Seattle's science center at Seattle Center, with a Sensory Lounge open during all visits, sensory kits at the Main Entry, a social guide that names the louder and darker spots, and Sensory-Friendly Hours with softened lighting and reduced noise.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. The public courtyard is open 7 am to 11 pm. Sensory-Friendly Hours run 8 to 10 am on most dates and 5 to 7 pm on two evenings (dates on the cards).
Stay close“Use care near the edge of the ponds. They are an integral, iconic part of Pacific Science Center but we do not want your visit ruined by a fall in the water.”
The Sensory Lounge is open during all visits, not only Sensory-Friendly Hours. Staff are happy to explain how to use the tools in the sensory kits.
The social guide is written for all ages and walks through each area: the courtyard, the Main Entry, the Maker and Innovation Lab, the Live Science Stage, Brainy Bodies, Big Moves, Destination: Outer Space, the Sensory Lounge, the Tropical Butterfly House, the live spiders exhibit, and the dark shows.
For accessibility questions, or to ask ahead for an aide's complimentary admission, call Guest Services at (206) 443-2844 or email gs@pacsci.org. On site, staff wear blue PacSci shirts and badges, and the Information Desk is at the Main Entry.
In the courtyard you can stay on the paths and look at the water; the water cannons and the large water wheel are there if your kid wants them.
Sensory Lounge in Exhibits East, open during all visits, with features like sound mitigation and calming lighting.
Sensory kits at the Main Entry: noise-cancelling headphones, ear plugs, fidgets, sand timers, sunglasses and activity books.
Sensory-Friendly Hours: softened lighting and reduced noise, eight dates from November 2026 to June 2027.
Louder, in the center's words
Maker and Innovation Lab (“It can be louder because of echoes.”)not stated
Brainy Bodies (“Some experiences make sounds that could be loud.”)not stated
Live Science Stage (“Some shows may include loud sounds or bright lights.”)not stated
Laser Dome (shows include bright lights and music)not stated
IMAX Theaters (“When the show starts, the theater will become dark and play loud sounds.”)not stated
Quieter, in the center's words
Sensory Lounge, in Exhibits Eastquiet zone
Tickets use plan-ahead pricing: prices change by date and will likely rise, never decrease, closer to your visit. Toddlers (0 to 2) are free, and named members get in free. General admission includes Planetarium and daytime Laser Dome shows, each with a timed ticket; for the general public, Planetarium tickets are on site, first come, first served, and shows sell out quickly. IMAX movies cost extra.
Discounts: Washington residents get a discount with proof of residency (each adult shows it at entry; no discount on memberships, member guest tickets or special events, and discounts never combine). Guests who self-identify as Native or Indigenous get free general admission: email, call 206-443-2001, or ask at the ticket booth at the Main Entry. The Access Membership program serves low-income families, foster youth and youth experiencing homelessness. Guests with an aide get complimentary admission for the aide: ask at any entrance or call Guest Services ahead.
Exchanges must be asked for at least 24 hours before your visit, and refunds no more than 24 hours after. Entry can be refused without refund if you are more than 15 minutes late for a timed entry. There is no late seating in IMAX, the Planetarium or the Laser Dome, and no refunds for IMAX or Laser shows missed by arriving late.
You can leave and come back during your visit: show your ticket or wristband.
Rules: kids 12 and under stay with a responsible adult the whole visit. Everyone wears shoes. Running and yelling are on the list of disruptive behavior that isn't allowed. Strollers are welcome but not in the Tropical Butterfly House (stroller parking is nearby). No helium balloons (Guest Services will hold them). Personal electronic devices aren't allowed in the Planetarium, IMAX or laser theaters; elsewhere, use headphones for music. Personal photos are fine except in IMAX, with no flash in the Planetarium or Laser Dome.
Getting there: enter through the North Entrance in Seattle Center, near the Armory and the Mural Amphitheater; the Denny Way entrance is closed. Accessible drop-off is on Sue Bird Court, between the Science Center and the Children's Theater. Nearby garages aren't run by PacSci, and the Claypool garage elevator is out of service; street parking is free on Sundays, and you can reserve parking ahead through SpotHero. The Monorail from Westlake Center takes 90 seconds, and Metro routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 13, 24 and the D Line stop at the entrance. Adult visitors can get $6 in King County Metro transit value while supplies last (one per customer) by buying a ticket at least 24 hours ahead.
Changing tables are in all restrooms, and benches are throughout, inside and out. Wheelchairs are at no charge at the Main Entry Information Desk, first come, first served, with an ID as a deposit. For first aid, ask any staff member or go to the Information Desk. Service animals are welcome; pets are not.
