Hey there families, and welcome to Erika’s Picks. For years, I’ve been on the lookout for the best kid-friendly events happening each weekend around the greater Seattle area. Whether you’re looking to explore a new park, attend a fun workshop, or catch a local performance, I’ve got you covered. Each week, I’ll share my handpicked activities that are sure to keep the little ones entertained, engaged, and maybe even learning something new along the way. So, grab your calendar, gather up your crew, and get ready for a weekend full of fun! Let’s dive into the picks for this weekend, February 15 and 16, 2025.
- Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Evergreen State Fairgrounds
- $5 admission, children 13 years and under are FREE with an adult
Head to the Gold Gem and Mineral Show in Monroe, WA for a weekend full of shiny rocks and instructions on how to find them. There will be presentations covering a variety of prospecting subjects, plus vendors, equipment displays, club opportunities, and more. There will even be special guests from the Gold Rush TV shows there to sign autographs and take photos. Kids can learn how to pan for gold at their panning booth, and take part in hourly door prize drawings and raffles.
- Saturday, February 15, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Yesler Community Center
- Free
Come by the Yesler Community Center and bring your favorite game or try one of their games during some community fun time. This is a great event for the whole family. You can meet up with your old friends or make some new ones while learning some new-to-you, fun games. Drop in board games happen every Saturday and all ages are welcome. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Kindiependent Kids Rock Series
- Saturday February 15, 10:30 a.m.
- Mount Baker Community Club
- $5 per person
Families are invited to experience the Kindiependent Kids Rock Series at Mount Baker Community Club this weekend. The series presents a show each third Saturday through May 17th. All shows start at 10:30 a.m. and are an hour long. This Saturday, come dance with Brian Vogan and His Good Buddies. The show features fun, inclusive, and interactive music for children and their parents that is definitely danceable. Parking on the streets around Mount Baker Community Club is free and you can get tickets for the show at the door.
Brian and His Good Buddies are playing this weekend. (Image: Kindiependent)
- Saturday, February 15, 10 a.m.
- The Opera Center
- Free, $5 minimum suggested contribution
Opera Time presented by Seattle Opera supports language, literacy, and socio-emotional development for children ages 2–5. At The Opera Center, kids and their parent or guardian move through a progressive curriculum that explores opera and the arts through songs, stories, and creative play. You’ll get to read together and sing together at this interactive musical story time.
- Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16
- Your Backyard
- Free
This weekend, join the Great Backyard Bird Count by spending as little as 15 minutes noticing the birds around you, identifying them, counting them, and submitting that information to help scientists better understand and protect birds worldwide. Participating is the Great Backyard Bird Count is easy, and can be done alone or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds! Simply watch birds (in your own backyard or at a park) for 15 minutes or more, at least once this weekend. Then use the Merlin Bird ID app to report what birds you are seeing or hearing. If you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website.
(Image: Great Backyard Bird Count)
