Here's a list of Japanese and Chinese gardens in the Puget Sound region. The Seattle Japanese Garden at the Washington Park Arboretum is the most well-known. However, there are at least 10 more you can visit, from Everett to Tacoma and Bellevue. Most offer FREE admission. They are arranged roughly north to south … [Read more...] about Spectacular Asian gardens in the Puget Sound region
Hobbies & Interests
Salmon spawning season in Western Washington
Beginning in summer and lasting well into fall is the salmon spawning season in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. Many people enjoy watching wild salmon as they swim upriver or navigate fish ladders to lay their eggs. There are also spring salmon runs, when young salmon migrate downstream to their life at … [Read more...] about Salmon spawning season in Western Washington
Annual bird count events
Bird populations are always shifting and changing. Bird count events help collect data that highlight changes in bird populations, such as the effects of warm weather on their migration patterns and other phenomena. Several important bird count events held throughout the year. Anyone can participate in these … [Read more...] about Annual bird count events
Great Blue Herons in the Puget Sound region
In the Puget Sound region, the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) represents the natural heritage, interconnectedness, and ecological richness of the greater Salish Sea (which includes Puget Sound and the Straits of Georgia and Juan de Fuca). Our heron population is part of an intricate ecosystem that includes the … [Read more...] about Great Blue Herons in the Puget Sound region
Tours & Special Events at Seattle Japanese Garden
The Seattle Japanese Garden is located in Madison Valley within the Washington Park Arboretum. Over 100,000 people visit every year, including locals as well as visitors from around the world. It is one of the most highly regarded Japanese-style gardens in North America. About Japanese Gardens Gardens in Japan are … [Read more...] about Tours & Special Events at Seattle Japanese Garden
Planetarium shows in the Puget Sound region
The following planetariums and observatories in the Puget Sound region and around Washington State have regularly scheduled public astronomy shows that have free or cheap admission of $15 or less. Planetariums feature digital videos displayed on a dome-shaped screen with breathtaking images of the universe or … [Read more...] about Planetarium shows in the Puget Sound region
10 best free outdoor activities year-round
The following outdoor activities feature popular year-round sport and recreation pursuits around Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. Our list focuses on activities that are relatively easy to learn and pursue. Newcomers to these recreational pursuits can quickly get introduced to the basics without a lot of time or … [Read more...] about 10 best free outdoor activities year-round
Museums with always free admission in the Puget Sound region
The following list of museums in the greater Seattle-Tacoma metro area offer free general admission during regular museum hours. Before you head out, check their website for holiday closures. Most museums with free admission will gratefully accept donations. Some of these free museums also offer gift shops or … [Read more...] about Museums with always free admission in the Puget Sound region
Tacoma Museum of Glass free and discount admission
Tacoma Museum of Glass is a contemporary art museum on the Thea Foss Waterway. The museum has a national reputation for hosting impactful artist residencies, exhibiting national traveling exhibitions, creating unique programs for visitors, and building a permanent collection that chronicles the development of modern … [Read more...] about Tacoma Museum of Glass free and discount admission
Wine tasting in Seattle and the Puget Sound region
One reason to go to a wine tasting is to try several wines at one time, allowing you to compare the characteristics of the different wines, and figure out which ones you prefer. There are no right or wrong answers. It’s like any other food or beverage preference. Some people prefer chicken over beef and Coke over … [Read more...] about Wine tasting in Seattle and the Puget Sound region
Best Halloween DIY candy chutes from around the country
Starting in 2020, many households came up with clever ways to deliver Halloween candy safely to revelers in the neighborhood. Some houses simply placed treats on a table on the porch, in the driveway or yard, or some other location where trick-or-treaters could help themselves to candy. (Of course, only … [Read more...] about Best Halloween DIY candy chutes from around the country
Dance lessons and social dancing around the Sound
The following free and cheap dance classes and social dances are offered at dance studios and ballrooms around the Puget Sound region. They feature classes and dances in a variety of styles including contra, country, line, salsa, soul, swing, and several others. A few dance classes are free and others are $15 or less … [Read more...] about Dance lessons and social dancing around the Sound
Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State
One of the many benefits of living in Seattle is the amazing getaways around Washington State. The following summer vacation ideas are some of the most beautiful sites in the United States. You can use these ideas to plan a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a family vacation. There are vacation options for all … [Read more...] about Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State
16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
The following list includes lighthouses you can visit in the Puget Sound region. Most lighthouse grounds are open year-round, except where stated otherwise. Most lighthouse are free to visit, though will gladly accept donations for upkeep of the grounds and buildings. A couple sites have small fees. A few lighthouses … [Read more...] about 16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
Air shows in the Puget Sound region
Seattle made aviation history in 1916 when William E. Boeing and Navy Lt. Conrad Westervelt formed the Boeing Airplane company and hired self-taught aviation tinker Herb Munter to build the company's first aircraft, the B&W seaplane. Read more about Boeing and Early Aviation in Seattle at historylink.org, and … [Read more...] about Air shows in the Puget Sound region
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma is a restoration of a fort that once existed above the Nisqually River delta. The fort was owned by the Hudson Bay Trading Company from 1833-1869. The museum features volunteers and staff in period clothing who demonstrate crafts of the 19th … [Read more...] about Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Free books delivered to children age 5 and under in Washington State
Every child age five and under in Washington State can receive free age-appropriate books delivered by mail every month through the Imagination Library program. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library In 1995, beloved country entertainer Dolly Parton started the flagship program of her nonprofit Dollywood Foundation. … [Read more...] about Free books delivered to children age 5 and under in Washington State
Bird Watching in the Puget Sound region
Bird watching is a popular activity for many residents and visitors in the Puget Sound region. More than 500 bird species have been observed in Washington State. It is relatively easy to see and study birds in the wild. Birdwatching is one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the country. Washington … [Read more...] about Bird Watching in the Puget Sound region
Tours of Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium
Stadium tours of Seattle's professional and collegiate football, soccer, and baseball fields include exclusive back-of-house areas, press box, premier suites and club areas, dugouts, playing fields, and team areas. Bring your camera to capture stunning views of the Seattle skyline and sweeping vistas of … [Read more...] about Tours of Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium
Big Seattle Boat Show
The Seattle Boat Show is the West Coast's Largest Boat Show featuring every kind of recreational watercraft, from stand-up paddleboards to superyachts and everything in between. The Boat Show also has acres of accessories, all the latest gear, and free boating & fishing seminars, including low-tech and high-tech … [Read more...] about Big Seattle Boat Show
Something to think about in this season of wanting
Winter is upon us. Amidst the ordinary routines of everyday life, against the backdrop of media blasts reporting violence in large cities and small towns, the political rhetoric and infighting, and the latest technological toys...the holiday season is once again here, heralded by darkening days and wind chilling … [Read more...] about Something to think about in this season of wanting
Free fun things to do at the library might surprise you
Public libraries are a wonderful resource if you want fun, free things to do. Puget Sound regional library systems including Seattle Public Libraries (SPL), King County library system (KCLS), Pierce County libraries, and others offer more than just books for checkout. You can also listen to music, watch movies, get … [Read more...] about Free fun things to do at the library might surprise you
Family adventures at the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle
Washington Park Arboretum holds a world class collection of woody plants that can be explored independently, as well as through tours, classes, and activities hosted at the site. All parts of the Washington Park Arboretum (except the Japanese Garden), are free of charge and open to the public every day from dawn to … [Read more...] about Family adventures at the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle
Fun ways to volunteer around Puget Sound
The following organizations and events offer opportunities for adults to contribute volunteer hours, while meeting like-minded people and enjoying a sense of community. Some of these volunteer opportunities include tangible benefits such as t-shirts, discounts, and free admission. Requirements and benefits … [Read more...] about Fun ways to volunteer around Puget Sound
7 design ideas from NW Flower & Garden Show
Celebrating 30 years in 2018, the Northwest Flower & Garden Show featured inspirational, beautiful, educational, and fun garden design ideas. The designers and landscapers were asked to incorporate a garden party theme into their display. The garden designs embrace current trends in urban gardening, sustainability, … [Read more...] about 7 design ideas from NW Flower & Garden Show
