Free and Budget-friendly Things to Do in Bothell

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy some of the best food and activities Bothell has to offer. From witnessing an avian phenomenon to admiring local art to catching a happy hour, we’ve rounded up seven things to do in Bothell that are free or easy on the wallet.

Stroll through Yakima Fruit Market and Small River Farm

Stop and smell the roses… and English Daisies, lilies, daffodils, and more at Yakima Fruit Market and Small River Farm. Open from March to Halloween, Yakima Fruit Market sells delicious produce and local grocery goods, but visit their nursery to admire their breathtaking blooms (and take home a plant or two as a souvenir).

Small River Farm is open year-round, and specializes in arranged bouquets made with seasonal, fresh-cut flowers. Stroll through, ogle their colorful selections, and bring home a bouquet to display on your dining table as a reminder of the fun you had in Bothell.

See the murder of crows

It happens almost every night at dusk: As many as 16,000 crows fly into the University of Washington - Bothell campus before roosting in the wetland around the college.

Walk to the center of campus to get the best view of the birds flying across the sky. The phenomenon is unique to Bothell and is one you can’t miss when you visit.

Play a round (or two!) of board games at Zulu’s Board Game Cafe

No need to spend a dime at Zulu’s Board Game Cafe to have a fun time — the cozy cafe spot offers board games to rent and play with friends and family, or you can bring your own game too! Stick around for the cafe’s selection of craft brews and delectable, shareable bites, including their Bombardo Tot-chos and Champion Poutine.

Explore interior design vignettes at First and Main Design Market

Gather inspiration from First and Main Design Market, Bothell’s own interior design, custom furniture, and vintage shop. The store features beautiful vignettes of living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and more throughout its space. And if you’re so inclined, take home a piece of Bothell by purchasing one of their one-of-a-kind vintage accessories.

Have a photoshoot at the historic bridge

What’s one of our favorite, Instagram-worthy spots in Bothell? The historic bridge at the Park at Bothell Landing, of course! Whether you’re snapping photos of friends with your phone or you’re capturing precious moments with a professional camera, the bridge is the perfect backdrop. And best of all, it’s free to use for your next photo shoot.

Catch a happy hour at a restaurant or bar

It wouldn’t be a trip to our corner of the PNW without visiting a happy hour at one of Bothell’s many restaurants and bars, and grabbing a delicious cocktail or snack at a discount!

Here are a few of our favorite happy hour spots and what we love to order:

• La Gloria Modern Mexican Restaurant Bar: Sopitos ($6) and a house margarita ($6)
• Bay Leaf Bar & Grill: Chicken pakora ($7) and a bottle of Indian beer ($4)
• Poquitos Bothell: Happy hour nachos ($8) and a Purist Margarita ($9)

Admire local artwork at Tsuga Fine Art & Framing

Tsuga Fine Art and Framing offers custom framing services and classes, but stop by the local business  to get your fill of art — you’ll always find work by local artists, from Vancouver to North Bend, displayed on its walls.

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Header image courtesy of @poquitosbothell.