Looking for ways to fill your weekday afternoons? Try a game of chess, go on a wetland adventure or play at an ocean-themed indoor playground. When the weekend arrives head to the Alaskan Way Viaduct for an arts festival (and a final chance to see Puget Sound views from the upper deck before it's demolished). Or you can welcome the Year of the Pig at a Lunar New Year celebration. Or head for the hills for a guided nature walk. There are plenty of options for free fun all around town.
Monday, January 28
Toddler Gym Play Time Get moving with trikes, slides and more at this drop-in toddler gym. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Garfield Community Center, Seattle (Central District).
Children’s Story Time Little ones ages 1 to 5 can sing songs, learn rhymes and read a story with the children’s librarian. Then stay for playtime. 10:30 to 11 a.m. Capitol Hill Library, Seattle.
Tuesday, January 29
Explore Wetlands Looking for some low-key fun without crowds? Winter is a great time to explore Washington Park Arboretum and Lake Washington’s wetlands. Park near Foster Island, slip on your mud boots, and squelch along trails, boardwalks and lookouts. You’ll be rewarded with lovely city views and wildlife sightings. Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle.
Detective Cookie’s Chess Club Learn to the play the game – or sharpen your skills – at this popular chess club that’s been ongoing for more than a decade. Designed for ages 7 and older, but all families are welcome. 3 to 5 p.m. Rainier Beach Library, Seattle.
Wednesday, January 30
Wild Wednesday at Playdate SEA Bring two canned goods to donate to the Emergency Feeding Program and enjoy free admission at this indoor, ocean-themed playground and café. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Playdate SEA, Seattle (South Lake Union).
PJ Library Song & Story Time Gather around the children’s castle and explore language through movement, rhythm, stories and activities. 11:30 a.m. to noon. Elliot Bay Book Company, Seattle (Capitol Hill).
Sewing Circuits Create your own wearable technology by combining fabrics and electronics. 1 to 4 p.m. Wallingford Branch Library, Seattle (Wallingford).
Thursday, January 31
Kids Yoga Preschoolers can learn yoga poses and fun games to develop strong minds and bodies. Pre-register. 10:30 to 11 a.m. Kirkland Branch Library, Kirkland.
Friday, February 1
Small Frye: Storytelling + Art Gather in the galleries for a dramatic storytelling by Seattle Children’s Theater. Then make art inspired by the story. Pre-registration is recommended. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Frye Art Museum, Seattle (First Hill).
Bellevue Arts Museum See what’s new at BAM with free admission on the first Friday of every month. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bellevue Arts Museum, Downtown Bellevue.
Lewis Creek Story Time Discover the tale of The Great Kapok Tree, and learn about animals that dwell in the Amazon rainforest. Pre-register. Two sessions: 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Lewis Creek Visitors Center, Bellevue.
Saturday, February 2
Step Forward: SR 99 Festival and Tunnel Preview Say goodbye to the viaduct and hello to the future of SR 99. Today there’s an arts festival (12:30 p.m.), tunnel and viaduct tours, an 8K fun run, STEM activities and more. Pre-register for some activities. Various times today and Sun. Alaskan Way Viaduct, Seattle.
Kidstock! This family arts celebration features music, theatre, art workshops and more. Hear kindie rock band Recess Monkey on the main stage at 9:45 a.m. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.
Discovery Days Tour the aquarium at MaST Center, where more than 250 species of Puget Sound marine life are on display. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Marine Science and Technology Center, Des Moines.
Ranger-Led Hike Take a 1-mile hike with a ranger, and learn about the natural and cultural history of Lewis Creek Park. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Lewis Creek Visitors Center, Bellevue.
Lunar New Year Family Festival Ring in the Year of the Pig with live music, martial arts demos, gallery tours and art activities. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seattle Art Museum, Downtown Seattle.
GroundFrog Day Celebration Is spring on the way? In this quirky tradition, a frog (not a hog) will croak the answer. There’ll be games and crafts for kids, music and photo ops. 12:30 to 2 p.m. Downtown Ave A Gazebo, Snohomish.
Sammamish Lunar New Year Celebration Learn calligraphy, experience a traditional tea ceremony, watch Korean drumming, make art and more. 1 to 4 p.m. Central Washington University, Sammamish.
Sunday, February 3
GRANDfamilies Play Day If you’re a grandparent raising grandchildren full time, head to Everett for a free day of hands-on play at the children’s museum. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Imagine Children’s Museum, Everett.
Volunteer Park Conservatory Warm up and explore the tropical gardens at Volunteer Park Conservatory. Admission is free through Feb. 28. 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Volunteer Park Conservatory, Seattle (Capitol Hill).
Winter Discover Walk Take a short exploratory stroll through the watershed. Then take a closer look at nature through the lens of a microscope. Pre-register. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cedar River Watershed Education Center, North Bend.
Bow Wows and Books Bring a favorite book (or choose one from the library) and practice reading to certified therapy dogs. 3 to 4 p.m. Northgate Branch Library, Seattle (Northgate).
Looking for more? Check our Family Event Calendar, searchable by age, location and cost.
