."

"But seriously, this chocolate cream pie will leave you in a daze of dreaming for more. Rather than just asking for a slice of the pie, I assure you that you will be asking for the ENTIRE pie. Just look at the drool-worthy whipped cream and buttery pie crust."

"This little park at the northern edge of West Seattle offers clear views of the downtown skyline over Elliott Bay. A post shared by Amanda Rasch (@amanda_rasch) on May 20, 2018 at 2:47pm PDT"

"Come splash, play and cool off at the seemingly new state-of-the-art water feature located at Jefferson Park. This park serves as both a playground and picnic site. Kids will also enjoy playing around the steep and deep tube slides and biking paths while their guardians will love the incredible views of the park's landscape or explore the beautiful walking trails."

"Named after one of America’s founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, this park is one of the largest parks in Seattle, covering 52.4 acres. Inspired by Olmsted, this park offers some breathtaking views of the Duwamish River, the Olympic mountains and the Seattle city skyline. There is something for all ages at Jefferson Park."