Parents Night Out! Drop-Off Evening Child Care Around Seattle and Beyond

Is it time for a night to yourself?

Between working, cooking, cleaning and caring for your kids, it’s easy to let relationship maintenance and self-care fall by the wayside. It becomes even more difficult to juggle it all during the holiday season, when the to-do list is long and extra shopping trips are required. So what’s a parent to do, especially when they don’t have a village of family members or a dependable babysitter at the ready?

One solution: drop-off evening care commonly called parents night out.

For an hourly cost that’s typically comparable to what you’d pay a college student, your child gets fun entertainment and the opportunity to build social skills, while you get a break and some adult conversation. Go ahead and get that shopping list ready, schedule that long-awaited date night or sign up for the yoga class you’ve wanted to try for ages — we’ve got the ultimate list of parents night out offerings around Seattle.

• Seattle-area and North Sound parents night out providers
• Eastside parents night out offerings
• South Sound and South King County parents night out options
• Parents night out options for tweens and teens

First: Seattle-area and North Sound offerings

Editor’s note: This article was originally published many years ago, and was most recently updated on Dec. 2, 2025, by ParentMap’s family fun editor, Meredith Charaba. New parents night out options were added and all information was thoroughly fact-checked.

Seattle-area and North Sound parents night out providers

YMCA, multiple locations

Options for the teeniest tots are few and far between, and while each YMCA branch is different, many offer an infant/toddler session for kids as young as 6 weeks of age. Older kids who are potty-trained can enjoy more active play during youth sessions. YMCA of Greater Seattle offers afternoon and evening care at several Seattle branches as well as Eastside and South King County locations. YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties offers a parents night out at the Pearl Street YMCA in Tacoma, and the South Sound YMCA provides evening care at the Shelton Family YMCA and the Briggs Community YMCA in Olympia.

Ages: Infant/toddler, ages 6 weeks–3 years; youths, ages 3–9. Check your desired branch for specific ages served.

Price: YMCA members should budget between $35–$45 per child, depending on the length of the program (three to four hours). Nonmembers are accepted as well, but pay a higher fee, $50–$65.

Time: Times vary by location, with both afternoon and evening sessions available.

Barking Dog Ale House, Ballard

Want a date night that’s so easy you don’t even have to change locations? Bring the whole family to Barking Dog Ale House. Kids will enjoy dinner, activities and movies in a private dining room while you have a peaceful adult conversation in the next room. No reservations are accepted, so they recommend arriving right at 5 p.m. or at 7 p.m.

Ages: 2–12 

Price: $20 per child

Time: Typically every fourth Wednesday of the month, 5–7 p.m. and 7–9 p.m.

Time4Kidz, Lynnwood

This drop-in facility near Lynnwood’s Alderwood Mall doesn’t currently offer specific night-out events, but its extensive hours make it easy to schedule a shopping date with friends or an early dinner and movie.

Ages: 2.5–12

Price: $12 per hour for the first child; $7 per hour for each sibling, plus a one-time $30 registration fee per family. Meals are $4 per child.

Time: Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Vertical World, Lynnwood and Seattle

Kids climbing the walls at home? Send them to the professionals! Enjoy dinner nearby while instructors help your kids develop their climbing skills.

Ages: The Lynnwood location offers classes for three age groups: ages 3–5, 6–9 and 9–12; the Seattle location invites kids ages 6–9.

Price: $45 per child 

Time: At the Lynnwood gym, third Saturday of the month, 2:30–4:30 p.m., for ages 3–5 and ages 6–9; and first Fridays for ages 6–9 and 9–12; in Seattle, every other week on Fridays and Saturdays, 6–8 p.m.

Seattle Gymnastics Academy, multiple locations

SGA’s giant gyms are the perfect place for kids to enjoy unstructured gymnastics, games and a late movie. Pack a picnic dinner, something to sit on while eating it (such as a towel) and cozy comforts (pj’s and a blanket) for the movie.

Ages: 5–11

Price: $60 per child for nonmembers; $40 per child for families enrolled in SGA classes; special events may cost more.

Time: Times vary by location.

Roaring Mouse Creative Arts Studio, Ravenna 

Pack a nut-free dinner for your child, and let them enjoy a relaxed evening of art and play. Sign up in advance — Roaring Mouse hosts a preschool and after-school program, so in-the-know families book up these popular nights quickly! Note that children must be potty-trained.

Ages: 3–8

Price: $60 per child and $55 per sibling

Time: Approximately one Saturday per month, 4:30–7:30 p.m.

Seattle ReCreative, Seattle

This eco-friendly space is most well-known for selling bargain art supplies that would otherwise go to waste. Book a private parents night out and your kids will make bookmarks, sparkly crafts or marble runs using recycled materials. Children must be potty-trained and able to wear a mask consistently. Pack a dinner from home or have pizza delivered.

Ages: 4 and older

Price: $300 for two hours; $415 for three hours for up to 10 children

Time: Reserve a Friday or Saturday evening session, 5–8 p.m., at least two weeks in advance. Other dates may be available depending on staffing.

Combat Arts Academy, West Seattle

Budding martial artists can get out their endless energy with Nerf games at this Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai academy before enjoying pizza and a movie.

Ages: 5–13

Price: $45 per child

Time: Periodic Saturdays, 5–8 p.m.

The Jungle Gym, Burien

Who doesn’t love a good theme? Whether it’s a glow dance party or a pajama party, your kids can expect free gym play, games, dinner and a movie with thematic twists.

Ages: 3–12 

Price: $45 per nonmember; $40 per member

Time: The second and last Fridays of the month, 6–9 p.m.

Glazed & Amazed, Edmonds

This pottery studio hosts a monthly kids night out that includes pizza, a snack, a movie and two craft projects (one pottery and one glass).

Ages: 6 and older

Price: $68 per child

Time: One Friday per month, 6–9 p.m.

Lynnwood Recreation Center, Lynnwood

Enjoy dinner with a side of games, crafts, swimming or a movie at this popular pool (pro tip: water slides!). Sign up by visiting the center’s registration page (you’ll need to create an account), click “Register” and look for “Parents Night Out” under “Classes – Youth.” New events are released on a quarterly basis, so check back if you don’t see an upcoming session with space available.

Ages: 5–12

Price: $20 per Lynnwood resident child; $22 per nonresident child

Time: First and third Friday of the month, 6–9:30 p.m.

Arena Sports, multiple locations

Arena Sports currently offers a parents night out at multiple locations, so your kids can bounce the night away (fueled by pizza or other kid-friendly dinner options, of course) while you head out for dinner. Participating locations include SODO, Magnuson, Mill Creek, Issaquah and Redmond.

Ages: 3–12 (must be potty-trained)

Price: $65 per child; $55 for each additional child

Time: Select dates, 4–8 p.m. Check the website for each location’s schedule.

Next: Eastside parents night out options

Eastside parents night out offerings

Adventure Kids Playcare, Bellevue and Issaquah

This drop-in play care center offers extended hours six days per week, making it especially attractive for adventurous day dates with your partner or friends (hiking at an adult pace or paddleboarding, anyone?).

Ages: 6 weeks–12 years

Price: After an annual registration fee of $40 per family, $16–$19.50 per hour for one child; $9–$10 per hour for the first sibling; $6–$6.50 for any additional siblings.

Time: Both centers are open Monday–Saturday with daytime and evening hours. Call Bellevue or Issaquah to confirm as hours may vary based on staffing.

Samena Swim & Tennis Club, Bellevue

This athletic facility, popular for its swimming lessons, hosts Kids Night Out almost every month. Kids can indulge in pizza and a movie after swimming with their friends, all while you tackle your to-do list. 

The facility also plans occasional field trips for kids that give parents even more time to run errands. The next one is well-timed for the holiday season: During the Winter Wonderland Kids Day Away in December, kids will be whisked off to the ice rink before returning to Samena for pizza and a movie. Drop the kids off and then get that holiday shopping done!

Ages: 5–12 (5-year-olds must be in kindergarten)

Price: Kids Night Out is $55 per member and $65 for nonmembers. Kids Day Away is $95 per member and $105 per nonmember.

Time: The next Kids Day Away is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 13, 2025, 2:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Kids Night Out events happen almost every month, usually on a Saturday from 5–8:30 p.m. Check the calendar for future events.

Pacific Reign Gymnastics, Woodinville

This gym is located near Woodinville’s town center, so catch a movie or go wine tasting while your kids enjoy games, snacks and pizza. Dress them comfortably (think leotards or shorts and a T-shirt with long hair pulled back) and pack a water bottle — they’ll be active! Each night also includes a movie and an activity.

Ages: 4–12

Price: $80 per participant

Time: One Saturday each month, 5–9 p.m.

Northwest Aerials, Redmond

While technically in Redmond, this gym is less than 10 minutes away from south Woodinville wineries and five minutes away from Kirkland’s Village at Totem Lake shopping center. Needless to say, you’ll have a number of options to entertain yourself while your kids get out their energy in the gym. They’ll also enjoy pizza and a movie.

Ages: 4–13

Price: $50 per child

Time: Typically one Friday per month, 6–8:30 p.m.

The Gymnastics Connection, Kirkland

Kids join in on gymnastics free time, games and a themed craft before pizza dinner at this space near the Village at Totem Lake shopping center. Class enrollment isn’t required, but be sure to sign up in advance to save on registration fees and ensure availability.

Ages: Kindergarten and older

Price: $45 per child with advance registration; $55 with day-before or day-of registration

Time: Typically one Friday per month, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

MAKE Apothecary, Bothell

Is your elementary-age student ready to experiment with new art materials? Sign them up for a two-hour art night and they’ll get to try out painting, sewing, crafting and more.

Ages: 6 and older

Price: $50 per participant

Time: Approximately one weekend evening per month, usually 6–8 p.m.

Next: South Sound–area parents night out options

South Sound and South King County parents night out options

Peak Gymnastics, Enumclaw

It’s non-stop fun at Peak Gymnastics where kids can play on an inflatable slide, bounce on a 40-foot tumble tramp and more. Be sure to pack a water bottle and comfy clothes.

Ages: 4–11

Price: $25 per child

Time: Saturdays, 7–10 p.m.

My Gym, Kent

Little gymnasts will spend their evening joining in games, navigating obstacle courses and making crafts. Pack a peanut-free dinner, water bottle and change of clothes. Also check out this spot’s drop-off movie nights and mini camps.

Ages: 2.5–10.5 (must be potty-trained)

Price: $55 per child

Time: Typically one to two Saturdays per month, 5–8 p.m.

PenMet Parks, Gig Harbor

Themed nights such as North Pole Playground and Glow in the Dark Party are sure to delight your elementary-age child (especially when dinner is included). Gig Harbor also hosts a Snapology night out where kids can plan and build collaborative Lego masterpieces. 

Ages: 5–12

Price: $40 per resident, $48 per nonresident for Kids Night Out; Snapology fees vary by program

Time: Kids Night Out is typically offered one to two Fridays per month, 5–9 p.m.; Snapology times vary. Note that these two programs take place at different locations in Gig Harbor.

Kitsap Tennis & Athletic Center, Bremerton

The activities for this night out might make parents jealous: swimming, ping-pong, tennis and pizza are all on the docket for the evening.

Ages: 7 and older

Price: $10 per child, $8 per sibling, or $25 for a family of three or more kids

Time: Second Saturday of the month, 6–8:30 p.m.

Next: Options for tweens and teens

Parents night out options for tweens and teens

Why let the elementary-age kids have all the fun? Nights out for the tween-and-older set might be more about them having time away from their parents, but you can’t beat the opportunities for socializing and knowing your teen is safely occupied.

Seattle Parks & Rec Teen Late Night, multiple Seattle locations

Seattle Parks and Recreation hosts weekly late-night events for teens at three Teen Life Centers — Meadowbrook, Garfield and Southwest — and also at select community centers. Community Centers offering teen nights include Bitter Lake, Rainier Beach, South Park and Van Asselt. Attendees have access to free recreational activities, employment opportunities and a safe environment in which to socialize. Teens should call ahead to the location of their choice to ensure the program is happening before showing up.

Ages: 13–19

Price: Free

Time: Generally Friday or Saturday evenings, 7 p.m.–midnight; some locations offer both nights. Check the schedule online.

High School Teen Late Night, Tacoma

Every Friday night, teens can head to either the STAR Center or the Eastside Community Center in Tacoma for open gym time, sports, games, free food and more. They can also earn tickets and enter to win prize drawings every other week.

Ages: Grades 9–12 (school ID required for entry)

Price: Free

Time: Fridays, 7–11 p.m.

High Trek Adventures, Everett

This thrilling night out includes opportunities to try out laser tag, mini golf, camp activities and, of course, the ropes course. A sweet snack is provided, but pack a water bottle and dinner to prevent a sugar crash.

Ages: 10–15

Price: $65 per participant

Time: Select Fridays, 5–9 p.m.

Nightwaves, Lynnwood

You heard it straight from R.E.M.: Nightswimming deserves a quiet night … for parents! This program is only for Edmonds School District middle schoolers, but it’s a good one. Send them to the Lynnwood Recreation Center for an evening of swimming, snacks and time with friends while you enjoy a quiet evening. Register in advance and make sure your students bring their school ID.

Ages: Middle schoolers enrolled in Edmonds School District

Price: $5 per participant

Time: Occasional Saturdays, 6:30–9 p.m.