Fun-filled Family Activities: Exploring Seattle, Eastside, and South Sound for Enjoyable Weekend Outings
June is swiftly approaching, and as the sunshine lengthens, children's requests for outdoor activities escalate. This is confirmed by the recent opening of local spray parks and splash pads. Parents in Seattle, Eastside, and South Sound are familiar with these refreshing hot-weather essentials. Before long, a new sprinkler park will open in Snoqualmie.
Another popular summertime request that has surfaced is a train adventure. The enthusiasm for trains on display during the daily commute through railroad crossings has left many parents eager to provide their children with a more immersive experience. For enthusiastic train-lovers, the following list promises something for everyone.
1. Kiddie Kilo at Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome in Marymoor Park
Date: Friday, May 30Cost: $5 donation for adults; free for childrenLocation: Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome, 6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy. N.E., Redmond
Friday marks the start of the season for the much-anticipated Kiddie Kilo event at the Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome. Bike-loving children aged 12 and younger can take part in a thrilling lap on the velodrome's track, giving them the opportunity to showcase their skills on two wheels.
2. Forsgren Playground Grand Reopening
Date: Friday, May 30Cost: FreeLocation: Forsgren Park, 23799 Carter Rd., Bothell
After a comprehensive renovation, the Forsgren Playground is set to reopen on May 30. The entire community is invited to celebrate the grand unveiling of the redesigned playground, which features inclusive design elements suited for children of all ages and abilities.
3. Honk! Fest West
Date: Friday-Sunday, May 30-June 1Cost: FreeLocations: Georgetown, Columbia City, Pratt Park
Music lovers of all ages can enjoy Honk! Fest West, a beloved summer festival featuring a diverse selection of marching bands, street bands, and drum lines from around the world. The festivities kick off in Georgetown, continue in Columbia City, and conclude at Pratt Park, offering three days of lively music and delicious food.
4. Burien Pride Festival
Date: Friday-Sunday, May 30-June 1Cost: Festivities are free; $30 for 10 rounds of bingo; $10-$20 for pancake breakfastLocation: Burien Town Square Park, 480 S.W. 152nd St., Burien
June marks Pride Month, and the Burien Pride Festival is a wonderful celebration honoring the LGBTQ+ community. The three-day event begins with a street dance party, followed by a full day of live music and performances on Saturday. Families can look forward to kid-friendly activities, and Sunday's agenda includes a pancake breakfast and drag queen bingo.
5. Family Nature Walk at Dune Peninsula
Date: Saturday, May 31Cost: FreeLocation: Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park, 5361 Yacht Club Rd., Tacoma
Adventurous families can explore the Dune Peninsula during a naturalist-led walk, where local flora and fauna will be the focus. This picturesque nature walk at Point Defiance Park is an excellent opportunity to learn about the seasonal adaptations of various plants and animals.
6. Pollinator Fest
Date: Saturday, May 31Cost: FreeLocation: 21 Acres Center, 13701 N.E. 171st St., Woodinville
The blooming gardens in the area are teeming with busy bees, making this the perfect time for a pollinator-themed event. The Pollinator Fest will feature guest speakers, garden tours, and food carts, offering families an educational and fun gathering focused on organic gardening, native plants, and encouraging pollinators.
7. Parke Diem
Date: Saturday, May 31Cost: FreeLocation: Volunteer Park Amphitheater, 1139-1157 Volunteer Park Rd., Seattle
Seattle's longest-running free park party, Parke Diem, returns to the Volunteer Park Amphitheater. This electronic music festival showcases local and regional acts, art installations, and craft vendors. Visitors can enjoy food from a variety of food trucks and play lawn games while soaking up the festival vibes.
8. Seattle FlyDogs at The Museum of Flight
Date: Saturday, May 31Cost: Included with admission ($21-$29; children younger than 4 are free) or museum membershipLocation: The Museum of Flight, 9404 E Marginal Wy. S., Tukwila
The energy and agility of the Seattle FlyDogs will take center stage at a captivating show at The Museum of Flight. After the performance, guests can meet the dogs and their trainers, and explore the museum's exhibits on air and space travel.
9. Briscot Farm Family Fun
Date: Saturday-Sunday, May 31-June 1Cost: $10 admissionLocation: Briscot Farm, 27329 78th Ave. S., Kent
Families can embark on an adventure at Briscot Farm, where they will find bounce houses, yard games, nature walks, and fresh treats, as well as water play if the weather permits. The farm is a perfect destination for fun-filled weekends.
10. Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival
Date: Saturday-Sunday, May 31-June 1Cost: FreeLocation: Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St., Seattle
The Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival celebrates Filipino heritage and culture, featuring music and dance performances, visual arts, exhibits, and workshops. In addition, attendees can indulge in authentic Filipino cuisine from some of Seattle's finest food trucks. The festival invites families to immerse themselves in the rich history and traditions of the Philippines.
Several other engaging weekend activities are available, including a trip to Wild Waves, exploring the new bee-themed playground in Bellevue, and taking advantage of numerous free activities during June. Stay connected by signing up for our eNews to receive weekly updates on the best family-friendly events around Seattle, Eastside, and South Sound.
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- As the school year ends and summer begins, families may be looking for activities to engage their children at home. Creating a family lifestyle project focusing on garden improvements could be a fun and educational activity for children of all ages.
- In addition to outdoor activities, many families are interested in educational endeavors for their children. Local preschools and schools offer various summer programs that provide learning opportunities for kids beyond the classroom.
- For families living in and around Seattle, Eastside, and South Sound, events catering to children's interests such as the train adventure mentioned earlier, or the Kiddie Kilo event at the Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome, provide unique opportunities for kids to experience new things and develop their skills.
- Another aspect of family life is spending quality time together, and weekends are a great opportunity for this. Activities such as the Briscot Farm Family Fun or the Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival offer the chance to learn about diverse cultures and enjoy quality time as a family.
- Finally, families can work together to plan a balance between outdoor activities, learning opportunities, and fun experiences as a way to foster a sense of togetherness and create precious memories during the summer months.