Here is this week’s list of family-friendly free or frugal events for around the Northwest, as well as some events going on around the country. Don’t forget to check out Goldstar for Discount Tickets on many local activities and events, if you are looking for a specific event and want to save some money!
Be sure to check out Thrifty NW Moms Summer Fun Page for park reviews and other frugal summer fun ideas, as well as our roundup of Summer Reading Programs in the Pacific NW and our around the Pacific NW too! We’ve got a big list of summer festivals and fair in the Northwest as well.
If you see a fun, frugal event that’s not listed, feel free to leave a comment so we can add that event to our list.
PUGET SOUND AREA::
Friday July 13th:
* Kent Cornucopia Days - Kent; 7/12 – 7/15; Times vary each day, check website for schedule. South King Counties largest festival, this is a free event for all (there are paid activities, ie carnival and food vendors etc.) Street fair, Farmers Market, Parade, Funtastic Shows Carnival and more.
*West Seattle SummerFest - West Seattle; 7/13-7/15; Times vary each day, check website for schedule; This is a free 3 day street fair that showcases artists, farmers market, street fair, kids play area and more.
*Redmond Derby Days - Redmond, 7/13-7/15; See website for schedule; What started as a bike derby to raise money for community has evolved into much more. Friday night now includes music and a movie in the park (Sherlock Homes). The event will host concerts, parade, races, and Kids carnival and much more.
*Sultan Summer Shindig - Sultan; 7/13-7/15; Times vary each day, check website for schedule; Free event promoted as the last logger’s contest in Snohomish County, live music, street fair, carnival, car show, parade and fireworks and more.
*Arlington Street Fair – Arlington; 7/12 – 7/15; Times vary each day, check website for schedule; Vendors, arts and crafts, entertainment and more.
* Rhubarb Days in Sumner Sumner; 7/13 – 7/14; 10:00am to 5:00pm; 1st annual event with antique tractors, rhubarb games, and pie eating contests. Thanks Sounds Fun Mom!
*Pacific Days - Pacific; 7/13-7/15; Times vary each day, check website for schedule; There will be kids’ activities and games, lots of free family fun, vendors, and music, a car bash for adults, parades and more.
*Seattle Art Museum Free To Teens – Seattle; 7/13; 5:00pm to 9:00pm; The Seattle Art Museum is free to teens 13 to 19 with school ID on the second Friday of each month.
*Jetty Island Days - Everett; through 9/3; Jetty Islands Open Day is today. Enjoy Sandblast celebration, pirates hunt, crafts and more. Ferry rides to Jetty Island are free, but donations of $2 per adult and $1 per child help offset this cost and are appreciated. Find the calendar for the all of the Jetty Island Days activities here.
*Funtastic Fridays – Mercer Island; 7/13; 1pm; Join the Fun Mobile crew for wacky, zany fun at nine special Friday events this summer for our new program, “Funtastic Fridays! There will be crafts, games and more. This weeks theme is This week: Fourth of July theme and Brian Waite Band concert at 1:30 p.m .
*FreeTête-à-têter At Frye Museum – Seattle; 7/13; 11:00am to 5:00pm; Frye Museum entrance and parking are free all the time. You can check their events page here, for a list of weekly events.
*Free Entrance to Seattle Symphony’s “Soundbridge”- Seattle, Beneroya Hall; 7/6; 12:00pm to 4:00pm; Soundbridge is a music discovery center and is free each Friday after 12 pm; Ages 2-5, 30 minute interactive storytelling with song & rhythm, dance & musical instruments.
Saturday July 14th:
*Seattle Centers ‘The Next 50′ celebration - Seattle; through 10/21; Join The Next Fifty for a full schedule of Opening Day activities launching the six-month celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Most of the events are FREE.
*KeyFest 2012 in Key Peninsula – Key Center; 7/14 – 7/15; See website for schedule; A free community fair talent show, parade, boat show and fireworks.
*Get OUT Summer with Sam – Seattle (Sculpture Park); Various times and dates throughout the summer; Stay active in the park this summer. Drop by and participate in a weekly line-up of events, including a brand-new Thursday farmers market, performances, social dancing, yoga and drawing in the park on Saturdays and more.
*Family Fun Fest - Gig Harbor, 7/14; FREE event at at Sehmel Park in Gig Harbor with tons of kids’ entertainment and inflatables! Thanks Sounds Fun Mom!
*Helicopter Show – Seattle; 7/14; 10am to 4pm; Free outdoor event at the Museum of Flight. Representatives from organizations including local flight schools, television stations, Border Patrol, Search & Rescue units and the U.S. Coast Guard will be available to answer questions and let you explore on board. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. watch the helicopters arrive 7 to 9:30 a.m. FREE outdoor event.
*Seafair Milk Carton Derby - N. Seattle (Greenlake); 7/14; Features nearly 100 seaworthy crafts made primarily of milk cartons, family activities and food booths. FREE, non-perishable food donations accepted.
*Kids Cove Concerts – Bellevue; 7/14; 11:00am; Enjoy free family-friendly concerts on the second Saturdays of each month. This Saturdays entertainment will be provided by Johnny Bregar .
*Free Casper Babypants Concert – Seattle; 7/14; 10:30am; Hear a concert by popular kids’ entertainer Caspar Babypants, featuring music on guitar and piano.
*KidsQuest at Redmond Saturday Market – Redmond; 7/14; 9am to 1pm; Shop for fresh, local produce, plus Kids can stop by the kidsQuest Childrens museum booth for free crafts, science activities and more .
*Beach Explorations – Throughout the Puget Sound; see website for specific locations and times. Join beach naturalists and explore the beach at low tide. Free.
*Camlann Village Weekend – Carnation; Noon to 5 p.m. Through July 22 and Sept. 1-23. Live portrayals of medieval villagers and every-day village activities. $5 suggested donation, free ages 4 and younger.
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 7/14; 1:00pm to 3:00pm; Free craft time for kids each Saturday. $2 material fee or free with admission.
*Pond Boat Sailing – Seattle; Saturdays and Sundays through November; 11am to 2pm; Join The Center for Wooden Boats for pond boat sailing in Lake Union Park’s Model Boat Pond. Ages 5 and older. $5 suggested donation for boat rental, free first Saturdays.
* Science & Technology Center (MaST) – Saturdays 10am – 2pm; kids can explore sea life with touch tanks & more.
Sunday July 15th:
*Free Health Services Fair - Seattle Center; 7/15; 10am to 5pm; There will be an event on Sun July 15th at Key Arena in Seattle for FREE health services (no insurance necessary) – Free dental exam, physical exam, mammogram clinic & much more!
Monday July 16th:
*Summer Theater Camps – Tacoma; 7/16; Their first camp begins on Monday, July 16th & they’re offering SCHOLARSHIPS to any child (5 – 18) that qualifies – based strictly on financial need. If your child qualifies for free lunch at school they can get a free scholarship for the program! Contact Maggie Knott for more information - (253) 677-0531 or maggie@tacomayouththeatre.org.
Wednesday July 18th:
*Wild Wacky & Sometimes Wet Wednesday - Bremerton; 7/18 (every Wed. through Aug.); Join The Naval Undersea Museum where kids and parents are invited to drop in from 10:00am to 2:00pm every Wednesday this summer for hands-on activities about the undersea. Free.
Thursday July 19th:
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 7/19; Thursday 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
Sounds Fun Mom always has a great list of events local to the South Sound area of WA as well, if you are looking for more ideas!
PORTLAND AREA:
Here’s our list of weekly events for the Portland area.
Friday July 13th:
*Marion County Fair - Salem; 7/13-15; Times vary see website for details. County Fair with entertainment, carnival, animals and much more. Different discounts are available depending on the day you go, go here for more detail.
*Oregon Country Fair - Veneta; 7/13-7/15; Time vary see website for details; World class entertainment, hand-made crafts, delectable foods, educational displays and magical surprises
*Free Walk Climbing Wall – Portland; Now through end of September ; The Rock Climbing wall starts to travel throughout Portland for free rock climbing fun for all. Check website for locations, dates and times in your area!
*Pier Pool - Through 8/1; 1:30pm to 3:30pm; Admission is free every Friday!
*Free Movies In The park Summer Series - Portland; See website for specific times. Come enjoy free movies at various Portland area parks all summer. Pre-movie entertainment begins at 6:30 pm. Movie begins at dark.
*Free Playground Programs & Free lunch – Portland area playgrounds. Enjoy free playground programs and free lunch for kids 0 -18 all summer. See website for locations and times.
*Family Movie Night at Café Sip-n-Play - Portland; 7/13; 5:00pm; Free Movie Night. Grab a bite to eat, relax, and unwind while you enjoy a movie with the little atmosphere.
* Art & More , Be A Messy Monkey - Portland; 7/13; 10:00am to 12:00pm; Drop-in Art, play and relax while enjoying a warm beverage, socializing with other families & making art! Each week we offer a special project and additional 2-3 sensory art stations. 8 hr/per parent and child . Due to popular demand you must pre-register here
*Music From Mr. Hoo from The Alphabeticians – Portland; 7/13; 11:00am to 12:00pm; Mr. Hoo will be singing songs with and for kids. He’ll play his guitar and sing some original songs, some Alphabeticians songs, some classic kid songs and Hoo knows what else? $3 suggested donation pp.
*Sing a Long With Tyleena – Portland; 7/13 & 7/14; 10am; Join us for a musical sing a-long and story time with the fantastic Tyleena! Sing along to your favorite songs and books. Pick up a tambourine, drum or shaker and jam with us while learning some basic rhythm skills. Fun for the whole family! $3 donation.
Saturday July 14th:
* Oregon Lavender Festival – Various locations, 7/14-7/15; Dozens of different lavender destinations throw their doors open to the public so that visitors can experience Lavender in Oregon firsthand by touring lavender farms, lavender nurseries, and lavender celebrations of all kinds.
*Pop-in Saturday: Summer in the City - Portland; 7/7; 12pm; Make tie-dye shirts, headbands, listen to Beatles tunes, blow bubbles, and do some face painting. Free.
*Sandy Mountain Festival - Sandy; 7/14-7/15; 10:00am to 8:00pm Sat. & 10:00am to 6:00pm Sun.; Over 150 artisans show their wares while entertainment is provided on two stages. Enjoy a mouthwatering treat from one of over 20 food booths manned by our local nonprofit organizations.
*Mississippi Ave Street Fair -Portland (North); 7/9; 10:00am to 9:00pm; Vendors, crafts, food, kids corner and more.
*Family Day at the Washington County Museum - Portland; 5/12; 10:00am to 2:00pm; Join the Washington County Museum hands-on history and art activities for the whole family. Bring the kids for crafts, stories and more. Make a kite, play with bubbles, and draw on the sidewalk. Admission: Free and open to the public.
*Free Movies In The park Summer Series - Portland; See website for specific times. Come enjoy free movies at various Portland area parks all summer. Pre-movie entertainment begins at 6:30 pm. Movie begins at dark.
*Kids Cook At The Market – Portland; 7/14; Cooking classes for kids 7 to 11 at the Portland Farmers Market. This weeks class i sBerry Bonanza Salad and is $5 per child.
*Lets Go Camping – Various state park locations, weekends through 8/24; $20 per family. Tent, sleeping bags and mattress pads provided if iy need them. Lots of fun activities for everyone. There are 17 weekend events scheduled at various state parks. A very secure event with ranger-led activities and experienced volunteers on hand to assist you 24/7. Call 888-953-7677 to reserve spots. For more information head here and click on the Let’s Go Camping link on the left side of the page.
*Family Movie Night at Café Sip-n-Play - Portland; 7/14; 5:00pm; Free Movie Night. Grab a bite to eat, relax, and unwind while you enjoy a movie with the little atmosphere. This weekend: .
*Family Happy Hour at Eat. Art. Theater - Portland; 7/14; Every Saturday from 4-6, join us for family friendly music and happy hour food and drink specials with some of Portland’s finest kids acts! Every week, two different acts take the stage to enlighten and entertain. Guests include: The Alphabeticians, Professor Banjo, The Snail People, Mo Phillips, Mr. Ben, and more!
* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 7/14; 4:45pm to 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.
* Kids Saturday Morning Skate Session At Oaks Park – Portland ; 7/14; 10:30am to 12:00pm; For $5.50 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.
*Free Guided Nature Walk – Portland – 7/14; 10:00am to 11:30am; Enjoy free guided walks with park ranger..
Monday July 16 th:
*Washington County Museum Free Admission – Portland; 7/16; 10:00am to 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall; 7/16; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Thursday June 19th:
*Lunch Time With Mr. Ben at Eat. Art. Theater - Portland; 7/19; Every Thursday from 11-12pm, join us for family friendly music! Every week Mr. Ben performs and kids are free to interact.
For more Portland happenings, check out the PDX Kids Calendar, a comprehensive events-based website for families in the Portland area.
NATIONAL EVENTS:
*Free Craft Activities at Lakeshore Learning Stores– Sat. 7/14; 11am to 3pm; Kids can come to this free craft time each week for a new craft (plus print a $5 off $25 coupon).
*Lowes Build And Grow Clinic - Saturday 7/14 & Sunday 7/15; 10:00am; Come join Lowes Build and Grow Clinic. This week they will be making a Kung Fu Panda spinning attack. Register here.
*Kids Skate Free Program – Kids 12 and under can get 2 free skate passes per week during the summer.
*Kids Bowl Free – 2 free bowling passes per child per day for the summer months.
*Kids Bowl Free AMF Program - Kids 15 and under can bowl 2 free games per day through Sept. 3rd.
*Michaels Passport To Imagination Event - 7/14; 1:00pm to 4:00pm; Come learn about Japan. Free.
*Michaels Passport To Imagination Event - 7/17; 1:00pm to 4:00pm; Come learn about Egypt. Free.
*Michaels Passport To Imagination Event - 7/19; 1:00pm to 4:00pm; Come learn about Spain. Free.
* Summer Movie Express - $1 movies on Tues. & Wed. through the summer with this program.
*Barnes and Noble Free Storytime - 7/14; Times and events vary by location. Check your location for specific story’s available this weekend.
