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
Hobbies & Interests
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
Our big list of public gardens and garden tours
Listed below are arboretums and botanical gardens* in cities throughout the Puget Sound region. Most gardens specialize in one or more aspects of Pacific Northwest native plants. A few offer non-native varieties and some have exotic specimens from far flung corners of the globe. These public gardens are regularly … [Read more...] about Our big list of public gardens and garden tours
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
Independent bookstores are key to Seattle’s literary scene
Independent bookstores in the Seattle-Tacoma metro region are staffed by passionate, well-read booksellers. These neighborhood fixtures are the ultimate storytelling backdrop. They are places where you can quietly immerse yourself among the bookshelves, join a lively book discussion group, listen to an author reading, … [Read more...] about Independent bookstores are key to Seattle’s literary scene
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
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
New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dips and First Day Hikes
Welcome the New Year with healthy, active outdoor fun. Polar Bear Dips are for those willing to brave icy Northwest winter water, including Lake Washington and Puget Sound. If you prefer to stay dry, then check out our list below of the many First Day Hikes at Washington State Parks around the region. Polar Bear Dip … [Read more...] about New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dips and First Day Hikes
Black history month in Seattle
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 in Seattle
Free fun things to do at the library might surprise you
Seattle Public Library (SPL) is a wonderful resource if you want fun, free things to do. SPL, along with the other regional library systems including 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 help with … [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
Our big list of free & cheap tours (guided, self-guided, virtual)
We found a cache of free tours (and a few cheap ones at $15 or less) that visitors and residents alike will enjoy. Each tour is unique to Seattle, something you won't find anywhere else. We think that makes them priceless. But, we'll take free! The free tours included guided tours, self-guided tours, walking tours, … [Read more...] about Our big list of free & cheap tours (guided, self-guided, virtual)
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
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
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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
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
