Let’s face it, life gets to be expensive!! If your kids are anything like mine they have no idea how much money things can really cost or even how money works. I know I always talk to the kids about cost, banking, income, etc but I don’t think this is something that sets in until they are older. One thing, however, they do understand is the word FREE, and they know this mom loves that word. Now I live in a fairly expensive state so going out requires a lot of budgeting and planning ahead. Thankfully there are a lot of Free Kid Things To Do In Washington State!! (I have included affiliate links to products I love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Thankfully these free activities in Washington state vary from visiting a museum or cooling off in a large water fountain, kids can have fun, without it costing you a dime. I mean this is a total win!!! Being from the midwest it seems like there was so much just to go see and do that didn’t cost a ton of money, or it could be that I am so close to Seattle that it seems like things cost more to do.
Free Kid Things To Do In Washington State
Hands On Children’s Museum– The Hands On Children’s Museum is located in Olympia. The museum offers free admission on the first Friday of each month, from 5-9 PM. Also, Washington State EBT recipients and their families always have free admission. The museum features several stations, including the Arts & Parts Studio, where kids can create artistic masterpieces and the Fabulous Forest, where kids can climb into a treehouse and sit around a campfire. You can see all the details on their website -> here.
Percival Landing Park- The Percival Landing Park can be found on the Olympia waterfront, on Puget Sound’s southern tip. The 3.38-acre park features several picnic areas and a boat marina. There is also a 0.9-mile boardwalk, a playground that features playground equipment for younger kids, as well as older kids and a giant carved Orca Whale sculpture, the work of Joe Tougas, an artist from Olympia. Be sure to check out more about the park -> here.
Frye Art Museum- The Frye Art Museum is located in Seattle, in the heart of the First Hill Neighborhood. Admission to the museum is always free. The museum showcases over 1,000 American and European paintings from the 19th & 20th centuries. The museum was established in 1952 and at the time was the first free art museum in Seattle. You can see more -> here.
Seattle Center– The Seattle Center is located in Seattle, just north of Belltown. The Seattle Center combines entertainment, education, arts and tourism, all in one spot. The 74-acre campus features more than 30 attractions, centering on entertainment, education, and culture. The highlight of the Seattle Center is the Space Needle, which a 605-foot-high observation tower. Be sure to check out more -> here they are always changing what is going on in the area and events as well.
Chihuly Bridge of Glass- The Chihuly Bridge of Glass can be found in the heart of downtown Tacoma. The 500-foot pedestrian bridge is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It connects the Museum of Glass with downtown Tacoma. The bridge was the inspiration of Dale Chihuly, a renowned glass sculptor from Tacoma. Highlights of the bridge include two 40-foot glacier blue crystal towers and an 80-foot wall that features over 100 sculptures from Dale Chihuly. Be sure to check out this amazing artwork -> here.
River Front Park– Located in Spokane, WA this is the perfect place to take the family, there is so much to see and do. With lots of sculptures to see, there is no pressure to spend a dime to have fun. See more about Spokane River Front Park -> here.
What free things do you do in Washington state?? I love living in a place with so many parks and beaches to go to and explore, plus the promotions from the museums as well!
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Rand McNally Easy to Read Washington State MapLonely Planet Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest (Travel Guide)Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington & The Cascades
Sandra L Garth says
This post is just in time for parents wondering how to keep the kids busy for the summer. The suggestions here are great for spurring ideas in other cities.