Summer is really on a roll now, and so are all of the free things to do. This week enjoy an outdoor movie, learn how to juggle, check out a museum or meet Smokey Bear—he still hates wearing shirts as much as he hates wildfires. The coming days also promise to bring more heat, so cool off at a wading pool, grab a cold treat, or make your basement the place to be.
Monday, July 3
Music Under the Stars Enjoy a night of classical music outside with this summer series. At 7:15 p.m., live music will be performed by a student ensemble, followed at 8 p.m. by a live audio broadcast of world-renowned artists performing at Benaroya Hall, streamed directly to the park by KING-FM. 7:15 p.m. Delridge Playfield (West Seattle), 7:15 p.m. July 5, Volunteer Park (Capitol Hill).
Juggling Club Beginner to pro, all skills are welcome in this weekly club. Bring your own items to juggle or borrow/purchase. Recommended for ages 5 and older. 7 to 8 p.m. Top Ten Toys (Greenwood).
Tuesday, July 4
Fourth of July Celebrations See a complete list of celebrations here.
Thursday, July 5
Free Summer Concerts at Ballard Locks Enjoy free outdoor concerts throughout the summer. This week’s line up: High Class Brass Quintet. 6 p.m. July 5, The Jazz Pearls 2 p.m. July 6, Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band 6 p.m. July 7, Greenwood Concert Band, 2 p.m. July 8, Thornton Creek Clarinet Choir 2 p.m. July 9.
Thursday, July 6
Free First Thursday Enjoy free admission all day to select museums (note: there may be admission for special exhibits). Many have children’s activities including story times at Northwest African American Museum(noon), Wing Luke Museum (11 a.m.), and Nordic Heritage Museum (10 a.m.). Museums participating include Burke Museum (University District), Museum of History and Industry (South Lake Union), Seattle Art Museum (Downtown Seattle), and Museum of Flight (Tukwila).
Origami in the Garden Take a look at the garden, and enjoy a hands-on origami workshop. Refreshments provided. 5 to 7 p.m. Seattle Japanese Garden (Montlake).
Paint a Kite Paint a kite to be included in Freeway Park’s 6th annual art-kite installation, which hangs in throughout the park from August to October. Noon to 2 p.m. every Thursday in July. Freeway Park (Downtown Seattle).
Friday, July 7
Small Frye: Storytelling + Art For children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers, activities include counting, identifying size, shape, and color. Play with the storytellers from Seattle Children's Theatre as they weave together an imaginative narrative and a dramatic book reading. Then enjoy a hands-on art activity. Pre-register. Held on the first Friday of every month. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Frye Art Museum (University District).
Children’s Summer Art in the Park Hands-on science related activities for kids hosted by Seattle Children's Museum. 10 a.m. to noon. Westlake Park (Downtown).
Saturday, July 8
Awesome Kids Day Live music, hands-on activities, prizes, bouncy houses, wellness information and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Town Square Park (Burien).
Exploration for All: Autism Early Open On the second Saturday of each month, families affected by autism spectrum disorder are invited to explore Pacific Science Center during a special free morning visit from 8 to 10 a.m. – before opening to the public. Experience exhibits without heavy crowds. Also, softened general lighting and decreased the noise level and visual stimulation on interactive exhibits wherever possible. Additional fee for special exhibits. Pacific Science Center (Lower Queen Anne).
Wedgewood Art Festival 12th annual Wedgwood Art Festival featuring local fine arts and crafts vendors, live music and entertainment, food trucks and children's activities. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 8-9.
Freeway Park Fountain Festival Celebrate the return of the Freeway Park fountains with water themed games, sprinklers, ice cream, live music and more. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Freeway Park (Downtown Seattle).
Seattle Fire Festival See antique fire engines; enjoy music, kids' storytelling and a special visit from Smokey Bear. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bell Street Park (Belltown).
Wallingford Family Parade Dress up your licensed pet and join the pet parade. The parade begins at the corner of Interlake Avenue and North 45th Street, runs east along North 45th Street and ends at Bagley Avenue North. Enjoy games and activities after the parade. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. North 45th Street (Wallingford).
Annual Polish Festival Explore and experience Polish cultural traditions and contemporary achievements through live music, dance performances, food, workshops, exhibits, and kids’ activities. Noon to 8 p.m. Seattle Center (Lower Queen Anne).
Cascade Kids Days Enjoy bouncy houses, imagination playground, hands-on learning, art, and entertainment. 2 to 5 p.m. Cascade Playground (South Lake Union).
Sunday, July 9
Summer Boat Parade July 4, 1917 marked the official opening of the Ballard Locks. On that day the SS Roosevelt passed through the Locks and led a marine parade of commercial and pleasure craft through the Ship Canal to Lake Union and Lake Washington. A century later, enjoy a recreation of the parade with 50 registered boats. 10:15 a.m. Ballard Locks (Ballard).
Author Asia Citro The creator of the popular blog Fun at Home with Kids brings outdoor fun to life with hands-on science and art activities from her books The Curious Kid's Science Book and A Little Bit of Dirt. 1 to 2 p.m. University Book Store (University District).
Looking for even more things to do? Here’s something for every single day of summer. And you can always check out our Family Events Calendar, searchable by age, location, and cost.
