Will you chip in to support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation today? Yes, I want to support Lynnwood Today!
The Priceless Side of Parenting
Between fall sports, Halloween costumes and all the new purchases a school year brings, October can be especially expensive for parents. Thankfully, fall fun doesn’t have to mean spending big.
When I talk to my teens about their favorite family memories, they don’t usually mention our big trips or the occasional gifts we splurged on. They remember how we made driving through the neighborhood with speed bumps a game, the “garage sale” song we sing when hunting for bargains, and playing board games late into the night. Some of the best moments happen when we slow down, enjoy each other’s company and find joy in the simple things
I hope this roundup can help you explore new things and make the most of your time with your family locally, especially if you’e feeling the pressures of a tight budget. There’s no shortage of budget-friendly events in your neighborhood, family-friendly outings and ways to connect with your community. Check back for our weekly roundup of local events. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for fresh posts and weekend reminders.
Jump to a section:
Free Fun
FREE Community Access Night at Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett
Thursday, Oct. 16, 3-7 p.m.
Ages 0-12
Bring the whole family to Washington’s largest children’s museum for an evening of hands-on learning and play! Explore interactive exhibits like whale skeletons, sand tables, engineering challenges, art spaces and pretend play. Free admission for kids and their adults!
Learn more
Read to a Therapy Dog, Try Science Experiments, Build a Spooky Candy House, and More at Sno-Isle Libraries!
See schedule for daily activities at your local library
Sno‑Isle Libraries is hosting a variety of free, family friendly events — such as baby and toddler storytimes, author talks, STEM workshops, crafts and community gatherings — across its branches and online throughout the year. Find one at the library near you and check out some books to read while you’re there.
Curious preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to the Lynnwood Library every Monday at 2 p.m. for Little Science Lab with Imagine Children’s Museum, where kids can dive into fun, hands-on experiments and discover the wonders of science and math together.
Budding readers ages 6 to 12 can practice reading aloud to certified therapy dogs in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Mountlake Terrace Library. Paws for Reading aims to help young readers build confidence and fluency in their reading skills.
On Saturday, Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., get into the Halloween spirit by building a spooky graham cracker house at the Brier Library’s Haunted Candy Houses event. Families will receive supplies — including graham crackers, frosting, and Halloween-themed candy — to create their own haunted house masterpiece.
Registration is required for many events, so check out the calendar for more details.
Learn more
Edmonds Scarecrow Festival
Submit your scarecrow entry between Sept. 23 and Oct. 23.
The Edmonds Historical Museum is hosting its 13th Annual Scarecrow Festival — a community favorite where families, businesses and organizations build creative scarecrows to put on display around town. Families can enter their handmade scarecrows in the Residential category (single-family, multi-family or care facility), then set them up outside their home for neighbors to admire. Entries are due by Oct. 23. Voting runs Oct.24-Nov. 1, and winners will be announced Nov. 5. Free to enter, free to vote, and always fun to wander downtown and see the spooky (and silly) creations.
Haunted Harbor (Port of Everett Waterfront)
Friday, Oct. 24, from 4-7 p.m.
At the Port’s Pacific Rim Plaza near Hotel Indigo
Get your costumes ready for this upcoming FREE event! The Port of Everett invites families to join in a day of spooky family fun at the waterfront during its second annual Haunted Harbor event. Rain or shine, guests can enjoy a night of spooky fun, including “Troll or Treat” trick-or-treating along Guest Dock 5, plus games, crafts, and more. See the full schedule of activities.
Cheap Thrills
Explore Local Farmers Markets that are open through October
Support local vendors with a visit to any of these vibrant farmers markets:
- Edmonds Museum Summer Market downtown – Saturdays through Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Everett Farmers Market on Wetmore Avenue – Sundays through Oct. 26, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Snohomish Farmers Market downtown – Thursdays through Oct. 30, 3-7 p.m.
These markets are ideal for seasonal produce, artisan goods, flowers and tasty bites. Explore a new town and enjoy the flavors of the fall season.
Learn more
Spooky Experiences
Haunted houses and frightening mazes offer terrifying thrills throughout October. Be mindful of the recommended ages for kids with active imaginations.
- Nile Nightmares Haunted House (Mountlake Terrace):
Explore multiple scare zones with live actors and special effects. Relax in the Midway while you wait for your turn — grab a snack from a food truck, play a game or test your nerves in the Fear Garden. No long lines — you’ll get a text when it’s time for your group to enter.
Open Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m.–11 p.m., Oct. 3–Nov. 1; For the last three Sundays in October and Oct. 30, hours are 7 p.m.–10 p.m.
Suggested age: 12+.
Family Fun Fest at the Nile offers a “not-so-scary” haunted house event on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Younger kids can explore the haunted house with lights on and no actors, collecting candy from friendly witches. Enjoy a bouncy house, face painting, costume contests and more! - Nightmare on 9 (Thomas Family Farm, Snohomish): Experience a haunted town of Rippers Hollow, The Vogel Institute — an indoor haunted house, and Zombie Paintball.
Open Sept, 27-Nov. 1 with varying hours for different attraction.
Suggested age: 12+ for haunted attractions; pumpkin patch is great for all ages. - Haunted Corn Trails at Stalker Farms (Snohomish): Experience a haunted corn trail with original storylines, live actors, and custom costumes.
Open Oct. 10-12: 7-10 p.m.; Oct. 17-19, 23-26, 30-31 & Nov. 1: 6:30 -10 p.m.
Suggested age: 12+ for haunted attractions
Explore Local Fall Festivals & Pumpkin Patches!
Pumpkin season is here! Starting this week, families can enjoy harvest fun in Snohomish County and beyond.
- Stocker Farms (Snohomish): Enjoy a pumpkin patch, corn maze, pumpkin barn photo op, sunflower arrangements, tire mountain and 30+ attractions. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; last entry at 5 p.m. Learn more online.
- Swan’s Trail Farms (Snohomish): Enjoy u-pick pumpkins, apples, the magical pumpkin garden, and explore a 12-acre corn maze, barnyard sports, hay rides, ziplines and more. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Learn more online.
- Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm (Snohomish): Pick out pumpkins at the fall festival and explore the 12-acre corn maze and play area. Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily; last entry at 5 p.m. The night maze opens Fridays and Saturdays. Learn more online.
- Craven Farm (Snohomish): Explore the pumpkin patch, enjoy hay rides, mini-golf, a jump pad, and more. Open 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Learn more online.
- Remlinger Farms (Carnation): The Fall Harvest Pumpkin Festival features pumpkin village, fun rides, and entertainment. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends through October. Learn more online.
- Carleton Farm (Lake Stevens): Families can enjoy a free-entry pumpkin patch, petting zoo, farm market, and food area. For added fun, purchase a $15 per person entry that includes a corn maze, hayride, and access to the kids play area featuring ziplines, slides, and the giant pumpkin jump pad. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Learn more online.
- Gordon Skagit Farms (Mount Vernon): Explore the scenic pumpkin patch and corn maze and take in the scenic flower field. Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. Learn more online.
Splurge
Seattle Children’s Theater — Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical
Showing between Sept. 18-Oct. 12
Seattle Children’s Theatre, Charlotte Martin Theatre, 201 Thomas St. in Seattle
Tickets required, $28+, prices vary by performance date.
Join the world premiere of this high-energy musical adaptation of the beloved alphabet book. Aimed at children ages 3-9, the 55-minute show features lively music, puppetry and interactive storytelling. Special performances include an ASL-interpreted show on Sept.27 and a sensory-sensitive performance on Oct. 4
Learn more
See the Mariners in the Postseason!
It’s an exciting time for Mariners fans! The Mariners had a strong regular season, winning enough games to earn a spot in the playoffs. In baseball, teams with the best records get to keep playing after the regular season ends. This year, the Mariners made the American League Division Series (ALDS), the first round of the playoffs. The winner of this best-of-five series moves on toward the championship and a shot at the World Series.
See their schedule for upcoming home games. Even if you’re not a big sports fan, October baseball is full of excitement and drama as the Mariners compete for a chance to advance.
Giving Back
Looking for ways to give back? Here are some local fundraising opportunities to consider.
Halloween Howl: Annual Fundraiser for the Off-Leash Area Edmonds (OLA-E)
Saturday, Oct, 18 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Off Leash Area Edmonds (OLA-E) dog park, next to Marina Beach Park
Join the annual Halloween Howl for a fun-filled day of costume contests, games, a silent audtion, and activities for dogs and their humans. This event supports OLA-E’s mission to maintain and enhance the off-leash dog park in Edmonds. Participation is free, but donations are encouraged
Resources for Families
Free Online Seminar: Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence,
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 6-7 p.m.
Sno-Isle Libraries is hosting a free online webinar led by Gabby Contreras, Prevention, Education, & Outreach Coordinator at Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County. The session will cover recognizing signs of abuse, bystander intervention strategies, ways to support survivors, and available confidential services. The webinar will be conducted in English via Zoom (ID: 897 4664 3014, Passcode: 358162) and will be recorded for later viewing. Participants can register on the event page. Sign language interpreters are available upon request.
Snohomish County Resource List
Not sure which resources you need? This list can help you see the options. The Snohomish County Community Resource List provides contact information for over 300 local services, including emergency assistance, legal aid, youth and family support, mental health resources, financial help and immigration services.
211 North Sound – Snohomish County Resource Line
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Call: 211
Text: 211WAOD to 898211
211 North Sound connects residents of Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties to a comprehensive range of community services. Trained specialists provide free, confidential assistance in over 140 languages, offering referrals for housing, food, health care, child care, crisis support and more.
In Snohomish County, 211 also supports initiatives like the Homeless Coordinated Entry and Emergency Rental Assistance programs. For specialized support, including assistance for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, call 211 and follow the prompts for TBI services.
Family Support through Edmonds School District
The Edmonds School District offers a dedicated Family Support Resource Line to assist families in need. You can reach them at 425-431-1454 or via email at familysupport@edmonds.wednet.edu. Family Resource Advocates are available to provide holistic support and help families access community resources. For even more information, visit the district’s Family Support page.
Snohomish County Human Services
Snohomish County Human Services offers a wide range of programs to help families in our region meet basic needs and support overall well-being. Services include early childhood programs like Early Head Start and ECEAP, family support resources for caregivers, behavioral health counseling and 24/7 crisis services, housing and energy assistance through the Community Action Partnership, and specialized support for veterans and their families. Learn more online about how to access these services to get help with food, housing, mental health and other essential needs.
Edmonds Human Services — Resources for Edmonds Residents
Edmonds Human Services is a helpful resource for any Edmonds resident facing financial, mental health, housing or other personal challenges. With a range of supports — from food and housing aid to college student services, veteran and senior help, suicide prevention (including 988 lifeline access), and more — this department connects people to local and county resources tailored to improve quality of life
Learn more
Local Food Banks
Families in need can turn to several neighborhood food banks for weekly groceries and fresh produce. Each serves residents in its surrounding area, with easy pickup times and volunteer support:
Domestic Violence Resources
For families experiencing domestic violence, several local organizations offer confidential support and emergency shelter services:
- DVS-SnoCo provides a 24/7 crisis line at 425-252-2873, offering emergency shelter, legal advocacy, safety planning, and support for individuals and families affected by intimate partner violence.
- YWCA Pathways for Women
Located in Lynnwood, this 45-day emergency shelter offers safe housing and resources for women and families experiencing homelessness, including those fleeing domestic violence. - If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Youth Ride Public Transit Free!
Kids and teens 18 and under can ride buses, ferry, and light rail for free — no pass required. Want tap-and-go convenience? Get a free Youth ORCA card online or at the Ride Store.
Share the fun!
Wherever your adventures take you, I hope this roundup helps you find fun, affordable, and meaningful ways to connect and enjoy the season. Have an event or suggestion? Want to share your reels from a recent outing to be featured here? I’d love to hear from you. Comment below to get in touch. Don’t forget to check back every Monday for fresh ideas.
Rory Graves is a local writer, editor and parent of three teens who loves helping families find fun, meaningful ways to connect with their community. She covers family-friendly events, local resources, and creative outings around South Snohomish County. When she’s not exploring the region, you can find her cheering at one of her kids’ games, thrifting, or curled up with a good book and some tea.
Real first and last names — as well as city of residence — are required for all commenters.
This is so we can verify your identity before approving your comment.
By commenting here you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. Please read our code at the bottom of this page before commenting.