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; 12/20 – 12/21 Fridays & Saturdays; tickets as low as $7.00 plus service fee)
Fly With Peter Pan in a Musical Adventure (Portland; 12/20 – 12/22 select days; tickets as low as $11 plus service fee)
A Christmas Carol: SecondStory Repertory Presents the Holiday Classic (Seattle; 12/20 – 12/22 select days; tickets as low as $13.50 plus service fees)
Frogz: A Spectacle of Acrobatics, Mime & More (Portland; 12/20; tickets as low as $8.00 plus service fee)
Disney Musical Beauty and the Beast (Portland; 12/20 – 12/28 select days; tickets as low as $19.13 plus service fee)
Aida: Elton John’s Score Soars in Tony Award-Winning Musical (Portland; 2/20 – 3/8 select days; tickets as low as $16.15 plus service fee)
Handel’s Messiah: Portland Chamber Orchestra & Guests (Portland; 12/21; tickets as low as $10 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, December 20th :
*KidsQuest’s Gingerbread Lane – Bellevue; 12/20; Gingerbread houses made by local chefs, architects and businesses are on view at Hilton Hotel Bellevue Dec. 7-20. At 11 a.m. on Dec. 14, hear a performance by Newcastle Elementary Chorus, plus local celebrity judges will announce the gingerbread house award winners. Benefits KidsQuest Children’s Museum.
*Gingerbread Village – Seattle; 12/20 – 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; 12/20 – 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.
*Reindeer Festival – Seattle; 12/20 – 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.
*Winter Train & Village – Seattle; 12/20 – 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
*Holiday Carousel – Seattle; 12/20 – 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.
*Paint Me a Story - Bellevue; 12/20; 10:00am – 10:30am or 10:30am – 11:00am; Join us for this popular weekly story time and painting activity. Ages 2 and older. Please check website for current schedules. No registration required. FREE
*Nature Alphabet – Tacoma; 12/20; 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.
*Vintage Model Train Display – Seattle; 12/20 – 1/5; 11:00am – 3:00pm; See a holiday display of a vintage model train at the conservatory at Volunteer Park. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Dec. 6 through Jan. 5. $4, $2 ages 13 to 17, free ages 12 and younger. 1400 E. Galer St., Seattle.
*Teddy Bear Suite – Seattle; 12/20 – 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; 12/20 – 12/31; opens daily 11:00am; 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.
*FreeTête-à-têter At Frye Museum – Seattle; 12/20; 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;12/20 ; 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.
*Kids’ Holiday Express Train – Redmond; 12/20 – 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.
*Polar Plaza – Tacoma; 12/20 – 1/22; various days & times; Tacoma’s only covered, open-air ice rink. Various dates and times through Jan. 12. $4 to $8, $2 skate rental.
*Aerialist Holiday Performance – Seattle; 12/20 – 12/21; 12:30pm – 2:30pm; Watch an aerialist entertain with holiday-themed, family friendly acrobatics during lunchtime performances 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16-21.
*Film Screening: ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ – Seattle; 12/20; 4:00pm – 6:00pm; Get your holidays off to a great start! Join us for free books, snacks and a screening of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.”
*Solstice Stroll – Shoreline; 12/20 – 12/21; 4:30pm – 9:00pm; First annual event features an evening stroll at the illuminated gardens, plus caroling, warm beverages and cookies. 4:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20-21. Donations welcomed.
*Garden D’Lights – Bellevue; 12/20 – 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).
*Snow Show – Seattle; 12/20 – 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.
*FREE Friday Night Live at Imagine Children’s Museum – Everett; 12/20; 5:30pm – 9:00pm; Imagine Children’s Museum offers FREE admission on the third Friday of each month, 5:30 to 9 p.m. All ages.
*Bellevue Magic Season: Snowflake and Celebration Lanes – Bellevue; 12/20 – 12/24; 7:00pm; It snows nightly on live toy soldiers and other characters, music and a light show. Snowflake Lane 7 p.m. daily Nov. 29 through Dec. 24, Celebration Lane performances Dec. 26-31. FREE.
Saturday, December 21st :
*Ice Sculpting – Seattle; 12/21 – 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.
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 12/21 & 12/25; 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.
*Winter Wonderland Saturdays – Seattle; 12/21; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Sip some hot cocoa or cider while you indulge in snowflakes and sparkles, make a holiday card, and even learn about the birds, native plants, and animals of the Pacific Flyway. Family fun for all ages, including a truck-drawn hay wagon ($5). Saturdays through Dec. 21.
*Winter Wonderland Hayrides – Seattle; 12/21; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Look at Seward Park through an Audubon naturalist’s eyes as you learn about the magnificent old growth forest and our beautiful Lake Washington. Guided hayrides leave from the front of the center hourly, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dress for the weather. Advance purchase recommended. $5.
*Santa Claus Conquers the Martians – Seattle; 12/21; 11:00am – 4:00pm; Get in the holiday spirit with a madcap (and terrible) movie about martians kidnapping Santa Claus. Back-to-back showings starting at 11 a.m., with the last one starting at 3:30 p.m. FREE
*Free Wing Luke Museum Entrance – Seattle; 12/21; 10:00am – 8:00pm; The Wing Luke Museum offers free admission on the third Saturday of each month, for family day.
*Fun with Frosty – Bothell; 12/21 – 12/22; 12:00pm – 3:00pm; Meet Frosty the Snowman, plus enjoy crafts, games and a magic show. Noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 21-22.
*SANCA Youth Performance Company – Seattle; 12/21; 12:30pm – 1:30pm; SANCA Youth Company creates and performs original acts in aerial arts, juggling, tightwire, clowning, unicycle and acrobatics.
*Green Hour - Bellevue; 12/21; 1:00pm – 2:00pm; Join us the third Saturday of every month for a Green Hour at Lewis Creek Park! Observe and explore the park during an hour of unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. Each month, creative, science-based ideas will have children and parents deepening their knowledge and love of nature together! Registration recommended. FREE.
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 12/21; 1:00pm – 3:00pm; Free craft time for kids each Saturday. $2 material fee or free with admission.
*Film Screening & Party: ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” – Seattle; 12/21; 1:00pm – 5:00pm; “One journey started it all!” Enjoy popcorn and prizes while you catch a screening of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” before “Desolation of Smaug” hits the theaters. For all ages.
*Nature Walk at Lake Hills Greenbelt – Bellevue; 12/21; 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; 12/21; 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.
*Snohomish Riverside Candlelight Walk – Snohomish; 12/21; 4:00pm – 7:00pm; Celebrate the winter solstice with a walk on the Snohomish River Trail, illuminated by luminarias placed by volunteers.
*Freestyle Christmas Lights Cruise – Snohomish; 12/21; 6:00pm – 7:00pm; Classic cars, trucks and motorcycles all decked out in lights will cruise a loop around downtown Snohomish.
Sunday, December 22nd:
*Mule Drawn Carriage Rides – Seattle; 12/22; 11:00am – 3:00pm; Take a traditional carriage ride down California Avenue pulled by beautiful Belgium Draft Mules. A treat the whole family and friends will enjoy.
*Captain Smartypants and Sensible Shoes – Seattle; 12/22; 12:30pm – 1:30pm; The energetic and hilarious Smartypants, a vocal comedy group from Seattle Men’s Chorus, teams with Sensible Shoes, part of Seattle Women’s Chorus, balancing great delivery with fun, innovative staging.
Monday, December 23rd:
*Masterpiece Monday - Bellevue; 12/23; 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.
*Free Skate Mondays compliments of Bank of America – Bellevue; 12/23; 3:00pm – 9:00pm; Simply present your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch debit or credit card at the ice arena along with photo ID to receive two free skate admissions and skate rentals at the Chaplin’s Bellevue Subaru Ice Arena brought to you by Bank of America (a $24 value). Limit of two admissions per person and limited to skate availability.
Tuesday, December 24th:
*Village Playdays – Seattle; 12/24; 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.
*Wee Worship Children’s Service – Seattle; 12/24; 4:00pm – 5:00pm; Celebrate Christmas Eve with Plymouth’s children’s choir, a live manger and Christmas treats for all!
Thursday, December 26th :
*Kids Co. Play and Learn – Seattle; 12/26; 10:00am – 11:30am; Come play and learn with us! Snack is included and an outside play area is available. Newborn to age 5 with caregiver – come for all or just part of the time! FREE
*Tugboat Storytime – Seattle; 12/26; 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 Dec. 12 and 26. Not intended for preschool groups.
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 12/26; 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
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!)
*SnoCo Mom - Emily shares all about Snohomish County family & kids activities on her blog & you’ll find some great weekly events.
PORTLAND AREA:
Here’s our list of weekly events for the Portland area.
Friday, December 20th :
*Weekly Storytime + Craft at Craft Factory – Portland; 12/20; 10:30am – 11:00am; 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; 12/20; 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.
*Holiday Art Making at CHAP – Portland; 12/20 – 12/22 Wed – Sun; 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.
*Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek – Portland; 12/20; 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.
*Alpenrose Christmas in Dairyville – Portland; 12/20 – 12/22 weekends; Christmas in Dairyville is a winter wonderland filled with 300+ flocked trees, live animals that make up the various scenes in Storybook Lane, modular train displays, old holiday movie screenings in the Opera House, carolers and choirs singing the nostalgic sounds of the Christmas season and holiday dance performances. Stop by and say hi to Santa and have a professional photo taken with your family. Christmas in Dairyville will be open Fridays 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: December 13 – 15, December 20 – 22.
$5 Friday Artshop at Art a la Carte – Portland; 12/20; 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
*Family Friday Flicks at the Hillsboro Main Library – Hillsboro; 12/20; 6:30pm – 8:00pm; Friday Family Flicks features family friendly movies on the third Friday of most months at the Main Library! Popcorn provided, courtesy of Regal Cinema’s Movies on TV Highway. Recommended for ages 4+ and adult family members. Children must be supervised by adult family members. Seating is limited to 100 people.
*Family Park Night at East Portland Community Center – Portland; 12/20; 6:30pm – 8:30pm; Low cost night out with the family. Indoor Park toys, sports and trampoline. 1st and 3rd Fridays. Cost: $1.25 per child
*The Hullabaloo – Milwaukie; 12/20; 7:00pm; Little Red Riding Hood–with a twist! JANE a theater company has added a global warming message, songs, joke and LOTS of fun! Based on the grand tradition of British pant with songs by Greg Paul and book by Kim Bogus.
Saturday, December 21st :
*Gnome for the Holidays on Alberta – Portland; 12/21 – 12/22; Come find all of the festively painted gnomes hidden within Alberta Street business window displays and win great prizes!! Gnome for the Holidays is part of Lit Up and Local: A Month of Merriment on Alberta Street.
*Story time with Local Author at Warehouse Cafe! – Portland; 12/21; 10:00am – 10:30am; Come join us for a free storytime at the Warehouse Cafe! Hear the story of a little boy so good at animal mimicry, he has the whole town peeking out their doors to see just what wild critters are making all that racket! Local author and illustrator. A great gift for kids 0-8! Books available for purchase and signing. Free
*Holiday Hodge Podge Arts & Crafts @ Cafe au Play - Portland; 12/21; 10:00am – 11:30am; Join us on December 21 for our “hodge podge” of holiday crafts. This is a great time for your little one to make a last minute homemade gift for someone special. Suitable for children one year and up so bring the family. $2 suggested donation. For more about our art program and a calendar of events, please visit us on the web at: http://cafeauplay.org/krafty-kids/
*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek – Portland; 12/21; 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.
*Music Class at the Treehouse with Mr. Ben – Portland; 12/21; 10:00am; Enjoy music with kindie favorite Mr. Ben – now on Saturday! Cost: $5
*Storytime with Mrs. Claus at Al’s – Gresham; 12/14; 10:30am; Mrs. Claus reads some of her favorite Christmas stories. Children receive a holiday treat while listening to some classic Christmas adventures. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
*Ruckus in the Lobby at Artists Rep Theatre – Portland; 12/21; 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. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at: www.artistsrep.org. Cost: $5
* Kids Saturday Morning Skate Session At Oaks Park – Portland; 12/21; 10:30am – 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; 12/21; 4:45pm – 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.
*Free Puppet Show ‘Rumplestiltskin’ in Vancouver’s Uptown Village – Vancouver; 12/21; 6:00pm – 7:00pm; “Rumplestiltskin” will be performed by award winning Dragon Theater, suitable for all ages. Part of the Uptown Village Association’s “Christmas in the Village” in Vancouver.
Sunday, December 22nd:
*Music Groups at Pioneer Courthouse Sq. – Portland; 12/22; The Square rings with the sounds of music groups.
12/22 Portland Waldorf School Cello Orchestra | 11:00am – 12:00pm
*Family Fun Time at Unplugged Games – Portland; 12/22; 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; 12/22; 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).
*Kids Karaoke at Pink Feather Restaurant and Lodge – Portland; 12/22; 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.
*Trading Card Games For Tweens at Unplugged Games – Portland; 12/22; 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.
Monday, December 23rd :
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 12/23; 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; 12/23; 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; 12/23; 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; 12/23; 10:00am – 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall; 12/23; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Tuesday, December 24th :
*Preschool Play and Skate at Oaks Park – Portland; 12/24; 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
*Music with the Tangled Threads at Milagros Boutique – Portland; 12/24; 10:30am; 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. $5 suggested donation.
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 12/24; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*Mommy Matinee at the Kennedy School – Portland; 12/24 & 12/25; 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
Thursday, December 26th:
*Red Yarn at TreeHouse Boutique – Portland; 12/26; 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. $5/child (adults are free)
*St Johns Swapnplay Playspace Open Play – Portland; 12/26; 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. This is also a great time to learn about membership should you be interested.
*Winter Whale Watch Week on Oregon Coast; 12/26 – 12/30; 10:00am – 1:00pm; Whale watching takes place almost year-round on the Oregon Coast. The whales migrate past on their way to and from the waters off Alaska and Mexico. We watch whales in the winter from mid-December through January. Volunteers will help you spot whales and answer questions at 24 sites along the coast.
*Storytime at A Children’s Place Bookstore – Portland; 12/26; 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 with Olive and Dingo at Another Read Through – Portland; 12/26; 3:00pm; Olive Rootbeer and Dingo will read stories, sing songs, make balloon animals, and generally entertain and whoop it up with any kids and grownups who stop by. Donations welcome.
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 12/26; 3:30pm – 4:00pm; GBB is now offering a second weekly story time! Join us any Thursday afternoon, 3:30-4:00pm for stories and laughter! FREE
*Last Thursday at The Alberta Arts District – Portland; 12/26; 4:00pm – 10:00pm; Last Thursday in the Alberta Arts District is a community grown event featuring artists, vendors, and musicians. The monthly event has become increasingly popular, and, in recent years, has been attended by thousands of people, particularly in the warm weather months.
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).
*Pottery Barn Kids Book Club- Tuesday 1/22; 11-11:30am; Kids of all ages can attend storytime every Tuesday. Members receive an official Book Club Passport and a special gift after attending 5 storytimes.
*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 12/20 – 12/26 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
The post Fun & Frugal Family Events 12/20 – 12/26 appeared first on Thrifty NW Mom.