50 Free Things to Do in Seattle (Complete Guide!)

Visiting Seattle on a budget? We’ve got you covered!  Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly trip to Seattle or you’re a Seattle local looking for some affordable activities, there are a lot of fun activities that are completely free. Today we are sharing our list of 50 free things to do in Seattle.

Important note: I’ve divided this article into two sections. The first section contains 40 activities that are always free. The second section contains 10 activities that are sometimes free, in which you have to plan your visit for a specific day of the month.  

Always Free Activities

1. Walk Around Seattle Center

The Seattle Center is the cultural hub of the city and it contains a number of attractions. Some of those attractions cost money (like the Space Needle), but many are free! The International Fountain was built in 1962 as part of the World’s Fair. It contains 274 water jets and LED lighting. There are four “super shooters” that blast water up to 120 feet into the air. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center has a number of exhibits showcasing the philanthropy of the organization. The Seattle Center also has a large playground called Artists at Play. It’s fun just to walk through the Seattle Center. We like to take photos next to the purple exterior wall at the MoPOP.

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2. Explore Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is one of the most popular attractions in Seattle, and you can walk around the market for free. You can watch the fish mongers toss fish (one of the most iconic scenes in the market), see Rachel the Piggy Bank (the market’s bronze mascot), add a piece of gum to the gum wall (located in Post Alley), visit the market’s secret garden (an urban garden located on the roof), and see the oldest continuously-running Starbucks (sometimes mistakenly called the “First Starbucks”). If you do have some money to spend, there are over 500 vendors at the market selling all sorts of foods, beverages, and souvenirs. We wrote a full article about our favorite things to do at Pike Place Market, if you’d like more details!

See our guide The Best Hotels in Downtown Seattle to help you plan your trip!

3. See the Olympic Sculpture Park

The Olympic Sculpture Park is a 9-acre waterfront park that is free to the public. The park contains a total of 20 outdoor sculptures that you can enjoy as you walk along the path. 

4. Stroll the Seattle Waterfront

There’s so much to see at the piers downtown. Walk around and browse through the shops. Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on Pier 54 was founded in 1899, and it’s one of the oldest businesses in Seattle. You can also watch the Seattle Great Wheel spin. (Although please note it costs money to ride it.) Our daughter especially loved watching the Seattle Great Wheel spin at night when it’s all lit up. On Pier 57, you can also explore Miner’s Landing (a bayside wharf with shops and rides). 

5. Read a Book at Seattle Public Library’s Central Library

One of the most unique buildings in Seattle is the Seattle Central Library. The building is 11 stories tall and features a glass and steel honeycomb design. The library also features a “Red Floor”, which is colored in 13 shades of red. It’s one of the most photographed areas of the library. Whether or not you plan on sitting down and reading for awhile, walking through the library on a rainy day is worth a visit if you have never been inside before!

6. Visit the Up House (Edith Macefield’s House)

The Edith Macefield House is commonly known as the Up house of Disney fame. The house belonged to Edith Macefield, who refused to sell her home even after developers offered her increasing amounts of money. Because she would not sell the home, developers built around the house! The home is a symbol of the changing landscape of Seattle. 

7. See the Seattle Skyline at Kerry Park

If you’ve seen a postcard of Seattle, chances are the photo was taken from Kerry Park. It has one of the best views of the city! What I like about this park is that you can clearly see the Space Needle. The Space Needle isn’t as tall as many of the skyscrapers nearby, so you really need to find a viewpoint that has the right angle to see the Space Needle fully. From Kerry Park, you have that perfect viewpoint. On a clear day, you can also see Mount Rainier in the distance. When that happens, it’s pure magic. If you want to see more views of the Seattle skyline, be sure to see our post about the best viewing spots!

8. Check Out the Old Buildings at Gas Works Park

This park was the former site of the Seattle Gas Light Company’s gasification plant. Many of the original structures were never cleared from the park, so there are a bunch of rusty structures in the center of the park. (Which are fenced off from the public.) Gas Works Park is a popular spot for photographers because of the industrial vibe. Be sure to check out the sun dial at the top of the hill. It has a gorgeous view of the city across the lake.

9. Explore the University of Washington Campus

I might be biased because I’m an alumna, but the University of Washington has one of the most beautiful campuses you will ever see! I recommend visiting a few places: Suzzallo Library (the old stonework and large cathedral windows will make you feel like you are at Oxford), Drumheller Fountain (on a clear day you can see Mount Rainier behind the fountain), Red Square (centrally located on campus), and the Quad (especially beautiful when the cherry blossoms bloom in the spring). 

10. Watch the Sunset at Golden Gardens

I think Golden Gardens Park has the best sandy beach in Seattle. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see across the Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains. The beach also has volleyball courts, seasonal fire pits, a fishing pier, boat launch, and an off-leash area for dogs.

11. Watch the Boats Pass Through the Ballard Locks

 

The locks in Ballard (Henry M. Chittenden Locks) are a fun place to watch the boats pass through to Lake Union. It’s an impressive sight to see the locks fill with water and then slowly drain the water to let the boats through. There’s a visitor center as well as a fish ladder too. 

Visiting Seattle on a rainy day? No problem! Check out our post on 24 Rainy Day Activities in Seattle.

12. Walk the Loop Around Green Lake Park

Green Lake is one of the Seattle’s most popular urban, green spaces. There is a 3-mile paved loop around the lake, which is extremely popular for pedestrians and cyclists alike. There are plenty of grassy areas for lounging, as well as sports fields, water rentals, and a playground.

13. See Inside the Seattle Spheres

The Seattle Spheres were built by Amazon to provide urban office employees a place to connect with nature. The spheres are filled with more than 40,000 plants from over 30 countries. The spheres are open to the public on select dates. With a reservation, you can typically visit on the first and third Saturday of each month for free.

14. Walk Along the Fremont Canal

A nice place to go for a walk is at Fremont Canal Park. The park is located on the northern side of the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The park is adjacent to the water and has a nice, flat walking path.

15. Check Out the View From Dr. Jose Rizal Park

Dr. Jose Rizal Park is located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Seattle. This park is located on the south side of Seattle. The park is named for Jose Rizal, who is a national hero in the Philippines. Photographers often take photos of traffic going up Interstate-5 and into the city. 

16. Walk the Trails at the Washington Park Arboretum

Located along the shores of Lake Washington, the Washington Park Arboretum contains 230 acres of plants and wildlife. You can start your visit at the Graham Visitors Center, and then you can take one of the many trails through the woods or along the shore. We especially love visiting during the fall when all of the colors start to change. There’s also a Japanese Garden (requires an entrance fee) located at the south end of the Arboretum. 

17. Seward Park

Seward Park is located on the Bailey Peninsula on the east side of Seattle (facing towards Mercer Island). The beach is a freshwater beach located along the shores of Lake Washington. It’s another one of Seattle’s largest parks, with over 300 acres to explore. There are picnic shelters within the park, as well as beaches for swimming access.

18. Watch the Night Sky at the UW Planetarium

The planetarium was built in 1994 and contains a 30 foot diameter dome that depicts the night sky. It has undergone several renovations which have resulted in an 8-million pixel digital display. The planetarium is open to small groups typically on the first Friday of each month. The shows are free, but reservations must be made in advance.

19. Visit a Park on Top of the Freeway

The Jim Ellis Freeway Park is the first park that was ever built over a freeway. It sits above Interstate-5 and features a series of linked plazas.

20. Catch Your Breath Going Up Seattle’s Longest Set of Stairs

Seattle’s longest staircase contains 388 steps. San Francisco is known for its hills, but it turns out that Seattle is a very hilly city itself! If you’re looking for a good workout, see if you can complete all of the steps.

21. Check Out Discovery Park

Our favorite park in Seattle is Discovery Park. (It’s where we got engaged!) There are tons of trails to explore, and there’s also a lower beach with a lighthouse. We just recommend that you exercise caution at the top of the bluffs. (If you have small children, don’t let them near the edge.) The lighthouse is located in the lower section of the park by the beach. 

22. See the Controversial Statue of Lenin

Located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, you can find a 16 foot bronze statue of Vladimir Lenin. It was originally displayed in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic in 1988. However, after the Velvet Revolution, it was bought by an American who found it in a scrapyard. The statue is currently privately owned and on private property. The statue is often “dressed up” on holidays and it’s occasionally vandalized.

23. Admire Mount Rainier from Myrtle Edwards Park

I like Myrtle Edwards Park because it has great views of Mount Rainier on a clear day. It’s also closer to the downtown area, so it’s more accessible if you’re planning on doing a day of sightseeing in Seattle. The park has a 1.25 mile trail for pedestrians and bicyclists that winds along Elliott Bay. The beach itself is more of a rocky one.

24. See the Pillars at Plymouth Pillars Park

Plymouth Pillars Park is a located on half an acre within downtown Seattle. In the center of the park stand four large pillars. The pillars were created in 1911 and were gifted from Plymouth Church after they rebuilt their church due to earthquake damage. This park now has benches and an off-leash dog area.

25. See the Statue of a Seattle Legend: JP Patches

The JP Patches Show premiered in 1958 and it was based in Seattle, Washington. The JP Patches statue in Fremont was funded in large part by local fan donations. The statue was unveiled in 2008. 

26. See the Seattle Skyline From the Bell Street Pier Rooftop Deck

Not a lot of people know about the view from Bell Street Pier Rooftop Deck. Although it’s within walking distance from Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium, few people wander up to Pier 66 to look around. To access the deck, just find the large staircase near the restaurant Anthony’s. Once on the deck, you’ll have a clear view of the Seattle skyline and waterfront! 

27. Admire the Roses at the Woodland Park Rose Garden

Located adjacent to the Woodland Park Zoo is the Woodland Park Rose Garden. The garden opened in 1924, and it is one of only two dozen certified American Rose Test Gardens in the United States. When you visit, you will see over 200 types of roses, some of which are new hybrids. There’s also a gazebo and a reflecting pool. 

28. Walk Along the Water at Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is a gorgeous green space located in West Seattle. It’s right next to the Fauntleroy Terminal to go to Vashon Island. The park has 4.6 miles of walking paths, five picnic shelters, and even an outdoor heated saltwater pool! (Which I would definitely recommend over swimming in the freezing cold waters of the Puget Sound.) There’s a lovely path that runs right along the beach. You can step off at various points to walk down to the water.

29. Visit Seattle’s Oldest Neighborhood: Pioneer Square

The historic Pioneer Square was Seattle’s first neighborhood. It’s one of the cultural hubs of the city. On the first Thursday of every month, an art walk is held there. The neighborhood is known for its nightlife, unique shops, and delicious restaurants. 

30. Get Your Picture Taken With a Troll

How often do you get to see a giant troll under a bridge? When you’re in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, you can see the Fremont Troll under the bridge. We often bring family and friends who are visiting to this quirky Seattle attraction. 

31. Walk Along the Bluff at Magnolia Park

Magnolia Park sits on a bluff overlooking the water in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. The park has a truly spectacular view of the Puget Sound.

32. Explore Volunteer Park

There are a lot of things to do at Seattle’s Volunteer Park. The Great Lawn is often a gathering place for community events, as well as the amphitheater. There are lily ponds, a water tower with observation deck, tennis courts, and a playground. A sculpture called “The Black Sun” is the perfect location to take a photo framing the Space Needle. The Volunteer Park Conservatory has beautiful botanical gardens that you can view for a small fee. The Seattle Asian Art Museum is also located in this park. 

33. Pause for Reflection at the Kubota Garden

Kubota Garden is a 20-acre park that has 11 ponds, 2 red bridges, and 140 maple varieties. It’s a beautiful place to visit during the fall. The garden is open every day of the year and has free admission. 

34. Visit the Grave Site of Bruce Lee

If you’re a fan of Bruce Lee, you may want to head to Capitol Hill to pay your respects at the Lake View Cemetery. Bruce Lee was a legendary martial artist and actor. Each year, thousands of people visit his grave site. 

35. Learn About Wooden Boats

The Center for Wooden Boats is a “living museum” located off of Lake Union. You’re encouraged to get hands-on experience as you learn about wooden boats. There is no cost to walk around the docks, see the Wagner Education Center, and view the exhibits. Because they are currently not running their Sunday Public Sail, the museum is allowing free rentals of one of their peapod rowboats for one-hour on Wednesdays through Sundays. You just need to make sure to make the reservation in advance. (See their website.)

36. Attend a Local Event

Check out the local events that are happening in Seattle, which might include festivals or exhibitions. (Check out this Seattle event page for current updates!) Some events have free admission. For example, a fun local even in Seattle is Seafair’s Summer 4th at Gasworks Park. 

37. Learn About the Klondike Gold Rush

The Klondike Gold Rush Museum – Seattle Unit covers Seattle’s history during the gold rush. As a port city, Seattle benefited greatly by the gold rush. The museum has two floors of exhibits as well as several short films.

38. Support Farmers and Artists at Ballard Farmers Market

This year-round market features over 100 vendors. It’s free to walk through the market and admire the flowers, products, and food available. We frequently visit the Ballard Farmers Market and really enjoy all the live music!

39. Relax at Magnuson Park

Magnuson Park is located in the Sand Point neighborhood of Seattle, and it has great views of Lake Washington. The park contains four miles of walking trails, as well as a historic district that contains brick and metal structures from its previous military days. 

40. Visit Jimi Hendrix Park

Jimi Hendrix was from Seattle, and the city has named a park in the Central District in his honor. Jimi Hendrix Park begins with a stairway that contains his signature. The park has a chronological timeline of his life and career and a butterfly garden.

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Sometimes Free Activities in Seattle

The following attractions have some days which are free to the public. Please confirm with each individual website listed below for the most up-to-date information on schedules.

41. Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum offers free admission to the public on the first Thursday of each month. On the first Friday of each month, seniors receive free general admission. Throughout the month, children under 14 years old are free as well. The museum features a variety of exhibits that represent artists from around the world.

42. Seattle Asian Art Museum

The Seattle Asian Art Museum has free admission on the last Friday of each month. However, the museum wants to ensure access for all. So, throughout the month, tickets are suggested donation. This museum was newly renovated and features artworks and displays that showcase the diversity within Asia. The galleries are arranged by themes, instead of being constricted by geographical region. The museum is located within a beautiful Art Deco building that was built in 1933. 

43. Burke Museum

The Burke Museum at the University of Washington focuses on natural history and culture. They have exhibits that focus on biology, archaeology and fossils, Northwest Native Art, and contemporary culture. On the first Thursday of each month, admission is free. 

44. Museum of Flight

Admission is typically free on the first Thursday of each month from 5-9pm.

The Museum of Flight is one of the largest aviation museums in the world. There are a variety of aircraft and spacecraft for viewing at this museum. Learn about untold stories of World War II, see aircrafts from the 1930s, and see a contemporary duplicate of the Sputnik 1 satellite. 

45. The Northwest African American Museum 

The Northwest African American Museum is dedicated to sharing the stories and histories of African Americans in the Pacific Northwest. The museum is filled with exhibitions that feature visual arts, music, crafts, and literature. Admission is free on the first Thursday of each month. There are a variety of free virtual programs and events that you can learn more about through their website.

46. Henry Art Gallery

The Henry Art Gallery is located at the University of Washington campus. The museum focuses predominantly on contemporary art. The James Turrell Skyspace is an interesting permanent installation that focuses entirely on viewing the sky. You can visit the gallery for free on the first Thursday of each month.

47. National Nordic Museum

The National Nordic Museum is located in the Ballard neighborhood and focuses entirely on Nordic culture. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday. Current exhibitions at the time of this writing include: Nordic Journeys, Paper Dialogues: The Dragon and Our Stories, and M(other) Tongues: Bodhild and Las Hermanas Iglesias. Admission is free on the first Thursday of each month.

48. Living Computers: Museum + Labs

The Living Computers: Museum + Labs features a large collection of computers throughout the past several decades. When you visit this museum, you can learn all about vintage computers. When the museum was previously open, admission was free on the first Thursday evening of each month.

49.  Museum of History and Industry

The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) has a variety of super interesting exhibits. At the time of this writing, exhibits include: Da Vinci – Inventions, Bezos Center for Innovation, Maritime Seattle, and True Northwest: The Seattle Journey. Free general admission occurs every first Thursday of each month.

50. Frye Art Museum

The Frye Art Museum is located in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood. The museum features a variety of art exhibits, and the museum frequently hosts gallery talks.

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Summary

There are lots of free things you can do in Seattle. If you’re on a budget, don’t let that hold you back from seeing the city! We hope this post on 50 free things to do in Seattle was helpful to you! 

 

Here’s a brief summary of the places we mentioned as the best things to do in Seattle that are always free:

• Seattle Center
• Pike Place Market
• Olympic Sculpture Park
• Seattle Waterfront
• Seattle Central Library
• Edith Macefield House
• Kerry Park
• Gas Works Park
• University of Washington Campus
• Golden Gardens Park
• Ballard Locks
• Green Lake Park
• Seattle Spheres
• Fremont Canal Park
• Dr. Jose Rizal Park
• Washington Park Arboretum
• Seward Park
• University of Washington Planetarium
• Freeway Park
• Howe Street Stairs
• Discovery Park
• Statue of Lenin
• Myrtle Edwards Park
• Plymouth Pillars Park
• JP Patches Statue
• Bell Street Pier Rooftop Deck
• Woodland Park Rose Garden
• Lincoln Park
• Pioneer Square
• Fremont Troll
• Magnolia Park
• Volunteer Park
• Kubota Garden
• Bruce Lee Grave Site
• Center for Wooden Boats
• Julian Peña Art Gallery and Studio
• Klondike Gold Rush – Seattle Unit
• Ballard Farmers Market
• Magnuson Park
• Jimi Hendrix Park

Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.