Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

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Free Kid-Friendly Events this Weekend

Find no-cost family fun in and around Seattle

Here are FREE kid-friendly events happening in and around the Seattle area this MLK weekend, with no school on Monday.

 

Community Celebration at South Seattle College

Friday, January 17. 9:30 a.m. ā€“ 2 p.m.

Location:Ā Brockey Center South Seattle College, 6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Cost:Ā Free, but RSVP here.

All ages

Seattle College will hold its 52nd annual Community Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr., at Brockey Center at South Seattle College on Friday, Jan. 17. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for breakfast and socializing. The program will include keynote speaker Tim Wise, National and International Award-Winning Gospel Choir music, Danell Daymon and Greater Works, and emcee by the two-time Emmy Award-winning reporter and morning anchor for Kiro 7 TV, Deedee Sun. Reverend Dr. Phyllis Beaumonteand will pray and give blessings. If you plan to attend this yearā€™s celebration, please RSVP by Friday, January 3, at 5 p.m. to ensure enough food and seating for everyone.

 

Tots on Trails – Tacoma

Friday, January 17. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (every Friday until April 4)

Location:Ā Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter,Ā 5519 Five Mile Dr.Ā Tacoma,Ā WAĀ 98407

Cost:Ā Free

Ages:Ā 18 months and older

See Point Defiance from a kidsā€™ point of view. Children ages 18 months and up are invited to join Park Guide Jenn on a toddler-led hike through Point Defiance Park. Explore the parkā€™s trails and enjoy and a quick lesson on plant safety and taking care of the environment.

 

Seattle Kraken Open Practice – Free

Saturday, January 17. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Expected to start at 11:30 a.m.

Location:Ā Kraken Community Iceplex,Ā 10601 5th Ave NE,Ā Seattle,Ā WAĀ 98125

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

Come watch your Seattle Kraken open practice at their official training facility for free. The Starbucks Rink can accommodate up to 600 fans. Practices are free and open to the public. First come, first served.Ā Doors open at 9:45 am. Practice times vary, but run primarily between 10-12 p.m. Please check the website for day-of practice updates.

 

Visit the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum

January 17-18. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday)

Location:Ā 3407 109th St SW, Everett, WA 98204

Cost:Ā Free to the public, tours do cost extra

All ages

The Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum is free to the public starting in 2025 and is open from Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and located in Everett, displaying the preservation of rare military aircraft, tanks and other military equipment. With 26 aircraft and over 30 vehicles to inspire guests, there is plenty to see within the nearly 110,000 sq. ft. of expansive exhibit space.Ā 

 

Family Story Time at Northgate Branch Library

Friday, January 17.Ā 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Every Friday. (until March 7)

Location: Northgate Library Branch SPL, 10548 5th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125

Cost: Free

Ages: 0-5 with caregiver

At Family Story Time at Northgate Branch Library, kids ages 0-5 and their families can enjoy stories, songs, and fun learning activities. They will read stories, sing songs, and have engaging, educational activities that help kids and their caregivers grow together. Registration is not required but these programs are very popular and the room capacity can fill up quickly.

Make Art with Bee-Bots at the Boulevard Park Library

Friday, January 17. 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Ā 

Location:Ā Boulevard Park Library, 12015 Roseberg Ave S, Burien, WA 98168

Cost:Ā Free

Ages:Ā 6-11

Have fun programming little robots to make art at the Boulevard Park Library to start off MLK weekend. Bee-BotĀ® robots help kids learn coding and sequencing.

 

Early Release Day Games and Crafts

Friday, January 17. 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Every Friday until May 23

Location:Ā Federal Way Library, 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way WA 98003

Cost:Ā Free

Ages: For school-ages, tweens and teens. Adults welcome with children.

Enjoy games, crafts, and free snacks. Activities include board games, card games, LEGOs, tabletop foosball, and chess! Participate in button-making, beading, friendship bracelets, origami, paper crafts, and more.

 

Family Friday Night Lights

Friday, January 17. 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Fridays (until Feb 14)

Location:Ā Summit Park,Ā 23675 SE Tahoma Way,Ā Maple Valley,Ā WAĀ 98038

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

The City is excited to announce a brand new opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors during the darker winter months. Join them from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays at Summit Park for Family Friday Night Lights! Bring a soccer ball, football, or a favorite game, meet up with other families, and connect with those in the community now through the end of the year.

 

FREE Family Fun: Community Access Night at Imagine Children’s MuseumĀ 

Friday, January 17.Ā 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (every third Friday of the month)

Location:Ā Imagine Children’s Museum,Ā 1502 Wall St, Everett, WA 98201

Cost:Ā Free

Ages:Ā 1-12, children must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older

Community Access Night atĀ Imagine Children’s Museum welcomes families to a free night of fun every third Friday of the month. All families with children ages 12 and under are invited and can bring the whole family. Activities include Puget Sound Ecosystem Gallery, Art Hangout, Engineer It, Wildlife Rescue, and many more fun activities.

 

Friday Night Teen Swim and Gym

Friday, January 17. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Every Friday (until March 28)

Location: Green Lake Community Center, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115

Cost: Free

Ages: 11-17

Come and enjoy a Friday night with your friends. Play games in the gym, video games, pool, table tennis or Foosball in the Teen Room. Food is available from 8 pm to 9 pm. Please bring a swimsuit and towel for the pool. Swim from 7 pm to 8 pm. Come to play in the gym or the Teen Room from 6-9 pm. All swimming levels are welcome.

 

Live Music at Third Place CommonsĀ 

January 17-18. 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Fridays & Saturdays until April 26).

Location:Ā Third Place Commons,Ā 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

Bring the kids to the Commons Stage at Third Place Commons for live music every Friday and Saturday night. Grab food or bring your own and enjoy the tunes. Check out who is playing here.

 

Indoor Tot Playroom at Green Lake Community Center

Saturday, January 18. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Weekly on Saturdays until March 29, 2025)

Location:Ā Green Lake Community Center,Ā 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115

Cost:Ā Free. Please register for a Quick Card at the front desk on your first visit.

Ages:Ā 5 and under

Indoor Tot Playrooms are available at the Green Lake Community Center during the season, during the weekdays and on Saturdays. The playroom is full toys, mats, and slides. Parent supervision is required at ALL times. Visit their dedicated play space filled with toys for children of all shapes, sizes, and mobility.Ā Note:Ā Check website orĀ Facebook pageĀ for any closures or holidays before arriving.Ā Closed for cleaning 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Daily.Ā 

 

Indoor Tot Room at Queen Anne Community Center

Saturday, January 18. 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Weekly on Saturdays until March 29 )

Location:Ā Queen Anne Community Center,Ā 1901 1st Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119

Cost:Ā Free

Ages:Ā 5 and under

Indoor Tot Rooms are available at many community centers during the cold and rainy seasons. Tot Rooms offer quieter activities with toys, coloring, and games. This is a Drop-In activity and request that you use a membership card when checking in at front desk. Create an account and staff will make a membership card. Parental supervision is required.Ā Note:Ā Check website orĀ Facebook pageĀ for any closures orĀ holidaysĀ before arriving.

 

Drop in Board Games at Meadowbrook Community Center

Saturday, January 18. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (every Saturday until March 29)

Location:Ā Meadowbrook Community Center,Ā 10517 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125

Cost:Ā Free

Ages:Ā 7 +, kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Bring your favorite game or try one of the games at the Community Center during this drop-in board games event. All ages are welcome, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No need to register instead, please be prepared to scan your free Seattle Parks and Recreation Membership pass and the front desk.

 

Kidstock Free Full-Day Art Celebration

Saturday, January 18. 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Ā 

Location:Ā Edmonds Center For the Arts, 410 4th Ave N, Edmonds, WA 98020

Cost:Ā Free, register online

All ages

Kidstock is a free full-day arts celebration designed for families with children of all ages and features a variety of live music performances, arts education workshops, and activities for kids. The Edmonds Center for the Arts is hosting this free event and is excited to bring this annual celebration back this year. They kindly request to have participants register in advance. PLUS! Carnival activities and games in ECAā€™s Gymnasium, face painting, balloon animals, a live DJ, bubbles, art activities, root beer garden, a fire truck, and more.

 

Kids StoryTime at the Couth Buzzard

Saturday, January 18. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. (every Saturday until March 29)

Location:Ā The Couth Buzzard,Ā 8310 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Cost:Ā Free

Ages:Ā Geared for ages 2-5

Enjoy a story, songs, games, and art at The Couth Buzzard in Greenwood! This event is geared towards ages 2-5, but is enjoyable for all ages.

 

Seattle Kraken Open Practice – Free

Saturday, January 18. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (not a full team practice)

Location:Ā Kraken Community Iceplex,Ā 10601 5th Ave NE,Ā Seattle,Ā WAĀ 98125

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

Come watch your Seattle Kraken open practice at their official training facility for free. The Starbucks Rink can accommodate up to 600 fans. Practices are free and open to the public. First come, first served.Ā Doors open at 9:45 am. Practice times vary, but run primarily between 10-12 p.m. Please check the website for day-of practice updates.

 

Lowes Free Kids Workshop

Saturday, January 18.Ā 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Address:Ā Multiple Lowes locations

Cost: Free, SnowplowĀ Ā (register here)

All ages

Lowe’s DIY workshops are back. Families can register online in advance (recommended) and then get ready to build something together. Every month, there will be a new project that the family can work on together with a helpful instructor who will assist and guide you all through the details. Lowe’s has locations in North Seattle, Rainier Valley, Tukwila and Renton.

 

Toddler Play Group at NewHolly Branch

January 18-25. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Every Saturday.Ā 

Location:Ā NewHolly Branch SPL, 7058 32nd Ave S #104, Seattle, WA 98118

Cost:Ā Free

Ages:Ā 1-3

Come to this drop-in play group for toddlers and their families. Early Learning is a great way for toddlers and their families to develop learning, literacy, and language skills as well as community with other families. During this weekly event, you will play with toys, share books, socialize, and have engaging, educational activities that help kids and their caregivers grow together.

 

Visit MaST Center AquariumĀ 

Saturday, January 18.Ā 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Every Saturday)

Location:Ā MaST Center Aquarium,Ā 28203 Redondo Beach Dr S, Des Moines, WA 98198

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

TheĀ MaST Center Aquarium is open for public viewings on Saturdays for their Discovery Day. Visit their aquarium that holds 3,000 gallons of seawater, view 250+ native Puget Sound species and experience 2 large touch tanks. You can also view their marine mammal skeletons and a 38-foot Gray Whale skeleton.

 

Wing Luke Museum Free Lion Dance Performance

Saturday, January 18. 10 a.m. ā€“ 11 a.m.

Location: Wing Luke Museum, 719 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104

Cost: The lion dance is free to watch

All agesĀ 

Watch a lion dance and partake in family activities. The lion dance is free and open to the public. For those with sensitive hearing, bring headphones or ask for earplugs at guest reception upon arrival. You will be joined by Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon and Lion Dance Association for the special Lion Dance celebration with additional outdoor information booths. Other museum and fair activities cost to participate in.

 

Ā Story Walk Read-Along at the Lake Wilderness Arboretum

Saturday, January 18. 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. (Third Saturday of every Month)

Location:Ā Lake Wilderness Arboretum, 22520 SE 248th St, Maple Valley, WA 98038

Cost:Ā Free

Ages:Ā Recommended for ages 3-8 but all ages are welcome

Join Librarian Sharon in the great outdoors to read the Story Walk book on the 3rd Saturday each month. Sponsored by the Maple Valley Library Guild and the Lake Wilderness Arboretum. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Arboretum Information booth at 10:25 am and walk to the Story Walk together. Follow the Maple Valley Library on Facebook for updates or call 425.432.4620. They do cancel for unsafe weather conditions such as high winds or snow or poor air quality.Ā 

 

Federal Way MLK Day Celebration

Saturday, January 18. 10:30 a.m. ā€“ 1 p.m.Ā 

Location:Ā Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way South, Federal Way

Cost:Ā Free event, RSVP here.

All ages

The City of Federal Way, along with the Federal Way Diversity Commission, invites families to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This FREE event will showcase inspiring speakers, impactful performances, and valuable opportunities to connect with others and pay tribute to Dr. Kingā€™s vision of justice, equality, and love for everyone. Assist them in giving back to the community by donating non-perishable food items at the event to support the Multi-Service Center. Donations will be accepted from 10 AM to 2 PM during the event.

 

Visit Free Tet Market at the Little Saigon Creative

Saturday, January 18. 10:30 a.m. ā€“ 4 p.m.

Location: Little Saigon Creative, 1227 S Weller St Suite A, Seattle, WA 98144

Cost: Friday Music night (01/17) suggested donation of $10, Tet market is free, and bƔnh tƩt workshop is $35.

All ages

Experience Tįŗæt and Vietnamese culture in the heart of Seattleā€™s Vietnamese community during the multi-day festival for all ages. During the Lunar New Year Market (on Saturday, Jan 18; free event), you can expect cultural performances, including a lion dance, a Tet Market, paper flower workshops with Pink and Posey, and a book signing with Quynh.

 

Skagit Eagle Viewing and Guided Walks

January 18-19. 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Every Saturday & Sunday (until Feb 16)

Location:Ā Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, 52809 Rockport Park Rd., Rockport, WA 98283

Cost: Free

All ages

You can visit the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center Programming this season every Saturday and Sunday until February 16, 2025. Includes Guided Nature Walks and going to Eagle Viewing sites. They offer two-hour guided nature walks along the Skagit River. Walks will take place on weekends beginning in mid-December and continuing through mid-February.

 

SAM Creates: Joyce J Scott Drop in Workshop

Saturday, January 18. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.Ā 

Location:Ā Seattle Art Museum, 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Cost:Ā FREE; Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come-first-served basis. Workshop participation does not include museum admission.

All ages

Connect and make art with others in SAMā€™s Brotman Forum! Join for a series of free engaging drop-in workshops related to the Joyce Scott: Walk a Mile in My Dreamsexhibition. Each workshop will be led by a different local artist and will teach you how to weave, bead, or learn a new skill! These workshops are ideal for all ages and skill levels and no previous experience is required.

 

Saturday Morning Story Time at Barnes & NobleĀ 

Saturday, January 18. 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (weekly on Saturdays until March 22, 2025)

Location:Ā Barnes & Noble, Pavilions Centre,Ā 31325 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

Come join the fun on Saturday Mornings Story Time on the Children’s stage at Barnes & Noble in Federal Way. This free event will occur weekly throughout the year.

 

Detective Cookies Chess ClubĀ 

Saturday, January 18.Ā 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. (occurs weekly until March 29, 2025)

Location:Ā Rainier Beach Community Center,Ā 8825 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118

Cost:Ā Free. RegisterĀ hereĀ (you will need to callĀ (206) 386-1925)

Ages:Ā 7 – 19

Detective Cookie runs a super-cool chess club for kids and community members every Saturday until August 31. She loves chess and has been in the Seattle Police Department for more than 35 years. Children and teens are invited, no experience is necessary; just head over and learn to play this strategic board game.

 

Curiosity Academy at Everett Library

Saturday, January 18. 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Location:Ā Everett Library, 2702 Hoyt Ave Everett, WA 98201

Cost:Ā Free

Ages:Ā 5-10

Introducing Curiosity Academy, a new monthly program for kids ages 5-10 and their families. Join every month at the library location for an hour and a half of stories, science, and art with Librarian Aarene! Each month will have a different theme, whether it’s music, art, animals, or plants; kids will get a hands-on learning experience at this event.

 

Kraken Pregame at the Armory

Saturday, January 18.Ā 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Location:Ā Seattle Center Armory,Ā 305 Harrison Street,Ā Seattle,Ā WAĀ 98109

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

Pregame at the Armory, presented by WaFd Bank, is a great go-to spot for game day vibes before every Kraken weekend home game at Climate Pledge Arena. Two hours before puck drop, the Armory comes alive with Kraken energy. Stop by to enjoy fan favorites, including a live DJ, a massive screen with top-shelf Kraken content, corn hole, floor hockey, face painting, Kraken photo ops, caricature artists, and more.

 

Sensory Time at Imagine Children’s MuseumĀ 

Sunday, January 19.Ā 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Address:Ā Imagine Children’s Museum,Ā 1502 Wall Street, Everett, WA 98201

Cost:Ā Free, must registerĀ here.

Ages:Ā 1-12

Sensory Time at Imagine Childrenā€™s Museum is on the 3rd Sunday of the Month. This Sunday program is for families with children on the autism spectrum, children with sensory processing disorders, and children with other special needs. During Sensory Time, Imagine Childrenā€™s Museum provides these families exclusive access to the North side of the Museum. Social stories, sound-reducing earmuffs, sunglasses, and sensory balls are available.

 

Morning Treats and Tweets Guided Bird Walk

Sunday, January 19. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.Ā 

Location:Ā Seward Park Audubon Center, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118

Cost:Ā Free, register here.

Ages:Ā 8+

Enjoy a casual birding experience aimed at beginning and intermediate birders in Seward Park. You will start off by filling mugs with hot tea or coffee and nibbling on some pastry. Then, you will venture into the park with expert birder Ed Dominguez to learn about the birds that call this area home. Guests should be prepared to walk up to 2.5 miles. The course may take the group up hills and the condition of the paths will reflect relevant weather conditions. Binoculars will be provided. Please dress accordingly.

 

West Seattle Farmers Market

Sunday, January 19.Ā 10 a.m. ā€“ 2 p.m. Every Sunday. Year-round.

Location:Ā West Seattle Farmers Market,Ā Cnr SW Alaska St &, California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

Nestled in the heart of the West Seattle Junction between Alaska and California Avenues, the West Seattle Farmers Market is a beloved Sunday ritual and weekend destination.

Read more:Ā Best Seattle-area farmers markets for a family excursion

 

Indoor Tot Gym at Bitter Lake Community Center

Sunday, January 19. 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Every Sunday until March 31)

Location:Ā Bitter Lake Community Center,Ā 13035 Linden Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133

Cost:Ā Free. Please register for a Quick Card at the front desk on your first visit.

Ages:Ā 5 and under

The Tot Gym at Bitter Lake Community Center is a good opportunity to relax inside with your child 5 years and under in a comfortable, fun, safe, play space. The tot gyms are well-equipped with toys, mats, and slides. Please register for a Quick Card at the front desk on your first visit. No food or drinks are allowed in the playroom. No drop-off, parent/caregiver supervision is required at all times. Be sure to check the website for closure dates (holidays, etc).

 

Sunday Crafternoon

Sunday, January 19. 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location:Ā Redmond Library, 15990 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA 98052

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

Join the Redmond Library for a fun afternoon of creativity! All the supplies you need will be available for an all ages seasonal craft. Supplies are provided by Meaningful Actions, a part of Expressions Arts. This event occurs on the third Sunday of every month, check their website in case of cancellation.

 

Lunar New Year Celebration at Eastside Community Center

Sunday, January 19. 12 p.m. ā€“ 4 p.m.Ā 

Location:Ā Eastside Community Center, 1721 E 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98404

Cost:Ā Free

This Lunar New Year celebration will include a lion dance, lucky money giving, an Ao dai fashion show, a martial arts performance, and traditional Vietnamese food. There will be a variety of performances as well at this family-friendly event for all ages.

 

Storytime at the Garden for K-2

Sunday, January 19.Ā 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Location:Ā Bellevue Botanical Garden,Ā 12001 Main St., Bellevue, WA 98005

Cost:Ā Free

Grade:Ā K-2

Join a Storytime at the Bellevue Botanical Garden (southwest of the Urban Meadow; follow the signs). Includes a reading of a garden-related book and a brief activity. This event is for families with children grades K-2 or those interested. This is not a drop-off program. Adults must attend with children.

 

MLK Celebration at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

Sunday, January 19. 2:30 p.m. ā€“ 5 p.m.Ā 

Location:Ā Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, 550 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Cost:Ā Free, register here.

All ages

Kitsap ERACE, Living Arts Cultural Heritage Project, and other local social justice organizations return to BIMA for this yearā€™s youth-led and youth-developed Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. This family-friendly event will feature poetry, dance, presentations, music, singing, and community voices to educate and create a fun learning space for all ages.

 

Pier 62 Firepit Socials (weather permitting)

Sunday, January 19. 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Every Sunday (until March 30)

Location: Pier 62, 1951 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101

Cost: Free

All ages

Every Sunday during 2025 Friends of Waterfront are hosting Firepit Socials on Pier 62 during the winter season. Come enjoy the warmth on the waterfront ā€“ an informal gathering together to socialize around a large firepit on the pier.

 

FREE Fun on Monday, January 20 (Martin Luther King Jr Day)

 

Free entrance day at National Parks and State Parks

NationalĀ andĀ State ParksĀ offer free admission on Monday, January 20, 2025. For more free entrance days throughout the year, read our list ofĀ free admission days at state and national parks.

 

MLK Tribute and Celebration in Edmonds

Monday, January 20. 9:30 a.m. ā€“ 11:30 a.m.Ā 

Location:Ā Edmonds Waterfront Center, 220 Railroad Ave Box 717, Edmonds, WA 98020

Cost:Ā Free

Join the 7th Annual Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Inspiring a Beloved Community program for families and children through songs, artistic expression, and dance. This family-friendly event will feature preparing healthy snacks, dancing, games, childrenā€™s book readings, youth performances, and arts and crafts.

 

Martin Luther King Jr Day at NAAM

Monday, January 20. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Ā 

Location:Ā Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S Massachusetts St, Seattle, WA 98144

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

This family-friendly event will feature two new exhibitions, a resource expo, community conversations, family activities, storytelling, book giveaways, and more! NAAM will partner with over 20 organizations whose inspiring efforts and dedication to their mission are advancing the local landscape. The theme for King Day and throughout 2025 is ā€œForward Together!ā€ a response to his book ā€œWhere Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?ā€ and his 1967 speech ā€œWhere Do We Go From Here?ā€

 

Young Peopleā€™s March for Peace and Kindness

Monday, January 20. 10:30 a.m. ā€“ 12 p.m.Ā 

Location:Ā Kitsap Regional Library, Bainbridge Island, 1270 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Cost:Ā Free event

All ages

The Young Peopleā€™s March for Peace and Kindness and is an opportunity for families to practice service in the spirit of MLK Day. Children of all ages, their families, and community members are invited to gather for letter writing between 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Bainbridge Island Library. At 11:15 a.m. everyone will march together to the Winslow Post Office to mail all of the letters. Bring signs, banners, friends, and your own stamps. Addresses and inspiration provided. Dress appropriately for the weather, since the march will happen in rain or shine.

 

Kraken Pregame at the Armory

Saturday, January 20. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location:Ā Seattle Center Armory,Ā 305 Harrison Street,Ā Seattle,Ā WAĀ 98109

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

Pregame at the Armory, presented by WaFd Bank, is a great go-to spot for game day vibes before every Kraken weekend home game at Climate Pledge Arena. Two hours before puck drop, the Armory comes alive with Kraken energy. Stop by to enjoy fan favorites, including a live DJ, a massive screen with top-shelf Kraken content, corn hole, floor hockey, face painting, Kraken photo ops, caricature artists, and more.

 

 

The Greater Everett MLK Community March and Rally

Monday, January 20. 11 a.m. ā€“ 2 p.m.Ā 

Location: Everett Memorial Stadium, 3900 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

Join the Annual Greater Everett Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration March and Rally event. Beginning at the Everett Memorial Stadium, this march kicks off at 11 a.m., and stops at the VOAWW Carl Gipson Center with music, food, community resources, occasional speakers, their Prodigies For Peace Youth Award Winners presentation, and more. This event welcomes individuals, families, schools, classes, organizations, and businesses to march together and show off their groups theme appropriate spirit with flags, signs, t-shirts, banners and more.

 

MLK March and Rally at Garfield High SchoolĀ 

Monday, January 20. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (workshops start at 9:15 a.m. )

Location:Ā Garfield High School, 400 23rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

The marquee event in Seattle is the annual march and rally sponsored by theĀ Seattle Area Martin Luther King Organizing Coalition. The rally takes place at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan 20th, at the Garfield High School front parking lot. The march is set to depart at 12:30 p.m.; however, the exact route is not being publicized. There will be an opportunity fair and resume review from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the school and workshops will be held in classrooms starting at 9:15 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. See full list here.

 

Health Fair MLK Celebration ā€“ Bellevue

Monday, January 20. 11 a.m. ā€“ 3 p.m.

Location:Ā Crossroads Bellevue Shopping Center, 15600 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA98008

Cost:Ā Free event

All ages

The City of Bellevue and the Bellevue Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority invite all to the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Health Fair on MLK Day. The event will feature local providers, vendors and wellness organizations as well as live performances from local musicians and remarks from Bellevue leaders. The event will have live performances are by local artists includingĀ Roz McCommon and Sonny Byers.

 

City of Tacoma Annual MLK Celebration

Monday, January 20. 11 a.m. ā€“ 5 p.m.Ā 

Location: Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, 1516 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA98402

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the City of Tacomaā€™s annual event. Meet with staff from the Washington State Historical Society and other community organizations. Guests can learnĀ aboutĀ Black Washington, their award-winning app and educational platform that explores the statewide history of Black Washingtonians through stories, influential icons, and significant landmarks. There will be a community outreach fair at 11 a.m., and the celebration will start at 1 p.m.

 

Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr on Vashon Island

Monday, January 20. 1 p.m. ā€“ 3 p.m.Ā 

Location:Ā Vashon Center For The Arts, 19600 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon, WA 98070

Cost:Ā Free

All ages

Come together for a FREE annual event in celebration of MLKā€™s universal message of justice, change, education, equality, and service. During this celebration, there will be storyteller Eva Abram, dancer Franchesska Berry, music provided by the VHS Wind Ensemble, and small bites catered by chef Chantel Jacksonā€™s ā€œThyme Well Spentā€. As a way to help serve the community and address food insecurity, bring an unopened, nonperishable food item to donate to the Vashon Maury Community Food Bank.

 

When School is out, Pools are in: Eastside Community Pool

Monday, January 20. 1:30 p.m. ā€“ 3:30 p.m.

Location: Eastside Community Center, 3424 East L St. Tacoma, WA 98404

Cost:Ā Free admission for Tacoma Public School students, $5 for others

All ages

When school is out, come to your local Metro Parks Tacoma indoor pool for free recreational swimming hours. Celebrate MLK Day at one of their indoor pool locations (Eastside Community Center, Norpoint Pool, Peopleā€™s Pool) at 1:30 p.m., for fun water activities for your kids.

 

Seattle’s Child editorial assistant, Yulia Fiala, contributed to this article.

Read more:

Family-friendly events to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr DayĀ 

The Definitive Guide to Inside Activities with Kids: Seattle

10 free fun things to do with kids in and around SeattleĀ 

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