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

This coming Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which means a three-day weekend for many of us. We've got our usual top picks for family together time, including a list of events honoring Dr. King and encouraging us to work toward justice for everyone and what MLK called the "beloved community." 

1. Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn about his vision for our country, to which we must devote our present attention and efforts, at virtual and in-person events for families around the region (through Monday).
2. Catch a bedtime-friendly drive-in movie this weekend; you've got two chances with screenings of "Frozen II" (Thursday) and "Toy Story 4" (Saturday).
3. Tromp through fantastic Lake Wilderness Arboretum reading a brand-new story walk story, "Albert's Tree," a warm and fun tale of friendship (ongoing).
4. Flex your family muscles in support of our region's greenspaces; sign up for a kid-friendly volunteer shift at a local park (Friday–Monday).
5. Seize upon a sun break and treat the kids to a sky-high view of Seattle; the Space Needle is open (ongoing).
6. All aboard for a COVID-safe family outing for train fans of all ages and those who love them; book in advance (Saturday).
7. Kindie singer-songwriter Johnny Bregar kicks off the now-virtual Kindiependent Kids Rock concert series for families (Saturday).
8. Sign up your emerging reader to read aloud to a gentle pooch that will listen attentively online (Saturday).
9. Book your private family skate session at an outdoor synthetic rink and get gliding through this long winter (Saturday–Monday).
10. Talk about the life and legacy of Dr. King — and the ongoing work of combating racism — while hiking and exploring free-entry state and national parks (Monday).

More anytime-fun ideas:

• It's snowing in them thar hills and the Mount Rainier snow play area is open! Plan carefully and head to the snow to go sledding or tubing.
• Get the too-much-screen-time wiggles out at a new-to-you playground around the region — on the next dry day, of course.
• Winter is the perfect time to take up birding. Your kids will love searching for and recording the different types of birds they see.
• Escape January cabin fever, at least in your dreams, by planning a future family getaway to an actual cabin.

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.