25 Free Family-Friendly Things to Do Around Seattle This September

School may be back in session, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end! September is one of the best months in the Pacific Northwest to get outside, explore, and make memories as a family. From salmon runs and cultural festivals to science fairs, parades, and touch-a-truck events, there’s no shortage of budget-friendly fun.

Here’s my county-by-county roundup of 25 free things to do around Seattle this September.

Tip: Some activities require pre-registration and can fill up quickly—be sure to check ahead.

King County

Seattle & Nearby

• Meet Me at Waterfront Park: A Grand Celebration – Sat, Sept. 6, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
  Celebrate Seattle’s new 20-acre Waterfront Park with parades, live music, art, and family activities at Pier 58 & 62.

• Salmon Viewing at the Ballard Locks – All month long
  Watch Chinook, coho, sockeye, and king salmon make their upstream journey.

• Yoga on Pier 62 – Wed, Sept. 3, 10 & 24, 6–7 p.m.
  Free outdoor yoga for all ages and levels with stunning waterfront views.

• Bat Night at Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands – Fri, Sept. 12, 6–8 p.m.
  Learn about Washington’s bats with help from local experts.

• Seattle Fiestas Patrias (Seattle Center) – Sat–Sun, Sept. 13–14
  Celebrate Latin American culture with food, music, kids’ activities, and folkloric performances.

• The Happiest Hour at The Royal Room (Columbia City) – Fri, Sept. 12 & 26, 4–6 p.m.
  A family-friendly happy hour featuring live music and local bites.

• Georgetown Steam Plant Science Fair – Sat–Sun, Sept. 20–21, noon–10 p.m.
  Explore science projects, art, and interactive demos inside a historic steam plant.

• Community Coloring Night (Pacific Place, Downtown) – Fri, Sept. 26, 5–7 p.m.
  Join a relaxing, all-ages coloring session with supplies and refreshments provided.

Eastside & North Bend

• Issaquah Culture Fest – Fri, Sept. 5, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
  A vibrant community festival with music, dance, art, and food at Issaquah Community Center.

• Si View Summer Concert Series (North Bend) – Thu, Sept. 4 & 11, 5:30–7 p.m.
  Family evening fun with live music and farmers market eats.

• Beats Beyond Boundaries (Kirkland Library) – Wed, Sept. 17 & 24, 5:30–6:15 p.m.
  An inclusive music and movement workshop for kids of all abilities.

South King County

• Free Community Play Day (Tukwila) – Sun, Sept. 7, noon–3 p.m.
  Sports, games, and nature activities for the whole family.

• Marine Mammal Stewards Program (Des Moines Beach) – Fri, 5–7 p.m. & Sat, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sept. 5–27
  Spot seals and maybe whales while learning about marine life.

Pierce County

• Bingo Night (Puyallup) – Wed, Sept. 3, 7–8:30 p.m.
  A family game night with snacks, prizes, and plenty of fun.

• Garden Stories & Art in the Garden (Puyallup) – Thu, Sept. 4, 11 a.m.–noon
  Story time among the plants followed by apple print art at Watson’s Greenhouse.

• Tacoma Moon Festival – Sat, Sept. 13, 1–6 p.m.
  Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with cultural performances and crafts at Chinese Reconciliation Park.

• Apple-A-Day at Tacoma’s Broadway Farmers Market – Thursdays, Sept. 4–25, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
  Kids (ages 3–16) receive a $1 token for fresh produce.

• Slime Time (Lakewood Library) – Wed, Sept. 17, 3–5 p.m.
  Kids make slime at the library—no mess at home, supplies included!

• Indonesia Day (Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Tacoma) – Sat, Sept. 20, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
  Experience Indonesian culture through food, dance, karaoke, and crafts.

• Autumnal Equinox Park Pop-Up (Cross Park, Tacoma) – Tue, Sept. 23, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
  Fall-themed crafts, bubbles, and games to welcome autumn.

Snohomish County

• Touch-A-Truck Events (Stanwood & Marysville) – Sat, Sept. 6, 13 & 20
  Kids climb aboard trucks, fire engines, and more at these hands-on events.

• Sustainamania (Bothell, City Hall Plaza) – Sat, Sept. 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
  A sustainability festival with live music, crafts, touch-a-truck, and eco-friendly activities.

Thurston County

• Riverwalk Tours at Tumwater Falls – Tue, Sept. 2 & 16, 5–6 p.m.
  Enjoy waterfalls, boulders, and salmon sightings on this guided walk.

Kitsap County

• Kitsap Live Steamers Mini Train Ride (Port Orchard) – Mon, Sept. 1, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. + 2nd & 4th Saturdays through Oct. 11
  Ride a 12-minute steam train through South Kitsap Regional Park.

Regional / Multi-County

• Touch-A-Truck Events (Tacoma, Stanwood, Marysville, Bothell & Kirkland) – Sat, Sept. 6, 13 & 20
  A September tradition for big-rig-loving kids all around the region.

• World Parrot Expo (Emerald Downs, Auburn) – Sat–Sun, Sept. 27–28
  Meet parrots, play games, and learn about these fascinating birds.

Wrapping Up

Whether your family loves music, wildlife, art, or just climbing on trucks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy September without spending a dime. From the shores of Des Moines to the mountains of North Bend, these events showcase the unique communities that make the Puget Sound such a special place to live.

👉 Thinking about buying or selling a home in Snohomish County? September is also a great time to talk real estate—before the busy holiday season. Reach out anytime, I’d love to help.