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    The Seattle Great Wheel

    3.8 (932 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    The Seattle Great Wheel Photos

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    Kenny C.

    Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, step right up and feast your peepers upon the spinning superstar of the Seattle waterfront the mighty Seattle Great Wheel. Now listen here: when you visit Seattle there are a few commandments carved in Pacific Northwest stone. Thou shalt gaze upon the glorious Space Needle. Thou shalt cheer inside T-Mobile Park. And thou shalt yes thou absolutely shalt ride the big spinning beauty hanging right over the docks like a giant carnival halo over Elliott Bay. Now I'll confess something: the first few times I saw that wheel, I just stood there gawking like a confused seagull eating a French fry. "Nah," I said. "Too touristy." But then one day my wife said, "Get in the gondola." So I did. And let me tell you holy spinning cinnamon biscuits I should've done it years earlier. The wheel lifts you slow and smooth, the city starts shrinking, the water starts sparkling, and suddenly you're floating above the docks like some sort of happy human chandelier. You can sip a drink, relax in your cozy glass cabin, and watch ferries glide by while the skyline of Seattle shows off like it's posing for a magazine cover. Round and round the wheel goes, Up past the seagulls and waterfront shows. The harbor gleams, the skyline sings, While your little glass cabin gently swings. You'll laugh, you'll grin, you might even squeal "Why in the world did I wait to ride this wheel?!" So here's my advice, straight from the waterfront gospel: don't just stand there staring at it like a puzzled pelican. Buy the ticket. Step inside the gondola. Let that giant wheel carry you into the sky. Because sure, the Space Needle may be the king of the skyline... but the Seattle Great Wheel? That's the fun-loving jester of the bay spinning, shining, and proving that sometimes the best way to see a city... is to take it for a ride.

    Jay H.

    Expensive for like 5-6 turns but it was a cute, get it out the way experience. Would recommend maybe some music or something in the carts but yeah. Try it out.

    View at the top of the
    Danielle P.

    Solid (and scary -- I'm scared of heights!) experience, but definitely overpriced at $23 per person. My boyfriend and I just wanted to go on it for vibes haha. It does shake or rock a bit and you get to go around 3 times. You also get the option to take photos right before heading into the line with a digital option or physical print ($8-$12) for a memorabilia moment. Staff didn't seem intrigued with helping people out at the wheel though. Definitely a one and done activity!

    Will B.

    The beautiful view from the Great Wheel was a great experience. It was a bucket list thing I did to celebrate an event. We went at night and seeing the city lights was really cool. It was raining this evening so there was no lines. The price is $23.00 USD plus tax. The ride was about a solid 6- minute or so. I believe we went around 3 revolutions and paused at the highest point to take in the views. Upon entering, you will be offered the opportunity to have a photo taken as a keepsake, I don't know how much it costs for that. Also they have a bar you can purchase adult beverages and probably none adult drinks. This definitely a tourist attraction but at least a once in a lifetime thing for locals like me.

    Nohely M.

    First night out on the pier and riding the Ferris wheel was on my to-do list so here I was! Riding under the classic Seattle weather, the Ferris wheel provided beautiful views of the water, pier and the city itself. Words do not compare to what I experienced in person--live! Photos don't do justice either. Must experience in person. I rode alone and found myself meditating as I enjoyed the beautiful views. Their summer must be gorgeous out here. This is a must-do and experience it for yourself. I do wish that it was less rainy but hey that's Seattle for you!

    Samantha G.

    It's a-ok. Definitely not a must-do attraction. And certainly overpriced. But the view can be nice (but not great). Underwhelmed is the word that comes to mind. Come with patience as the wait can be long. And the rotation is short. Once we got on, we did get to go around 3 times, which made it seem a little better. There's a bar once you get in line where you can grab an adult beverage. (Note that you cannot take an adult beverage on the wheel if are with anyone who is under 21.) Admittedly, there wasn't a whole lot to see at night. I do feel like this would've been a better experience if we had gone during the day:

    Carolyn C.

    Amazing views! It was super warm outside and therefore our capsule was super hot. Air comes off and on a bit but it made for a sweaty experience. Staff couldn't be less engaged - not not friendly but completely asleep at the wheel (pun intended!)

    The view with a mountain in the back

    More of a 3.5, it was about $23 for each person but that makes sense since it's on the main area of Seattle. Ride was smooth, had air conditioning, was clean. Something to do just once.

    Steve O.

    Staff: The team here was really nice. Everyone from the ticket window, to loading, to unloading. Quality: This is something that we wanted to try since the last time in Seattle 2 years ago. The waiting area to load is cool as they have music playing and a bar to enjoy a drink while waiting. The pods were spacious, clean, and provided a great view. Value: I think it is expensive at $120 for 3 people for a 10 minute ride. I'm glad we did it but not sure I would again at the current price. Overall: Cool view, fun experience, but a bit pricey in my opinion.

    Stunning at sunset
    Lily S.

    This is more like 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. The Great Wheel is an iconic part of Seattle, so we had to give it a go. To be honest, it's more spectacular from the outside than it is actually riding on it. The ride was $23 per adult for about 3 revolutions. The line to ride was longer than the ride itself. There was also a lot of stopping during the ride. On the plus side, the ride is very smooth and you do get great views of Seattle. The wheel itself is really cool to look at, especially in the evening when the wheel lights up with various colors. I recommend doing it once just to experience it, but would not need to go again.

    Michelle M.

    Amazing iconic Seattle great wheel. Always a must see!! Best time to go is in the evening to catch the city lights.

    Becky K.

    We went at night hoping the lights would be cool to see. It was nice but maybe even better on a clear day when you could see the mountains. It was really windy that night and the cars were swaying a lot which was a bit unnerving. Especially when we were stopped at the very top waiting to let new people on. There was no line which was great and we got a car to ourselves. But I'm guessing that during busy times there is a big wait. I would skip it and spend the money on something else.

    Great Wheel of Seattle
    Victoria H.

    It only cost us $23/pp for this ride. Great views from every angle. Ride is not fast. Up to may 4/6 people per capsule. Pods have spotty a/c so you might get a stuffy ride. No gift shop or photos to purchase.

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    8 days ago

    Was super fun and affordable! The view is amazing, beautiful of the city and over the waterfront!

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    10 months ago

    This was a cool experience, but for the price I would not do it again. The views are very pretty though.

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    Ask the Community - The Seattle Great Wheel

    On friday and saturday nights, what time is the last ride?

    last ride for friday and saturday nights will be 9:45pm:)

    Someone told me they watch the ride for an hour and only saw loading and unloading they never saw the ride actually make a complete circle for the riders just the one time around while loading/unloading, is this accurate?

    That isn't accurate. I went 2 weeks ago and got 4 uninterrupted rotations before they stopped to load/unload.

    Do you have to be vaccinated and or need a mask in March 2022 while visiting the great wheel in Seattle?

    I'm not sure how tasty masks are 🤣, but, you don't have to wear a mask now unless you're in a federally mandated space like an airport or plane, or a medical facility.

    How much does a ride Cost?

    It was $15 plus tax per person as of May 2021.

    What time does it typically light up?

    I agree with Peter.

    Can you bring your own food for the ride?

    It's just a large Ferris Wheel type of ride. It doesn't last very long. I believe you can take food on it because they didn't search our bags, but there's no real easy way to eat it, or need to since it's a short ride.

    Do you get your own cabin or do you share one with strangers?

    Their website says the following: "Maybe. If we are not too busy, we will not group people up to… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - The Seattle Great Wheel

    The blue, clear skies made visibility ideal as we could see The Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and the skyline of Seattle.

    Mentioned in 52 reviews

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    Tukwila Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle's Restaurant

    Tukwila Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle's Restaurant

    3.5(311 reviews)
    10.7 mi

    I honestly can't recommend this place enough. I was completely blown away…read more From the moment we walked in, the level of professionalism and cleanliness stood out, especially for a kids' arcade and activity center. Everything felt well run and thoughtfully managed. One thing that really impressed me as a parent was the staff member monitoring the entrance and exit. He was incredibly attentive. He recognized us, noticed our child, and was clearly keeping track of who was coming and going. Of course, you should always watch your own kids, but having someone that alert adds a huge layer of peace of mind. We used a Groupon, and if you have ever used one, you know it can sometimes be a hassle, but not here. The process was seamless. A staff member radioed ahead for us, and by the time we got to the snack counter, they already knew what to do. No waiting, no confusion. We were set up immediately and on our way. That level of coordination was impressive. Every game we tried was working perfectly, including VR games, which is rare in most arcades. Even smaller details, like all the basketballs being available at the Papa Shot machines, did not go unnoticed. The kids' drop ride was a huge hit with my daughter, and the claw machines, which guarantee a prize, were a fun bonus, especially as a way to end the visit on a high note. The prize center was also well balanced, with reasonable ticket costs and fun options. They had some great games too, like rhythm games and classics, that made it enjoyable for both kids and adults. The real surprise was the food. We ordered pizza expecting typical arcade food, but it exceeded expectations by a mile. It was soft, fresh, and genuinely delicious, easily better than what you would find at places like Chuck E. Cheese. The entire dining area was spotless, which is almost unheard of in venues like this. Tables were clean. Floors were clean. Everything felt cared for. The service continued to impress throughout. Our food came out quickly, and when we finished, the staff handled all the cleanup. We actually went out of our way to find cash just to leave a tip because the service deserved it. We originally came for the full experience, including batting cages, laser tag, go karts, and mini golf, but honestly, even before doing any of that, I can confidently say this place is incredibly well run. Based on everything we experienced, I have no doubt the rest will be just as great. If you are a parent looking for a fun, safe, and well managed place for your kids that you will actually enjoy too, this is it.

    We had a great time checking this out with friends. Lots to do with kids and it really is set up to…read morelet them mill about the space. There is a dining option available on site and the food/concessions is good for what it is. The age range of kids we saw is all over the place which is good if you have a mixed age group but also, if you're looking for something for a specific age group, you may be out of luck. This place gives Dave and Buster vibes but has both and indoor and outdoor component. You can earn tickets to redeem for items and I was quite surprised about how big of a venue was here. It was rainy and we stay indoors so I can't really comment on the outdoor components. Overall, I'd come back but it's not my "go-to" for indoor gaming/food activity.

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    Tukwila Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle's Restaurant - Love an empty arcade on a rainy day!

    Love an empty arcade on a rainy day!

    Tukwila Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle's Restaurant
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    It was one of those random Saturdays where you just want to get the kids out of the house, so we…read moredecided to head to the zoo. We didn't get lucky with everything--the lion was taking a nap and completely out of sight--but honestly, that's part of the experience. The kids still had a great time seeing the giraffes and exploring the other exhibits. What really made our visit stand out was a small moment that turned into something special. We stopped by the VR area near the carousel and met Catherine, who was incredibly kind and welcoming. She asked what we wanted to watch, and my daughter ended up chatting with her and mentioned her birthday was coming up. Out of nowhere, Catherine surprised us with a couple of carousel passes and a little birthday clip. It completely made my daughter's day--you could see how excited she was, and that kind of genuine kindness sticks with you. We come here pretty often during the summer since we're members, and experiences like this are exactly why we keep coming back. The staff really goes the extra mile. If I had one small suggestion, it would be to add more hand sanitizer stations, especially around the food areas and restrooms. It would just make things a bit more convenient for families. Overall, we love this place and appreciate the effort they put into both the animals and the guest experience. Looking forward to many more visits.

    Wild Lanterns is one of those events I make a point to come back to when it rolls around. Walking…read morethrough Woodland Park Zoo at night completely changes the experience. The lanterns are spaced out well, so it never feels crowded or rushed, and there's a nice rhythm to the walk where you naturally slow down and take things in. Some sections feel calm and quiet, others are more colorful and playful, and it all flows really well along the zoo paths. I grabbed tacos from one of the food spots and a cappuccino from a coffee stand, which was exactly what I wanted on a cold evening. Simple, warm, and easy to enjoy while wandering. It's the kind of setup where you can snack, stroll, stop, and keep moving without breaking the mood. Overall, Wild Lanterns 2025 feels well thought out without being overdone. It works just as well for a relaxed solo walk as it does with friends or family, and it's one of the few seasonal events I'm genuinely happy to make a repeat tradition.

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    Woodland Park Zoo
    Woodland Park Zoo
    Woodland Park Zoo

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    The Seattle Great Wheel - amusementparks - Updated May 2026

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