Looking for a free, fun-filled family outing this spring? Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 27, 2025, as The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) invites families from across the Puget Sound region to its 4th annual Free Boating Day at the South Lake Union campus in Seattle.
This special event, running from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., celebrates the opening day of CWB’s beloved Public Sail program, a tradition that has been part of Seattle’s waterfront culture for over 25 years.
What families should expect
- Free boat rides in traditional wooden rowboats and sailboats on beautiful Lake Union
- Toy Boat Building — a hands-on favorite for kids of all ages
- Woodshop Demonstrations — see the magic of wooden boat craftsmanship
- Knot Tying Workshops — learn essential sailor skills together
- Pond Boat Regatta Viewing — hosted by the Pacific Northwest Model Yacht Club
- Wooden Boat Storytime — engaging tales that bring maritime history to life
- Free access to the museum and new exhibits
No RSVP or tickets are required—show up and enjoy! All activities and boat rides are entirely free of charge, making this a perfect spring weekend adventure for families looking to connect with the water, Seattle’s maritime history, and each other.
The event also kicks off the 2025 Public Sail season, with free boat rides available on the last Sunday of each month through October. Available public sailing dates include: 4/27, 5/25, 6/29, 7/27, 8/31, 9/28, and 10/26.
For full event details, visit The Center for Wooden Boats website.
