OUTDOOR EVENTS:
Free Public Sail
Hop into one of the Center for Wooden Boats’ fleet of classic sailboats for a free half-hour sail around Lake Union, or take a ride in the 1906 Steam Launch Puffin. The Cast Off! program allows visitors the chance to sail in boats that are too large or too complex to be a part of the Center’s regular livery program. Arrive early to sign up; all seats are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. All sails are weather permitting, so call after 12n to check if there’s a question. [ http://www.cwb.org ; 206.382.2628] ; 1010 Valley Street, Seattle, WA 98109
Ongoing Each Sun; check with location for exceptions; Time: 2pm-3pm; Cost: Free
Ballard Farmers’ Market
A year-round farmers’ market located in picturesque Old Ballard. In the summer, look for tons of produce, breads, crafts, honeys and jams, plants, and meats (and lots of dogs and sometimes a parrot). In winter, vendors sell organic meats, fish, breads, and fruits in the parking lot at 5330 Ballard Ave. The summer market is located on Ballard Ave at 22nd; free parking is available at the Wilson Ford lot one block away at NW Leary Ave. [ http://fremontmarket.com/ ; 206.781.6776]
Ongoing Each Sun; check with location for exceptions; Time: (Nov-Apr) 11am-3pm; Cost: Free
U-District Street Scramble
Thirty checkpoints are marked on a map of the University District. How many can your family find in 90 minutes? Travel on foot or by bicycle. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. [425.837.0256; info@streetscramble.com; ]http://www.streetscramble.com]
INDOOR EVENTS:
Tiny Tots
ONGOING w/ two different performance schedules- The Seattle Symphony offers short concerts for little kids that feature dance-alongs and sing-alongs. This Spring/Summer theme is Teddy Bears
Musical Picnic w/ Identical Harmony and Coming to America. Seats fill up quickly for these shows; call for tickets. [206.215.4747; ]http://www.seattlesymphony.org] Benaroya Hall- Time: Fri 9:30am, 10:30am, or 11:30am; Sat 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, or 1pm, Cost: $7, Ages: 0-5
Family Game Days
Store staff teach new games each month or families can choose games to explore from the store library. This event is not held on days when there is a home Seahawks game. [206.282.0540; http://www.bluehighwaygames.com ] ; 2203 Queen Anne Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109
Ongoing Each Sun; check with location for exceptions; Time: 3pm-5pm; Cost: Free
Window on Washington Waters
The Aquarium’s renovated space on Pier 59 features a 120,000 gallon exhibit with a 19’x39’ window that dramatically showcases hundreds of local fish and invertebrates in a scene replicated from the rocky underwater cliffs of Neah Bay. Twice a day, divers enter the waters and, through the use of specialized masks, talk to visitors about the environment and the creatures who live in the depths. [206.386.4320; http://www.seattleaquarium.org ] ; Pier 59, 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
Ongoing Daily; check with location for exceptions; Time: Museum hours; Cost: Free with admission; Aquarium Only: Adult (ages 13 & over)= $15.00,Youth (ages 4-12)=$10.00, Child 3 and under are Free
SPEED- The Exhibit
It’s the fastest exhibit ever at Pacific Science Center! Speed engages visitors in the scientific and human qualities of going fast. At the heart of each experience is the physical reality of speed, illustrating the math and physics of acceleration, horsepower, and friction. [206.443.2925; http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org ]
Daily 5/31/08-9/1/08; 200 2nd Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109; Time: Regular museum hours
Cost: Free with paid admission (see website for admission prices)
Preschool Skate
Preschoolers and their accompanying adults can skate for free each weekday at Castle Ice Arena. The offer is not valid during school breaks or holiday skate sessions. [info@castleice.com; http://www.castleice.com ]
Ages: 2-5; 12620 164th Avenue SE, Renton, WA 98059
Ongoing Each Mon-Fri; check with location for exceptions; Time: 11am-3pm; Cost: Skate rental $3
TOURS:
Printing Plant Tours
The Seattle Times offers hour-long tours of its Bothell printing plant during which families can watch robots move rolls of newsprint onto the press, then see the finished newspapers move through the packaging center and out the door to the trucks. Call or email to schedule a tour. The plant is located at 19200 120th Avenue NE, Bothell. [425.489.7000; kpalmer@seattletimes.com; ]http://www.seattletimescompany.com/operations/tours.htm]
Ages: 8 and up
Ongoing Daily; check with location for exceptions; Time: By appointment; Cost: Free
Theo Chocolate Tours
Families can take a yummy tour of the Theo Chocolate Factory. Advance registration is required; call to register. Call for more information. The factory is located at 3400 Phinney Avenue N, Seattle. [206.632.5100; http://www.theochocolate.com ]
Ages: 5 and up
Ongoing Daily; check with location for exceptions; Time: Mon-Fri 1pm & 3pm; Sat & Sun 11am, 1pm & 3pm; Cost: $5
Safeco Field Tours
Take a tour of the home of the Seattle Mariners. Tours last about 1 hour, 15 minutes. Note: No tours on game days, and schedule is subject to change. [206.346.4241]
Ongoing Daily except Mon; check with location for exceptions. Time: 12:30pm, 2:30pm; Cost: Adults $7; Children (3-12) $5; 1250 1st Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98134; http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/
Check out this link to GoCityKids.com that lists the local SUMMER EVENTS going on in our area.
]]>TOURS:
Printing Plant Tours
The Seattle Times offers hour-long tours of its Bothell printing plant during which families can watch robots move rolls of newsprint onto the press, then see the finished newspapers move through the packaging center and out the door to the trucks. Call or email to schedule a tour. The plant is located at 19200 120th Avenue NE, Bothell. [425.489.7000; kpalmer@seattletimes.com; ]http://www.seattletimescompany.com/operations/tours.htm]
Ages: 8 and up
Ongoing Daily; check with location for exceptions; Time: By appointment; Cost: Free
Theo Chocolate Tours
Families can take a yummy tour of the Theo Chocolate Factory. Advance registration is required; call to register. Call for more information. The factory is located at 3400 Phinney Avenue N, Seattle. [206.632.5100; http://www.theochocolate.com ]
Ages: 5 and up
Ongoing Daily; check with location for exceptions; Time: Mon-Fri 1pm & 3pm; Sat & Sun 11am, 1pm & 3pm; Cost: $5
Safeco Field Tours
Take a tour of the home of the Seattle Mariners. Tours last about 1 hour, 15 minutes. Note: No tours on game days, and schedule is subject to change. [206.346.4241]
Ongoing Daily except Mon; check with location for exceptions. Time: 12:30pm, 2:30pm; Cost: Adults $7; Children (3-12) $5; 1250 1st Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98134; http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/
OTHER EVENTS AROUND THE AREA:
INDOOR EVENTS:
Family Game Days
Store staff teach new games each month or families can choose games to explore from the store library. This event is not held on days when there is a home Seahawks game. [206.282.0540; http://www.bluehighwaygames.com ] ; 2203 Queen Anne Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109
Ongoing Each Sun; check with location for exceptions; Time: 3pm-5pm; Cost: Free
Window on Washington Waters
The Aquarium’s renovated space on Pier 59 features a 120,000 gallon exhibit with a 19’x39’ window that dramatically showcases hundreds of local fish and invertebrates in a scene replicated from the rocky underwater cliffs of Neah Bay. Twice a day, divers enter the waters and, through the use of specialized masks, talk to visitors about the environment and the creatures who live in the depths. [206.386.4320; http://www.seattleaquarium.org ] ; Pier 59, 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
Ongoing Daily; check with location for exceptions; Time: Museum hours; Cost: Free with admission; Aquarium Only: Adult (ages 13 & over)= $15.00,Youth (ages 4-12)=$10.00, Child 3 and under are Free
Exploring Trees Inside and Out
Exploring Trees Inside and Out is a hands-on exhibit that offers opportunities to engage in sensory exploration of trees. Visitors can investigate the inside of a tree trunk, look through the veins of leaves, watch a simulation of light filtering through leaves, and listen to the sound of water as it travels from a tree’s roots to its leaves. The exhibit also includes “sensation stations” at which kids can see, touch, and smell different parts and types of trees. [206.443.2925; http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org ]
Daily 2/9/08-5/4/08; 200 2nd Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109; Time: Regular museum hours
Cost: Free with paid admission (see website for admission prices)
Preschool Skate
Preschoolers and their accompanying adults can skate for free each weekday at Castle Ice Arena. The offer is not valid during school breaks or holiday skate sessions. [info@castleice.com; http://www.castleice.com ]
Ages: 2-5; 12620 164th Avenue SE, Renton, WA 98059
Ongoing Each Mon-Fri; check with location for exceptions; Time: 11am-3pm; Cost: Skate rental $3
OUTDOOR EVENTS:
Free Public Sail
Hop into one of the Center for Wooden Boats’ fleet of classic sailboats for a free half-hour sail around Lake Union, or take a ride in the 1906 Steam Launch Puffin. The Cast Off! program allows visitors the chance to sail in boats that are too large or too complex to be a part of the Center’s regular livery program. Arrive early to sign up; all seats are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. All sails are weather permitting, so call after 12n to check if there’s a question. [ http://www.cwb.org ; 206.382.2628] ; 1010 Valley Street, Seattle, WA 98109
Ongoing Each Sun; check with location for exceptions; Time: 2pm-3pm; Cost: Free
Ballard Farmers’ Market
A year-round farmers’ market located in picturesque Old Ballard. In the summer, look for tons of produce, breads, crafts, honeys and jams, plants, and meats (and lots of dogs and sometimes a parrot). In winter, vendors sell organic meats, fish, breads, and fruits in the parking lot at 5330 Ballard Ave. The summer market is located on Ballard Ave at 22nd; free parking is available at the Wilson Ford lot one block away at NW Leary Ave. [ http://fremontmarket.com/ ; 206.781.6776]
Ongoing Each Sun; check with location for exceptions; Time: (Nov-Apr) 11am-3pm; Cost: Free
Tot Treks at Carkeek Park:
A naturalist-led program of stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor activities for children and their caregivers. Advance registration is required. No more than three children can register with each adult.
Upcoming Events:
Tot Treks: Take a Bird to Lunch 3/4/08,
Tyke Hikes: Take a Bird to Lunch 3/6/08
Family Fridays at Carkeek Park 3/7/08
Toad Tunes and Raccoon Rhapsodies 3/7/08
Tot Treks: The Secret Life of Wetlands 3/11/08
Tyke Hikes: The Secret Life of Wetlands 3/13/08
[206.684.0877; http://www.seattle.gov/parks ] ; 950 NW Carkeek Park Road, Seattle, WA 98177
Ages: 2-; Time: 10am-11:15am; Cost: $3.50
Holiday Events- ST. PATTY’S DAY EVENTS and EASTER EGG HUNTS:
Check out this link to GoCityKids.com that lists the local Holiday events for March going on in our area.
]]>ONGOING EVENTS FOR JANUARY:
DAILY: Theo Chocolate Tours
Families can take a yummy tour of the Theo Chocolate Factory. Advance registration is required; call to register. Additional tours are scheduled through the holiday season. Call for more information: 206.632.5100; or visit http://www.theochocolate.com. The factory is located at 3400 Phinney Avenue N, Seattle. Tours are for ages: 5 and up and happen every Mon-Fri at 1pm & 3pm; Sat & Sun 11am, 1pm & 3pm The cost is $5 per person.
DAILY: Drop In Creating Creation Station: Drop in any time during open hours for arts and crafts, and create at your own pace. The store recommends calling ahead to see how busy it is: 425.775.7959; or visit http://www.creationstationinc.com. Ongoing Daily; check with location for exceptions. Time: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; (October-June) Sun 12n-5pm
Cost: $5.95/person for two hours Location: The Creation Station: 19511 64th Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA 98036
MONDAY thru FRIDAY: Spartan Gym Indoor Playground
Slides, teeter-totters, climbing toys, mini basketball hoops, a few ride ons, and multi-sized balls are available - plus, plenty of room to run and play in a non-confining environment. Adults are responsible for supervising the children they bring (max. five children per adult); Ages: 1-5, Ongoing Each Mon-Fri; check with location for exceptions, 206.418.3383; or visit http://www.cityofshoreline.com/parks. Time: 9:30am-11:30am; Cost: $2/family. Location: 18560 First Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98155 Note: Indoor playground is open from Mid-Sep to late Apr.
MON/TUES/THURS: Wear ‘em Out Toddler Gym (Northgate)
Kids are invited to drop in and get tired out playing with toys and running around the gym. Caregivers must supervise children at all times. Location: 10510 5th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98125 Call 206.386.4283 for info; or visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/northgate.htm. Ages 0-6 welcome. Time: Mon 10am-12n; Tue & Thu 10am-1:45pm Cost: $2/ child
TUESDAYS: Jazz Tuesdays: Bill Anschell
Jazz pianist Bill Anschell performs (for FREE) in the IKEA restaurant from 5-8pm. Call 425.656.2980 for info; or visit http://www.ikea-usa.com/Seattle. Location= 601 Southwest 41st Street, Renton, WA 98055.
WEDNESDAYS: Live Music at the Green Bean
Families are invited for weekly live music performances. [206.706.4587; ]http://www.greenbeancoffee.org]
Ongoing Each Wed; check with location for exceptions Time: 8pm
Cost: Free Location: 210 N 85th Street, Seattle, WA 98103
WEDNESDAYS: Creative Movement for Children: Through fantasy and games, children learn basic movement skills and vocabulary, such as hopping, leaping, gliding and stretching. Class Schedule; AGE 3 = Wednesdays at 12:15-1pm; Ages 4-5 = Wednesdays from 1-1:45pm. COST= $95 for a 12 week session. LOCATION: Magnuson Community Center 7110 62nd Ave Seattle, WA 98115. Register in person, by phone or online: 206-684-7026: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/magnuson.htm
WEDNESDAYS: Come Play with Us
The store hosts a different event each week, including storytimes, kids’ yoga, arts and crafts, and other activities. Call 206.285.7529 for info; or visit http://www.urbankidsplay.com. Ages: 0-5 welcome. Ongoing Each Wed; check with location for exceptions. Time: 1:30pm; Cost: Free; Location: 1805 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
WEDNESDAYS: Preschool Story Times at the Bothell Library
Children ages 3 and up accompanied by an adult are invited for story time. Advance registration is required; register by phone or in person at the Information Desk; 425.486.7811; or visit http://www.kcls.org. Each Wed 1/9/08-1/30/08 Time: 9:30am (also a 10:30 start time for ages 2 and up); Cost: Free; Location: Bothell Regional Library: 18215 98th Avenue NE, Bothell, WA 98011
SECOND WEDNESDAY MONTHLY: American Girl Group
Girls are invited to bring their favorite American Girl doll for crafts, stories, friends, and fun on the second Wednesday of each month. Call 206.417.2973 for info; or visit http://www.bn.com for locations. Ages: 5-12; Time: 7pm; Cost: Free
THURSDAYS: Toddler Takeover at Kid Quest Museum
Children ages 6 to 19 months and their caregivers are invited to socialize and play at a class that includes creative (sometimes messy) art and sensory activities, large and small motor activities, and games. A class geared towards children ages 6 to 19 months is held on Tuesdays. Advance registration is preferred, but drop-ins are welcome if space is available. Call 425.637.8100 for info; or visit http://www.kidsquestmuseum.org; Ages: 1-3 welcome; Each Thu 10/4/07-5/29/08 Time: 9am-10:30am; Cost: Members $8/ class or $30/ month; Non-members $10/ class or $55/ month Location: Kids Quest Museum: Factoria Mall, 4091 Factoria Blvd. SE, Bellevue, WA 98006
FRIDAYS: Family Skate Night
Families roller skate and enjoy games, prizes, snack bar, and music. Rent skates or bring your own. In the Bitter Lake Annex, 13040 Greenwood Avenue N. Call 206.684.7524 for more info.
Ongoing Each Fri; check with location for exceptions. Time: 6:30pm-8:15pm; Cost: $3 includes skate rental Location: Bitter Lake Community Center: 13035 Linden Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98133
FRIDAY thru SUNDAY: Music at Third Place Commons
Family-friendly concerts on the Third Place Commons stage in Lake Forest Park - Kids are welcome to dance on the dance floor, although parents are cautioned to keep track of them. Most shows Fri, Sat evenings; sometimes Sundays. Visit the website for an updated music schedule and times- http://www.thirdplacecommons.org/ . Ongoing Each Fri-Sun; check with location for exceptions. Cost: Free Location: Lake Forest Park Towne Centre, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, WA 98155
DATE SPECIFIC EVENTS IN JANUARY:
JANUARY 8TH AND 9TH: My Little Pony Live!
Pinky Pie and her seven pony friends visit Tacoma to host “The World’s Biggest Tea Party,” an interactive musical production that features classic children’s songs and new music. Purchase advance tickets by phone or online. Call for group sales discounts. Call 253.627.TIXS to purchase; or visit http://www.tacomadome.org or http://www.mylittleponylive.net. The show is most appropriate for ages 3-7 and runs 1/8/08-1/9/08 Time: Tue 7pm; Wed 10:30am & 7pm; Cost: $15-$20 Location: Tacoma Dome: 2727 East D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421
JANUARY 8th: Silvertips at the Imagine Children’s Museum
Kids can play carpet hockey with players from the Everett Silvertips and get their autographs. Call 425.258.1006, ext 1012 for info; or email education@imaginecm.org; or visit http://www.imaginecm.org. Time: 11:30am-2pm; Cost: Free with paid admission Location: Imagine Childrens’ Museum: 1502 Wall Street, Everett, WA 98201
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22nd: Parent Education Night
Four experts offer information on saving for college, ensuring that kids get enough sleep, talking about the “birds and bees,” and the “Steps to Respect” program. The event is held at Loyal Heights Elementary School, 2511 NW 80th Street, Seattle. Childcare is not available. Email governslater@yahoo.com for info; Time: 7pm-8:30pm; Cost: Free
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY January 26th and 27th: Seattle Travel Show: Explore the World of Travel: Special Events and presentations throughout the Travel Show offer entertainment, education and interactive events for show attendees. SEATTLE CENTER EXHIBITION HALL located at 3rd and Mercer Street, next to the new McCaw Hall
SHOW TIMES: Saturday January 26th 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday January 27th 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR: Adults: $7.00: Children under 12: $6.00 *strollers will be checked at the door
TUESDAY, December 11th: Christmas in Brier- “A small cul-de-sac in Brier becomes “Christmas Central” with one of the area’s most spectacular holiday light displays. This one is definitely worth the trip! Santa is on hand Dec 7-Dec 8 and Dec 14-Dec 15. Hours are 5pm-12m on Dec 24 and Dec 31 and 5pm-11pm on Dec 25. Located on 228th Place SW in Brier. http://www.brierlights.org - admission is free. Most people simply drive through in their cars. Canned food donations are encouraged! There is also another Brier neighborhood that does a lot of lights, located just West of this neighborhood.”
WEDNESDAY, December 12th: Garden d’Lights- “Some 400,000 lights brighten up the night at the lovely Bellevue Botanical Garden. Families can view gardens of lilies, alliums, weeping cherry trees, and more - all created with mini holiday lights. Crowds can be dense; if you want to avoid them, visit on weekdays and/or early in the evening. 425.451.3755; http://www.bellevuebotanical.org” - Time: 5pm-9:30pm, Cost: Free; donations accepted.
THURSDAY, December 13th: Bellevue Magic Season- “Bellevue gets in the holiday mood with five weeks of family-friendly events at various downtown venues. Go skating at the Magic Season Ice Arena in Downtown Park ($9 includes skate rental), walk along snowflake lane visit with Santa (grand arrival at Bellevue Collection on Bellevue Way, Nov 24 at 7pm), and catch a music or dance performance at Meydenbauer Center. Check the website for a complete schedule of events. http://www.magicseason.com”
FRIDAY, December 14th: Zoolights: “70 magical displays and over half a million lights- Every holiday season, we transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. This year is extra-special because we’re celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Zoolights! Come see beluga whales, elephants, owls, reindeer, dinosaurs, and other dazzling attractions during this one-of-a-kind event. Bring your camera so you can capture the breathtaking commemorative coral wreath. Featuring underwater creatures aglow with lights, the wreath is so big you can stand inside of it. Another special display: a twinkling replica of the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Bundle up and join the fun: Enjoy live entertainment, holiday music and refreshments as you stroll the Zoo, feed goats and sheep in the Kids’ Zone, and visit the aquariums. Please note that the upper level of the North Pacific Aquarium will be closed most Friday and Saturday nights for private event. Take a ride on the Paul Titus Carousel and shop for holiday gifts”
SATURDAY, December 15th: Campus Luminata- “Seattle Center’s 74 acres are transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of festive lights for Winterfest. Families can enjoy the lights on their way to Winterfest events or take a winter walk around the campus. (If you haven’t seen them yet, be sure to check out the stunning new benches surrounding the International Fountain.) 206.684.7200; http://www.seattlecenter.com.” This is FREE and it opens after dusk.
SUNDAY, December 16th: Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park- “The largest drive-through holiday light presentation in the Northwest is held in Pierce County, where families can view nearly 300 elaborate light displays on a two-mile drive along Spanaway Lake. Highlights include animated displays in which bears fly kites, penguins slide off of an igloo, and Santa goes snowboarding. Get $10 tickets at Lakeside Community Center, Sprinker Recreation Center, the Garfield Bookstore at PLU, or online. Directions are available on the Pierce County website (http://www.piercecountywa.gov)."
]]>Tuesday, December 4th: Redmond Towne Center Holiday Train- “Santa sets up shop at the mall, where kids can get their pictures taken and take a ride on the holiday train. http://www.redmondtowncenter.com; Daily 11/23/07-12/24/07- Time: Regular mall hours, Cost: $3-$5”
Friday, December 7th: Bothell Winterfest- “A Bothell family tradition. Come see the arrival of Santa and the lighting of the community tree at the Park at Bothell Landing on Friday, December 7. Tractor rides through the park begin at 5:30 pm with arrival of Santa at 6:30 pm. Parents are encouraged to bring their camera to take photos of their children with Santa. This is a free event sponsored by City of Bothell Parks and Recreation”
Saturday, December 8th: Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: “Families are invited to bundle up and explore the zoo’s display of more than a half-million lights. The event also includes live entertainment, animal visits, and holiday shopping. For info: 253.591.5333; http://www.pdza.org/zoolights
Daily 11/23/07-1/1/08”
Sunday, December 9th: Fremont Sunday Ice Cream Cruise 1pm Sailing Family and Pets Welcome!: Want to see more of our exciting city while enjoying great company and yummy treats? The Seattle Ferry Service offers Sunday Ice Cream Cruises. The ferry departs from Fremont under the Aurora Bridge. Watch for the signs, balloons, and flags. The on-board cell phone number is 206 713-8446. The length of the cruise is 45 minutes. Prices for the cruise and refreshments are listed below. For further information, please visit the Seattle Ferries website at http://www.seattleferryservice.com
The Fremont Sunday Cruise operates year round on Sundays and departs on the hour 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. Please arrive 15 minutes before the departure time for boarding. This is a wonderful family and friend event. Hey, you can even bring your dog along for the fun! We will visit Lake Union’s famous house boats, including the Sleepless In Seattle house boat. We will also sail by Dale Chihuly’s studio, and other scenic points of interest. Adults $10, Seniors $9, kids 5-13 $6, and under 5 $1.