50 Free (Or Almost Free) Activities to Do Before Summer Ends

A dreamy, fun-filled summer doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Seattle comes alive in the warm summer sun, and many of the best activities in the area are free. 

In fact, there’s so much to do, it makes us wish this season lasted a little longer. Alas, nothing lasts forever, so we’ve rounded up the top 50 things to do this summer (before we blink and it’s over!).

Bookmark or print this summer bucket list, and check off each one as you go.

1. Play tourist on the Seattle Waterfront. Take in sweeping views of Elliott Bay from Overlook Walk as you hop from Pike Place Market to the Seattle Waterfront. Skip the splurges and keep it free by playing on the playgrounds, sneaking views of the newest aquarium exhibit from an overhead window, and taking the Waterfront Shuttle between attractions.
2. Cool off at a brand-new playground and community center. The totally revamped South Park Community Center has multiple ways to play on a hot summer day (for free!). Splash around the spray park, picnic in the shade or just step inside the air-conditioned community center.
3. Venture into an underground lava tube. Washington state is home to incredibly unique ice caves that are worthy of a summer adventure. Look for icicles, sip hot cocoa on the floor of a 7,000-year-old shelter, and descend a staircase with just a headlamp lighting the way.
4. Pick a direction, any direction, for a perfect summer day trip. Whether you want to travel east, west, north or south of Seattle, four fantastic day trips are waiting for you. Sample farm-to-table fare in Edison, learn local history in Steilacoom, bike through Duvall or hike through West Seattle.
5. Enjoy the sun at a hidden beach. Shh … we’re letting you in on a little secret! There are quite a few lesser-known waterfront parks that promise all the fun of a beach day without the crowds. Dip your toes in the water and let the kids dig in the sand.
6. Explore Grit City’s unknown side. Tacoma is a weird, wonderful place and we have the insider scoop on the best spots for families, whether you’re into history, nature or culinary delights.
7. Take the ferry to Port Townsend. You could spend the whole day at Fort Worden State Park, but that’s just one of 13 things to do with kids in this quaint town on the Olympic Peninsula. Pop into cute shops, comb the beach, and snag a few slices of pizza for lunch by the water.
8. Go stargazing during a meteor shower. Every summer, the Perseids meteor shower delights with hundreds of shooting stars. Drive out of the city and let the kids stay up late watching the sky. 
9. Dip in the water at a natural swimming hole. Pack a picnic and head to one of these kid-friendly swim spots, where you can take in views of the mountains and forests while you cool off in the refreshing water.

10. Catch the Blue Angels flying overhead. Seattle’s premier boating event, air show, and festival returns this summer. Join in all the Seafair fun, from a jaw-dropping air show over Lake Union to hydroplane races and an epic parade.
11. Plan a rockin’ block party for your neighborhood. It’s not too late to get to know your neighbors! Use National Night Out on Aug. 4 as an excuse to throw a party that brings the whole community together.  
12. Roam the beach at low tide. Instill a sense of wonder when you spot rare sea creatures at these prime spots. Need to call in the experts for identification? Seattle Aquarium has a beach naturalist program, where you can learn from on-site naturalists, while Tacoma’s Owen Beach hosts an Explore the Shore program.
13. Splish, splash in a wading pool. For those days that are just too hot to do anything but sit in the water, we have just the ticket. Seattle has plenty of wading pools where kids can splash and play in the water while you sit back and relax.

14. Cool off at a spray park. Have kids who love the water but would be bored at a calm wading pool? Pack everyone’s swimsuits for a day at a local spray park or splash pad, where kids can make summer memories while staying cool. We know the best spots in Seattle, the Eastside and the South Sound. 
15. Hike across a footbridge. Calling all adventurers: These epic hikes promise scenic views from pedestrian bridges. The forest trails will have you ditching screen time for green time.
16. Climb a giant jellyfish. Towering over Pier 58, you’ll find this epic enclosed climber and tube slide. Take in sweeping views of Elliot Bay while the kids tackle the tentacles and whoosh down the slide. 
17. Explore a fort or tree house. What kid doesn’t want to spend their summer in a fort or tree house? These awesome tree houses will spark their imagination and allow them to live out their best summer dreams.
18. Have a beach day at this hidden gem. Jetty Island has 2 miles of sandy beach, and you can only access it with an affordable foot ferry ride from July 8 to Sept. 6. Visit at low tide for the chance to spot sea creatures. 
19. Camp in your own backyard. Want to introduce your kids to camping, but don’t feel quite ready for a night far from home? Look to your own backyard for a summer camping trip (no reservation required)! We have 10 ideas to make it the most memorable experience.
20. Conduct a backyard science experiment. School may be out, but there are still plenty of opportunities for kids to learn this summer through fun science experiments. Try our twist on the baking-soda volcano or hatch dinosaur eggs with your little scientist.
21. Go for a bike ride. Summer is the perfect season for learning — and mastering — the art of riding a bike. There are plenty of flat, wide and paved bike trails in Seattle and the South Sound perfect for your kids to try on two (or three) wheels. For more thrills on a bike, try a local pump track. 
22. Head to a free concert. The Seattle concert scene takes on a new life in the summer, with plenty of free concerts. Pack a picnic and get ready to dance in the park to some tunes.
23. Watch a movie outside on the big screen. Summer concerts aren’t the only way to get out of the house for some much-needed entertainment. There are also plenty of outdoor movies to catch. Your kids will love an excuse to stay up late on a summer night (and snack on popcorn and candy).
24. Visit a museum for free.  From free museum days to passes through the Seattle Public Library, there are multiple ways to visit a museum without paying anything. 
25. Mark your calendar for free days at state and national parks. Both national parks and state parks in Washington have days when park entrance is free. 

26. See how gardens grow. Visit a teaching garden and talk with your kids about what goes into making and tending to a garden so that flowers, fruits and vegetables can grow. Keep an eye out for pollinators, too!
27. Discover a hidden gem playground. Wondering how to make sure the kids burn off energy, all while enjoying the blue skies of a Seattle summer? We rounded up all the great hidden parks and playgrounds in Seattle with stunning views. 
28. Visit a petting farm. Many animal farms and petting zoos are free to visit, though some require reservations ahead of time. Make a plan to visit a local animal farm and meet sweet creatures like cows, goats, pigs, alpacas and more.
29. Go to the library. As Arthur always said, “Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card!” Head to one of these incredible destination libraries to check out all the books on your summer reading list.
30. Get fresh air on a nearby hike. You don’t have to travel far to get to these hikes and nature walks near Seattle. Breathe in the fresh air on the trails while you look for local birds and other critters.
31. Bring the stroller and go for a jog. Looking for a way to get out of the house during nap time? Pack up the stroller and your running gear and head to one of these stroller-friendly paths near Seattle or the South Sound.
32. Find trolls. Make the day magical with a visit to any of Thomas Dambo’s troll sculptures in the Pacific Northwest. These fantastic trolls are not only impressive in size, they’re also made with recycled and natural materials.
33. Two words: doughnut odyssey. Journey to a glazed, sprinkle-filled world at any of these doughnut destinations. From fluffy brioche dough to chewy mochi, there are plenty of doughnuts to be discovered. 
34. Find a waterfall. Forget TLC’s iconic ’90s advice for a day and chase waterfalls on one of these scenic hikes. Some have creeks or streams where you can cool off for a bit. 
35. Pick blueberries at this free blueberry park. For a berry experience that doesn’t break the bank, head to Charlotte’s Blueberry Park in Tacoma. Bonus: There’s a community garden and playground, too.
36. Visit a local lavender farm. Take in the relaxing scent and gorgeous views at any of these stunning lavender farms. Admission to lavender farms is often free, and you can expect to pay around $5–$15 for a lavender bundle, depending on the farm.
37. Play anyway on a rainy day. No sun? No problem. These rainy day parks and playgrounds have covered areas and plenty of space to play even when the summer weather isn’t cooperating. 
38. Watch boats at the Ballard Locks. From rustic fishing boats to fancy yachts, all kinds of boats pass through the Ballard Locks. The flooding and draining process is fascinating for all ages, as boats rise and fall up to 26 feet to pass through the locks.
39. Explore the oldest neighborhood in Seattle. Pioneer Square was the first neighborhood in Seattle, and its detailed history can be discovered through a fun-filled day. From the Klondike Gold Rush Museum to the playground at Occidental Square, there’s plenty for kids to do. Budget for a trip to the city’s oldest and biggest toy store, too.
40. Find adventure at a playground with thrills. For the days you really need to get out of the house and run around, these exhilarating playgrounds should be your first stop. Kids can take risks on steep slides, zip lines, climbing structures and more.
41. Take a train adventure on the light rail. There are new stations (and family-friendly spots near each) to discover along the East Link 2 Line, with the opening of the highly anticipated Crosslake Connection. Kids ride for free, while adult fares are $3.

42. Head to the Eastside for playtime. From a new bee-themed playground in Bellevue to long-standing Eastside favorites, there are plenty of spots on the Eastside to play all day long. 
43. Listen to tales of adventure at story time. Local libraries, gardens and other venues often host story time for kids. Hear classic tales or discover new favorites.
44. Find some golly gosh darn wildflowers. Around this time each year, wildflowers start popping up on mountainsides and in fields, and you don’t want to miss out. Take a wildflower hike with the family for a scenic morning or afternoon.
45. Check out our 10 Under $10 list. These places to play all come in under $10, which means you can save money without skimping on fun. From cheap places to skate to a free family variety show, there’s plenty to do without spending a lot. 
46. Visit the city’s largest playground. The inclusive Pathways Park promises play for all. There’s a climbing structure, merry-go-round, wide slides and sensory experiences that will keep kids busy all day.
47. Take the ferry over to Vashon Island. Here’s an easy idea for a day trip away from the city. Vashon Island is just a ferry ride away, offering a relaxing and scenic spot for a summer day. You’ll find a slower pace and a few great lunch spots, in addition to rocky and wooded beaches.
48. Visit an independent bookstore. Take a break from screen time and head to a local bookstore to browse the latest selection and add to the stack of your child’s bedtime stories or your own (ever-growing) to-be-read pile.
49. Climb an epic tower at Melanie’s Park. The 36-foot-high tower at this playground in Tacoma will thrill any adventure-seeker. Climb to the top for 360-degree views, or stop on the way up and whoosh down the twisty tube slide.
50. Get more ideas for family fun from ParentMap. Check out our family fun calendar for local events happening every day of the week. And don’t miss these 25 extra ideas for free fun activities. 

Editor’s note: ParentMap’s managing editor, Allison Sutcliffe, contributed to this article.