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

Weather bonanza! If you have not yet heard the forecast for this coming weekend, how much we relish telling you to expect 75-degree weather. In honor of this perfect temperature, forthwith 75 fantastic ways to get out and about with the family this weekend.

• 10 places to tiptoe among tulips and other spring blooms
• 38 kid-friendly spring hiking trails to choose from
• 24 wheelie cool bike paths and pump tracks in and around Seattle
• 3 places to partake of farm-fresh fun

Oh, but there’s so much more!

1. Don’t miss out on a local celebration of International Bat Appreciation Day, complete with batty activities for kids, an outdoor reading of the classic “Stellaluna,” trail walks, a farm stand and more (Saturday).
2. This year’s Washington State Spring Fair may look a little different, but it is still jam-packed with fun things to see, experience, and, of course, eat (through Sunday). Buy tickets online in advance before they sell out, and don’t forget to wear your fat pants!
3. Seattle’s largest children’s festival convenes virtually this year, featuring a celebration of international friendship through cultural performances by youths and an art showcase (Saturday–Sunday).
4. Put your “two lips” together and whistle with appreciation at amazingly vibrant tulip fields. Read up on this year’s Skagit Valley fest (book your tix ASAP; through April 30); or go daffy at Tacoma’s Daffodil Marine Festival and Parade (Sunday).
5. Tweens and teens with a poetic bent won’t want to miss a workshop and spoken-word poetry reading by Seattle Youth Poet Laureate Bitaniya Giday (Saturday).
6. Enjoy a spring walkabout at engaging area story strolls (ongoing) or set out on a sunset walk with a park ranger (Friday).
7. Our crafty pals at Bellevue Art Museum are offering free activity kits for kids (available for contactless pickup at the museum) to celebrate Earth Day (Saturday).
8. Make the most of this gorgeous spring weather with a visit to one of our pristine national parks this Saturday, one of six fee-free entrance days in 2021.
9. Pandemic pop-up drive-in movies have spoiled all other small-screen entertainment for us. Check our calendar for a few family-friendly flicks on offer this weekend (Friday–Saturday).
10. Book a limited-capacity spring train excursion; scenic adventures depart from the Northwest Railway Museum and the Steam Train Depot in Chehalis (Saturday–Sunday).

More anytime-fun ideas:

• Where art thou, Gnomeo(s)? Walk a woodsy Maple Valley trail, searching the trees and stumps for statues of gnomes and other fun trinkets.
• Hit the open road on one of these diverting day trips.
• Expand your playground horizons with a visit to one of these eight hidden-gem playgrounds boasting beautiful views.
• Slip on your rainboots and head to a local beach for a tidepool scavenger hunt.
• What perfect weather to teach your little one how to ride a bike!

Our family fun calendar features great virtual events alongside in-person events! There are plenty of engaging activities to fill your days with fun. If you do go out, please stay safe — which includes mandatory wearing of face coverings in public spaces.