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Summer is now in full swing. While there are plenty of opportunities to spend cash this season (can we talk about the price of a trip to the movies?), there are also plenty of ways to save. I’ve gathered 25 free things to do in Seattle and the surrounding areas in July. Whether you head out to discover sea creatures in tide pools or see a play at a local park, you won’t have to shell out any money to avoid hearing “I’m bored!” from your kids this month.
Note: Some activities require preregistration and can fill up quickly.
1. Concerts on the Green
Date and time: Every Tuesday through August, 7–8:30 p.m
Head to the Issaquah Community Center for an outdoor concert in a gorgeous setting. You and the kids can move and groove to family-friendly music, including high-energy dance music and Brazilian rhythms.
2. Juanita Bay Park Interpretive Tour
Date and time: Wednesday, July 3, 7:20–8:30 a.m., and every first Wednesday through November
Bring your binoculars to this 110-acre park for a guided tour, where you’re likely to see rare and interesting birds (and other creatures like turtles and beavers). Interpretive signs throughout the park come in handy if you decide to do a self-guided tour through the park instead.
3. Seattle Fireworks: 4th of July Displays and Events
Date and time: Fourth of July weekend
Celebrate the Fourth of July with firework displays, parades and local festivities. Whether you want to start early with a pancake breakfast or push past bedtime for a big show in the sky, we have you covered with a schedule of all the area’s best events.
4. Tide Pools for Tots
Date and time: Friday, July 5, 10–11:30 a.m., and Saturday, July 20, 9:30–11 a.m.
Little kids can explore the beach and learn about specific animals at Tide Pools for Tots. This fun marine life program is sponsored by the City of Burien. Note that registration opens one month before the program date and is based on a lottery system.
5. Family Nature Kits
Date and time: Saturday, July 6, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Bring your young scientists to Liberty Park in Renton for hands-on science experiments. Whether hunting for bugs or testing the quality of water, kids can learn something new. You also can check out a family nature kit, a backpack with activities designed for outdoor exploration.
6. Return to Renton Car Show
Date and time: Sunday, July 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
If you have a Hot Wheels fan in the house, this one’s for you. The 33rd annual Return to Renton Car Show, at the Renton Pavilion Events Center, will have a Hot Wheels Show with Hot Wheels tracks. Car enthusiasts can also check out the hundreds of cars and vote for their favorites.
7. Storytime in Old Town Park
Date and time: Monday, July 8, and Monday, July 22, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
This sweet storytime in Old Town Park, geared toward kids ages 3–9, pairs a picture book read-along with a matching craft. Expect to hear tales from local authors about friendship, animals, science and imagination.
8. Tuesdays in Ballard
Date and time: Every Tuesday through August, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
The Ballard Community Center hosts free Tuesday fun for the family with games like cornhole, axe throwing and horseshoes. Enjoy fruit, hot dogs and beverages while making crafts or competing in games.
9. Auburn Kids’ SummerStage
Date and time: Wednesday, July 10, and every Wednesday through August 14, noon–1 p.m.
Pack a blanket and picnic lunch for this outdoor entertainment series — ranging from an interactive reptile show to a steel drum dance party — at Les Gove Park. Remember a swimsuit and towel for a post-performance cool-off session at the Rotary Spray Playground, or budget time for a romp around Discovery Playground.
10. Play in the Parks: Kama’s Circus Extravaganza
Date and Time: Thursday, July 11, 2–3 p.m.
Dancing with 25 hula hoops at the same time? Anything is possible at Kama’s Circus Extravaganza. Kids will love the show — and even be invited to participate at the end — at this free show in Lacey.
11. Motors & Movie Series at ACM
Date and time: Friday, July 12, 6–11 p.m.
Pack your lawn chairs and games (we have a few suggestions) and catch “Back to the Future II” on the big screen at America’s Car Museum. There will also be food trucks on site, so you can make a night of it. The movie starts at sunset.
12. Second Saturdays at Postmark Center for the Arts
Date and time: Saturday, July 13, and every second Saturday of the month, noon–4 p.m.
If arts and crafts are more your speed, head to the Postmark Center for a free artmaking session. Artist Wol-Un — who specializes in Korean ink painting — will be at the center in the afternoon for a hands-on demonstration and workshop that promises fun for all ages.
13. Try the Track: Youth Sessions
Date and time: Sunday, July 14, and Sunday, July 28, 4–5 p.m.
Pack your water bottle, helmet and cycling shoes for an afternoon at the velodrome. These free youth sessions include a free track bike rental, an hour on the track and guidance from staff at Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome.
14. Marine Creature Monday with Stream Team
Date and time: Monday, July 15, and every Monday through August 19, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Divers and marine biologists are waiting to teach you and your kiddos about marine life in Puget Sound. From the creatures you can safely touch to the ways you can protect marine life through pollution prevention, there is plenty to learn about at the Boston Harbor Marina in Olympia. Register online to attend.
15. Ella Bella Bee and the Pollinators in Concert
Date and time: Tuesday, July 16, 3:00–3:45 p.m.
Head to Shoreline Library for this charming performance with interactive songs and games. The focus is on bees and hummingbirds. Take home some organic seeds and lessons on how to sustain these important pollinators.
16. ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ in the Park with Seattle Shakespeare Company
Date and time: Multiple dates and locations in July
Take your summer picnic up a notch with a free Shakespearean performance. This play about two best friends is a heartwarming tale that the whole family can enjoy.
17. Center City Cinema at Albert Davis Park
Date and time: Thursday July 18, and Thursday, July 25, 8–10:30 p.m.
It’s hard enough to convince kids to have an early bedtime when the sun is still out. Give in to a late night for this outdoor movie at Albert Davis Park — just bring chairs, snacks and blankets. Movies begin at dusk.
18. Mariners Giveaway Fridays
Date and time: Friday, July 5, and Friday, July 19, and every Friday home game through September, 5–7 p.m.
There is something irresistible about a prize wheel. Stop by Occidental Square before a home game to spin a wheel for the chance to win Mariners swag and other prizes. There’s plenty around the park to explore in Pioneer Square, too.
19. West Seattle Grand Parade
Date and time: Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
One of Seafair’s community events, the West Seattle Grand Parade is a longstanding tradition. You can expect to see marching bands, drill teams, pirates and clowns at this community celebration.
20. ‘Monkey and Francine in the City of Tigers’ at Highland Park
Date and time: Sunday, July 21, 10 a.m.–noon
This 45-minute opera performed at Highland Park is sure to delight all ages with folktales from around the world. It’s an incredible blend of Bollywood, Ethiopian jazz and classical music. Bring your own chairs and blankets to the park.
21. Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program at Multiple Locations
Date and time: Multiple dates and times in July
Learn why a barnacle stands on its head and what a sea star has for breakfast, all from local beach naturalists who care deeply about local marine life. Head to one of the many local beaches to explore tide pools and hear about the magnificent creatures that inhabit them.
22. Summer Ride at Cedar Lanes
Date and time: Tuesdays and Thursdays in July starting July 9, 5–8 p.m.
Kids ages 2 and older can learn more about bike safety and how to ride a bike at this free skills clinics with games and activities at Cedar Lanes. Bikes and helmets can be checked out for the program.
23. Children’s PlayGarden Open Play
Date and time: Friday and Saturday mornings in July and August, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Spend the morning at the Seattle Children’s PlayGarden, where friendly staff are present to give tours, answer questions and engage kids with inclusive play experiences like gardening, dance and art. Open play is designed to connect community members and increase access to play spaces for children with disabilities.
24. United Communities of Laos Summer Festival
Date and time: Saturday, July 27, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Spend the day at Lake Sammamish State Park for this festival and celebrate ethnic Lao groups. Enjoy live music, performances and a fashion show. Vendors will be selling ethnic food and traditional clothing. (Bring your Discover Pass or purchase a one-day parking pass at the park’s entrance.)
25. Thomas Family Farm Summer Series
Date and time: Every Thursday–Sunday through August 25
There is no shortage of things to do at the Thomas Family Farm Summer Series. There is a beer and wine bar for parents, rotating food trucks, four pickleball courts, and a kids fun park. Plan to spend the day here.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in January 2024 and was most recently updated to include 25 exciting free things to do in Seattle for families in July by ParentMap’s family fun editor, Meredith Charaba. ParentMap’s calendar editor, Julie Dodobara, contributed to this article.
