Fun Things to Do with Kids Near Me / The Northwest Edition

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Fun Things to Do with Kids Near Me / The Northwest Edition

There are so many wonderful things for families to explore in the Northwest, and much of it can be done for free or on a budget too. If you are looking for fun things to do with kids near me, and you live in the Puget Sound area, this is the list for you. We cover everything from indoor ideas to outdoor adventures, as well as something for all seasons in the Northwest.

Things to do in Seattle with Kids

Let’s start with kids activities in Seattle and the surrounding areas, and work our way out from here. There are lots of things to do with kids in Seattle and nearby areas, and this list shares some of our favorites.

One of our favorite all-time deals for things to do in Seattle with kids – is to grab this Get Out Pass Washington. It is full of tons of activities in the Puget Sound area for families, and all for one low price (you will often pay for it with just one visit to one activity!). Activities will change, but it usually includes spots like the Family Fun Center, Woodland Park Zoo, Arena Sports, and many more.

If you want to head downtown, or to any of the major attractions in the Seattle area (like EMP, Space Needle, Woodland Park Zoo, and more), check out the Seattle Citipass. This will let you be a tourist here locally, but save you some money while doing it.

Also, be sure to check out our Staycation Seattle article, as it is packed full of ideas on things to do with kids in Seattle, with options in many of the downtown areas.

Free Things to Do with Kids in Seattle & The Greater Puget Sound

Here is a list of some of the best free things to do with kids in Seattle and surrounding areas in the northwest for families. And if you plan to take them out to a restaurant while you are out exploring, be sure to check out our big Kids Eat Free roundup, for lots of ideas on that too.

Free Museum Days in Seattle & the Greater Puget Sound Area

One of the most popular free things to do in Seattle and surrounding areas for families is the free museum program. We are so fortunate in this area of the country as there are many options available to us. There are a number of ways to visit Northwest museums for free, and we share the ones we know about here. It is such a great way to get kids out, as well as being educational too. We list lots of ways to get in free, and so many of these are really fun for kids too.

(Note – be sure to check the museum websites to make sure nothing has changed on their times and free offerings, before your visit)

• Free First Thursdays of the Month – We are so lucky here in Washington, as we get access to free admission to many local museums on the first Thursday of each month. Some examples of participating museums include:
  • MOHAI – highlights here for kids include the Kids structure zone, and be sure to stop by and borrow an Exploration or Innovation pack for your visit, to make exploring the museum even more fun for kids.
  • Burke Museum – My kids used to love the dinosaur exhibits here
  • Museum of Flight – this one is so fun for kids. We share a review of visiting the Museum of Flight with kids here, to learn more.
  • Seattle Art Museum (children ages 14 and younger always get in free)
  • Washington State History Museum and many more.
  • Plus, there are many more, so check your favorite museum’s website to see if they offer free days.
• 3^rd Thursdays of the Month – A few museums offer free admission on the third Thursday of each month. Some examples include (check the website for admission times, as these are often limited to evening hours):
  • Washington State History Museum
  • Tacoma Art Museum,
  • Tacoma Children’s Museum
• 1st Friday of the Month – Free admission to some museums in Puget Sound on the first Friday of each month. Check their websites for current details as these are often limited to evening hours too). Examples include:
  • the Hands-On Children’s Museum
  • Kids Discovery Museum
• Henry Art Gallery is free each Sunday
• Seattle Asian Art Museum
  • It is always free to those 14 and under
  • and offers free on the last Friday of the month

Pick Up Passes from your local library –

Check your local library system to check out free passes to many local area museums. We have done this in the past through King County and Pierce County library systems, so check your local libraries to see what is currently being offerer.

These are so great, as you will find the Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, and even National Park Passes on the lists of ones you can reserve (and so many more)!

Museums for All offer free or reduced admission to many EBT Card Holders and other qualified visitors.

If you have an EBT card or are on Medicaid or Apple insurance, always check for a discount. Some spots offer free admission, and many offer discounted options (like $3 per person).

Always Free Museums

• • The Gates Foundation Visitors Center offers free admission, and then the Artist Playground is right across the street too, so you can make a fun trip out of this one.
  • Tour The Coast Guard Museum – Seattle – Pier 36; Free Everyday; Visit The Coast Guard Museum to view thousands of Coast Guard related items. Be sure to call ahead so they can clear you through the base gate!
  • Klondike Gold Rush Museum
  • Frye Art Museum
  • Northwest Railway Museum
  • Olympic Sculpture Park
  • White River Valley Museum – this one is small but fun, and it sits next to the Les Gove park and spray park too – so perfect for summer visits.
  • Snoqualmie Depot at the NW Railway Museum – free to visit / fee to ride the train

Children’s Museum Discounts: 

• Seattle Children’s Museum offers a handful of discounts. They also participate in the Museums for All program we mentioned above.
• Imagine Childrens Museum in Everett offers free admission the 3rd Friday of the month in the evenings. They also participate in the Museums for All program we mention above.
• Kids Quest Children Museum in Bellevue participates in the Museums for All program, or you can grab passes through the King County Library
• Children’s Museum of Tacoma is a pay-as-you-will option.
• Hands on Childrens Museum in Olympiahas timed entry options for $1 on the First Friday of each month. They also participate in the Museums for All program we mentioned above.

More Free in Seattle & Puget Sound Ideas

Here are a couple more ideas in the Puget Sound that are free!

Kids Bowl Free is one of the most popular free summer kids programs. Sign your kids up for participating bowling alleys throughout Washington State and each kiddo can bowl 2 free games all summer long!

The Center for Wooden Boats – The Center for Wooden Boats is a resource for all who love sailing or wooden boats, and it has things to do for free. Admission is free and allows you the chance to get up close to the collection of non-motorized boats. Free sails take place every Sunday on Lake Union. Sign up is only in person the day of the sail so get there early.

Water Weekends at the Marine Science & Technology Center (MaST) – Saturdays 10am – 2pm; kids can explore sea life with touch tanks & more.

Cheap Things to do with Kids

Factory Tours can be a fun way to spend the day. The Seattle Chocolate Tour is a nice family friendly option for example.

Catch a sporting event. For example, you can get a $10 value ticket to upcoming Mariners games with their Value Ticket offerings. Another idea would be to catch a minor league game, like the Tacoma Rainiers on BECU Tuesdays where $20 can get one (1) Reserved Seat ticket, a ballpark meal (hot dog, snack, bottled water), and a signature Rainiers hat. Or head to a Everett Aquasocks game for Funko Fridays. Tickets start at $12, and fans will receive a free AquaSox-branded Funko item

Check Groupon for current Kids Activities here, There are often some really great deals for local trampoline spots, arcades, bowling and more.

Educational Ideas::

If you have kids who love art, science, cooking, and more, check out the Kiwi Crates. These are great because everything you need comes in one box, so it makes it easy to do it with your kids. You can join their subscription program, or shop single boxes in there stores. Our kids have been using Kiwi Crates for years, and you can find our full review of the Kiwi Crates for kids here. Or you can shop their store directly for items you can purchase without a subscription (so many options)! The best part is your kids are learning while doing the fun STEAM activities.

Interact with Animals

Check out the Animals! If your kids love animals, we have put together a big list of places they can see and interact with animals in Washington here. Find everything from zoos to aquariums, farms, Kangaroo farms, reptile museums, and more.

Or find places to watch the salmon migrate here (seasonal).

MaST (Marine Science & Technology) Center at Redondo Beach – They offer free discovery days every Saturday from 10am – 2pm, where kids can explore the center & the two large touch tanks

Libraries – there are tons of regular, weekly events at your local libraries including story time, science & craft activities, Lego activities & much more.

Plays – Check out your libraries as well as local schools and performing arts centers to find discounts on plays, musicals, concerts & more. If you have older kids (13 to 19), check out the $5 Teen Tix program as another way to get super prices on plays.

Indoor Things to Do with Kids

If you are looking for indoor things to do with kids in the Seattle as well as the Greater Puget Sound, check out our big list of Rainy Day Activities for Kids in the Northwest to get inspired.

Plus, grab this free indoor scavenger hunt for kids to keep them occupied at your own home.

Outdoor Adventures:

One beauty of living in the northwest, is that there is no shortage of outdoor things for families to enjoy. And much of it is free too. Here are some of our favorite outdoor fun ideas for families.

Get out on a Hike. This is the most popular idea in our area for sure. We share some fun family friendly hikes here. Plus, be sure to print out this free Scavenger Hunt for Hikes, to make it even more fun for kids! Visiting the Snoqualmie Falls has always been a highlight for my family as well.

Check out the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge – a great place to take babies in strollers & young kids to walk the trails & bird watch (no dogs or bikes though).

Get out and explore a garden. Here are 8 Urban Gardens in Seattle Tacoma that we love to visit.

Beach days and lake days are always fun for kids too. We have many great options in the northwest. Pack a picnic and some blaknets and check out one near you on a beautiful day. Here are some ideas for fun areas with family friendly beach access.

Space Themed KhersonPark in Kent

Awesome Playgrounds & Parks- 

The Northwest is full of some great parks to enjoy. This is another area where we are very fortunate. You will find everything from fun zip lines at area playgrounds, to free access to wonderful National Parks. Here are a few resources to help you find those:

• Find reviews of some of our favorite Puget Sound area Playgrounds here.
• We also share some ideas on Unique Playgrounds in Washington here.
• A list of FEE-Free National Park Days can be found here.
• If you have a 4th grader, they can get a free National Parks Pass that gets the entire family in for the year. Find the details on the 4th graders National Park free program here.

Splash Pads & Pools –

We share a big list of Washington waterparks as well as some of our favorite spray parks, to plan a day of water fun for the family!

More Ideas of Things To Do with Kids in the Seattle & Puget Sound Areas –

Rent an Electric Boat or a Donut Boat on Lake Union. We share a full review of the Seattle Electric Boat rides, and although the cost of this seems higher, once you divide it up per person, you realize it can be less than taking your family to the movies.

Seasonal Fun for Kids

Here are some resources you can use to plan seasonal outings for your family, that the kids will love!

Summer Fun for Kids

• Master List of Waterparks
• Fairs and Festivals in the Northwest
• Kids Bowl Free
• $2 Summer Movies

Winter Fun for Kids

• Master List of Ice Skating Rinks
• Where to go Snow Shoeing in the Northwest
• Where to go sledding in Washington

Spring Fun for Kids

• Spring Fair Free Days for Kids
• UW Cherry Blossoms Viewings
• Daffodil & Tulip Festivals in La Conner

Fall Fun for Kids

• Things to do in the Fall with Kids
• Pumpkin Patch Round Ups
• Fall Festivals Round Up 
• Fall STEM activities to do with Kids!
• Where to view fall foliage

Free & Affordable Things to Do in the Portland Area

If you are looking beyond the Puget Sound, be sure to check out our Portland Staycation post here, for lots of ideas on what to do there.