49 listings in Seattle, WA: free days out with kids: museums, workshops, storytimes and more.
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Daily, dawn to dusk
Bellevue Botanical Garden
Bellevue Botanical Garden is free and open every day from dawn to dusk, including holidays.
Verified Oct 27 · bellevuebotanical.org
No catch
Daily, sunrise to sunset
Kubota GardenSeattle
Kubota Garden blends Japanese garden design with native Northwest plants across 20 acres of hills, streams, waterfalls, ponds and bridges. It's free to visit, open sunrise to sunset, with free parking (lot entrance on 55th Ave S near Renton Ave S). No reservations needed. During construction on 55th Ave the north entrance may be closed: enter the lot through the south gate, or park on Renton Ave S.
Verified Oct 27 · kubotagarden.org
No catch
Daily, dawn to 8pm
Washington Park ArboretumSeattle
UW Botanic Gardens' arboretum is free and open every day from dawn to 8pm (only the separate Japanese Garden charges). The Graham Visitors Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
Verified Oct 27 · botanicgardens.uw.edu
No catch
Daily, 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
Olympic Sculpture ParkSeattle
The Seattle Art Museum's nine-acre sculpture park on the waterfront is free and open every day of the year, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The PACCAR Pavilion is open daily 9am to 4pm.
Verified Oct 27 · seattleartmuseum.org
No catch
Wednesday–Sunday, 11am–5pm (Thursdays until 8pm)
Frye Art MuseumSeattle
The Frye's galleries are free to everyone, every day it's open: Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm, and Thursdays until 8pm. No tickets needed.
Verified Oct 27 · fryemuseum.org
No catch
Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm
Pacific Bonsai MuseumFederal Way
Pacific Bonsai Museum is free to visit (a $12 donation per adult is suggested). Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Closed Thanksgiving and December 24 – January 1; open late until 7pm on December 12 for Winter Bonsai Solstice.
Verified Oct 27 · pacificbonsaimuseum.org
No catch
Wed 4:30–5pm (Spanish) and 6:30–7:30pm (pajama); Thu 10:30–11am (toddlers) and 11:30am–12pm (ages 3–5)
Auburn Library (KCLS)
The Auburn Library runs free story times every week: Toddler Story Time (ages 1–3 with an adult) Thursdays 10:30–11am, Family Story Time (ages 3–5, siblings welcome) Thursdays 11:30am–noon with optional play time from 11, Spanish Story Time Wednesdays 4:30–5pm, and Pajama Story Time (ages 0–8) Wednesdays 6:30–7:30pm with art time after. No registration. Thursday story times run Nov 5 – Dec 17 (none Nov 26).
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Tue 6:30–7pm (pajama); Wed 10–10:30am (young toddlers) and 11–11:30am (family); Fri 10:30–11am (Spanish)
Federal Way Library (KCLS)
The Federal Way Library on 1st Way S runs free story times each week: Young Toddler Story Time Wednesdays 10–10:30am, Family Story Time Wednesdays 11–11:30am, Pajama Story Time Tuesdays 6:30–7pm (pajamas and a stuffed animal welcome), and Spanish Story Time Fridays 10:30–11am. No registration. No Wednesday story times Nov 11 and no Spanish story time Nov 27.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (Seattle Unit)
This small National Park Service museum in the historic Cadillac Hotel tells the story of Seattle's role in the 1897 gold rush, with two floors of exhibits and free films in its theater. Entry is free, no park pass needed. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm (closed Monday and Tuesday, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Dec 24–25).
Verified Oct 27 · National Park Service
No catch
Tue 10:30am–12pm (Play & Learn); Wed 10:30–11am (toddlers); Fri 10:30–11:30am (preschool)
Everett Public Library, Evergreen Branch
Everett Public Library's Evergreen Branch runs free weekly programs for young kids: Play & Learn on Tuesdays 10:30am–noon, Toddler Storytime (ages 18–36 months with a caregiver) on Wednesdays 10:30–11am, and Preschool Storytime on Fridays 10:30–11:30am. Stories, music and movement, with playtime after. The library is closed Nov 11, 26 and 27, and no Toddler Storytime is listed for Nov 25.
Verified Oct 27 · epls.org
No catch
Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday noon–5pm
Schack Art CenterEverett
The Schack Art Center's gallery is always free. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday noon to 5pm.
Verified Oct 27 · schack.org
No catch
Monday and Thursday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)Seattle
At the Museum of History & Industry, youth 14 and under are always admitted free; adults pay $25. MOHAI is open Monday and Thursday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm (closed Tuesday and Wednesday).
Verified Oct 27 · mohai.org
Catch: Only for: kids 14 and under (accompanying adults pay $25)
Sat, Nov 7, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall
Seattle Center Festál celebrates Diwali on Saturday, November 7, 2026, noon to 6pm in the Armory Food & Event Hall: Indian classical and folk dance, music and percussion on the Armory Stage, a flower mandala, art galleries and workshops in the Armory Lofts, a roti-making demo, and free food from Northwest Share. Free and open to the public.
Verified Oct 27 · seattlecenter.com
No catch
Sat, Nov 7, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Renton Highlands Library (KCLS)
Ensemble Ballet Theatre's young dancers perform a short version of The Nutcracker on Saturday, November 7, 2026, 4–5pm at the Renton Highlands Library. All ages, no registration.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Sat, Nov 14 · check hours
Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall
Seattle Center Festál and the Hmong Association of Washington celebrate Hmong New Year on Saturday, November 14, 2026, in the Armory Food & Event Hall, marking the end of the harvest season with traditional clothing, dance, food and more. Free and open to the public. The page gives no times yet, so check before you go.
Verified Oct 27 · seattlecenter.com
No catch
Sun, Nov 22, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Kent Panther Lake Library (KCLS)
Children's musician Nancy Stewart plays a dinosaur-themed concert for all ages (wiggle, dance and roar) on Sunday, November 22, 2026, 3–4pm at the Kent Panther Lake Library. No registration.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Fri, Nov 27 – Thu, Dec 24 · check hours
Bellevue Way between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square
Every night at 7pm from November 27 to December 24, The Bellevue Collection runs a free parade of holiday floats with falling snow, lights, music, toy drummers and dancers along Bellevue Way between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square (NE 4th to NE 8th). Parking in its garages is free.
Verified Oct 27 · bellevuecollection.com
No catch
Fri, Nov 27 – Thu, Dec 31 · check hours
Seattle Center Armory
Seattle Center's Winterfest brings back its holiday model train and miniature village inside the Armory, free to visit daily from November 27 to December 31, 2026, 10am to 6pm. It stays open until 8pm on Nov 27, closes at 4pm on Dec 24 and is closed Dec 25. Running the train controls is a $2 suggested donation.
Verified Oct 27 · seattlecenter.com
No catch
Sun, Nov 29, 4:10 PM – 4:30 PM
Boxcar Park, Everett waterfront
Argosy's lit-up Christmas Ship pulls up off Boxcar Park on the Everett waterfront on Sunday, November 29, 2026, 4:10–4:30pm, and its onboard choir (Cloud Nine Singers) performs for people on shore; the park is a stop with a planned onshore event. You watch and listen from the public park; the cruise itself is a separate paid ticket. The ship moves on to the Mukilteo Lighthouse at 7:35pm.
Verified Oct 27 · argosycruises.com
No catch
Sat, Dec 5 – Mon, Jan 4 · check hours
Downtown Park and Esterra Park, Redmond
Redmond's winter festival opens Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4 to 8pm at Downtown Park with live performances, a luminary trail, snowfall effects, a kids' light fashion show and free craft booths. The illuminated art stays up in Downtown Park and Esterra Park through January 4, 2027.
Verified Oct 27 · redmond.gov
No catch
Sat, Dec 5, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Kent Panther Lake Library (KCLS)
An a cappella quartet in Victorian dress sings winter favorites in four-part harmony on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2–3pm at the Kent Panther Lake Library. All ages, no registration.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Sat, Dec 5, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Town Square PlazaKent
Kent's annual holiday festival fills Town Square Plaza on Saturday, December 5, from 2 to 7pm: student performances, crafts and community booths, the Winterfest parade at 5pm, the tree lighting at 6pm and Santa from 5 to 7pm (bring your own camera, and drop a wish list in Santa's mailbox). Food booths sell food.
Verified Oct 27 · kentwa.gov
No catch
Sat, Dec 5 – Sun, Jan 3
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach ParkRenton
Renton's Clam Lights display lights up the waterfront walkways and trees at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park nightly from 4 to 9pm, December 5, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Free.
Verified Oct 27 · rentonwa.gov
No catch
Sat, Dec 12 · check hours
Seattle Center
On Saturday, December 12, 2026, Seattle Center's free Winterfest program has live ice sculpting at the Mural Amphitheatre at noon and a classical holiday sing-along at the International Fountain Mall at 6pm. Ice sculpting also runs other Saturdays from Nov 28 to Dec 19.
Verified Oct 27 · seattlecenter.com
No catch
Sat, Dec 12, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Bellevue Library (KCLS)
The Seattle Mandolin Orchestra plays its holiday program, from ancient carols and Bach, Berlioz and Vivaldi to jazzy Santa tunes and movie themes, on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2–3pm at the Bellevue Library. Sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Fri, Dec 18, 5:10 PM – 5:30 PM
Marina Park, Kirkland
Argosy's lit-up Christmas Ship pulls up off Kirkland's Marina Park on Friday, December 18, 2026, 5:10–5:30pm, and its onboard choir (Holy Names Vocal Ensemble) performs for people on shore; the park is a stop with a planned onshore event. You watch and listen from the public park; the cruise itself is a separate paid ticket. The ship stops at Log Boom Park the same night at 8:40pm.
Verified Oct 27 · argosycruises.com
No catch
Sat, Dec 19, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Redmond Library (KCLS)
Mariachi Monarcas plays traditional Mexican music and holiday favorites on Saturday, December 19, 2026, noon–1pm at the Redmond Library. Fun for all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Redmond Library.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Thu, Dec 31, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Federal Way Library (KCLS)
A free interactive story time with music and the Snow Sisters on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11–11:45am at the Federal Way Library. Kids can dress as their favorite character and meet the sisters for a photo afterward (be in line by 11:45am for photos). All ages, no registration. Presented by Tales of Enchantment and sponsored by the Friends of the Federal Way Libraries.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Thu, Dec 31 – Fri, Jan 1
Seattle Center
Seattle Center's free New Year's Eve celebration on December 31, 2026: Copastetic plays the Armory from 8pm to midnight, a Fountain of Light dance party with a DJ starts at 9pm at the International Fountain (video projections on the water from 10pm), the Space Needle runs 10-minute light shows at 10, 10:30, 11 and 11:30pm, and fireworks launch from the Needle just before midnight. Some other New Year's events on the grounds are ticketed; this listing is the free celebration. Expect a fireworks exclusion zone near the Needle from 4:30pm and heavy crowds.
Verified Oct 27 · seattlecenter.com
No catch
Nov 2026: Tue 10:30–11am (toddlers, Nov 3–17); Wed 10:30–11:30am (preschool, Nov 4 and 18); Fri 10:30–11am (babies, Nov 6–20)
Everett Performing Arts Center, Anderson Room
While Everett's Main Library is closed November 1–30, 2026 for building work, its free storytimes meet two blocks away in the Everett Performing Arts Center's Anderson Room: Toddler Storytime (18–36 months) Tuesdays Nov 3, 10 and 17, 10:30–11am; Preschool Storytime Wednesdays Nov 4 and 18, 10:30–11:30am; and Baby Storytime Fridays Nov 6, 13 and 20, 10:30–11am.
Verified Oct 27 · epls.org
No catch
Fridays at 6:30pm, Nov 27 – Dec 18, 2026
Seattle Center Armory
Seattle Center screens a free holiday film in the Armory at 6:30pm each Friday of Winterfest: The Polar Express (Nov 27), Prancer (Dec 4), Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Dec 11) and Elf (Dec 18), 2026. Hosted hot drinks and snacks for moviegoers come from Ceres and Seattle Fudge.
Verified Oct 27 · seattlecenter.com
No catch
Any day
The Seattle Public Library
Seattle Public Library cardholders can reserve a free pass to participating Seattle museums, including the Seattle Art Museum, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, Wing Luke Museum and Northwest African American Museum. Each pass covers at least two adults (some four or more). New passes are released daily after noon; one pass per card every 30 days.
Verified Oct 27 · spl.org
Catch: Seattle Public Library card required · One pass every 30 days; valid only on the reserved date · Bring the printed pass and a photo ID
Any day
King County Library SystemSeattle
King County Library System cardholders can reserve free passes to local museums such as the Museum of Flight, KidsQuest Children's Museum, Bellevue Arts Museum and the Washington State History Museum. Book online and print the pass or show its QR code. Passes are limited and go fast.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.org
Catch: KCLS library card required · Reserve online; limited passes each day
First Thursday of each month, 10am–8pm
Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum is free to everyone on the first Thursday of every month, open 10am to 8pm that day. Regular adult admission is $29.99; kids 14 and under are always free.
Verified Oct 27 · seattleartmuseum.org
No catch
First Thursday of each month, 5–9pm
The Museum of FlightSeattle
The Museum of Flight stays open late on the first Thursday of every month with free admission from 5 to 9pm. Regular adult admission is $29. The Aviation Pavilion aircraft are open 11am to 4pm only.
Verified Oct 27 · museumofflight.org
No catch
First Thursday of each month (time on the museum's calendar; regular hours 10am–5pm)
Wing Luke MuseumSeattle
The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience offers free general admission on the first Thursday of every month (regular adult tickets are $25.95). From May through October 2026 the free day ran with evening hours, 5 to 8pm; no November date is posted yet, so check the museum's events calendar before you go. Regular hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. RSVP is optional.
Verified Oct 27 · wingluke.org
No catch
First Thursday of each month, 10am–8pm
Burke MuseumSeattle
The Burke Museum of natural history and culture is free on the first Thursday of every month, open 10am to 8pm. Crowds are big, so the museum strongly recommends reserving a free timed ticket ahead.
Verified Oct 27 · burkemuseum.org
Catch: Free timed ticket strongly recommended: reserve ahead
First Thursday of each month, 5–8pm
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)Seattle
The Museum of History & Industry opens its core exhibits free from 5 to 8pm on the first Thursday of every month. Regular adult admission is $25.
Verified Oct 27 · mohai.org
No catch
Third Thursday of each month, 3–7pm
Imagine Children's MuseumEverett
Imagine Children's Museum, the biggest children's museum in the Pacific Northwest, opens free to families with children 12 and under every third Thursday of the month from 3 to 7pm. Some nights add performances, robotics demos or other pop-ups. The next one is Thursday, November 19, 2026. Enter on Hoyt Ave.
Verified Oct 27 · imaginecm.org
Catch: Only for: families with children 12 and under
First Thursday of each month, 10am–8pm
National Nordic MuseumSeattle
General admission to the National Nordic Museum is free on the first Thursday of every month, when it's open 10am to 8pm. Special exhibitions cost $5 on First Thursdays.
Verified Oct 27 · nordicmuseum.org
No catch
Third Sunday of each month, 9–11am
Imagine Children's MuseumEverett
On the third Sunday of each month, 9 to 11am, Imagine Children's Museum in Everett gives families of children on the autism spectrum, with sensory processing disorders or other special needs free, quieter access to the north side of the museum. Earmuffs, sunglasses and sensory balls are available. Pre-registration is required.
Verified Oct 27 · everettwa.gov
Catch: Only for: families of children with autism, sensory processing or other special needs · Pre-registration required
Thursdays, 5–8pm
Tacoma Art Museum
Tacoma Art Museum is free every Thursday from 5 to 8pm (regular adult admission is $18). The museum is open Thursday and Friday 10am to 8pm and weekends 10am to 5pm, closed Monday through Wednesday.
Verified Oct 27 · tacomaartmuseum.org
No catch
Third Thursday of each month, 5–8pm
Museum of GlassTacoma
Museum of Glass stays open late on the third Thursday of each month with free admission from 5 to 8pm. Regular adult admission is $18. The traditional galleries are closed for renovation until December 12, 2026, and prices have changed while they're closed.
Verified Oct 27 · museumofglass.org
No catch
Third Thursday of each month, 3–8pm
Washington State History MuseumTacoma
The Washington State History Museum in Tacoma is free from 3 to 8pm on the third Thursday of each month, when it stays open until 8pm. Regular adult admission is $17.
Verified Oct 27 · washingtonhistory.org
No catch
First Thursday and third Saturday of each month, 10am–5pm
Seattle Asian Art Museum
The Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park is free to all on the first Thursday and the third Saturday of every month. Regular adult admission is $14.99, and kids 14 and under are always free.
Verified Oct 27 · seattleartmuseum.org
No catch
Tuesdays 10:15am and 11am (toddlers); Thursdays 10:30–11am (babies)
Kirkland Library (KCLS)
The Kirkland Library holds Toddler Story Time (ages 1–3 with an adult) every Tuesday at 10:15am, repeated at 11am, and Baby Story Time (newborn to 12 months) every Thursday at 10:30am. Space is limited: toddler tickets are handed out by staff from 10am, and baby seating is first come, first seated. STEAM Family Story Time (ages 3–8) runs some Mondays at 4:30pm. No registration.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Thursdays 10:30–11:15am (no story time Nov 26)
Kent Panther Lake Library (KCLS)
Stories, music, movement and rhymes for kids of all ages with an adult, followed by a short play time, every Thursday 10:30–11:15am at the Kent Panther Lake Library. No registration. No story time on November 26 (Thanksgiving). The branch also hosts a bilingual Vietnamese–English story time on some Fridays and a monthly Pajama Story Time at 7pm (Nov 4, Dec 2).
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Mondays 10:30–11am (toddlers) and 11:15–11:45am (babies)
Renton Library (KCLS)
The Renton Library holds free story times every Monday: Toddler Story Time (ages 1–3 with an adult) at 10:30–11am and Baby Story Time (newborn to 18 months) at 11:15–11:45am, with nursery rhymes, songs and stories. Spanish Story Time runs some Wednesdays at 12:30pm. No registration.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
First Thursday of each month, 10am–4pm
Volunteer Park ConservatorySeattle
Seattle's Victorian glass conservatory in Volunteer Park is free on the first Thursday of each month, with no reservation or ticket needed. Open 10am to 4pm. Other days, adults pay $6.
Verified Oct 27 · volunteerparkconservatory.org
No catch
