Ideas for better free time.

Over Stevens Pass to Leavenworth: a fall Saturday with the river walk, Oktoberfest dates and prices, the Nutcracker Museum and the drive home.

Oysters at opening, sunset at the Ballard Locks and molten chocolate cake — plus a garden-walk version. Two fall date nights in Seattle with costs.

Spooky Safari on Friday, a farm and pumpkins Saturday, trick-or-treat at dusk and the fair's last day Sunday — Halloween 2026 in Phoenix, with costs.

A family day at the 2026 Arizona State Fair, hour by hour: which day to go, tickets, wristbands, $25 parking and a full cost for four.

Three tastings, a riverside walk and a long lunch in Woodinville wine country — planned hour by hour, with someone else driving you back to Seattle.

Outdoors at 7, indoors by noon, ice cream at 4: a family Saturday in Phoenix with the Zoo, pizza and the Science Center — every ticket price included.

Three complete date nights for two — Downtown, Uptown and Old Town Scottsdale — with real places, times and costs, each under $150.

Walk onto the ferry, spend the day in Winslow — free museums, lunch, the waterfront — and ride back free. Times, fares and costs.

Free museums, a sculpture park, fish ’n chips on the pier, Dick’s for dinner and Kerry Park at night — about $36–47 per person.