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Yes, I want to support My MLTnews!The best things in life are free — movie snacks are another story
We went to see a movie as a family this past Sunday – a Mother’s Day treat. My three teens were good sports about it even though I know they would have preferred to see something other than The Devil Wears Prada 2 (which I loved!). Thankfully, the reclining seats at the Regal in Lynnwood and plenty of snacks helped make it enjoyable for all.
I knew going in that it wouldn’t be cheap, but when I did the math – adding up the tickets, popcorn, and drinks – it cost more than I’d expected. Finding something the whole family genuinely enjoys is already a puzzle when you’re spanning different ages. Finding something affordable, too? That’s even harder. This isn’t the first time I felt some sticker shock during a family outing. I remember once scoring free tickets to Disney on Ice, only to feel deflated when a few lemonades cost us over $50.
Luckily, we live in a place with plenty of options if you know where to look. Here’s a roundup of family-friendly events and activities. Some are free, some cheap and some splurges. Come back every Monday for more ideas and explore the community resources at the bottom of this column if you’re looking for ways to give back or need support. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for fresh posts and weekend reminders.
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Free Fun
Lynnwood Idol Finals — Live Auditions
Noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31
K–5 auditions start at noon; 6 to 12 finalists perform starting at 3 p.m.
Aspiring young singers take the stage at the Lynnwood Idol Finals, a live audition event where student performers from across the Edmonds School District compete in front of judges and the community. Finalists are divided into two age groups – K–5 and 6-12 – and perform live for a chance to be selected as winners in each category.
The event is free and open to the public, offering families a chance to cheer on local talent and enjoy an afternoon of live music and performance. Winners will go on to perform at a larger community celebration later this summer.
Listen to music at Musicology Co. in Edmonds
Explore the latest music at the coolest record store in the region. Musicology Co. is a vibrant, woman-owned music boutique and record store offering new and used vinyl, CDs and cassettes, with a strong focus on spotlighting local artists through live in-store performances and a curated music‑lover experience. Drop in for an upcoming live performance or Listening Party.
Events this week:
- 6-7 p.m. Friday, May 16: Artist Residency – Tether the Star (solo)
- 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6: Under the Puddle – Live Performance & Taping
Make flower crafts, Read with Rover, learn about local beach ecosystems and more at Sno-Isle Libraries
Sno‑Isle Libraries regularly hosts a variety of free, family-friendly events, such as baby and toddler story times, book talks, crafts and community gatherings, across its branches and online year-round. Find one at the library near you and check out some books to read while you’re there.
From 4-6 p.m. on Tuesdays, go to the Lynnwood Library for free Homework Help, where volunteers are available to assist students in grades K-12 with school assignments. No registration is required; just bring the work you’re working on. Assistance is offered on a first-come-first-served basis and is a great way for students to get a little extra support after school.
From 10–11 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, at Edmonds Library, preschool-aged children and their caregivers are invited to learn all about local beach habitats. Join the WSU Snohomish County Extension Beach Watchers for stories and hands-on activities about local beaches, the Salish Sea and caring for shoreline ecosystems.
From 2-4 p.m. Friday, May 15, at the Lynnwood Library, create a bright, colorful flower in a vase using recycled materials and acrylic paint in a hands-on workshop focused on creativity, color and giving materials a second life. The bilingual English/Spanish program is led by artist Maria Casey, an experienced art instructor.
From 11 a.m. to noon. Saturday, May 16, kids ages 5 and up can practice reading aloud and build confidence by sharing stories with a certified therapy dog at Edmonds Library.
Registration is required for many events, so check out Sno-Isle Libraries’ event calendar link below for more details.
Silver Creek Indoor PlayPark
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays,
Need to get out of the house? Bring young kids to the free Indoor Playpark at Lynnwood’s Silver Creek Family Church to hang out and play. Parents can enjoy some coffee or tea while kids play with indoor toys.
Cheap Thrills
Get your tickets to the Edmonds Jazz Walk
5 p.m. to midnight Saturday, May 30
Adult presale: $45 early bird, $60 at the door
Student presale: $35 early bird, $50 at the door
Reserve your tickets today
The Edmonds Jazz Walk is a one-night, walkable music festival that transforms downtown Edmonds into a live jazz circuit, with performances spread across 16 local venues ranging from galleries and theaters to wine bars and restaurants. Two venues are 21+ only. All other venues are all-ages.
Each ticket includes a wristband that grants access to all participating venues, allowing attendees to move freely throughout the evening and catch a rotating lineup of dozens of performers playing everything from traditional jazz to fusion and swing.
The event hosts a mix of professional and emerging student talent. Organized by JazzClubsNW, a nonprofit focused on supporting live jazz and music education, it serves as both a community celebration and a way to experience Edmonds’ downtown in a uniquely immersive, music-filled setting
Silvertips & Aquasox: what’s coming
Everett baseball fans will have to wait a bit longer for their next home game. The Everett AquaSox are on the road through May 18, with no games at Funko Field this week. Their next home stand begins Tuesday, May 19, bringing Minor League Baseball back to downtown Everett.
Hockey, however, may still make an appearance. The Everett Silvertips are in the middle of their WHL Championship Series, which is a best-of-seven format where the first team to win four games advances. Because of that setup, potential home playoff games on May 17-18 are still listed as “if necessary,” meaning they will only happen if neither team has reached four wins by then. Once a team hits that fourth win, the series ends immediately and any remaining scheduled games are canceled.
For fans hoping to catch playoff hockey at Angel of the Winds Arena, the situation will likely become clear later this week as the series progresses.
Try local drop-in childcare options
Need a night off from parenting? Several local spots offer childcare with an evening of fun for kids.
- Drop-in childcare at KidsPark in Lynnwood. Flexible schedules.
- Drop-in playcare at Time4Kidz Lynnwood. Flexible schedules.
- Lynnwood Rec Center’s Parent’s Night Out. 6-9:30 p.m. on the first and third Friday every month.
Get your game on at Around the Table Boardgame Pub
Don’t miss out on this lively destination in Lynnwood for families and friends with tons of board games on site that you can play together from classics to new favorites. Enjoy ice cream, treats and a library of games to play.
While the regular calendar lists tabletop‑gaming events, prereleases and league nights, the core appeal is that you can drop in any day to choose from hundreds of games and play at your pace, making it a great hangout for kids, teens and adults alike. It is easy to organize casual meet‑ups (like board game afternoons), and the friendly staff can help you find games that suit your group.
Public swim sessions at Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Edmonds pools
Schedules vary, see pool sites for details.
Open swim sessions generally charge a fee of less than $10 per person.
We’re lucky to live in a region with multiple indoor and outdoor heated pools to help us get some recreation in during the dark, rainy months. My family has a membership to the Lynnwood Rec Center, and we love attending the open swim sessions for a fun, budget-friendly outing.
- Lynnwood Rec Center Pool: Multiple open swim and rec swim sessions happen each week, featuring a recreation pool with two water slides, a lazy river, water playground, spray features and more. See the pool schedule and register ahead to reserve your spot.
- Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion Pool: Warm water, a lazy river, sauna and more. What’s not to love? See the full schedule to plan your visit.
- Yost Pool in Edmonds: Yost has limited open swim sessions during this season but makes for a fun outside option for people who want to experience a heated pool outdoors. See the full schedule to plan a visit.
Beginner skate lessons at Lynnwood Bowl & Skate
Lessons 11 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Drop-in sessions 11 a.m. to noon Sundays at
6210 200th St. SW. in Lynnwood.
Please note that this week’s schedule may be affected by Easter. Call to confirm.
Sign up for weekly lessons for kids and adults. Lessons include a 30‑minute instruction period followed by 30 minutes of practice, taught by national‑level coach Ezra Thompson. Learn skills like balance, stopping and forward and backward skating, with more advanced skills offered in a Level 2 course.
A four-week session costs $120, including open skate time. There’s also a Sunday drop-in option for $30 that includes a practice session.
Public skate sessions at Lynnwood Ice Center
19803 68th Ave. W. in Lynnwood
Whether your family loves skating, hockey or just trying something new, the Lynnwood Ice Center has something for everyone, including open skate sessions and stick-and-puck sessions and even “theater on ice.” It’s a safe and welcoming spot for all ages to enjoy some time on the rink.
Seattle Skating Club offers skate lessons for people ages 3.5 and up and of varying skill levels. Explore their lessons schedule and sign up for future sessions.
Note that all visitors must pay ahead through their digital system. See the full calendar to find a session that works for your schedule this week.
Resources for Families
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 more than 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
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
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, healthcare, childcare, 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 [email protected]. Family Resource Advocates are available to provide holistic support and help families access community resources. For 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.
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 – including food and housing aid to college student services, veteran and senior help, suicide prevention (including 988 lifeline access) – this department connects people to local and county resources tailored to improve quality of life.
Local food banks
Families in need can turn to several neighborhood food banks for weekly groceries and fresh produce. Each food bank 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 is 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.
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