Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

20 Free Things To Do With Kids in the Seattle area, April 16-22

Explore a national park (for free!), plant a tree, learn about Japan, go for a sail.

Ongoing

Ballard Playspace Check out this indoor play space for ages 8 and younger featuring a giant play structure, mini turf area for running around, push cars, and a special area for infants and toddlers. 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday (this week only). Ballard Church, Seattle (Ballard).

 

Monday, April 16

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival This month long festival celebrates tulips and features a variety of family friendly activities. This weekend, check out the Downtown Mount Vernon Street Fair (April 21-22). Here are 5 tips to make the best of your trip. Various locations throughout Skagit Valley.

Alphabet Soup–A Story & Song Show Explore songs, stories, puppets and poems from one of the Northwest's favorite songwriters and children's author, Eric Ode. 10:30 a.m. Skyway Library, Seattle (Skyway).

Tinkerlab Drop-In: All about Electricity! Tinkerlab is a weekly all-ages program that introduces S.T.E.M. concepts through play and experimentation. Today, learn about electronic components and basic principles of electronics with Snap Circuits. 4 to 7 p.m. Delridge Branch Library, West Seattle.

 

Tuesday, April 17

University Village Play Days Each week a different store hosts a special activity for kids. This week, Kids Club is hosting. 10 to 11 a.m. University Village, Seattle (U District).

StoryTime for Kids Enjoy dramatic readings of the best in new and classic kids books followed by activities and entertainment. Recommended for ages 3 to 7. 11 a.m. to noon. University Book Store, Seattle (U District).

 

Thursday, April 19

Children’s Hour at Scarecrow Video Preschoolers and kindergartners can learn all about animal life in this ten-week, drop-in series. Each week, kids will enjoy video clips, books, and hands-on activities related to a different element of animal life. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Scarecrow Video, Seattle (Ravenna).

Tots Jam with Jessie McKenna Children ages 5 and younger are invited to join a sing-along, read books, dance, and make art.  10:30 a.m. Beacon Arts (Beacon Hill). 

Top Ten Toys Play Day Kids can create a special craft in celebration of Earth Day. 4 to 5 p.m. Top Ten Toys, Seattle (Greenwood).

 

Friday, April 20

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Festival Experience Japanese culture through Taiko drumming performances, artisan demonstrations, hands-on activities and games, food, a marketplace and more. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 20-22. Seattle Center Armory and Fisher Pavilion, Seattle (Lower Queen Anne).

 

Saturday, April 21

Free National Parks Day Celebrate National Park Week with free admission to national parks throughout the state including Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park. Additional fees may apply for activities such as camping and special tours.

Autism Early Open Families affected by autism spectrum disorder are invited to explore Pacific Science Center with a morning visit closed to the general public. Also, enjoy softened general lighting and decreased noise level and visual stimulation on interactive exhibits wherever possible. Additional fee for special exhibits. 8 to 10 a.m. Pacific Science Center (Lower Queen Anne).

Earth Day Celebration Visit the Magnuson Children’s Garden to take part in art and nature projects, gardening, weeding, and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Magnuson Children’s Garden, Seattle (Sand Point).

Arbor Day-Earth Day Family Festival Celebrate Earth Day with environmental groups who will host nature walks, hands-on activities, and a ceremonial tree planting (11:30 a.m.). 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lewis Creek Park, Bellevue.

Wildlife Festival Celebrate Earth Day with kids activities, wildlife hikes, bird watching, arts and crafts, free Ranger Rick magazines, and more. 1 to 5 p.m. Discovery Park, Seattle (Magnolia).

Free Planetarium Show The Secret Lives of Stars goes into more depth about the actual nature of stars and their differences. Ages 6 and older. Space is limited. Get tickets online. 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Geer Planetarium at Bellevue College, Bellevue.

Here are more Seattle-area Earth Day events and — while we're on the subject — Earth Day resolutions your family can accomplish without totally changing your lives.

Sunday, April 22

Earth Day Celebration Day From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. participate in fun art activities and admire the creative reuse children’s art show at Chocolati. From noon to 2 p.m. make seed starters to take home (and eat some chocolate) at Seattle Recreative. Chocolati and Seattle Recreative, Seattle (Greenwood).

Spring Restoration Day in Volunteer Park Help restore and maintain the beauty of Volunteer Park. Gloves and tools are provided. Plus, enjoy free coffee and donuts. Meet at Volunteer Park at 15th Avenue East & East Highland Street on the east side of the park. Volunteer Park, Seattle (Capitol Hill). 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday Public Sail Each Sunday, the Center for Wooden Boats offers free 45-minute rides on Lake Union. Set sail on one of many classic boats. Sign up for a slot in person, several trips throughout the day. Space is limited. Sign up begins at 10 a.m. Center for Wooden Boats (Lake Union). 

Lego Mania The meeting room will be full of blocks for kids to build whatever they can imagine.  1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Montlake Branch Library, Seattle (Montlake). 

 

See even more events on our Family Events Calendar! Searchable by age, location, and cost. 

About the Author

Nicole Santora, Calendar Editor