The Seattle-Tacoma metro area is an international epicenter for glass art with more glass blowing shops than anywhere else outside of the world's preeminent location on Murano Island, a district in Venice, Italy. In addition to glassblowing studios, the Puget Sound region boasts world-renowned glass museums and … [Read more...] about Ultimate guide: glass museums, glass blowing studios, classes, and events
attractions & landmarks
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
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
Ultimate Guide to free spray parks, wading pools, beaches
Local conservation experts encourage people to use free public spray parks and wading pools rather than fill their home “kiddy pools” or run backyard sprinklers. Home wading pools use far more water than a public community wading pool. Washington State law require public parks to fill, chlorinate, supervise, and empty … [Read more...] about Ultimate Guide to free spray parks, wading pools, beaches
15 fish hatcheries you can visit in Washington State
You may not know there are many salmon fish hatcheries throughout Washington State. Fish hatcheries here and across the country help manage and restore America's fish populations. Supporting a variety of fish species and issues, including habitat conservation, endangered species recovery, tribal fishing rights, and … [Read more...] about 15 fish hatcheries you can visit in Washington State
Wild Waves Water Park & Amusement Rides in Federal Way
Wild Waves Water Park & Theme Park in Federal Way is over 70 acres and the largest water park in the Northwest. Located 25 miles south of Seattle off I-5, Wild Waves is two parks for the price of one. The theme park has over 60 rides and attractions, including thrill rides, family rides, and kiddie rides. … [Read more...] about Wild Waves Water Park & Amusement Rides in Federal Way
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
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
Where and when to see cherry blossom trees
Flowering cherry trees burst into bloom, usually from mid-March through mid-April throughout the Pacific Northwest. Exactly when depends on the variety: early blooming versus late blooming. Seattle cherry blossom season begins with (red/pink) buds that burst into (pink/white) flower. As the flowers fade, the trees … [Read more...] about Where and when to see cherry blossom trees
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
40+ Walking labyrinths in Washington State
A labyrinth is a single, methodical path leading to a center point. Although a labyrinth is like a maze in appearance, unlike a maze it has only one path (unicursal) and no dead ends. There’s no getting lost in a labyrinth. These pathways have been used for thousands of years for various rituals and ceremonies. … [Read more...] about 40+ Walking labyrinths in Washington State
2023 free park entrance days in Washington State
Take advantage of free entrance days in National Parks and Washington State Parks throughout the year. Mark your calendar for these fee-free days. Plan an outing with family or friends at the nearest park. Or, get away to another park around Washington State. Short History of Our National Parks In 1872 in the … [Read more...] about 2023 free park entrance days in Washington State
Woodland Park Zoo: discount tickets & special exhibits
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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
6 Jimi Hendrix memorials in Seattle & Renton
James Marshall “ Jimi” Hendrix was born on November 27, 1942 and died September 18, 1970. Originally named Johnny Allen by his parents Al and Lucille (Jeter), his father changed Jimi’s name to James Marshall. He is renowned as one of rock n’ roll’s best guitarists with a unique left-hand playing style on a right-hand … [Read more...] about 6 Jimi Hendrix memorials in Seattle & Renton
Our big list of Washington State ski ticket discounts
Washington Ski Season typically runs November-March. We usually update ski lift ticket discounts beginning in April when the current season ends, and operators announce their prices for the next season. There are 13 Washington State ski areas, 10 in the West and Central parts of the state and 3 in the East: Nine … [Read more...] about Our big list of Washington State ski ticket discounts
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
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
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
