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

Happy Labor Day weekend! My top 10 events make the most of the holiday weekend ahead, and I am so excited for how much there is to do. First up on my itinerary: grabbing a warm, jam-filled scone from the Washington State Fair. We have all the insider tips for making the most of the Fair with kids, from special deals to new exhibits. 

If you’re looking to make the weekend extra magical, you might want to splurge on tickets to see “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” at the Paramount Theatre. It’s only here for a limited time, and it’s absolutely mesmerizing.

The new month also has a bevy of free things to do, from salmon viewing to bicycle rides and cultural fests. Now let’s get to the weekend!

SEA You on the Waterfront: Ocean Pavilion Rooftop

Date: Friday–Saturday, Sept. 4–5
Cost: Free
Location: Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle 

The talented staff at the Seattle Aquarium has offered this free programming all summer, and it’s the last weekend! Head to the Ocean Pavilion Rooftop on Friday for special reflections, where all are invited to connect with nature and Indigenous knowledge. Come back on Saturday to explore a life-size replica orca skeleton and learn about the different whale species.

Olympia Harbor Days Festival

Date: Friday–Sunday, Sept. 4–6
Cost: Free
Location: Percival Landing Park, 217 Thurston Ave. N.W., Olympia 

Ahoy, mateys! Pirates are dancing into the harbor this weekend for a maritime festival the whole family will love. Walk aboard vintage tugboats, explore marine attractions and learn about tribal history. You can also expect sand carving, a Lego build and more hands-on activities.

Shack-toberfest Glass Pumpkin Patch

Date: Friday–Sunday, Sept. 4–6
Cost: Free entry; glass pumpkins for purchase 
Location: Schack Art Center, 2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett 

This fantastic exhibit will have you ready for autumn in no time. Explore a pumpkin patch like you’ve never seen before, with a thousand glass pumpkins from regional artists taking over the Schack Art Center. You can even reserve your own pumpkin-making session in the hot shop. 

Washington State Fair

Date: Friday–Monday, Sept. 4–7
Cost: $13–$18; packages available; ages 5 and younger free 
Location: Washington State Fair Event Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup

Ready to do the Puyallup? Head to the Fair for its 126th year, filled with all the usual favorites (I’m looking at you, fair scones) and new experiences. Watch live performances, try your best at carnival games, hop on a thrilling ride or two, and make those late-summer memories! Bonus: You can get free admission on Friday from 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. with a nonperishable food donation.

Star Trek 60th Anniversary

Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
Cost: Included with admission ($38.20–$44.95 adult; $28.65–$33.70 youth; ages 4 and younger are free) 
Location: Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP), 325 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle

Explore the final frontier and discover what gives Star Trek its staying power at this 60th anniversary celebration. Sit in a replica of Captain Kirk’s chair, contribute memorabilia to a fan-curated display, and take part in hands-on workshops and themed activities. 

Pride Across the Bridge 

Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
Cost: Free
Location: Kirkland Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plaza Dr., Kirkland 

Redmond Pride has moved! Head to Kirkland this year for a larger Pride celebration, with live performances, local art and community activities. Shop from local vendors, grab a bite to eat and enjoy the park. There will even be a dunk booth with 10 local leaders, from councilmembers to mayors, participating.

End of Summer Blast at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Date: Saturday–Monday, Sept. 5–7
Cost: Included with zoo admission ($17–$32; ages 2 and younger free) or membership
Location: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma 

The animals at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium may not be heading back to school, but that won’t stop them from saying goodbye to summer with a festive party. Watch as animals cool off with icy treats and fantastic enrichments. Don’t miss the Tidal Touch Zone, where you can meet sea stars, sea urchins and other beach favorites.

Downtown Issaquah Story Stroll: ‘Watercress’

Date: Saturday–Monday, Sept. 5–7
Cost: Free
Location: Village Theatre Issaquah, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah  

The new month brings a new Story Stroll! This beautifully illustrated book packs a powerful message about family heritage and shared memories. A young girl living in Ohio has a meaningful experience with her family as her Chinese immigrant parents collect wild watercress for dinner. Walk along Front Street from Village Theatre to Sunset Way to see the story unfold.  

City of Renton’s 125th Birthday Celebration

Date: Sunday, Sept. 6
Cost: Free
Location: Liberty Park, 1101 Bronson Way N., Renton

Did you know Renton was incorporated as a city on Sept. 6, 1901? Celebrate 125 years of history during this festive party, held at the city’s first public park. There will be live music, games, special activities and, of course, cake.

Seattle Reign vs. San Diego Wave FC — Hello Kitty Night

Date: Sunday, Sept. 6
Cost: Adult tickets start at $23.36; ages 12 and younger free
Location: Lumen Field, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle 

This Sunday night match combines two things my daughter can’t get enough of: Hello Kitty and soccer. Seattle Reign and San Diego Wave face off in this epic match, but the excitement doesn’t end there. You can expect Hello Kitty giveaways, face painting, photo ops, and even a character meet and greet. Best of all, Reign FC’s Kids 12 & Under Free program means that you can get up to five free kids tickets with each paid adult ticket. Take the whole family!

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 Sept. 2, 2026. Event dates, times and locations were verified by our editor.