Photo:
Catch a preview of Emerald Ballet Theatre's “Peter and the Wolf” this weekend. Photo: Heninger Fotografik
It is hard to believe we’re in the last week of April. I think spring may be my favorite season. The sunny days are such a treat after a long winter, and the rain brings the promise of blooming flowers. What’s not to love?.
Spring is also the perfect time to plan for a sports outing with the whole family. And I have good news: That outing doesn’t have to break the bank. We’ve rounded up all the local teams you can see on a budget, whether you have kids who love soccer, rugby, basketball or ultimate.
I have another spring bucket list item you don’t want to miss, either. Bubble Planet finally opened in Bellevue, and it is incredible. I experienced it last weekend with my daughter and have the inside scoop on what you can expect — from stepping inside a gigantic bubble to wading through the world’s largest bubble bath ball pit.
And, as always, my top 10 events make the most of the weekend ahead, whether you want to cozy up with sweet baby farm animals or join a lively drum circle.
1. Olympia Arts Walk
Date: Friday–Saturday, April 25–26
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Olympia, Fifth Avenue and Washington Street, Olympia
Seven blocks of downtown Olympia will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly celebration of the arts this weekend. Bring the whole family to see more than 100 art exhibits, demonstrations and live performances. There will be hands-on activities for the kids, handcrafted items for sale at the market and more. Friday night includes the Luminary Procession, while Saturday brings the Procession of the Species.
2. World Rhythm Festival
Date: Friday–Sunday, April 25–27
Cost: Free
Location: Multiple venues
My daughter has not one but two drums in our house, and she loves the sound of banging on them. So I just know she would have a blast at this multicultural festival with drum and dance performances. Friday night kicks off with a grand opening drum circle, followed by marimba music. The weekend continues with more drum circles, unique performances, dance parties and workshops.
3. City Nature Challenge
Date: Friday–Sunday, April 25–27
Cost: Free
Location: Various Puget Sound locations
I love any excuse to get outside with my daughter, and she is having so much fun lately identifying animals and plants (though I can’t bear to tell her those yellow weeds are not called “daisylions” — it’s too cute). This app-based challenge encourages you to spend the weekend in nature, spotting as much wildlife as you can and recording your observations. Download the iNaturalist app to get started — you can look for wildlife on your own or join a local excursion.
4. The 2025 Fall Boats Afloat Show
Date: Friday–Sunday, April 25–27
Cost: $7–$40; ages 12 and younger are free
Location: Lake Union Piers, 901 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle
It’s the largest floating boat show in the Pacific Northwest, and you don’t want to miss it. Head to South Lake Union for scenic views, live music, and delicious food and drinks. On Saturday and Sunday afternoon, there will be a free toy boat-building activity for kids, presented by the Center for Wooden Boats. Plus, you can tour a variety of boats and enjoy a day on the pier.
5. South Park Plaza Ribbon Cutting
Date: Saturday, April 26
Cost: Free
Location: South Park Plaza, 8456 Dallas Ave. S., Seattle
I am a big fan of the way that Seattle Parks and Recreation celebrates diversity and encourages community, and I am hoping the rain holds out for a sunny ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newest park. There is something for everyone here, from a play area to a large plaza and wall seating. Keep an eye out for all the different ways that the park incorporates multicultural elements, from the Indigenous plantings to etchings in the Lushootseed language.
6. Earth Day Celebration at the Gates Discovery Center
Date: Saturday, April 26
Cost: Free
Location: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center, 440 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle
This is the first year my daughter has taken an interest in Earth Day, bringing home a hand-painted Earth from preschool on Tuesday. I know she would love to learn more, and this innovative and inspiring day is just the ticket. It celebrates our planet and cutting-edge sustainability projects, from climate-smart agriculture to breakthroughs in sanitation. There will be hands-on activities, recycling challenges and even a scavenger hunt.
7. Sheep Shearing at Kelsey Creek Farm
Date: Saturday, April 26
Cost: Free admission; some activities require tickets
Location: Kelsey Creek Farm, 410 130 Pl. S.E., Bellevue
The sheep at Kelsey Creek Farm are ready for spring. This annual sheep shearing event brings thousands of visitors to the farm, where there will be tractor-pulled wagon rides, pony rides and plenty of children’s activities. At the farm’s Country Lane, you’ll find crafts, garden play, hand tattoos and more. I love any excuse to see farm animals and learn about history (and fiber arts!) with my daughter, and I know this event will not disappoint.
8. Energy Block Party
Date: Saturday, April 26
Cost: Free
Location: Snohomish PUD Headquarters, 2320 California St., Everett
Keep an eye out for PUD mascots, Zip and Zap, at this community event geared toward families. See PUD rigs and first-responder vehicles up-close, learn about electric vehicles and natural resources, and enter to win prizes. Plus, kids can create a native plant seed ball or salt dough ornament. And consider your lunch plans sorted: Food trucks serving up pizza, burgers, espresso and doughnuts will be on-site.
9. Baby Animals and Blooms Days
Date: Saturday–Sunday, April 26–27
Cost: Adult $20; child $18 (Online); $25 on-site; ages 2 and younger free
Location: Maris Farms, 25001 Sumner Buckley Hwy., Buckley
If I had to describe a perfect spring day, I am fairly certain it would include baby farm animals and flower fields. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Maris Farms this weekend, along with special treasures at the Maker’s Market, comforting farm food and plenty more ways to celebrate spring. Adding to the festivities, everyone is invited to dress up in their favorite hero, princess or pirate costumes (you’ll likely spot other special characters roaming the farm while you’re there!).
10. ‘Peter and the Wolf’ Preview at Village at Totem Lake
Date: Sunday, April 27
Cost: Free
Location: The Village at Totem Lake, 11901 N.E. Village Plaza, Kirkland
I am so looking forward to taking my daughter to see a ballet performance, but I’m not quite ready to take her to a full-length show. This sweet abridged version of “Peter and the Wolf” from Emerald Ballet Theatre is the perfect introduction. Not only is it free, but there’s a meet-and-greet with the performers after the show.
More weekend activities:
- Make the most of spring with a visit to a local teaching garden.
- Step inside a video game at the incredibly interactive C.H.E Arcade.
- Head to downtown Bellevue to explore our 10 favorite spots.
Our family fun calendar features great community events — every day of the year!
Family fun, direct to your inbox!Sign up for ParentMap’s eNews to receive this roundup of the weekend’s best family adventures in your inbox every Thursday. Don’t miss it! |
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 April 23, 2025. Event dates, times and locations were verified by our editor.
