Inexpensive things to do for families? (Seattle, Pacific: hotel, houses, buy)

[wannabeaTexan]

Lived here all my life, but am not very creative or adventurous. Does anyone have suggestions for fun things a family can do around here that won't break the bank? I have 6 kids, ages 13-4. We usually just stay home or *might* go to the $2 movies in Fed Way sometimes and that's about it. We need to get out more, but I can't go out and spend $100 at a time. Any ideas are appreciated...

[lifes2short]

Buy a NW Forest Pass for $30 per year and go hiking.

Go to Gasworks Park and let the kids run. Take a picnic and kites if it is windy.

[Seattleborn]

How about a Zoo or Aquarium membership. Why not take the kids into the city by bus? My parents didn't have alot of money so we did alot of riding the bus into the city with packed lunches. We went to the Aquarum, Pacific Science Center. The Ballard Locks are free too.

This is a good link
Seattle, Family Fun Free Things to Do nn: Family Fun

All of these trips we did for free were my best childhood memories!

[pwright1]

How about taking your kids by metro bus to the Macy's parade in dt Seattle on Friday. It starts at 9am on Friday Nov. 23rd.

[jabm67]

In warmer times of year, hitting the beaches, especially at low tides, can be fun. Doesn't have to be good weather to beachcomb, either. In the summers the Seattle Aquarium has naturalists on-station several weekends at times of very low tides, the best for checking out tidepool life. You'll have to check their website in May or so when they post when and where those will be.

[wannabeaTexan]

Thanks everyone...these are good. We do go to the beach in the summer...it's just harder to find things to do in the winter for us.

The parade gets pretty crowded, doesn't it? Does it make sense to go later? I don't know about getting everyone up on time to hit downtown at 9! After the Thanksgiving festivities...

[pwright1]

Originally Posted by wannabeaTexan

Thanks everyone...these are good. We do go to the beach in the summer...it's just harder to find things to do in the winter for us.

The parade gets pretty crowded, doesn't it? Does it make sense to go later? I don't know about getting everyone up on time to hit downtown at 9! After the Thanksgiving festivities...

It does get crowded but it definately is a treat for the kids. Not only the parade but after you can visit Santa at Nordstrom, the Gingerbread Houses at the Sheraton, the merry-go-round at Westlake, the Fairmount Olympic Hotel decorations. Maybe after head to Nordstrom Cafe where they do have a great kids menu. I will be there 9am sharp. Also the tree lighting is probably a bit more crowded since everyone will be bunched together at Westlake Plaza for the tree lighting and star lighting. I think the parade in the morning would be best. If you miss the parade there's still so much to see.

[wannabeaTexan]

OK, guess we'll try to make it early too. Thanks for the pics!