Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

23 Free Things To Do With Kids Around Seattle, July 2-8

Fossils, fireworks, kites and pirates! Free fun this week.

Monday, July 2

Special Olympics USA See more than 4,000 national athletes with intellectual disabilities compete in a variety of sports. Throughout the week, see the games for free. See the complete schedule here. Also, check out the Fan Zone with live music, exhibitions, and fun activities at Husky Stadium North Plaza (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 2-3, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4-6). Games are held at various locations July 2-6. 

Science Action Club: Bug Safari Search for bugs, collect specimens at Green Lake Park and work with other students and scientists to identify arthropod species and document habitat conditions that influence the health of the planet. 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Green Lake Library, Green Lake.

 

Tuesday, July 3

University Village Playdays Each week a different store hosts a story time or hands-on activity. This week, Mrs. Cooks is hosting—kids can create mini pies made of paper. 10 to 11 a.m. University Village, Seattle (U District).

 

Wednesday, July 4

Independence Day

Click here for a full round up of Independence Day celebrations. Highlights include SCCA Seafair Summer 4th at Gas Works Park (Fremont), 4th of July Fireworks Show in Kenmore, and celebrate new U.S. citizens at the Naturalization Ceremony at Seattle Center.

 

Thursday, July 5

Museum First Thursday Enjoy free admission to select museums (note: there may be additional fees for special exhibits) including Seattle Art Museum (Downtown Seattle), Burke Museum (U District), Museum of History and Industry (South Lake Union), Living Computers 5 to 8 p.m. (Sodo), Northwest African American Museum (Central District) and Museum of Flight  5 to 9 p.m. (Tukwila). Wing Luke Museum (International District) hosts a children’s story time followed by an art activity at 11 a.m.

 

Friday, July 6

Seattle Aquarium at the Park Enjoy hands-on activities hosted by Seattle Aquarium.  10 a.m. to noon. Westlake Park, Downtown Seattle.

African Beats Workshop Teaching artists from Gansango African Music & Dance Company will engage participants in learning basic West African rhythms with hands-on use of drums, bells, shakers and clapping. 11 a.m. to noon. University Branch Library, University District.

Community Kite Painting Paint a kite to be included in Freeway Parks’ Annual Art-Kite Installation. Materials provided. Noon to 2 p.m. Freeway Park, Downtown Seattle.

Stellaluna Join Tears of Joy Theatre for a puppet show based on the popular children’s book. 2 to 3 p.m. Rainier Beach Branch Library, Rainier Beach.

Outdoor Movies at Cascade Playground Pre-show activities begin at 6 p.m. Tonight’s movie, Wonder Woman (PG-13) begins at dusk. Cascade Playground, South Lake Union.

USA Special Olympics Closing Ceremony Celebrate the closing of the Special Olympics and see the lowering of the flag, extinguishing of the flame as well as live entertainment, and bidding farewell to the athletes. 7 to 9 p.m. Lake Union Park.

 

Saturday, July 7

Awesome Kids Day Enjoy educational activities, bouncy houses, games, face painting, healthy treats, and a live concert to finish out the day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Town Square Park, Burien.

Free Drop-In Skateboarding Lessons Drop in skateboarding lessons for kids ages 12 and younger. Spots are filled on a first-come-first-served basis. Held on select Saturdays at various locations throughout the summer. 10 a.m. to noon. Ballard Commons Park, Ballard, and Virgil Flaim Park, Lake City.

Seafair Pirates Landing Enjoy outdoor activities, live entertainment, and see the Seafair Pirates arrive by boat. Pirate attire encouraged! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Alki Beach Park, West Seattle.

Saturday Story Time Enjoy story time with local storytellers every Saturday. Today, Julia Eckels. 11 a.m. Third Place Books, Ravenna.

Cascade Kids Days On select Saturdays throughout the summer enjoy bouncy houses, games, art, free ice cream, and kids workshops. Noon to 3 p.m. Cascade Playground, South Lake Union.

Summer Music Festival Outdoor summer music series during the Farmers Market. Today, experience West African music & dance from Gansango Dance Company. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. University Heights Center, U District.

Dig In! Examine real fossils, rocks, and minerals, as well as cast replicas of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals and plants with educators from the Burke Museum. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Capitol Hill Branch Library, Capitol Hill.

 

Sunday, July 8

Sunday Public Sail Each Sunday, the Center for Wooden Boats offers free 45-minute rides on Lake Union. Set sail on one of the classic boats. Sign up for a slot in person, several trips throughout the day. Space is limited. Sign up begins at 10 a.m. Center for Wooden Boats, Lake Union. 

Bicycle Sundays The four-mile stretch of Lake Washington Boulevard between Mount Baker Beach and Seward Park is closed to motorized traffic several Sundays through September. Enjoy biking, jogging or strolling along the water. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lake Washington Boulevard South, Mount Baker.

7th Annual Polish Festival Celebrate Polish culture and traditions with music and dance performances, workshops, exhibits, food, and kids’ activities. Noon to 8 p.m. Seattle Center Armory & Mural Amphitheater, Lower Queen Anne.

Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band Pack a picnic and enjoy live music part of the free outdoor summer concert series at Ballard Locks. 2 p.m. Ballard Locks, Seattle (Ballard).

 

Want more? Check out our Family Events Calendar, searchable by age, location, and cost. 

About the Author

Nicole Santora, Calendar Editor