Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center/Pier 66 Seattle

The Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center at the Seattle Cruise Terminal, Pier 66, is a wonderful interactive museum and discovery center for kids of all ages. Tucked into a two story corner of the cruise terminal, it is well worth a visit during a pre or post-cruise stopover in Seattle.

Seen at the left is a Chinese racing dragon boat that can be found on the main floor in a "playroom" type of setting that includes two kayaks that you can climb into and "cruise" through several Puget Sound areas shown on a screen in front of the kayak. Also in this area are various military and merchant marine uniform items that can be tried on, and a collection of maritime flags.

Current exhibits include Harbor Watch, which teaches about the different types of maritime traffic that frequent the local waters, and how ships use communications and navigation aids; and the Ocean Trade Gallery, that includes a large number of interactive exhibits, including the all time favorite of both my 3 year old grandson and his 26 year old aunt, "Move It" which is a test of skill involving a simulation of one of the 100 foot high cranes in the seaport and being able to move cargo without either dropping it or losing it over the side into the water.

The Discovery Center is open six days weekly (closed on Mondays), and detailed information on hours and admission is available. Make sure to take a couple of hours to visit them when you are in town.