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

In the last few weeks of summer, I usually set one goal: Be outside as much as possible, making the most of the warm weather and those 8 p.m. sunsets. Luckily, there’s no shortage of ways to do just that.

If you have kids who spent this summer on wheels, you may already be wise to the magic of bike parks and pump tracks. If you haven’t heard, these spots offer paved paths and continuous loops so kids can test out their biking skills, gain speed and have a thrilling good time — all while you watch from the sidelines.

This weekend also kicks off National Park Week and there are not one, but six incredible adventures handpicked by a local mom to make the most of it.   

Plus, my top 10 weekend events bring all the late-summer vibes, from an outdoor movie to an epic foam party. Prefer to stay indoors? I have some ideas for that, too. 

Summer Bash at STAR Center

Date: Friday, Aug. 21
Cost: Free
Location: STAR Center, 3873 S. 66th St., Tacoma 

If you haven’t seen “Zootopia 2” yet — or even if you have — this is an awesome way to watch it for free! Arrive early for games and face painting, and let the kids get all the pre-movie wiggles out on the obstacle course and inflatables. Bring your picnic blankets, low-back chairs and favorite movie snacks (or grab bites from the on-site food trucks). The movie begins at dusk on the lawn.

Snoqualmie Days

Date: Friday–Saturday, Aug. 21–22
Cost: Free
Location: Snoqualmie Depot, 38625 S.E. King St., Snoqualmie 

A bit of local history: The city of Snoqualmie got its first fire truck in 1939, hosting a festival in honor of its arrival. It turned into an annual celebration, and the community looks forward to it every year. From Friday’s live music to Saturday’s pancake breakfast and grand parade, the whole family will want to join in the festivities. Don’t miss Dan the Lego Man!

Mountain View Sunflower Festival

Date: Friday–Sunday, Aug. 21–23
Cost: $16.95–$21.95 walk-up per person; ages 2 and younger free; butterfly release $11.95
Location: Mountainview Blueberry Farm, 7617 E. Lowell-Larimer Rd., Snohomish

Late August brings the blooms I look forward to all year: bright, cheerful sunflowers. Blueberries are ripe for the picking too, making this a perfect stop for end-of-summer treats. There’s even a butterfly release on Saturday and Sunday. 

Seattle Orcas Women’s T20 Exhibition 

Date: Friday–Sunday, Aug. 21–23
Cost: Free
Location: Fairfield County Park, 15532 Fryelands Blvd. S.E., Monroe 

I’ll be honest: My daughter was first introduced to cricket through one very sweet episode of “Bluey.” But this incredible exhibition brings cricket to the Pacific Northwest — as Bluey would say — “for real life.” Watch as three women’s teams compete in a double round-robin tournament with a championship final. Plus, there will be a special skills contest! 

Bubble Maniacs at Renton Landing

Date: Saturday, Aug. 22
Cost: Free
Location: Renton Landing, 815 N. 10th St., Suite F, Renton 

There will be no shortage of bubbles at this epic party, from bubble play stations to a giant foam zone. Plus, a DJ will be spinning tunes, adding to the summer vibes. Come early for the sensory-friendly hour from 10–11 a.m.

Fishermen Feed the World

Date: Saturday, Aug. 22
Cost: Free
Location: Skansie Brothers Park, 3211 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor

Honor 150 years of maritime history at this free festival, where you can meet fishermen, explore special displays and watch net-mending demonstrations. There will also be hands-on activities and games for the whole family. Plus, delicious food will be on offer, from clam chowder and salmon burgers to pastries and more.

Touch-A-Truck at Southcenter Mall

Date: Saturday, Aug. 22
Cost: Free
Location: Westfield Southcenter, 2800 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila

What kid can resist the opportunity to climb aboard a big rig? They’ll get that chance at this free touch-a-truck event, which brings big trucks and emergency vehicles to the mall parking lot. Meet the first responders and community members who operate the vehicles and learn about the work that they do. Note: The first hour of the day is a designated quiet time. 

‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ at the Paramount Theatre

Date: Saturday–Sunday, Aug. 22–23
Cost: Starting at $60 
Location: The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle 

It’s opening weekend for this fantastic production that will take you right back to the magical world of Harry Potter. Set 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, Harry Potter’s son, Albus, finds himself at school with Draco Malfoy’s son. The two embark on quite the journey. Tickets are limited! Don’t miss the Golden Snitch Lottery for a chance at $40 tickets.

Festival Sundiata – Black Arts Fest 

Date: Saturday–Sunday, Aug. 22–23
Cost: Free
Location: Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St., Seattle

Festival Sundiata’s Black Arts Fest is the longest-running African American festival in the Pacific Northwest! Learn the rich history of Sundiata Keita and the Mali Empire and celebrate African American culture with musical performances, historical displays and food. Seattle Children’s Museum will be hosting kids activities. Plus, Fisher Pavilion will be transformed into a roller rink for the celebration!

Kindie West Music Fest

Date: Sunday, Aug. 23
Cost: Free; donations accepted
Location: Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 9131 California Ave. S.W., Seattle 

Don’t miss the chance to see family-favorite artists The Harmonic Pocket, Eli Rosenblatt and more at this free concert. There will even be an instrument petting zoo and sing-along activities. Plan for lunch from a local food truck — something has to fuel all that dancing and singing!

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 Aug. 19, 2026. Event dates, times and locations were verified by our editor.