Do you love the Blue Angels? Or are you like me: tucking into corners when the flybys threaten to shatter windows? While there is plenty of Seafair action around town, there is also plenty of lower-decibel fun. From light shows and fossil digs to free museums and story times, where's what's free this week.
Throughout the Week
Seafair Fleet Week Welcome vessels and personnel from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy at the parade of ships on Monday, July 29, 12:30 p.m. Ship tours are offered fro 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. all week. Piers 66 and 69, Seattle Waterfront.
Free Week at White River Valley Museum Learn about regional heritage, from Muckleshoot Indian canoes to the Japanese American farmhouse. Kids are admitted free with each paying adult. Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. White River Valley Museum, Auburn.
Monday
Robots, Rockets and Space Aliens Build space-aged creations with everyday materials. 10 a.m. to noon. Seattle ReCreative, Occidental Square, Seattle.
Captain Awesome Sauce Enjoy a kid-friendly concert on the lawn at Juanita Beach Park. After the show, explore the wetlands along the nearby boardwalk. 10 to 11 a.m. Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland.
Tuesday
Pop-Up Park Play Meet families and friends on the lawn for a game of giant Jenga, corn hole and more. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Downtown Park, Redmond.
Drop-in Chess Come play a casual game of chess. All skill levels are welcome, and chess coaches are on hand to help. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. High Point Branch Library, West Seattle.
Wednesday
Explore the Beach with Naturalists Take a low-tide walk along the shore and learn about Puget Sound’s marine plants and animals. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Various beach locations.
Just Kidding Around Concert Series Today Mikey Mike the Rad Scientist invites your kids to bring science and nature to life with interactive music. 11 a.m. to noon. Park at Bothell Landing Amphitheater, Bothell.
Summer Meals Field Day Enjoy bouncy houses, music, games, face painting and family activities. A free lunch will be provided to all kids, teens and adults. Noon to 3 p.m. Othello Park, Seattle.
Fossil Hunters Help the Burke Museum sort and classify fossils while learning how fossils are used to tell stories about the past. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Lake City Branch Library, Seattle.
Thursday
Free First Thursdays It’s every art lover’s favorite day of the month! Most museums offer free admission today. Check museum websites for free hours.
Wandering and Wondering Exhibit and Butoh Performance Encounter dancers and musicians as they respond to scents, sounds and sensations in the Japanese Garden. 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Seattle Japanese Garden, Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle.
Friday
Seafair Weekend A Pacific Northwest tradition since 1950! Watch the hydroplane races, BMX bike competitions, and Blue Angels air show. General admission is free on Friday. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lake Washington and Genesee Park.
Magnolia Summerfest Watch the original “Mary Poppins” on the playfield, walk in the kids’ parade, enjoy arts and crafts, and more. 1 to 11 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Magnolia Playfield, Seattle.
Salish Stories and Discoveries Learn about Mt. Rainier and morals about persistence through local Coast Salish culture. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Donnie Chin International Children’s Park, Seattle.
Saturday
Cascade Kids Days Enjoy bouncy houses, games, art, workshops and more. Noon to 3 p.m. Cascade Playground, Seattle.
Our Big Neighborhood: Global Playground Hula-hoop, play Jenga and corn hole, dance to local DJs, do crafts and learn about culture. 2 to 5 p.m. Seattle Center Artists at Play Playground.
Lusio Lights Awaken your senses at this family friendly festival of light and sound. Explore 30+ light art installations, plus video projections, glowing textiles, kaleidoscopes, crystal caves and live performances. Dusk (8 p.m.) to 11 p.m. Volunteer Park, Seattle.
Sunday
GRANDFamilies Play Day Grandparents and Grand-caregivers can enjoy the children’s museum with their little ones for free today. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Imagine Children’s Museum, Everett.
Mary Olson Farm Day Meet cows, chickens and mini donkeys and explore the historic farmhouse. Noon to 5 p.m. Mary Olson Farm, Kent.
Ranger Hike Take an hour-long guided tour through the nature park and across the channel bridge. Please RSVP. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, Bellevue.
