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When Money is Tight, Joy Doesn’t Have to Be
A friend once shared a Spanish proverb, roughly translated as:
“Hunger is the best seasoning, and thirst is the best elixir.”
It’s true. The best meal I ever ate came from a food cart — a simple crepe, folded in paper, eaten standing over a napkin. No fancy place settings. No ceremony. Just hot cheese layered with spices after a long, exhausting day. That first bite filled me with a quiet joy that pushed everything else out of my mind for one perfect moment. Was it really the best food to ever touch my lips, or was I simply in a moment that allowed me to truly appreciate it? I’m not sure.
I do know that those moments of joy can surprise you if you’re open to receiving them. Between rising grocery and housing costs and layoffs at major local employers, money is tight for a lot of families right now. When budgets get squeezed, “fun” can start to feel like a luxury — something to cut. But the best moments in life aren’t defined by what they cost. Often, they are simply the moments that offer some much-needed nourishment and they feel even sweeter in contrast to life’s stresses.
Some of the most meaningful moments with my family were free and spontaneous: nature walks, library afternoons, simple meals with family and friends where everyone showed up just as they were. When money is tight, we get resourceful. We trade convenience for connection — and often, what we gain is far richer than anything we could buy.
Fun is everywhere if you make room for it. Check out this column for free and low-cost activities happening this week, and come back every Monday for more ideas.
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Free Fun
MLK Celebration at the Edmonds Waterfront Center
Monday, Jan. 19 from 9:30 a.m.-noon
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with your family at the Edmonds Waterfront Center. This free event features performances, dancing, and arts activities for all ages, offering a fun and meaningful way to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy of community and service. It’s a chance to gather with neighbors, enjoy creative activities, and honor the values of unity and kindness.
Learn more
Lynnwood MLK Day of Service
Monday, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The City of Lynnwood invites residents to its annual MLK Day of Service — a “day on, not a day off” of community stewardship. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to gather at the Lynnwood Senior Center at 9 a.m. and head out to Mesika Trail to help remove invasive plants, make trail repairs, and plant trees. All tools and materials are provided, and the event is free to join. It’s a great opportunity for families and friends to serve together while celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through local community service.
Free Days at Washington State Parks: Explore nature on Jan. 19
Washington designated 12 fee-free days in 2026 when you don’t need a Discover Pass to park at Washington State Parks and other state-managed natural areas. These free days, great for family time in nature, includes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this month. Free access applies to day use only (overnight stays and facility rentals still require a pass).
Science Labs, Sensory Play and More at Sno-Isle Libraries!
Sno‑Isle Libraries regularly host a variety of free, family friendly events — such as baby and toddler storytimes, book talks, 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. Kids can dive into fun, hands-on experiments and discover the wonders of science and math together.
On Thursday, Jan. 15 from 2-3 p.m., the Lynnwood Library is hosting Winter Sensory Play Day, a free drop‑in event for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers. Stations will feature a variety of materials to touch, scoop, pour, and explore — all designed to encourage motor skills, early learning, language development, and social interaction. No registration is needed, and families can come and go at any time during the event
Registration is required for many events, so check out Sno-Isle Libraries’ event calendar link below for more details.
Free Fun at Imagine Children’s Museum’s Community Access Night
Thursday, Jan. 15 and every third Thursdays of each month from 3-7 p.m.
Imagine Children’s Museum offers free admission for families with kids ages 1-12 from 3-7 p.m. at their monthly Community Access Night. These special evenings give families the chance to explore the museum’s two floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits designed to spark creativity, strengthen family bonds, and encourage playful learning at no cost. Exhibits include engineering challenges, creative art spaces, pretend rescue stations and more.
Kidstock! 2026 — Free Family Arts Celebration in Edmonds
Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Edmonds Center for the Arts
The free, full-day celebration of creativity and fun for families returns! Enjoy live music performances, hands-on arts and dance workshops, interactive activities, carnival games, a root beer garden, and more! Registration ahead of the event is kindly requested but there’s no admission fee.
Cheap Thrills
Get Your Game on at Around the Table Boardgame Pub
Don’t miss out 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.
Learn more
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 or 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 at this pool, featuring a recreation pool with two water slides, a lazy river, a water playground and spray features, a family and more! See the pool schedule and register ahead to reserve your spot.
- Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion Pool: Warm water, a lazy river, a 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 fun outside option for people who want to experience a heated pool outdoors. See the full schedule to plan a visit.
Date Night: Drop the Kids at Lynnwood Rec Center
Friday, Jan. 16 and every first and third Fridays of the month
Do you need some kid-free time? Parent’s Night Out in Lynnwood occurs on the first and third Fridays of each month. Children ages 5-12 can enjoy dinner, games, crafts, swimming, or a movie, all supervised by summer camp counselors at the Lynnwood Recreation Center. Register to secure a spot.
Learn more
Beginner Skate Lessons at Lynnwood Bowl & Skate
Lessons on Saturdays, 11 a.m.-noon and drop-in sessions Sundays from 11 a.m.-noon
6210 200th St. S.W. in Lynnwood.
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, and there’s also a Sunday drop-in option for $30 that includes a practice session.
Learn more
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 — from open skate sessions to 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 older 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 work for your schedule this week.
Giving Back
Looking for ways to give back? Explore these local volunteer or fundraising opportunities.
Donate to Washington and the Pacific Northwest Flood Relief Fundraisers
As the Pacific Northwest recovers from severe flooding, verified GoFundMe fundraisers and nonprofits, including the American Red Cross, are providing on-the-ground relief, from evacuation assistance to basic needs. Donations are protected by GoFundMe’s Giving Guarantee, ensuring contributions directly help those impacted. Visit GoFundMe’s Washington Flood Relief page to support verified relief efforts.
Resources for Families
KWA Social Services Outreach — Lynnwood Library
On Tuesday Jan. 13 from 3:30–5 p.m., the Lynnwood Library hosts a free social services outreach session with staff from the Korean Women’s Association (KWA). Community members can stop by to get information and assistance with benefit enrollment — including Basic Food, Medicaid/Apple Health, long‑term care support, and other essential needs. Interpreters are available upon request, and the event is a welcoming resource for adults looking to access support and navigate services.
Narcan Giveaway & Training — Lynnwood Library
On Thursday, Jan. 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the Lynnwood Library is hosting a free Narcan (naloxone) giveaway and training in partnership with the Evergreen Recovery Centers’ HOST outreach program. Volunteers will be on hand to provide two naloxone kits per attendee and offer instructions on how to administer them, helping community members learn how to respond in an overdose situation. Both nasal and injectable kits will be available, and drop‑in participation is welcome.
This event is a practical way to support neighbors and learn skills that could save a life — all at no cost.
Learn more
Repair Café — Mountlake Terrace Library
On Saturday, Jan. 17 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the Mountlake Terrace Library hosts a hands‑on community event where you can bring broken items like lamps, bikes, jewelry, vacuums and more and work with volunteer fixers to diagnose problems and make repairs. Volunteers can walk you through the process, share tips, or even order parts if needed (you’ll be contacted before parts are purchased). There’s also a recycling‑themed art station for kids to enjoy while adults tinker. This event is first‑come, first‑served and a great way to learn new skills, reduce waste, and have a little fun while fixing something old instead of tossing it.
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.
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