Spring has sprung! If the changing season has inspired you to find new things to do with the kids, our spring bucket list is a worthwhile companion. It’s chock full of secret gardens, farms adventures, pop-up drive-ins, plus Seattle’s best classes, fairs and fests for families. Read on to make your plans.
Editor’s note: Please remember to wear masks and follow social distancing and group size guidelines when enjoying these activities. Have a safe and healthy spring!
This article is sponsored by Little Tikes®, which offers a variety of toys that’ll turn your backyard into a springtime playground. From water and outdoor kids’ toys to playhouses, ride-on cars and so much more, children two to six years old will be entertained for hours. To learn more about Little Tikes®’ products, visit littletikes.com.
1. It’s back! Everyone’s favorite flower festival is welcoming families to the Skagit Valley once again. Grab your tickets while you can!
2. All aboard! Your little conductor will love going clickety clack down the track on this scenic train ride where kids can meet the Easter Bunny or enjoy a special brunch with mom on Mother’s Day.
3. Your wee royal wannabe will swoon at the chance to sleep overnight in a real castle. You bring the crowns!
4. Jiminy Cricket! This drop-in cooking class for kids will have you wishing on a star.
5. Hop on the ferry! It's time for a daycation to this nearby island where you’ll find pirates in the park, family kayaking adventures and a reuse art studio creative kiddos will love.
6. Moo, baa, fa la la your way over to this south end farm where you’ll find cuddly baby animals, spring blooms and farm activities that’ll wear out your crew.
7. Gorillas don’t live in the forests of the PNW… or do they? You might find one, alongside oversized flowers and a friendly dino, at this outdoor sculpture park.
8. Oh. My. Stars! You won’t believe who you’ll see on the big screen at this spring’s drive-in Movies at Marymoor series.
9. If Mount Pilchuck hikes and furry alpaca friends sound like your ideal family adventure, you’ve gotta check this out!
10. Plan a family day exploring this popular garden. Be sure to bring your cape—they’re recruiting super stewards just in time for spring!
11. Plan your egg-stra special Easter with these safe city-wide events.
12. Shhh….this secret city waterfall is the perfect place to picnic when the sun is out.
13. You’ll wonder if fairies are among the inhabitants of this magical treehouse you can rent on Orcas Island. Can you say epic vacay?
14. Sit down with your crew to enjoy an episode (or two) of Sunnyside Up, South End Stories’ newest creative endeavor. Hint: puppets are part of the fun!
15. Immerse yourself (and your Littles) in the diverse Asian Pacific American experience when you visit this museum in the ID.
16. Even if you don’t have a tricked-out van, you can still high tail it over to this lakeside destination where families can float, fish and visit the Old West town just down the road.
17. Visit your barnyard besties for free at this Eastside farm park on a weekday. You can hike the trails, enjoy a snack and even fly a kite when you’re done. Psst… here’s another Eastside fave—kids can even feed their farmyard friends here.
18. April is Financial Literacy Month, and we couldn’t think of a better way celebrate than with this April 20th workshop that teaches parents 10 terrific tips that help kids learn financial responsibility.
19. Carve out a little peace, quiet and picnic time at one of these botanical gardens that will be bursting with colorful blooms all season long.
20. See North America’s only desmostylian (and other mysterious creatures) at this recently opened spot that’s steeped in area history.
21. Grab your magnifying glass and strike your best Sherlock pose. You’ll need both for this detective event where kids track down “wild” clues, or this one that’s a little closer to home.
22. This popular variety show has gone virtual this year. You and the kids won’t want to miss out on the belly laughs, musical performances and general pageantry; it runs from April 1-4.
23. Turn your living room into a home theater to enjoy the 47th annual SIFF. Don't forget to pop the popcorn!
24. Avatars on! Bring the kids for a private gaming sesh at this multi-sensory experience that really pushes reality’s edge.
25. Keep learning about Black history around the city at these museums, art exhibits, playgrounds and parks.
26. Mark your calendar for April 17. You won't want to miss this daylong farm event bat lovers of all ages will love.
27. Sink putts, throw axes and reach new climbing heights at this outdoor family adventure park north of the city.
28. Earth Day is April 22. Celebrate our home planet with a guided nature walk at this nearby preserve on April 9 or a family fun run on the 17th.
29. The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Or is it? Suss out the truth when you sit down with the kids to enjoy this timeless classic.
30. Need a weekend escape? Why not welcome the new vintages at this family-friendly wine destination on the lake.
31. Mark your calendars for the return of the Washington State Spring Fair! April 7-11 and 14-18 families can ride the rides, eat the food, see the monster trucks and even stay for a late night show after the sun sets. Tickets are a must at this hybrid drive-thru/step-out experience.
32. They say a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Test out the theory at this little-known garden celebrating the Bard.
33. If new adventures are your goal, check out this peculiar, yet totally adorable, spot you’ll be glad you stumbled upon.
34. Baby animals, riverside fishing and French cheese making is what this fantastic spot is all about.
35. When was the last time you visited Snoqualmie Falls? It’s always worth the trip!
36. Who needs windmills when you can sink putts alongside ride-able rainbow unicorns and emoji plinko at this indoor course.
37. You’ll find bubbling mineral springs and an old homestead cabin on this easy national park hike kids of any age can handle.
38. A virtual festival run by children for children? Count us in! Be sure to save the date—it’s April 17.
39. The littlest lords and ladies can get their fill of minstrel songs, maypole dancing and creative crafting at this outdoor May Day celebration.
40. Celebrate Japanese American culture and the blossoming cherry trees at this beloved annual festival that’s moved online this year. Mark your calendars for April 9-11 so you don’t miss it!
41. This park has one of the best views in the city, and it’s just the right size for bitty bikers and always-on-the-go toddlers.
42. It’s the Northwest Folklife Festival’s 50th anniversary! Join the can’t-miss virtual celebration full of songs, dances and festivities galore over Memorial Day weekend.
43. Pack your socks and masks and make a play date to visit this Eastside favorite where kids can climb, slide and ride a soft merry-go-round on an overcast day.
44. Bring your budding artists to this ceramics studio where you can paint outside and people watch on a warm afternoon.
45. Can’t get into Moto? No problem! These pizzerias are serving up the best slices in town for pick-up and delivery.
46. Calling mini marine biologists! Bring your buckets and rain boots for a little shore searching at this lighthouse park.
47. Who wants to camp when you can glamp at one of these spots that reimagine family camping.
48. For those days when the kids are bouncing off the walls, let them swing from the “vines” at this safari-themed indoor play space that recently re-opened.
49. Team up with the Woodland Park and Point Defiance zoos for a nature challenge. How many wild plants and animals can you find?
50. How do you make Stone Soup? Find out how, and make a steamy pot of your own at this fairy tale kitchen class.
51. If reviving your pandemic garden is on your spring to-do list, let the kids choose tasty starts to plant now and eat later at this local annual favorite… don’t forget your pollinators!
52. Whether you want to go birding, geocaching or Hobbit house hunting, be spontaneous in your outdoor adventures this spring!
—Allison Sutcliffe
feature photo: iStock
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