Check out the many free things to do with kids this weekend in Seattle.
Intergenerational Sing-Along at the Kingsgate Library
Friday, October 11. 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Location: Kingsgate Library, 12315 NE 143rd Street, Kirkland WA 98034
Cost: Free, Registration not required.
Ages: 3 and older
Join singer-songwriter Lana Vanboven for a morning of singing and community! Group singing has been proven beneficial for the body and mind. Sing simple tunes from many cultures accompanied by Lana and her guitar.
Kaleidoscope Play and Learn at Rainier Beach Library
Friday, October 11. 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (every Friday until December 20)
Address: Rainier Beach Branch, 9125 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
Cost: Free
All ages
Children listen to multilingual stories, sing songs and do simple arts and crafts with their caregivers during the group time. There is also a play time for children to explore various toys and play activities. Be sure to check the website in case of any cancellations before attending.
Madrona Farmers Market
Friday, October 11. 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Every Friday until Oct 25)
Address: 1126 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Seattle, WA 98122
Cost: Free, items to purchase
All ages
The Madrona Farmers Market will be open every Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., until October 25 and has a range of seasonal produce from Washington farmers, fishers and ranchers. You’ll also find an extraordinary variety of artisan foods made from locally grown ingredients.
Batty about Bats at Woodinville Library
Friday, October 11. 4 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Location: Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Road NE Woodinville WA 98072
Cost: Free
Ages: 4 to 10
Join Librarian Amy for a fun-filled exploration of our favorite superstar flying mammals—bats! Through stories and science, discover the amazing world of bats, from their biology to their incredible echolocation abilities. Also explore fascinating exhibit items from the Burke Museum and create a bat-themed craft to take home.
Harry Potter Movie Night
Friday, October 11. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Van Asselt Community Center, 2820 S Myrtle St, Seattle, WA 98108
Cost: Free
Ages: Check movie rating
Sixth up in this outdoor series is Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince outside of Van Asselt Community Center! Bring your blankets or lawn chairs for a free evening of fun. Check movie rating. There will be a food truck onsite at 5:30 p.m.
Live Music at Third Place Commons
October 11-12. 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Fridays & Saturdays until Dec 28).
Address: Third Place Commons, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Cost: 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, October 12. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Weekly on Saturdays until Dec 28)
Address: Green Lake Community Center, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115
Cost: Free. Please register for a Quick Card at the front desk on your first visit.
Ages: 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. Note: Check website or Facebook page for any closures or holidays before arriving. Closed for cleaning 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Daily.
Station 11 Open House Event – Renton
Saturday, October 12. 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: Renton Regional Fire Authority Station 11, 211 Mill Ave S, Renton, WA 98057
Cost: Free event, No RSVP necessary.
All ages
Join this open house event at Fire Station 11. Guests will have the opportunity to: tour the Station 11 ladder truck, fire engine, and medic one unit, try out various pieces of firefighter gear and equipment and meet the fire chief, Station 11 firefighters, and various members of their executive and civilian staff.
Annual Tree Planting Celebration
Saturday, October 12. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Lower Issaquah Creek Stream and Riparian Habitat
Cost: Free. Register here.
Ages: Open to all ages. Participants under 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Come plant trees with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust in Issaquah!As you help plant the final trees of this project, you’ll also gain insight into what’s coming next summer downstream at Lake Sammamish State Park, where the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust will launch its largest restoration project to date, focused on in-stream restoration.
Kent Robot Expo
Saturday, October 12. 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Sunnycrest Elementary School, 24629 42nd Ave S, Kent, WA 98032
Cost: Free
All ages
Amateur robot enthusiasts exhibit new technologies, share ideas, show off robotic creations, and compete during Mini-Robothon at Sunnycrest Elementary School.
Indoor Tot Room at Queen Anne Community Center
Saturday, October 12. 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Weekly on Saturdays until December 28)
Address: Queen Anne Community Center, 1901 1st Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119
Cost: Free
Ages: 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. Note: Check website or Facebook page for any closures or holidays before arriving.
Cartoons and Crafts at Green Lake Community Center
Saturday, October 12. 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. (Every Saturday until Dec 28)
Address: Greenlake Community Center, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115
Cost: Free
Ages: 1-10
Join Greenlake CC in comfy clothes to watch your little one’s favorite show and get crafty together every Saturday. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Note: be sure to check Facebook or their website for any updates before attending.
Singing & Stories with Nancy Stewart
Saturday, October 12. 9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. (Every Saturday until Nov 23, 2024)
Address: Island Books, 3014 78th Ave. S.E. Mercer Island, WA 98040
Cost: Free
Ages: 0-5
Come to the Children’s Story Times and Singing with Mercer Island’s own Nancy Stewart, a professional singer and songwriter. She has won the ALA Notable Children’s Recording award, multiple Parents’ Choice Awards, and a WLA Visionary award. She started the Sing With Our Kids project to educate parents about songs and activities for kids from birth to age 5. Every Saturday morning.
Drop in Board Games at Meadowbrook Community Center
Saturday, October 12. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (every Saturday until Dec 28)
Address: Meadowbrook Community Center, 10517 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125
Cost: Free
Ages: 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.
Kids StoryTime at the Couth Buzzard
Saturday, October 12. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. (every Saturday until Dec 14)
Address: The Couth Buzzard, 8310 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Cost: Free
Ages: Geared for ages 2-5
Enjoy a story, songs, games, and art! Geared towards ages 2-5, but fun for all ages at The Couth Buzzard located in Greenwood.
Saturday, October 12. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Address: Behind the Magnuson Brig Building, 6344 NE 74th St, Seattle, WA 98115
Cost: Free; you must sign up HERE before the class.
All ages
Magnuson Children’s Garden hosts free, family-friendly garden classes every second Saturday from April to October 2024. The Children’s Garden welcomes people of all ages and abilities! These classes are suitable for adults and for families and include hands-on learning activities in the garden.
Cedar River Salmon Festival
Saturday, October 12. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Liberty Park, 1101 Bronson Way N, Renton, WA 98057
Cost: Free
All ages
Join ESC at Liberty Park for Renton’s newest salmon festival! Come observe migrating salmon, become a salmon scientist, and create family fun. This family-friendly festival will be held partially outside in Liberty Park as well as inside the building behind the Renton Library and next to the baseball field. Free parking can be found near the tennis courts as well as over by the skate park.
Saturday, October 12. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Address: Multiple Lowes locations
Cost: Free, must 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.
Family Foresters
Saturday, October 12. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: E.J. Nist Family Park, 242 SW Normandy Rd, Normandy Park, WA 98166
Cost: Free, register here.
All ages
Join the Friends of Normandy Park Foundation, the City of Normandy Park, and families and community members around the region for tree planting and noxious weed removal events at E.J. Nist Park in Normandy Park, WA. They are hosting five, family-friendly events running September-November 2024 and February-March 2025 on the Second Saturdays.
Visit MaST Center Aquarium
Saturday, October 12. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Every Saturday)
Address: MaST Center Aquarium, 28203 Redondo Beach Dr S, Des Moines, WA 98198
Cost: Free
All ages
The 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.
Fall Y’all Market at Infinity Farm
Saturday, October 12. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Infinity Farm, 16523 Issaquah-Hobart Road Southeast, Issaquah, WA 98027
Cost: Free event
All ages
Fall Ya’ll is their biggest market of the year! Come out to Infinity Farm Issaquah and shop from 60+ vendors, feed alpacas, chickens and cows, and enjoy fall activities. This event is family and pet-friendly.
Sammamish Valley Harvest Celebration
Saturday, October 12. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: 21 Acres, 13701 NE 171st St, Woodinville, WA 98072
Cost: Free
All ages
Join the Sammamish Valley Harvest Celebration hosted at 21 Acres in Woodinville. It’s free for all ages – play yard games, take tours and shop from their artisan craft vendors. There will be giant pumpkins, artisan vendors, live music, tasty food, cooking demonstrations, apple pressing, author talk and book signing, farm photo walk, a great pumpkin hunt, art making, cupcake walk, pollinator and heritage garden tours. The Dragon Fly Farm will be on campus with bunnies and a mini pony. Visit the website to see the schedule for the day.
Saturday, October 12. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Address: South Kitsap Regional Park, 3100 SE Marbeth LN, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Cost: Free. Donations welcome.
All ages
Kitsap Live Steamers will host free public train rides every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month (along with some Sundays and holidays). Their train rides last around 12 minutes, and feature a fun and relaxing ride through woods. Trains run throughout the day and you will get to see a varied collection of motive power, from steam to diesel and electric.
Orting Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 12. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Orting Valley Farmers Market, 101 Washington Ave N, Orting, WA 98360
Cost: Free event
All ages
Join Orting’s first annual Orting Harvest Festival. Come celebrate the season with a day full of autumn themed fun. There will be vendors, food, drinks, and pumpkin carving!
Picha Farms Fall Festival
October 12 – October 27, 2024. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and Sundays.
Address: Picha Farms, 6502 52nd St E, Puyallup, WA 98371
Cost: Free admission to the farm. Activities cost, see prices here.
All ages
Come to Picha Farms for their fall festival and enjoy these fun fall activities you get to experience: a corn maze, hayride, slingshot, food, and more.
Fall Festival at Bonney Watson
Saturday, October 12. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Bonney Watson, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188
Cost: Free
All ages
Join the Bonney Watson Fall Festival with the community for a free afternoon of fall fun and festivities. There will be delicious treats including kettle corn and caramel apples. Activities include face painting, carriage rides, yard games and arts and crafts.
Saturday Morning Story Time at Barnes & Noble
Saturday, October 12. 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (weekly on Saturdays until Nov 9)
Address: Barnes & Noble, Pavilions Centre, 31325 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003
Cost: 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.
Detective Cookies Chess Club
Saturday, October 12. 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. (occurs weekly until Dec 28)
Address: Rainier Beach Community Center, 8825 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
Cost: 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 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.
Lakewood Truck and Tractor Day
Saturday, October 12. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
Cost: Free
All ages
Truck & Tractor Day is a yearly event for people of all ages held at Fort Steilacoom Park. Enjoy pumpkin decorating, crafts, games, and a giant slingshot for pumpkin chucking! Children can climb on dozens of giant trucks and tractors and sit in the driver’s seat & honk the horn. Children also receive free hayrides, hard hats, and pumpkins (1 per family while supplies last).
Saturday, October 12. 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. (second Saturday of the month, No event in November)
Address: Postmark Center for the Arts, 20 Auburn Ave, Auburn, WA 98002
Cost: Free
All ages
The City of Auburn is hosting free creative workshops and activities for all ages on the second Saturday of each month.
Indoor Tot Gym at Magnuson Community Center
Saturday, October 12. 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Weekly on Saturdays until Dec 28)
Address: Magnuson Community Center, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Cost: Free. Please register for a Quick Card at the front desk on your first visit.
Ages: 5 and under
Children play, learn, and develop both motor and social skills in this highly interactive drop-in social and play time. Toddlers will make friends, ride scooters, play with bouncy balls, and more. Caregivers must accompany their child at all times. Be sure to check the Facebook page and or website for holiday closures before attending.
Family Yoga at Sammamish Library
Saturday, October 12. 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. (ages 3-5), 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. (ages 6-9)
Location: Sammamish Library, 825 228th Avenue SE, Sammamish WA 98075
Cost: Free
Ages: 3-9
Certified yoga instructor Neha from Soul Lumos will lead a yoga session that will incorporate stories and songs to capture young children’s attention. Find mindfulness, creativity and body awareness through movement. The engaging, imaginative yoga poses are inspired by animals and nature to help young children develop motor skills, balance and coordination in a playful environment.
Saturday, October 12. 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Address: Westlake Park, 401 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
Cost: Free. RSVP here.
All ages
Come join these Art Workshops with SilverKite in Westlake Park and bring your creativity and imagination to a free series of hands-on art workshops in the park, presented by SilverKite Community Arts and DSA. All ages are welcome and supplies are provided.
Turkfest at Seattle Center
October 12-13
Location: Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
All ages
Turkfest is an annual cultural festival in Seattle whose mission is to foster friendship, understanding, and cooperation throughout the greater community by organizing educational, entertaining, and engaging cultural programs that celebrate Turkish culture and heritage. The festival boasts a variety of traditional and contemporary performances, art and textile exhibitions, documentaries, youth activities, cuisine, workshops and genuine Turkish products vendors.
Salmon SEEson at North Creek Trail
Sunday, October 13. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (open daily until November 18)
Address: North Creek Trail, Bothell, WA 98021
Cost: Free
All ages
Watch for Chinook salmon in September, sockeye in October and coho in November as they migrate up North Creek. Start at North Creek Trail Park and walk the paved trail south along the creek until you get to the Country Inn and Suites at 19333 North Creek Pkwy or walk north along the creek until 240th Street SE. Make sure to check under bridges where fish often hide. For best viewing, visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid glare and bring polarized glasses.
West Seattle Farmers Market
Sunday, October 13. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Every Sunday. Year-round.
Address: West Seattle Farmers Market, Cnr SW Alaska St &, California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
Cost: 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.
Read more: Best Seattle-area farmers markets for a family excursion
Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
Sunday, October 13. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Every Sunday until Oct 20)
Address: 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Cost: Free, items to purchase
All ages
The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is a fresh market with locally grown and produced food (including many organic options), flowers, and a very limited number of crafts vendors.
Fall Farm Fest at Rooted Northwest
Sunday, October 13. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Rooted Northwest, 13410 228th St NE, Arlington, WA 98223
Cost: Free, RSVP here.
All ages
Fun for all ages and free to attend! Rooted is home to a family of regenerative farms, featuring fresh veggies, flowers, medicinal herbs, pigs, chickens, and more. Buy from the farmers, go on farm tours, enjoy workshops, crafts, food, and live music, and learn about the cohousing village we are building on these beautiful 240 acres. There will be a kid’s booth with feather-fun art projects and face painting!
Family Game Day at Blue Highway Games
Sunday, October 13. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Second Sunday of every Month until Dec 8)
Address: Blue Highway Games, 2203 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Cost: Free
All ages
Family Game Day at Blue Highway Games in Seattle is a free event that welcomes families of all ages to participate. Bring your family for free activities on the Second Sunday of every month. BHG has an open playspace and event space with tables and a game library designed for patrons and community members to gather and play games in. Have preschool-aged kids? Be sure to stop in the morning to join them for Preschool Game Hour from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Preschool Game Hour at Blue Highway Games
Sunday, October 13. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Second Sunday of every month)
Address: Blue Highway Games, 2203 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Cost: Free
Ages: Designed for kids ages 3-5 with their parents/caregivers.
Bring the family to Preschool Game Hour, taking place on the same day as the Family Game Day. Join them for board games, a puzzle, and coloring sheets, all brought together by a theme.
Indoor Tot Gym at Bitter Lake Community Center
Sunday, October 13. 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Every Sunday until Dec 30)
Address: Bitter Lake Community Center, 13035 Linden Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
Cost: Free. Please register for a Quick Card at the front desk on your first visit.
Ages: 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).
Girls try hockey for free at Kraken Community Iceplex
Sunday, October 13. 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Kraken Community Iceplex, 10601 5th Ave NE, Seattle, WA – 98125
Cost: Free. Must register here.
Ages: 4-9
Get on the ice and become a hockey player for the day! Try Hockey for Free is a lively and relaxed event for kids ages 4-9 new to hockey. By participating in these events they get the opportunity to try holding a stick, standing up on skates, do a little bit of skating and hitting the puck around.
Irish Dance Trial Class – Free
Sunday, October 13. 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Every Sunday until Nov 24)
Address: VivaArts, 4421 Fauntleroy Wy SW, Seattle, WA 98126
Cost: Free class. Email: westseattleirishdance@gmail.com to register for the free trial class.
Ages: 3-10
Join for a FREE trial Irish dance class on Sundays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. starting on September 8th and available until November 24th, 2024. Irish dance classes for kids focus on teaching the fundamentals of Irish dance through fun games and activities designed to boost their fitness and coordination. Dancers will develop self-confidence, perseverance, musicality, and rhythm all while learning about the rich heritage of Ireland and the many ways that Irish history and dance are intertwined. Email: westseattleirishdance@gmail.com to register for the free trial class.
Seattle’s Child editorial assistant, Yulia Fiala, contributed to this article.
Read more:
The Definitive Guide to Inside Activities with Kids: Seattle
