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. KAC contemporary gallery features 5 to 6 shows per year in a variety of media on diverse topics. The KAC Gallery is free and open to the public, including opening receptions and artist talks.
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 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!
View A Local Gallery
Discover local creativity at Ryan James Fine Arts, a welcoming gallery space that’s free to visit and open to anyone who wants to experience art up close. Located in downtown Kirkland at Kirkland Urban, the gallery showcases contemporary works from talented regional and national artists, offering everything from vibrant paintings to thought-provoking mixed media. Stop in while exploring the neighborhood, enjoy the rotating exhibitions, and experience Kirkland’s thriving arts scene, no tickets required.
Visit An Independent Bookstore
For over 9 years, BookTree has proudly served as Kirkland's only indie bookstore. Less than a five minute walk from Marina and retail core up Market Street, Booktree is the place to go if you want community and conversation about all things literary or just a free piece of candy! Chris (owner/poet) always has recommendations on what to read next and can help you find a special gift. Monthly events featuring open mics, writing workshops and author talks. Pet friendly with a cozy children's room and shelves filled with a fantastic lineup of new, collectables and gently used books. Browsing is welcome and totally free!
