Welcome the New Year with healthy, active outdoor fun. Polar Bear Dips are for those willing to brave icy Northwest winter water, including Lake Washington and Puget Sound. If you prefer to stay dry, then check out our list below of the many First Day Hikes at Washington State Parks around the region. Polar Bear Dip … [Read more...] about New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dips and First Day Hikes
waterfront activities
Puget Sound Estuarium in Olympia
The Puget Sound Estuarium was founded in 2007 by the South Sound Estuary Association (SSEA) as a nonprofit organization. Their mission is to foster learning opportunities that inspire people of all ages to enjoy the unique estuary* environment of Puget Sound. * Estuary: where a river meets the sea, mixing fresh water … [Read more...] about Puget Sound Estuarium in Olympia
Our big list of boat shows & waterfront festivals
Seattle is nearly surrounded by fresh and salt water. This city is inextricably linked to fishing and maritime industries, pleasure boating, and waterfront activities. Residents in the Puget Sound region enjoy a wide variety of activities on the water, in motorboats, sailboats, and a wide variety of paddle … [Read more...] about Our big list of boat shows & waterfront festivals
Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island
The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) is a non-profit organization that celebrates the rich and varied watercraft heritage that is a vital part of the Puget Sound region. At this hands-on maritime museum, the exhibits are on the water and the public is encouraged to use them. CWB is dedicated to preserving maritime … [Read more...] about Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island
Tickets and information for Seafair Weekend (August 2-4, 2024)
![Spirit of the Navy hydroplane at Seattle Seafair By U.S. Navy photo by 2nd Class Eric J. Rowley [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.greaterseattleonthecheap.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Spirit-of-the-Navy-hydroplane-at-Seattle-Seafair-By-U.S.-Navy-photo-by-2nd-Class-Eric-J.-Rowley-Public-domain-via-Wikimedia-Commons-e1530146527891-200x150.jpg)
Seafair Weekend is the culmination of Seattle's summer festival. One of Seattle's favorite traditions at Genesee Park in south Seattle on Lake Washington. It's an exhilarating rite of summer like nowhere else in the country. The 3-day festival features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels highlighting the Boeing Air Show … [Read more...] about Tickets and information for Seafair Weekend (August 2-4, 2024)
Free guided low tide beach walks in summer
During summer, you can visit Puget Sound beaches during low tide and learn about the marine plants and animals. The volunteer Beach Naturalist program runs on low-tide days throughout the summer and on select winter evenings. Local residents who want to help protect our waterways train as Beach Naturalists to help you … [Read more...] about Free guided low tide beach walks in summer
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
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
Getaway: Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend (58 mi. NW via ferry)
The first Wooden Boat Festival (WBF) in North America in 1978 at Port Townsend eventually joined with Northwest Maritime Center in 2005 to continue to engage and educate people in traditional maritime culture and to inspire people to adventure on the sea--the most powerful teacher you may ever know! Today, the Port … [Read more...] about Getaway: Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend (58 mi. NW via ferry)
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
Seattle Seafair history: 1950 to present day
Seafair, Seattle’s consummate summer festival, began in 1950 as Sea Fair, a 10-day "water festival". The first festival was organized by a committee of businessmen from the community to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city*. Seafair is primarily about community, civic pride, affordable fun, and of course, the … [Read more...] about Seattle Seafair history: 1950 to present day
How to get free or low cost tickets to Seattle Aquarium
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Seattle Aquarium is is the ninth largest aquarium in the U.S. by attendance, hosting over 27 million visitors since its opening in 1977. Conservation of the Puget Sound marine environment is reflected in Seattle aquarium exhibits, events, programs, and research activities. The aquarium is a centerpiece of the … [Read more...] about How to get free or low cost tickets to Seattle Aquarium
