There’s something for every family's interests on this week’s free fun list: 10 museums to explore, touch-a-truck fun, rock climbing, lantern making and a lantern parade, the salmon migration, cultural festivals, a book exchange, a back-to-school tampon drive and more. Have a fun week (on the cheap)!
Tuesday, September 3
End of Summer Celebration Party with books, bubbles, crafts and popsicles on the lawn. 6 to 7:30 a.m. Queen Anne Branch Library, Seattle.
Wednesday, September 4
¡Hora De Cuentos! Sing songs, learn rhymes and listen to stories in Spanish and English. Spanish speakers and those interested in the language are welcome. 10:30 to 11 a.m. Columbia Branch Library, Seattle.
PJ Library Song & Storytime PJ Library is back from summer break and ready to sing songs and read stories for tots and toddlers. Meet by the castle weekly on Wednesdays. 11:30 a.m. The Elliot Bay Book Company, Seattle (Capitol Hill).
Thursday, September 5
Free First Thursday Most museums offer free admission today, and some have special children’s activities planned. Check our list of museum family favorites, or call a museum to check their free hours.
Community Sing (and Play) Along Sing and play your favorite songs while meeting neighbors and having fun. No musical experience is required – all are welcome. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Redmond Community Center, Redmond.
Friday, September 6
Lantern-Making Workshop Create your own lantern to light the night. Then bring your lantern to the Arts-A-Glow Lantern Festival on Saturday (see below). Space is limited; free tickets will be distributed starting at 2 p.m. Two sessions: 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. and 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Burien Library.
S’mores at BAM Make s’mores with artist Oscar Tuazon as he lights up his furnace sculpture “Everything Is Burning” during the museum’s Free First Friday. 5 to 7 p.m. Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue.
Back to School BBQ Welcome fall with a BBQ and games. 6 to 8 p.m. Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center, Seattle.
Saturday, September 7
Family Saturday: Respect for Elders Day Here’s a good grandparent outing: Read a book about an eccentric grandmother, then do hands-on watercolor. Admission is free for all seniors and youth ages 12 and younger. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; guided garden tours at 12:30 p.m. Seattle Japanese Garden, Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle.
San Gennaro Festival Celebrate Italian culture at this fun, three-day street fair. 6 to 10 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today (Sat.), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun. Georgetown, Seattle.
Fair on 44th Health & Safety Block Party This party has all the kid favorites: games, bike rodeo, huge touch-a-truck, climbing wall, and demonstrations from K-9 and motorcycle police units. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 44th Ave W and 188th St. SW in Lynnwood.
Ranger-led Hike Join a park ranger for an easy hike while you look for wildlife and learn about natural and cultural history. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Lewis Creek Visitors Center, Bellevue.
Book Exchange & Tampon Drive Bring sci-fi, mystery, cookbooks and kids’ books for trading (or purchasing for $1-$2). Bring a box of tampons or pads for a back-to-school tampon drive that helps Seattle schools stock up for students in need. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Phinney Neighborhood Center, Seattle.
Cedar River Salmon Journey Watch salmon migrate through the Ballard Locks and learn from volunteer naturalists. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hiram M. Chittenden Ballard Locks.
Mountain Fest Learn to rock climb, rappel and enjoy mountain-themed games and activities. Arrive early to sign up for a time slot and sign a waiver for rock climbing and rappelling. Here's a more detailed account from a family who loved the event last year. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Camp Long, West Seattle.
Arts-A-Glow Lantern Festival Make your own lantern, then walk in a procession at dusk. The festival includes face painting, live music, circus performers and more. 5 to 10 p.m. Dottie Harper Park, Burien.
Sunday, September 8
Sunday Public Sail Take a cruise around Lake Union on a beautiful boat. Sign up for a time slot in person; several trips throughout the day. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle (South Lake Union).
Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival Celebrate Hawaiian culture with music, hula- and lei-making workshops, food, dance and more. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Seattle Center.
