Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

21 free things to do with kids around Seattle, Sept. 23-29

Environmental science for toddlers, jumping with unicorns, a book festival and more

 

As September comes to an end and the sunny days begin to fade, enjoy the last of the festivals other fun outdoor (and indoor!) events happening this week. 

 

Monday, September 23

Family Story Time. Several libraries offer free family storyt ime on Mondays. Bring your kiddos and enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, and crafts. Rainier & Lake City Branches at 10:30 a.m., High Point Branch at 6:30 p.m., and Pajama Story time at Shoreline and Queen Anne Branches at 6:45 p.m.  

 

Tuesday, September 24

Kaleidescope Play & Learn. Children listen to stories, sing songs, and do simple arts and crafts with their caregivers during group time. Bring a snack or sack lunch to eat with friends after play time. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Lake City Library, Seattle. 

Village Playdays. A different store hosts crafts, activities, and playtime each week. This Tuesday, check out the Microsoft store to see what fun events are in store for you and your preschooler. Tuesdays at 10 a.m. University Village, Seattle. 

 

Wednesday, September 25

Toddler Time with Environmental Science. Kids ages 2 to 4 and their caregivers can enjoy songs, stories, and other seasonal themed hands-on activities followed by outdoor exploration (weather permitting). Pre-registration required. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Burien Library, Seattle. 

A Very Special Open Play. This is Springfree Trampoline’s weekly free play time, but with a unicorn twist! Enjoy rainbow snacks, unicorn art projects and tattoos, special prizes, and of course, jumping! 10 a.m. to noon. Springfree Trampoline, Issaquah. 

Craft Extravaganza and LEGOS. Head to the library on this early dismissal day (for Seattle Public Schools) for crafts, legos, science and fun! There will also be a second space for kids who need a calmer and less crowded environment. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Lake City Library, Seattle. 

 

Thursday, September 26

Throwback Thursday in the Park. Hit the park for some classic tossing and throwing games. Work your throwing arm in Occidental Square with several classic games, such as cornhole and a frisbee toss.11 a.m to 4 p.m. Occidental Square, Downtown Seattle. 

Neighborhood Night at TAM. Tacoma Art Museum is now open late and free to the community every Thursday. Stop in for performances, artist demonstrations and more. Go upstairs to see TAM Local Community Art installations or to TAM Studio or Drawing Jam to create your own work of art. 5 to 8 p.m. Tacoma Art Museum. 

 

Friday, September 27

Sensational Squirrels. As one of the area’s most commonly-observed critters, the squirrel evokes many different emotions in those who come across them. Discuss the species present in our forests and backyards, learn all about this adaptive animal, and do a fun craft. 10 to 11 a.m.  Lake Hills Greenbelt Ranger Station, Bellevue. 

Everett Sausage Fest. This fun festival is surely one to check out. Traditional Bavarian dinner, arts and crafts, food booths, carnival rides, kids’ activities, entertainment and more (fee for some activities). Noon to 11 p.m. today through Sunday. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Everett. 

Bite of Broadview. BOB offers a weekend filled with mouth-watering food and entertainment including carnival rides, live music, a beer and wine garden, marketplace booths, a kids’ zone, a car show, and more. Today from 4 to 10 p.m., various times through Sunday. Christ the King Catholic Church on Phinney, Seattle. 

 

Saturday, September 28

Free National Parks and Free State Parks Day. Happy National Public Lands Day! Visit Washington's beautiful state parks for free, and choose from more than 100 parks throughout Washington. Or, pack up for a hike at Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park. There are only a handful of these special days each year, so be sure to take advantage! 

Teen Art Show. Check out this art exhibit featuring various 2D and 3D pieces created by young artists using a wide variety of media. While partaking in this juried event, enjoy the Sammamish Valley Fall Celebration. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 21 Acres, Woodinville.  

Seattle Children’s Book Festival. This is the very first of (hopefully) many more years of this fantastic event, and you won’t want to miss out. Meet favorite authors and illustrators, participate in hands-on literacy activities and crafts, and hear several of our authors/illustrators present throughout the day. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Greenwood Elementary School, Seattle. 

Sustainable Ballard Festival. Celebrate and learn about sustainability. This year's theme is "Certified Local" featuring ways that you can commit to local, sustainable actions. The event will have hands-on activities, live music on a solar-powered stage, urban farm animals, food carts and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ballard Commons Park, Seattle. 

Wizard of Oz Movie & Crafts. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to magical crafts for all ages to enjoy. Stop by and make a Wicked Witch bookmark, Emerald City Glasses, and a fun Glinda button. Then watch The Wizard of Oz. 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Vashon Library, Vashon Island. 

 

Sunday, September 29

Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival. See gorgeous wooden vessels, go on a free boat ride, or see craft and skill demonstrations by regional boat builders. Food vendors, live music, kids' activities, and exhibits add to the excitement throughout the weekend. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today. The Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle. 

Reading with Rover. Kids who love to read or who need help reading can practice alongside a furry friend. Therapy dogs from Reading With Rover are at Third Place Books Seward Park on the last Sunday of every month to help young readers build skills, confidence, and a love for reading. 11 a.m. to noon. Third Place Books (Seward Park), Seattle. 

Pillow Fort Book Club. This fun meet-up for readers ages 8 to 12 introduces kids to some of the greatest middle-grade titles around. Discover new books, meet new friends, and encourage a life-long love of reading. Check the website for monthly picks. Parents are welcome to attend. 11 a.m. to noon. University Book Store, Mill Creek. 

Seattle Parrot Expo. Learn all about parrots and other rainforest creatures. Watch parrots fly, skate, and play basketball. There's a story time area and petting zoo, too.  Free admission; donation suggested. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., today 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Auburn Community and Events Center. 

 

Search our Family Events Calendar for more things to do with kids in Seattle this week. You can filter for events by age, location, cost and interest.

 

About the Author

Leah Winters, Calendar Editor