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Explore the beach this weekend during the lowest tides of the month. Photo: Kathryn Mueller
Sunshine might bring temperatures up to 80 degrees soon, and I am here to propose a weekend by the water. And what perfect timing, as there are a few days coming up with extremely low tides. You might be able to spot sea stars, anemones, sea slugs and maybe even an octopus! We have all the insider tips for exploring tide pools with kids, so grab your swimsuit and water shoes and get ready for an adventurous beach day!
I also have a sneaking suspicion that the whole family might work up an appetite exploring the shoreline. If you want to stay close to the water, we’ve picked out a few fabulous restaurants in Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound where you can take in gorgeous views and enjoy the sunshine.
Adding to the summer excitement, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has landed right in our city. From free events and celebrations to kid-friendly spots to watch the matches, our World Cup guide has everything you need to make the most of it with kids.
Plus, my top 10 events are not to be missed. You can expect a few fantastic local festivals, a brand-new exhibit and an outdoor disco.
1. Maple Valley Days
Date: Friday–Sunday, June 12–14
Cost: Free; tickets for carnival rides for purchase
Location: Lake Wilderness Park, 22500 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley
It’s the 76th anniversary of this local fest, and they’re pulling out all the stops. You can expect live music, a car show, a parade and a carnival alongside plenty of kids activities. This is also a spot to watch the weekend’s World Cup matches.
2. ‘Game On’ at Imagine Children’s Museum
Date: Friday–Sunday, June 12–14
Cost: Included with admission ($22; ages 24 months and younger are free)
Location: Imagine Children’s Museum, 1502 Wall St., Everett
With all of the World Cup excitement, my daughter has been asking to try soccer out for herself. Our first stop to build up her soccer skills may be unexpected. Imagine Children’s Museum just unveiled an interactive soccer exhibit with a dribble course, penalty kick zone with speed-tracking cameras, and more challenges that invite kids to experience soccer firsthand and learn about its local history.
3. Daylight Disco at Kirkland Urban
Date: Saturday, June 13
Cost: Free
Location: Kirkland Urban, 425 Urban Plaza, Kirkland
Celebrate Pride Month and the start of summer all in one at this colorful outdoor celebration. Get groovin’ on the dance floor with live DJ sets, make creative crafts and snap a few festive photos. Then let the kids cool off in the splash pad while you sample a themed beverage or two.
4. Indigenous People Festival
Date: Saturday, June 13
Cost: Free
Location: Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St., Seattle
Honor Indigenous traditions at this free festival that celebrates American Indian and Alaska Native culture. It’s a chance to see incredible performances, try traditional cuisine and shop handcrafted goods from more than 70 vendors and performers.
5. Lacey Museum Grand Opening
Date: Saturday, June 13
Cost: Free
Location: Lacey Museum, 4160 Sixth Ave. S.E., Lacey
This cute local museum has a brand-new location. Stop by to enjoy live local music, make buttons and hear stories of the city’s history from knowledgeable tour guides. Plus, the museum shop will be open for the first time, and it’s filled with unique gifts and fun apparel. Snap a selfie with the fam in front of the mural before you leave!
6. Mountain Fest at Camp Long
Date: Saturday, June 13
Cost: Free
Location: Camp Long Environmental Learning Center, 5200 35th Ave. S.W., Seattle
Head to this hidden-gem park in West Seattle for a full day of outdoor adventure. Climb Schurman Rock, brave the ropes course, snack on s’mores and even encounter a raptor. Be warned: Your kids may just fall in love with rock climbing — admittedly a fantastic hobby to start as we head into summer.
7. Bubbles, Fairways & Futbol at Downtown Park Bellevue
Date: Saturday, June 13
Cost: Free
Location: Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue
Whether your family is made up of soccer fans, golf enthusiasts or even bubble-blowing tots, you’ll all find something to love here. Inspired by the World Cup, there will be an 18-hole mini golf course with soccer themes, along with a play zone with bubble machines and more. Enjoy the music and photo ops, and don’t forget to schedule in some time to romp around the playground.
8. Fun(d) Fair
Date: Sunday, June 14
Cost: Free entry; some activities for purchase
Location: Meridian Park, 4920 Meridian Ave. N., Seattle
It’s a good old-fashioned fundraiser for a local theater group this weekend, and everyone is invited. Play classic carnival games (there’s even a dunk tank!), win prizes and enjoy live performances, all while supporting the theater group’s summer tour.
9. Toy Boat Building
Date: Sunday, June 14
Cost: Free
Location: The Center for Wooden Boats, 1010 Valley St., Seattle
Let the kids get creative at this sweet activity, where they can build their own wooden toy boats. From using hand tools to decorating with recycled materials, they can bring their vision to life before testing it out on the model boat pond. Want to get out on the water in a real boat? You’re in luck. The center is also hosting an International Soccer Celebration Public Sail on Sunday, or you can always try to snag a free peapod boat rental.
10. Juneteenth Celebration in Mountlake Terrace
Date: Sunday, June 14
Cost: Free
Location: Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Ave. W., Mountlake
Commemorate Juneteenth with this community celebration. There will be free food, local vendors and special activities. While you’re at the library, check out a few Juneteenth books to share with the kids.
More weekend activities:
- Head out to a U-pick strawberry farm for the sweetest taste of the season.
- Explore a mountain town that shines in the summer with family-friendly thrills.
- Cool off in local splash pads and spray parks that are open for the season, from Greater Seattle to South Sound.
Our family fun calendar features great community events — every day of the year!
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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 June 10, 2026. Event dates, times and locations were verified by our editor.
