Everybody’s working for the weekend. So spend it wisely. Here’s your guide to free family fun all around town.
SEATTLE AREA
Explore Ballard’s vibrant art scene and watch street-side performances. Ballard Business District. (Saturday)
Work out some wiggles at a beautiful, inclusive playground. Seattle Children’s PlayGarden, Mount Baker. (Saturday)
They’re here! Take a selfie with Dasher and Comet to welcome the holidays. Swansons Nursery Reindeer Festival, Crown Hill. (Saturday and Sunday)
Celebrate a beloved toy store with balloon art, face painting, treats and giveaways. Clover Toys, Ballard. (Saturday and Sunday)
Hear the historic Great Seattle Fire Bell ring out in honor of Armistice Day and the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. MOHAI, South Lake Union. (Sunday)
It’s Free State and National Parks Day, so dig out those long johns from the back of the closet. Make the day truly adventurous, and take public transit. (Sunday)
EASTSIDE
Move and groove at a family dance party, and build your own instrument. Bright Horizons, Mercer Island. (Saturday)
Dissect a salmon and learn about their incredible migration. Lewis Creek Visitor Center. (Saturday)
Rock out with live entertainment from Jim Valley at Family Night at the Market Stage. Crossroads, Bellevue. (Saturday)
NORTH SOUND
Honor those who’ve served our country at a Veterans Day Parade. Mill Creek. (Saturday)
Rock hounds, unite! Check out cool rock collections, demos and activities just for kids. Maplewood Rock Club, Edmonds. (Saturday and Sunday)
Get started on holiday shopping – or just browse – at this mall of weird and wacky gifts. Unusual arts and crafts, performances and a kids’ area, too. Oddmall: Emporium of the Weird, Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe. (Saturday and Sunday)
SOUTH SOUND
Slip on your muck boots and head out for a guided autumn walk through nature. McKinnely Park, Tacoma. (Saturday)
Get creative with imaginative play and hands-on activities inspired by Sesame Street. Children’s Museum of Tacoma. (Saturday)
Dissect a squid and watch their annual running through Puget Sound. Marine Science and Technology Center, Des Moines. (Saturday)
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, create mini effigies of your family out of clothespins and felt. Museum of Glass, Tacoma. (Saturday)
Honor veterans at one of the largest Veterans Day Parades in the country. Main Street, Auburn. (Saturday)
Mark the centennial of Armistice Day and honor those who serve our country. War Memorial Park, Tacoma. (Sunday)
Want more? Check out our Family Events Calendar, searchable by age, location and cost.
