National Fishing and Boating Week, a national celebration that takes place the first week of June every year. The celebration highlights the ways in which fishing and recreational boating enhance people's' quality of life and preserve our country's natural beauty. Boating and Fishing are fun, stress-relieving … [Read more...] about Free Fishing Days in Washington State every June
Hobbies & Interests
Free stargazing events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Stargazing is simply observing the night sky. It's an enjoyable hobby enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts and amateur astronomers. It's an activity that can be done any time of the year, alone, with friends, or at a group "star party". You can also pursue an interest in astronomy from your backyard or neighborhood … [Read more...] about Free stargazing events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
15 fish hatcheries you can visit in Washington State
You may not know there are many, many salmon fish hatcheries throughout Washington State. Fish hatcheries here and across the country help manage and restore America's fish populations. Together, the hatcheries support a variety of fish species and habitat conservation, endangered species recovery, tribal fishing … [Read more...] about 15 fish hatcheries you can visit in Washington State
Spectacular Asian gardens in the Puget Sound region
Here's a list of Japanese and Chinese gardens in the Puget Sound region. The Seattle Japanese Garden at the Washington Park Arboretum is the most well-known. However, there are at least 10 more you can visit, from Everett to Tacoma and Bellevue. Most offer FREE admission. They are arranged roughly north to south … [Read more...] about Spectacular Asian gardens in the Puget Sound region
Salmon spawning season in Western Washington
Beginning in summer and lasting well into fall is the salmon spawning season in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. Many people enjoy watching wild salmon as they swim upriver or navigate fish ladders to lay their eggs. There are also spring salmon runs, when young salmon migrate downstream to their life at … [Read more...] about Salmon spawning season in Western Washington
Puget Sound Estuarium in Olympia
The Puget Sound Estuarium was founded in 2007 by the South Sound Estuary Association (SSEA) as a nonprofit organization. Their mission is to foster learning opportunities that inspire people of all ages to enjoy the unique estuary* environment of Puget Sound. * Estuary: where a river meets the sea, mixing fresh water … [Read more...] about Puget Sound Estuarium in Olympia
Annual bird count events
Bird populations are always shifting and changing. Bird count events help collect data that highlight changes in bird populations, such as the effects of warm weather on their migration patterns and other phenomena. Several important bird count events held throughout the year. Anyone can participate in these … [Read more...] about Annual bird count events
Black history month around Puget Sound
February is Black History Month, making it the perfect time to highlight African American culture and the black experience in Seattle. A calendar of local events celebrating black history is listed below. This is also the perfect occasion to learn more about the civil rights movement in Seattle. Civil rights movement … [Read more...] about Black history month around Puget Sound
Great Blue Herons in the Puget Sound region
In the Puget Sound region, the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) represents the natural heritage, interconnectedness, and ecological richness of the greater Salish Sea (which includes Puget Sound and the Straits of Georgia and Juan de Fuca). Our heron population is part of an intricate ecosystem that includes the … [Read more...] about Great Blue Herons in the Puget Sound region
Tours & Special Events at Seattle Japanese Garden
The Seattle Japanese Garden is located in Madison Valley within the Washington Park Arboretum. Over 100,000 people visit every year, including locals as well as visitors from around the world. It is one of the most highly regarded Japanese-style gardens in North America. About Japanese Gardens Gardens in Japan are … [Read more...] about Tours & Special Events at Seattle Japanese Garden
Planetarium shows in the Puget Sound region
The following planetariums and observatories in the Puget Sound region and around Washington State have regularly scheduled public astronomy shows that have free or cheap admission of $15 or less. Planetariums feature digital videos displayed on a dome-shaped screen with breathtaking images of the universe or … [Read more...] about Planetarium shows in the Puget Sound region
Washington State Fair events at Puyallup Fairgrounds
Located south of Seattle and east of Tacoma in the shadow of majestic Mount Rainier, the Washington State Fair Events Center comprises over 160 acres. The facilities are available for rent during the year. Washington State Fair (formerly known as the Puyallup Fair) is the largest single attraction held … [Read more...] about Washington State Fair events at Puyallup Fairgrounds
Evergreen State Fair in Monroe
The Evergreen State Fair is a family-friendly celebration of all things Washington, showcasing the state's rich livestock and agriculture heritage. Held in Snohomish County north of Seattle, it the county’s largest event. Activities at the Evergreen State Fair for visitors include free entertainment on the … [Read more...] about Evergreen State Fair in Monroe
10 best free outdoor activities year-round
The following outdoor activities feature popular year-round sport and recreation pursuits around Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. Our list focuses on activities that are relatively easy to learn and pursue. Newcomers to these recreational pursuits can quickly get introduced to the basics without a lot of time or … [Read more...] about 10 best free outdoor activities year-round
Museums with always free admission in the Puget Sound region
The following list of museums in the greater Seattle-Tacoma metro area offer free general admission during regular museum hours. Before you head out, check their website for holiday closures. Most museums with free admission will gratefully accept donations. Some of these free museums also offer gift shops or … [Read more...] about Museums with always free admission in the Puget Sound region
Tacoma Museum of Glass free and discount admission
Tacoma Museum of Glass is a contemporary art museum on the Thea Foss Waterway. The museum has a national reputation for hosting impactful artist residencies, exhibiting national traveling exhibitions, creating unique programs for visitors, and building a permanent collection that chronicles the development of modern … [Read more...] about Tacoma Museum of Glass free and discount admission
Woodland Park Zoo: discount tickets & special exhibits
Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo is a 92-acre urban oasis located on Phinney Ridge. The Zoo presents exhibits featuring animals in their natural habitat, is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and certified by the American Humane Conservation program. The zoo is dedicated to wildlife … [Read more...] about Woodland Park Zoo: discount tickets & special exhibits
Wine tasting in Seattle and the Puget Sound region
One reason to go to a wine tasting is to try several wines at one time, allowing you to compare the characteristics of the different wines, and figure out which ones you prefer. There are no right or wrong answers. It’s like any other food or beverage preference. Some people prefer chicken over beef and Coke over … [Read more...] about Wine tasting in Seattle and the Puget Sound region
Sunflowers Fields & Festivals in Washington State
Like our tulip fields in spring, acres of beautiful blooming sunflowers are another unique and stunning photo opportunity. Sunflowers typically bloom August-September in Western Washington. Several farms hold festivals during the blooming season. Enjoy self-guided field trips and u-pick opportunities. Below you … [Read more...] about Sunflowers Fields & Festivals in Washington State
BrickCon convention for Adult Fans Of LEGO
Seattle's BrickCon is a convention for Adult Fans Of LEGO®* (AFOL) and LEGO collectors, builders, and enthusiasts from around the country and around the world. If you are interested in LEGO--casually or intensely--you will enjoy the BrickCon Exhibition. It's the longest running LEGO convention in a single … [Read more...] about BrickCon convention for Adult Fans Of LEGO
Getaway: August Kite Festival in Long Beach (170 mi. SW)
The Washington State International Kite Festival (WSIKF) is an annual week-long kite celebration and competition in breezy Long Beach, WA. Held during the third full week of August, starting on Monday and ending on Sunday, WSIKF is presented by the World Kite Museum and the City of Long Beach, Washington. Kitelife … [Read more...] about Getaway: August Kite Festival in Long Beach (170 mi. SW)
National Alpaca Farm Days
Alpaca farms all across the country welcome visitors for National Alpaca Farm Days every September to see and learn about these tranquil and majestic animals. There are several participating farms in Western Washington State. About the Alpaca Owners Association Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the … [Read more...] about National Alpaca Farm Days
Dance lessons and social dancing around the Sound
The following free and cheap dance classes and social dances are offered at dance studios and ballrooms around the Puget Sound region. They feature classes and dances in a variety of styles including contra, country, line, salsa, soul, swing, and several others. A few dance classes are free and others are $15 or less … [Read more...] about Dance lessons and social dancing around the Sound
Free water safety guides & Washington boating laws
If you plan to get out on any of the many waterways in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region, be sure you are prepared. Whether you will be in a motorboat, sailboat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, or enjoying lakes and rivers as a swimmer or water skier, be sure to get familiar with Washington Boating Laws and water … [Read more...] about Free water safety guides & Washington boating laws
Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State
One of the many benefits of living in Seattle is the amazing getaways around Washington State. The following summer vacation ideas are some of the most beautiful sites in the United States. You can use these ideas to plan a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a family vacation. There are vacation options for all … [Read more...] about Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State