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 Christmas Events, Tree Farms, and Bazaars. Plus the best places to view 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!
Interactive Children’s Play Dot & Ziggy (Seattle; 11/9 – 11/16 select Sat & Sun; tickets as low as $10.50 plus service fee)
Fun Family Musical The Magic Tree House: A Night in New Orleans (Portland; 11/9; tickets as low as $12 plus service fee)
Footloose the Musical: Cut Loose With the New Century Players (Portland; 11/8 – 11/17 select days; tickets as low as $7.50 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 8th :
*U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Celebration – Everett; 11/8; 10:00am – 12:00pm; This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree is an 88-foot Engelmann spruce from the Colville National Forest in Northeast Washington, and it’s stopping in Everett as part of a multi-state tour en route to Washington, D.C. Come see this impressive tree and learn more about our national forests and capitol, plus listen to live music, eat a gingerbread cookie and take part in fun activities with Imagine Children’s Museum.
*Caspar Babypants Performance – Lake Forest; 11/8; 10:30am; Caspar Babypants will perform his fun, catchy songs for little ones at Third Place Books.
*Nature Alphabet – Tacoma; 11/8; 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; 11/8; 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; 11/8; 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.
*Seattle Art Museum Free To Teens – Seattle; 11/8; 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.
*Our Town - Seattle; 11/8 & 11/9; Seattle Public Theater’s Youth Program presents the classic play about what it means to grow up, live, and die in a community. 7 p.m. Nov. 1-2 and 8-9, 2 p.m. Nov. 3 and 9. FREE, donations accepted.
*Northwest Seaport Chantey Sing – Seattle; 11/8; 8:00pm – 10:00pm; Sea chanteys and other sea songs celebrate our connections to the sea, ships, skippers, and sailors. They’re fun and easy to sing and are for all ages. Singer and sailor David Kessler will lead the November sing-along aboard the historic steam ferry Virginia V at Lake Union Park.
Saturday, November 9th:
*Reindeer Festival - Seattle; 11/9; 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.
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 11/9 & 11/13; 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.
*Zoo Career Day – Tacoma; 11/9; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Students grade 6 through university level can learn about a career as a zookeeper, zoo veterinarian or marine biologist at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., check-in 9:30 a.m. FREE to students (age 15 and younger must be with a paying adult, younger siblings pay regular admission), includes zoo admission. Pre-registration is not required, but students (including those with zoo memberships) must check in with Career Day staff before getting their tickets at the admissions window.
*Backyard Birds Super Saturday – Seattle; 11/9; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Want to look out your window this winter and see the cheerful sight of birds whether you are at home, school or office? Learn how to welcome birds to your outdoor space – make pine cone feeders and other crafts for all ages, plus get tips on bird feeders, native plants, nesting boxes and more.
*Veterans Day at LeMay America’s Car Museum – Tacoma; 11/9 – 11/11; 10:00am – 5:00pm; Military ID card holders will receive FREE admission through Nov. 11. Regular admission $8 to $14, free ages 4 and younger.
*Pied Piper Kids’ Entertainment Series – Seattle; 11/9; 10:30am; See Eric Ode perform his fun, interactive songs. $3 suggested donation.
*Annual Veterans Day Parade- Auburn; 11/9; 11:00am; Mile-long parade includes marching bands, honor guards, drill teams, floats, veterans units and more.
*Bob Books Rhyming Words Storytime – Seattle; 11/9; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Author Lynn Maslen will be reading Bob Books Rhyming Words during storytime.
*Salmon SEEson in Issaquah – Issaquah; 11/9 – 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.
*Salmon Watching- Seattle; 11/9 – 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.
*Hmong New Year Celebration – Seattle; 11/9; 11:00am – 11:00pm; This Hmong harvest and New Year Celebration includes food, traditional dances, cultural shows, music and more.
*It’s a Swamp Thing! – Seattle; 11/9; 12:00pm; Seattle Public Theater’s Youth Program present this spooky original comedy about camp counselors who go mysteriously missing. FREE, donations accepted.
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 11/9; 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; 11/9; 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; 11/9; 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; 11/9; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; Enjoy a family-friendly evening the second Saturday of every month. Activities can include game times, snacks, concerts and more.
*Star Party – Seattle Area locations; 11/9; 6:00pm; Dress in warm clothes to view celestial objects through instruments provided by Seattle Astronomical Society. Check online for weather cancellations.
Sunday, November 10th:
*Northwest Trek Military Appreciation Day – Eatonville; 11/10; 9:30am – 4:00pm; Northwest Trek Wildlife Park honors active duty and retired military with free admission on Veterans Appreciation Day. Active duty military or veteran identification, discharge papers or other proof of honorable military service is required. Regular admission $18.25, $16.75 seniors, $12.25 ages 5 to 12, $9.25 ages 3 and 4, free ages 2 and younger.
*Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Military Appreciation Day – Tacoma; 11/10; 9:30am – 4:00pm; Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium honors active duty and retired military with free admission on Veterans Appreciation Day. Active duty military or veteran identification, discharge papers or other proof of honorable military service is required. Regular admission $15, $14 seniors, $13 ages 5 to 12, $8.75 ages 3 and 4, free ages 2 and younger.
*Living Voices: Island of Hope – Seattle; 11/10; 1:00pm; Living Voices combines theatre, video, and live interaction to create a high impact experience and an unforgettable journey through history. Today’s show tells the tale of Leah, a 10-year-old girl who is detained on Ellis Island as her family escapes to America. Ages 5 and older. Included with admission. Pre-registration encouraged. $4 to $6, free ages 3 and younger.
*Children’s Nature Movies – Bellevue; 11/10; 2:00pm – 2:30pm; Join us for fun, educational nature movies at Lewis Creek. Popcorn provided. Drop-in; no registration required. Kids younger than age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 425-452-4195 for more information. FREE.
*Mercer Slough Ranger Program: Herons – Bellevue; 2:00pm – 3:00pm; Did you know that the Mercer Slough Nature Park is home to a great blue heron rookery? We’ll learn about what makes the slough such a great home for these long-legged birds. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is not required.
*Family Sundays at the Henry – Seattle; 11/10; 2:00pm – 3:30pm; Family Sundays at the Henry are every second Sunday and are especially for adults and children to learn and create together. Each month we will focus on different activities and ways of seeing. Family Sundays are best suited for elementary-aged students, but we encourage older or younger kids to join in. $10 family, free for members. Space is limited, pre-register.
*Columbia City BeatWalk – Columbia City /Seattle; 11/10; 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, November 11th:
*Future of Flight Free Admission for Veterans and Active Military – Mukilteo; 11/11; 8:30am – 5:30pm; Veterans and active duty military, both US and Canadian get free admission to Future of Flight & Boeing Tour in recognition of their service. ID or uniform required. Tickets must be obtained at the Future of Flight, not valid for online purchases. Regular admission $9 to $18.
*Woodland Park Zoo Veterans Day Discount for Military – Seattle; 11/11; 9:30am – 4:00pm; In honor of those who put themselves at risk in service to their community and country, the zoo extends free admission to all active, retired, and veteran U.S. military personnel and their spouses with valid service identification on Veterans Day. Veterans Day discounts cannot be combined with other offers or zoo discounts. Regular admission $12.75, $8.75 ages 3 to 12, free ages 2 and younger.
*Highland Ice Arena Veterans Day Free Skate – Shoreline; 11/11; 9:30am – 5:00pm; Join us for our annual celebration of Veterans Day. Admission is free for everyone, and skate rentals are $3 per pair.
*Veterans Day at EMP – Seattle; 11/11; 10:00am – 5:00pm; EMP is offering FREE admission to visitors with valid military ID, plus a 10% discount at EMP Stores and POP Kitchen + Bar. Regular admission $14 to $20, free ages 4 and younger.
*Veterans Day at Museum of Glass – Tacoma; 11/11; 10:00am – 5:00pm; In observance of Veterans Day, Museum of Glass is offering complimentary admission to veterans, active duty and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces, plus their family members. Valid ID is required.
*Veterans Day Ceremony – Gig Harbor; 11/11; 11:00am; Event includes a flag ceremony, guest speaker U.S. Army Captain Michael Ratliffe, a 21-gun salute by the Boy Scouts Honor Guard, bagpipes, a flag retirement ceremony and refreshments.
*Veterans Day Ceremony – Seattle; 11/11; 11:00am – 1:00pm; The Boeing Employees Concert Band performs 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a ceremony featuring guest speakers and a color guard. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included with admission. $18, $15 seniors, $10 ages 5 to 17, free ages 4 and younger, U.S. veterans and current U.S. military personnel FREE today.
*Veterans Day at Hibulb Cultural Center – Tulalip; 11/11; 12:00pm – 5:00pm; Veterans and active military and their families will receive FREE admission today. Posting of Colors at noon, followed by special workshops and activities. Regular admission $6 to $10, $25 family, free ages 5 and younger.
Tuesday, November 12th:
*PJ Library Story and Song Time with Erik Lawson – Seattle; 11/12; 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.
*After-School Special Activities – Seattle; 11/12 – 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.
Nov. 12: Bingo Blast
Nov. 19: Craft Extravaganza
Nov. 26 Movie Madness
Dec. 3: Bingo Blast, Holiday Edition
Dec. 10: Holiday Craft Extravaganza
Wednesday, November 13th:
*FREE Drop-In Playgroup – Seattle; 11/13 & 11/15; 10:00am – 12:00pm; Join kids ages birth to 5 and their parents/caregivers every Wednesday and Friday for a drop-in playgroup! Have fun playing with other families, reading, and singing. First-time families will be asked to fill out a registration form. FREE
*Caspar Babypants Performance – Auburn; 11/13; 10:30am; Caspar Babypants will perform his fun, catchy songs for little ones. FREE, call ahead for admission information.
*Story Hour at the Conservatory – Tacoma; 11/13; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Enjoy a story plus art and science activities on the second Wednesday of each month at the conservatory (no January story time). Free to $3.
*Students Get Free Admission To The Bellevue Art Museum – Bellevue; 11/13; 1:00pm to 5:00pm; Students of all ages can explore the Bellevue Arts Museum after school FREE with printable coupon.
*Living with Coyotes- Seattle; 11/13; 7:00pm – 8:30pm; Experts from the Dept. of Fish & Wildlife will give tips on how to coexist safely with coyotes and avoid and resolve conflict with them. There will be activities for kids, too.
Thursday, March 14th :
*Caspar Babypants Performance – Enumclaw; 11/13; 10:30am; Caspar Babypants will perform his fun, catchy songs for little ones. FREE, call ahead for admission information.
*Free Admission To NAAM - Seattle; 11/14; 11:00am – 7:00pm; The Northwest African American Museum is free on the second Thursday of each month.
*Tugboat Storytime – Seattle; 11/14; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Listen to stories about boats and the sea aboard the Arthur Foss, a 100-year-old tugboat. After stories, there is time to explore the boat. This is an indoor/outdoor activity; dress accordingly. Ages 2 to 5. 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 14 and 28. Not intended for preschool groups.
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 11/14; Thursday 3:00pm – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
*Capital Hill Art Walk Blitz – Seattle; 11/14; 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.
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 8th :
*Weekly Storytime + Craft at Craft Factory – Portland; 11/8; 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; 11/8; 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.
*Music With The Tangled Threads At Cafe au Play – Portland; 11/8; The Tangled Threads consists of a nine foot tall ukelele player and a human doll rhythm section that roam the land singing for their supper. This duo’s repertoire includes classic hits, children’s tunes, and an eclectic selection of comic, new and slightly bizarre songs. A visual treat and a delight to the ear, this pair of globe trotters appeals to all ages and brings smiles to audiences everywhere! You can find their winter schedule of appearances at thetangledthreads.org.
*Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek – Portland; 11/8; 1:00pm – 2:15pm; This program integrates nature exploration, art, literature, music, movement, and outdoor play. It is geared toward families with young children (preferably ages 2-6 but all are welcome.) For more specific information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 225. FREE.
$5 Friday Artshop at Art a la Carte – Portland; 11/8; 3:00pm – 5:00pm; All ages and all skill levels welcome. Every Friday we do a simple but fun project for the whole family. Cost: $5
*Lemony Snicket at Powell’s Cedar Hills – Beaverton; 11/8; 7:00pm; In the fading town of Stain’d-by-the-Sea, young apprentice Lemony Snicket has a new case to solve when he and his chaperone are hired to find a missing girl. Is the girl a runaway? Or was she kidnapped? Snicket’s “When Did You See Her Last?” (Little, Brown) is the second book in the All the Wrong Questions series from the author of A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Saturday, November 9th :
*The National Capitol Christmas Tree on Tour in Vancouver at Heritage Sq. – Vancouver; 11/9; 9:00am – 4:00pm; The National Capitol Christmas Tree will visit downtown Vancouver on its tour of the nation, which will start in the Colville National Forest and end in Washington D.C. Santa, Elves and Smokey the Bear will be present to celebrate the 80′ Washington State tree.
*Veterans Day Weekend at Fort Vancouver – Vancouver; 11/9 – 11/11; 9:00am – 4:00pm; Enjoy history for free this weekend. The Fort is honoring those who have served and who are serving in the military.
*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek– Portland; 11/9; 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.
*Star Wars Day! at Child’s Play – Portland; 11/9; 10:00am – 12:00pm; Star Wars activities 10am-12pm. Star Wars character appearances by Cloud City Garrison. Come in costume and take a picture with a favorite Star Wars character. Star Wars cupcakes, snacks and decor. Win prizes in the annual “Toy Walk” 20% of all sales on November 9th will go to support our local schools! Complementary gift wrap.
*Safety Saturday at the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 11/9; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Head to the Firehouse for a monthly open day of operation. Drop in during open hours to see the exhibits and learn about safety for you and your family. No appointment is necessary.
*Columbia Gorge Model RR Show – Portland; 11/9; 10:00am – 5:00pm; Get a close look at these elaborate model railroad sets. See 4200 sq.ft. of HO Railroad, models of vintage passenger trains, models of steam engines of days gone by, model drive-in movie theater and track side signals that work like the prototype railroads. Cost: $6 adults, $2 ages 3-11, VIP tours $15, reservations required.
*Ruckus in the Lobby at Artists Rep Theatre – Portland; 11/9; 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; 11/9; 10:30am – 12:00pm; For $6 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.
*Second Saurday at Vancouver’s Water Center – Vancouver; 11/9; 1:00pm – 3:00pm; Join us for our annual observance of American Indian Heritage Month. Second Saturdays at the Water Resources Education Center are not only fun, they’re free! Each second Saturday of the month, from 1 to 3 p.m., kids and their families are invited to explore a different topic through hands-on activities, games and stories. Create bird feeders and other crafts to welcome wildlife to your backyard! Learn about the amazing world of bubbles! Make a piece of art from reused materials! There’s always something new waiting at Second Saturdays! Please note: Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 11/9; 4:45pm – 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.
*Movie at Steamers & Screamers – Portland; 11/9; 5:00pm; Enjoy a movie every Saturday night. FREE
*Junior Gardener’s Club at Oregon Garden – Silverton; 11/9; 6:00pm – 8:30pm; Family Fun Night! Older and younger siblings are invited to Junior Gardeners Club for this special after-hours program. Is it true spiders have 20 legs? Why are so many creepies in the garden? Explore the world of creepy crawlies with bug collections and a microscope. How about a delectable Bug Dessert you can make yourself? Then we’ll watch A Bug’s Life on our big screen. Bring your pillows and blankets for watching the movie . And it’s OK to wear your p.j.’s! Cost: $3 per child
Sunday, November 10th:
*Curious Garden at the Curious Comedy Theater – Portland; 11/10; 10:30am – 11:30am; The Curious Garden is back! Come see our old friends Razzie the Fairy, Daisy the Flower and Jojo the Lawnjockey – and meet our new garden friends Ribbit the Frog, Dottie the Ladybug and Flappy the Chicken! The Curious Garden is a show for all ages – especially kids 0-8. Every month on the second Sunday at 10:30am. And remember each episode ends with an open mic where you can sing, dance, tell a joke and show off your talent at the Curious Garden. $5 suggested donation.
*Family Fun Time at Unplugged Games – Portland; 11/10; 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; 11/10; 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.
*The David Show! at Rain City Coffee- Portland; 11/10; 1:00pm – 2:00pm; Musical variety show for children of all ages and their families, now on Sundays. Free, donations accepted.
*Trading Card Games For Tweens at Unplugged Games – Portland; 11/10; 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.
*Kids Karaoke at Pink Feather Restaurant and Lodge – Portland; 11/10; 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.
Monday, November 11th :
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 11/11; 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; 11/11; 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; 11/11; 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.
*Free Day at the Japanese Garden – Portland; 11/11; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Everyone is welcome and encouraged to invite their friends, family, and fellow community members to visit the Garden on this Free Admission Day. Garden Guides will be stationed throughout the Garden to help answer questions about the Garden’s history, culture, and traditions.
*Washington County Museum Free Admission – Portland; 11/11; 10:00am to 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall; 11/11; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Tuesday, November 12th :
* $4 Admission For Second Tuesday At The Zoo - Portland; 11/12; 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.)
*Storytime with Olive Rootbeer and Dingo at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 11/12; 10:00am – 11:00am; Toddlers and their families are all encouraged to join in the fun for one hour and *poof!* it’s a party after:twisted balloons for everyone to take home! $5 donation
*Preschool Play and Skate at Oaks Park – Portland; 11/12; 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; 11/12; 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; 11/12; 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; 11/12; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*Mommy Matinee at the Kennedy School – Portland; 11/12 & 11/13; 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, November 13th :
*Visit the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 11/13; 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; 11/13; 10:00am; Enjoy music with kindie favorite Mr. Ben. Cost: $5 per child
*Honeybee Hikes at Leach Botanical Gardens – Portland; 11/13; 10:00am – 11:00am; Weekly nature-related activities for young children and their adult caregivers. Discover the secrets of the Garden and its critters through stories and outdoor explorations. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes for unpaved, uneven walkways that could be muddy. Strollers limit where we can explore, so carriers are ideal for little ones. No pre-registration required. Best for ages 1-6. Cost: $2 per child
*Family Day at the Washington County Museum - Portland; 11/13; 10am – 1:00pm;
*Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station – Portland; 11/13; 10:30am; Charming play, some with puppets, every Wed. Best for ages 2+ with good theatre manners. Cost: $4
*Mommy Matinee at the St Johns Theater- Portland; 11/13; 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
*Mo Phillips at Oregon Public House – Portland; 11/13; 5:00pm – 6:00pm; Mo performs interactive shows for kids and parents alike! He rocks a fine, distilled blend of Americana, soul and blues. $3 – $5 donation
Thursday, November 14th:
*Red Yarn at the Treehouse – Portland; 11/14; 10:00am; Red Yarn a dynamic children’s performer, weaving live music, puppetry and interactive storytelling into engaging shows for family audiences. Whether performing solo or with the Red Yarn Puppet Band, the red-bearded bard teaches positive values while reinvigorating American folklore for younger generations. $5 per child
*St Johns Swapnplay Playspace Open Play - Portland; 11/14; 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; 11/14; 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; 11/14; 3:30pm – 4:00pm; Friends and all, come in for what is sure to be a joyful time. If you can’t make the Tuesday morning storytimes, these Thursday afternoon storytimes are perfect for you.
For more lists of local events in western OR check out::
* PDX Kids Calendar - this is a comprehensive events-based website for families in the Portland area.
NATIONAL EVENTS:
*Free Craft Activities at Lakeshore Learning Stores– Saturdays; 11am – 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 - Saturdays ; 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 11/8 – 11/14 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
The post Fun & Frugal Family Events 11/8 – 11/14 appeared first on Thrifty NW Mom.