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
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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
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
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
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 Walking labyrinths in Washington State
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
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
Definitive guide to glass museums, glass blowing studios, classes, and events
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 Definitive guide to glass museums, glass blowing studios, classes, and events
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 sea. But the … [Read more...] about Salmon spawning season in Western Washington
Tacoma Glassblowing Studio: watch, shop, learn!
Tacoma Glassblowing Studio & Gallery (TGS) is a family business and glass art gallery. TGS is one of the original glassblowing experiences in the Northwest. Visitors can watch the glassblowing process to experience the thrill of hot glass and shop in the gallery for locally handmade, one-of-a kind glass … [Read more...] about Tacoma Glassblowing Studio: watch, shop, learn!
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
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
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
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 museums 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 the … [Read more...] about Museum of Flight events and tours in Seattle and Everett
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
5 best things to do at Discovery Park in Seattle
At 534 acres, Discovery Park is the largest park in Seattle. Located in the Magnolia neighborhood, the park sits on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound. It is an easy getaway spot in the city with something for everyone. Here you’ll find forests, meadows, sea cliffs, tidal beaches, freshwater streams, and sand dunes, plus … [Read more...] about 5 best things to do at Discovery Park in Seattle
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
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 history of Seattle and the Puget Sound region. At this hands-on maritime museum, the exhibits are on the water and the public is encouraged to use them. The organization … [Read more...] about Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island
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
16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
The following list includes lighthouses you can visit in the Puget Sound region. They are arranged roughly north to south. Find our Google Map with each of these lighthouses pinpointed at the end of the list. Most lighthouse are free to visit, though most will gladly accept donations. Lighthouses inside … [Read more...] about 16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
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
Free Skateboard Parks in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond
Listed below are Seattle skateboard parks, roughly in order from north to south throughout the city. After the Seattle list, you will find a list of skateboard parks in surrounding cities throughout the Puget Sound region. Seattle skateboard parks Seattle, Dahl (Waldo J.) Playfield, 7700 25th Ave. NE … [Read more...] about Free Skateboard Parks in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond
