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 May 16-17, 2026.
Koi Day 2026
- Date: Sat, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Location: Seattle Japanese Garden
- Cost: Admission is free for all youth 12 and under on Family Saturday.
After a slowing down for the cold winter, the koi at the Seattle Japanese Garden are ready to welcome in the warm season with friends and a feast! Bring your family to the Japanese Garden in Montlake for a koi presentation and a performance by Kokon Taiko and then help feed the koi to usher in summer. Be sure to stick around for a Q & A by the Washington Koi & Water Garden Society. Tickets can be bought at the ticket booth onsite.
Walk for Rice
- Date: Sat, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Location: Seward Park
- Cost: FREE
Since 1990, Walk for Rice has raised over $4 million to fight hunger across our region. Lace up your shoes this Saturday and bring along your family to help raise awareness about food insecurity in Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities by walking through Seward Park. Money raised will help the ACRS Food Bank in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District distribute nearly one million pounds of food, including culturally familiar staples like rice, tofu, and fresh produce, to about 5000 families and people across King County. Walk for Rice is an event that brings communities together during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month so that everyone has access to the foods that feel like home.
Dozer Days Seattle
- Date: Sat, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Location: Washington State Fair Events Center
- Cost: $12. Kids under 2 are free
Dozer Days is like going to the fair, only the rides are real heavy construction equipment and big rigs. Kids will get to hop in the operator’s seat and actually operate dozers, excavators, and other heavy equipment with a professional operator by their side. If you can’t go past a construction site without stopping to watch the equipment at work, then this event is for you! Not only will your little ones love it, but money raised will benefit various local children’s charities.
Classic Workboat Show
- Date: Sat, May 16 and Sun, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: Lake Union Park
- Cost: FREE
The annual Classic Workboat Show produced by Northwest Seaport is happening in South Lake Union this weekend. Head down and explore real tugboats, fishing boats, and emergency response vessels at Lake Union Park. Some are retired classics, and others are still on the job, moving cargo, keeping our waterways safe, or bringing home the catch. Meet the captains and crew and get an up-close look at the long-established prime movers of our regional economy! In addition to boat tours, there will be engine demonstrations and snacks available for a small donation. The show is free and open to everyone.
Me….Jane
- Date: Sat, May 16 at 1:30 p.m.
- Location: Kirkland Performing Arts Center
- Cost: $10
Studio East is proud to present a new musical based on the children’s book, Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell. On a beautiful day, Jane’s mother encourages her to explore her neighborhood with her stuffed monkey, Jubilee. Little does she know she’ll have a grand adventure filled with worried chickens, hungry squirrels, and friendly puppies all while discovering the power of learning through observation and analysis. The show, about famous primatologist Jane Goodall, runs 60 minutes long and is perfect for kids 4 and older and their families.
