UNIVERSITY DISTRICT. On display in this museum you'll find informative hands-on and voice-activated exhibits concerning the history and culture of the region. One of the permanent displays, "The Life and Times of Washington State," includes unique dinosaur exhibits, including casts of the 40-foot long Elasmosaur and the actual skeleton of a 140 million year old carnivorous Allosaurus. A second exhibit, "Pacific Voices," focuses on the 35 Native American tribes common to the Pacific Northwest, along with other cultures that have influenced the region. Exhibits dealing with archaeology, zoology, herpetology, and geology are also popular. Don't forget to drop by the cafe for some coffee and a snack; the Museum Shop carries a wide assortment of books and gifts to commemorate your visit.

DOWNTOWN. Informative, hands-on exhibits teach children (and adults!) how important the Puget Sound is to Seattle's economy and culture. Young visitors are given the opportunity to steer simulated ships, haul in fish aboard a child-sized fishing boat, and learn how merchandise is shipped all over the world. Additional galleries and hands-on displays let children learn while having fun exploring this maritime world.

DOWNTOWN. The Pacific Science Center is a great place for the entire family to learn about the natural world in an entertaining way. Children love games and demonstrations about physical science ­ exhibits displaying dinosaurs, insects, computers and robots, and the human body will bring science and natural history to life right before your eyes. Animal exhibits, which tend to be everyone's favorite, let visitors watch animals such as the naked mole rat, which is the only known cold-blooded mammal. In the butterfly house, museum-goers are surrounded by thousands of butterflies, who often land on those wearing bright colors and standing very still.