According to Meagan McGuire of the
Seattle Southside Regional Tourism
Authority, two local attractions that keep
the focus on interactive learning are the
Museum of Flight and the Marine Science
and Technology Center.
The Museum of Flight offers an in-
depth look at science and technological
history through an aviation lens. More
than 150 aircraft and spacecraft are on
display, ranging from the world’s first
military fighter jet and commercial planes
to the only NASA full-scale space shuttle
trainer and the Apollo 17 Lunar Module.
A number of themed tours are available,
including the Shuttle Trainer Tour, the
Boeing Field Tour, the Sensory Tour and
the Restoration Tour.
The museum welcomes more than
140,000 students each year and provides
a variety of hands-on activities through its
Challenger Learning Center and Aviation
Learning Center. Additional programming
includes lectures by experts, visits from
notable flight professionals, theatrical
performances, special events and
temporary exhibits. Students also can
take the controls at one of the attraction’s
three flight simulators.
A look at Seattle’s maritime side is
available at the Marine Science and
Technology Center. Part of Highline
College, this 2,500 square-foot facility is
one of the region’s top research centers.
The featured component of educational
programs and tours is an aquarium that
holds 3,000-plus gallons of flow-through
seawater and is home to more than 250
native Puget Sound marine species.
Grade-level-specific sessions include
Orcas and Pals, Marine Mammal Mysteries
and Puget Sound CSI. Boat tours and
kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals
allow students to get out on the water
and view wildlife firsthand.
For more information, contact McGuire
at [email protected] or go to
seattlesouthside.com.
SEATTLE
Museum of Flight
TOP EDUCATIONAL ATTRACTIONS
Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden,
Seattle Chocolates’ “Experience
Chocolate” Tour
TOP RECREATIONAL ATTRACTIONS
Indoor Skydiving iFly Seattle,
Family Fun Center
TOP LOCAL FESTIVALS
Strawberry Days (June 16–17), Des
Moines Waterland Festival (July
20–22), Burien UFO Festival (April)
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