Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

Close up shot of hand holding palm-sized brown and white striped lizard.

(Image courtesy Pacific Northwest Reptile & Exotic Animal Show)

Erika’s Picks: Family fun this weekend, January 25-26, 2025

Medieval fairs, reptile shows, and Lunar New Year!

Hey there families, and welcome to Erika’s Picks. For years, I’ve been on the lookout for the best kid-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 are sure to keep the little ones entertained, engaged, and maybe even learning something new along the way. So, grab your calendar, gather up your crew, and get ready for a weekend full of fun! Let’s dive into the picks for this weekend, January 25 and 26, 2025.

Ursulmas Medieval Faire

  • Saturday January 25 and Sunday January 26: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Evergreen State Fairgrounds
  • Cost: $35+ for adults, $10+ for youth (13-17), and free for kids (12 and under)

The Barony of Aquaterra, SCA, Inc. invites you to its annual Ursulmas Medieval Faire this weekend. Come witness tournaments of armored and fencing combat, enjoy youth activities, view the historical displays, listen to entertainers, and watch demonstrations of everyday living in the Middle Ages. There is also a vast Marketplace bursting with unique handmade crafts and treasures to explore. The event is great for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Three women smile at the camera, standing close together in medieval garb and crowns, holding scepters.

Scenes from Ursulmas 2024. (Image: Michael Todd Media)

Reptile & Exotic Animal Show

  • Saturday January 25: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday January 26: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Washington State Fairgrounds
  • Cost: $15 for adults, $7 for youth (6-10), and free for kids (under 5)

Come and see the largest reptile and exotic animal show in the Northwest with your family this weekend. Pacific Northwest Reptile & Exotic Animal Show (PACNWRS) offers the best educational displays with over 150 vendors showcasing reptiles, amphibians, exotic plants, and animals — as well as everything needed for their care. The event will also have several food concession windows and a beer garden for a lunch break while at the event.

STEAM Saturday

  • Saturday January 25 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Garfield Community Center
  • Cost: $15 (register online)

Come explore and learn about your connection to nature through your senses. You will discover ways to approach the world through science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. This workshop series is taught by Seattle Parks and Recreation Naturalists and is great for kids ages 1-6 and their caregivers. Learn more and register on the Seattle Parks and Recreation Activities Page.

Lunar New Year Celebration

  • Saturday January 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Bellevue Square
  • Cost: Free

Celebrate The Year of the Snake at The Bellevue Collection on Saturday. This Lunar New Year event will feature live traditional and contemporary cultural performances including a Chinese Lion and Dragon Parade, martial arts, music, dance and complimentary activities such as arts and crafts for all ages. Be sure to explore the interactive screen while you are there which explores traditions from Chinese New Year, Tết, and Korean New Year.

Edible Book Festival

  • Saturday January 25 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park
  • Cost: Free

Read any good books over the holidays? Maybe one that is good enough to eat? That’s what the Edible Books Festival is all about — bringing books to life through baking and delicious decorating arts. This lighthearted culinary, artistic, and punny literary celebration showcases creations made from food and inspired by works of literature. Think “Gourd of the Rings”, “War and Peas”, and “The Life of Pie”, to name a few. All ages can join this fun event and even sign up to create their own edible book display.

Red dragon laid on a plate made out of hot cheetos.

“Wings of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos” by Darby Miller won the 2021 Judges Choice Youth Award. (Image: Edible Book Festival)

About the Author

Erika Bigelow

Erika lives in Seattle with her husband, three human kids, two furry kids and a school of fish. When she's not scribbling, cooking or chauffeuring, Erika enjoys running and reading, although not simultaneously.