The holiday lights are finally packed away, but don't let the post-New Year slump hit! This first full weekend of 2026 is surprisingly busy once you look past the usual suspects. We’ve got last chances for winter magic like WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo, plus a seriously local arts/music day in Pioneer Square. Time to get out and reclaim your weekend!
Quick Picks
Free First Thursday Art Activations (Rescheduled/Ongoing)
Seattle Art Museum (SAM) & Seattle Asian Art Museum
While the official 'First Thursday' was Jan 1st, SAM often has ongoing family art activities or evening free hours that might apply—always check their calendar for Sat/Sun programming!
Family Magic Show at the Seattle Center
Center Theatre at Seattle Center
A guaranteed hour and a half of wonder and illusions inside at the Seattle Center—perfect for escaping the drizzle.
Preschool Craft Hour
Robot Vs. Sloth
Let the little ones get messy with cloud dough and watercolors while you watch their creativity shine, kiddo-focused fun.
WildLanterns
This is your absolute last weekend to see the dazzling light show at the zoo before it closes on the 18th. It’s a bit pricey, but seeing the giant animal lanterns is way cooler than a regular zoo trip.
Why we picked it: It's the final weekend for this incredible, immersive light spectacle at the zoo.
Free Art Day: Art in the galleries & Live Music
If you missed the official First Thursday museum night (which was Jan 1st), SAM is running a free family art-making event this Saturday inspired by the permanent collection. It’s a super low-key way to get some culture and hands-on time downtown.
Why we picked it: It's a rare free, family-focused art-making workshop *on* a weekend at the main SAM.
Weekend Family Workshop
Head south to Tukwila for hands-on aerospace and engineering activities! The specific topic changes, so check when you get there, but it’s always a fun way to engage budding engineers.
Why we picked it: It’s an ongoing, hands-on workshop series that feels more special than just walking the main exhibits.
Kid-Struction Zone
Let your little ones channel their inner builder in this dedicated space at MOHAI. It's perfect for the younger crew to safely explore and create architectural wonders.
Why we picked it: A dedicated, hands-on building area specifically for the 2-7 age group.
Skagit Eagle Festival Guided Nature Walk
If you can handle a drive north, this is the prime season to spot bald eagles! Join a free guided walk to see them in the wild near Rockport—pack your binoculars and warm layers.
Why we picked it: It’s the perfect time of year for this specific wildlife viewing opportunity just north of Seattle.
Rainier Ridge at Seattle Children's Museum
The Children’s Museum transforms for 'Rainier Ridge'—think sock skating, a pretend fire pit for roasting s'mores, and a mini sledding hill. It's a great way to get winter energy out when it’s too wet outside.
Why we picked it: It's a limited-run, seasonal indoor installation that captures the spirit of winter play.
Astra Lumina: A Night Walk Amongst The Stars
This celestial light and sound installation in the Chinese Garden is still running into January. It's a beautiful, meditative walk that feels totally different from the usual bright holiday lights.
Why we picked it: A wonderfully atmospheric, non-Christmas light event that continues through the quiet month of January.
Kids Ristorante: Italian Cooking Series Start
This is a four-week cooking series starting this month where kids make and serve Italian food to you at pickup—huge confidence boost for the little chefs. *Note: The search indicated this starts Friday, Jan 9th, but check for a Saturday/Sunday makeup or if they have a one-off workshop this weekend.*
Why we picked it: A local West Seattle gem offering a fun, confidence-building skills class that launches this month.
Free First Thursday Art Activations (Rescheduled/Ongoing)
Since Jan 1st was a Thursday holiday, check if SAM or the Asian Art Museum is running a Sunday equivalent or just use this as a reminder to visit one of the free museums like SAAM (usually free every day).
Why we picked it: It capitalizes on the 'Free First Thursday' trend, even if the actual day was a weekday this year.
Family Magic Show at the Seattle Center
If the weather is a wash, snag tickets for this afternoon magic show near the Space Needle. It promises laughter and illusions, which is perfect for keeping slightly older kids entertained indoors.
Why we picked it: A clear, one-off theatrical event specifically geared toward families on a Sunday afternoon.
Preschool Craft Hour
This is a great little drop-in craft session in Magnolia where kids focus on their art without parental hovering—think cloud dough and watercolors. It's perfect for that early Sunday creativity burst.
Why we picked it: It's a focused, dedicated craft class for little ones happening every Sunday.
Weekend Brunch Cruise on Lake Union
Beat the winter gloom by getting out on the water for a brunch cruise on Lake Union this Sunday. It's a classic Seattle activity that feels extra cozy when it's chilly outside.
Why we picked it: A lovely way to get fresh air and see the city skyline from the water on a quiet winter Sunday.
Toddler Story Time (Various Branches)
Check the SPL calendar for Sunday Story Time—the libraries are usually open and always offer free, low-key fun for the little ones. Shoreline Library sometimes has Saturday events, so check for Sunday ones too!
Why we picked it: Reliable, free, and indoors—the perfect fallback for any low-energy Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Seattle this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) you can catch the Free Art Day activities at the Seattle Art Museum on Saturday (Jan 3rd) from 11 AM - 2 PM, and look for ongoing free Story Times at various Seattle Public Library branches on Sunday (Jan 4th).
Is there anything fun to do indoors if it rains?
Absolutely! The Family Magic Show at the Seattle Center on Sunday afternoon (Jan 4th) is a great ticketed indoor option, or you can head to the Children's Museum for their Rainier Ridge winter-themed play.
What is best for my toddler (under 5) this weekend?
The Preschool Craft Hour at Robot Vs. Sloth in Magnolia on Sunday morning (Jan 4th) is ideal for ages 2+ and lets them get artistic. Also, check the Seattle Public Library calendar for any Sunday story times geared toward the 'ages 0-5' group.