FREE PROGRAMS
We believe everyone should have access to maritime heritage
Explore Our Campus
It’s always free to walk our docks, explore our new Wagner Education Center, and view our exhibits. View our locations here →
Looking for additional fun activities in the area? Check out this local guide for activities on a budget!
Free Programs for the Whole Family
Public Peapod Program
One and all are encouraged to reserve one of our peapod rowboats for free one-hour rentals at our South Lake Union Location!
Available Wednesday-Sunday all year long!
These boats can hold up to 4 adults and are perfect for rowers of all experiences.
Go through our online reservation system and take a rowboat out today!
This free program books quickly and is available 2-3 weeks in advance. We open a new week of availability every Sunday night. If you do not see any available slots, they are currently full and we kindly suggest you check back as cancellations may occur. In the meantime, feel free to come on down and rent one of our other rowboats, kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards anytime during regular business hours!
Public Sail
A Seattle tradition for more than 25 years! Our volunteer skippers and crew take passengers out on Lake Union for unforgettable voyages. Sprit boats, steamboats, electric boats, schooners, ketches, yawls, and yachts.
We will be holding Public Sail once per month from 10am-4pm; sign up in front of the Wager Education Center! This is a first come first served program. 2024 Public Sail dates: April 28 | May 26 | June 30 | July 28 | August 25 | September 29 | October 27 (Halloween Bash)
3rd Friday Speaker Series
The Center for Wooden Boats 3rd Friday Speaker Series is a monthly event where a speaker from a maritime community comes to CWB to share their special knowledge. It is also an opportunity for CWB members to mingle with other attendees and the staff. The talks usually take place in the Wagner Education Center from 6-7:30pm, and just like museum admission, the program is always free.
Click the button below to see past and upcoming speakers!
Free Youth Programs
Toy Boat Building at South Lake Union
Let your imagination set sail by assembling your very own toy boat! After selecting your wooden boat hull, learn how to use hand tools to construct the design of your rigging. Decorate your boat using recycled materials provided by CWB such as material for sails, stamps, stickers, corks, and more. Test out your toy boat in the model boat pond in Lake Union Park after your boat is complete!
We frequently hold opportunities for toy boat building at our South Lake Union Campus at events and after certain Wooden Boat Storytimes.
2024 SLU Toy Boat Building Dates:
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM: May 9 | June 13 | July 11 | August 8 | September 12 | October 10
12:00 - 4:00 PM: April 28 | May 26 | June 30 | July 28 | August 25 | September 29 | October 27
Wooden Boat Storytime
Join Sue Kimpton for Wooden Boat Storytime in the Boathouse and be enchanted by her irrepressible wit and storytelling charm. Let your imagination soar and your inner child take flight – you and your child will both enjoy a romp down “Story Time Lane” that is a must see! Please visit her website at www.happytales.me for a preview of the fun. This program is best suited for pre-k, kindergarten, and early elementary aged kids.
2024 Wooden Boat Storytime Dates:
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM: April 28 | May 9 & 26 | June 13 & 30 | July 11 & 28 | August 8 & 25 | September 12 & 29 | October 10 & 27
Check out videos of Sue leading Tugboat Storytime aboard historic Tugboat Arthur Foss available on our YouTube Channel!
