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 put together a big list of Pacific Northwest Christmas Events, Tree Farms, and Bazaars.
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: Fast and Funny Improv Comedy Competition (Seattle; 11/29 – 12/21 Fridays & Saturdays; tickets as low as $7.00 plus service fee)
Fly With Peter Pan in a Musical Adventure (Portland; 12/7 – 12/22 select days; tickets as low as $11 plus service fee)
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Seattle; 12/13; tickets as low as Free plus service fee)
Frogz: A Spectacle of Acrobatics, Mime & More (Portland; 12/13 & 12/20; tickets as low as $8.00 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, November 29th :
*Gingerbread Village - Seattle; 11/29 – 1/1; Seattle architectural firms, trade associations and Sheraton Seattle culinary staff team up to design, bake and build fantastic gingerbread creations. 24 hours daily Nov. 25 through Jan. 1. FREE, donations accepted for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
*Marriott Merry-Go-Round – Redmond; 11/29 – 1/1; Enjoy a magical ride on our holiday carousel sponsored by the Redmond Marriott Town Center! Your $3 donation will help support Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, a non-profit which offer equine-assisted therapy to kids with disabilities. Open during mall hours.
*Macy’s Holiday Parade – Seattle; 11/29; 9:00am; More than 20 inflatable floats, high school marching bands, more than 600 costumed characters, drill teams and Santa Claus. The parade lasts approximately one hour, and will conclude shortly after Santa dashes in his sleigh past Macy’s, heading directly from the North Pole to his Seattle holiday post in Macy’s Santaland. Parade starts at Seventh and Pine, turns south on Fifth Avenue to University Street, then west to Fourth Avenue and north to Macy’s, downtown Seattle.
*Reindeer Festival – Seattle; 11/29 – 12/24; 9:00am – 6:00pm; Visit reindeer Dasher and Blitzen, and Curly the camel at Swanson’s Nursery, plus see a model train layout. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 24. Special photo opportunities with the reindeer and a sleigh 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 9-10. and Nov. 30 through Dec. 1.
*Holiday Carousel – Seattle; 11/29 – 1/1; Ride the Holiday Carousel at Westlake. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 29 and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays through Jan. 1, plus 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 1. Suggested donation $3, benefits Downtown Seattle Association and Treehouse.
*Winter Train & Village – Seattle; 11/29 – 12/31; 10:00am – 6:00pm; A Winterfest favorite, a magnificent, turn-of-the-century village in miniature size, with garlanded homes and buildings, snowy streets and a moving model train. Visit and take a turn controlling the train from 10:30 a.m. to noon, 1 to 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily. FREE, $2 suggested donation. Cash only. Special hours: closes at 4 p.m. Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25. Seattle Center Armory
*Teddy Bear Suite – Seattle; 11/29 – 12/24; Visit a festively decorated suite filled with teddy bears of all sizes. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, through Dec. 24. Admission by suggested donation, benefiting Seattle Children’s Hospital.
*Winterfest Ice Rink at Fisher Pavilion – Seattle; 11/29; opens daily 11:00am; Glide into the season with the greatest of ease and excitement. For novice or Olympiad, Winterfest Ice Rink offers fun for all. Admission includes skate rental: $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, and $2 children ages 5 and younger. Cash only. FREE admission to watch. FREE skate day is Dec. 22, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Special hours: closes at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24; closed on Dec. 25; closes at 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 31.
*The Dickens Carolers – Seattle; 11/29; 11:00am – 12:00pm; A quartet of Victorian costumed carolers sings out the spirit of the season, sharing beloved carols in perfect four-part harmony.
*Story Time at Lewis Creek – Bellevue; 11/29; 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.
*Piper’s Creek Salmon Celebration – Seattle; 11/29; 11:00am – 1:00pm; See chum and coho salmon return to Piper’s Creek at Carkeek Park, plus enjoy food, hot drinks, music, and activities throughout the park. Salmon Stewards are on hand to answer questions.
*FreeTête-à-têter At Frye Museum – Seattle; 11/29; 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; 11/29; 12:00pm to 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.
*Kids’ Holiday Express Train – Redmond; 11/29 – 12/24; Ride the Holiday Express Train, available noon to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 29 through Dec. 15 (no train Dec. 13), then daily Dec. 16-24. Hours for Dec. 24 are10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $3 per person.
*The Most Awesome Variety Show Ever - Seattle; 11/29; 12:30pm – 1:30pm; Matt Baker’s comedy and variety shows offer a mix of the very best professional stand–up comedy and memorable entertainment.
*Keith Highlanders Pipe Band – Seattle; 11/29; 2:00pm – 3:00pm; As the official pipe band of the Clan Keith, a rare designation outside Scotland, the band has performed internationally since its beginning in 1952.
*Santa Photos – Camano Island; 11/29 & 11/30; 4:00pm – 7:00pm; Bring a camera and take photos with Santa. Nov. 29 is for pictures with well-behaved pets, and Nov. 30 is for people. Discover Pass required.
*Snow Show – Seattle; 11/29 – 12/24; It snows nightly in the four-story atrium of Pacific Place. 6 p.m. through Dec. 31 (no show Dec. 25). See Santa on the second level. Free performances noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22, plus Dec. 23-24.
* Holiday Tree Lighting – Redmond; 11/29; 6:00pm – 7:00pm; Come to our first-ever holiday tree lighting ceremony right in Center Street Plaza.
Saturday, November 30th :
*Ice Sculpting – Seattle; 11/30 – 12/28 Saturdays; Outside Fisher Pavilion, FREE. Artistry and ice unite in a glorious and temporal expression of the season. Watch internationally acclaimed, award-winning artists at work as they create seasonal sculptures – or stop by later to see the glistening result. Each Saturday an ice master carves a different design.
*Ridge Romp: Pickled Okra – Seattle; 11/30; 10:30am – 11:30am; Hear quirky bluegrass tunes form Pickled Okra. Doors open 10 a.m., limited seating. $5, free babes in arms. Tickets available at the door or at Brown Paper Tickets
*Story Time at the Conservatory – Seattle; 11/30; 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.
*Salmon Watching – Seattle; 11/30 – 12/8 Saturdays & Sundays; 11:00am – 2:00pm; Salmon Stewards are on hand to point out spawning salmon in Piper’s Creek. All ages. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 9 through Dec. 8.
*The Give Effect Kickoff with Caspar Babypants – Seattle; 11/30; 12:00pm – 3:00pm; Celebrate the opening weekend of The Give Effect with story time and hands-on activities that inspire giving back, plus a 2 p.m. performance by Caspar Babypants. Your family can be part of #TheGiveEffect by joining the gift drive from November 29 to December 24.
*Hot Dog USA - Seattle; 11/30; 12:30pm – 1:30pm; The Hot Dog jump rope team, consisting of 50 boys and girls, has performed, competed in and taught jump rope workshops around the country and the world since 1980.
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 1:00pm to 3:00pm; Free craft time for kids each Saturday. $2 material fee or free with admission.
*Magic in the Market – Seattle; 11/30; 1:00pm – 5:00pm; Pike Place Market kicks off the holidays with cookie decorating and card-making for kids ages 12 and younger, Santa, caroling and more. The Market’s buildings and holiday tree are lit for the season at 5 p.m.
*A Season of Comfort & Joy – Bellevue; 11/30; 1:00pm – 6:00pm; Help kick off the holidays at Crossroads Bellevue – meet a real, live reindeer, have milk and cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing along with Adam Burdick, enjoy a very special Christmas performance by Broadsway and Hanukkah celebration with Temple B’Nai Torah.
*Light Up Monroe – Monroe; 11/30; 1:00pm – 7:00pm; Santa, live music, tractor-pulled hay rides (1 to 4 p.m.), alpacas, tree and street lighting (5 p.m.) and more.
*Nature Walk at Lake Hills Greenbelt – Bellevue; 11/30; 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; 11/30; 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.
*Pacific Cascade Big Band – Seattle; 11/30; 2:00pm – 3:00pm; This big band is devoted to performing the great jazz music that became popular during the Swing Era from the early 1930s to the late 1950s.
*Ballard Gives Holiday Lights – Seattle; 11/30; 2:00pm – 5:00pm; This first-ever celebration features live music, free treats and beverages, and an opportunity for kids to share their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus – including a complimentary photo with Santa.
*Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble – Seattle; 11/30; 3:30pm – 4:30pm; Celebrate the music and culture of Croatia as this vibrantly costumed troupe shares holiday traditions through exuberant dance and song.
*Tree Lighting – Edmonds; 11/30; 4:30pm – 6:00pm; Join us as we welcome Santa and the holiday season to Downtown Edmonds with a tree lighting, Santa photos (fee), refreshments and music. Parking is available after 4 p.m. at Edmonds Center for the Arts.
Sunday, December 1st:
*Holiday Greenery Festival – Shoreline; 12/1; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Enjoy holiday crafts, buy a living Christmas tree, and decorate a luminary for our upcoming Solstice Stroll. You may also purchase a wreath, swag or garland made with locally grown greenery, or learn how to make your own during our workshops. Kids’ luminary workshop is $2 (no need to register) and wreath workshop is $25 (please pre-register online).
*Klez Kidz – Seattle; 12/1; 12:30pm – 1:30pm; This intergenerational group of musicians, singers and dancers presents interactive concerts of world Jewish music and mirth.
*Taiko Drumming – Seattle; 12/1; 2:00pm – 3:00pm; One World Taiko’s own creative rhythms, arrangements and choreography span the genres of jazz and world music to add a modern spirit to the ancient tradition of taiko.
*Garden D’Lights – Bellevue; 12/1 – 1/4; 5:00pm – 10:00pm; Bellevue Botanical Garden creates a winter garden with hundreds of thousands of mini-lights in three-dimensional plant and critter shapes. No pets. 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 4. $5, free ages 10 and younger, tickets available online (pre-purchase recommended). Free parking nearby. FREE nights are Dec. 2-5 and 9-12 (first come, first served).
*Menorah Lighting Ceremony – Seattle; 12/1; 6:00pm – 7:00pm; Chabad of Seattle celebrates Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, with a candle lighting ceremony.
Monday, December 2nd:
*PJ Library Story and Song Time with Erik Lawson – Seattle; 12/2; 9:00am; Enjoy Jewish songs and stories with Musikal Magik’s Betsy Dischel. Everyone is welcome to these free events! R.S.V.P. to community@sjcs.net.
*Masterpiece Monday - Bellevue; 12/2; 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.
*Menorah Lighting – Gig Harbor; 12/2; 6:00pm; Join us for the lighting of the menorah at Uptown Gig Harbor shopping center pavilion.
Tuesday, December 3rd:
*Village Playdays – Seattle; 12/3; 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; 12/3; 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.
Dec. 3: Bingo Blast, Holiday Edition
Dec. 10: Holiday Craft Extravaganza
Wednesday, December 4th:
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 12/4; 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; 12/4 & 12/5; 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
*Hilltop Holiday Craft Fair – Bellevue; 12/4 – 12/7; The annual Hilltop Holiday Craft Show is back, featuring thousands of handmade works from more than 80 selected Northwest crafters. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 4-6 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7.
*Students Get Free Admission To The Bellevue Art Museum – Bellevue; 12/4; 1:00pm to 5:00pm; Students of all ages can explore the Bellevue Arts Museum after school FREE with printable coupon.
*Winter’s Eve Open House – Seattle; 12/4; 6:30pm – 9:00pm; Join us in welcoming our new center director, Andrew Jay, while sipping hot cocoa and cider. You can decorate cookies and do some holiday crafts, then venture out on a hay ride ($5) for a guided nature tour of the loop. Follow the candles down to the bonfire to listen to the Christmas Ships in the south bay (8:25 p.m.) or, if it’s too blustery, you can stay inside the Center and enjoy the music fireside.
Thursday, December 5th :
(Always make sure to call the museum ahead of time to confirm that they are still participating in these discount days/events/activities)
*Westfield Southcenter Family Fun Day – Seattle; 12/5; 10:00am; Save the date for Westfield Family Fun Days! On the first Thursday of each month we will explore the month’s theme with books, craft and a snack. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for each month’s theme and event details.
*FREE Nordic Heritage Museum - Seattle; 12/5; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Nordic Heritage Museum is FREE first Thursdays.
*Free Admission To Kids Discovery Museum – Bainbridge Island; 12/5; 10:00am – 4:00pm; First Thursday of the month Kids Discovery Museum offers free admission.
*Free Admission To The Burke Museum – Seattle; 12/5; 10:00am – 8:00pm; First Thursday of the month The Burke offers free admission to the museum.
*Free Admission To The Museum Of History & Industry - Seattle; 12/5; 10:00am – 8:00pm; First Thursday of the month MOHAI offers free admission to the museum.
* Free Admission To Wing Luke Museum – Seattle; 12/5; 10:00am – 8:00pm; First Thursday of the month Wing Luke offers free admission to the museum.
*Free Admission To Seattle Art Museum- Seattle; 12/5; 10:00am – 9:00pm; First Thursday of the month SAM offers free admission to the museum.
*Free Admission To Seattle Asian Art Museum- Seattle; 12/5; 10:00am – 9:00pm; First Thursday of the month SAM offers free admission to the museum.
*Caspar Babypants Performance – Seattle; 12/5; 10:30am; Hear catchy tunes for young kids performed by Caspar Babypants, sponsored by the Newport Way Library.
*Free Admission To The Northwest African American Museum - Seattle; 12/5; 11:00am – 7:00pm; First Thursday of the month NAAM offers free admission to the museum.
*Free Admission To Henry Art Gallery – Seattle; 12/5; 11:00am – 9:00pm; First Thursday of the month Henry Art Gallery offers free admission.
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 12/5; Thursday 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
*Old Town Tree Lighting & Santa Visit – Tacoma; 12/5; 4:00pm – 6:00pm; Start the holiday season with an old-fashioned tree lighting at Job Carr Cabin Museum to welcome Santa to Old Town Tacoma. Photos with Santa, cookies and hot chocolate are free while supplies last (first come, first served). In the spirit of the holidays, we will be accepting donations of non-perishable foods for Food Connection.
*Wintertide – Everett; 12/5; 4:30pm – 7:30pm; Come for a tree lighting, bonfire, hot cocoa, cookies and caroling and watch as Santa arrives by fire truck. Inside the Everett Performing Arts Theatre, kids can do crafts, get their faces painted, and take in a presentation by Captain Smartypants and Sensible Shoes at 7 p.m. At the Second Stage Theatre, catch performances from Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE and stories and puppets with Everett Public Library.
*Free Admission To The Museum Of Flight - Seattle; 12/5; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; First Thursday of the month Museum of Flight offers free admission.
*Student Playwriting Project Performance – Seattle; 12/5; 7:30pm; As part of the annual Playwriting Project, Seattle Rep will present four new works by student playwrights from Roosevelt High School in Seattle. Each student has written a 10-minute play under the mentorship of a professional playwright, and the works will be directed by Seattle Rep education staff and performed by student actors. The performance is free; however, tickets should be reserved online or by calling the Seattle Rep Box Office at 206-443-2222 .
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, November 29th:
*Macy’s Holiday Parade Downtown PDX – Portland; 11/29; 9:00am; Marching bands, 25 inflatables, 600+ costumed characters and all the usual parade fun. Starts 9 am and takes about an hour to pass by. Broadway, to Alder, to 4th to Flanders. macys.com/holidayevents.
*Vancouver Festival of Trees at Hilton – Vancouver; 11/29 – 12/1; Tree viewing, Santa, entertainment and a family scavenger hunt. Friday, November 29, 10 a.m. to 9 pm; Saturday, November 30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, December 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Suggested donation of $5 per family. Non-perishable food donations requested. Raffle tickets for the trees available. Tickets will be sold for 11 packages including professionally decorated trees, cash prizes and gifts.
*The Sharing Carrot Puppet Show at Central Lutheran – Portland; 11/29; 10:30am; A winter cold day and food is scarce, yet rabbit finds not one but two carrots. Rabbit decides to share his extra carrot with his good friend Lamby, who intern shares it with Donkey and Donkey with…. Free coffee tea and stickers for all. $5 each or 4 for $17
*Music From Mr. Hoo from The Alphabeticians – Portland; 11/29; 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; 11/29; 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.
*Community Tree Lighting at Esther Short Park – Vancouver; 11/29; 3:00pm -7:00pm; Vancouver Community Tree Lighting and Concerts with music, food, Santa and elves. Esther Short Park and Vancouver Hilton.
*$5 Friday Artshop at Art a la Carte – Portland; 11/29; 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
*The Portland Ballet at PSU’s Lincoln Hall – Portland; 11/29; 4:00pm; Talented young dancers perform The Enchanted Toyshop and Firebird. $5+
*Holiday Tree Lighting in Pioneer Courthouse Square – Portland; 11/29; 5:30pm; Be Merry at the Square! The day after Thanksgiving, thousands of Portlanders will gather at the Square to celebrate the official start of the season by lighting the City’s spectacular 75ft Douglas-fir tree provided by Stimson Lumber Company. Rain or shine.
*Strobe lights will be used during this event.
Saturday, November 30th :
*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek – Portland; 11/30; 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.
*Holiday Art Making at CHAP – Portland; 11/30 – 12/22; For $5, you can come into the studio and have unlimited supply of paint, paper, glitter and collage materials. For an additional $5 artists can create an additional project such as a stocking, cancle holder, ornament or picture frame. There will also be $10 raffle tickets. Wed-Sat 10 am-6 pm Sundays 11 am-5 pm Nove 30-Dec. 22. This event supports children in crisis and their families.
*Ruckus in the Lobby at Artists Rep Theatre – Portland; 11/30; 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; 11/30; 10:30am to 12:00pm; For $6 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.
* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 11/30; 4:45pm to 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.
Sunday December 1st:
*$2 Days at OMSI – Portland; 12/1; 9:30am to 7:00pm; Explore the museum for $2 on the first Sunday of each month.
*Family Fun Time at Unplugged Games – Portland; 12/1; 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. h 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; 12/1; 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).
*The David Show! at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 12/1; 1:00pm – 2:00pm; Musical variety show for children of all ages and their families, now on Sundays. Free, donations accepted.
*Grinch Day at B&N Lloyd Center – Portland; 12/1; 1:00pm; Celebrate the season with a Grinch Who Stole Christmas, fun and prizes!
*Holiday Steam Up at Staver Locomotive - Portland; 12/1; 2:00pm – 4:00pm; View the model trains, music, kids craft area. Dress warmly, this is an unheated warehouse. The event is free, but donations to Friendly House are encouraged. Free, donations encouraged.
*Holiday Swing Music Concert & Dance at Oregon City Community Center – Oregon City; 12/1; 2:00pm – 4:00pm; The Minidoka Swing Band will present a concert of Holiday Swing Music along with traditional swing dance tunes. Bring you dancing shoes or just listen and enjoy. Refreshments will be provided. The Minidoka Swing Band plays 40′s big band music as a tribute to the music popular in WWII Japanese American Internment camps. Free, donations accepted.
*Trading Card Games For Tweens at Unplugged Games – Portland; 12/1; 2:00pm – 4:00pm; Is your child interested in Pokemon, Magic, or Yugioh? 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.
*Heritage Holidays - Oregon City; 12/1; 2:00pm – 6:00pm; he McLoughlin House Site in Oregon City will be open from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. as part of Oregon City’s Heritage Holidays event. Celebrate the holiday 1850′s style. Family friendly activities include: period music, parlor games and refreshments at the Barclay House. The McLoughlin House and grounds will be lit by candlelight to chase away the winter gloom. Inside the McLoughlin House, living history interpreters will be telling stories and sharing it’s history with visitors.
Barclay House, 719 Center St.
McLoughlin House, 713 Center St.
*The Chanukah Experience in NE PDX – Portland; 12/1; 2:30pm – 5:00pm; Olive press workshop (A show that teaches how oil is made in a fun memorable way!) Chanukah arts & crafts, toddler Chanukah Playzone, make A dreidle out of clay, Menorah building center and much more!
Monday, December 2nd :
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 12/2; 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; 12/2; 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; 12/2; 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; 12/2; 10:00am to 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall; 12/2; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Tuesday, December 3rd:
*Preschool Play and Skate at Oaks Park – Portland; 12/3; 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
*Tuesday Art Time at the Treehouse Children’s Boutique – Portland; 12/3; 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; 12/3; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*Mommy Matinee at the Kennedy School – Portland; 12/3 & 12/4; 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
*Community Christmas Tree Lighting at Concordia U - Portland; 12/3; 6:00pm; Join the NE Portland community under the portico at Concordia University’s George R. White Library & Learning Center featuring carols led by Concordia choirs and music ensembles and with a special visit by Santa & Mrs. Clause.
Wednesday, December 4th:
*Visit the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 12/4; 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; 12/4; 10:00am; Enjoy music with kindie favorite Mr. Ben. Cost: $5 per child
*African World Music at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 12/4; 10:00am – 11:00am; Please join us every Wednesday, Neindow and friends bring the rhythms of Africa to Rain City Coffee. Kids of all ages and adults are welcome to join this fun, upbeat music hour of drumming, singing and jamming. Bring your children and come and dance and play along with us and try some of our handmade African kids drums while playing along to the African rhythms. Neindow brings traditional Ghanain percussion instruments + rattles and everyone is welcome to bring their drums. Suggested donation.
*Winter We Play Wednesdays! – Gladstone; 12/4; 10:00am – 11:30am; Family Stepping Stones is excited to invite moms, dads, grandparents, loving caregivers and their children birth to 6 years old to our Winter We Play Wednesdays! These free December playgroups offer children great stories, fun games, cute crafts, and tasty snacks. Parents and children are encouraged to come, learn, and play together. Each week is based on a different story.
December 4, 2013 – The Mitten By Jan Brett
December 11, 2013 – The Biggest Best Snowman By Margery Cuyler
December 18, 2013 – The Snowy Day By Ezra Jack Keats
*Wondrous Wednesday’s At The World Forestry Center – Washington Park; 12/4; 10:00am to 5:00pm; Reduced admission for The Discovery Museum. Get in for $3 on the first Wed. of each month.
*Honeybee Hikess at Leach Botanical Gardens – Portland; 12/4; 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
*Mommy Matinee at the St Johns Theater- Portland; 12/4 ; 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
Thursday, December 5th :
*Red Yarn at TreeHouse Boutique – Portland; 12/5; 10:00am – 10:45am; Red Yarn is a dynamic Portland family performer. Weaving together energetic live music, puppetry and storytelling, he teaches positive values while reviving American folklore for a younger generation.
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. $5/child (adults are free)
*Storytime at A Children’s Place Bookstore – Portland; 12/5; 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.
* Free admission to the Museum of Contemporary Craft - Portland; 12/5; 11am to 8pm; Free admission on the first Thursday of every month.
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; 11am to 3pm; Kids can come to this free craft time each week for a new craft (plus print a $5 off $25 coupon).
*Bank Of America Museums On Us Free Entrance – ; Bank Of America card holders can get free entrance to Museums Nationwide. Check website for participating museums in your area.
*Home Depot Kids Workshop – 9:00am to 12:00pm; Kids can participate in free building projects the first Sat. of the month. This week they will build a picture frame.
*Lego Stores Mini Models Build – Tuesdays ; 5:00pm; Monthly model build event, one free for kids 6-14 while supplies last. 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
*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 11/29 – 12/5 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
The post Fun & Frugal Family Events 11/29 – 12/5 appeared first on Thrifty NW Mom.