Labor Day weekend: Originally published in 2020 and updated with new ideas for 2022!
Labor Day weekend is upon us, and the weather is gorgeous. Here are 10 ideas for fun things to do around town during summer’s last hurrah.
Watch your kids play in the International Fountain
At Seattle Center, the International Fountain‘s complex array of water nozzles shoots out water, and bathing-suit clad kids still dash around its big shiny dome. Be sure to pack extra sun-screen. The kids may want to stay for some time. More spray/splash parks around Seattle (it’s their final weekend for most spray parks).
Rent kayaks
There’s nothing like exploring Seattle’s waterways from a small, human powered boat. Be sure to reserve in advance! Double kayaks are a great way for parents and kids to explore safely together. Here’s an updated list of places where you can rent all sorts of watercraft.
Treat yourself to ice cream
One of the great seasonal pleasures of summer is taking a bite of a frozen treat on a hot day. And what’s more, many ice cream joints have seasonal flavors on the menu. Molly Moon’s has strawberry shortcake and Salt & Straw’s offerings include an ice cream called “Carrot cake batter with pralined hazelnuts.” Check out these other options too.
Take a family bike ride
Whether you want to go on a tour of your neighborhoods’ quieter streets, or cruise along Lake Washington Boulevard, (closed to cars until Sept. 6), or take advantage of one of Seattle’s great urban trails, there’s lots of fun to be had on two wheels.
For pointers on how to get going: Stay close to home and go on a family bike ride.
Swim in a lake
Labor day weekend is the last chance for life guarded lake swimming in Seattle this year. Seattle has lifeguards at five swimming beaches: Magnuson, Madison, Mount Baker, and West Green Lake. Keep track of what’s open here.
Food truck picnic
Here’s how it works: you either Google your favorite food truck, or find a new one using a food truck tracking site such as seattlefoodtruck.com. Then you visit the truck, order a food, and take it for an al fresco meal at a nearby park.
Visit a farm
You could go blueberry picking, or you might stop by a sunflower patch. Visit Mountainview U-Pick Blueberry Farm for berries and blooms Friday through Sunday. If you want some mini theme park experience to go with your rural adventure, the rides at Remlinger Farms are open and ready to explore.
Go to the zoo
Meet the new bear cub at the Woodland Park Zoo. Play at Point Defiance Zoo‘s new nature area or go to Cougar Mountain Zoo to see the lemurs and tigers.
Mini golf
The game is simple enough for both little kids and grown adults to have a good time. Here’s our updated list of where to go.
Got to the Fair
The Evergreen State Fair is open for visitors, while the Washington State Fair opens Labor Day Weekend. Fair food, rides, attractions and fun!
While we’re on the subject:
Keep your kids healthy and hydrated in the heat
