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
Hobbies & Interests
State and County Fairs in Washington State
Washington state has a rich agricultural heritage. A visit to a state or county fair is an excellent way to sample local foods and enjoy free and cheap entertainment. Fairs are a family-friendly activity. Fairs are also a way to see live local and headliner bands at a fraction of the typical price (or even free). … [Read more...] about State and County Fairs in Washington State
TBD 2024: Seattle Hempfest all things cannabis festival
Seattle Hempfest is held the third weekend in August each year in Myrtle Edwards and Centennial Parks on the Seattle waterfront.. For over two decades it has been the largest gathering of speakers on cannabis policy reform in the world, as well as a sophisticated and socially responsible cannabis rally, and perhaps the … [Read more...] about TBD 2024: Seattle Hempfest all things cannabis festival
16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
The following list includes lighthouses you can visit in the Puget Sound region. Most lighthouse grounds are open year-round, except where stated otherwise. Most lighthouse are free to visit, though will gladly accept donations for upkeep of the grounds and buildings. A couple sites have small fees. A few lighthouses … [Read more...] about 16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
Free outdoor summer dance lessons in Seattle
Dancing 'Til Dusk presented by Dancing for Joy offers free dance lessons, followed by free music and dancing in August at selected Seattle parks. For each event, the first hour will be a beginning lesson in the dance style for the evening. No experience or partner is required. Each lesson will start at the beginning … [Read more...] about Free outdoor summer dance lessons in Seattle
Air shows in the Puget Sound region
Seattle made aviation history in 1916 when William E. Boeing and Navy Lt. Conrad Westervelt formed the Boeing Airplane company and hired self-taught aviation tinker Herb Munter to build the company's first aircraft, the B&W seaplane. Read more about Boeing and Early Aviation in Seattle at historylink.org, and … [Read more...] about Air shows in the Puget Sound region
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma is a restoration of a fort that once existed above the Nisqually River delta. The fort was owned by the Hudson Bay Trading Company from 1833-1869. The museum features volunteers and staff in period clothing who demonstrate crafts of the 19th … [Read more...] about Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Museum of Flight events and tours in Seattle and Everett
The Museum of Flight (MOF) is the largest independent, non-profit, air and space museum in the world. The museum features over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, tens of thousands of artifacts, millions of rare photographs, and a world-class research library. During your visit, you can wander the galleries and talk with … [Read more...] about Museum of Flight events and tours in Seattle and Everett
Wildflower hikes in Washington State
Wildflowers bloom in Washington State throughout spring and summer. Exactly where and when varies according to elevation and of course the whims of nature in any given year. Generally, wildflowers bloom at lower elevations from spring to mid-summer, and higher elevations from early to late summer, when vegetation … [Read more...] about Wildflower hikes in Washington State
Free books delivered to children age 5 and under in Washington State
Every child age five and under in Washington State can receive free age-appropriate books delivered by mail every month through the Imagination Library program. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library In 1995, beloved country entertainer Dolly Parton started the flagship program of her nonprofit Dollywood Foundation. … [Read more...] about Free books delivered to children age 5 and under in Washington State
Free comic book days
Free Comic Book Days are simply that--a day when you can get a free comic book from well-known publishers like DC Comics and Marvel Comics at participating comic book specialty shops across North America and around the world. They give away comic books--absolutely free--to anyone who comes into their shops. Don't … [Read more...] about Free comic book days
Bird Watching in the Puget Sound region
Bird watching is a popular activity for many residents and visitors in the Puget Sound region. More than 500 bird species have been observed in Washington State. It is relatively easy to see and study birds in the wild. Birdwatching is one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the country. Washington … [Read more...] about Bird Watching in the Puget Sound region
2023 Free guided low tide beach walks in summer
During summer, you can visit Puget Sound beaches during low tide and learn about the marine plants and animals. The volunteer Beach Naturalist program runs on low-tide days throughout the summer and on select winter evenings. Local residents who want to help protect our waterways train as Beach Naturalists to help you … [Read more...] about 2023 Free guided low tide beach walks in summer
Tours of Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium
Stadium tours of Seattle's professional and collegiate football, soccer, and baseball fields include exclusive back-of-house areas, press box, premier suites and club areas, dugouts, playing fields, and team areas. Bring your camera to capture stunning views of the Seattle skyline and sweeping vistas of … [Read more...] about Tours of Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium
Big Seattle Boat Show
The Seattle Boat Show is the West Coast's Largest Boat Show featuring every kind of recreational watercraft, from stand-up paddleboards to superyachts and everything in between. The Boat Show also has acres of accessories, all the latest gear, and free boating & fishing seminars, including low-tech and high-tech … [Read more...] about Big Seattle Boat Show
Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island
The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) is a non-profit organization that celebrates the rich and varied watercraft heritage that is a vital part of the Puget Sound region. At this hands-on maritime museum, the exhibits are on the water and the public is encouraged to use them. CWB is dedicated to preserving maritime … [Read more...] about Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island
Free fun things to do at the library might surprise you
Public libraries are a wonderful resource if you want fun, free things to do. Puget Sound regional library systems including Seattle Public Libraries (SPL), King County library system (KCLS), Pierce County libraries, and others offer more than just books for checkout. You can also listen to music, watch movies, get … [Read more...] about Free fun things to do at the library might surprise you
Family adventures at the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle
Washington Park Arboretum holds a world class collection of woody plants that can be explored independently, as well as through tours, classes, and activities hosted at the site. All parts of the Washington Park Arboretum (except the Japanese Garden), are free of charge and open to the public every day from dawn to … [Read more...] about Family adventures at the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle
Fun ways to volunteer around Puget Sound
The following organizations and events offer opportunities for adults to contribute volunteer hours, while meeting like-minded people and enjoying a sense of community. Some of these volunteer opportunities include tangible benefits such as t-shirts, discounts, and free admission. Requirements and benefits … [Read more...] about Fun ways to volunteer around Puget Sound
7 design ideas from NW Flower & Garden Show
Celebrating 30 years in 2018, the Northwest Flower & Garden Show featured inspirational, beautiful, educational, and fun garden design ideas. The designers and landscapers were asked to incorporate a garden party theme into their display. The garden designs embrace current trends in urban gardening, sustainability, … [Read more...] about 7 design ideas from NW Flower & Garden Show
Ultimate guide to zoos, aquariums & wildlife parks
Who doesn’t love a good family trip to see—even pet and feed—your favorite animals? Luckily, there are a variety of different zoos and aquariums in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. The following list includes zoos, aquariums, animal farms, and wildlife parks that you can visit in the Puget Sound region. Keep in … [Read more...] about Ultimate guide to zoos, aquariums & wildlife parks
10 places at Pike Place Market to while away time
Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle has many retail shops and attractions to explore. Plenty of guides talk about the Gum Wall, Rachel the Pig, flying fish, and the "first" Starbucks. Our list below points out some of the more obscure locations in the Pike Place Market Historical District where you can while away the … [Read more...] about 10 places at Pike Place Market to while away time
How to get free or low cost tickets to Seattle Aquarium
Seattle Aquarium is is the ninth largest aquarium in the U.S. by attendance, hosting over 27 million visitors since its opening in 1977. Conservation of the Puget Sound marine environment is reflected in Seattle aquarium exhibits, events, programs, and research activities. The aquarium is a centerpiece of the … [Read more...] about How to get free or low cost tickets to Seattle Aquarium
Antique train rides on Snoqualmie Valley Railroad
The Snoqualmie Valley Railroad is a five-mile train ride aboard antique railroad coaches through the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. Trains operate April through October on weekends, Saturday and Sunday. Round trip is approximately one hour and forty-five minutes and includes a stop at the Railway History … [Read more...] about Antique train rides on Snoqualmie Valley Railroad
Low power FM community radio stations in the Puget Sound region
Have you ever gone to the drive-in movies and turned on your radio to hear the audio of the film? Or tuned into a station listed on a highway sign for ferry, highway, or weather information? If so, you’ve used a Low Power FM radio station. These stations are becoming more popular as folks learn the benefits … [Read more...] about Low power FM community radio stations in the Puget Sound region