Here’s our list of free and cheap things to do in summer for kids, teens, and families in Seattle and the Puget Sound region. You’ll find outdoor and indoor activities, free tours, DIY toys, cheap food, and fun getaways around Washington State. From beaches and biking to bowling and backyard games, we’ve got enough fun for you and the kiddos to last until Labor Day Weekend.
Summer things to do for kids around Puget Sound
- Free sprayparks, wading pools, beaches for kids at Seattle parks
- Free swim lessons for youths ages 6-16 at Seattle beaches
- Free bowling for kids (and adults): two free games a day–all summer long
- Free Skateboard Parks in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond
- Free small airplane rides for adults and kids
- Free TeenTix pass gets you $5 tickets to music, dance, theatre, art events
- Teen Ink magazine encourages ALL teens to submit creative material
- Free and safe places for teens in Seattle and around Puget Sound
DIY Toys for outdoor summer fun
- Top 10 DIY outdoor toys and summer activities for kids
- 8 giant backyard games you can build yourself
- Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber-band powered boat
Family outdoor summer things to do
- Outdoor summer movies in Seattle and around Puget Sound
- Free Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle and Camano Island
- 200+ free guided low tide beach walks in summer
- Canoe, rowboat and kayak rentals at UW Seattle
- Free apps and online maps for walking tours of Seattle
- Discount tickets to Seattle Mariners baseball games
- Discount tickets to Tacoma Rainiers baseball
- Where to watch wildlife in Washington State (and it’s all free)
- Explore the UW Arboretum with a family adventure pack for K-6
- How to save on tickets to Evergreen State Fair in Monroe
- How save on tickets to the Washington State Fair in Puyallup
Family indoor summer things to do
- Free museums and free museum days in Seattle and around Puget Sound
- Free or low cost Seattle Aquarium tickets
- Museums to visit in the Puget Sound region
- Free and low cost planetarium shows in the Puget Sound region
- Discount entertainment tickets at venues around Puget Sound
- Free kids storytime aboard tugboat in Seattle
Free and cheap tours
- 25 free tours (and a couple cheap ones)
- Public gardens and tours in the Puget Sound region
- 11 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
- Tours of Seattle football, soccer, and baseball stadiums
- Guided canoe trip through the Mercer Slough
- 93 Free attractions around the Puget Sound region
Weekend summer things to do
- Free and cheap things to do each weekend in Seattle
- Free Sunday Boat Rides at the Center for Wooden Boats
- Free weekend culture festivals at Seattle Center Festal
- Free summer music concerts in the Puget Sound region
- Discount tickets for Seafair Weekend
Free and cheap fun anytime
4th of July fireworks
- Where to see July 4th fireworks in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Kirkland and beyond
- Educate yourself on local fireworks laws
Washington State Family Getaways
- Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State
- Skagit Valley trip planner
- Guide to Washington State Wine Growing Regions
- Where to watch wildlife in Washington State (free!)
- Grand Coulee Dam recreation area (230 miles)
- Kite Festival (August) in Long Beach (170 miles)
Rainy day fun (reading, arts, crafts, movies)
- Free summer reading programs for kids, teens, and adults
- Download FREE books, music and videos without leaving home
- Free printable coloring pages for kids and adults
- Free games and learning resources at NASA Kid’s Club
- Where and when to see movies in Seattle at a discount
- Best things to do on a rainy day in Seattle
Free and cheap food
- How to throw a picnic for less
- Where to get the latest Seattle restaurant deals
- Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) (federally funded child nutrition program). To find Summer Meal sites near you, visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids. ¡LOS NIÑOS COMEN GRATIS ESTE VERANO! Niños menores de 18 años se pueden comer gratis en las escuelas, parques, centros comunitarios y más. Para encontrar un sitio de Comidas de Verano cerca de usted, visite: https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids
