Pre-Trip Fun for Seattle, Washington

"Free Willy" -- If a streetwise kid can befriend Willy, an orca whale from the Pacific Northwest, maybe your kids can too. Or at least hear one calling at the Seattle Aquarium. (School Age, Pre-Teens and Teens)

"Sleepless in Seattle" -- This fairytale features great shots of everyday Seattle, including beautiful water vistas. Not a bad place to gaze upon if your toddler can't sleep. (School Age, Pre-Teens and Teens)

"Singles" -- Your teen might just stop band practice long enough to watch this slice of Seattle life circa the grunge era of the early 90s. (Teens)

"It Happened at the World's Fair" -- The 1962 World's Fair is the backdrop for this Elvis flick. Recreate the chase through the fountains of Pacific Science Center -- or just check out the Space Needle and see if it's changed. (Pre-Teens and Teens)

Slammin' Salmon -- Kids will go wild checking out all the fish stalls at Pike Place Market.

Coffee Gelato -- Kids may not be interested in Seattle's coffee craze, but Mom might. And everyone can enjoy a sweet treat.

"Good Night Seattle" by Jay Steere -- After this installment of the Good Night Our World series, kids will dream of riding the monorail and sailing the sound in a houseboat. (Ages 2 to 8)

"Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest" by Gerald McDermott -- Your kids may not be able to shift shapes like Raven, but the magical illustrations and retelling of this Native American tale will take them to another world. (Ages 4 to 8)

"Larry Gets Lost in Seattle" by John Skewes and Robert Schwartz -- In simple language and appealing artwork, this story introduces the sights as Seattle via a search for a missing dog, Larry. (Ages 4 to 8)

"A Day at the Market" by Sara Anderson -- From the fish stalls to the fruit stands, the rich images and symphony of words transport you to Seattle's famous Pike Place Market. (Ages 4 to 10)

"The Magic School Bus Chapter Book #03: Wild Whale Watch" by Eva Moore -- After learning all sorts of facts about whales, your kids will beg you to take them on a whale-watching trip in the San Juan Islands in search of the real Willy. (Ages 4 to 8)

"Brother Eagle, Sister Sky" by Susan Jeffers (illustrations) and Chief Seattle (words) -- Beautiful illustrations accompany the words Chief Seattle delivered in a speech 150 years ago, Although Chief Seattle spoke these words in a speech 150 years ago, the timeless message and beautiful illustrations will resonate with children everywhere.(Ages 5 and Up)

"The Seattle Puzzle (Boxcar Children's Mysteries)" by Gertrude Chandler Warner -- Your kids may not discover a riddle to solve like the Boxcar children, but a tour of Seattle's Underground will keep them entertained (and close by). (Ages 9 to 12)

"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie -- Your teen will be so engrossed in this tale of self-discovery and tribal identity, you'll have to be the reminder to look up at the sights now and again. (Ages 13 to 17)

Whale Water Scoop -- Get ready for that whale-watching trip on the Sound -- and make bath time fun.

Beaded Sunglasses Strap -- Believe it or not, you'll need sunglasses for Seattle's bright summers.