This week brings lots of hands-on arts, a fun run and plenty of opportunities to explore nature. And while summer is still officially a month a way, you can begin to cool off at select spray parks and wading pools in Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma this weekend!
Monday, May 21
Free Admission at PlayDate SEA Kids can burn off that extra energy for free on Monday evenings. Food and drinks available for purchase. 5 to 8 p.m. PlayDate SEA, Seattle (South Lake Union).
Amusement Park Science Design your own amusement-park attractions. Make a bumper car with Bristle Bots, engineer a roller coaster with a Roller Coaster Challenge kit and make a kinetic energy carousel that you can take home with you. 4 to 7 p.m. Delridge Branch Library, West Seattle.
Tuesday, May 22
DIY Marble Maze Build a marble maze and see how far and fast your marbles can go. Recommended for ages 6 and older. 4 to 4:45 p.m. Renton Library, Renton.
University Village Play Days Each week a different store hosts a special activity for kids. Today, kids can paint a tile at Paint the Town. 10 to 11 a.m. University Village, Seattle (U District).
Family STEAM Night Create spring themed crafts including coffee filter butterflies and a plastic egg rocket. 6 to 7 p.m. Greenwood Branch Library, Seattle (Greenwood).
Top Ten Toys Game Night New games and old favorites for all ages will be available to play. 6 to 7 p.m. Top Ten Toys (Greenwood).
Wednesday, May 23
Family Fun Run A scavenger hunt-style race for runners and walkers of all ages.
The 60-minute dash starts at 6:30 p.m. when the map of local businesses holding raffle tickets is revealed. The goal is to get as many raffle tickets as possible and return before 7:30 p.m. when the raffle starts. 5:30 p.m. check-in. Town Square Park, Burien.
Thursday, May 24
Preschool Drop-In Art Complete art projects using nature, recycled materials, and more for ages 2 to 5. Pre-registration is highly recommended but not required. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Delridge Branch Library, West Seattle.
Friday, May 25
PJ Library Song & Story Time Kids and parents can enjoy singing, activities, and storytelling from the PJ Library’s Jewish-themed children’s books. All are welcome. 11 a.m. Third Place Books, Seattle (Ravenna).
"Wizard of Oz" Viewing Party Ages 8 and older are invited to play wizard games and make crafts, then stick around for an interactive screening of the movie. Costumes encouraged. 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tukwila Library, Tukwila.
Saturday, May 26
Family Walk at the Arboretum Explore the arboretum in this 90-minute guided walk with games, hands-on activities and learning geared toward children (ages 2 to 12) and their caregivers. Meet in front of the Graham Visitors Center. 1 p.m. Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle (Montlake).
Classic Workboat Show Hop aboard a variety of visiting tugboats, fishing boats, and emergency response vessels and meet the captains and crew. Also, enjoy a fish taco from a fishing boat ($). 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 26-27. Lake Union Park, Seattle (South Lake Union).
Discovery Days See more than 250 native Puget Sound marine species during the open house at the marine laboratory and public aquarium of Highline College. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Marine Science and Technology Center, 28203 Redondo Beach Dr. S., Des Moines.
Seattle Mineral Market See mineral, gem and fossil displays and vendors, plus free minerals for kids. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 26-27. Lake City Community Center, Seattle (Lake City).
Nature Vision: Backyard Wildlife Learn how to attract wildlife in your own backyard and create a birdfeeder to take home. 1 to 2 p.m. Richmond Beach Library, Shoreline.
Alki Point Lighthouse Tours Take a look inside a fully functioning lighthouse on an active U.S. Coastguard site. No wheelchair access. Children ages 7 and younger are permitted to visit the landing, but must be 8 and older to visit the top. 1 to 4 p.m., weekends through Sep. 3. Last tour begins at 3:45 p.m.
Sunday, May 27
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).
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).
One Act at a Time This series features new plays and musicals on themes of inclusion, representation and social justice. Each show is written for and inspired by young artists 15 to 22. Free, donations appreciated. 7 p.m. Taproot Theatre, Seattle (Greenwood).
See even more events on our Family Events Calendar! Searchable by age, location, and cost.
