For August, we’re ordering up a triple scoop of family fun. It’s peak summertime, which means we’re ready to pack in all of the wild and wonderful experiences we can. Fill your days with free concerts, outdoor story times, county and state fairs, the roaring Blue Angels overhead — and so much more. Don’t listen to the back-to-school commercials; shut your ears, put on your shorts and go play!
- Enchanting Kitsap Forest Theater invites families for a supremely kid-friendly outdoor theater experience. This summer’s second show, “Bend in the Road,” is a new musical based on the beloved character Anne of Green Gables. Performances take place Saturday–Sunday, July 30–Aug. 21, at 2 p.m. Tickets $10–$18; ages 5 and younger free.
- Library story times are back! And in a genius summer move, they’re outdoors. Join King County Library System librarians and other families for engaging outdoor story times in a bounty of Seattle- and Eastside-area parks. Free, just check the schedule and show up; select dates Aug. 1–30.
- Relish our Northwest summer days while enjoying free live music in parks across the region. Find a day or evening concert almost any day of the week. Concerts are free and take place in various parks on select dates, Aug. 1–31.
- Book your passage on the ultrafast ferry to unique Jetty Island. This human-made, sandy-beach paradise is the perfect place to experience a true summer beach day. The ferry runs from Everett’s waterfront Wednesday–Sunday through Sept. 5. Cost is $3 per person; ages 2 and younger free; book your tickets in advance.
- Inspect the marine life that lives in the shallow waters of Padilla Bay. Turn up — no RSVP needed — at Bay View State Park to meet up with a naturalist and other curious families to pull a net of sea creatures ashore for a look. And don’t worry, critters are returned to the water right away. Join in Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 2:30 p.m. or Monday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m. You’ll need a daily or annual Discover Pass to park at the state park.
- Love it or hate it, the Blue Angels air show is a hallmark of Seattle summer spectacles — and the culmination of a multitude of Seafair events. Turn your eyes to the sky to spot the blazing-fast planes or head to Lake Washington for the hydro races during Seafair Weekend Festival, Friday–Sunday, Aug. 5–7.
- Head to Seattle’s Judkins Park to honor and celebrate the longevity and future of our African American community. Umoja Fest features a parade, music, culture, yummy food and kids’ fun. The festival takes place Friday–Sunday, Aug. 5–7, and admission is free.
- Green Lake once again hosts Seattle’s moving From Hiroshima to Hope event on Saturday, Aug. 6. This lantern-floating ceremony commemorates victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings together with victims of war and violence everywhere. Events take place 6–9 p.m., free.
- Saddle up for old-fashioned county fair fun at the Pierce County Fair in Graham. This fair showcases local kids and families and their animals, the present and future of Pierce County’s agricultural community. Thursday–Sunday, Aug. 11–14. Gate admission is $5 with advance purchase; ages 5 and younger free; $1 admission for kids ages 6–15 on Thursday.
- Join in a Puget Sound beach day, when you visit the beach during an extra-low tide and spot all kinds of fascinating critters. Naturalists will be on hand at area beaches to answer questions about your finds and show you how to keep our marine neighbors safe. Free; select dates Aug. 11–28 at various beaches.
- Bring your crew’s bikes to the Marymoor Velodrome for thrilling Marymoor Grand Prix action. Kids can ride the Kiddie Kilo on the velodrome track, then fasten your seatbelts to watch ultra tactical, ultrafast velodrome bike racing by the pros. Friday–Saturday, Aug. 12–13; $5 to spectate, and kids ages 15 and younger watch and ride for free.
- Canceled last summer at the last minute, the awesomely fun and tasty CHOMP! festival is really, truly back for 2022! Families will enjoy live music (Drive-By Truckers, The Not-Its!), tree climbing and more family fun at Marymoor Park. Free admission; food for purchase. Fest takes place Saturday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Try a lower-hassle version of camping at Chambers Creek Regional Park’s supported overnight family campout. Your ticket includes meals, kid-friendly activities and an outdoor movie screening. Bring your own tent and gear. Saturday–Sunday, Aug. 20–21. $25 per adult; $20 per child; younger than 1 free. Preregister.
- Frolic among the towering sunflower blooms at Thomas Family Farm’s fourth annual Sunflowers in Snohomish event. Admission includes one bloom, kids’ activities around the farm and snapping gorgeous photos of your kids in the fields. Admission price TBA; book online, in advance. Festival takes place Saturday–Sunday, Aug. 20–21 and 27–28.
- The Evergreen State Fair is the peak last-hurrah summer event for many families. Buy tix in advance to save a little on admission, then go wild riding carnival rides (extra cost), admiring livestock exhibits and munching on fair food. Fair runs Aug. 25–Sept. 5 (closed Wednesday, Aug. 31) in Monroe. Gate admission is $10–$18; ages 5 and younger free.
