Seattle with Kids: Burke Museum - The Dinosaur Museum

The rainy season in Seattle has arrived as expected, and taking the kids out has become a challenge. My partner and I have made a plan to find indoor and outdoor places to take Ellie, our little one, every weekend, preparing for both sunny and rainy days. For a two-year-old, staying at home is just not an option. 😅 Today, I want to introduce the Burke Museum, located on the University of Washington campus (officially known as the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture). Established in 1899, it’s the oldest historical and cultural museum in Washington state. The exhibits inside are steeped in history, with the most impressive being the museum’s pride and joy – a highly intact Tyrannosaurus rex skull (a real dinosaur fossil, folks). 🦖 The museum is a dinosaur enthusiast’s paradise, with numerous other dinosaur fossils and vintage skeletons. Seeing these massive fossils in person, imagining these colossal creatures roaming the earth, is a truly awe-inspiring experience! 🤯 The museum isn’t very large, spanning four floors in total. Entry is free, but if you want to pay for the full experience, tickets are available at the first floor, priced just over $20. This level also displays many violent legacies of colonialism. The second floor is home to a variety of animal specimens, both land and sea, perfect for teaching kids about different species. The third floor features a plethora of dinosaur fossils and replicas, including Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and Mammoths, among others. This area seems to be part of the university’s paleontology research center (I guess), with many exhibits showcasing archaeological tools and instruments, offering a great introduction to archaeology for children. There’s also a small play area for kids on this floor, giving parents a chance to rest while the little ones play. 🎉 You can finish exploring the museum in just over an hour, and then you can take a stroll around the UW campus or find something delicious to eat nearby, making for a full day out. 🌳 🅿️ Parking: There’s a parking lot right in front of the venue, which is convenient and affordably priced with tiered rates. Side note: Ellie, our little girl, is actually a dinosaur fan, always eager to learn dinosaur roars and insisting on dinosaur-themed clothes. To fulfill her wishes, my company has specially made realistic dinosaur animal models, super large and imposing. They’re set to hit the shelves in the U.S. by the end of the year, so stay tuned! 😊 #SeattleLife #SeattleWithKids #Burke #Dinosaurs #DinosaurMuseum