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

We are somehow halfway through December, moving at lightning speed toward the end of the year. In the next couple weeks, I will be rushing to pack in all the holiday activities, shopping and decorating. Winter break is also coming up, and there are a ton of activities to fill that final stretch before the new year.

Whenever I find myself with a free afternoon, though, my favorite outing is one that combines a sweet treat with adventurous play. Head north to this newly opened indoor playground and café to try a falooda (a drink I had for the first time recently) while the kids zip around the play place. Or head south for one of these winning combinations — it’s never too cold for ice cream, and my favorite shop is just up the street from a playground. Treat yourself!

My top 10 weekend events will also get you out of the house, whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a sweet holiday activity.

1. Parade of Boats Onshore Viewing Party

Date: Friday, Dec. 13

Cost: Free

Location: Evanston Plaza, Evanston Ave North and North Northlake Way, Seattle

Last week, I shared my experience sailing with Santa on an Argosy ship, and this week there’s another way to experience the Christmas Ship Festival. You’ll love seeing the festive parade of decorated boats. The twinkling lights will look amazing on the water, and there will be holiday music, warm drinks and sweet treats. Don’t miss the photo booth!  

2. Edmonds Free Holiday Movies

Date: Friday, Dec. 13

Cost: Free

Location: The Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds

Movie night is one of our family’s favorite traditions, and there is something extra magical about holiday movies. This weekend, head to Edmonds for a free holiday movie night. The evening starts with classic Christmas cartoons at 3:30 p.m. followed by a 5 p.m. showing of “The Polar Express” (a movie that is at the top of my holiday movie list to share with my daughter this year). All you need is popcorn!

3. Jurassic Quest

Date: Friday–Sunday, Dec. 13–15

Cost: $22–$36 per person; rides extra

Location: MattressFirm Showplex, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup

I know I am not alone when I say my daughter is very much in her dinosaur era. If you share a house with dino fanatics, you do not want to miss Jurassic Quest this weekend. The huge event brings a herd of dinosaurs to town, including realistic Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus and Tyrannosaurus dinosaurs (and baby dinos!). Dig for fossils, jump around in a bouncy house, make dino-themed crafts and more.

4. ‘Back to the Future’ at The Paramount Theatre

Date: Friday–Sunday, Dec. 13–15

Cost: $40–$145

Location: Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle

I remember watching the “Back to the Future” movie many times growing up, but this is a whole new way to experience it. Splurge on tickets and you can enjoy the fantastic story of Marty McFly and Doc Brown in musical form. You’ll be transported back to 1955, where you’ll see Marty race against time. Thrilling!

5. Rainier Ridge at SCM

Date: Friday–Sunday, Dec. 13–15

Cost: Included with museum admission ($15)

Location: Seattle Children’s Museum, 305 Harrison St., Seattle

Starting this weekend, one of our favorite children’s museums is transforming into a winter wonderland. It’s the ultimate in pretend play — you’ll find a sock-skating rink, pretend campfire for s’mores, snow balance boards and a ton of photo ops. It’s the perfect spot for winter play, no coats required.

6. Wintry Weekend Ice-Skating Rink

Date: Friday–Sunday, Dec. 13–15

Cost: Free

Location: Occidental Square Park, 117 S. Washington St., Seattle

If you’ve been looking for a budget-friendly ice-skating option, this is for you! A pop-up outdoor rink is coming to Occidental Square, just for the weekend. Admission and skate rentals are free, and the whole family can enjoy gliding across the ice. Seattle Kraken fans, take note: Sunday brings a Kraken takeover to the ice rink, with giveaways and a mid-day appearance of Buoy the Troll. And don’t miss the Occidental Square Holiday Bazaar going on Friday–Saturday, where you can shop for holiday gifts from more than 30 local vendors.

7. BAM Holiday Arts Fair

Date: Friday–Sunday, Dec. 13–15

Cost: Free; items for purchase

Location: Bellevue Arts Museum, 510 Bellevue Wy. N.E., Bellevue

While the Bellevue Arts Museum sadly closed its public exhibitions, it is hosting a magical holiday arts fair this year. It’s the perfect spot to shop for unique, local gifts this season! Plus, the Kids Maker Space will have hands-on art projects that will encourage creativity and spark curiosity. The fair runs alongside Snowflake Lane, so plan to shop before you see the festive parade. 

8. Winter Bonsai Solstice

Date: Saturday, Dec. 14

Cost: Free; $12 suggested donation for adults

Location: Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 S. 336th St., Federal Way

I wish I could keep any plant alive, and I’ve long admired the art of bonsai. And while I didn’t think bonsai could get any more beautiful, the twinkling lights at this event highlight the intricate shapes and incredible detail of these miniature trees. Bring your flashlights for a winter nighttime stroll and sip on hot chocolate before stopping at the new holiday market with locally made goods.

9. Duvall Express

Date: Saturday, Dec. 14

Cost: Free

Location: Duvall Visitor Center, 15619 Main St. N.E., Duvall

My daughter loves spotting trains from her car seat, and I just know she would have a blast at this train-themed event. Build with Legos, make crafts and take a free train ride from Depot Park to the Duvall Visitor Center. As my daughter would say, “Choo, choo!”

10. Rainier Reindeer Farm Visits the Conservatory

Date: Saturday, Dec. 14

Cost: Free; $5 suggested donation

Location: W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, 316 S. G St., Tacoma

I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve met Santa already this season (we keep running into him, for sure). But have you met his reindeer yet? Rainier Reindeer Farm is bringing Santa’s reindeer to the conservatory this weekend, so head to the front lawn to see if they’ll help you get on the nice list. Plus, you can warm up inside the conservatory and admire the incredible plants. 

More weekend activities:

• Accept a mission from Santa and create a toy at Kringle’s Inventionasium.
• Play all day (while staying dry) at these indoor playgrounds.
• Cozy up with some comfort food from a local restaurant.

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 Dec. 11, 2024.