How a 1947 Alien Encounter Created the Perfect Family Adventure
When you’re searching for unique family activities Seattle has to offer beyond the usual tourist spots, alien hunting probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But trust me, there’s something uplifting about watching your teenagers actually put down their phones to examine UFO evidence with genuine curiosity.
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As a travel content creator always seeking authentic Pacific Northwest family adventures, I discovered that Seattle Southside’s UFO Mysteries Trail offers exactly what families with older kids crave: a scavenger hunt experience that’s educational without being boring, active without being exhausting, and weird enough to create stories you’ll tell for years.
The trail traces the infamous 1947 Maury Island Incident, one of America’s earliest documented UFO sightings, which occurred right here in Puget Sound. What makes this one of the most engaging Seattle Southside attractions isn’t just the alien angle; it’s how cleverly the experience weaves together local history, public art, and stunning waterfront scenery into something that captivates skeptical teens and curious parents alike.
If your family needs a break from screen time and shopping malls, this trail proves that the best family bonding happens when you’re brave enough to embrace the wonderfully weird together. And when you pair it with a stay at the luxurious Cedarbrook Lodge or the mordern, full service
Hotel Interurban, you’ve got the perfect base for exploring everything this surprising region offers.
Following Harold Dahl’s Flying Saucer Trail
The UFO Mysteries Trail, launched by Explore Seattle Southside in 2025, transforms what could be a simple historical walk into an interactive treasure hunt perfect for families with tweens and teens. Rather than passive sightseeing, this experience encourages active participation through augmented reality features, reward systems, and art installations that beg for family selfies.
On June 21, 1947, Harold Dahl claimed he spotted six donut-shaped discs hovering over Maury Island while out on his boat with his son Charles and their dog, Sparky. According to Dahl, one craft appeared damaged and began dropping slag-like substance that tragically killed poor Sparky and damaged his boat. Three days later, Kenneth Arnold’s famous sighting near Mount Rainier would coin the term “flying saucer,” but Dahl’s encounter came first.
This backstory provides the perfect conversation starter for families. Kids love the mystery and drama, while parents appreciate the historical context and critical thinking opportunities. The trail doesn’t insist you believe in extraterrestrial visitors. It simply presents the facts and lets families draw their own conclusions.
The colorful Maury Island Incident mural by artists Nancy and Zach Pahl depicts the whole dramatic scene: flying discs, raining slag, and yes, Sparky the dog, immortalized in Northwest art history. Nearby installations include a mysterious obelisk and Pat McVay’s cedar sculpture “Raven Discovers Spaceship,” while a quirky UFO parking sign suggests this community has fully embraced its extraterrestrial heritage with humor intact.
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Des Moines Marina: Where History Meets Natural Beauty
For families seeking Des Moines Marina family fun, Sound View Park offers sweeping views over Puget Sound that serve as the perfect backdrop for discussing both UFO lore and Pacific Northwest maritime history. In 1947, this area housed fewer than 2,000 people, making Harold Dahl’s sighting feel even more isolated and mysterious.
Des Moines Beach Park
Walking down Cliff Avenue South to the Des Moines Marina Pier brings families to the heart of the story and to some of the most accessible waterfront beauty in the region. From the fishing pier, you can see the exact area where Dahl claimed the slag fell, now protected as the Maury Island Natural Area.
What makes this stop particularly valuable for families is how it combines mystery with genuine natural education. Kids can spot the 1915 Point Robinson Lighthouse, learn about local marine ecosystems, and watch working fishing boats alongside pleasure craft. The pier offers opportunities for impromptu marine biology lessons while parents enjoy genuinely stunning Pacific Northwest scenery.
The trail’s reward system adds extra motivation for completion-oriented families. Visit seven locations to earn a toy “bait cow” plushie and get entered to win alien-themed prizes. This gamification element transforms sightseeing into achievement, particularly appealing for kids who respond well to goal-oriented activities.
Coffee Culture Meets Family Time
While exploring these Seattle area kids’ activities, don’t miss Second Love Coffee Roasters, where their “When Cider Met Espresso” special fall seasonal creation offers a perfect introduction to Pacific Northwest coffee culture for families. House-made apple cider syrup, espresso, milk, and cinnamon spice create a drink that bridges the gap between kid-friendly flavors and adult sophistication.
This specialty micro-roastery, founded in 2023, focuses on ethically sourced beans and creative drinks served in a welcoming atmosphere that doesn’t intimidate families new to craft coffee culture. The location itself embodies what makes Seattle Southside attractions special, authentic local businesses that welcome visitors without losing their community character.
Ordering drinks to enjoy on the back patio and play a tabletop game or take drinks to go and explore nearby Des Moines Beach Park. Both create the perfect combination of caffeine for parents and open space for kids to burn energy while processing everything they’ve learned about UFO history.
The Compass Rose: Interactive Art for Curious Minds
The trail’s Compass Rose installation represents everything families love about well-designed public art. It’s massive enough to be Instagram-worthy, interactive enough to encourage exploration, and mysterious enough to spark genuine discussion. This walkable compass contains a hidden “key” featuring local Des Moines symbols, with sightlines that appear to point directly toward Harold Dahl’s 1947 beaching location.
Families can spend considerable time examining the installation from different angles, debating whether the alignment represents intentional design or clever coincidence. This kind of hands-on investigation appeals particularly to kids who love puzzles and mysteries while giving parents opportunities to discuss art, history, and critical thinking.
Evening Marine Adventure: Cal and the Squid Fishing Experience
For families ready to extend their unique family activities Seattle adventure into evening hours, plan a night to go squid fishing in the Des Moines Marina. During our visit, Seattle Southside coordinated a special educational experience with MaST Center volunteer Cal Smith since we were complete beginners to squid fishing. However, this personalized guidance isn’t typically available to all visitors.
The MaST Center (Marine Science and Technology Center) serves as Highline College’s marine education facility, focusing on Puget Sound marine ecosystems and sustainable fishing practices. Located nearby, the center trains volunteers like Cal in marine education and conservation, making them invaluable resources for understanding local waters and fishing techniques.
For families interested in trying squid fishing independently, several options exist. You can hire local fishing guides who specialize in squid fishing charters, offering boats, equipment, and expertise for families wanting a comprehensive experience. Alternatively, adventurous families can purchase Washington state fishing licenses, buy squid jigs, and try their luck directly from the Des Moines Marina pier. Learn more here about squidding.
The pier fishing option works particularly well for families with kids. Squid fishing typically happens after dark using lights to attract the creatures, creating an exciting nighttime adventure that feels both educational and slightly mysterious. And honestly, after spending the day hunting for UFO evidence, there’s something perfectly fitting about trying to catch squid. These creatures that look so alien themselves could have stepped right out of Harold Dahl’s 1947 encounter.
Why This Trail Works for Modern Families
Seattle Southside’s UFO trail isn’t a hiking trail, but it succeeds as a family activity because it respects both historical significance and contemporary family dynamics. The experience offers enough flexibility for families to customize their engagement level while providing clear structure for those who prefer guided activities.
More importantly, it addresses what many families with older kids struggle to find: experiences that encourage curiosity without condescension, physical activity without extreme demands, and shared wonder without forcing false enthusiasm. The trail’s blend of mystery, art, history, and natural beauty creates multiple entry points for family members with different interests.
For families staying at nearby accommodations like Cedarbrook Lodge or Hotel Interurban, the UFO trail provides an ideal day activity that complements rather than competes with other Seattle Southside attractions. The proximity to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport makes it particularly valuable for families extending layovers or building longer Pacific Northwest family adventures.
Planning Your UFO Family Adventure
When planning this unique Seattle family experience, allow 3-4 hours for the complete trail including Des Moines Marina, Maury Island, Vashon Island exploration, ferries to/from the islands, and coffee breaks. The trail works best for families with kids 8 and older who can appreciate both the historical significance and the interactive elements.
The beauty of this experience lies in how it transforms a potentially quirky tourist attraction into genuine family education and bonding. Whether your family consists of true believers, complete skeptics, or something in between, the UFO trail provides framework for shared exploration and discovery.
Harold Dahl’s 1947 sighting may or may not have involved extraterrestrial visitors, but it certainly created something valuable for modern families: an excuse to explore, question, and wonder together in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful and accessible locations.
Sometimes the best family adventures happen when you’re brave enough to chase something unexpected together. And honestly, isn’t that exactly what family travel should encourage?
Note: I was invited to come and explore Seattle Southside (the communities of Tukwila, Des Moines, and SeaTac) to research for this article. Accommodations and activities were provided. All opinions are my own.
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