Photo:
Japanese children’s activities are part of the fun at Kodomo No Hi (Children's Day) event. Photo credit: JCCW.
Parents, you’ve got so many things you’re already paying for — fun shouldn’t have to be one of them. You won’t need your wallet for these free Seattle-area activities and events everyone in the family will enjoy. From this to that and that to this, here are 25 free things to do in Seattle and beyond in May. Note that some activities require preregistration and can fill up quickly.
1. Moms, take an hour for yourselves and join ParentMap for a can’t-miss talk about why, as caretakers, it’s important to nurture ourselves and how to do just that with veteran self-compassion facilitators Yaffa Maritz and Kelly Moore. Preregister. Wednesday, May 1, 1–2 p.m.
2. The National Nordic Museum in Ballard pairs a story from Nordic countries with a craft for preschoolers as part of its free first Thursday programming. This month’s story time features “Three Billy Goats Gruff.” Preregister. Thursday, May 2, 10–10:30 a.m.
3. A great way to end the week (or start the weekend), drop in every first and third Friday to the Lake Hills Library for an afternoon playing board games and chess. Fridays, May 3 and 17, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
4. Head to Tacoma’s Old Town Park for some old-timey fun at the annual Craft & Music Fest. Enjoy heritage crafts, local music and fun activities for the kids. Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
5. Celebrate Kodomo No Hi (or Children’s Day) with your kodomo and learn about children’s culture in Japan through art, history, food, music, active games and martial arts demonstrations. Sunday, May 5, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center.
6. Spring showers have brought May flowers to Tacoma’s Cross Park. Embark on a wildflower scavenger hunt for these beauties while you test your knowledge and observation skills, earning you a prize at the end. Pick up a hunt form at the Frederickson Community Center inside the park to participate. May 6–17.
7. Young car enthusiasts will love the interactive stories and songs at Storytime for Little Sparkplugs held monthly at Tacoma’s LeMay–America’s Car Museum. It’s also the perfect time to meet new friends and play in the hands-on Family Zone. Tuesday, May 7, 10–11 a.m.
8. Visit the Ballard Locks and take a free tour to find out how this spot moves boats and salmon in and out of Seattle. If you’re lucky you might spy a friendly seal swishing around in the waters. Tours run Wednesday–Sunday at 2 p.m. through September.
9. Tacoma Art Museum is open late every Thursday evening for Neighborhood Nights when you can explore the exhibits for free. Bonus: On second Thursdays, join a free all-ages, all-abilities dance class with T.U.P.A.C. and get moving! Thursday, May 9, 5–8 p.m. Dance class starts at 6:30 p.m.
10. It’s Fri-yay so treat the fam to an evening of live music to cap off the week. The Monica Finney Trio is performing its variety of swing and blues at the Third Place Commons stage where you can also grab a bite to eat. Friday, May 10, 7–9 p.m.
11. Bouncy houses, face painting, balloon art and BIG rigs. What more could you ask for? Head to Sammamish Commons to explore over 20 service vehicles and meet the community helpers who operate them. Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
12. Nature-loving families will be delighted to get outdoors and stroll through the various habitats of the not-often-open Morse Wildlife Preserve. Sunday, May 12, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
13. Do you have magic buffs at home? Bring them to this family-friendly magic show at Ravenna’s Third Place Books on the second Monday of the month. Witness feats of wonder, mystery and the bizarre. Monday, May 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
14. With any luck, sunny skies will prevail when you hit the waters of South Lake Union in a peapod rowboat you can rent for one hour at no charge from the Center for Wooden Boats. Make reservations online in advance. Wednesday–Sunday, all year long.
15. For a perfect get-the-wiggles-out afternoon, head to North Bellevue Community Center for active play on tricycles, scooter cars and mats followed by story time at this weekly meet up. Thursday, May 16, 1:30–4 p.m.
16. It’s Ballard’s big day. Grab a piece of sidewalk with your fam to watch the super-fun 17th of May parade honoring the neighborhood’s Nordic roots. Friday, May 17, 6–8 p.m.
17. Gather your aviation fans at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum to make paper airplanes, watch scale modeling demos, check out exhibits and do other fun activities during Community Day at Paine Field. Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
18. Head to the Marysville Opera House to experience art, live dance, music performances, exotic foods and more from around the world at this multicultural festival geared toward the whole family. Sunday, May 19, 1–4 p.m.
19. Rainy morning with nothing to do? Head to one of several Seattle community centers that offer free drop-in tot gyms. You can find one open every day of the week! Check individual schedules for details. Various days and times are offered.
20. Spark your child’s learning and creativity through math and art with Seattle Universal Math Museum at the Kent Library. Kids ages 5 and older can drop in to explore tiling and tessellations with a variety of geometry-based art projects. Wednesday, May 22, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
21. Bring your toddler to Greenwood Park for fresh-air playtime, exploration and new friends every second and fourth Thursdays through June. The perfect pre-nap activity! Thursday, May 23, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
22. Dance, learn and play at Seattle’s biggest music and culture fest. It’s the opening day of the Northwest Folklife Festival, our area’s annual Memorial Day weekend tradition held at the Seattle Center. Friday–Sunday, May 24–27, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
23. A 3,000-gallon aquarium, two large touch tanks, over 250 Puget Sound species and a 38-foot gray whale skeleton are yours to behold during a public viewing day at the MaST Center, occurring weekly. Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
24. Pile the family in the car, head out on a little day trip to Skykomish’s Great Northern & Cascade Railway and treat your train-loving brood to a free ride aboard a mini train. The trains run on weekends through October. Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
25. The Honk! Festival West kicks off a weekend of free music and fun in Georgetown featuring a variety of street band sounds from across the globe. The musical merriment continues Saturday in Columbia City and Sunday at Pratt Park. Friday, May 31, 6–10 p.m.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in January 2024 and was most recently updated to include 25 exciting free things to do in Seattle for families in May.
