Seattle Fall Fun Guide: 40+ things to do with kids this season

Crisp air, golden leaves, and pumpkin-spiced everything — fall is here, and it’s one of the best seasons to explore things to do in Seattle with kids. Your family may love crunching through trails, picking apples straight from the tree, or finding fun ways to play indoors when the rain rolls in, and we’ve got it all. There’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season.

Here are dozens of kid-approved adventures — hikes and harvest festivals to art projects and cozy afternoons at home — to help you savor every autumn weekend.

Outdoor Fun

See the larches. Golden needles, mountain air, and kid-sized wonder — there’s nothing like fall larch season in the Pacific Northwest. Head to one of these stunning hikes where kids can crunch leaves and spot the trees glowing gold. Find family-friendly larch hikes near Seattle.

Visit a pumpkin patch. No fall is complete without a family trip to the pumpkin patch. Hunt for the perfect pumpkin, hop on a hayride, and sip hot cider surrounded by autumn color. Check out our guide to Seattle-area pumpkin patches.

Take a fall hike. Bundle up and breathe in the crisp air on one of these easy, kid-friendly fall hikes. From forest trails to lakeside loops, these walks are perfect for spotting changing leaves. Explore our favorite fall hikes.

Pick apples at a local farm. Apple picking season is short — and sweet! Load up the car, grab a basket, and head to one of these nearby orchards for a day of fresh air and juicy fruit. Find u-pick apple farms near Seattle.

Meet some furry friends. Animal sanctuaries offer kids a heartwarming way to connect with creatures great and small. Spend the day learning, petting, and supporting local rescues. Plan a family visit to an animal sanctuary.

Go troll hunting. They’re big, whimsical, and hiding in plain sight! Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s giant troll sculptures are scattered around the region — and discovering them feels like a fairy-tale quest. Find all five trolls near Seattle.

Make a nature collection. Turn an ordinary walk into a mini adventure by gathering fall leaves, acorns, and other treasures. It’s a simple way to help kids connect with the season’s colors and textures. Learn how to make a nature collection.

Stroll a wetland boardwalk. Watch ducks paddle and herons hunt along peaceful wetland trails. These family-friendly boardwalks make nature exploration easy for all ages and stroller types. See five Seattle-area wetlands to explore.

Play at a themed playground. Let imaginations run wild at playgrounds inspired by castles, trains, and even sea creatures. You’ll find creative play structures all around the Seattle area. Discover our top picks for themed playgrounds.

Ride a family-friendly bike trail. Beyond the Burke-Gilman, there are plenty of trails perfect for little legs and training wheels. Pack snacks, helmets, and go explore the region on two wheels. Find kid-friendly bike trails to try.

Visit a farm or petting zoo. Kids can meet goats, feed chickens, and learn where food comes from at local farms. Many spots offer hayrides, markets, and open barns all autumn long. See our favorite family farms and petting zoos.

Explore a garden park. Even in fall, Seattle’s garden parks burst with color and calm. Wander the paths, watch koi ponds, or simply enjoy the peace of a crisp day outdoors. Explore five kid-friendly garden parks.

Volunteer together. Doing good feels even better in sweater weather. Find family-friendly volunteer projects that teach kids about kindness and community impact. See ways to volunteer as a family.

Join a fun run. Dress up, stretch out, and hit the course! Fall fun runs combine exercise with festive themes — from Halloween costumes to turkey trots. Check out fall fun runs around Seattle.

Watch the salmon run. Nothing says Northwest fall like spotting salmon leaping upstream. Head to the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery to watch nature’s migration up close. Read our family review of the hatchery.

Indoor Fun

Explore indoor play & activities. Rainy day? No problem. Seattle offers tons of indoor playgrounds and creative activity centers where kids can climb, imagine, and play while you sip something warm. Check out our definitive guide to inside activities around Seattle.

Take a swim lesson. When the weather cools down, head indoors and make a splash. From tots to teens, Seattle-area pools offer lessons that build confidence and safety in the water. Find swim lessons near you.

Catch a show. Seattle’s stages are buzzing this fall with kid-friendly plays, musicals, and performances for every age. From puppets to fairy tales, these shows make a perfect family outing. See our fall theater guide.

Play in the sand — indoors! The rain can’t stop sandcastles at Sandgarden in Issaquah. Kids can dig, pour, and build to their hearts’ content while parents relax in a comfy beach-vibe setting. Read our parent review.

Visit a museum. Seattle’s museums are full of hands-on exhibits and fascinating discoveries for every age — from MoPOP’s pop-culture icons to MOHAI’s deep dive into local history. Read more about MoPOP, Pacific Science Center, Frye Art Museum, MOHAI, and The Museum of Flight.

Visit for free on First Thursdays. Mark your calendar for the first Thursday of each month, when many Seattle museums open their doors for free. It’s the perfect way to explore new exhibits without spending a dime. Find free First Thursday museum days.

Be inspired by young artists. Check out the latest exhibit at King Street Station, where teen curators bring fresh perspectives to Seattle’s arts scene. It’s a thoughtful, creative experience for kids and parents alike. Learn more about the exhibit.

Bounce, climb, and zip. Sky Zone in Mountlake Terrace offers a giant ninja course, zip lines, slides, and trampolines for hours of high-energy play. Rainy-day wiggles? Solved. Get the details.

Inflate the fun. Arena Sports’ Inflatable Fun Zone is a hit for preschoolers and grade-schoolers alike. Let them climb, bounce, and burn energy while you cheer them on from the sidelines. Read our parent review.

Play a game together. Grab a table at Mox Boarding House, where families can enjoy board games, food, and cozy vibes — or pick up a new favorite to take home. Discover Mox.

Explore local game shops. Want even more ways to play? Seattle-area game stores invite you to shop, stay, and roll the dice with fellow gamers of all ages. Find game stores where you can play and buy.

Flip out over pinball. Step into a world of lights and sound at the Seattle Pinball Museum. Admission covers unlimited play — and endless nostalgia. Plan your visit.

Explore beneath the waves. The Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion brings shimmering sea life and interactive experiences to downtown. Perfect for a drizzly afternoon. See what’s new at the Aquarium.

Visit a local library. Cozy up with a good story at one of the Puget Sound region’s coolest libraries, or drop in for a free storytime for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Tour our favorite libraries or find a storytime near you.

Browse a bookstore. Pair books and bites at independent bookstores that welcome young readers — and their parents’ coffee cravings. Explore Seattle-area bookstores with cafés.

Grab a cozy cup. When you need a caffeine boost and the kids need space to play, head to one of Seattle’s many kid-friendly coffee shops. See our favorites.

Spooky Fall Fun

Go mini golfing with monsters. Glow-in-the-dark golf, spooky decor, and silly fun await at Monster Mini Golf in Bellevue. Kids will love the themed holes and arcade games — it’s all frightfully good fun without the scares. Plan your visit.

Enjoy not-so-scary Halloween fun. You don’t need jump scares to celebrate spooky season! From pumpkin patches and parades to costume contests and trick-or-treat trails, there are plenty of ways for families to join in the Halloween spirit. Find not-so-scary Halloween ideas here.

Find a family Halloween event. From Boo-fests to harvest carnivals, the Seattle area is packed with Halloween happenings for every age and comfort level. Grab your costumes and get exploring! See our full guide to in-person Halloween events.

Celebrate spooky season for free. Halloween fun doesn’t have to cost a thing. Check out free Trunk-or-Treats, downtown trick-or-treat walks, and community carnivals happening throughout October. Explore top free Halloween events near Seattle.

Host a pumpkin-carving party. Grab your pumpkins, stencils, and snacks for a cozy carving night at home. Turn it into a family or neighborhood tradition with music, games, and prizes for the silliest or spookiest design. Get our pumpkin-carving party tips.

Cozy Fall Fun at Home

Get crafty with fall art projects. When the weather turns chilly, bring the colors of fall indoors. From leaf collages to apple prints, these easy art ideas will keep little hands busy and imaginations bright. Try these fall craft projects and this simple art activity.

Make spooky snacks. Turn snack time into a Halloween celebration with these fun, frightfully cute recipes. Think banana ghosts, monster apples, and spiderweb cupcakes your little trick-or-treaters will love. Get the recipes.

Roast perfect pumpkin seeds. Don’t toss those seeds after carving — roast them! This easy recipe turns leftovers into a crunchy, lightly salted snack that’s fun to make with kids. Here’s the secret to perfect roasted pumpkin seeds.

Read together. Curl up with a blanket and a stack of good books. The Alliance for Education’s fall book list highlights stories that spark curiosity, kindness, and creativity for readers of all ages. Browse the book list.

Create a nature collection. Head outside, gather leaves, pinecones, and acorns, then turn them into art at home. It’s a simple way to blend outdoor exploration with cozy indoor creativity. Learn how to make one.

Celebrate Diwali with crafts. The Festival of Lights brings color and joy to fall. Kids can make their own paper diyas and lanterns while learning about the holiday’s traditions and meaning. Make festive Diwali crafts.

Have we convinced you that Seattle has something magical waiting around every corner this season?! Bookmark this guide for fall things to do in Seattle with kids and check off a few ideas each week — your memories are waiting to be made.