Summer is officially winding down, with many outdoor entertainment series ending this week and the school year on the horizon. Start the week right and find a place to watch the eclipse, then, explore a state park, and learn to create a masterpiece with sidewalk chalk.
Monday, August 21
NASA Solar Eclipse Live Screening Watch the eclipse on the big screen. NASA's live coverage of the solar eclipse moving across the U.S. will include a wealth of images captured before, during, and after the eclipse by eleven spacecraft, at least three NASA aircraft, more than fifty high-altitude balloons and the astronauts aboard the International Space Station – each offering a unique vantage point. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Central Library (Downtown), Greenwood Library (Greenwood), Rainier Beach Library (Rainier Beach), and many more locations.
Explore the Beach with Naturalists Join volunteer naturalists during low tide on the beach to learn about Puget Sound's multitude of marine plants and animals. Offered at several beaches on many dates through August. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Golden Gardens (Ballard), Carkeek Park (Broadview), South Alki Beach (Alki), Seahurst Park (Burien), Lincoln Park (West Seattle), Richmond Beach (Shoreline), Saltwater State Park (Des Moines), and Olympic Sculpture Park Pocket Beach (Belltown).
Tuesday, August 22
Summer Food Invasion Field Day This summer, United Way of King County is hosting free Food Invasion Field Days across the county. Enjoy activities for all ages, including an obstacle course, bounce house, face painting, crafts, free food for all, and more. Kids can also enjoy free meals throughout the summer at various locations and times, details here. Noon to 3 p.m. Powell Barnett Park (Central District).
KidsFirst! Concert Series Outdoor entertainment geared toward kids from toddler to grade school. This week, The Not-Its! 1 to 2 p.m. East Sammamish Park (Sammamish).
Wednesday, August 23
Infant/Toddler Playgroup Parents and caregivers of young children (birth to 5 years of age) are invited to bring their youngsters and join together to play, read, create, sing, and have snacks. 10:30 a.m. to noon. FamilyWorks (Wallingford).
U Village Sounds of Summer Concert Series The last in this weekly series featuring live music from local favorites and well-known artists, with gourmet bites from U Village restaurants, a beer garden and activities in the kid’s play area. This week features the party band, Hit Explosion. 7 p.m. University Village (University District).
Thursday, August 24
Contraptions by KEVA Build and rebuild with this wooden construction toy hosted by Top Ten Toys. Recommended for ages 6 and older. 4 to 5 p.m. Top Ten Toys (Greenwood).
Cartoon Happy Hour Bring the family and watch cartoons on the big screen every Thursday 5-7 p.m. and enjoy special food and drink offers. Central Cinema (Central District).
Admiral Neighborhood Summer Concerts The last in this outdoor concert series. Enjoy tunes by kids’ favorite, Caspar Babypants. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Hiawatha Park (West Seattle).
Crossroads Movies in the Park Enjoy family activities at 7:30 p.m. followed by a screening of Moana at dusk on a 40-ft inflatable screen. Crossroads Park (Bellevue).
Friday, August 25
Free State Parks Day The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to celebrate the 101st birthday of the National Park Service. On free days, visitors don’t need a Discover Pass for day-use visits by vehicle. Check out participating parks here.
Museum Activities in the Park Kids are invited to enjoy hands-on activities provided by Pacific Science Center. 10 a.m. to noon. Westlake Park (Downtown).
Family Fun Evenings Enjoy a night of hands-on art actives, games; kid-friendly concerts and entertainers, and other special activities. 6 to 8 p.m. Donnie Chin Park (International District).
Movies in the Park Enjoy a movie outdoors, this week: Zootopia. Pre-show games, activities, and food trucks. Movie at dusk. 8 to 10 p.m. Cascade Playground (South Lake Union).
Saturday, August 26
David Zinn Sidewalk Chalk Workshop David Zinn, world-renowned sidewalk chalk artist, is leading a workshop in Seattle at the Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church parking lot. Learn how to create temporary public works of art. Pre-register. 8:30 a.m. to noon. Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church (Beacon Hill).
Sodo Summer Session Block party featuring food, games, and all-ages entertainment. Located just south of the stadiums, this community fair brings together the best of SODO – from food trucks and robots to breweries and flea market finds. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. First Avenue South & South Stacy Street (Sodo).
Tibet Fest Tibetan cultural performances, art, kids’ activities, food and more. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 26-27. Seattle Center Armory (Lower Queen Anne).
WhyILoveKenmore Summer Party Celebrate the grand opening of the Town Square and Hangar community building. This celebration will include musical guests, family-friendly activities, games, food vendors, a photo booth, and more. 5 to 9 p.m. Kenmore Town Square (Kenmore).
Sunday, August 27
Bicycle Sundays The four-mile stretch of Lake Washington Boulevard between Mount Baker Beach and Seward Park is closed to motorized traffic several Sundays through September. Enjoy biking, jogging or strolling along the water. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lake Washington Boulevard South (Mount Baker).
Summer Concerts at Ballard Locks Enjoy this outdoor concert series (various dates through Sept. 16). Today, enjoy music from The Tempos, playing lively, big band music.
Want more? You can always check out our Family Events Calendar, searchable by age, location, and cost.