Family weekend fun: top picks in the Seattle area

Seattle-area family weekend fun March 16-17:

Sensory-Friendly Exploration for All, Sat 8-10 a.m. Pacific Science Center. FREE
Exploration for All invites all families and individuals desiring sensory-friendly experiences to PacSci for a special, free visit. Experience the exhibits outside of the general public hours without heavy crowds, with softened general lighting, and with decreased noise level and visual stimulation. You’ll get to enjoy a Live Science Show, Planetarium open house, Tinker Tank maker space, and a laser program. Also open are the popular Tropical Butterfly House, PACCAR IMAX Theater, and the hands-on exhibit areas. Tickets will be available at the North Entrance only.

Irish Festival, Sat 12-6 p.m. Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Seattle Center. FREE
Presented by the Irish Heritage Club, the amazing Irish Festival will feature live musical performances, genealogy workshops, children’s activities, step dancing by group like the Tara Academy and Fire and Ice and Grafton Street, and Irish and Celtic craft goods inside the Seattle Center Armory. The festival is organized to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, continuing the tradition of bringing together the Seattle area’s finest performers and artists to provide a taste of what it means to be Irish. This yearly event promotes Irish cultural activities in Western Washington and cultural exchanges with Seattle’s Sister City of Galway.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Sat 12:30 p.m. Jefferson St & 4th Ave to Westlake Park
Seattle’s St. Patrick’s 2024 Parade is happening on Saturday! The parade begins at Jefferson St & 4th Ave. at 12:30 p.m., and proceeds along 4th Avenue to Westlake Park. Each year, about 2,000 parade participants including pirates, pipe bands, high school bands, drill teams, Irish dancing groups, and groups representing Ireland and Irish culture, stroll the route to show off their Irish pride and celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. The Parade is intended as a tribute to St. Patrick and is a celebration of Irish and Irish-American tradition and heritage.

Pokemon Party, Sat 2:30-4 p.m. Bellevue Library. FREE
Join the Bellevue library for a thrilling Pokémon Party on Saturday, featuring exciting craft stations such as Pokémon pin making. There will also be a scavenger hunt, themed activities, and a Pikachu photo opp. This free event is perfect for kids and tweens.

Free Family Flick at The Grand Cinema, Sat 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Grand Cinema, Tacoma. FREE
The Grand Cinema welcomes all ages to a family-friendly movie for free on the Third Saturday of every month. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and movies start at 10:00 a.m. Seating is first-come, first-served, and an adult must accompany all kids under 14. This Saturday, come view the classic family film, Matilda. This comedy-fantasy combo from 1996 is rated PG and runs 1 hour and 38 minutes long.

Find more weekend events on Seattle’s Child Calendar.