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

The chocolate in my daughter’s Advent calendar is slowly disappearing, and it’s not because she’s sneaking extra pieces. We’re nearly halfway through December, which means winter break is on the horizon. Without school to fill the days, I’m on the hunt for the best things to do. Lucky for us parents (and kids), there’s plenty! From scenic hikes to indoor playgrounds, we’ve rounded up more than 30 ways to survive the upcoming break.

It’s also the perfect season to catch a theater performance. One of my all-time favorites just roared back into town for the first time in seven years. We have a behind-the-scenes look at “The Lion King,” along with some insider tips for making the most of the show (including which seats are the best in the theater).

My top 10 weekend events will get the whole family out of the house too, with opportunities to see an incredible bonsai display, a parade of holiday boats or even a few favorite local birds.

1. Parade of Boats Onshore Viewing Party

Date: Friday, Dec. 12
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Plaza, Evanston Ave North and North Northlake Way, Seattle

The Argosy Christmas Ship is one of my favorite holiday traditions, and this is the best way to join the festivities from shore! Watch as the decorated holiday fleet parades by with twinkling lights. There will be a food truck on-site, along with hot beverages, sweet treats and holiday music. Worth it, even if you have to push past bedtime.

2. KidsQuest 20th Birthday Bash

Date: Friday, Dec. 12
Cost: $17.75; free with membership
Location: KidsQuest Children’s Museum, 1116 108th Ave. N.E., Bellevue

One of our favorite children’s museums is turning 20 and celebrating with an amazing party. There will be kid-friendly mocktails, decorations and special prizes. Plus, a local teen DJ will be spinning jams. The whole fam will have a blast!

3. Twinkle Twinkle

Date: Friday, Dec. 12
Cost: Free
Location: Freeway Park, 700 Seneca St., Seattle

I’ve never been one for chestnuts roasting over an open fire, but I will take a marshmallow for s’mores. If you feel the same, head to this free winter fest to indulge in s’mores and hot cocoa by the cozy fire. There will be festive crafts and a delightful performance from The Dickens Carolers!

4. Kidstage Presents ‘Into the Woods’

Date: Friday–Sunday, Dec. 12–14
Cost: $24–$29
Location: Village Theatre Everett, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett

Don’t miss this Tony Award-winning musical, brought to life on a local stage this weekend. The youth production of “Into the Woods” will have you following the Baker and the Baker’s Wife as they unravel the Witch’s curse, with appearances from a few fairy-tale favorites along the way.

5. Scientist for a Day

Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
Cost: Free
Location: WET Science Center, 500 Adams St. N.E., Olympia

Encourage your kids’ love of learning with this fun-filled day that explores all the different ways to be a scientist. From studying insects and dinosaurs to biology and chemistry, there will be hands-on activities that give kids an inside look at what it means to be a scientist.

6. La Posada at the Highline Heritage Museum

Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
Cost: Free
Location: Highline Heritage Museum, 819 S.W. 152nd St., Burien

This special holiday tradition brings the whole community together. There will be live music, arts and crafts, games and more. Enjoy delicious food and a sweet celebration centered around kindness, connection and the holiday season.

7. Winter Bonsai Solstice

Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
Cost: Free
Location: Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 S. 336th St., Federal Way

I have been wanting to visit the Pacific Bonsai Museum, and its annual Winter Bonsai Solstice is the perfect excuse. Take an evening stroll — with hot chocolate in hand — and admire the stunning collection of bonsai illuminated by twinkling holiday lights.

8. Christmas Carnival

Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
Cost: Free
Location: Sambica, 4114 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy. S.E., Bellevue

Looking for a photo op with Santa? Head to this fabulous free festival, where you can take Santa photos, play games and make crafts. There will even be bounce houses and a special Christmas safari, along with hot cocoa and snacks to keep everyone’s spirits up.

9. Holiday Ice-Skating Rink in Occidental Square

Date: Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 13–14
Cost: Free
Location: Occidental Square Park, 117 S. Washington St., Seattle

Did somebody say free ice-skating? This synthetic outdoor rink pops up for a limited time, starting this weekend. So lace up those skates (they’re free to borrow!) and glide across the rink with the fam. Visit on Saturday for a bonus activity: The Occidental Square Holiday Trading Post will bring more than 40 local makers to the park, so you can get your holiday shopping done after you skate!

10. Children’s Bird Outing with Birds Connect Seattle

Date: Sunday, Dec. 14
Cost: Free
Location: Seward Park, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle

We bought my sweet preschooler a pair of binoculars, and I just know she would put them to use on this kid-friendly walk. Bring your bird enthusiasts to the park for a half-mile stroll (with plenty of stops!), where you’re likely to spot mallards, Canada geese, chickadees and more. There will also be a break for a story and snack (or just to look at interesting rocks, I told you it was kid-friendly).

More weekend activities:

• Celebrate Hanukkah with crafts, treats and special events happening around town.
• Join beloved Mo Willems’ characters for a holiday extravaganza.
• Give the kids a fun night out while you finish up holiday shopping (or have a date night!).

Our family fun calendar features great community events — every day of the year!

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 Dec. 10, 2025. Event dates, times and locations were verified by our editor.