The best way to explore Seattle's attractions with kids? Head out on one of the "free days." You'll be able to visit for a short time, introduce your child to the protocol of museum-going and then duck out if you see a tantrum brewing on the horizon. I suggest starting out with a quick tour --20 or 40 minutes -- and working your way up.

Or try one of the attractions that are always free and fun, like the Olympic Sculpture Park. Can't go wrong if you don't stay long...

This list will be updated as changes are necessary.

Free First Thursdays

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture: Free 10 a.m.-8 p.m. first Thursday, University of Washington, Seattle; 206-543-5590 or http://www.burkemuseum.org.

Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum (EMP/SFM): Free 5-8 p.m. first Thursday, 325 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle; 206-770-2700 or http://www.emplive.org/.

Henry Art Gallery: "Pay as you wish" (or free) 11 a.m.-8 p.m. first Thursday, University of Washington, Seattle; or http://www.henryart.org/

Museum of Flight: Free 5-9 p.m. first Thursday, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle; 206-764-5720 or http://www.museumofflight.org/.

Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI): Free 10 a.m.-8 p.m. first Thursday, 2700 24th Ave. E., Seattle; 206-324-1126 or http://www.seattlehistory.org/.

Northwest African American Museum: Free 11 a.m.-7 p.m. first Thursday, 2300 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle; 206-518-6000 or http://www.naamnw.org/.

Seattle Art Museum (SAM): Free 10 a.m.-9 p.m. first Thursday, 100 University St., Seattle; 206-654-3100 or http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/. (Note: Inspiring Impressionism exhibit discounted to $10 adults, kids 12 and under free.)

Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM): Free 10 a.m.-9 p.m. first Thursday, Volunteer Park, 1400 E. Prospect St., Seattle; 206-654-3100 or http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/.

Wing Luke Asian Museum: Free 10 a.m.-8 p.m. first Thursday, 719 S. King St., Seattle; 206- 623-5124 or http://www.wingluke.org/

Other Free Days

Nordic Heritage Museum: Free 10 a.m.-4 p.m. first Tuesday, 3014 NW 67th St.,
Seattle; 206-789-5707 or http://www.nordicmuseum.org.

Seattle Asian Art Museum: Free first Saturday (see entry on Tuesday) for "Family Day," with arts activities included.

Wing Luke Asian Museum: Free third Saturday for "Family Day," with arts activities included.

Always Free

Center for Wooden Boats: 10 a.m.-8 p.m during summer, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. fall, winter and spring, 1010 Valley St., Seattle; 206-382-2628 or http://www.cwb.org/.

Frye Art Museum: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., 704 Terry Ave., Seattle; 206-622-9250 or http://www.fryemuseum.org.

Olympic Sculpture Park: 30 minutes prior to sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset; 2901 Western Ave., Seattle; 206-654-3100 or http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/osp/.

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