The start of the school year may be just around the corner, but wouldn’t you rather spend your time celebrating the end of summer instead of getting ready for fall? That’s why we’ve pulled together 15 fantastic Labor Day events and family activities taking place over the long weekend. Here’s where to eke out a few more summer memories with your kids.
Exciting Labor Day Weekend Activities in Seattle for Families
See Hamilton
You know you want to be in the room where this happens. There's still time to catch the phenomenal traveling production of everyone's favorite Broadway musical, Hamilton, before it leaves on September 11. It tells the story of America from a different perspective. Using hip-hop, rap and traditional musical elements to create a truly engaging production with total kid-appeal.
Paramount Theatre
911 Pine St.
Seattle
Event details
Party Big at the Fair
The Washington State Fair is back for another season of rides, games, and all the fair food your tummy can handle over Labor Day weekend. This year, we know the kids won't want to miss the exciting (and totally new) Expedition: Dinosaurs exhibit. Ten animatronic dinosaurs are the stars of this show, that also features interactive displays and a chance for kids to dig for fossils. Also new this year is the a look back at the Fair's 120-year history, and the Biggest Little Show—miniature animals we're sure your minis will fall for. Don't forget to take a spin on the expanded SillyVille train before taking in all the sights and sounds of SillyVille with your tots.
As for amazing Fair food, you'll want to sink your teeth into some quirky new finds at the Extreme Carnival Eats booth. It's the place to be if you've ever wondered what a donut burger or Korean mozzarella sticks taste like. You'll also be able to enjoy Glow Tea and Raspados Del Sur as part of this year's food lineup.
Insider Tip: Labor Day weekend is a great time to visit the Fair because kids are free (Sep. 3-5) thanks to BECU.
Washington State Fairgrounds
110 9th Ave. S.W.
Puyallup, WA
Event details
Celebrate the End of Summer
Chill out at this Labor Day weekend event that's all about making sure the animals at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium enjoy icy treats and summery enrichments. In addition to special meals, families can learn during Keeper Chats, take in a show at the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater, explore the new nature play garden, and if the kids aren't tired yet, splash at the lily pad before calling it a day.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N. Pearl St.
Tacoma, WA
Event details
Related: 10 Gorgeous Places to Find Inspiration for Your Garden
Have a Wild Weekend
We've got two words for you: feeding frenzy. You won't want to miss this action-packed Labor Day weekend event at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park where badgers, cougars, porcupines, black bears, and wolves devour their favorite foods while you watch. Finish off the meal...err...the experience with playtime at Kids' Trek, one of the best nature playgrounds this side of the Cascades.
Northwest Trek
11610 Trek Dr. E.
Eatonville, WA
Event details
Related: Your Guide to Northwest Trek's Can't-Miss Exhibits & Attractions
Find Rides & Rodeos
This year The Show Must Go On at the Evergreen State Fair. And if you haven't been to check out this family favorite yet, Labor Day weekend is your last chance to ride all the rides and eat all the food. But you and the kids can also check out the All-Star Dog Stunt Show, play farmer for a day, have fun at the Goat's Playground, watch the Aztec Indian Dancers, and even see what it really takes to be a lumberjack.
Evergreen State Fairgrounds
14405 179th Ave. S.E.
Monroe, WA
Event details
Related: Best of the Fests! Your Guide to Seattle's Returning Fall Festivals
Run, Rock & Roll
St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington is back over Labor Day Weekend, and it's a great race for families even if you're not quite up to the half-marathon distance. Starting and ending at the Bellevue Downtown Park, runners and walkers alike will take on an action-packed course filled with music, stunning skyline views, and the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. We're big fans of the Kids Rock Race for little athletes.
Downtown Bellevue Park
10201 N.E. 4th St.
Bellevue, WA
Event details
More Ways to Play Over Labor Day Weekend in Seattle
Take one last trip to Jetty Island before the ferry closes for the season. It's the easy beach getaway everyone needs, and we'll take the quick, two-minute ferry ride over boarding a plane any day.
Dust off your bikes, blades, trailers, and training wheels and enjoy a car-free ride along Lake Washington Boulevard, between Seward Park and Mount Baker Beach. This popular program comes to a close September 19, so ride while you can.
Nothing says three day weekend quite like a last-minute, late summer road trip. We've got ideas. You've got the time. What's not to love?
Labor Day weekend is all about finding adventures around the city. Why not seek out the Eastside's coolest water feature—the natural waterslides at Denny Creek?
Get out on the Sound and get to know Seattle from a whole new perspective when you hitch a ride on one of our favorite local boat excursions.
Hop aboard an antique train when you ride through the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. This special weekend train ride pays tribute to America's workers, the perfect Labor Day event.