Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

Kids play at Block Party

(Image: Krysta Rasmussen/Snohomish PUD)

Free kid-friendly events around Seattle this weekend

Find no-cost family fun in and around Seattle

Looking for fun (and free!) ways to keep the kids entertained this weekend? Whether you’re hoping to burn off some energy at a local park, explore a new museum exhibit, or catch a family-friendly event, the greater Seattle area is packed with activities that won’t cost a dime. Each week, we round up the best free events and outings for families so you can make the most of your weekend — without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s happening this weekend!

🌟 signals our Editor’s Picks, the most exciting and noteworthy events on our radar

Friday, April 25

Seattle/King County Clinic | April 25-27 | 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion | Free | All ages | Seattle/King County Clinic is a volunteer-driven, free health clinic that occurs for four days each year at Seattle Center.

PopUp StoryWalk | April 25 – June 15 | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Daily | Brightwater Center, Woodinville | Free | Come walk the trails at and enjoy an illustrated story entitled The Bear’s Song, by Benjamin Chaud.

Visit Kelsey Creek Farm for free | April 25-27 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Kelsey Creek Farm, Bellevue | Free | Visit this free oasis for those who love animals. They provide farm animal education and the unique experience of seeing farm animals in real life. Animal viewing is available every day. Note: There is no food or water for sale on site, bring your own.

Kelsey creek farm

Families can visit Kelsey Creek Farm for free and see different animals. (Image courtesy: Kelsey Creek Farm).

🌟Visit the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum | April 18-19 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday | Everett | Free | The museum displays the preservation of rare military aircraft, tanks and other military equipment including 26 aircrafts and over 30 vehicles to inspire guests.

Art in a Pickle Barn | April 25-30 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Daily | 15530 Memorial Hwy on the Tulip Route | Free | The show offers the works of over 25 local artists and creators,  as well as their two local scholarship recipients on site! You’ll find 2-3 of their artists manning the show each day.

Earth Day Celebration Plant for the Planet | April 25-26 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Renton Landing | Free | All ages | Celebrate Earth Day with The Landing by visiting the plaza across from Regal Cinemas for a Grow Kit to continue to “Plant for the Planet.” Grow Kits* are available starting until April 26.

🌟Seattle World Rhythm Festival | April 25-27 | Hours vary | Multiple locations | Free | All ages | Join the multicultural drum and dance performances and workshops for everyone, beginner to advanced. All events free!

Spring Scavenger Hunt | April 25-30 | 12 to 5 p.m. daily | Downtown Kent | Free | Celebrate spring with a scavenger hunt and find hidden bees, complete your passport and submit for a chance to win a prize.

🌟City Nature Walk | Friday, April 25 | 1 to 3 p.m. | Confluence Park Issaquah | Free | Register here | All ages | Participate in the City Nature Challenge by joining Urban Forest Supervisor Dan Hintz on an excursion to learn about and identify unique species of plants and animals.

RNTS Free Skate School | April 25 – July 3 | 5 to 6:30 p.m. | Every Friday | Hubbard Homestead Skatepark | Free | Join this free skate school, with equipment provided and for all ages. Be sure to always look at the Facebook Page before attending the event.

Community Coloring Night  | Saturday, April 25 | 5 to 7 p.m. Handmade Showroom, Seattle | Free | This event welcomes all ages and offers pre printed coloring pages along with markets and pencils to use. There will be light refreshments as well.

Family Movie Night | Friday, April 25 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Sunset Hill Community Hall | Free | Join this family-friendly movie event, free for everyone. Popcorn and beverages are provided at no cost.

Drop in Friday Teen Hangout  | April 25 – June 27 | 6 to 9 p.m. | Every Friday | International District Community Center | Free | Ages 11-18 | Teens are invited to come join each Friday Night to hang out, socialize, and participate in free activities like karaoke, movie nights, cooking and more.

Arbor Day Family Movie Night | Friday, April 25 | 6:30 to 9 p.m. | Redmond Senior & Community Center | Free | Register here | Come celebrate Arbor Day by viewing a special film screening, delicious popcorn and make sure to come dressed as your favorite plant, tree or character.

🌟Live Music at Third Place Commons  | April 25-26 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Fridays & Saturdays until April 26) | Third Place Commons, Bothell | Free | Bring the kids to the stage for live music, and grab food/bring your own and enjoy the tunes. Check out who is playing here.

free live music

Free live music on the weekends. (Image courtesy Third Place Commons)

Saturday, April 26

🌟City Nature Challenge | April 26-28 | All day | Multiple locations | Free | Join Point Defiance Zoo, plus their partners Northwest Trek and Woodland Park Zoo, in finding and documenting as much wildlife as you can! Get outside, watch nature, ID and discover.

🌟Free Sensory Hours at PacSci | Saturday, April 26 | 8 to 10 a.m. | Pacific Science Center | Free | Tickets here | Families and individuals desiring sensory-friendly experiences  are invited! The museum will feature adjusted lighting and sound to ensure a welcoming and engaging experience for all attendees.

Arbor Day | Saturday, April 26 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Ballinger Park, Mountlake Terrace | Free | The City Council invites you to attend their annual Volunteer Spring Cleanup of Ballinger Park with lunch following for volunteers. Learn more here.

Visit the University District Farmers Market | Saturday, April 26  | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | University District |Every Saturday, year round | Join this farmers market with a range of vendor options, produce and local cider and wine available. This market is known for less crowds compared to the other big markets.

Sustainability Fair | Saturday, April 26 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Pickering Barn, Issaquah | Free | Join this free event, featuring farmers market previews, live demos, E-bike display and test rides, and so much more!

Indoor Tot Room at Queen Anne Community Center | Saturday, April 26 | 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |(Weekly on Saturdays until June 28) | Queen Anne Community Center, Seattle | Free | Ages: 5 and under | Tot Rooms offer quieter activities with toys, coloring, and games. Note: Check website or Facebook page for any closures or holidays before arriving.

Mermaid Festival (Further Afield) | April 26-27 | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Saturday/Sunday | International Mermaid Museum, Aberdeen | Free | There will be education exhibits, mermaids in under water tanks performing, photo ops with the mermaids, unicorn interactions, fire dancing and so much more.

Sailing Siren 5

(Photo courtesy the Mermaid Museum)

🌟Seattle Independent Bookstore Day | Saturday, April 26 | Daily | Multiple book stores | Free | In addition to authors, live music, cupcakes, scavenger hunts, kids events, art tables, readings, contests, and the other fun stuff that you’ll find on Bookstore Day.

Singing & Stories with Nancy Stewart | Saturday, April 26  | 9:30 to 10 a.m. | Every Saturday until May 31 | Island Books, Mercer Island | Free | Ages 0-5 | Come to the Children’s Story Times and Singing with Mercer Island’s own Nancy Stewart is a professional singer and songwriter every Saturday morning.

🌟Drop in Board Games | April 26 – June 21 | 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Every Saturday | Yesler Community Center | Free | bring your favorite game or try one of one of their games during some community fun. Always check the Seattle Parks and Rec Facebook page in case of event cancellations.

Kids StoryTime at the Couth Buzzard | Saturday, April 26 | 10 to 11 a.m. | (every Saturday until July 5) | The Couth Buzzard, Greenwood | Free | Ages: 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.

🌟Junior Daffodil Parade | Saturday, April 26 | 10 to 11 a.m. | Proctor St & N 28th St, Tacoma | Free | Come and see the largest children’s parade in the state. Showcasing the excellence of children, youth groups and volunteers and more.

Junior Daffodil parade

Photo courtesy: Jeffrey Ritter

World Tai Chi Qigong Day | Saturday, April 26 | 10 to 11 a.m. | Seattle Chinese Garden | Free | All ages | Join Tai Chi Instructor Restita DeJesus for a Free Tai Chi and breathing exercise practice at the beautiful Seattle Chinese Garden Courtyard.

Arbor Day Celebration | Saturday, April 26 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Marvista Park | Free | They will give away free trees, host crafts, and provide environmental education. There will be an Ask the Arborist Station, stormwater education, and a new free book exchange and so much more!

Racket Sports Drop in | April 26 – May 24 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Every Saturday | Jefferson Community Center | Free | Ages 12+ | Come learn and play various racket sports, including pickle ball and badminton. Bring your own rackets. Be sure to check the Facebook page in case of cancellation.

🌟Earth Day Fest | Saturday, April 26 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Seattle Children’s PlayGarden | Free | All ages | Join this free event, where you can visit with friends, refill the worm bin, visit with animals, participate in Recycle relay races and more!

🌟YMCA Healthy Kids Day | Saturday, April 26 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 12 locations | Free | All ages | Celebrate kids being kids with healthy snack ideas, water safety demonstrations, sports challenges, bounce houses, and much more!

PUD Energy Block Party. (Photo courtesy: Krysta Rasmussen/Snohomish PUD).

PUD Energy Block Party. (Photo courtesy: Krysta Rasmussen/Snohomish PUD).

🌟PUD Energy Block Party | Saturday, April 26 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | PUD Electric Building Headquarters, Everett | Free | Celebrate Earth Day with fun for kids and adults, including the Truckstravaganza, electric vehicle car show, energy-savings giveaways and more.

SR3’s Annual Rescue Center Open House | Saturday, April 26 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | SR3, Des Moines | Free | There will be activities for youth as well as a chance to shop the adoption kits, t-shirts and other merchandise in person! Tours take approximately 30 minutes.

Earth Day Expo | Saturday, April 26 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Battle Point Park | Free | All ages | Roll up your sleeves and participate in nature-inspired activities, or join an on-site work party guided by their Natural Resource team. Enjoy live music and delicious bites from local, eco-conscious food vendors.

Visit MaST Center Aquarium  | Saturday, April 19 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | (Every Saturday all year round) | MaST Center Aquarium, Des Moines | Free | Visit for their Discovery Day at the 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.

Visitors at MaST Discovery Day looking at the touch tank. (Image courtesy of MaST Discovery Center).

Earth Day Celebration: Sustainable Futures | Saturday, April 26 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Gates Foundation Discovery Center | Free | All ages | There will be family friendly hands on activities including button making, a scavenger hunt, DIY Newspaper pots and more.

Earth Day Celebration | Saturday, April 26 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Saltwater State Park | Free | RSVP here | There will be forest hikes, beach walks with naturalists, displays on marine life and native plants, and more! Parking is $10 per car.

🌟Kitsap Free Train Rides | Saturday, April 26 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | South Kitsap Regional Park | Free | Kitsap Live Steamers will host free public train rides every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Annual New Year Street Festival | Saturday, April 26 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 9660 16th Ave SW, Seattle | Free | Enjoy live khmer music performances, a fashion show & skit, games and competitions and much more!

Rock and Gem Show | April 26-27 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Alki Masonic Temple | Free | All ages | They will have rock displays, minerals, fossils, and more. Also, there will be live demonstrations of jewelry and lapidary techniques.

Earth Day Celebration | Saturday, April 26 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Rhododendron Park, Kenmore | Free | Join this free event, where there will be fun activities, a volunteer work party, vendor booths and more!

Sound Transit Safety Fair | Saturday, April 26 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic | Free | RSVP here | Attendees can enjoy interactive safety demonstrations, giveaways, and refreshments. Plus—guests will have the opportunity to meet Seattle Storm mascot Doppler.

🌟Sheep Shearing | Saturday, April 26 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Kelsey Creek Farm | Free | In addition to sheep shearing, activities will include spinning demonstrations, children’s crafts, tractor-pulled wagon rides, pony rides, heritage displays, and food.

Sheep shearing event (no harm is done to the sheep). (Photo courtesy: Kelsey Creek Farm).

Sheep shearing event (no harm is done to the sheep). (Photo courtesy: Kelsey Creek Farm).

Family Community Gardening | April 26 – June 14 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Saturdays | Montlake Community Center | Free | Ages 10+ | You will learn how to plant and tend seeds, play with garden design, harvest the food, and track garden developments. Always check Facebook Page in case of cancellation. 

Super Kids Resource Fair | Saturday, April 26 | 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center, Everett | Free | This event will be a day packed with awesome activities, resources, special guests, and more!

Detective Cookies Chess Club  | Saturday, April 26 | 12 to 2 p.m. | (occurs weekly until June 21, 2025) | Rainier Beach Community Center, Seattle | Free. Register here (you will need to call (206) 386-1925) | Ages: 7 – 19 | Detective Cookie runs a super-cool chess club for kids and community members. She loves chess and has been in the Seattle Police Department for more than 35 years.

🌟Kids Melanin Spectrum Celebration | Saturday, April 26 | 12 to 5 p.m. | 2400 NE 95th St, Seattle | Free | Reserve your spot here | Open to children aged 0 to 17 and their families. FOCS will provide food, activity stations, games, a calming sensory room, and community sharing.

Steamoji Grand Opening Celebration | Saturday, April 26 | 1 to 5 p.m. | Steamoji Newcastle | Free | RSVP here | Everyone is welcome to join a for a day filled with fun STEM games, refreshments, prizes and plenty of family-friendly STEM activities.

🌟Earth Day Farm Walk | Saturday, April 26 | 2 to 3 p.m. | 21 Acres, Woodinville | Free | Register Here | Walk along and visit their organic fields, wetlands, solar-powered projects, and much more.

🌟Ladybug Festival: Earth Day Celebration | Saturday, April 26 | 2 to 4 p.m. | Garfield Community Center, Seattle | Free | See the annual release of ladybugs in the garden and participate in fun, educational, and hands-on activities for all ages.

 

Sunday, April 27

Sensory Time | Sunday, April 27 | 9 to 11 a.m. | Imagine Children’s Museum, Everett | Free | Register here | Sensory Time is a special Sunday program for families with children on the autism spectrum, children with sensory processing disorders, and children with other special needs.

🌟Try Hockey for Free | Sunday, April 27 | 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. | Snoqualmie Sno King Arena | Free | Registration here. | Ages 4-17 | Join this free opportunity to experience playing hockey for the first time. Skates and sticks are provided.

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

Little girl ordering at a vendor during the West Seattle Farmers Market. Image courtesy Seattle Farmers Markets.

Little girl ordering food at a vendor during the West Seattle Farmers Market. (Image courtesy Seattle Farmers Markets)

Ballard Farmers Market | Sunday, April 27  | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Every Sunday, year round | Ballard | Free | The market is open rain or shine year round, in the heart of Ballard. Features live buskers, local vendors, and shopping! Some vendors offer free samples that is perfect for the little ones to try something new.

West Seattle Farmers Market | Sunday, April 27 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Every Sunday, year-round | West Seattle | Free | 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.

🌟Free Boating Day | Sunday, April 27 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | The Center for Wooden Boats | Free | Families can expect free boat rentals for sailboats, peapods, rowboats, kayaks and more. There will be a free public sail (sigh up first come first serve) and youth and family activities, and more!

CWB_Free_Boating_2024-044

Free boating day at Center for Wooden Boats. (Photo courtesy: Jig Wiley).

Indoor Tot Gym at Bitter Lake Community Center | Sunday, April 27 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | (Every Sunday until June 18) | Bitter Lake Community Center, Seattle |Free |Register for a Quick Card at the front desk | Ages: 5 and under | The tot gyms are well-equipped with toys, mats, and slides. Be sure to check the website for closure dates (holidays, etc).

Community Art Day | Sunday, April 27 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Cascadia Art Museum, Edmonds | Free | All ages | Enjoy free admission to the museum and a day of art, music, and hands on activities for all. There will be a live performances too.

Puzzle Exchange | Sunday, April 27 | 12 to 3 p.m. | Blue Highway Games | Free | Join this Puzzle Exchange, for puzzle enthusiasts and hobbyists to trade, exchange, and talk puzzles.

PNW Witches Market Annual Beltane Festival | Sunday, April 27 | 12 to 5 p.m. | Marina Park, Kirkland | Free | There will be tarot spreads & channeling, astrology readings, past life insights, live performance and music and much more.

April Pools Day | Sunday, April 27 | 1 to 2 p.m. | Ballard Pool | Free | All ages | Make this summer a safe one! Learn important water safety skills, swim for free, play games, and win prizes!

Salmon Bay Park Play Area Renovation Ribbon Cutting Celebration | Sunday, April 27 | 1 to 3 p.m. | Salmon Bay Park | Free | All ages | Join for a ribbon-cutting celebration for this newly renovated park, with a new layout, new play structure and more.

🌟Afternoon on the Trails | Sunday, April 27 | 1 to 5 p.m. | IslandWood Bainbridge | Free | Register here | IslandWood’s trail systems will be open this day only for a self-guided exploration.

Drop in Open Gym | April 27 – June 15 | 12:30 to 3 p.m. | Every Sunday | Bitter Lake Community Center | Free | Ages 5+ | Want to shoot some hoops or get some cardio exercise? Stay active while meeting new people of all skill levels during this open gym time. Always check the Facebook page in case of cancellation. 

Enjoy a free preview performance of Peter and the Wolf. (Photo courtesy: Heninger

Enjoy a free preview performance of Peter and the Wolf. (Photo courtesy: Heninger Fotografik)

🌟Peter and the Wolf Preview | Sunday, April 27 | 2 to 2:45 p.m. | The Village at Totem Lake, Kirkland | Free | Ages 2+ | Enjoy a free abridged Peter and the Wolf performance – perfect for young children! Meet and take photos with the performers afterwards.

🌟Chamber Music with Kids in Concert | Sunday, April 27 | 3 to 4 p.m. | North Kitsap Community Auditorium | Free | RSVP here | Seattle Symphony musicians share the stage with students from Kids in Concert for an afternoon of chamber music.

🌟Fiddlesticks Presents: Old-time square dance | Sunday, April 27 | 3 to 3:45 p.m. | Maple Leaf Lutheran Church | Free | Ages 6-14 | Popular Seattle dance caller Amy Carroll teaches group dance for children, teens, and their families.

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

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