See Boeing Airplanes built, control (mock) air traffic and sit in a presidential plane. Children 4’2" and taller are allowed inside the world’s largest building to watch 747, 767 and 777 airplanes being built. The Boeing Tour Center in Everett offers hour-long weekday tours, six times daily.
The Museum of Flight at Boeing Field lets kids experience a “hands on” air traffic control tower exhibit. They can also go aboard the original Airforce One. (206-764-5720 or www.museumofflight.org)
Jet back in time at the Museum of Flight’s Restoration Center in Everett. The center’s 54 vintage planes span the 1920’s to the 1960’s. Among these treasures are a 1955 F8U Crusader, Boeing’s first 727, a 1933 Boeing 247D, and a variety of experimental aircraft. Up to six are restored and repainted at a time. Open seven days a week, group tours are available with advance notice. Call 425-745-5150. On the other end of the size spectrum are world-famous kit airplanes made by New GlaStar, one of the largest, best-established kitplane manufacturers in the world. To see how pre-molded composite kitplanes are produced, visit the factory in Arlington. The factory is located on the east side of Arlington Airport. Call 360-435-8533.
ALL ABOARD! The Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie operates an Interpretive Railway program. Riders take a 5-mile tour of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley aboard antique railroad coaches. In December the train becomes The Santa Train. Kids hop aboard in North Bend and take a 20-minute ride to see Santa at the museum. There they receive gifts and snack on hot chocolate and cookies baked fresh in the kitchen car’s coal stoves. (425-888-3030 or www.trainmuseum.org)
TRY THE TRAIN, SEATTLE TO VANCOUVER
Families are lining up to ride the new Amtrak train between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. This route is very scenic and features the smooth-running, Spanish-built “Talgo” train. It operates daily. (877-937-7245 or www.amtrak.com)