10 Free Things To Do Around UW When You’re Broke AF

If you go to University Of Washington and you're looking for things to do, here are some free things to do around UW when you're broke AF!

Another weekend without anything to do, you’re on a budget, and you don’t feel like sitting in your dorm and watching Netflix all day again. If you’re looking to beat the boredom but you’re broke AF, check out these free things to do around UW with your friends!

1. Picnic at Gasworks Park.

If it’s a nice day in Seattle, go to the beautifully green Gasworks Park with family or friends! This park is a must go if you’re visiting Seattle for the first time. From the park, you can see kayaks, boats, and canoes floating in Lake Union. I recommend going during golden hour so you can see the Seattle skyline and bridge light up as the sun goes down, as well as take some great pictures for your Instagram.

Location: 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103

2. Try paddling!

Paddling is a great way to get some exercise for an hour or two, along with meeting new people! The first time for most paddling clubs such as Sunrise Dragon boat, Seattle Outrigger Club, or Club Sake is free and they provide all the gear; you just need to bring yourself! It’s a fun outdoor activity that allows you to get on the beautiful water and try something new!

Here are some websites: https://sites.google.com/view/sunrisedragonboat, https://clubsake.com/wp/, http://www.seattleoutrigger.com/

3. Visit the Frye Museum.

The Frye Museum is a free art museum that presents 19th century and modern art. They host events, workshops, classes, and much more! If you’re feeling hungry, there is an outdoor gallery cafe that you can visit and they serve happy hour, as well.

Location: 704 Terry Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 | Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11AM-5PM

4. Walk in UW’s Botanical Garden.

Come to UW’s Botanical Gardens for a calm walk or bike ride surrounded by nature. There are lawns that are perfect for having a nice picnic, and so many places within this garden to take some great pictures to update your social media! It’s 230 acres of beauty, complete with free walking tours and family events.

Location: 2300 Arboretum Drive E, Seattle, WA 98112

5. Explore Pike Place Market.

There are so many places within Pike Place Market to explore! From the original Starbucks to a store that sells old posters from the 60s and 70s, there’s a plethora of shops and cafes to try. Established in 1907, this year is the 110th anniversary of the Pike Place Farmers Market, so stop by and try some free samples to see what the local farmers from the Seattle area have to offer!

Location: Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA | Hours: Mon – Sat: 9am – 6pm, Sun: 9am – 5pm

6. Visit some amazing bookstores!

There are so many great bookstores that offer used or new, rare or classic, and everything in between! Places like the Elliot Bay Book Company or Third Place Books hold events where you can meet authors – or just read! There are also silent reading parties in Seattle, where you can read silently in the company of others.

Here are some great bookstores to check out:
Elliot Bay Book Company – 1521 10th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
Third Place Books – 5041 Wilson Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98118
Phinney Books – 7405 Greenwood Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98103
Mercer Street Books – 7 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109

7. Walk in Discovery Park.

Welcome to Seattle’s largest city park! It’s 534 acres of trails, beaches, and beautiful views of the Sound. It’s a great place to go on a nice walk with friends or take your dog to play in nature. Going to Discovery Park is a relaxing way to step away from work and the noise of the city.

Location: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199

8. Take a trip to the Fremont Sunday Market.

If you’re into buying cheap thrifty clothes, art, or crafts, go to Fremont Sunday Market. They will have everything you’re looking for to create that vintage chic vibe you’ve been trying to achieve. While you’re shopping, be sure to stop by some of the market’s gourmet food trucks, which serve some of Seattle’s trendiest bites.

Location: 400 N 34th Street, Seattle, WA 98103

9. Take a picture with the Fremont Troll.

The Fremont Troll is a well known Seattle public sculpture that’s truly bizarre. It’s supposed to mimic old folklore about trolls living underneath bridges, but most people go to the troll for climbing and picture purposes. It was also used for a scene in the movie 10 Things I Hate About You, which featured Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Location: Troll Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98103

10. Take a nice ride on the Puget Sound.

Go to the Center for Wooden Boats if you want a free ride on the Sound. It’s first come first serve, but it’s free and the staff are incredibly friendly. The crew will give you a little history lesson on Seattle and the greater area, and answer any questions you have about Washington.

Location: 1010 Valley Street, Seattle, WA 98109

If you’re ever feeling bored, try checking out some of these free things to do around UW. If you know of any more fun free things to do around UW, feel free to comment down below!