The summer events are bountiful right now and there's still so much summer left to enjoy!
Monday, July 31
Insect Safari See over 2,100 preserved specimens of bugs from around the world. Beautiful butterflies and moths, giant tropical beetles, scorpions and spiders and examples of local bugs. Specialist, Don Ehlen will answer questions and help identify bugs. Recommended for ages 5 and older. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Capitol Hill Branch – Seattle Public Library (Capitol Hill).
X-Tream Magic Join magician Jeff Evans as he meets the pros that participate in some of the most interesting adventure activities in the world, including scuba diving, rock climbing and skydiving. Experience “extreme magic” as Jeff attempts to escape from ropes, chains and the “Party Popper Vest of Death”! For ages 5 to 12.
Tuesday, August 1
Lunchtime Concert Series Enjoy free outdoor concerts every Tuesday in various locations throughout Shoreline through Aug. 15. This week, Eric Ode (children's performer) plays music at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Noon to 1 p.m.
Summer Food Invasion Field Day This summer, United Way of King County is hosting free Food Invasion Field Days across the county. Enjoy activities including an obstacle course, bouncy house, face painting, crafts, free food for all, and more. Summer meals regularly available throughout the summer for kids, see complete schedule here. Noon to 3 p.m. Today at Greenwood Park (Greenwood), and Aug. 3 at Matt Griffin YMCA (SeaTac).
A Chest Filled with Tales & Music A children’s show that threads storytelling with puppetry and live music performance. Traditional songs and stories from Latin America are presented in Spanish by musicians and educators Teresa and Mirta. It will be a colorful cultural journey. Noon to 1 p.m. Duwamish Waterway (South Park).
Wednesday, August 2
Path with Art Classes Join Path with Art for a free class and take home a solar-powered paper lantern of your own design. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Occidental Square (Pioneer Square).
Thursday, August 3
Free First Thursday Enjoy free admission all day to select museums (note: there may be admission for special exhibits). Many have children’s activities including story times at Northwest African American Museum (noon), Wing Luke Museum (11 a.m.), and Nordic Heritage Museum (10 a.m.). Museums participating include Burke Museum (University District), Museum of History and Industry (South Lake Union), Seattle Art Museum (Downtown Seattle), and Museum of Flight (Tukwila).
Admiral Neighborhood Summer Concerts Enjoy free outdoor concerts every Thursdays through Aug. 24 in the Admiral neighborhood of West Seattle. This week, The Ardana, self-described as “Jet-city rock”. Mark your calendars on Aug. 24 for Caspar Babypants. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Hiawatha Park (West Seattle).
Summer at SAM In this recurring summer series, Seattle Art Museum hosts events every Thursday and Saturday at Olympic Sculpture Park. Tonight is dog night. Dogs are always welcome, but special treats and activities include creating pet tags, decorating sun hats, and Reading with Rover (a literacy program where kids can practice reading aloud to dogs). Also, enjoy live music and food vendors. 6 to 8 p.m. Olympic Sculpture Park (Belltown).
Friday, August 4
Seafair Weekend Hydroplane races on Lake Washington, south of the I-90 Bridge. Air Show features the U.S. Navy Blue Angles, Patriots Jet Team and other aircraft performing, and includes other flight demonstrations. The south beach area will host a wakeboarding demonstration. Shore activities at Genesee Park and along Lake Washington Boulevard include entertainment, food and more. This year includes a Kids' Zone, which will have inflatables, face painting, and characters. Tickets for special seating available online. 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 4-5, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 6. Parking very limited. Free admission on Aug. 4, tickets available at several outlets. $30-$40, $10 seniors and youth.
Small Frye: Storytelling + Art For children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers, activities include counting, identifying size, shape, and color. Play with the storytellers from Seattle Children's Theatre as they weave together an imaginative narrative and a dramatic book reading. Then enjoy a hands-on art activity. Pre-register. Held on the first Friday of every month. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Frye Art Museum (University District).
Umoja Fest Part of Seafair weekend, celebrate African-American culture. Festivities include a parade featuring dance troops and drill teams, kids actives, live music, basketball tournament, food trucks, vendor marketplace, a community resource fair and more! 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 4, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 5., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 6. Judkins Park (Central District).
SalmonFest Salmon bake, street fair with entertainment and vendors, kids’ parade (6 p.m. Aug. 5), grand parade (7 p.m. Aug. 5), car show (Aug. 5) and more. Noon to 7 pm Aug. 4, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 5., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 6.
Magnolia Summerfest Food trucks and beer garden, outdoor movie, kids parade (10 a.m. Aug. 5) followed by the main parade, entertainment, crafts, teen carnival (7 p.m. Aug. 5), youth talent show (1 p.m. Aug. 6), pet parade (4 p.m. Aug. 6) and more. 4 to 11 p.m. Aug. 4, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 5, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 6. Magnolia Playfield (Magnolia).
Saturday, August 5
Touch a Truck Touch a Truck is a fun, hands-on, educational event for the whole family. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes will be onsite for children to touch and explore. See interactive, educational displays and even have the chance to sit in the driver's seat. Quiet hour for sensitive ears 10 to 11 a.m. Xfinity Area (Everett).
Free Summer Concerts at Ballard Locks Enjoy free outdoor concerts various dates through September 16 celebrating the centennial of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Today, Batucada (Brazilian samba), tomorrow Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band (marching band). 2 p.m. Ballard Locks (Ballard).
Summer Playground Party Participants will find numerous forms of pre-teen fun in the outdoor area adjacent to Artists at Play playground. Some of the region’s most popular kids’ bands are on board to provide live entertainment. Featured bands Skates on Aug. 5 and Runt on Aug. 19. 5 to 8 p.m. Seattle Center – Next 50 Plaza (Lower Queen Anne).
Lake City Seafair Parades Join the Kids' Parade at 6 p.m. wear your favorite costume or uniform, scooters/bikes optional. Groups and families encouraged. To participate, meet up at the Wells Fargo parking lot (12739 Lake City Way N.E.) at 5:30 p.m. There's also a doggie parade at 6:30 p.m. followed by the grand parade at 7 p.m. Lake City Way from N.E. 135th Street to N.E. 123rd Street (Lake City).
Movies at the Mural Enjoy an outdoor movie on a 40-ft screen with the Space Needle in view. Each show begins with a short film by Cornish students. Bring low-back chairs or blankets. No pets. Movie begins at dusk. Tonight, La La Land (PG-13). 9 p.m. Seattle Center – Mural Amphitheatre (Lower Queen Anne).
Want more? Here’s something for every single day of summer. And you can always check out our Family Events Calendar, searchable by age, location, and cost.
