10+ Free Things to Do in the Tri‑Cities

The Tri-Cities offer plenty of free activities for families, friends, and solo explorers.

Enjoy parks, museums, nature walks, gaming events, and hands-on science exhibits that make discovering the area fun and budget-friendly.

Try a Board Game at Caterpillar Café

Location: 1391 George Washington Way
Hours: Main Store 10am - 7pm, Tuesday - Sunday | Café 10am - 7pm, Daily

At Caterpillar Café, connected to Adventures Underground, you can join casual board and deck game sessions most evenings and weekends. With around 150 trial games to choose from, plus affordable coffee, food, and beer, it’s a fun spot to play and discover new favorites before picking one up next door. They host book swaps, listening parties, demo days, and game nights regularly. Check out their events calendar before you visit!

Go Birding with the Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society

Location: Wye Park | 1604 Columbia Park Trail
Time: First Saturday of the Month | 8am

The local Audubon Society hosts a free guided nature walk on the first Saturday of each month, starting at Wye Park at 8am. Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome, and binoculars are available to borrow if you don’t have your own. Check their website for any location updates before you go.

Learn Something New at the Sacajawea Interpretive Center

Location: 2503 Sacajawea Park Road
Hours: Summer 10am-5pm, Daily | Winter by appointment only

Pasco’s Sacajawea Interpretive Center pays tribute to the story of Native American guide, Sacajawea, and the Lewis & Clark expedition. Explore interpretive exhibits, picnic by the Snake and Columbia Rivers, and admire Maya Lin’s striking seven-story circle art installations.

Visit the Mid-Columbia Libraries

Mid-Columbia Libraries (with branches in Kennewick, Pasco, and across the region) offer free access to books, eBooks, audiobooks, movies, computers, and Wi-Fi. With a collection of 400,000 items and frequent free events ranging from educational to crafty, it’s a great stop for visitors or residents and anyone looking for engaging community activities.

Enjoy Howard Amon Park

Location: 500 Amon Park Dr
Hours: 5am-11pm Daily

Howard Amon Park in Richland is a top-notch riverfront destination with a shaded playground, wading pool, and summer water activities. Its trails are perfect for walking, running, or biking. At night, you can enjoy moonlit river views and serene tree shadows.

Tour the LIGO Hanford Observatory

Location: LIGO Exploration Center (LExC) | 127124 N Rt. 10
Time: 9:30am-4pm,Tuesday-Friday

LIGO Hanford Observatory’s Exploration Center (LExC) offers free, hands-on exhibits for all ages. Visitors can explore interactive displays, watch informational videos, and see historic artifacts like the Weber Bar. They also host free public tours on the second Saturday of each month. You can register here.

Explore Badger Mountain

Location: 1294 White Bluffs St

Badger Mountain offers tons of outdoor adventures, like trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, all set against stunning views of Richland. Millions of years ago, this land was shaped by ancient forces, and during the last ice age, the mountain stood as an island above a primordial lake.

Check Out a Game Night

Tri-City Area Gaming (TAG), a local nonprofit, promotes open gaming for all. They host board game, RPG, educational, and tabletop events throughout the year, many of which are free. Check their event calendar to see what’s coming up.

Visit a Museum

Many local museums and attractions offer free entry for members, children, and students. Highlights include the Franklin History Society Museum, the CPCCo Planetarium at CBC, the Museum at Keewaydin, the Pasco Aviation Museum, and the REACH Museum.

Attend a Local Event

There’s always something happening around the Tri-Cities, with free events like farmers' markets, festivals, performances, exhibits, and more popping up every weekend. Browse our events calendar for the latest ideas on what to do today.

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Visit Tri-Cities, Washington

We’re a team of enthusiastic locals who absolutely love the Tri-Cities and have made it our mission to share everything that makes this place special! Whether you’re planning a visit, thinking about moving here, or just looking for more information about the area, we’re here to lend a hand and make sure you feel right at home.

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