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It’s opening weekend of the final season for a beloved water park. Don’t miss it! Photo: courtesy Wild Waves Theme & Water Park
Happy Memorial Day weekend! The long weekend ahead is the perfect opportunity to take a fantastic day trip with the kids. We’ve picked four small towns (one in each direction!) that you can get to on a tank of gas. Spend the day exploring, trying new foods and even learning about local history.
If your family includes a few train enthusiasts, you could use the bonus day off for a different kind of outing. From scenic excursions to tourist-friendly rides, we’ve rounded up a dozen train adventures the kids will love.
My top 10 events also make the most of the holiday weekend, with ways to make summer-worthy memories with the kids, spend time outdoors and honor service members.
1. ‘Artemis Adventure With Lego Bricks’
Date: Friday–Monday, May 22–25
Cost: Included with admission ($26.95–$30.95 adults; $23.20 ages 3–17; free for ages 2 and younger); or membership
Location: Pacific Science Center, 200 Sue Bird Court N., Seattle
I have been anxiously awaiting the opening of this brand-new exhibit at PacSci and it’s finally here! Kids and grown-ups alike can admire Lego recreations of key moments in space exploration, design a colony on Mars and build their own lunar rover. The traveling exhibit is only here for a few months — don’t miss it!
2. 55th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival
Date: Friday–Monday, May 22–25
Cost: Free; suggested donation of $20
Location: Seattle Center Campus, 305 Harrison St., Seattle
I like to think of Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start to summer, which always requires a music festival or two. This iconic one takes place at Seattle Center every year, and has been a longstanding tradition for many families. Experience music, dance, art and more at this four-day fest and don’t miss our tips for making the most of it with kids.
3. Guided Nature Walk at Wallace Swamp Creek
Date: Saturday, May 23
Cost: Free
Location: Wallace Swamp Creek Park, 19851 73rd Ave. N.E. #2006, Kenmore
The second the sun peeks out every spring, I turn into a broken record: “Let’s go outside, let’s go outside, let’s go outside.” My family may tire of hearing it, but we’re still getting out there and enjoying the season. This guided nature walk is the perfect opportunity. Walk through an undeveloped forest to spot birds and more wildlife, admire plants, and learn about the park’s history. Bring your binoculars!
4. World Fish Migration Day
Date: Saturday, May 23
Cost: Free
Location: Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, 125 W. Sunset Way, Issaquah
I know I would only need to say three words to get my daughter to this event: mermaid story time. Mermaid Luna Lee will be telling tales at the hatchery in celebration of World Fish Migration Day. There will also be arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt and a chance to feed the trout.
5. Bicycle Weekends on Lake Washington Boulevard
Date: Saturday–Monday, May 23–25
Cost: Free
Location: A portion of Lake Washington Boulevard, Seattle
Memorial Day weekend brings another tradition: Starting on Saturday, a portion of Lake Washington Boulevard turns into a haven for cyclists and pedestrians every weekend through Labor Day. Bike, walk or stroll along the waterfront with the whole family, without a car in sight. (Psst … looking for more family-friendly bike paths? Don’t miss our recommendations in Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound.)
6. Wild Waves Water Park Opening Weekend
Date: Saturday–Monday, May 23–25
Cost: $41.99–$69.99; season passes start at $75.99; 3 and younger free
Location: Wild Waves Theme Park, 36201 Enchanted Pkwy. S., Federal Way
It’s Wild Waves’ last hurrah! The park closes for good after this season, so you’ll want to visit while you still can. Just grab your swimsuits, towels and sense of adventure. We have everything you need to know to make it a visit to remember.
7. Family Fun Weekend at Emerald Downs
Date: Saturday–Monday, May 23–25
Cost: $10; ages 12 and younger are free
Location: Emerald Downs, 2300 Ron Crockett Dr., Auburn
My daughter saw photos of the colorful bounce houses at this fantastic fest and had one request: “Can we go to that?” And I can’t blame her. What kid wouldn’t want to spend the day hopping from one giant inflatable to the next? Add on pony rides, face painting and kids races, and you’ll have a day to remember.
8. Story Time with Michelle Jing Chan and Nadia Salomon
Date: Sunday, May 24
Cost: Free
Location: Third Place Books, 17171 Bothell Way N.E., Lake Forest Park
This story time is a chance to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and learn more about people who stood up for civil rights. Authors Michelle Jing Chan and Nadia Salomon will be sharing their inspiring children’s books, “Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School: Based on a True Story” and “A Voice of Hope: The Myrlie Evers-Williams Story.”
9. Cruzin’ to Colby Show and Shine
Date: Monday, May 25
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Everett, Colby Avenue, Everett
This Memorial Day car show brings unique cars, trucks and motorcycles to downtown Everett for the day. Stroll along Colby Avenue to admire the rides, and don’t miss the live entertainment onstage. There are plenty of ways to spend the day here — one of our favorite children’s museums is just around the corner.
10. Free Entrance to National Parks
Date: Monday, May 25
Cost: Free
Location: National parks
In celebration of Memorial Day, entrance to national parks is free on Monday. Take the time to honor service members and experience the beautiful national parks and historic sites in our state. (Just make sure to check road closures and trail conditions ahead of your trip.)
More weekend activities:
- If the sun peeks out, head to a local spray park in Seattle, the Eastside or South Sound. They open this weekend!
- Take the kids to a local theme park where they can ride the Ferris wheel, carousel, swings and more.
- Use the extra day for a road trip! The wacky world of Mike Bennett awaits in Portland.
Our family fun calendar features great community events — every day of the year!
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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 May 20, 2026. Event dates, times and locations were verified by our editor.
