Cheap Summer Activities for Seattle Kids 2024

The sun is shining, the days are long, and the urge for adventure is calling! Summer in Seattle offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and indoor escapes, perfect for keeping your kids cool and entertained.

Seattle’s mild climate makes it ideal for water fun. Luckily, the city has a variety of free and budget-friendly options to keep your little ones splashing all summer long.

Spray Parks & Wading Pools

These sprayparks will be open from 11 am to 8 pm each day of the week:

• Ballard Commons
• Beacon Mountain in Jefferson Park
• Georgetown Playfield
• Highland Park
• John C. Little Park
• Judkins Park
• Lake Union Park
• Miller Community Center/Playfield
• Northacres Park
• Pratt Park
• Yesler Terrace Park

Wading Pools

Season begins June 22, 2024.   Schedules and days of week will vary by location.

Wading pools are open with an attendant in season on sunny days when the temperature is forecast to be 70 degrees or above. In summer, please call the Wading Pool Hotline to verify hours and open/closed status the day of your visit: (206) 684-7796, or check the Wading Pool Facebook page for daily updates in summer.

• Beacon Hill Playground:
  • 1902 13th Ave. S,
  • Open 6/26-8/15,
  • Wed/Thurs 12-7 PM
• Bitter Lake Community Center:
  • 13035 Linden Ave. N,
  • Open 6/26-8/16,
  • Wed/Thurs/Fri 12-7 PM
• Dahl Playfield:
  • 7700 25th Ave. N,
  • Open 6/25-8/15,
  • Tues/Wed/Thurs 12-7 PM
• Delridge Community Center:
  • 4501 Delridge Way SW,
  • Open 6/26-8/16,
  • Wed/Thurs/Fri 12-5:30 PM
• E Queen Anne Playground:
  • 160 Howe Street,
  • Open 6/24-8/18,
  • Mon/Tue/Sun 12-7 PM
• Gilman Playground:
  • 923 NW 54th St.,
  • Open 6/28-8/17,
  • Fri/Sat 12-6 PM
• Green Lake Park:
  • N 73rd St. & W Green Lake Dr.,
  • Open 6/22-9/2,
  • Daily 12-7 PM
• Hiawatha Community Center:
  • 2700 California Ave. S,
  • Open 6/27-8/17,
  • Thurs/Fri/Sat 12-5:30 PM
• Lincoln Park:
  • 8600 Fauntleroy Way SW,
  • Open 6/22-9/2,
  • Daily 12-7 PM
• Peppi’s Playground:
  • 3233 E Spruce St.,
  • Open 6/24-8/13,
  • Mon/Tue 12-7 PM
• Powell Barnett Park:
  • 352 Martin Luther King Way,
  • Open 6/26-8/18,
  • Wed-Sun 12-7 PM
• Ravenna Park:
  • 5520 Ravenna Ave. N,
  • Open 6/28-8/17,
  • Fri/Sat 12-7 PM
• Sandel Playground:
  • 9053 1st Ave. NW,
  • Open 6/25-8/14,
  • Tue/Wed 12-6:30 PM
• Soundview Playfield:
  • 1590 NW 90th St.,
  • Open 6/24-8/18,
  • Mon/Sat/Sun 12-7 PM
• Van Asselt Community Center:
  • 2820 S Myrtle St.,
  • Open 6/22-9/2,
  • Daily 12-7 PM
• View Ridge Playfield:
  • 4408 NE 70th St.,
  • Open 6/24-8/18,
  • Mon/Sun 12-7 PM
• Volunteer Park:
  • 1400 E Galer St.,
  • Open 6/22-9/2,
  • Daily 12-7 PM
• Wallingford Playfield:
  • 4219 Wallingford Ave. N,
  • Open 6/27-8/17,
  • Thurs/Fri/Sat 12-7 PM

Best Seattle Beaches for families

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park

• Location: 2021 NW 190th St, Shoreline, WA 98177
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset
• Description: This beach is a favorite for families thanks to its playground and the opportunity to see trains from the nearby bridge. While there are no grassy areas for picnics, the beach itself offers plenty of space for building sandcastles and enjoying the scenery.

Carkeek Park

• Location: 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle, WA 98177
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset
• Description: Explore tide pools at low tide in Carkeek Park’s creek, or relax on the sandy beach after building sandcastles. The park also boasts a playground with a salmon slide and man-made caves, keeping children entertained for hours.

Golden Gardens Park

• Location: 8000 Westward Shores Dr NW, Seattle, WA 98177
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset
• Description: Golden Gardens Park is a popular spot for picnics, thanks to its fire pits and concession stand nearby. The beach itself is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or building sandcastles. Don’t forget to check out the playground while you’re there!

Lincoln Park Beach

• Location: 801 8th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset
• Description: This park offers a variety of water activities, with a wading pool, a heated saltwater swimming pool, and a beach area. Explore the trails and playgrounds, or have a picnic at one of the many scattered tables.

Matthews Beach Park

• Location: 9500 51st Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset
• Description: Seattle’s largest lakeside beach, Matthews Beach Park, is a haven for families. The playground boasts a variety of forts and swings, while the paved path leads to the Burke-Gilman Trail, perfect for biking or walking.

Houghton Beach Park

• Location: 6700 Kirkland Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset
• Description: This park offers fun for everyone, with a volleyball court, public art installations, a taco stand, and a playground. The beach itself has a sandy area for wading, a dock for motorboats, and stunning views.

Newcastle Beach Park

• Location: 10220 SE 84th St, Newcastle, WA 98056
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset
• Description: Just the right size for a relaxing day at the beach, Newcastle Beach Park offers a playground with a fort, slides, and even a mini train car string. The beach has a sandy area for wading and a dock, making it perfect for exploring the waterfront.

Seward Park

• Location: 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset
• Description: Explore the diverse beaches at Seward Park, from sandy stretches to bleacher-style steps and secluded rocky coves. The park also features a playground with a zip line, making it a great choice for families with adventurous children.

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park

• Location: 12022 NE 5th St, Renton, WA 98059
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset
• Description: This beach features a unique U-shaped pier that creates a protected swimming area. The playground with fort structures offers entertainment for kids, while picnic tables and covered areas near the beach provide convenient spots for relaxing and enjoying a meal. Restaurants are also located nearby for added convenience.

Best Seattle Parks for Families

Discovery Park

• Location: 3801 Discovery Dr PW, Seattle, WA 98199
• Hours: Open year-round, 6:00 am to dusk

Carkeek Park

• Location: 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle, WA 98177
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset

Seward Park

• Location: 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset

Volunteer Park

• Location: 1240 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset

Green Lake Park

• Location: 7200 Wallingford Rd NE, Seattle, WA 98105
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset

Meridian Playground

• Location: 6840 52nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset

Lakeridge Park

• Location: 7301 66th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset

Golden Gardens Park

• Location: 8000 Westward Shores Dr NW, Seattle, WA 98177
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset

Fauntleroy Park

• Location: 5200 W Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106
• Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset

St. Edward State Park

• Location: 14404 Marine Dr, Kirkland, WA 98033
• Hours:
  • Park grounds: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset
  • Discovery Center: Wednesdays-Sundays, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Farmers Markets

Immerse yourselves in the sights, sounds, and tastes of summer at a local farmers market. Many markets offer kid-friendly activities like face painting or live music, making it a fun and educational outing for the whole family. Sample delicious local produce, let your kids pick out a fresh bouquet of flowers, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

University District Farmers Market

• Location: University Way NE between 50th St. and 52nd St.
• Days and Times: Saturdays, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

West Seattle Farmers Market

• Location: California Ave SW between SW Junction St. and SW Alaska St.
• Days and Times: Sundays, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Capitol Hill Farmers Market

• Location: Broadway between E Pike St. and E Denny Way
• Days and Times:
  • Sundays, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Tuesdays (starting June 18th), 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Columbia City Farmers Market

• Location: St. Louis Ave. between S. Alaska St. and Rainier Ave. S.
• Days and Times: Wednesdays (starting June 19th), opening date to be announced

Lake City Farmers Market

• Location: Lake City Way NE between 85th St. and 87th St.
• Days and Times: Thursdays (starting June 13th), opening date to be announced

Phinney Farmers Market

• Location: Phinney Ave N between N 65th St. and N 67th St.
• Days and Times: Fridays (starting June 7th), opening date to be announced

Magnolia Farmers Market

• Location: W. McGraw St. between 23rd Ave W and 24th Ave W.
• Days and Times: Saturdays (starting June 1st), opening date to be announced

Free Movie Nights:

Catch a free film at one of these parks in Seattle. Pre-movie activities at the following locations start at 7 p.m. and the movies begin at dusk. Be sure to check their Facebook for any updates before going to the event.

Cascade Playground at 8:30 pm

• Address: 333 Pontius Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
  • July 19: Labyrinth (PG)

Albert Davis Park at 8 pm

• Address: 12526 27th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125
  • Thur., July 18 – Wall-E (G)
  • Thur., July 25 – The Lorax (PG)

City Hall Park at 12 pm

• Address: 450 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
  • Wed., July 3: Legally Blonde (PG-13)
  • Wed., July 31: The Pelican Brief (PG-13)
  • Wed., August 14: The Firm (Rated R)

Denny Park at 8:30 pm

Food trucks on site. Movie on Wednesdays.

• Address: 100 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
  • Wed., June 26: The Goonies (PG)
  • Wed., July 10: The Breakfast Club (Rated R)
  • Wed., July 17: The Color Purple (1984) (PG-13)
  • Wed., August 7: Dirty Dancing (PG-13)

Cal Anderson Park at 8:30 pm

Food trucks on site. Movies on Fridays.

• Address: 1635 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
  • Fri., June 28: To Wong Foo, Thanks for everything! Julie Newmar (PG-13)
  • Fri., July 5: Chicago (PG-13)
  • Fri., July 12: Mamma Mia (PG-13)
  • Fri., July 26: Rocky Horror Show (Rated R)

Freeway Park at 8 pm

The movie begins at dusk.

• Address: 700 Seneca St, Seattle, WA 98101
  • Fri., August 2: The Fifth Element (PG-13)
  • Fri., August 9: Reality Bites (PG-13)
  • Fri., August 16: Twister (PG-13)
  • Fri., August 23: 10 Things I Hate About You (PG-13)
  • Fri., August 30: Jurassic Park (1993) (PG-13)

Hing Hay Park at 7 pm

• Address: 423 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
  • Sat., August 3: Polite Society (PG 13)
  • Sat., August 10: Raya and the Last Dragon (PG)
  • Sat., August 17: The Donut King
  • Sat., August 24: Lilo & Stitch (PG)

Ballard Commons Park at 7:30 pm

Food trucks are available.

• Address: 5701 22nd Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
  • Thur., August 1: Soul (PG)
  • Thur., August 8: The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (PG -13)
  • Thur., August 15: Wonka (PG)
  • Thur., August 22: Cars (G)

Lake City Mini Park at 8 pm

• Address: 12363 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, WA 98125
  • Sat., September 7: Barbie (PG-13)
  • Sat., September 14: Strange World (PG)

Occidental Square at 5 pm

• Address: 117 S Washington St, Seattle, WA 98104
  • Sat., July 20: Kung Foo Panda 4 (PG)
  • Sat., July 27: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbird & Snakes (PG-13)

South Lake Union Park

• Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
  • Sat., July 6: A Bug’s Life (G) at 3:00 p.m.
  • Thur., August 29: Jaws (PG) (non-motorized Boats and Floats welcome!) at 8:30 p.m.

Westlake Park at 5 pm

• Address: 401 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
  • Tue., August 27: The Little Mermaid (2023) (G)
  • Sat., August 31: Wonka (PG)

Free Museum Days

Many museums in Seattle offer free admission days or discounted rates for families. Check their websites to plan your visit and expose your children to art, history, and science in a fun and engaging way.

Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)
https://mohai.org/

• Location: 860 Terry Ave N
• Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Free First Thursday hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• MOHAI’s permanent exhibits on Seattle’s history and maritime heritage are always captivating. Explore the Bezos Center for Innovation for free, while some special exhibits require additional tickets.

Museum of Flight
https://www.museumofflight.org/visit/hours-and-admission

• Location: 9404 E Marginal Way S, Tukwila
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; Free first Thursday hours 5:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Calling all aviation and space enthusiasts! The Museum of Flight offers a thrilling journey through aerospace history. Enjoy free admission from 5-9 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. (Bonus: Parking is always free!)

Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
https://seattleartmuseum.org/

• Location: 1300 1st Ave
• Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
• Free first-Thursday tickets grant access to the permanent collection and special exhibitions. SAM is always free for kids 14 and under, offers discounts for teens and students, and free admission for seniors on First Fridays.

Burke Museum
https://www.burkemuseum.org/

• Location: 4300 15th Ave. N.E. (UW campus)
• Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Delve into Washington’s rich history and culture through the Burke Museum’s new galleries and exhibits.

National Nordic Museum
https://nordicmuseum.org/

• Location: 2655 NW Market St., Ballard
• Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
• Immerse yourself in 12,000 years of history at the National Nordic Museum. Free admission is offered on first Thursdays (last entry at 4 p.m.; ticket required). Explore the permanent galleries for free, with special exhibits accessible for a $5 ticket. Learn about the unique history of people from Scandinavian lands who settled in the Pacific Northwest.

Other Free Admission Days

• Seattle Asian Art Museum: Free admission on the last Friday of the month. Children 14 and under are free all the time. https://seattleartmuseum.org/visit/asian-art-museum
• Washington State History Museum, Tacoma: Free admission from 3 to 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. https://www.washingtonhistory.org/
• Henry Art Gallery: Free admission for educators, students, children, and UW staff. All others may enter with a donation of $0-20 (Open Saturday and Sunday only). https://henryart.org/
• Seattle Japanese Garden: Free admission on the first Thursday of each month. The usual admission charge is $8 for adults, $4 for seniors and kids 6-17; free for kids 5 and under. https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/location-and-hours
• Hibulb Cultural Center: Free admission on the first Thursday of each month; otherwise $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for students and military veterans, and free for kids under 5. There’s also a $25 family admission rate, and museum members and Tulalip tribal members get in for free. https://www.hibulbculturalcenter.org/

Free Fun Around Town:

Seattle offers a surprising abundance of free or almost-free activities to keep your kids entertained throughout the summer.

• Library Adventures: Local libraries are a treasure trove of summer fun! Story time sessions, educational workshops, and movie nights provide engaging activities that won’t break the bank. Many libraries also offer free passes to local museums and attractions, maximizing your summer adventures. Click here to check the story time calendar.

Remember:

Sun protection is crucial during Seattle’s sunny summer days. Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for your outdoor adventures. Don’t forget a refillable water bottle to keep everyone hydrated throughout the day.

With a little planning and creativity, you can create a summer filled with memorable experiences for your kids without breaking the bank. Get out there, explore Seattle’s hidden gems, and make the most of this beautiful season!