SeattleInsider: 24 cool and FREE adventures in Seattle

SEATTLE, Wa. — International Fountain

Seattle Center’s International Fountain is the perfect place to take the kids to cool off on a sunny Seattle day.

Burke Gilman Trail

Grab a friend, hop on a bicycle and ride for as long as your heart desires on the Burke Gilman Trail.

Olympic Sculpture Park

It’s a must-see spot in Seattle. The views are fantastic, the views are fantastic and … oh, the views are fantastic.

The Center for Wooden Boats

If you love boating, the Center for Wooden Boats is a maritime adventure that needs to be on your list. Pick a nice day and head on down to Lake Union.

Free Museum Day!

The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Museum of Flight, Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) and the downtown Seattle Art Museum are all free the first Thursday of every month. How's that for a rockin' deal?

Washington Park Arboretum

A stroll through the Washington Park Arboretum and its 230 acres of luscious grounds will feed your soul. Spring and fall are the very best times to visit as the seasons are changing and the grounds are full of colors.

Seattle Public Library

Put the phone aside and catch a glimpse of the fantastic downtown library. I don’t know, maybe even check out a book!

Alki Beach, West Seattle

Alki Beach in West Seattle is one of Seattle’s greatest offerings – especially in the evenings. Enjoy some beach volleyball, a sunset and join friends for a fire at one of the designated bonfire spots.

Ballard Locks

On a nice day stop by to enjoy the parade of boats passing between Puget Sound and Lake Union. Pack a picnic and bring a frisbee.

Woodland  Park Rose Garden

One of only two dozen certified American Rose Test Gardens in the United States, this gem is best from May through August. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Farmers Markets

Eggs, sweets and fresh veggies will fill up your knapsack at any of the Seattle-area Farmers Markets. Or just go to take in the music and performing arts! Fremont, University District, West Seattle, Ballard, Capitol Hill & more!

Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

It’s weird. It’s random. It’s Seattle. It’s Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. Head to the waterfront to see “Sylvester” the mummy, real shrunken heads, two headed animals and more!

Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection

Calling all tree lovers! This outdoor museum in Federal Way showcases bonsai from China, Canada, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the United States. It’s beautiful and free!

The world famous Pike Place Market is always free and fun. Stop in to enjoy the buskers, fish throwing, fruit samples and lots of great people watching.

Volunteer Park

This 48-acre park dates to the 1880s and - get this - part was once a cemetary. Be sure to check out the water tower, built in 1906, two years after the paths and picnic tables were completed.

Benaroya Hall

Free public tours of the magnificent Benaroya Hall are held on Fridays at noon and 1pm.

Also amazing is the free recital demonstration of the Seattle Symphony’s 4,490-pipe organ. You can check this out on select Mondays at 12:30pm.

Paramount Theater

Did you know you can take a free tour of the historic Paramount Theatre? The tours take place on the first Saturday of every month at 10 am.

International District

Chinatown, one of Seattle’s most celebrated neighborhoods, is full of spectacular Asian art, great sight-seeing and delicious restaurants.

Northwest Folklife Festival

Looking for fun for the entire family? Head to the Seattle Center and experience music, art, games and some relaxation in the sun. The Folklife Festival is the largest free community arts festival in the country and takes place each year during Memorial Day weekend.

Discovery Park

Seattle’s largest park (534 acres) has miles of trails, breathtaking views and plenty of places to sit and contemplate where you’ve been, where you are and where you would like to go.

Dog parks

Want to meet new friends? Take Fido and let him be the ice-breaker. Seattle has 14 off-leash dog parks that are always free.

KIRO