Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center, Seattle

Considering it's free to visit and only a quick walk from the Space Needle area, a walk to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is recommended to learn about the legacy this family seeks to leave. The inspiring stories, cool innovations, and impacts presented are quite interesting and should make you feel a little bit better about humanity.

If you don't have time for the tour, there are plenty of displays, videos and interactive kiosks to view, including some hands-on things for the kids (and adults and teens) towards the back room, and lots of questions and topics to get you really thinking how we can each "make a difference" (e.g., the little topic cards placed all around the Center encourage visitors to volunteer, learn, use their voice, show kindness, donate, or raise money for their own causes) – so, if anything, you will learn something and be inspired to do your part, too. There's a great attention to displaying the various exhibit portions in an eye-pleasing way, while also allowing for the video/sound components of exhibits to be appreciated – all without being too distracting to those viewing other portions of the space.