Fabulous Free Things to Do

Despite Kirkland’s reputation as upscale, as evidenced by some of the exclusive neighborhoods and stunning residences peppered throughout the City, it is still possible for guests to enjoy Kirkland on a budget!

Visit the Kirkland Arts Center

For nearly 60 years, Kirkland Arts Center has served as a vibrant oasis where artists and the community can to come together for transformational artistic experiences. And despite the current, ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on the nonprofit’s ability to host classes and exhibits, KAC has worked exhaustively to adapt to the challenges of COVID-19 and do everything possible to continue its vital service to the community.

Explore Juanita Bay with the Eastside Audubon Society 

If you are lucky (or strategic) enough to visit Kirkland on the first Sunday or the third Tuesday of any given month, the Eastside Audubon Society offers whimsical, compelling tours through historic Juanita Bay Park. The Sunday nature walk begins at 1 p.m.; the Tuesday birdwatching expeditions at 8 in the morning. The tours are given by volunteer park rangers, all of whom carry extensive knowledge of the park, its history, and the wildlife that call it home. 

These nature walks are free, and remarkably engaging for kids and adults alike! 

Enjoy learning the history of the park, while spotting curious critters – including beavers and muskrats – basking in the area’s lush and vibrant shorelines. Binoculars are a great idea on these nature-filled excursions, and hopeful photogs would be remiss if they didn’t arrive equipped with their best zoom lens. Situated less than three miles from downtown, Juanita Bay is a local treasure, filling explorers with serenity and wonder at the extensive and diverse population of wildlife that live there.

Play at the Google Campus – also known as Feriton Spur

Conveniently located right on the Cross Kirkland Corridor, Google’s deep investment into the corridor has rendered as a picture-perfect, fun-filled family-friendly playground including a zip line, children’s play structure, basketball court, sandy volleyball court, bocce ball, exercise equipment and a bright red caboose that your kiddos can climb all over. The park features lush grassy areas, manicured garden areas and public benches that are perfect for picnics! Stay tuned for updates, because there is more to come!