2013-10-25



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.  Also some of the best places to view in the changing Pacific Northwest Autumn Foliage.

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!

ComedySportz Kidz Halloween Matinee — Frightfully Funny Improv for Families (Seattle; 10/26; tickets start at $4 plus service fee)

Interactive Children’s Play Dot & Ziggy (Seattle; 10/26 – 11/16 select Sat & Sun; tickets start at $10.50 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)

Fun Family Musical The Magic Tree House: A Night in New Orleans (Portland; 11/2 & 11/9; tickets as low as $12 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 25th :  

*Paint Me a Story - Bellevue; 10/25; 10:00am – 10:30am or 10:30am – 11:00am; Join us for this popular weekly story time and painting activity. Ages 2 and older. Please check website for current schedules. No registration required. FREE

*Nature Alphabet  – Tacoma; 10/25; 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; 10/25; 11:00am – 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; 10/25; 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.

*SmartLab Toys Day of Play – Bellevue; 10/25; 1:00pm – 4:00pm;  Kids ages 5 to 13 are invited for an afternoon of fun at the offices of local educational toy maker, SmartLab Toys, designers of science toys, robotic toys, and art kits that stimulate both sides of the brain.  At the Day of Play kids will get to explore the worlds of anatomy, chemistry, physics and more through toys that provide hands-on learning and trial-and-error problem solving. Plus—there will be contests throughout the day with lots of giveaways and prizes!

*Haunted Theatre – Tacoma; 10/25 – 10/27; various times; Tacoma City Ballet is transformed into a child-friendly haunted theater and grand ballroom with eerie dances. Come in Halloween attire. All ages. 3 and 5 p.m. today, various dates and times through Oct. 27. $5 to $6.

*Tugboat Pumpkin Patch – Seattle; 10/25, 3:00pm – 7:00pm & 10/26, 12:00pm – 7:00pm;  Find the perfect gourd for your sea-themed jack-o’-lantern in the Northwest Seaport’s floating pumpkin patch! Round up your little ghosts and goblins and set sail for the haunted Historic Ships Wharf at South Lake Union, where spooky fall fun for the whole family awaits!  Families can sip hot cider aboard the historic 1889 tugboat Arthur Foss as they explore the spooky ship and it’s pumpkin patch. Pumpkins will be available for purchase (cash only, please) and maritime-themed templates will be available to help carve the perfect sea-worthy squash. Costumes are encouraged, and kids will be welcomed to trick or treat throughout the ship and from boat to boat along the wharf.

*Haunted Halls- Seattle; 10/25; 5:00pm – 7:30pm; Come enjoy the creepy halls of High Point. Cost: $2.

*Family Fun Night: Pumpkin Carving – Seattle; 10/25; 10/25; 5:30pm – 7:00pm; Bring your own pumpkin to carve and use the tools provided by the museum. Enjoy light snacks and a less-crowded atmosphere. Costumes are encouraged for all but masks aren’t permitted. Pre-registration required. Cost: $3 to $5.

*An Evening in the Shadows – Renton; 10/25; 5:30pm – 7:30pm; Join us at the bog for a celebration of all things Halloween! There will be haunted tours, spooky stories, bog grog, a costume contest, crafts, games and prizes. Costumes encouraged. Cost: $5.

*Spookfest - Seattle; 10/25; 5:30pm – 7:30pm; Bring your little goblin in to our fun and festive party! Our family-friendly costumed extravaganza will offer fun, interactive games filled with thrills and chills. Just show up in your costume and enjoy the fun. Cost: $1.

*Halloween Carnival – Seattle; 10/25; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Games, treats and prizes. Costumes are encouraged but optional. Ages 12 and younger. FREE, activity tickets 25 cents. Food available for purchase.

*Halloween Carnival and Swim – Seattle; 10/25; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Enjoy carnival games and activities for kids ages 10 and younger from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (activity tickets .25 each), plus Halloween-themed pool activities like a penny dive, bobbing for apples and more during the FREE open swim from 7 to 8 p.m. Ages 17 and younger must be accompanied in the water by an adult.

*Halloween Carnival – Seattle; 10/25; 6:00pm – 9:00pm; Join us for a fright fest of activities, games and challenges. Dress in costume and remember to bring a goodie bag. Festivities include carnival games, crafts, mini pumpkin decorating, cookie decorating, cake walk and ghastly prizes. Volunteers are needed to help set up, clean up and run carnival games. Tickets for activities are 50 cents each. Proceeds support programs and scholarships at Loyal Heights Community Center.

*Creepy Crawl – Seattle; 10/25; 5:30pm – 8:30pm; Haunted tunnel, carnival games, candy, prizes, pizza slices for sale, and more. Costumes encouraged. Don’t forget to check out the Spooky Swim at Medgar Evers Pool, right next door. Ages 12 and younger. $3 suggested donation per family.

*Harvest Fest and Zombie Ball – Tacoma; 10/25; 6:00pm – 9:00pm; Pumpkin-themed crafts, games, face painting, costume contests, bouncy houses and dance. Ages 3 to 14. $5 per child, free for STAR pass holders. Canned food donations welcome.

*Harvest Festival – Tacoma; 10/25; 6:00pm – 9:00pm; Games, carnival activities, food and entertainment. FREE.

*Harvest Festival – Tacoma; 10/25; 6:00pm – 9:00pm; Family-friendly activities and games. FREE.

*Halloween Carnival – Seattle; 10/25; 6:30pm – 8:00pm; Games, treats and prizes. Costumes are encouraged but optional. Ages 12 and younger.

*Halloween Carnival – Seattle; 10/25; 6:30pm – 8:00pm; Games, treats and prizes. Costumes are encouraged but optional. Ages 12 and younger.

*Haunted Bounce and Spook the Pool – Seattle; 10/25; 6:30pm – 8:30pm; Bounce on inflatables in the dark with glow sticks, then head to the pool for games, prizes and swimming – try riding the 100-pound pumpkin floating in the pool. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. inflatables ($2 kids, free adults), 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. swim ($5.25 adults, $3.75 kids).

*A Wrinkle in Time – Seattle; 10/25 – 10/27; Seattle Public Theater’s Youth Program presents Madeline L’Engle’s  young adult science-fiction classic. 7 p.m. Oct. 25-26, 2 p.m. Oct. 26-27. FREE, donations accepted.

*Haunted Miniature Golf – Bellevue; 10/25 – 10/26; 7:00pm – 10:00pm; Play 9 holes of miniature golf with a dark and creepy Halloween theme. Recommended for ages 7 and older. 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 25-26. Csot: $5.

*Bonfires, Beaver Pelts and Bogeymen – Tacoma; 10/25; 7:00pm – 9:00pm; Celebrate Halloween in the style of past centuries at Fort Nisqually. Follow a trail of glowing jack o ’lanterns to a blazing bonfire where storytellers from 1855 will send shivers down your spine as their ghost stories bring forth the spirits of the fur trade. The storytelling begins with “gentler” tales; and after a break for complimentary cider and cookies, the stories get increasingly scarier! Dress for the weather (no umbrellas). You may bring chairs or blankets to sit on. This is a fundraiser for the Fort Nisqually Foundation. Cost: $3 to $6.

*Owl Prowl – Bellevue; 10/25; 7:30pm – 9:00pm; Discover what owl species live in the Pacific Northwest. Then take a night hike with the rangers to look for owls and other nocturnal wildlife in the park. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, as well as good shoes, for the journey. Best for ages 6 and older. $5 to $6, pre-register.

Saturday, October 26th :

*Spookfest Pancake Breakfast – Bellevue; 10/26; 8:30am – 10:00am; Pancake breakfast, special treat for preschoolers and free haunted miniature golf for everyone. Pre-registration is required. Register online or call  425-452-4240 . Please register each family member. $5, free younger than age 2.

*Drop-In Halloween Miniature Golf - Bellevue; 10/26; 9:00am – 5:00pm; Play nine holes of miniature golf with a Halloween theme. Recommended for ages 5 and older. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26. $3 to $4.

*Plant for the Planet Academy – Seattle; 10/26; 9:00am – 5:30pm; Kids ages 8 to 14 are invited to a FREE, all-day workshop to learn about climate change and train as Climate Justice Ambassadors to be part of a worldwide network of committed children. Kids will plant their first trees and deal with the organization of their own events to familiarize other children and adults about climate justice and to motivate them to get involved with it as well.  Space is limited, pre-register.

*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 10/26 & 10/30; 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.

*Toddler Harvest Festival – Seattle; 10/26; 10:00am – 12:00pm; Kids ages 5 and younger are invited to enjoy goodies and fun activities during this special Toddler Gym. Costumes welcomed.

*Pumpkin Decorating – Seattle; 10/26; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Kids are invited to decorate pumpkins donated by Oxbow Farm, with art materials and teacher guidance provided by Thrive Art School. Snacks from Cafe Flora will include spiced cider, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pancakes and other fall treats. Costumes encouraged. No registration required.

*Free Halloween Mini Photo Sessions – Kirkland; 10/26; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Pop by our little studio with your trick-or-treaters and we will capture the cuteness of your little pumpkin, princess or superhero! This fun, simple session is free and images will be available online and shareable via Facebook. Donations of diapers and wipes for the Pregnancy Resource Center gladly accepted.

*Halloween Pumpkin Contest – Woodinville; 10/26; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Bring your carved or decorated pumpkin to Molbak’s and enter it in our contest. Winners will receive an AMC Movie Theater gift card. Pumpkins may be carved, painted, or dressed up – the possibilities are only limited to your imagination. Age categories: Under 10; 10 to 14; 15 to 18; 19+.

*Pumpkin Carving Party – Seattle; 10/26; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Celebrate Halloween by joining our pumpkin carving and/or painting party. BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) or use one of ours for a nominal donation. We’ll provide patterns, tools, tarps, paints, paintbrushes, and all the accoutrements, including a candle.

*Tour the Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior Ship – Seattle; 10/26 – 10/27; 10:00am – 5:00pm; The Rainbow Warrior is coming to Seattle for the first time on its West Coast Tour and will be open to the public. Join us for a behind the scenes look at how the ship works and how it’s helping protect our oceans, forests, communities and climate. This 190-foot ship is the newest generation of Greenpeace’s historic fleet and includes some of the most environmentally-friendly sailing technology available. Sunday morning, Oct. 27, will include family friendly activities. Please note that the tour includes uneven surfaces and steep stairs.

*Bellevue Rock & Gem Show – Bellevue; 10/26 – 10/27; starts 10:00am both days; Annual show includes vendors, demonstrations and kids’ activities. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 27.

*Family Nature Walk – Tacoma; 10/26; 10:00am – 11:00am; Explore Tacoma Parks during these seasonal naturalist-led family walks. Discover the amazing plants and animals that live in these parks and how they adapt in the different seasons. Not recommended for wheelchairs, strollers or children younger than age 3. Pre-registration requested.

*Story Time at the Conservatory – Seattle; 10/26; 10:30am – 11:30am; On the last Saturday of each month, kids ages 4 to 7 can hear stories in the conservatory’s Seasonal House. FREE, donations welcome.

*Happy Halloween Tot Trek – Seattle; 10/26, 10/29 & 10/30; 10:30am – 11:45am; Adults – grow outside with your children! Be sure to wear your costume for the fun hike discovering animals of Halloween. Ages 2 to 3 with caregiver(s). $8 adult/child pair, $4 each additional person. Pre-register.

*Dog-O-Ween – Seattle; 10/26; 10:30am – 2:30pm; This fundraiser for Citizens for Off-Leash Areas features a dog Halloween costume contest, raffles, prizes and silent auctions, plus food and pet-item vendors.

*Salmon SEEson in Issaquah – Issaquah; 10/26 – 11/10; 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; 10/26 – 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.

*Little One’s Halloween Carnival – Seattle; 10/26; 11:00am – 2:00pm; Come in costume (nothing scary) and enjoy plenty of games and activities for your little one. Admission is free and games are $1 to $3.

*Cedar River Salmon Journey – Renton area; 10/26 – 10/27; 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.

*Fall Family Festival – Seattle; 10/26; 11:00am – 4:00pm;  Come join us for a day of free, safe fun as we turn our building into a fun house extravaganza!  The Fall Family Festival is a place for families to dress up, eat candy and enjoy the season. We will have bouncy houses, carnival booths, food, candy, and even a giant maze.  Admission is FREE, however, for the safety of the kids, no adults will be admitted without children.

*Pike Place Market Trick-or-Treat – Seattle; 10/26; 11:00am – 4:00pm;  Kids and parents can snap photos with friendly witches, explore a spooky kiddie haunted house and find the perfect carving pumpkin. Pets in costume can join in the fun too!  Trick or treat through the crafts market and participating Market businesses. The fun begins on Pike Place at Pine Street and continues to Orange Dracula, which has Halloween decorations, costumes and a Dracula pinball machine.

*Dia de Muertos: A Mexican Remembrance – Seattle; 10/26 – 10/27; starts 11:00am both days; Explore and experience the cultural roots of Mexico through live performances, spectacular sand paintings, special hands-on activities, foods, face painting and exquisite rituals. Create sugar skulls and paper skeletons, explore community altars and march in a musical procession to remember the dead. The art and spirituality of Mexican culture is celebrated at Dia de Muertos. This “Day of the Dead” festival honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 27.

*Halloween Wonderland – Seattle; 10/26; 12:00pm – 3:00pm; American Dance Institute is hosting a Halloween Wonderland in conjunction with the Greenwood/Phinney Hunger Goblin’ Safe Trick or Treat. The kiddos in costume will have to do some tricks to get their treats here, like tip-toe through the tombstones, jump over jack o’ lanterns, hop thorough hoops and more. Watch out for dancing ghosts, goblins and witches. Plus, enter to win a full semester’s tuition!

*Hunger Goblin’ Trick-or-Treat – Seattle; 10/26; 12:00pm – 3:00pm; Costumed kids are welcome to trick-or-treat and enjoy other fun activities at participating business along Phinney/Greenwood Avenue North in the Phinney Ridge/Greenwood neighborhood. Kids are encouraged to get (and wear) a special Goblin’ Hunger sticker by donating canned food or $2 to the Greenwood Food Bank at participating locations.

*Hilloween – Seattle; 10/26; 12:00pm – 3:30pm; Hilloween is a free, community focused carnival that’s fun for kids and adults of all ages. Festivities include story time, carnival games, face painting, music from Recess Monkey, Caspar Babypants, and Jenny and her Ukelele; a dog and human costume parade and more.

*Spooktacular Costume Contest with Radio Disney – Seattle; 10/26; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; Join us at Westfield Southcenter in Macy’s Court for some spooktacular fun with free activities for families. Radio Disney will be onsite hosting crafts and entertainment. Registration begins at noon. Costume contest begins at 1 p.m. for children ages 3 and younger, 2 p.m. for children ages 4 to 7, and 3 p.m. for children ages 8 to 10.

*Boo in Burien – Burien; 10/26; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; Annual safe trick-or-treat event for families that includes horse and carriage rides, pumpkin painting, haunted house, costumed dog parade, wiener dog races, and more.

*Harvest Festival – Camano Island; 10/26; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; Enjoy an afternoon on the beach with nature activities for all ages, pumpkin and mask decorating, haunted boathouse, T-shirt painting and fabric crafts. FREE, Discover Pass required for parking.

*Stories That Go Bump in the Night – Renton; 10/26; 1:00pm; Storyteller Naomi Baltuck will tell spooky stories just in time for Halloween. All ages. 1 p.m. Cost: $3, $1 kids.

*Halloween Bash – Seattle; 10/26; 1:00pm – 3:00pm; Dress up in your costume and join Northgate Mall and Radio Disney for games, entertainment and treats. This a free, family event. Kidgit Club members will receive a special goodie bag.

*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 10/26; 1:00pm – 3:00pm; Free craft time for kids each Saturday. $2 material fee or free with admission.

 *The Meridian School’s Fall Carnival – Seattle; 10/26; 1:00pm – 4:00pm; Everyone is welcome to attend this popular community event that features food, fun games and prizes, and activities for kids of all ages, including a haunted house, entertainment, face painting, raffle and more!

*Puppet Movie: Muppets Take Manhattan – Seattle; 10/26; 2:00pm; Northwest Puppet Center is showing FREE films that feature puppetry this fall. Today, “Muppets Take Manhattan” (G).

*Nature Walk at Lake Hills Greenbelt – Bellevue; 10/26; 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.

*Mercer Slough Nature Walk – Bellevue; 10/26; 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.

*Halloween Harvest Festival – Auburn; 10/26; 2:00pm – 5:00pm; Come in costume for games, crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating and refreshments. Bring a can of food for admission to support the Auburn Food Bank.

*Olympic View Elementary Fall Carnival – Seattle; 10/26; 3:00pm – 7:00pm; Games, food, crafts and fun activities. Free admission, tickets required for activities and food. Proceeds benefit Olympic View PTA.

*Family Movie & Scary Spaghetti – Seattle; 10/26; 5:30pm – 8:30pm; Come for a spaghetti dinner and watch “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” (G). FREE, donations appreciated. Pre-registration requested.

*Halloween Carnival – Seattle; 10/26; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Enjoy carnival games, holiday entertainment, face painting, candy and prizes, two large jump toys, and the ever popular cake walk. Costumes encouraged, as are non-perishable donations. Tickets for activities are 25 cents each.

*Noogiefest Halloween Party – Seattle; 10/26; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Enjoy pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, our scary haunted house, games, face painting, tattoos, yummy treats and tons of fun! Free and open to the public. R.S.V.P. to  206-709-1400  or info@gildasclubseattle.org.

*Halloween Hoopla – Seattle; 10/26; 6:00pm – 9:00pm; Come join us for this old-fashioned community tradition! Enjoy carnival games, Frankenstein’s Lab (suitable for all ages), haunted house (suitable for older youth), cake walk, crafts, “Cream the Counselor,” trick-or-treating, refreshments and prizes. $1 for 5 activity tickets; receive an additional ticket for each canned food donation.

Sunday, October 27th:

*West Seattle Harvest Festival – Seattle; 10/27; 10:00am – 2:00pm; The streets in the Junction neighborhood will be closed to traffic while visitors enjoy a farmers market, crafts, a kids’ costume parade (11:30 a.m.) and trick-or-treating (noon to 2 p.m.).

*McCaw Hall 10th Anniversary Celebration – Seattle; 10/27; 11:00am – 4:00pm; This entertainment-packed anniversary event features activities for every member of the family including live dance, music, circus performances, and video presentations on three stages throughout McCaw Hall. Visitors can even have the chance to be on stage themselves and give a short, family-friendly performance (space is limited, pre-register), or participate in a community chorus performance.

*Trick-or-Treat on the Waterfront – Seattle; 10/27; 11:00am – 5:00pm; Bring your little ghouls and goblins to downtown Seattle’s waterfront to trick-or-treat at over 15 participating businesses from the Ferry Terminal to the Olympic Sculpture Park.

*Maple Leaf Halloween Parade and Park Dedication – Seattle; 10/27; 1:00pm – 4:30pm; Kids can show off their costumes in a procession through the Maple Leaf neighborhood, ending at the new Maple Leaf Park opening celebration for the upper park area. Festivities include a barbershop quartet, ribbon-cutting, light refreshments and family activities.

*Children’s Book Exhibit, Book Signing and Art Making – Seattle; 10/27; 2:00pm – 5:00pm; The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators of Western Washington exhibit the work of 67 illustrators at the Washington State Convention Center, Level 2 Galleria through January 8. During today’s event, join the illustrators for book sales and signing and art making for the whole family.

*Hooray For Harvest – Redmond; 10/27; 4:00pm – 7:00pm; Fundraising party for Sibling House – a nonprofit that works to keep siblings together in foster care – features activities like a costume contest, arts and crafts, snacks, games and prizes. $20 family of up to 4 people, $5 each additional person.

Monday, October 28th:

*Masterpiece Monday - Bellevue; 10/28; 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.

Tuesday, October 29th:

*Village Playdays – Seattle; 10/29; 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.

*PJ Library Story and Song Time with Erik Lawson – Seattle; 10/29; 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.

*Toddler Pumpkin Palooza – Seattle; 10/29; 10:00am – 12:00pm; Games, cookie decorating, bouncy house, face painting and a balloon artist. Costumes encouraged. Cost: $5.

*Tot Carnival – Seattle; 10/29; 10:00am – 1:00pm; Games, treats and more. Costumes encouraged. $3 per child.

*After-School Special Activities – Seattle; 10/29 – 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. 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 30th:

*FREE Drop-In Playgroup – Seattle; 10/30; 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

*Fall Carnival – Seattle; 10/30; 5:00pm – 7:00pm; Trick-or-treating, haunted house, carnival games and prizes.

*Pumpkin Swim – Seattle; 10/30; 7:30pm – 8:30pm; Halloween-themed family swim with games and prizes. $2 per person.

Thursday, October 31st :

*Indoor Playground Halloween – Shoreline; 10/31; 9:30am – 12:00pm; Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy special Halloween-themed fun at indoor playground today. Costumes encouraged. Cost: $2.

*Kids Co. Play and Learn – Seattle; ; 10:00am – 11:30am;  Come play and learn with us! Snack is included and an outside play area is available. Newborn to age 5 with caregiver – come for all or just part of the time!  FREE

*Mighty Mites Crazy Costume Contest – Seattle; 10/31; 10:00am – 12:00pm; Wear your favorite costume and come to an indoor playtime with games, treats and prizes. $3 per child.

*City Hall Trick-or-Treat - Sammamish; 10/31; 2:30pm – 4:30pm; Come in costume to trick-or-treat in the safe, warm, dry City Hall.

*Halloween Makeup Headquarters – Seattle; 10/31; 3:00pm – 5:00pm; Seattle Musical Theatre folks will be on hand to paint faces for Halloween. Call  206-684-7026  to make an appointment. Ages 2 to 12. Donations happily accepted.

*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 10/31 Thursday 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)

*Trick-or-Treating in Downtown Snohomish – Snohomish; 10/31; 3:00pm – 5:00pm; Participating businesses along Snohomish’s historic First Street will pass out treats to costumed kids.

*Trick-or-Treat in Fremont – Seattle; 10/31; 3:00pm – 6:00pm; Participating businesses in the Fremont business district will hand out treats to children in costume, with an adult (no masks on adults).

*Trick-or-Treat in the Harbor – Gig Harbor; 10/31; 3:00pm – 6:00pm; Trick-or-treat at stores along Harborview Drive in Gig Harbor’s historic waterfront district. See “spooky” touch tanks from Harbor WildWatch.

*Puyallup Trick-or-Treat and Cobweb Carnival – Puyallup; 10/31; 3:00pm – 8:30pm; Costumed kids can trick-or-treat at over 30 businesses in downtown Puyallup. 3 to 6 p.m. FREE. Plus, the Cobweb Carnival at Pioneer Park Pavilion features games and fun activities for kids ages 10 and younger. 3 to 8:30 p.m., tickets 5 for $1.

*Halloween Open House – Tacoma; 10/31; 3:30pm – 7:00pm; Visit the W.W. Seymour Conservatory for non-scary story times, crafts, trick-or-treating, games and jellybean sampling. $3, free ages 11 and younger.

*University Village Trick-or-Treat – Seattle; 10/31; 4:00pm – 6:00pm; Participating merchants give away treats to kids age 11 and younger.

*Country Village Trick-or-Treat – Bothell; 10/31; 4:00pm – 6:00pm; Trick-or-treat at the shops in Bothell’s Country Village. Ages 12 and younger.

*Uptown Trick-or-Treat – Gig Harbor; 10/31; 4:00pm – 6:00pm; Trick-or-treat at participating shops in Uptown Gig Harbor.

*Howl-O-Ween Trick or Treat – Redmond; 10/31; 4:00pm – 7:00pm; Costumed kids can trick-or-treat at participating stores. Plus, take a Halloween photo with your pet to benefit Reading with Rover.

*Haunted Museum – Edmonds; 10/31; 4:00pm – 7:00pm; The Edmonds Historical Museum will once again ‘spookify’ its lower level on Halloween night.  Visit the museum for a ‘friendly’ historic haunting and see the exhibits come to life like you’ve never seen them before. Suggested donation $1.

*Costume Carnival - Seattle; 10/31; 4:00pm – 8:00pm;  Kids ages 10 and younger and their adults are invited to a fun, safe Halloween experience with events including: a “Not-So Scary” Haunted Mountain, Silly-Spooky Storytimes, a “Where in the World is Dracula?” Scavenger Hunt, and many booths to visit for a “Trick” or a “Treat.” Kids need to be with an adult, and adults cannot enter unless they are with a kid. For the 11 to 18 crowd, you need to be with an adult (someone over 18) AND a sibling or family member who is 10 or younger.  We hope everyone comes dressed up for the fun. Costumes are not only welcomed, they are encouraged. One thing to remember – we need to see your face. No masks for adults or kids while you are at the Carnival. And keep in mind that we are a family-friendly place, so try not to be too scary or too scandalous.

*Edmonds Trick-or-Treat – Edmonds; 10/31; 5:00pm – 7:00pm; Downtown Edmonds brings out the cobwebs, summons the familiar haunts, and invites families to bring the kids down for a safe and fun trick-or-treating experience. The streets of downtown Edmonds will be closed to cars and participating merchants will be handing out treats from in front of their businesses. Music, fun, and goodies, of course! FREE and open to all.

*Trick-or-Treat at Everett Mall – Everett; 10/31; 5:00pm – 7:00pm; Kids ages 12 and younger can come trick-or-treat at the mall. No toy weapons. Canned food donations welcomed.

*Mall-oween – Bellevue; 10/31; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; Come in costume for trick-or-treating, plus enjoy live music from Ko Ko Jo and a photo booth.

*Pumpkin Carving – Seattle; 10/31; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Bring your own pumpkin; we’ll provide the themed refreshments and carving tools. Cost: $3.

*Teen Halloween Flashlight Hunt & Carnival – Seattle; 10/31; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Flashlight hunt and carnival games and activities. Ages 10 through 17.

*Fall Fun Fest – Bellevue; 10/31; 6:30pm – 8:00pm; Bring your preschool and elementary aged children for a FREE, safe and fun evening. There will be Trunk-or-Treating where kids will receive candy by traveling inside a circular lot filled with parked cars decorated for the evening. There will also be indoor carnival activities including games with non-candy prizes and a bounce house! New this year – commemorate the evening with a family photo taken in front of our festive backdrop emailed to you directly. This is a free event for all and no preregistration is required!

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 25th :

*Ladybug Nature Walk: Grant Park  – Portland; 10/25; 10:00am – 11:00am; Naturalist led stroll. Ages 2-5, with grown-up. Stroller-accessible.  Cost: $4 per child

*Weekly Storytime + Craft at Craft Factory – Portland; 10/25; 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; 10/25; 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; 10/25; 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.

*Story Time With Olive Rootbeer & Dingo at Open Space - Portland; 10/25; 3:30pm – 4:30pm;  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!  Suggested $5 donation for balloons and entertainment

$5 Friday Artshop at Art a la Carte – Portland; 10/25; 3:30pm – 5:00pm; All ages and all skill levels welcome.  Every Friday we do a simple but fun project for the whole family. Cost:  $5

*Enjoy free admission to the Portland Art Museum – Portland; 10/25; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; On the fourth Friday of every month, enjoy free admission to the Portland art museum.

 *Monster Mash at Peninsula Park Community Center – Portland; 10/25; 6:00pm – 8:30pm; Celebrate Halloween with friends and community members!  Wear your costume and get into the spirit. Dance, make creepy crafts, and play bewitching games that only come out once a year.  There is fun for all ages at this free seasonal event.

*Owl Prowl at Whitaker Ponds – Portland; 10/25; 7:00pm – 9:00pm; Have some little owlets aged 5-11 that love to hoot at home? Bring them to our Owl Prowl to learn more about these amazing nighttime predators. An indoor presentation covers local owls and their adaptations. Then the outdoor night hike is our opportunity to look and listen for the Great Horned Owls (and bats, deer, and beavers) at Whitaker Ponds. Space is limited to only 20 people so sign up today! $5/person suggested donation.

Saturday, October 26th :

*Apple Cider Pressing at Cedar Creek Grist Mill – Woodland; 10/26; 9:00am – 5:00pm; he Apple Cider pressing will be the last Saturday of October. We will begin distributing cider at 9 AM and we will continue until we finish all 8,000 pounds!  Our younger visitors are welcome to join the volunteers inside the Mill to help press the cider.The salmon will be jumping the falls, the trees will still have their fall foliage, our millers will be milling wheat and corn in the 1876 mill, and we will be serving up the finest apple cider in the Pacific Northwest.

*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek – Portland; 10/26; 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; 10/26; 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.

*Ruckus in the Lobby at Artists Rep Theatre – Portland; 10/26; 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; 10/26; 10:30am to 12:00pm; For $6 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.

*Storytime with Lynn Maslen Kertell at Powell’s Books – Portland; 10/26; 11:00am – 12:00pm; For the first time ever, Author Lynn Maslen Kertell will be reading her new book Bob Book Rhyming Words and sharing a short and fun presentation in Bob Books’ hometown of Portland in the Rose Room of Powell’s City of Books.

*Halloween Arts & Crafts at Cafe au Play – Portland; 10/26; 11:30am – 12:30pm; Join us at Cafe au Play for our Halloween themed craft event! All of our art programs welcome children of all ages. Art projects are designed to “grow with your child” so that a toddler (1+) can do a simplified version of the project and an older child can add more detail. Children are encouraged to be creative and to have fun.  $2 suggested donation.

*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.

*2nd Annual Fall Fest at Birds and Bees – Portland; 10/26; 1:00pm – 4:00pm; Fun for kids and adults. Coloring contest, Halloween candle holder and peanut butter pine cone bird feeder crafts, beer and chocolate tastings.

*Streets of Treats & Harvest Festival at Bridgeport Village – Tigard; 10/26; 2:00pm – 5:00pm; Join Radio Disney Portland for Streets of Treats & Harvest Festival. The Crew will be rockin’ your favorite Monstober hits, playing games, making awesome crafts, and giving out prizes. Plus, check out the Agent P Pit Stop with Les Schwab, snap a photo with the golden ticket to the Polar Express and learn about trains with Mt. Hood Railroad. Meet Belle from Pixie Dust Production’s Beauty and the Beast, get a USA Pear from the Wicked Witch, learn what’s below with Oregon Dig, and more.

* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 10/26; 4:45pm to 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.

*Movie at Steamers & Screamers – Portland; 10/26; 5:00pm; Enjoy a movie every Saturday night.  FREE

Sunday, October 27th:

*Woodstock Farmers Market’s Halloween Carnival – Portland; 10/27; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Bring the whole family for live music from Tallulah’s Daddy, delicious food, face painting, Halloween bag decorating, trick-or-treating with vendors and neighborhood businesses, gourd lanterns and more! There will also be fresh produce, meat, cheese, hot food, and more from the 35+ vendors.

*Family Fun Time at Unplugged Games – Portland; 10/27; 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; 10/27; 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:  $15 (adults), Free (kids under 18).

*Spooky Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 10/27; 1:00pm – 1:30pm; Join us for our tiny-bit-spooky Halloween Story Time. Free and appropriate for all ages! We encourage all visitors to come costume-clad. We will Trick-or-treating at this event as well as all day long on Halloween.

*Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek – Portland; 10/27; 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.

*Kids Karaoke at Pink Feather Restaurant and Lodge – Portland; 10/27; 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.

*The Bug Chicks Visit Vancouver’s Water Resources Center – Vancouver; 10/27; 1:00pm – 4:00pm;  Spend a fun, free, family-friendly afternoon with The Bug Chicks.  Kristie Reddick and Jessica Honaker of Portland are entomologists who teach people about the amazing world of insects, spiders and other arthropods.  They will inspire you to get off the couch and explore your backyard wilderness. Find your inner

bugdork. It wants to come out and play.

*Trading Card Games For Tweens at Unplugged Games – Portland; 10/27; 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 28th :

*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 10/28; 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; 10/28; 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; 10/28; 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; 10/28; 10:00am to 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.

*Pumpkin Carving & Movie Night at Velo Cult Bike Shop and Tavern – Portland; 10/28; 5;30pm – 9:30pm; Join us for a night of pumpkin carving and viewing of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”. All ages welcome! B.Y.O.P. (Bring Your Own Pumpkin) and limited carving supplies available. Take photos in our free photo booth. Adults can grab a tasty beverage from our bar. Nonalcoholic beverages also available. The fun starts at 5:30pm and the movie will play around 7pm.

*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall;  10/28; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.

Tuesday, October 29th : 

*Preschool Play and Skate at Oaks Park – Portland; 10/29; 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 – Mr Hoo – Portland; 10/29; 10:15am – 11:15am; Entertainment + education! Mr Hoo (Jeff Inlay) 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 Mr Hoo’s music, for kids and parents alike.  Cost:  $3

*Tuesday Art Time at the Treehouse Children’s Boutique – Portland; 10/29; 10:15am – 11:15am; Every Tuesday of the 2012-2013 school year, the Treehouse Children’s Boutique opens its doors and expands into the auditorium of the Sound Roots School of Music for art, craft, science, and play! Suitable for ages 1 to 6  with adult.  *Please register in advance! Simply leave a comment on the Treehouse Children’s Boutique facebook wall, drop by the store, or email the teacher, Sarah, at sarahfagan@yahoo.com to secure a spot. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.  Cost $6 per child.

*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 10/29; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books!  FREE

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