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
Tue, Nov 17, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Auburn Library (KCLS)
Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers offer free walk-in help with civil legal problems, including landlord-tenant issues, family law, estates and debt, on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 1–3pm at the Auburn Library. Open to all King County residents, with no income screening or appointment.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
Catch: Only for: King County residents
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
Fri, Dec 4, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Kent Panther Lake Library (KCLS)
A Hatha-Vinyasa yoga class welcoming to all levels, including beginners, on Friday, December 4, 2026, 2–3pm at the Kent Panther Lake Library. Adults 18+. Bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Space is limited to 12, so register; walk-ins are taken as space allows.
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
Catch: Registration required (12 spots; walk-ins if space) · Only for: adults 18+
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, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Federal Way Library (KCLS)
Assemble a working ukulele, decorate it and take it home, with all supplies provided, on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1–4pm at the Federal Way Library. Teens and adults. Registration required (10 spots); walk-ins welcome as space and supplies allow. (The November 20 session is already full.)
Verified Oct 27 · kcls.bibliocommons.com
Catch: Registration required (10 spots per session)
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 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
