Seattle Family Calendar
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Make the most of fall
Autumn in the Pacific Northwest is a truly magical season. Apple and squash harvests are in full swing. And — despite Washington’s street cred as the Evergreen State — fall hues ranging from rich red to golden yellow decorate our favorite local trails.
All of these things and more make it a perfect time to take some holiday-card-worthy photos as a family and cultivate a healthy mindset for the darker months ahead.
But crisp, sunny, beautiful autumn doesn’t last long, so it’s best to make the most of it. We’ve rounded up our favorite ways to celebrate the season, from harvest activities to breathtaking color hikes.
Up first: Apple of my eye
Apple of my eye
First up: apple picking! Did you know that Washington supplies 60 percent of the nation’s apple supply? From sweet lunch-box apples to tart apples for pies, at this time of year you can find varieties for any occasion. There are tons of family-friendly orchards to visit — just be sure to bring baskets for collecting the sweet bounty and rubber boots for puddle stomping.
In addition to picking apples, there are many fun apple harvest events and activities in Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound. Attractions include cider pressing, pie-baking contests, apple-fritter purveying and more.
Once you’ve brought your harvest home, engage the kids in baking one of these delicious apple recipes, from a fall-themed breakfast hash to caramel apple pie.
Up next: Salmon-spotting
Salmon-spotting
Every year, salmon evade fishing nets and predators to travel hundreds of miles back to the streams where they were born in order to mate, spawn and die. It’s part of the salmon’s remarkable life cycle, and at this time of year, you can witness the dramatic and incredible end to their journey from the edges of local streams. Venturing out to see the salmon as a family is an exciting and educational experience for the kiddos. If you live in Seattle or the Eastside, peep these salmon spots. South-Sounders, try one of these locations.
Up next: Fall colors
Fall in love with fall colors
With kids back in school, you might not have fall hikes on your family itinerary, but we highly recommend them. At this time of year, there are fewer people on the trails and, of course, the fall colors are spectacular. Check out our list of best fall family hikes in the Greater Seattle area and the South Sound.
Up next: DIY time
DIY time
Once you’ve returned home from the fall hike and salmon-spotting adventures, and the apple crisp is baking in the oven, it’s time to try creating your own fall colors. From magical leaf lanterns to nature collages and paper flowers, we have a whole list of fun ways to craft your way through autumn!
Up next: Pumpkin time
Sugar and (pumpkin) spice and everything nice
Question: Is it really autumn without a pumpkin patch visit?
Nowadays, picking out the perfect pumpkin is only the beginning of the fall farm-visiting experience. From Snohomish to Olympia, families enjoy corn mazes, pumpkin slingshots, hayrides, petting zoos and so much more. Not sure where to go? Check out our list of awesome spots in the North Sound, Eastside, South King County and South Sound areas.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in August 2021, and updated in September 2023.
