Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Renton

"Ascend 520 feet in the air to the Observation Deck (the top of the needles stands at 605 feet!) near the top of the Space Needle. The elevators to the top are part of the thrill!. The 43-second ride in a glass enclosed elevator takes you to the top where you can enjoy the SkyCity (revolving) Restaurant, 360 degree views of the Seattle skyline and harbor, and interactive SkyQ kiosks to play and discover on."

"Can one think of Seattle without visions of the iconic Space Needle?. An absolute must-do when visiting the city is to get close to that needle!. Built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, the Space Needle is still one of the most recognizable structures in the world, and for good reason—it really is cool!"

"This is easily Seattle’s most recognized tourist attraction. A trip to the top is well worth the trek; from 520 feet above the ground, you can see panoramic views of the surrounding area below. Consider going at night to see the city lights or at sunset for some amazing views."

"The Seattle Art museum manages a sculpture park with over a dozen works of art!. From dusk until dawn, visit the Olympic Sculpture Park to see captivating pieces for free. This outdoor exhibit art walk is a perfect way to kill some time in Seattle (as long as it’s not raining!)"

"The serene park is also a top destination for photography in Seattle. Apart from providing lovely greenscapes with sculptures in the background, the view of Elliot Bay and Puget Sound is stunning from here. You can also see Mount Rainier beyond the Puget Sound in clear weather."

"Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest city park with 534 acres of forests, meadows, sand dunes, and beaches. Located around 5 miles from downtown, it’s a tranquil space to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and admire magnificent views of Puget Sound, as well as the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges. Explore 9 miles of walking trails, admire art at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, and keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles fishing along the water."

"Discovery Park covers 550 acres and is the largest park in the city, and one of the top beaches in Seattle. The park encompasses coastline, forest, and meadows, offering a nice escape from the city and providing a habitat for wildlife. On a point protruding into the sound, West Point Lighthouse marks the westernmost vantage in the park."

"You won't find more spectacular views of Puget Sound, the Cascades, and the Olympics. Located on Magnolia Bluff, northwest of Downtown,…"

"Army Corps of Engineers, the busiest set of locks in the United States allows water traffic to travel between the tidal waters Puget Sound and the Lake Washington Ship Canal. This waterway passes through Seattle’s inland freshwater lakes, via Lake Washington, Portage Bay, Lake Union and Salmon Bay, where it meets Puget Sound. The locks have permanently changed Seattle, lowering the water level on Lake Washington and Lake Union by 2.7 metres, giving rise to many miles of new land on the lakefronts."

"From here head over to see the Ballard Locks as the boats make their way through the locks. This was one of my favorite parts of visiting Seattle, it is such an interesting invention. A bonus is that the park and area around it are beautiful. If you are lucky, you may get to see a seal playing around in and around the locks."

"Learn about the annual phenomenon of salmon spawning at Seattle’s Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, known locally as the Ballard Locks, where three types of Pacific salmon pass through the fish ladder during the summer months on the way upriver to their spawning grounds.More"

"To the north of downtown Seattle is the neighbourhood of Ballard, home to Sunset Park. Placed above the busy bay it’s a wonderful spot to watch the sailboats and ships glide on by. As you can tell by the name the sunset views are the real appeal of this hidden Seattle gem."

"A one-of-a-kind urban park, there’s very little that’s natural about Freeway Park. A series of winding staircases, aggressive concrete architecture, and the never-ending roar of the interstate above make this park an acquired taste. Some Seattleites complain about the place, but if you want to practice your parkour, there's likely not a finer spot."

"A fountain at the south edge of Lawrence Halprin-designed Freeway Park is a dynamic, brutalist mountain—popular amongst parkour enthusiasts and engagement photographers alike. It also makes a fantastic backdrop to any Instagram portrait. A post shared by Kennerly Architecture (@kennerlyarchitecture) on Jul 12, 2018 at 5:36pm PDT"

"At the south end of the Washington Park Arboretum is a magical 3.5-acre garden laid out in the late-1950s on the supervision of the respected landscape architect Jūki Iida. Meandering paths and benches encourage you to go slow and appreciate the garden’s water, stones, lanterns, plants, fauna, bridges and buildings. This is one of the oldest Japanese gardens in the United States, but also one of the most authentic, and a venue for all sorts of celebrations in the Japanese calendar, like Children’s Day (5 May) and Respect for the Aged Day (16 September)."

"Hidden within Madison Park is the beautiful Seattle Japanese Garden. For just a small fee you can walk the grounds of this vibrant garden. Visiting in spring coincides with the blooming of many of the garden’s flowers."

"The Seattle Japanese Garden is managed jointly by Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Arboretum Foundation. The garden features winding paths through sculpted landscapes evocative of traditional Japanese designs."

"Before the Space Needle the tallest building in Seattle was the Neoclassical Smith Tower, the city’s first skyscraper. This 38-storey building on Pioneer Square was the city’s first skyscraper, 148 metres high and one of the tallest towers outside of New York City at that time. The Smith Tower is named for its financier, Lyman Cornelius Smith, who made his fortune in the typewriter business."

"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"

"Army Corps of Engineers, the busiest set of locks in the United States allows water traffic to travel between the tidal waters Puget Sound and the Lake Washington Ship Canal. This waterway passes through Seattle’s inland freshwater lakes, via Lake Washington, Portage Bay, Lake Union and Salmon Bay, where it meets Puget Sound. The locks have permanently changed Seattle, lowering the water level on Lake Washington and Lake Union by 2.7 metres, giving rise to many miles of new land on the lakefronts."

"From here head over to see the Ballard Locks as the boats make their way through the locks. This was one of my favorite parts of visiting Seattle, it is such an interesting invention. A bonus is that the park and area around it are beautiful. If you are lucky, you may get to see a seal playing around in and around the locks."

"Learn about the annual phenomenon of salmon spawning at Seattle’s Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, known locally as the Ballard Locks, where three types of Pacific salmon pass through the fish ladder during the summer months on the way upriver to their spawning grounds.More"

"To truly feel as if you have stepped back in time, head to Fort Nisqually where you will find a working museum that will show you a slice of life from the 1850s. As you wander around the museum you will find staff members in period garb who are happy to reenact scenes from life in the fort in the days of old. As a result, you can expect to see reconstructions of things such as arts and crafts as well as period professions such as the work of blacksmiths in the 19th century."

"Established in 1833, the Hudson Bay Company used Fort Nisqually to manage its trade program with Indigenous tribes, fur traders, and others in the Pacific Northwest. The Fort Nisqually Living History Museum has reenactors perform daily tasks related to the time period, including broom making and blacksmithing. Self-guided tours take you through authentic buildings at the fort, including guard posts, barracks, and the commander’s home."

"Get to enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at Staple & Fancy with your spouse or friends for an amazing outing. This place is perfect for relaxing while enjoying your meal and drinks. The establishment has a bar area stocked with various drinks such as wine, cocktails, beer, and spirits."

"There's much to be said about Staple & Fancy's pedigree as another of Ethan Stowell's many hip Seattle eateries, but the bottom line is the food at this moody Italian restaurant is simply exquisite."

"Comfortable and unpretentious, Serafina has been a Seattle favorite for years. This charming outpost has become one of the main culinary draws of the Eastlake neighborhood, and now the venue's takeout dishes create an elevated culinary experience at home, too. Serafina's cuisine draws on rustic traditions of the Italian countryside and is eminently satisfying."

"Feast on the special dishes at Serafina restaurant while relaxing at the comfortable seating area and enjoying the calm ambiance. The aroma of freshly prepared food will welcome you to this customer-oriented restaurant. The customer care services provided here is fast and exceptional."

"Live jazz singers, a lush courtyard out back (with heaters), and seasonally changing offerings of regional Italian cuisine characterize Serafina, a charming restaurant in the Eastl..."