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; 10/5, 12, 17 & 18; tickets start at $17 plus service fee)
James and the Giant Peach: Enchanting Family Musical Gives Warm Fuzzies (Portland; 10/5 – 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 4th :
*Musical Storytime with Brian Vogan – Seattle; 10/4; 10:30am – 11:15am; Join us for songs and a story with Brian Vogan. Storytime starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Ben Bridge Court located at the north end of the mall. The first 30 Kidgits members will get a Brian Vogan CD!
*Nature Alphabet – Tacoma; 10/4; 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.
*Story Time at Lewis Creek – Bellevue; 10/4; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Look, listen and create during an hour of stories and crafts with a park ranger on the first Friday of every month. Parents and children will explore together the diverse natural world with animated fiction and fun. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration is required by calling 425-452-6885 . Cost: $2.50 to $3 per person.
*The Octonauts - Seattle; 10/4; 11:00am – 1:00pm; Captain Barnacles and Kwazii from the hit children’s television series “Octonauts” will perform two shows of “Octonauts: To Your Stations” featuring musical numbers and the chance to become an honorary Octonaut. Kids in attendance will receive Octonauts certificates and creature cards featuring fun, informative activities. Located in the court in front of Macy’s.
*FreeTête-à-têter At Frye Museum – Seattle; 10/4; 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. On the first Friday of the month Children’s stories are brought to life with movement and play in the Frye Art Museum galleries by Frye educators or librarians from The Seattle Public Library. 11:15am – 11:45am Visit the galleries after story time. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Both museum entrance and story time are free
*Free Entrance To Bellevue Art Museum – Bellevue; 10/4; 11:00am to 8:00pm. First Friday of the month Bellevue Art Museum offers free admission.
*Oktoberfest Northwest – Puyallup; 10/4 – 10/6; opens 11:00am daily; Authentic German entertainment, food and crafts, beer garden, wiener dog races, kids’ activities and more. Ages 21 and over after 7 p.m. 11 a.m. to midnight Oct. 4-5, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 6. $10, free ages 12 and younger, free 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 4, half-price Oct. 6. Free parking.
*Pay-What-You-Can at Seattle Symphony’s “Soundbridge”- Seattle, Beneroya Hall; 10/4; 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.
*Everett Sausage Fest - Everett; 10/4 – 10/6; opens 12:00pm daily; Traditional Bavarian dinner, arts and crafts, food booths, carnival rides, kids’ activities, entertainment and more. Fee for some activities. Free shuttle from Everett Transit Station. Noon to midnight Oct. 4-5, noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 6.
* Half Off Admission To KidsQuest Children’s Musuem – Factoria; 10/4; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; First Friday evening of the month offers free admission.
*Seattle Art Museum Free To Teens – Seattle; 10/4; 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.
*Free Entrance to the Hands-on Children’s Museum – Olympia; 10/4; 5:00pm to 9:00pm; First Friday has free entrance in the evenings. The new museum gets pretty packed (we had to wait a little while last time to get in), but it’s worth it!
*Columbia City BeatWalk – Columbia City /Seattle; 10/4; 7:00pm to 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.
Saturday, October 5th :
*Birding 101: The Basics – Seattle; 10/5; 8:00am – 9:30am; Learn to be a fabulous backyard birder! Birding 101 begins with short lessons in field identification, common species, binocular and scope selection. Then go on a 60-minute walk through the park with our experienced naturalist who will help you learn to spot and identify birds. Best for ages 10 and older. $5, $3 youth. Reserve your spot now. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/310406
*Glass Pumpkin Patch – Bellevue; 10/5; 9:00am – 4:00pm; Wander though hundreds of unique, hand-blown glass pumpkins, ranging in price from $35 to $200.
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 10/5 & 10/9; 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.
*Family Birding Walk on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail – Duvall; 10/5; 10:00am – 11:30am; Come to Duvall and enjoy a kid-friendly walk with Eastside Audubon. We’ll look through the bright autumn leaves for the big and colorful jays, woodpeckers, herons, and hawks that delight all ages. Open to everyone. Please bring water and snacks, plus binoculars if you have them.
*Sprout Session: Make a Pine Cone Bird Feeder – Woodinville; 10/5; 10:00am – 12:00pm; Kids accompanied by an adult can create a pine cone feeder for feathered friends. You must be accompanied by an adult. All supplies provided. Volunteers from Eastside Audubon will also be on-hand with educational bird displays and ready to answer Northwest birding questions. FREE.
*BrickCon – Seattle; 10/5 – 10/6; View hundreds of LEGO® models on display, build your own creations, and shop for past, current and custom sets, parts and minifigures. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 6. Cost: $9, $32 family of four, free ages 4 and younger. Advance purchase recommended. No strollers, please.
*Seattle Fire Day – Seattle; 10/5; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Your little firefighter will love everything about this family friendly event, co-presented with the Seattle Fire Department. Activities include trying on firefighter gear, learning fire safety tips and tricks, exploring antique and present day fire engines, hands-on artifacts, crafts, giveaways and more. Admission is FREE during the event.
*Ecotober Kick-off – Woodinville; 10/5; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Bring friends, families, and neighbors to be inspired, entertained and informed as we celebrate the start of Ecotober. Performances, tours, kids’ activities, and live music will be ongoing throughout the day. See website for full list of the day’s activities. Ecotober continues throughout the month of October including film showings, recycling tours, guest speakers, and more. This event is free, but participation in a tour requires pre-registration on the event website.
*Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day – Issaquah; 10/5; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Kids (and adults) can bring their bikes and go on a guided trail ride, tackle a bike obstacle course, enjoy a barbecue lunch and watch experts do jumps with their bikes. Participants must wear a helmet and have a signed waiver (available online).
*Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms; 10/5 – 10/6; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Fourteen farms throughout Skagit County are open to the public. Farm tours, meet the farmers, kids’ activities, hayrides, corn mazes, farm stands and more. Farm descriptions and directions available online. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 5-6.
*Scarecrow Festival – Gig Harbor; 10/5; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Scarecrow contest and display, carnival games, hayrides, pony rides ($5), farm animals, food, entertainment, KidsZone ($2) and more.
*Classic Workboat Show – Seattle; 10/5; 10:00am – 5:00pm; Come aboard and explore working, historic tugboats, fishboats and workboats. Enjoy an exciting family-oriented day with maritime and marine professionals, demonstrations, and fun, food and drink. Families are welcome at this maritime celebration features tugboats, fishboats, research boats and other classic workboats—some of which continue to work today. FREE, donations accepted.
*Issaquah Salmon Days Festival – Issaquah; 10/5 – 10/6; 10:00am – 5:00pm; Celebrate the yearly return of salmon to Issaquah’s waterways. Art, craft and food booths, hatchery tours, grand parade (10 a.m. Oct. 5), and Field of Fun with hands-on activities for kids. No pets. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 5-6.
*Saturday Stories – Seattle; 10/5; 10:30am – 11:15am; Stories and activities that celebrate gardens, plants and nature. Ages 3 to 8 and their families. FREE
*Salmon SEEson in Issaquah – Issaquah; 10/5 – 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.
*Children’s Day - Lacey; 10/5; 11:00am – 2:00pm; Hands-on activities, kids’ entertainment, games, crafts, inflatables and more. Come dressed for a circus parade at 1:45 p.m.
*Free Family Days At Seattle Asian Art Museum – Seattle; 10/5; 11:00am to 2:00pm; Admission to the Seattle Asian Art Museum is free on the first Saturday of each month for families.
*Scarecrow Mini-Fest – Seattle; 10/5; 11:00am – 2:00pm; Live bluegrass music, scavenger hunt, nature and garden activities, kiddie tractor corral and scarecrow making (bring clothes and a pillowcase). FREE, $10 for scarecrow making.
*Cedar River Salmon Journey – Renton area; 10/5 – 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.
*Yo! Ho! Ho! The Pirate Show! – Renton; 10/5; 1:00pm; Puppeteer Crazy Captain Jenny will teach kids how to walk and talk like a pirate, the pirate code of conduct, and introduce Clarence the Baby Crocodile in this interactive show. 1 p.m. $3, $1 kids.
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 10/5; 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; 10/5; 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; 10/5; 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; 10/5; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; Enjoy a family-friendly evening the second Saturday of every month. Activities can include game times, snacks, concerts and more.
*S’more Than You Imagined – Auburn; 10/5; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Auburn’s annual free Halloween celebration brought to you by the Auburn Youth Council and Starbucks! Join us at Game Farm Wilderness Park for a bonfire, s’mores, entertainment, scary stories and a haunted duck hunt!
Sunday, October 6th:
*Kicks, Crafts and Cookies – Bellevue; 10/6; 12:00pm – 2:00pm; Sponge welcomes Master Lei Zhou from Seattle Shaolin Kung Fu Academy. Originally a warrior monk from the renowned Shaolin Temple in China, Master Zhou is an award winning Kung Fu master and teacher. He will do mini-classes for children. Sponge will present Mandarin language mini-classes as well, taught by one of our amazing native Mandarin-speaking teachers. Children can also enjoy making a Chinese craft. FREE
*Family Dance Party – Seattle; 10/6; 4:00pm- 6:00pm; Childrens Campaign Fund – a nonpartisan PAC committed to electing state leaders who are champions for children – is holding a family friendly live music event. Learn about your local state legislators and where they stand on children’s issues while your little ones dance to the music of Eli Rosenblatt, swing on the flying trapeze and have their faces painted. $5 ages 3 and older, $15 max per family.
*Columbia City BeatWalk – Columbia City /Seattle; 10/6; 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 7th:
*Masterpiece Monday - Bellevue; 10/7; 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; 10/7; 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 8th:
*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; 10/8; 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.
Wednesday, October 9th:
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 10/9; 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; 10/9 & 10/11; 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
*Students Get Free Admission To The Bellevue Art Museum – Bellevue; 10/9; 1:00pm to 5:00pm; Students of all ages can explore the Bellevue Arts Museum after school FREE with printable coupon.
Thursday, October 10th :
*Free Admission To NAAM - Seattle; 10/10; 11:00am – 7:00pm; The Northwest African American Museum is free on the second Thursday of each month.
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 10/10; 3:00pm – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
*Capital Hill Art Walk Blitz – Seattle; 10/10; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; On the second Thursday of every month in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, 5pm – 8pm and later. Events include visual arts, musical performances, food and beverage specials, and more. Pick up a printed map at a participating venue and explore Capitol Hill. Art is everywhere! Get FREE admission to the Seattle Asian Art Museum during this time too.
*Open Studio Night for Teens – Everett; 10/10; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Teens can get creative with local artists, as well as enjoy glass blowing demonstrations and refreshments.
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 4th :
*Greek Festival at Holy Trinity in NE PDX – Portland; 10/4 – 10/6; The Greek Festival is a wonderful opportunity for this church to share annually with over 15,000 guests from the Portland Metropolitan area the cherished cultural traditions, food, music, and dance. Plus cooking demonstrations and more. Children’s Corner, 10 am-8 pm Friday. Noon to 8 pm Saturday and Sunday. Activities: face painting, gold “medals”, ivy wreaths, coloring, games, puppet shows, and more! Admission: two talents. Free admission, Dinner $14 adult, $6 kids ages 0-12.
*$2 First Fridays at Art ala Carte PDX sponsored by PDX Kids Calendar – Portland; 10/4; Every First Friday of the month you pay only $2 per child for unlimited art! PDX Kids Calendar picked up the bill for the rest! Better yet…if you bring in a bag of recycled goods, toys and trinkets…you get in FREE!
*Ladybug Nature Walk: Newton Rd – Portland; 10/4; 10:00am – 11:00am; Naturalist led stroll. Ages 2-5, with grown-up. Stroller-accessible. Cost: $4 per child
*Music From Mr. Hoo from The Alphabeticians – Portland; 10/4; 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; 10/4; 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.
*Free Admission To The Children’s Museum - Portland; 10/4; 4:00pm – 8:00pm; The first Friday of the month you Target sponsors free admission to the Childrens Museum. This month you can make a book.
*Vancouver First Friday Art Walk - Vancouver; 10/4; 5:00pm – 7:00pm; Join us for a fresh spring evening with refreshments, stimulating conversation and inspiring art! Walking maps will be provided to all attendees. This event is free to attend, but an RSVP is requested by replying to this email at firstfriday.artwalk@yahoo.com.
* Camas First Friday - Portland; 10/4; 5:00pm to 8:00pm; Come and join us for January’s First Friday- Game, Craft & Cocoa Night! Enjoy family friendly games and crafts throughout participating downtown merchants. Have fun and the chance to win prizes!
*First Friday Art Walk - SE Portland; 10/4; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Hosted by Portland’s Eastside art galleries and alternative art venues, First Friday provides arts enthusiasts the opportunity to wander from gallery to gallery for artist receptions and openings during extended hours on the First Friday of every month
Saturday, October 5th :
*Birdfest Nature Festival at Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge – Ridgefield; 10/5 – 10/6; 7:00am – 6:00pm; Kid’s activities including nature walks, raptor displays and craft stations at Wildlife Refuge and Downtown. Guided Kayak and big canoe tours, more. Free, except special tours.
*Saturday Morning Music Time at TreeHouse Children’s Boutique – Portland; 10/5; 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
*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek– Portland; 10/5; 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.
*Ruckus in the Lobby at Artists Rep Theatre – Portland; 10/5; 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; 10/5; 10:30am – 12:00pm; For $6 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.
*Old Apple Tree Festival – Vancouver; 10/5; 11:00am – 3:00pm; Live music, children’s activities, apple cider pressing, Scarecrow Contest, tree workshops, apple tree cuttings, and more await the community at the annual Old Apple Tree Festival. This is a free, family-friendly event commemorating the rich history of Vancouver and the region.
*Once Upon a Time Family Theatre – Portland; 10/5; 12:00pm; Once Upon a Time Family Theatre is a magical mix of theatrical simplicity and grand storytelling for kids and their families. Though simply produced, these delightful and engaging productions will soon have everyone fully absorbed in the interaction of live theatre. There’s always a slight twist to the traditional story that keeps these productions fresh. This month we present a story of family, courage and a little silliness. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available online or at the door. Cost: $1 child/$2 adult
*The Wedge at the Green Dragon – Portland; 10/5; 12:00pm – 5:00pm; Kids area and music while grown-ups enjoy artisan cheese tastings, classes and more. Suggested $5 donation to Oregon Cheese Guild
*Oregon Pacific Railroad Train Rides – Portland; 10/5 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.
*Oktoberfest at St. Johns Theater and Pub – Portland; 10/5; 2:00pm; Music, Joe Mishkin the Balloon Guy, face painting and more. FREE
* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 10/5; 4:45pm to 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.
*Movie at Steamers & Screamers – Portland; 10/5; 5:00pm; Enjoy a movie every Saturday night. FREE
*Portland Chamber Music in NE PDX – Portland; 10/5; 7:00pm – 8:00pm; 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.
Sunday, October 6th:
*$2 Days at OMSI – Portland; 10/6; 9:30am to 7:00pm; Explore the museum for $2 on the first Sunday of each month.
*Howling in the Hills Festival at The Resort at The Mountain – Welches; 10/6; 10:00am – 5:00pm; Gather the family and head over to The Resort at The Mountain in Welches for a day filled with family-friendly activities and musical entertainment. 10 a.m. Nine-hole shotgun golf, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Family-friendly activities including geocaching, pumpkin bowling, potato sack races and hayrides. 1-5 p.m. craft vendors, food, beer garden and live music. Food will be available for purchase and adults can enjoy the beer garden. To register for golf, call 503-622-3151 or email golf@theresort.com. For more information about Howling in the Hills or other special events and promotions, call The Resort at 503-622-3101 . Cost: Free admission and resort activities; golf is $25.
*Family Fun Time at Unplugged Games – Portland; 10/6; 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; 10/6; 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.
*Trading Card Games For Tweens at Unplugged Games – Portland; 10/6; 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 7th :
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 10/7; 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; 10/7; 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; 10/7; 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; 10/7; 10:00am to 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.
*The David Show at Cafe au Play – Portland; 10/8; 10:30am – 11:30am; Fun and interactive musical variety show performed by David Rutiezer. Fun for all ages! $3 suggested donation
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall; 10/7; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Tuesday, October 8th :
* $4 Admission For Second Tuesday At The Zoo - Portland; 10/8; Enjoy all of the fun wildlife and adventure at the Oregon Zoo for a fraction of the cost with $4 admission per person. Children 2 and under are, as always, admitted free of charge. Ride transit and receive an additional $1.50 off with proof of ridership. (Parking is $4 per car.)
*Preschool Play and Skate at Oaks Park – Portland; 10/8; 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; 10/8; 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; 10/8; 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; 10/8; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*Mommy Matinee at the Kennedy School – Portland; 10/8 & 10/9; 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 9th :
*Walk and Bike to School Day – everywhere; 10/9; starts at 7:00am; International Walk and Bike to School Day is held on the first Wednesday of October each year and is a day for your school community to celebrate the benefits of walking and biking. Oregon is the national leader in overall participation in Walk + Bike events.
*Visit the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 10/9; 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 Tallulah’s Daddy – Portland; 10/9; 10:00am; Enjoy music with kindie favorite Tallulah’s Daddy! Cost: $5 per child
*Red Yarn at Village Ballroom – Portland; 10/9; 10:00am – 10:45am; Join Red Yarn & his lovable critters every Wednesday morning at the Village Ballroom. Audiences will sing, dance, act, and experience the joy of community during Red Yarn’s interactive shows. This show is hosted by Woodlawn Swap’n'Play, a cooperative community space where children play, parents socialize, and kids’ toys and outgrown clothes are swapped. www.woodlawnswapnplay.org Cost: $5 suggested donationa
*Honeybee Hikes at Leach Botanical Gardens – Portland; 10/9; 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
*Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station – Portland; 10/9; 10:30am; Charming play, some with puppets, every Wed. Best for ages 2+ with good theatre manners. Cost: $4
*Storytime at Steamers & Screamers – Vancouver; 10/9; 11:30am – 12:45pm; Enjoy a story in the play area every Wednesday with play space admission. Wear socks! Cost: $4.95 per child
*Family Day at the Washington County Museum - Portland; 10/9; 10:00am – 1:00pm;
*Mommy Matinee at the St Johns Theater- Portland; 10/9; 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; 10/9; 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 10th:
*Red Yarn at TreeHouse Boutique – Portland; 10/10; 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; 10/10; 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.
*Mr. Hoo of the Alphabeticians plays a kid-friendly music show at Flying Cat - Portland; 10/10; 10:00am – 11:00am; Mr. Hoo from The Alphabeticians plays fun music for little ones every Thursday at Flying Cat. Get a bagel and some coffee and listen and sing along on some traditional kids songs, some Alphabeticians songs and Hoo knows what else! $5 suggested donation
*St Johns Swapnplay Playspace Open Play – Portland; 10/10; 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; 10/10; 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.
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 10/10; 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.
*Mo Phillips rocks out at Mississippi Pizza – Portland; 10/10; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; At this monthly show, Mo is often joined by buddies Johny and Jason! Mo Phillips is a musician based in Portland, OR, who has released a couple of Americana/Neil Young-like albums for grownups (The Boat, 2004; Homemade, 2006), and Train Beard follows his stylistic leanings, except with kid subjects and lyrics this time ’round. Guitars, harmonica, organ, and the occasional bongo provide the majority of the instrumentation on Train Beard, supplemented by Phillips’ down-to-earth vocals. FREE!
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– Sat. ; 11am to 3pm; 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 - Saturday ; 10:00am; Come join Lowes Build and Grow Clinic. This week they will be making a goul bus. Register here.
*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 10/4 – 10/10 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
The post Fun & Frugal Family Events 10/4 – 10/10 appeared first on Thrifty NW Mom.