When school’s out and the weather finally starts cooperating, it’s time to get the kids out of the house and enjoy what the Issaquah area has to offer. You don’t need anything over the top, just events that feel worth showing up for.
Many local families are trying to make the most of their summers in between vacations, orthodontic check-ins with Dr. Dudley, and everything else life throws at them. So if you’ve been meaning to check out what’s happening in or around Issaquah (without scrolling through a hundred flyers), here are five family-friendly events that make sense to attend this summer, put together by our team at Dudley Smiles.
PNW Family Funday Grill & Gather – June 21
Hosted by Empower at the Bridge Foundation and Imagine Hot Yoga, this event is about community, wellness, and fun, and it manages to pull that off without feeling like a chore.
Why It Works for Families:
- Free yard games like ladder golf and bean bag toss
- Face painting, balloon art, and live music
- Free kids’ haircuts (ages 12 and under) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Movement and meditation workshops for teens and adults
- Food specials at affordable prices
- Free plant giveaways and gardening lessons
This isn’t just a feel-good community event; it’s actually fun. Plus, it’s only a short drive from Issaquah, held at Fairwood Square in Renton. There’s enough going on to appeal to younger kids, but it’s also thoughtful enough for older siblings or parents to enjoy. You don’t need to sign up for everything, just show up and settle into whatever part feels right for your family.
Summer STEAM Kids Club – June 23–27
If you’re looking for something that burns some energy and teaches your kids something without making them groan, the Summer STEAM Kids Club checks the box. It runs from June 23 to June 27 in Federal Way and includes all the hands-on fun your kids secretly like: engineering, art, tech, and more.
What They’ll Do:
- Science experiments
- Arts and crafts
- Outdoor exploration at Picnic Point Trail
- Interactive group challenges
This one’s especially great if your child is in the middle of orthodontic treatment. They’ll stay busy (and distracted) during any post-adjustment tenderness from their Invisalign trays or braces. Just pack a water bottle and some braces-friendly snacks, they’ll be active most of the day.
Down Home 4th of July
This one is practically a tradition for Issaquah families. The Down Home 4th of July event takes over Front Street with small-town charm and enough activity to keep the day moving without being overwhelming. The highlight? The Kids & Pets Parade, kicking off at 11 a.m. It’s exactly what it sounds like; kids and their four-legged friends decked out in red, white, and blue, rolling down the street in wagons, on bikes, and sometimes even in full costume.
After the parade, stick around for food trucks, local music, and plenty of shaded picnic spots. You won’t need to commit to an all-day thing, but enough is going on to make it feel like a real outing. Just make sure to get there early if your kids want to participate; they’ll need time to line up and get ready.
Tip: If your child is in Invisalign or metal braces, this is a great event to pack easy-to-eat picnic food like soft fruit, sandwiches, or pasta salad, nothing too crunchy or sticky that’ll get stuck in brackets or trays.
Artvana Family Paint Night – July 8
This one’s a little different, and that’s what makes it such a great pick. Held at Denny’s in Puyallup, Artvana Family Paint Night is designed to give families a creative, relaxing way to hang out together. Step-by-step instruction makes it accessible even if no one in your family has ever picked up a paintbrush. And as a bonus? Kids eat free at Denny’s on Tuesdays.
It’s not often you get an activity that works for multiple age ranges and also includes dinner. Paint something fun, hang out, and walk out with a finished canvas to show for it. It’s worth the drive, especially if your crew loves art but needs some structure to enjoy it.
Kids’ Craft Workshop – July 9
Looking for something low-key but still fun? The Kids’ Craft Workshop in Kirkland is perfect for a midweek creative break. It runs from 5 to 7 p.m., so you can head over after work without feeling rushed. The setup is simple: pay one fee for both parent and child, then jump into as many craft stations as you want.
Craft Options Include:
- Custom t-shirts and caps
- Wooden projects with hot pen art
- Paint-your-own flower pots
- DIY slime station
- Personalized greeting cards
It’s organized, well-paced, and not chaotic, which is key when you’ve got younger kids who can get overwhelmed easily. And because the event supports a local fundraiser, you’ll also walk away feeling like you did something good.
Do You Need Help Planning Treatment Around Summertime?
Dr. Dudley is always happy to help you plan around summer schedules and unexpected situations. Whether it’s knowing what snacks are safe to bring to events or how to keep Invisalign trays from getting lost while you’re out, he’s got you covered.
You can schedule a free consultation at Dudley Smiles and get straightforward answers that make it easier to enjoy the season without stress. The office is right here in Issaquah, so help is never far when you need it.