Seattle’s annual Lake Union Boats Afloat Show represents a favorite event on most boaters’ calendars. It provides its visitors with the best of boating in one place on fabulous South Lake Union in sunny September. But it’s not just for adults or for mom and dad to shop for the boat of their dreams. The show is full of free activities for kids of all ages.
Kids 8-16 can get on the water and be introduced to the thrill of small boat sailing with 60-minute free sailboat lessons courtesy of Sail Sandpoint. All ages can enjoy the Center for Wooden Boats hands-on toy boat building. And since safety on the water is an important boating lesson to teach kids, Stearns Lifejackets will be giving away 500 kids lifejackets on Saturday and Sunday of the show.
The show drops anchor on Wednesday September 10th and sails on through Sunday 14th, 2014. The show is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10am to 6 p.m. weekends.
Going to the show won’t break the family piggy bank. Kids under 11 are free, kids 11-17 get in for $5, and there’s a nearby lot with a free shuttle to the show where parking is only $3 for all day.
The 2014 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show is presented by Word Yachts.
Free Sailing Lessons Courtesy Sail Sandpoint
The free sailing lessons will be on 13’ Hobie Cat Waves. The Hobie Wave is a single-handed catamaran that can hold up to four people and is a great cruising boat for all ages and ability levels. There will be four Hobie Waves at the show and Sail Sandpoint will take out 12-16 kids at a time. Mom and dad can get the future sailors out on the water and then go cruise the show at their leisure while the kids learn skills that will last a lifetime. They are also welcome to join the kids.
Lesson Schedule:
Friday: 1pm and 3pm – Family sails. Parents welcome.
Saturday and Sunday: 11am, 1pm – family sail, 3pm & 5pm – family sail
To sign up for free lessons in advance, email showinfo@boatsafloatshow.com.
There are also free sailboat rides for all ages courtesy of Discover Sailing. Rides are approximately 45 minutes and run continuously, every day, throughout the show.
Radio Disney
Radio Disney Seattle will be onsite hosting water fun and safety activities and giving away tons of prizes throughout the day. The Radio Disney Seattle Road Crew will be there for this family-friendly event bringing exciting games, dances, giveaways including Seattle City Light’s summer promotion ‘Cookin with Kilowatts.’
Free Toy Boat Building for Kids
Kids will use traditional tools provided by the Center for Wooden Boats to build and decorate their own wooden boat.
Saturday Sept. 13: 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday Sept. 14: 10 AM – 6 PM
Kids Lifejacket Giveaway
Water safety awareness in and around the water is an important lesson for kids. And because kids are important people, the show will be giving away 500 kids lifejackets August 13 and 14.
Lifejacket Sizes
Infant: 30 lbs and under
Child: 30-50 lbs
Youth: 50-90 lbs
There is a limited supply. Kids must be present to receive the lifejacket.
All you need to know
What: South Lake Union Boats Afloat Show
When: Wednesday September 10th – Sunday September 14th, 2014
Hours: Weekdays 11am – 7pm/Weekends 10am – 6pm
Where: South Lake Union in Seattle
Tickets go on sale on August 10:
Buy your tickets online and receive 1 year Boat U.S. membership and a free appetizer at Nouvilhos Brazilian Steakhouse at Chandler’s Cove.
$12 for adults / $5 for kids 12-17 (kids under 11 are free).
$18 for a multi-day pass.
Weekdays 5-7 pm: $6
Special sailing ticket: $50 Intro-to-Sailing ticket includes 2-day admission, 1.5 hour seminar and 1.5 hour on-water sailing lesson.
Getting There: Parking lots are limited near the show. For convenience park downtown and take the Seattle Street Car directly to the show on South Lake Union.
