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.
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!
Disney Musical Beauty and the Beast (Portland; 12/27 – 12/28 select days; tickets as low as $19.13 plus service fee)
ComedySportz: Fast and Funny Improv Comedy Competition (Seattle; 12/27 – 12/28; tickets as low as $7 plus service fee)
Beneath the Streets: Subterranean Walking Tour (Seattle; 12/27 – 12/31; tickets as low as $6 plus service fee)
Jet City Improv: Whose Line-Style Comedy Juiced by Your Suggestions (Seattle; 12/27 – 1/11 Fri & Sat; tickets as low as $7.50 plus service fee)
A Christmas Carol: Annual Production From ACT Theatre (Seattle; 12/29; tickets as low as $16.00 plus service fee)
The Snow Queen Introduces Kids to Classical Music (Seattle; 2/1; tickets as low as $5 plus service fee)
Goodnight Moon: Children’s Favorite Comes to Life (Portland; 2/1 & 2/8; tickets as low as $11 plus service fee)
Beloved Children’s Classic Charlotte’s Web From Oregon Children’s Theatre (Portland; 2/1 & 2/8; tickets as low as $12 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 27th :
*Gingerbread Village – Seattle; 12/27 – 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; 12/27 – 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.
*Winter Train & Village – Seattle; 12/27 – 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; 12/27 – 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; 12/27; 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; 12/27; 3; 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.
*FREE Drop-In Playgroup – Seattle; 12/27; 10:30am – 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.
*Winterfest Ice Rink at Fisher Pavilion – Seattle; 12/27 – 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; 12/27; 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; 12/27; 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.
*Polar Plaza – Tacoma; 12/27 – 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.
*Garden D’Lights – Bellevue; 12/27 – 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; 12/27 – 12/31; 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.
*Bellevue Magic Season: Snowflake and Celebration Lanes – Bellevue; 12/27; 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 28th :
*Ice Sculpting – Seattle; 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; 12/28; 10:00am – 11:00am; Introduce your toddler to nature with story time, songs, and fun activities inside, followed by exploration along the trails of Seward Park. Walks are easy and less than one mile in length. Pre-register, space is limited. Recommended for ages birth to 3. Cost: $2 per person.
*Family Day: The Give Effect – Seattle; 12/28; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Participate in a full day of hands-on activities, live performances and speakers that celebrate all the ways we can give back to our communities.
*Story Time at the Conservatory – Seattle; 12/28; 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.
*Kindie New Year with The Not-Its! – Seattle; 12/28; 11:00am; Wear your formal best and rock out with The Not-Its! Ball drop at noon, plus a juice toast. Doors open 10:30 a.m., show at 11 a.m. $5, $15 per family of four, season tickets available.
*Hot Club Sandwich – Seattle; 12/28; 12:30pm – 1:30pm; This ensemble began 10 years ago out of a deep reverence for Gypsy jazz of the 1930s and 1940s, growing to incorporate classic jazz and folkloric influences from around the world.
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 12/28; 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; 12/28; 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; 12/28; 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.
Sunday, December 29th:
*Massive Monkees – Seattle; 12/29; 12:30pm – 1:30pm; An unsurpassed crew of energetic b–boys/b–girls break dancers.
*Nighttime Low Tide Beach Walk – Seattle; 12/29; 7:30am – 9:30pm; Explore the beach during winter nighttime low tides with Beach Naturalist staff and volunteers from Seattle Aquarium. Discover what creatures we see on the beach at this time of year. Dress for the weather (bundle up!) and for tide pooling: boots, hats, gloves and a good flashlight are musts.
Monday, December 30th:
*Masterpiece Monday - Bellevue; 12/30; 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; 12/30; 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. Visit bankofamerica.com to apply for a Bank of America credit or debit card. For more information visit MagicSeason.com or call (425) 453-1223.
Tuesday, December 31st:
*Village Playdays – Seattle; ; 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.
*New Year’s Eve Celebration with THE NINES – Seattle; 12/31; 8:00pm – 11:45pm; With world class male and female lead vocals, the five-piece band gets dancers on their feet with its high energy and pure professionalism, sharing hits from the 1970s to today.
Wednesday, January 1st:
*First Day Guided Hikes at Multiple Parks; 1/1; all day; The Oregon and Washington state parks invite the public to ring in 2014 by participating in one of the more than 40 guided hikes to take place in state parks on New Year’s Day. OPRD will waive the day-use parking fees on Jan. 1 for all visitors to participating state parks that normally require a permit. Many of the First Day Hikes will be interpretive presentations focusing on local wildlife, plant species, geology, or history. Remember to dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring along water as well as a camera and/or binoculars. For helpful cold-weather hiking tips, visit the American Hiking Society’s webpage at americanhiking.org/cold-weather-hiking.
*FREE Drop-In Playgroup – Seattle; ; 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
*Polar Bear Dip – Renton; 1/1; 11:00am; Take a quick dip into the icy waters of Lake Washington.
*Polar Bear Plunge – Tacoma; 1/1; 11:00am; Informal 1-mile warmup run at 11 a.m., Cub Plunge (ages 9 and younger) 11:30 a.m., adult and family plunge noon. Costumes welcome. FREE, includes $3 off coupon to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
*Polar Bear Plunge – Seattle; 1/1; 11:00am – 1:00pm; Dress in your swimsuit or a costume to jump into Lake Washington. Hot beverages provided. Registration 11 a.m., noon plunge. “Polar Cub Club” before the plunge for younger folks or people needing more room. Parking limited. There will be refreshments and a 2014 Official Patch of Courage for all heroic polar bears who immerse themselves neck-deep in the lake, to prove to friends and loved ones they actually braved the frigid waters.
*Polar Bear Plunge – Lacey; 1/1; 12:00pm; Jump into cold Long Lake. Includes hot cocoa, coffee, campfires and music (1 p.m. plunge). Costumes encouraged, as are donations to parks programs.
Thursday, January 2nd :
(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; 10/3; 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; 10/3; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Nordic Heritage Museum is FREE first Thursdays.
*Free Admission To Kids Discovery Museum – Bainbridge Island; 10/3; 10:00am – 4:00pm; First Thursday of the month Kids Discovery Museum offers free admission.
*Free Admission To The Burke Museum – Seattle; 10/3; 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; 10/3; 10:00am – 8:00pm; First Thursday of the month MOHAI offers free admission to the museum.
* Free Admission To Wing Luke Museum – Seattle; 10/3; 10:00am – 8:00pm; First Thursday of the month Wing Luke offers free admission to the museum.
*Free Admission To Seattle Art Museum- Seattle; 10/3; 10:00am – 9:00pm; First Thursday of the month SAM offers free admission to the museum.
*Free Admission To Seattle Asian Art Museum- Seattle; 10/3; 10:00am – 9:00pm; First Thursday of the month SAM offers free admission to the museum.
*Free Admission To The Northwest African American Museum - Seattle; 10/3; 11:00am – 7:00pm; First Thursday of the month NAAM offers free admission to the museum.
*Free Admission To Henry Art Gallery – Seattle; 10/3; 11:00am – 9:00pm; First Thursday of the month Henry Art Gallery offers free admission.
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 10/3; Thursday 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
*Free Admission To The Museum Of Flight - Seattle; 10/3; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; First Thursday of the month Museum of Flight offers free admission.
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 27th :
*Winter Whale Watch Week on Oregon Coast; 12/27 – 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.
*Weekly Storytime + Craft at Craft Factory – Portland; 12/27; 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.
*Penny’s Puppets at Central Lutheran Church NE PDX - Portland; 12/27; 10:30am; Fay the Fairy and the Pine Tree – Ever wish you were something that you are not? Newton a little Fir tree wishes his pine needles were more important and beautiful to help him stand out, so much so that he makes a wish upon a falling star. Fay the Fairy comes to grant his wish. But is it really what Newton needs? Join us in this adaptation of a classic folktale and sing, laugh and dance our way to the answer. A mini- musical original by Penny’s Puppet Productions. Cost: 5, 4 for $17
*Music From Mr. Hoo from The Alphabeticians – Portland; 12/27; 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; 12/27; 1:00pm – 2:15pm; This program integrates nature exploration, art, literature, music, movement, and outdoor play. It is geared toward families with young children (preferably ages 2-6 but all are welcome.) For more specific information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 225. FREE.
$5 Friday Artshop at Art a la Carte – Portland; 12/27; 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 Hullabaloo – Milwaukie; 12/27, 7:00pm & 12/28 – 12/29, 2:00pm; 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.
*Enjoy free admission to the Portland Art Museum – Portland; 12/27; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; On the fourth Friday of every month, enjoy free admission to the Portland art museum.
Saturday, December 28th :
*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek – Portland; 12/28; 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; 12/28; 10:00am; Enjoy music with kindie favorite Mr. Ben – now on Saturday! Cost: $5
*Ruckus in the Lobby at Artists Rep Theatre – Portland; 12/28; 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 ; 12/28; 10:30am to 12:00pm; For $6 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.
*OMSI: Electrifying Science at Vancouver’s Cascade Park Library – Vancouver; 12/28; 2:00pm – 3:00pm; Learn all about electricity. Where does it come from? Is it all the same? Can you make your own?
* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 12/28; 4:45pm – 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.
*Mo Phillips & Premier of the Mixed Up Files of the West Linn Library – West Linn; 12/28; 6:00pm – 7:00pm; Musician, Mo Phillips will help us release our brand new library video series! We will have popcorn, a red carpet, a screening of our first episode, and a few special guests.
Sunday, December 29th:
*Family Fun Time at Unplugged Games – Portland; 12/29; 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; 12/29; 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; 12/29; 1:00pm – 2:00pm; Musical variety show for children of all ages and their families, now on Sundays. Free, donations appreciated.
*Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek – Portland; 12/29; 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.
*Trading Card Games For Tweens at Unplugged Games – Portland; 12/29; 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 30th :
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 12/30; 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; 12/30; 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; 12/30; 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; 12/30; 10:00am to 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.
*Sing-A-Long Interactive Movie at Beaverton Library – Beaverton; 12/30; 2:00pm – 4:30pm; It’s a Jolly Holiday! Enjoy a spoonful of sugar with an interactive movie for the whole family.
*Keep the Lamps Burnin’ and Soulstice Music at Woodstock Library – Portland; 12/30; 2:00pm – 5:00pm; American Roots artist Lauren Sheehan weaves songs and stories from our broad American musical heritage to celebrate the solstice, winter and holiday traditions. This enlivening music, rooted in the real spirit of people and places, will touch themes of the wonder, the changing of the seasons, renewal, darkness and light with Olde English and Irish carols, African American gospel, and traditional mountain and folk songs. Free tickets available 30 minutes in advance.
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall; 12/30; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Tuesday, December 31st :
*Storytime with Olive Rootbeer and Dingo at Laurelhurst Cafe – Portland; 12/31; 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.
*Preschool Play and Skate at Oaks Park – Portland; 12/31; 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
*Visitor Play Pass at Southside Swap & Play - Portland; 12/31, 10:00am – 12:00pm & 1/2, 4:00pm – 6:00pm; Visitors are welcome to drop in during weekly Play Pass days for a tour and a little free play time! Parents and kids ages 0-10 years old can enjoy two large classroom play areas filled with activity tables, slides, costumes, books, arts and crafts, and a special little nook just for babies under 24 months. Southside Swap & Play is only open to current members and their guests at all other times. Families interested in joining are encouraged to read through our Member agreement and Coop Guidelines and FAQ Pages ahead of time. Applications and other member info is available on our website!
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 12/31; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*New Year’s Eve Family Fun at AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village – Salem; 12/31; 4:00pm – 7:00pm; Enjoy a family-friendly, magical evening as we count down to 2014! Live performances, magical hands-on activities, and New Year festivities will lead up to ringing in the New Year with a lighted ball drop at 7:00 pm. Tickets are just $6 for Discovery Village Members, and $12 for general admission. All children under 3 get in free. Additional discounts and reciprocal admission through the ASTC Passport program do not apply.
Wednesday, January 1st:
*First Day Guided Hikes at Multiple Parks; 1/1; all day; The Oregon and Washington state parks invite the public to ring in 2014 by participating in one of the more than 40 guided hikes to take place in state parks on New Year’s Day. OPRD will waive the day-use parking fees on Jan. 1 for all visitors to participating state parks that normally require a permit. Many of the First Day Hikes will be interpretive presentations focusing on local wildlife, plant species, geology, or history. Remember to dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring along water as well as a camera and/or binoculars. For helpful cold-weather hiking tips, visit the American Hiking Society’s webpage at americanhiking.org/cold-weather-hiking. Unique hikes this year in Oregon include a “bring-your-own-horse” hike/ride that will be led by a ranger on a mule, a wild edibles hike, and a “zombie apocalypse” hike focused on outdoor survival skills. For more info on Oregon hikes, visit bit.ly/OPRDcalendar online and search for “First Day Hikes” under Event Category. For Washington http://www.parks.wa.gov/events
*Story Time with Olive Rootbeer & Dingo at Pieper Cafe – Portland; 1/1; 3:00pm – 4:00pm; Come join O & D for an hour of singing, jumping, bellowing and monkeying. All your favorite sounds and stories–kids and guardians are encouraged to sing and play along and then the show will finish with lots of balloon twisting fun. Every child can take home a balloon character of their choice. All ages welcome because everyone can be or learn to be a great audience member. Perfect after school fun. $5 suggested tip
Thursday, January 2nd:
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 1/2; 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
*Storytelling with Jacque at Hillsboro Library – Hillsboro; 1/2; 6:30pm – 7:00pm; Enjoy world folktales, Indian legends, and favorite picture book stories with Jacque Denton, storyteller extraordinaire. For families, children of all ages, and anyone who loves listening to stories told in the oral tradition.
For more lists of local events in western OR check out::
* PDX Kids Calendar - this is a comprehensive events-based website for families in the Portland area.
NATIONAL EVENTS:
*Free Craft Activities at Lakeshore Learning Stores– Sat. ; 11am to 3pm; Kids can come to this free craft time each week for a new craft (plus print a $5 off $25 coupon).
*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 12/27 – 1/2 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
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