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

It’s another week of rain or shine in the forecast, and I’m committed to getting outside no matter which way the weather turns. Does anyone else feel like they leave the house with enough gear for a multi-day trip through every season? Rain coat, check. Sunglasses, check. Extra outfit (or two) for the kids, check. Coffee, check. I need a wagon just to get from the front door to the car.

But, it’s always worth it! And this week, beyond our top 10 weekend activities, we have the inside scoop on two exciting openings that you’ll want to use as an excuse to get out of the house. From the brand new playground at Ballard Commons Park to the most exciting stops on the new Eastside light rail, we have you covered. Plus, it’s opening weekend for the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater show at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

10 things to do this weekend in Seattle and beyond:

1. Kick off your weekend with tacos, trivia and even a piñata at the Loyal Heights Community Center (Friday).
2. Go fish! The 30th annual free Fishing Derby in Marysville offers “reel” fun and prizes for kids as they cast their line in the pond (Saturday).
3. May the Fourth be with you this weekend as you navigate lightsaber training and VR space painting as part of this Star Wars themed day at The Museum of Flight. Bonus: Those in costume get discounted admission (Saturday).
4. The bees won’t be the only ones buzzing with excitement. Kids will love learning about nurturing the pollinators in their own backyard at the free Pollinator Fest in Woodinville (Saturday).
5. Keep your fingers crossed for sunshine (but pack your rain gear just in case) for the opening day of boating and the Windermere Cup Rowing Regatta on the Montlake Cut (Saturday).
6. Immerse yourself in an incredible celebration of the heritage and culture of Asian Pacific Islanders and Asian Pacific Americans at this free event, featuring dances, performances and food (Saturday).
7. Dance around the maypole and celebrate spring at Jubilee Farm. Their Spring Market includes wares from local vendors, live music and hay rides (Saturday).
8. There is something irresistible about a big, red truck. Kids can explore a working fire engine and station, hear stories, and make arts and crafts for free at the Station 28 Fire Safety Fair (Saturday).
9. For the kids who need extra tips on how to relax, this under-an-hour musical offers a sweet story imparting valuable lessons on how to “bee” in the moment. (Saturday–Sunday).
10. Happy Cinco de Mayo! Join in the festivities at Downtown Redmond Park, where there will be live music, dancing, and an arts and crafts market (Sunday).

More things to do this weekend:

• If you’re feeling a little spontaneous, pack up the car and head to one of our favorite day-trip destinations.
• Grab a sweet treat at any of these seven amazing bakeries in the Seattle area.
• Skip the crowds and breathe in some fresh air on a kid-friendly hike.

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