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Travel back in time this weekend at Museum of Illusions. Photo: Kathryn Mueller
We survived spring break at my house with plenty of sunny afternoon picnics, playground visits and treks through flower fields. I am ready to keep the spring outdoor adventures going, and the timing couldn’t be better. National Park Week starts on Saturday, April 19, and there are three incredible national parks right in our wonderful state. We have all the pro tips for exploring Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic national parks, as well as three hidden gems that are part of the larger national park system.
Though I have been enjoying the midweek sunshine, I can’t help but notice rain showers popping up in the forecast again. (It is April, after all.) If you’re looking for an indoorsy weekend plan, I have you covered. There’s a new arcade in town and we have the inside scoop. Get ready to solve puzzles, shoot hoops and work as a team at this futuristic spot.
And, of course, my top 10 weekend events offer a little bit of everything, whether you’re looking for a walk in the park, a playful movie or a throwback to the ‘90s.
1. Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Date: Friday–Sunday, April 18–20
Cost: Admission prices vary by farm
Location: Various locations throughout Skagit Valley
The tulips in Skagit Valley are finally in full bloom. Spending the day at a tulip farm is one of my favorite spring traditions — I visited last weekend and was once again amazed by the endless fields bursting with color. There are five farms to choose from this year, and you can’t go wrong with any of them (though I have heard that Tulip Valley Farms has mini Highland cows). But plan your visit soon, the festival only runs through April 30.
2. Museum of Illusions Goes Retro This Spring
Date: Friday–Sunday, April 18–20
Cost: Starting at $33 for adults; $28 for children ages 5–12; free for ages 4 and younger
Location: Museum of Illusions, 1330 Fifth Ave., Seattle
There are times I am truly nostalgic for growing up in the ‘90s — having my best friend’s phone number memorized, pressing glow-in-the-dark stars onto my ceiling, and the screeching sound of dial-up internet standing between me and looking up lyrics to Alanis Morissette songs. Museum of Illusions is tapping into that nostalgia this month with a retro theme. Step back into the ‘90s with mind-bending illusions, themed props and pop culture trivia. (You may feel old when your kids ask you what a CD is, but don’t let that ruin the fun.)
3. Free Entrance to National Parks
Date: Saturday, April 19
Cost: Free
Location: National parks
If you have been looking for an excuse to visit the national parks in Washington (like I have), look no further than Saturday’s free entrance day to kick off National Park Week. You can’t go wrong with a visit to any of our state’s national parks and historic sites — some are right in the city while others are worth the trek. Just make sure to check road closures and trail conditions ahead of your trip.
4. Weird & Wacky Car Show
Date: Saturday, April 19
Cost: Free
Location: LeMay – America’s Car Museum, 2702 E. D St., Tacoma
Lately, my daughter has been asking for a pink car. I think she has the same idea as the Weird & Wacky Car Show: Normal cars are boring. And while I don’t think our next family car will be pink, I do think I could satisfy her pleas with an afternoon visit to this funky display. From strange models to custom builds (and everything in between), this car show promises the strangest selection of vehicles. While you’re there, pick up a coffee, a snack and a printed T-shirt to commemorate the event.
5. Olympia Norway Day
Date: Saturday, April 19
Cost: $3 adults; ages 11 and younger are free
Location: Thurston County Fairgrounds, 3054 Carpenter Rd. S.E., Lacey
I would love to experience more cultures and traditions with my daughter, but we aren’t quite ready to book an international trip. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to feel like you’ve traveled abroad without leaving the state, and Norway Day is one of them. Take the kids to learn about Norwegian history, music, art and food. Catch a wood carving demonstration, indulge in a fresh waffle and shop for gifts from charming local vendors.
6. EarthFest at Bellevue Botanical Garden
Date: Saturday, April 19
Cost: Free
Location: Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St., Bellevue
Celebrate Earth Day at one of our favorite spots for a nature walk. You can take a guided tour, learn more about clean energy in an engaging workshop, or take part in art activities at an interactive booth. Plus, there are plenty of trails to explore (and a tiny hobbit door to find!), so you can really make a day of it.
7. Homerun Hangout at Kirkland Urban
Date: Saturday, April 19
Cost: Free
Location: Kirkland Urban, 425 Urban Plaza, Kirkland
Mariners season is in full swing (pun intended), and you won’t want to miss this baseball-themed event. Enter a raffle to win Mariners tickets, bring your baseball cards to trade with fellow fans and prepare to be starstruck by Mariner Moose himself. There will be a DJ playing music, classic ballpark snacks and interactive games for kids to enjoy.
8. The Good Festival
Date: Saturday, April 19
Cost: Free
Location: Westfield Southcenter, 2800 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila
This eco-conscious and interactive festival promises fun for the whole family. Parents can shop for earth-friendly products, enter to win prizes (including plants!), get a clean beauty makeover and more, while kids build with Lego bricks. Don’t miss the photo booth!
9. Egg hunts
Date: Saturday–Sunday, April 19–20
Cost: Varies
Location: Varies
My daughter has been talking about Easter for weeks, and she can hardly believe it’s finally here. While I think she is most excited for an Easter basket, I know she will be thrilled to take part in an Easter egg hunt with her cousins. Indeed, the Easter Bunny is hiding eggs all around the Greater Seattle area this weekend. Whether it’s a full-day quest at a children’s museum or a charming adventure on a local farm, there is surely an egg hunt happening near you.
10. OFS Kids Club Movie
Date: Sunday, April 20
Cost: $12 general admission; free for kids 12 and younger
Location: Capitol Theater, 206 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia
Sometimes after a busy weekend, I like to unwind with an afternoon movie. “Paddington in Peru” is on my list of movies to see with my sweet daughter, and I can’t resist this affordable showing. Bring the kids to watch Paddington search for his missing aunt in the jungles of Peru. There’s treasure, adventure and (of course) an adorable bear family.
More weekend activities:
- Honor the planet with environmentally friendly Earth Day events around town.
- Pack a picnic and visit the newest playground in town.
- Celebrate spring with mermaids, tulips and baby animals at a fantastic festival.
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 April 16, 2025. Event dates, times and locations were verified by our editor.
