Hey there, families, and welcome to Erika’s Picks. For years, I’ve been looking for the best family-friendly events happening each weekend around the greater Seattle area. Whether you’re looking to explore a new park, attend a fun workshop, or catch a local performance, I’ve got you covered. Each week, I’ll share my handpicked activities that will keep the little ones entertained, engaged, and maybe even learning something new. So, grab your calendar, gather up your crew, and get ready for a fun-filled weekend! Let’s dive into Seattle family events for the weekend of Oct 10-11, 2026.
Halloween Trail (Photo courtesy Northwest Railway Museum)
Halloween Train Northwest Railway Museum
- Date: Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11, at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
- Location: North Bend Depot or Snoqualmie Depot
- Cost: Adults $32 | Seniors $28 | Children $16 | Children 2 and up must have a ticket.
The only thing better than a train ride is a train ride with treats. Come hop aboard the Northwest Railway Museum’s Halloween Train this weekend and enjoy a fall-decorated ride through the picturesque upper Snoqualmie Valley. Be sure to check out the fun, seasonal activities at the museum and visit the Train Shed Exhibit Hall. You may board the train at the North Bend Depot or the Snoqualmie Depot, and all kids arriving in costume will receive a small prize!
(Photo courtesy WSP)
Washington State Parks Free Day
- Date: Saturday, October 10, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Location: Washington State Parks
- Cost: Free
Washington public land agencies have designated special days in 2026 when no Discover Pass is required to park at Washington state parks, or on land managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. This Saturday, World Mental Health Day, is one of those days. It’s the perfect time to get outside and see the changing colors of fall!
(Photo courtesy Mountains to Sound Greenway)
Celebrate the Start of Tree Planting Season
- Date: Saturday, October 9, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Location: Sammamish State Park
- Cost: Free
Join the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and celebrate the start of the planting season with a morning of planting trees at Lake Sammamish State Park! This year, you’ll help the Trust complete their goal of planting 10,000 trees and shrubs along Issaquah Creek! They have been working on habitat restoration for over 20 years, and your efforts will build on that to support wildlife habitats, create cooler water for salmon, and improve air and water quality. The event is open to all ages and great for families, individuals, groups, and work teams, so bring your friends and family to help create healthier habitats and communities!
(Photo courtesy Tilth Alliance)
Little Garden Chefs: Apple Sauce
- Date: Saturday, October 10, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Location: Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands
- Cost: $20-30. Each ticket is for one caregiver, and one child
Autumn is officially apple season so come and celebrate this wonderful fruit at this hands-on family camp hosted by Tilth Alliance. In 90 minutes, you will work together to prepare a batch of homemade applesauce to sample, and take home using apples sourced directly from Tilth growing spaces. Plus, you’ll learn about fall produce and the seasons through songs, movement, and stories. You’ll also use your senses to explore and compare different apple varieties through colors, tastes, and textures. The event is great for kids 3-5, and each kid must have a parent or caregiver in attendance.
From SCT’s ‘Leonardo’ (Photo by Ben Kauffman)
Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster
- Date: Saturday, October 10, from 11 to 11:45 a.m.
- Location: Seattle Children’s Theatre
- Cost: $20+
This show is the least scary thing you’ll see this Halloween season because while Leonardo tries to be a scary monster, he just…isn’t. Until he hatches a plan to find the most scaredy-cat kid in the world. Will Leonardo finally get to scare someone? Or will it be the start of an unlikely friendship? Join Seattle Children’s Theatre this Saturday for a not-very-frightening romp with a not-very-scary monster and discover that it doesn’t have to be scary to make new friends. Based on the book by beloved author Mo Willems, Leonardo! A Wonderful Show about a Terrible Monster uses hundreds of puppets and props to bring the story to life. The show runs through November 1.
