74 free things to do and get in Seattle and around the Seattle area, including 23 attractions, 14 entertainment, 14 kids & family.
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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 at one site or another; hours vary by site
King County hazardous waste collection sitesSeattle
King County residents can drop off household hazardous waste for free, with no appointment, at four sites: North Seattle (12550 Stone Ave N, Sun–Tue 9am–5pm), South Seattle (8100 2nd Ave S, Thu–Sat 9am–5pm), Factoria in Bellevue (13800 SE 32nd St, Tue–Fri 8am–4pm, Sat–Sun 9am–5pm) and Algona (35101 West Valley Hwy S, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8am–4pm, Sat–Sun 9am–5pm). All are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Check the county's list of accepted products first.
Verified Oct 27 · kingcounty.gov
Catch: Only for: King County residents
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
Wednesdays 12:30–2:30pm (not Nov 11)
Auburn Library (KCLS)
A volunteer KCLS Tech Tutor helps adults one-on-one with basic technology and digital skills on Wednesdays 12:30–2:30pm at the Auburn Library. Bring your device or just your questions; drop in any time, no registration.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Wednesdays 11am–5pm; Fridays 10am–1pm
Lynnwood Food BankSeattle
The Lynnwood Food Bank gives free supplemental groceries once a week: Wednesdays 11am–5pm (express: shorter wait, groceries packed by family size with modifications only for allergies, cultural needs, halal meat, baby and pet food) and Fridays 10am–1pm (traditional: longer wait, shopped to your order). No documentation, proof of income or proof of address is required. Distribution is mostly outdoors and closes in freezing or icy weather (it generally follows Edmonds School District snow closures).
Verified Oct 27 · lynnwoodfoodbank.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
Thursday 10am–7pm, Friday–Sunday 10am–5pm
Henry Art GallerySeattle
Washington State's first art museum, on the University of Washington campus, is free to all visitors. Open Thursday 10am to 7pm and Friday through Sunday 10am to 5pm. The Skyspace and Sculpture Court are temporarily closed for maintenance.
Verified Oct 27 · henryart.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)
Mon 1–3pm and 4:30–6:30pm; Tue 1–3pm and 4:30–6:30pm; Thu 4:30–6:30pm; Fri 1–4pm (by site)
Nourish Mobile Food Bank (Tacoma stops)
Nourish Pierce County's mobile food bank hands out free groceries at stops across Tacoma: Mondays 1–3pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (101 E 38th St) and Tacoma Islamic Center (31 Montana Ave, halal), Mondays 4:30–6:30pm at Giaudrone Middle School; Tuesdays 1–3pm at the STAR Center and Bates Technical College South Campus, Tuesdays 4:30–6:30pm at Tacoma Community College Lot F; Thursdays 4:30–6:30pm at UW Tacoma (Court C lot); Fridays 1–4pm at Salishan Family Investment Center. Free to anyone in need, no ID or proof of income.
Verified Oct 27 · nourishpc.org
No catch
Saturdays 11:30am–1:30pm (not Nov 28)
Bellevue Library (KCLS)
Drop in on Saturdays 11:30am–1:30pm at the Bellevue Library for free help with digital and computer skills and basic tech questions from KCLS Tech Tutors. No registration.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Sundays, 10am–5pm
Museum of GlassTacoma
College students with a valid student ID get free admission to Tacoma's Museum of Glass every Sunday (adults otherwise pay $18). Open 10am to 5pm. The traditional galleries are closed for renovation until December 12, 2026, and prices have changed while they're closed.
Verified Oct 27 · museumofglass.org
Catch: Only for: college students with a valid student ID
Mon, Nov 2 – Mon, Dec 7
Federal Way 320th Library (KCLS)
Walk-in legal help for low-income King County renters facing landlord-tenant problems: a brief one-on-one consult with a Housing Justice Project attorney, plus information and referrals. Mondays November 2 and December 7, 2026, 1–4pm at the Federal Way 320th Library.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
Catch: Only for: low-income King County residents with landlord-tenant issues
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 15, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Redmond Library (KCLS)
Shilpa of Peace Yoga leads an introductory yoga class on how practice can help relieve stress, Sunday, November 15, 2026, 11:30am–12:30pm at the Redmond Library. Bring a mat if you can; mats are available to borrow.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Mon, Nov 16 – Mon, Dec 14
Renton Library (KCLS)
Low-income King County renters with landlord problems (lockouts, move-in and move-out disputes, discrimination, repairs and more) can walk in for a brief one-on-one consult with a Housing Justice Project attorney, plus legal information and referrals. Mondays November 16 and December 14, 2026, 2–4pm at the Renton Library.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
Catch: Only for: low-income King County residents with landlord-tenant issues
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 Hazardous Waste Home Collection ProgramSeattle
King County residents 65 or older, or with a disability, who can't get to a collection site can book a free pickup of household hazardous waste from home. Pickups run Wednesdays 9am to 3pm and may take 1–2 weeks to schedule. Call the Haz Waste Help Line at 206-296-4692 (Mon–Sat, 9am–5pm). Latex paint, tires, electronics and medications aren't collected.
Verified Oct 27 · kingcounty.gov
Catch: Only for: King County residents 65+ or with a disability who can't reach a site · Appointment by phone required
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
Mondays and Thursdays 12–1:30pm
Federal Way 320th Library (KCLS)
Volunteers from Casa Latina give free one-on-one basic computer, tablet and laptop help, in English and Spanish, Mondays and Thursdays noon–1:30pm at the Federal Way 320th Library. They can also get you started on Northstar Digital Literacy lessons (free with a KCLS card). No registration; no hardware repairs.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
Mondays 1–2:30pm
Renton Library (KCLS)
Bring a phone, tablet or laptop (or use one of the library's four laptops) for free one-on-one help with basic tech questions: email, websites, Word and Excel basics, setting up accounts, and library eBooks. Mondays 1–2:30pm at the Renton Library. Basic translation is available through the library's Language Line. Drop in, no registration.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
No catch
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
Any day
King County Library System branchesSeattle
King County Library System runs free English as a Second Language classes, Talk Time English conversation practice with other adult learners, and citizenship test preparation classes at branches across the county. Join any time; find sessions, and register where a class asks you to, on the KCLS event calendar.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.org
No catch
Any day
E-Cycle Washington drop-off sitesSeattle
Washington's E-Cycle program lets residents recycle TVs, computers, laptops, monitors, tablets, e-readers and portable DVD players for free at participating drop-off sites across the Seattle, Tacoma and Everett area. Find the nearest site at ecyclewa.org or by calling 1-800-RECYCLE. Keyboards, mice and printers aren't covered, and some sites refuse badly damaged items (like cracked old tube TVs), so call ahead.
Verified Oct 27 · ecology.wa.gov
Catch: Only for: Washington residents
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 of each month, 11:30am–1pm
Washington Park ArboretumSeattle
Trained guides lead a free walking tour of the Washington Park Arboretum on the first Thursday of each month, focused on what's in season. The November 5, 2026 tour runs 11:30am to 1pm. Tours are for individuals (groups over 6 should book a private tour), capped at 50, and need advance registration February through June.
Verified Oct 27 · botanicgardens.uw.edu
Catch: Registration required February–June (tours capped at 50)
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
