Auburn celebrates annual KidsDay with lots of activities
Published 1:31 pm Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Summer has officially kicked off with the City of Auburn’s annual KidsDay, a celebration for families, at Les Gove Park.
The June 23 free festival offered several kinds of activities with more than 130 vendors.
“We are super equitable at this event. Most of the activities are free,” said Amanda Valdez, the city’s Department of Parks, Arts and Recreation’s special events coordinator.
“[We have] a fire engine and a fire truck where you can spray the hose,” Valdez said. “Public Works and Waste Management are here…Seattle Children’s brought an ambulance…Tesla brought a Cybertruck…we also have free inflatables and an indoor playground.”
Valdez explained the large community aspect of KidsDay and the importance in bringing families together.
“Auburn is full of people, and you don’t know your neighbors until you get to know your neighbors,” she said. “Here’s a great way to meet your neighbors in a safe, fun environment.”
Although the temperature was nearing 90 degrees on Tuesday, thousands of people still came out to the event. Between the splash pad and cold treats, residents of all ages were able to have fun in the heat.
Emilio, 6, just finished first grade and expressed his excitement to “go to the pool” because “it’s summer break.” He also showed off the dessert he got in celebration of KidsDay. “My ice cream is strawberry!”
Nelly, 4, also shared enthusiasm for summer treats. “I love the ice cream,” she said.
When asked what his favorite part about KidsDay was, Ezra, 5, said “I love the trampolines and the donuts.”
The event spanned across all of Les Gove Park and offered fun for the whole family. From stickers handed out by the Auburn Police Department to drawing on a Tesla Cybertruck to sitting in the shade eating strawberry ice cream, kids of all ages were able to celebrate the beginning of summer.
However, as Valdez mentioned, the best part about KidsDay wasn’t just the activities. Instead, it was about community members celebrating as a whole.
“I love being able to see the community come together, especially right now where everything can be so divided, we can just forget about that and can come and have community,” said Auburn resident Griselda Holguin.
