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I’m bracing myself for this month to fly by. February is short and sweet, but with so many fun activities and occasions to celebrate, I’ve packed my calendar with budget-friendly outings and I’m sharing them with you — like Valentine’s Day crafting sessions, Lunar New Year events, Black History Month exhibitions, nature outings and more. Here are my top 25 free things to do around Seattle in February.
Just remember, some activities require preregistration and can fill up quickly, so make plans soon.
1. Lacey Cultural Celebration
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Lacey’s Cultural Celebration brings the world to you all in one place — in this case, Saint Martin’s University. This free fest showcases a variety of cultural traditions through music, art and dance, and features fun activities for kids, inspiring a true spirit of community.
2. ‘Alaska Dinosaurs, Mammoths, and More’ Story Time
Date and time: Sunday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m.–noon
Dino fans of all ages can hear a Smithsonian paleontologist read from his new children’s book about the prehistoric creatures that roamed ancient Alaska. Attend this story time for the ages at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park.
3. Sensory-Friendly Movies
Date and time: Monday, Feb. 3, 10 and 24, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Wish you could take the kids to a movie where they are welcome to walk around, dance, sing and even shout? Drop in to Pierce County’s Summit Library for a sensory-friendly flick with adjusted lighting and sound where they can do just that.
4. WSBLI Legacy Art Exhibition
Dates: Monday–Saturday, through Feb. 28
Spend some time learning about Black heritage, innovations and contributions to our state during Black History Month. Check out an art exhibit curated by the Washington State Black Legacy Institute at its new location in West Seattle. Preregister to attend the ribbon-cutting event on Feb. 1, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. to celebrate the opening.
5. Valentine’s Day Crafts and Workshops
Date and time: Various dates and times, Feb. 2–15
Get ready for Valentine’s Day by making cards, crafts and STEAM projects to gift to someone special. Local libraries and other organizations have a variety of fun workshops going on to help families get creative and make projects with love.
6. Living Voices: Home Front/War Front
Date and time: Thursday–Saturday, Feb. 6–8, various times
Bring the older kids to experience history through live theatrical performances and archival film in this presentation by Living Voices about the contributions of women, including Black Rosie the Riveters working in the aeronautics industry during World War II. Shows can be found at The Museum of Flight, as well as King and Pierce County libraries. Library shows require preregistration.
7. Read to a Rabbit
Date and time: Friday, Feb. 7, 3–5 p.m.
Entice your little animal lovers to practice their reading skills at monthly sessions by sharing stories aloud with cuddly bunnies at the interim Lakewood Library. Rabbits are residents of Tacoma Pierce County Humane Society and are available for adoption.
8. Free Dental Screenings at HOCM
Date and time: Saturdays Feb. 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2–4 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 7, 6–8 p.m.
Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? Kids can get free dental screenings and free admission to Olympia’s Hands On Children’s Museum where they can also play dentist at a special exhibit. Be sure to preregister to save your spot.
9. The Great Northwest Glass Quest
Dates: Feb. 14–23
Embark on a treasure hunt as you comb the lovely terrain of Camano Island for hidden clues that will lead you to a handblown glass orb. The 10-day annual Northwest Glass Quest is the perfect excuse to get out and explore with the family.
10. Up and Atom: Valentine’s Day Chemistry: Candy Science
Date and time: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 3:30–5 p.m.
Valentine’s Day, candy and chemistry? Sounds like a pretty sweet combination for curious kids. Explore chemical reactions using candy in hands-on science experiments at the Fern Hill Branch Library in Tacoma for a STEAM treat.
11. Drop-in Juggling
Date and time: Wednesdays, 6:15–8:45 p.m.
Drop in weekly to the Ballard Community Center where half the gym will be dedicated to the juggling club, and learn this impressive skill.
12. Side-by-Side with Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra
Date and time: Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:30–8:15 p.m.
Reserve your seats at Benaroya Hall to hear the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra perform side-by-side with the Seattle Symphony at a concert featuring contemporary, classic and traditional pieces. Preregister.
13. Valentine’s Day at Westlake Park
Date and time: Friday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Stop by Westlake Park to show your valentines a little love. There will be sweet treats for all, and craft stations to make a card or floral bouquet for someone special.
14. Bird Fest
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Bird lovers, swoop into the Burien Community Center to learn about your backyard feathered friends from experts through guided walks, presentations, crafts and other hands-on activities for all ages.
15. Guided Snowshoe Hike at Lake Wenatchee State Park
Date and time: Sundays, Feb. 2–23, 1–3:30 p.m.
Make tracks to a winter wonderland by heading to the snow at Leavenworth’s Lake Wenatchee Park. Join guides on a snowshoe hike along the Wenatchee River. Don’t forget to reserve your snowshoes, available at the North Park entrance, ahead of time.
16. Black History Month Scavenger Hunt
Date and time: Daily, Feb. 1–28
Take part in an ongoing scavenger hunt at all Tacoma Public Library branches to learn more about the work and contributions of Black artists and earn a prize!
17. Battleship Bingo
Date and time: Tuesdays, 6–8 p.m.
Family game night! Vie to be the last battleship afloat at the Ice Cream Bar’s weekly Battleship Bingo bout. Multiple prizes will be awarded each week at this family-friendly taproom in Everett serving food and soft serve ice cream.
18. Beginning Strength Pilates for Youth
Date and time: Wednesdays through Feb. 26, 3–4 p.m.
Youth ages 11–18 years are invited to try out mat Pilates at this weekly beginner’s class where instruction will focus on building strength, balance and confidence. Head to South Seattle Women’s Fitness in Beacon Hill to get started.
19. Free Admission at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
Date and time: Thursdays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Good news for fans of rare and historic aircraft and vehicles: The Flying Heritage & Combat Museum in Everett is now free for all visitors in 2025! So, stop by as often as you like and marvel at all the cool flying and driving machines.
20. Hay Barn Drop-In Toddler Play
Date and time: Fridays, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Calling all toddlers! Head to the Big Red Barn at Farrel-McWhirter Farm in Redmond and have a blast playing in the giant straw pit, making new friends and burning some pre-nap energy. Preregister.
21. Chinatown–International District Lunar New Year Celebration
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Lunar New Year in Seattle’s Chinatown–International District is the place for food and culture. Expect dancers prancing at Hing Hay Park’s main stage, cultural performances and a food walk serving up delicious eats (for purchase) during this all-day event.
22. Waterfront Park Firepit Socials
Date and time: Sundays, 3–6 p.m. through March
Cozy up to a warm fire and spend an afternoon hanging out at the Seattle Waterfront, featuring the new scenic Overlook Walk. In addition to the spectacular views, there will be pier games and food vendors with hot drinks. Firepit socials are weather-dependent so be sure to check for cancellations before heading out.
23. Monday and Tuesday Afternoon Feederwatch
Date and time: Mondays–Tuesdays, 1–2 p.m.
Gather with other birders and observe winged flyers from a comfortable indoor vantage point at the Tahoma Bird Alliance located in University Place. Participants will contribute to a nationwide community science project. All ages and abilities are welcome to join.
24. 2-4-6-8 Family Trivia Night
Date and time: Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Team up with up to eight of your most fact-focused friends and family members at 2-4-6-8’s weekly trivia night. Test your crew’s knowledge in a wide range of family-friendly categories at this new Issaquah restaurant in the Klahanie neighborhood. You could win a $25 gift card and ice cream treats!
25. Drop-In Friday Teen Night: Swim and Gym Time
Date and time: Fridays through March, 6–9 p.m.
Friday night fun for teens can be found at the Green Lake Community Center where 11- to 18-year-olds can hang out with friends and play video games or sports in the gym, shoot pool, swim and more. Be sure to bring a swimsuit and towel.
More free activities for Seattle-area families: |
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in January 2024 and was most recently updated in February 2025 to include 25 new exciting free things to do in Seattle for families by ParentMap’s calendar editor, Julie Dodobara.
