Outdoor Activities

The Weekender: Family Fun Ideas for Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound

Best things to do for families the weekend of June 19–21

illuminated hot air balloons at the Seattle Center for Seattle Glow, a family-friendly event

Photo: courtesy Seattle Ballooning

Updated on: June 18, 2026

Estimated reading time:

4 minutes

We are about to officially welcome summer, and I could not be more excited for the season ahead. To kick things off, we’ve rounded up 10 free ways to make the most of summer with the kids. Explore tide pools, catch an outdoor movie and make those classic memories without spending a dime.

It’s also Father’s Day weekend, and what better way to celebrate Dad than with a round of mini golf? There’s a brand-new course that just popped up in the city, and it’s one of 15 mini golf spots the whole family will love.

My top 10 events offer more ways to celebrate the summer weekend ahead, from a classic car show to a famous solstice parade.

Celebrate Juneteenth at NAAM

Date: Friday, June 19
Cost: Free
Location: Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle

Commemorate Juneteenth and enjoy a day at a fantastic museum, where there will be hands-on family activities, live performances, work from local artists and more. There will even be a World Cup watch party and sports activities. 

Edmonds Arts Festival

Date: Friday–Sunday, June 19–21
Cost: Free; items for purchase
Location: Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St., Edmonds

Still on the hunt for a perfect Father’s Day gift? Take Dad to pick his gift out from the incredible art vendors at this family-favorite festival. You can even let the kids make the gift themselves in the children’s art activity area. Plus, there will be live entertainment, art exhibitions and a selection of delicious fair food.

Summer Splash: Festival of Fun

Date: Friday–Sunday, June 19–21
Cost: $19.95 for online tickets or free with membership
Location: Hands On Children’s Museum, 414 Jefferson St. N.E., Olympia

Summer kicks off at one of our favorite children’s museums this weekend with fort building and World Cup mini golf on Friday, an instrument petting zoo on Saturday, and special activities all weekend (and summer) long. There’s plenty to explore inside and out at this museum — plan for a full day!

Kickin’ It Federal Way

Date: Friday–Sunday, June 19–21
Cost: Free
Location: Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S., Federal Way

Ready for more World Cup action? Watch the matches on the big screen, cheer on your favorite team, listen to live music and play games during this incredible three-day festival. There will also be food vendors, soccer clinics and more family fun.

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Choose your region

Parke Diem

Date: Saturday, June 20
Cost: Free
Location: Volunteer Park Amphitheater, 1139-1157 Volunteer Park Rd., Seattle

It’s the longest-running free park party, and it’s at one of my very favorite parks. Local and regional music acts will be featured at this electronic music fest, along with live art, food and craft vendors. Play lawn games, grab lunch from a food truck and enjoy the vibes. There is so much to enjoy at Volunteer Park — from the balmy conservatory to the thrilling playground — that you can really plan to spend the whole day here.

The Issaquah Library Is Turning 25

Date: Saturday, June 20
Cost: Free
Location: Issaquah Library, 10 W. Sunset Way, Issaquah

It’s a full-day extravaganza for the Issaquah Library’s 25th birthday! Kick things off with the Zaniac’s awesome comedy show, followed by a meet and greet with Pikachu. There will be refreshments and a fascinating look at the library’s history (and its origins as a barbershop).

Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade

Date: Saturday–Sunday, June 20–21
Cost: Free
Location: Fremont Neighborhood, Phinney Avenue North and North 35th Street, Seattle

Welcome summer with an epic parade filled with giant puppets, stilt walkers and unique floats (and yes, more than a few naked cyclists). There will also be an eclectic craft market with specialty goods, artwork and apparel. Plus, gourmet food trucks will be serving up tasty bites. Make a day of it!

Fenders on Front Street

Date: Sunday, June 21
Cost: Free
Location: Historic Shell Station & Downtown Issaquah, 232 Front St. N., Issaquah

Surprise Dad (and Grandpa!) with a stroll through the historic downtown district of Issaquah, where classic rides will be on display. Then duck into a local diner for an iconic Father’s Day meal.

The Seattle Glow

Date: Sunday, June 21
Cost: Free
Location: Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion, 305 Harrison St., Seattle

Seattle Center is the place to be this weekend! Catch World Cup matches in the Armory, romp around the Artists at Play playground and then wrap up the day with this grand finale. There will be 100-foot-tall hot air balloons tethered to the ground, glowing against the night sky. It makes for incredible photos. Come early for a special remote-controlled hot air balloon ride that benefits local animal shelters (kids can send their own stuffies up in the balloon with a donation of $5–$10!).

Golden: A K-Pop Kids Party!

Date: Sunday, June 21
Cost: $25
Location: Neptune Theatre, 1303 N.E. 45th St., Seattle

Rarely a day goes by in my house without someone singing “Golden” from “K-Pop Demon Hunters.” So I know we can’t miss this epic party featuring K-pop songs. Dress in your best costumes and get ready to dance.

More weekend activities

  • Keep the Father’s Day fun going with these local events, from an air show to a berry festival.
  • Learn about and celebrate Juneteenth with local happenings centered around community and cultural traditions.
  • Enjoy the sunshine and dine outside at one of the many fantastic waterfront restaurants around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound.

Our family fun calendar features great community events — every day of the year!

Editor’s note: Each week ParentMap’s family fun editor, Meredith Charaba, updates The Weekender with her favorite weekend activities around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound. It was originally published years ago and was most recently updated on June 16, 2026. Event dates, times and locations were verified by our editor.