10 Museums in Washington That You Shouldn't Miss

Offers a recreated settlement of the 1920s.

Come Play with Us! The award-winning Hands On Children's Museum is the largest and most visited children's museum in the Pacific Northwest. We celebrate play and believe in its importance in early learning. With over 150 exciting exhibits in 10 beautiful galleries and a fabulous art studio, we encourage children and their parents to play and learn all about science, nature, and art in settings inspired by our beautiful Northwest. Our Outdoor Discovery Center, a half-acre of unique outdoor exhibits, expands opportunities for play and learning with a trike and hike loop, lighthouse lookout, Puget Sound beach replica, children's garden, and Megan D schooner where kids can climb a six-foot rope ladder to the top deck of a real 56-foot vintage schooner, cross the rickety bridge, explore the crow's nest, and captain the ship. Online Reservations Required

Pacific Bonsai Museum connects people to nature through the living art of bonsai. We feature world-class bonsai from the Pacific Rim nations of Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the United States. Free and open to the public six days a week, this cultural gem offers contemporary and traditional bonsai exhibits, group tours, education and special events.

The aircraft, vehicles and artifacts in the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum are rare treasures of military technology — a testament to the era’s engineering skill and humanity’s spirit during the world conflicts of the 20th century. On rotation in our working hangar are military artifacts from the United States, Britain, Germany, Soviet Union and Japan, acquired by Paul G. Allen and restored with unparalleled authenticity to share with the public. FHCAM is operated by Friends of Flying Heritage, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to educating people about these rare historic aircraft and artifacts. The museum is currently experiencing rapid growth, bringing in exciting new wonders like the Republic F-105 Thunderchief, de Havilland Mosquito and dozens of new artifacts in 2017.

Historic Flight Foundation offers a collection of the most important aircraft produced between 1927 and 1957 - all restored and airborne again.Our mission goes beyond serving as trustees of an era. We want you to experience the roar of our F8F “Wampus Cat” taking off. Watch engineers at work restoring the aircraft to flying condition. Share the rush of viewing international treasures from all angles. Experience history in motion.

Located in the heart of Seattle, Chihuly Garden and Glass provides a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly. Through the exhibition’s eight interior galleries, lush outdoor garden and centerpiece Glasshouse visitors will experience a comprehensive look at Chihuly's most significant series of work. With both day and night experiences, and full-service dining in the adjoining Collections Café, this long-term exhibition offers a unique experience rain or shine.

A small observatory poised dramatically on a cliff overlooking the debris left over from the famous 1980 volcano explosion.

A museum chronicling the history of racing in the Pacific Northwest.

Walk the aisle of JFK's Air Force One and climb aboard the West Coast's only Concorde. Revel in the history and heroics of WWI and WWII. Barrel-roll a Mustang, land on the moon, and soar over Puget Sound in a simulator. Experience the excitement of the space race and sit at the controls of the world's fastest jet. From the Wright brothers to the exploration of Mars, you'll find it at The Museum of Flight!