Here is this week’s list of family-friendly free or frugal events for around the Northwest, as well as some events going on around the country.
We’ve also put together a big list of Pacific Northwest Fall Festivals including pumpkin patches & cider squeezes.
Don’t forget to check out Goldstar for Discount Tickets on many local activities and events, if you are looking for a specific event and want to save some money!
Annie: The Charming Musical Family Favorite (Seattle; 10/12, 17 & 18; tickets start at $17 plus service fee)
James and the Giant Peach: Enchanting Family Musical Gives Warm Fuzzies (Portland; 10/12 – 10/19 Saturdays; tickets start at $11 plus service fee)
Children’s Singer-Songwriter Charlie Hope at Town Hall (Seattle; 10/19; tickets as low as FREE plus service fee)
ComedySportz Kids & Family Matinee (Seattle; 10/26; tickets start at $4 plus service fee)
Orson Welles’s War of the Worlds by Seattle Radio Theatre (Seattle; 10/27; tickets as low as FREE plus service fee)
Disney Musical Beauty and the Beast (Portland; 12/14 – 12/28 select days; tickets as low as $19.13 plus service fee)
If you see a fun, frugal event that’s not listed, feel free to leave a comment so we can add that event to our list.
PUGET SOUND AREA::
Friday, October 11th :
*Nature Alphabet – Tacoma; 10/11; 10:30am – 11:30am; Preschoolers explore different nature topics through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks and crafts. Note – two location options: Tacoma Nature Center and Center at Norpoint. Adult participation is recommended, children younger than age 4 require an adult present. Space is limited, advance registration required. $6.
*FreeTête-à-têter At Frye Museum – Seattle; 10/11; 11:00am to 5:00pm; Frye Museum entrance and parking are free all the time. You can check their events page here, for a list of weekly events.
*Pay-What-You-Can at Seattle Symphony’s “Soundbridge”- Seattle, Beneroya Hall; 10/11; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; Soundbridge is a music discovery center and Friday afternoons are “Pay What You Can” entrance- suggested donation $5 – $15 per family; Ages 2-5, 30 minute interactive storytelling with song & rhythm, dance & musical instruments at 1:45pm.
*Building 30 Opening Celebration – Seattle; 10/11; 5:00pm – 7:00pm; The community is invited to a celebration for the renovated Building 30 at Magnuson Park. There will be live music from local artist Off the Hook, performances from Thistle Theater, demonstrations by One World Roller Derby, and other family friendly activities provided by Magnuson Park tenants. Come learn more about the former US Navy airplane hangar, and enjoy light refreshments.
*Seattle Art Museum Free To Teens – Seattle; 10/11; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; The Seattle Art Museum is free to teens 13 to 19 with school ID on the second Friday of each month.
*Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®: Fully Charged – Everett; 10/11 – 10/13; various times; Circus includes animals, clowns, acrobatics and more. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10-12, 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Oct. 12, 1 and 5 p.m. Oct. 13. $10 to $65 ages 2 and older.
*Northwest Seaport Chantey Sing – Seattle; 10/11: 8:00pm – 10:00pm; Sea chanteys and other sea songs celebrate our connections to the sea, ships, skippers, and sailors. Sea Chanteys are fun and easy to sing and are for all ages. Spanaway Bay, a.k.a. Carol and Kent Mesford, will lead the October sing-along aboard the historic steam ferry Virginia V.
Saturday, October 12th :
*Vashon Ciderfest – Vashon Island; 10/12; Sweet or hard cider tasting, orchard tour, apple pressing demonstrations, Vashon Fire and Rescue open house, food, crafts, kids’ activities and more. All day. Most activities free.
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 10/12 & 10/16; 10:00am-11:00am; Introduce your toddler to nature with story time, songs, and fun activities inside, followed by exploration along the trails of Seward Park. Walks are easy and less than one mile in length. Pre-register, space is limited. Recommended for ages birth to 3. Cost: $2 per person.
*Story and Craft Time – Bothell; 10/12; 10:00am – 11:00am; Kids will enjoy a themed story time followed by a craft relating to the stories.
Story time provided by Little Explorer Preschool. Happens regularly on the second Saturday of each month.
*Be Well Washington: A Family Health Fair – Seattle; 10/12; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Join us for a day of fun, healthy activities for all ages including preventative health screenings, healthy cooking demos, USA Hot Dog Jump Roping Team, Blitz from the Seahawks, face painters and more. FREE! Free parking pass available for print on website.
*Fall Tree Festival – Tacoma; 10/12; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Supervised tree climbing for kids (ropes, harnesses and helmets provided), leaf art projects and more.
*Spiders and Insects Super Saturday – Seattle; 10/12; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Insects and spiders can be found almost everywhere, from the highest and hottest places to the lowest and coldest ones. They come in all sizes and shapes and are a vital component of our ecosystem. Meet some of the ones here at Seward Park that are part of our healthy forest. Work a bug puzzle, filter through leaf litter and count the bugs, or create your own arts and crafts insects and spiders. Discover the beauty and benefits of bugs!
*Rocktoberfest – Marysville; 10/12 & 10/13; 10:00am – 5:00pm; Marysville Rock and Gem Club’s annual show features exhibits, dealers, demonstrations, kids’ activities, food and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 12-13.
*Sky Valley Farm Festival – Monroe; 10/12; 10:00am – 5:00pm; Enjoy spectacular views of the Skykomish Valley while touring three working farms (beef, dairy and produce). Enjoy wagon rides, visits with the animals and learn about the hard work that goes into raising and growing your food. Other highlights include cooking demos, corn maze, pumpkin patch, pony rides, info booths and more. Located along the lower Fern Bluff Road, just off Highway 2 between Sultan and Monroe. Participating farms are at 16603 275th Ave S.E., 29524 Fern Bluff Road, and 29900 Fern Bluff Road, Monroe.
*The Not-Its! at Ridge Romp – Seattle; 10/12; 10:30am – 11:30am; Meet The Not-Its!, Seattle’s most rockin’ kid-focused band. Featuring the vocals of Sarah Shannon (of lauded ‘90s indie-pop band Velocity Girl), The Not-Its! combine crunchy guitars with smooth, four-part harmonies, all nestled within “fantastic danceable pop gems about gettin’ fancy, birthday parties, bath time and intergalactic play dates.” $5, free babes in arms.
*Star Wars Reads Day – Puyallup; 10/12; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Come celebrate Star Wars Reads Day at the Puyallup Public Library! We’ll have crafts, games and trivia for all your Star Wars fans. Costumes are encouraged! This event is free and open to all ages. Be sure to join us in the afternoon for From Golden Age to a Galaxy Far Away, a lecture on the influence of the 1930s and 40s – include Hollywood, comics, and WWII – and how that shaped the Star Wars saga. Our speaker will be Cole Horton, astromech builder and Star Wars expert.
*Salmon SEEson in Issaquah – Issaquah; 10/12 – 11/10 Saturdays & Sundays; 11:00am & 1:00pm; See salmon return to Issaquah Creek, where you can view spawning from the bridge or through viewing windows. Trained docents from Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH) will give tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, September 7 to November 10.
*Little Red Riding Hood - Woodinville; 10/12 – 10/27 Saturdays & Sundays; 11:00am, 2:00pm & 4:00pm; Enjoy a delightful 45-minute performance of this childhood classic. This professional production is perfect for elementary-aged children and adults alike! See our website for details. Shows at 11 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 27. Admission is FREE; donations to benefit the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center are welcomed. ASL interpreters will sign the 4 p.m. performance on October 27.
*Cedar River Salmon Journey – Renton area; 10/12 – 10/27 Saturdays & Sundays; 11:00am – 4:00pm; Join the Cedar River Salmon Journey and see spawning salmon at five sites along the Cedar River near Renton. Experienced volunteer naturalists will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Renton Library, Cedar River Park, Riverview Park, Cavanaugh Pond and Landsburg Park and Dam. All sites except Cavanaugh Pond are ADA accessible. Parking is limited; please carpool.
*Kelsey Creek Farm Fair – Bellevue; 10/12; 11:00am – 4:00pm; Join us as we celebrate fall at our annual farm fair. Admission is free though some activities may have nominal fees. There is no ATM on site and charge cards will not be accepted. Please leave pets at home. There is a shuttle service from Bannerwood Sports Park and from Wilburton Park and Ride as there is limited parking on site.
*Harvest Festival – Bothell; 10/12 & 10/13; 11:00am – 5:00pm; Craft fair, music, pony rides, train rides, pumpkin painting and more, Oct. 12-13.
*Colorful Fall: Why Do the Leaves Change? – Bellevue; 10/12; 1:00pm – 2:00pm; Every fall a beautiful, but mysterious event occurs. The trees become brilliant shades of red, yellow, orange and brown, why does this change happen? Learn what makes deciduous trees lose their leaves, and why it is beneficial. Best for ages 5 and older.
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 10/12; 1:00pm – 3:00pm; Free craft time for kids each Saturday. $2 material fee or free with admission.
*Nature Walk at Lake Hills Greenbelt – Bellevue; 10/12; 2:00pm; Explore Lake Hills Greenbelt with a park ranger. Learn the history of the park, tour community gardens, and learn about local wildlife. All ages. 2 p.m. Saturdays. $1 suggested donation per person.
*Trouble in Fairytalezania – Seattle; 10/12; 2:00pm; Show from Taproot Theatre blends fairy tales with an anti-bullying message. Part of Arts Crush.
*Mercer Slough Nature Walk – Bellevue; 10/12; 2:00pm-3:00pm; Meet a Mercer Slough park ranger at the visitor center for a free guided tour and learn about the fascinating flora, fauna and history of the Mercer Slough Nature Park. Please dress for weather. No registration is required. FREE.
*Crossroads Bellevue 2nd Saturdays – Bellevue; 10/12; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; Enjoy a family-friendly evening the second Saturday of every month. Activities can include game times, snacks, concerts and more.
Sunday, October 13th:
*Mushroom Show - Everett; 10/13; 10:00am – 5:00pm; Experts teach how to identify more than 100 types of fungus. Bring in mushrooms from your backyard.
*Morse Preserve Open Trails – Graham; 10/13; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; The public is invited to explore the foot trails and new boardwalk at this monthly event between April and October. Discover distinct habitats from upland forest to riparian to prairies to wetlands. Morse Wildlife Preserve has it all! Please no pets or bicycles.
*Children’s Nature Movies – Bellevue; 10/13; 2:00pm – 2:30pm; Join us for fun, educational nature movies at Lewis Creek. Popcorn provided. Drop-in; no registration required. Kids younger than age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 425-452-4195 for more information. FREE.
*Mercer Slough Ranger Program: A “Batty” Afternoon – Bellevue; 10/13 & 10/20; 2:00pm – 3:00pm; In recognition of Halloween, we’ll be talking about bats! We’ll learn about what species are here, their habits and habitats, and how we can help conserve these amazing creatures. Free; registration is not required. 2 p.m. Oct. 13 and 20.
*Family Sundays at the Henry – Seattle; 10/13; 2:00pm – 3:30pm; Family Sundays at the Henry are every second Sunday and are especially for adults and children to learn and create together. Each month we will focus on different activities and ways of seeing. Family Sundays are best suited for elementary-aged students, but we encourage older or younger kids to join in. $10 family, free for members. Space is limited, pre-register.
*Columbia City BeatWalk – Columbia City /Seattle; 10/13; 7:00pm – 10:00pm; BeatWalk always features a diverse line-up of first-rate, local musicians hosted by neighborhood businesses for audiences of all ages. $7 for adults. Free ages 14 and under.
Monday, October 14th:
*Masterpiece Monday - Bellevue; 10/14; 10:00am – 10:45am; Create a special art project each week to take home during this fun drop-in class. Activities vary from painting to collage and mosaics. Ages 3 and older. Most Mondays 10 to 10:45 a.m. $2 supply fee per class. Please check website for current schedules. No registration required.
*Evening Family Story Time – Shoreline; 10/14; 7:00pm – 7:30pm; Put on your PJs and enjoy stories, rhymes, music and movement. Lots of
wiggling and giggling guaranteed! Best for kids ages 3 to 6 and their families.
Tuesday, October 15th:
*PJ Library Story and Song Time with Erik Lawson – Seattle; 10/8; 10:00am; Enjoy Jewish songs and stories with musician and storyteller Erik Lawson. Everyone is welcome to these free events! R.S.V.P. to community@sjcs.net.
*Village Playdays – Seattle; 10/15; 10:00am – 11:00am; Kid-friendly storytime, crafts and activities at a different University Village store or restaurant each Tuesday. Parents receive discounts and offers for that day. Check website for details.
*After-School Special Activities – Seattle; 10/15 – 12/10 Tuesdays; 4:00pm – 5:30pm; Kids ages 6 to 10 are invited to free, drop-in activities at Magnuson Community Center every Tuesday through Dec. 10.
Oct. 15: Craft Extravaganza
Oct. 22: Movie Madness
Oct. 29: Louie Foxx Magic Show
Nov. 5: Big Kid Toys Gym Play
Nov. 12: Bingo Blast
Nov. 19: Craft Extravaganza
Nov. 26 Movie Madness
Dec. 3: Bingo Blast, Holiday Edition
Dec. 10: Holiday Craft Extravaganza
Wednesday, October 16th:
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 10/16; 10:00am-11:00am; Introduce your toddler to nature with story time, songs, and fun activities inside, followed by exploration along the trails of Seward Park. Walks are easy and less than one mile in length. Pre-register, space is limited. Recommended for ages birth to 3. Cost: $2 per person.
*FREE Drop-In Playgroup – Seattle; 3/13 & 3/15; 10:00am – 12:00pm; Join kids ages birth to 5 and their parents/caregivers every Wednesday and Friday for a drop-in playgroup! Have fun playing with other families, reading, and singing. First-time families will be asked to fill out a registration form. FREE
Thursday, October 17th :
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 10/17; Thursday 3:00pm – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
*Tacoma Art Walk – Tacoma; 10/17; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; Visit Tacoma’s downtown galleries during the third Thursday artwalk. FREE, includes the Museum of Glass, Washington State History Museum (free 2 to 8 p.m.) and Tacoma Art Museum.
*FREE Third Thursdays at KidsQuest – Bellevue; 10/17; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; Enjoy free admission 5 to 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.
For more lists of local events in WA check out these websites::
*Sounds Fun Mom - Maegen always has a great list of events local to the South Sound area of WA
*Grays Harbor Deals - Annaliese lists some great events each weekend for Grays Harbor county (Long Beach, Hoquiam, Aberdeen, Moclips, Ocean Shores, Raymond, Elma & more!)
PORTLAND AREA:
Here’s our list of weekly events for the Portland area.
Friday, October 11th :
*Ladybug Nature Walk: Fernhill Park – Portland; 10/11; 10:00am – 11:00am; Naturalist led stroll. Ages 2-5, with grown-up. Stroller-accessible. Cost: $4 per child
*Penny’s Puppets at Central Lutheran Church NE PDX - Portland; 10/11; 10:30am; Batunia’s Nocturnal Wonderland -Join Batunia the Bat on a musical tour of the creatures that come alive under the night sky. See the beautiful night world in a whole new light. New puppet, songs and special effects make this a show not to miss. Cost: $5 or 4 for $17
*Weekly Storytime + Craft at Craft Factory – Portland; 10/11; 10:30am – 11:30am; Friday morning storytimes are free. We offer a storytime craft special: $5 for any two ornamental crafts. If your child would like to do something other than the ornamental craft, they are welcome to choose a regularly-priced ($12) base. Storytime books are on loan from Annie Bloom’s Books, right next door.
*Music From Mr. Hoo from The Alphabeticians – Portland; 10/11; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Mr. Hoo will be singing songs with and for kids. He’ll play his guitar and sing some original songs, some Alphabeticians songs, some classic kid songs and Hoo knows what else? $3 suggested donation pp.
*Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek – Portland; 10/11; 1:00pm-2:15pm; This program integrates nature exploration, art, literature, music, movement, and outdoor play. It is geared toward families with young children (preferably ages 2-6 but all are welcome.) For more specific information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 225. FREE.
$5 Friday Artshop at Art a la Carte – Portland; 10/11; 3:00pm – 5:00pm; All ages and all skill levels welcome. Every Friday we do a simple but fun project for the whole family. Cost: $5
*Portland Chamber Music in NoPo – Portland; 10/11; 6:00pm – 7:00pm; PCM starts its regular season by playing some of the best music written for Broadway and the theater. Join them for a family friendly concert with some great music. Donations appreciated.
Saturday, October 12th :
*Morning Bird Walk at Wapato Greenway – Portland; 10/12; 8:00am – 10:00am; Join a Park Naturalist for Morning Bird Walks at Wapato Access Greenway on Sauvie Island. These informal walks will focus on bird identification, behavior, and exploring resident bird populations. They will occur the second Saturday of each month. This event is free to the public and pre-registration is not necessary. Bring your binoculars, a water bottle, and expect to have a great time!
*Shu Ren Apple Festival in Woodstock – Portland; 10/12; 9:00am – 3:00pm; The Shu Ren community presents Shu Ren Apple Festival – an opportunity to buy Apples and Pears in support of Shu Ren of Portland, which supports PPS Chinese immersion programs. Hot drinks, fresh apple cider, bouncy house, kettle corn – and, of course, apples and pears for sale.
*Al’s Garden Kids Bulb Day – Woodburn, Sherwood & Gresham; 10/12; 9:30am, 11:30am & 1:30pm; Get into gardening with your kids and together plant a pot of spring tulip bulbs. Kids have fun getting their hands dirty while also learning basic gardening skills. Don’t miss this fun family activity and remember to bring your camera. Registration required.
*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek– Portland; 10/12; 10:00am-11:30am; Free guided nature hikes exploring the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Topics will vary from week to week but will be appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes.
*Saturday Morning Music Time at TreeHouse Children’s Boutique – Portland; 10/12; 10:00am; Treehouse Children’s Boutique has music every Saturday morning at 10 am. Each week one of Portland’s favorite children’s entertainers will be there to play and sing. $5 per child. Coffee, tea and snacks available for donation. Check out the Facebook page or website for performer details www.misstreehouse.com
*Free Family Day at Washington County Museum – Hillsboro; 10/12; 10:00am – 1:00pm; This year’s theme for Family Day is “Our Community, Our Museum.” Join Museum staff and volunteers for free hands-on history and art activities for the whole family. Bring the kids and create a project to take home, enjoy stories, see and touch artifacts, learn about local history and more.
*Safety Saturday at the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 10/12; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Head to the Firehouse for a monthly open day of operation. Drop in during open hours to see the exhibits and learn about safety for you and your family. No appointment is necessary.
*Ruckus in the Lobby at Artists Rep Theatre – Portland; 10/12; 10:30am – 11:15am; Traveling Lantern Theatre Company presents “Ruckus in the Lobby”. A series of plays for children, in the lobby at Artists Rep. All performances are interactive and geared for the K-6th grade age group and their families. The shows include a Q&A with the cast following the performance. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at: www.artistsrep.org. Cost: $5
* Kids Saturday Morning Skate Session At Oaks Park – Portland; 10/12; 10:30am – 12:00pm; For $6 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.
*Hillsboro Airport Air Fair - Hillsboro; 10/12; 11:00am – 3:00pm; Hillsboro Airport is hosting its annual Hillsboro Air Fair, come and discover Oregon’s second busiest airport. Take a tour of the airfield, test your flying skills with our flight simulator, enjoy a close-up look at planes on display, enter to win a free one-hour scenic flight, enjoy fresh food from Burgerville, and much more! Best of all: take a ride on a plane or helicopter for only $39.* Pre-register to bypass the lines, however preregistration is not required. *Number of rides is limited and available on a first come, first served basis
*Oregon Pacific Railroad Train Rides – Portland; 10/12 Saturdays; 12:00pm – 6:00pm; The Oregon Pacific Railroad is continuing to offer passenger train rides on Saturdays between Oaks Amusement Park and East Portland (near OMSI) and back. Round trip rides last approximately an hour and take guests along the Willamette River, through the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Cost: $5 round trip or $10 to ride in the cab of our locomotive, limited space available for locomotive cab rides. We’re the only full size passenger excursion train in the Portland area. See our website for scheduling info and more details.
*Kennedy School’s 98th Birthday Celebration – Portland; 10/12; 12:00pm – 10:00pm; The Alphabeticians at noon, music all day, kids activities and more.
*Drop In and Make! at the Museum of Contemporary Craft – Portland; 10/12; 1:00pm – 3:00pm; This program is geared towards the youngest of our museum visitors! Drop-in-and-Make features a drop-in and drop-out craft activity in the Lab organized by a local artist or designer and happens on the second Saturday of every month. Stop by anytime between 1-3pm to create a unique keepsake to take home! This program is for children accompanied by an adult. Cost: free with museum admission ($3)
*Second Saurday at Vancouver’s Water Center - Vancouver; 10/12; 1:00pm – 3:00pm; Learn about power and electricity as we join with Clark Public Utilities to help celebrate their 75th anniversary this month. Second Saturdays at the Water Resources Education Center are not only fun, they’re free! Each second Saturday of the month, from 1 to 3 p.m., kids and their families are invited to explore a different topic through hands-on activities, games and stories. Create bird feeders and other crafts to welcome wildlife to your backyard! Learn about the amazing world of bubbles! Make a piece of art from reused materials! There’s always something new waiting at Second Saturdays! Please note: Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
*Pumpkin Search Party at Village Toys Bridgeport Village – Tigard; 10/12; 2:00pm – 5:00pm; Bridgeport Village will be hosting its annual Pumpkin Painting Party in Center Court. While you are in the area, we invite you to join our Pumpkin Search Party inside Village Toys. If your kiddo finds 3 Pumpkins hidden in the store, they’ll get a Village Toys goodie bag (while supplies last).
*Second Saturday Family Dance at Fulton Community Center – Portland; 10/12; 4:30pm – 6:30pm; Fun dancing for kids and families with live music with Sherry Nevins with Full Moon (Gordy Euler) calling. Cost: $6 adults, $5/kids, $20/family max
* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 10/12; 4:45pm – 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.
*Movie at Steamers & Screamers – Portland; 10/12; 5:00pm; Enjoy a movie every Saturday night. FREE
Sunday, October 13th:
*Midway Fall Festival, Music & Madness on the Midway – Portland; 10/13; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Our First Festival produced by the Division Midway Alliance for Neighbhorhood Properity. The Festival will be outdoors in the parking lot of Dukes Family Bar & Grill and Key Bank at 148th and Division. The Festival will have several fun Fitness and Challenge stations to test yourself and win prizes. We will have music, entertainment, clown, vendors, and food. This is an event for all ages!
*Curious Garden at the Curious Comedy Theater – Portland; 10/13; 10:30am – 11:30am; The Curious Garden is back! Come see our old friends Razzie the Fairy, Daisy the Flower and Jojo the Lawnjockey – and meet our new garden friends Ribbit the Frog, Dottie the Ladybug and Flappy the Chicken! The Curious Garden is a show for all ages – especially kids 0-8. Every month on the second Sunday at 10:30am. And remember each episode ends with an open mic where you can sing, dance, tell a joke and show off your talent at the Curious Garden. $5 suggested donation.
*Family Fun Time at Unplugged Games – Portland; 10/13; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; Let’s play! Whether your family likes classic board games, card games, or is looking to learn something new, Unplugged Games has lots of great ideas to make family game time fun. Try one of the games from our library, or bring one from home to play with new friends. See a new game you want to learn? Our staff will teach you. Unplugged Games lives up to its name by offering non-electronic games of all types, with a focus on role-playing games, board games, and card games.
*Family tour of the Portland Art Museum – Portland; 10/13; 12:30pm – 1:30pm; Take a tour of the art museum with a docent skilled at engaging visitors of all ages. Tour is free with admission and free for kids 17 and under. Cost: Members FREE, Non-members $15 adults, kids under 18 free.
*Author Nancy Tillman Reads at Green Bean Books – Portland; 10/13; 1:00pm; Nancy Tillman, author of The New York Times bestsellers On the Night You Were Born, The Crown on Your Head, and Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You visits Green Bean Books to share her new book, I’d Know You Anywhere, My Love. Every child is special and unique, but every child also loves to dream of being something different. Tillman has created another heartfelt masterpiece celebrating the joys of imagination, and the comfort of always knowing that “you are loved.”
*Kids Karaoke at Pink Feather Restaurant and Lodge – Portland; 10/13; 1:00pm – 4:00pm; The Pink Feather Restaurant and Lounge is now hosting the Emma Rose Kids’ Karaoke Hour every other Sunday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Emma Rose, nine years old, is an extraordinarily talented singer herself and will be emceeing the event. Kids Menu, as well as Happy Hour appetizer prices for parents, available for the full three hours.
*Children’s Puppet Show and Book Release at TaborSpace – Portland; 10/13; 2:00pm – 3:00pm; Vibe of Portland, local arts and music education nonprofit, is excited to host our own teaching artist, Charlotte Rodenberg’s 2nd book release for Bronto: friend of Ceratops! Come and participate in a puppet show version of her latest children’s book, meet the author/illustrator, and buy a signed copy of her new book.
*Trading Card Games For Tweens at Unplugged Games – Portland; 10/13; 2:00pm – 4:00pm; Is your child interested in Pokemon, Magic, or Yugioh? Whether you’re passing down the tradition or can’t tell a Pikachu from a Plains, this is a great time for kids to come play their favorite card games in a casual, non-competitive environment. We also have sample decks to play with for kids just getting into the hobby.Recommended for families with children aged 8-12. Unplugged Games lives up to its name by offering non-electronic games of all types, with a focus on role-playing games, board games, and card games.
Monday, October 14th :
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 10/14; 10:00am; He will craft music for kids that is exciting and fun, as well as artistically satisfying. He is committed to inviting kids into the musical process providing them with a musical experience they won’t forget! Best for ages 0-6. Cost: $5 per child
*Storytime with Olive Rootbeer and Dingo at Laurelhurst Cafe – Portland; 10/14; 10:00am – 11:00am; Join Olive and Dingo for stories, balloons and songs at Laurelhurst Cafe, a quaint restaurant serving organic local high quality meals. (Gluten free and kids menu options too.). $5 suggested donation.
*Tallulah’s Daddy at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 10/14; 10:00am – 11:00am; Come sing, dance and play with Tallulah’s Daddy as he plays guitar, bass and cajon. Tallulah’s Daddy plays fun, energetic acoustic music for your little ones, and you can grab some coffee, tea or a snack. We start with musical storytime, then sing songs, and we leave a little bit of extra time for the kids to get their hands on some percussion instruments! No cover charge, donations appreciated.
*Washington County Museum Free Admission – Portland; 10/14; 10:00am to 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday
*Noontime Showcase: Red Yarn at Portland5 – Portland; 10/14; 12:00pm; Red Yarn is a dynamic family performer, weaving folksongs and puppetry into engaging shows for all ages. With his energetic shows and lush folk-rock recordings, Red Yarn reinvigorates American folklore for younger generations.
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall; 10/14; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Tuesday, October 15th :
*Preschool Play and Skate at Oaks Park – Portland; 10/15; 10:00am – 11:30am; This special roller skating session is just for your littlest skaters. Children 6 and under enjoy games, songs, blals, a 15 minute group lesson, snack time, and more. Conventional skate rental included. Shoes and strollers welcome on the skating floor. Adults free with paid children’s admission. Cost: $6.00
*Kids Concert Series at Oregon Children’s Theatre – Portland; 10/15; 10:15am – 11:15am; Entertainment + education! Mo Phillips performs interactive shows that respect the intelligence of young people and lay the foundation for musical development. Come to OCT and dance and play to Mo’s music, for kids and parents alike. Cost: $3 drop in, free for kids under 1!
*Tuesday Art Time at the Treehouse Children’s Boutique – Portland; 10/15; 10:30am – 11:15am; Join us at 10:30 every TUESDAY for an an hour of art, music, stories, bubbles, chalk, and messes at the Treehouse Children’s Boutique! We have a wonderful new auditorium space! $6.00/child.
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 10/15; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*Mommy Matinee at the Kennedy School – Portland; 10/15 & 10/16; 2:30pm – 4:30pm; Tuesdays & Wednesdays moms, dads, grandparents, nannies and their babies are welcome. Let the kids fuss – we don’t mind! Click here for today’s movie. Cost: $3 pp
Wednesday, October 16th :
*Visit the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 10/16; 9:00am – 3:00pm; Drop in any Wednesday to see the exhibits and learn about safety for you and your family. No appointment is necessary.
*Music Class at the Treehouse with Mr. Ben – Portland; 10/16; 10:00am; Enjoy music with kindie favorite Mr. Ben. Cost: $5 per child
*Honeybee Hikes at Leach Botanical Gardens – Portland; 10/16; 10:00am – 11:00am; Weekly nature-related activities for young children and their adult caregivers. Discover the secrets of the Garden and its critters through stories and outdoor explorations. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes for unpaved, uneven walkways that could be muddy. Strollers limit where we can explore, so carriers are ideal for little ones. No pre-registration required. Best for ages 1-6. Cost: $2 per child
*Family Day at the Washington County Museum - Portland; 10/16; 10:00am to 1:00pm;
*Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station – Portland; 10/16; 10:30am; Charming play, some with puppets, every Wed. Best for ages 2+ with good theatre manners. Cost: $4
*Storytime at Steamers & Screamers – Vancouver; 10/16; 11:30am – 12:45pm; Enjoy a story in the play area every Wednesday with play space admission. Wear socks! Cost: $4.95 per child
*Mommy Matinee at the St Johns Theater- Portland; 10/16; 1:00pm – 2:30pm; Parents, nannies, grandparents and caregivers, bring your babies to these films, from G to R ratings. Let the wee ones fuss, they don’t mind. Every Wednesday, first showing, unless an event has been booked. Check movie listings for showtimes or call 503-249-7474 . Cost $3.00
*Story Time with Olive Rootbeer & Dingo at Pieper Cafe – Portland; 10/16; 3:00pm – 4:00pm; Come join O & D for an hour of singing, jumping, bellowing and monkeying. All your favorite sounds and stories–kids and guardians are encouraged to sing and play along and then the show will finish with lots of balloon twisting fun. Every child can take home a balloon character of their choice. All ages welcome because everyone can be or learn to be a great audience member. Perfect after school fun. Cost: suggested $5 tip
Thursday, October 17th:
*Indoor Playground at Mittleman JCC - Portland; 10/17; 10:15am – 12:15am; For parents and their children up to 5 years old. Playing, running, meeting new and old friends, snacks, storytelling, and drawings for prizes.
*Red Yarn at TreeHouse Boutique – Portland; 10/17; 10:00am – 10:45am; Join Red Yarn & his lovable critters every Thursday morning at the TreeHouse Children’s Boutique. Audiences will sing, dance, act, and experience the joy of community during Red Yarn’s interactive shows.
This show is hosted by TreeHouse Children’s Boutique, a local and mama-owned shop where children and families can gather, play, learn and discover. www.misstreehouse.com Cost: $5/child
*Tallulah’s Daddy at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 10/17; 10:00am – 11:00am; Every Thursday, Tallulah’s Daddy plays music for kids at The Warehouse Cafe! Come sing and dance while Tallulah’s Daddy sings and plays his guitar, bass and cajon. He also brings percussion instruments for everyone to explore! Tallulah’s Daddy plays fun, interactive acoustic music for kids age 0-8. Suggested donation.
*St Johns Swapnplay Playspace Open Play – Portland; 10/17; 10:00am – 12:00pm; Free to all! This is a chance to come learn, play and grow. Free toddler/preschooler art class from 10-11. First come first served as we run out of materials after 15 students. Open Play is an open time for non-members to enjoy the space.
*Storytime at A Children’s Place Bookstore – Portland; 10/17; 10:30am – 11:00am; Enjoy this free weekly storytime at the lovely A Children’s Place Bookstore. A variety of books for different age ranges will be read. FREE.
*Family Tour Port of Vancouver – Vancouver; Port family tours offer an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the global marketplace in action in a setting conducive to learning and interaction for both adults and children. The will showcase the largest transportation project in the port’s 100-year history, the West Vancouver Freight Access rail project, as well as the diverse range of marine cargoes handled on port docks. There will be lots of children’s activities and kids will get coloring books filled with line drawings of ships and other port-related activities. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the port at 360-693-3611 or by emailing the port at info@portvanusa.com. Government issued photo identification (for those 18 and older) is required to attend a tour. No cameras are allowed on marine terminals. Public tours begin at the port’s administrative building, located at 3103 N.W. Lower River Road, Vancouver.
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 10/17; 3:30pm – 4:00pm; Friends and all, come in for what is sure to be a joyful time. If you can’t make the Tuesday morning storytimes, these Thursday afternoon storytimes are perfect for you.
For more lists of local events in western OR check out::
* PDX Kids Calendar - this is a comprehensive events-based website for families in the Portland area.
NATIONAL EVENTS:
*Free Craft Activities at Lakeshore Learning Stores– Saturdays; 11:00am – 3:00pm; Kids can come to this free craft time each week for a new craft (plus print a $5 off $25 coupon).
*Lowes Build And Grow Clinic - Saturdays ; 10:00am; Come join Lowes Build and Grow Clinic. .
*Barnes and Noble Free Storytime - Times and events vary by location. Check your location for specific story’s available this weekend.
Fun & Frugal Family Events 10/11 – 10/17 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
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