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Celebrate Irish culture and traditions at this weekend’s Irish Festival. Photo: iStock
How about these 7 p.m. sunsets? Spring is just around the corner and I cannot help but look forward to longer, sunnier days. This time of year, I have so much fun visiting farms and meeting sweet animals. My favorite animal to meet: alpacas, of course. I visited a few amazing local farms recently, and am so excited to share more about them with you.
One of the harder parts of this season is the time change. Springing forward is not easy, especially with a preschooler who is 50/50 on napping. One of my foolproof ways to get her to nap in the afternoon is with a stroller walk around the neighborhood. I know I won’t be able to do that much longer, but there are still some incredible stroller paths to explore — whether you’re looking for one in Seattle and the Eastside, or South Sound.
And, even with the rainy days ahead, my top 10 weekend events will get you out of the house and enjoying the season. See you out there!
1. A Quest for Fairies and Gnomes
Date: Friday, March 14
Cost: Free
Location: Chambers Creek Regional Park, 9850 64th St. W., University Place
If you are looking for a whimsical, enchanting way to spend your Friday, look no further than this fantastic quest for fairies and gnomes. Kids can explore a miniature world where magic awaits. There will be hands-on activities that bring these mystical creatures to life. My daughter is so fond of garden gnomes and fairies, and I would absolutely love to spend the afternoon searching for them with her.
2. ‘TOYTOPIA’
Date: Friday–Sunday, March 14–16
Cost: Included with admission ($11–$17; ages 5 and younger are free)
Location: Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma
I don’t think I will ever forget the magic of having an Easy Bake Oven as a kid, and the nostalgia I feel for my childhood toys is so strong. This amazing exhibition is bringing cherished toys back in an incredible way, from the world’s largest Etch A Sketch to a life-size Monopoly car and game board. There will be a retro ‘80s arcade, a Lego play area, railroad tracks, tin toys and more. You can also learn more about the science behind magnetic tiles and Furby toys. Or, recreate an iconic scene from the movie “Big” on a huge electronic floor piano.
3. Curiosity Academy
Date: Saturday, March 15
Cost: Free
Location: Everett Public Library, 2702 Hoyt Ave., Everett
There is a hobby that my daughter, my cat and I all share: bird-watching. We love to sit at the window and watch Dark-eyed Juncos and other neighborhood birds flit around the bird feeder on our deck. This month’s Curiosity Academy focuses on bird stories and science, with the opportunity to make a bird-spotting book and bird feeder to take home. Get your birdseed and binoculars ready!
4. Spring Has Sprung Featuring Eric Ode, Bee-Bots and Art
Date: Saturday, March 15
Cost: Free
Location: Federal Way 320th Library, 848 S. 320th St., Federal Way
Speaking of springtime at the library, this sweet program welcomes the new season with songs, stories, puppets and activities. The day begins with Eric Ode, a children’s author and songwriter, and continues with special hands-on activities. Kids can learn coding and sequencing with Bee-Bot robots, and spend the rest of the afternoon working on art projects and painting. It’s no secret that I love local libraries and the programs they offer, and this is one you won’t want to miss.
5. Rang Barse Holi Celebration
Date: Saturday, March 15
Cost: $15; ages 10 and younger are free
Location: Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 N.W. Sammamish Rd., Issaquah
Holi celebrations continue this weekend with this joyful festival at a stunning state park. There will be Bollywood and Tollywood beats, so get ready to dance! There will also be traditional colorful festivities and delicious Indian sweets. It’s the perfect excuse to gather with friends and celebrate community.
6. Spring Open House at the Henry Art Gallery
Date: Saturday, March 15
Cost: Free
Location: Henry Art Gallery, 15th Ave. N.E. and N.E. 41st St., University of Washington Campus, Seattle
Spring is the perfect time to appreciate art (as are all the other seasons). This art gallery open house includes an engaging scavenger hunt through the exhibitions, a hands-on art workshop, and an opportunity to chat with one of the artists. It’s also a time to celebrate the reopening of the Eleanor Henry Reed Collections Study Center, which has an incredible selection of unique art. While you’re there, indulge in complimentary hot cocoa (my daughter’s favorite!).
7. Family Saturday: Origami In the Garden
Date: Saturday, March 15
Cost: Included with admission ($6–$10); free admission to all youth 12 and younger from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Family Saturday
Location: Seattle Japanese Garden, 1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E., Seattle
I learned how to fold an origami crane in college, and it’s still one of my favorite things to make. There is something so soothing about the crisp lines and neat folding. Head to the stunning Seattle Japanese Garden on Saturday for an origami workshop, where you can learn more about the history and art of origami and fold your own piece of art.
8. BrainFest With Allen Institute
Date: Saturday, March 15
Cost: Included with admission (which costs up to $27.45)
Location: Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N., Seattle
You can expect more brainy fun than usual at PacSci this weekend. A couple of months ago, I visited the new “Brainy Bodies” exhibit with my daughter and had a blast. This weekend, PacSci has partnered with the Allen Institute to bring in more neuroscience-themed activities. You will be able to look at real brain samples under a microscope, listen in on the electricity in your own nervous system, play games to better understand brain development and make your own brain cell model to take home. You can even meet a neuroscientist!
9. Irish Festival
Date: Saturday–Sunday, March 15–16
Cost: Free
Location: Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St., Seattle
It’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and I cannot resist this vibrant festival celebrating Irish culture. There will be live performances, Irish dancing, an art exhibition and an engaging lecture series. While you’re there, you can try traditional Irish foods and shop for unique gifts and crafts. This is part of the Seattle Center Festál series, which are always incredible to experience.
10. Grand Opening Celebration at Emler Swim School of Klahanie
Date: Sunday, March 16
Cost: Free
Location: Emler Swim School of Klahanie, 4506 Klahanie Dr. S.E., Issaquah
If you are starting to think about swim lessons, this swim school’s grand opening is not to be missed. There will be special enrollment offers, family-friendly activities and free swim evaluations. Water safety is so important year-round, and this is a great opportunity to get your kids interested in learning how to swim. Olympic gold medalist Amanda Beard will be signing autographs and taking photos, so you and the kids can meet a swimming legend and get inspired for classes.
More weekend activities:
- Stay out of the rain (and the house) at one of these incredible indoor playgrounds.
- Build a leprechaun trap for St. Patrick’s Day.
- Bring Washington state history to life with a visit to a historic spot.
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 March 12, 2025.
