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!
Hit Musical Comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Seattle; 2/14 – 2/16 & 2/20 – 2/23; tickets as low as $21.20 plus service fee)
Goodnight Moon: Children’s Favorite Comes to Life (Portland; 2/15, 2/17, 2/23 & 3/2; tickets as low as $11 plus service fee)
Magic Show for Kids and Parents: The I Hate Children Children’s Show (Seattle; 2/8 – 2/23 Saturdays & Sundays; tickets as low as $7.50 plus service fee)
Beloved Children’s Classic Charlotte’s Web From Oregon Children’s Theatre (Portland; 2/15; tickets as low as $12 plus service fee)
Aida: Elton John’s Score Soars in Tony Award-Winning Musical (Portland; 2/20, 2/22, 3/1 & 3/8; tickets as low as $16.15 plus service fee)
Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.: A Musical Adventure for Kids (Portland; 2/21 & 2/28; tickets as low as $6 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, Febraury 14th :
*Paint Me a Story - Bellevue; 2/14; 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; 2/14; 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 Tête-à-têter At Frye Museum – Seattle; 2/14; 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; 2/14; 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.
*Alpaca Amore Affaire – Monroe; 2/14, 2:00pm – 7:00pm & 2/15, 10:00am – 6:00pm; It’s two days of everything alpaca, from animals for sale from national champions to fiber animals. See champion herdsires and cute babies. Hear seminars on topics such as Alpacas 101 (for people new to alpacas), fodder growing (to feed livestock of all types) and agritourism. Vendors will have locally grown and made alpaca fiber products. Come pet an animal and see what we do with luxurious alpaca fiber.
*Seattle Art Museum Free To Teens – Seattle; 2/14; 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.
*Sweetheart Soiree Retro Prom – Seattle; 2/14; 6:30pm – 8:00pm; All-ages dance with hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, plus enjoy a chocolate fondue fountain. Cost: $3.
*Family Fun Friday: Baskets of Love – Seattle; 2/14; 6:45pm – 7:45pm; Create a fun, delicious, handmade basket of love for your special someone this Valentine’s Day. Dipped fruit, marshmallows and other yummy treats will go into your basket along with a handmade card. This event is fun for the entire family. Baskets will be limited, so get there early! $7 per basket.
*Northwest Seaport Chantey Sing- Seattle; 2/14; 8:00pm – 10:00pm; Sing your sweetie a sea chantey at the Valentine’s Day edition of the Chantey Sing. Sea chanteys and other sea songs celebrate our connections to the sea, ships, skippers, and sailors. This month we will feature songs of love, the original long distance relationship, or how sweethearts cope after sailors leave port. Folkie Dan Roberts will lead the sing-a-long aboard the historic steam ferry Virginia V at Lake Union Park. Easy to sing and for all ages.
Saturday, February 15th :
*Fee Free Days at National Parks; 2/15 – 2/17; In honor of President’s Day get FREE entrance into National Parks all weekend long
*Kids ‘n Critters at Northwest Wildlife Trek – Eatonville; 2/15 – 2/18; 9:30am – 3:00pm; Kids ages 12 and younger admitted free with a paying adult or senior (up to four free kids per adult/senior), plus insect-themed arts and crafts and trailside encounters. Tram tours are 30 mins. and limited to the first 1500 visitors. 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 15-17. $18.25, $16.75 seniors, discounts for military and Pierce County residents.
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 2/15 & 2/19; 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 Wing Luke Museum Entrance – Seattle; 2/15;10:00am – 8:00pm; The Wing Luke Museum offers free admission on the third Saturday of each month, for family day.
*Asia Pacific New Year Celebration – Tacoma; 2/15; 11:00am – 6:00pm; Food, crafts, live entertainment and more, from a variety of Asian and Pacific Island countries.
*Mother Goose Story Time – Seattle; 2/15; 1:00pm – 2:00pm; Bring your kids ages 6 and younger to meet master storyteller Mother Goose for myths and legends, sing-alongs, scavenger hunts and other activities highlighting birds and animals of Seward Park and legends of the Northwest. Guest appearances by Talking Tree, Sasquatch, Owl, Eagle and Bear.
*Green Hour - Bellevue; 2/15; 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; 2/15; 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; 2/15; 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; 2/15; 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, February 16th:
*Family Movies Film Screening: ‘Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2′ – Seattle; 2/16; 1:00pm – 3:30pm; Join us for a movie over Mid-Winter Break! Bring your own pillows, we’ll supply the popcorn. Today we’ll be showing “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2,” a 2013 animated film. For children and teens.
*Teen Film Screening: ‘Ender’s Game’ – Seattle; 2/16; 1:30pm – 3:45pm; Eat popcorn and win prizes while watching the film “Ender’s Game,” based on the award-winning book by Orson Scott Card. For teens.
*Seattle Family Dance- Seattle; 2/16; 3:00pm – 5:00pm; Dance with your children to live folk music. Simple dances for ages 9 and younger and their families. No partner or experience necessary. $6, $18 per family.
Monday, February 17th:
*Masterpiece Monday - Bellevue; 2/17; 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.
*Family Day at NAAM – Seattle; 2/17; 11:00am – 5:00pm; Meet the local historians and authors of Free Boy, a YA novel about 13-year-old Charles Mitchell’s escape from slavery in Washington Territory to freedom in Canada, plus enjoy crafts and refreshments.
Tuesday, February 18th:
*Village Playdays – Seattle; 2/18; 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.
*Family Movies Film Screening: ‘Despicable Me 2′ – Seattle; 2/18; 11:00am – 1:30pm; Join us for a movie over Mid-Winter Break! Bring your own pillows, we’ll supply the popcorn. Today we’ll be showing “Despicable Me 2,” a 2013 animated film. For children and teens.
Wednesday, February 19th:
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 2/19; 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; 2/19; 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
*Family Movies Film Screening: ‘Turbo’ – Seattle; 2/19; 1:00pm – 3:30pm; Join us for a movie over Mid-Winter Break! Bring your own pillows, we’ll supply the popcorn. Today we’ll be showing “Turbo,” a 2013 animated film. For children and teens.
*Open Play & Music Class – Redmond; 2/19; 4:00pm – 7:00pm; The classes will include movement songs like “Head & Shoulders, Knees & Toes” and “The Hokey Pokey” plus music and props such as streamers, chiffon scarves, and bean bags. The children will also have the opportunity to take turns playing different kinds of drums, tambourines and more. Cost: $9, $6 siblings.
Thursday, February 20th:
*Glass Art for Kids – Seattle; 2/20; 10:00am – 11:30am; See the new exhibit about Swedish glass art, then make your own faux-glass bowl. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Included with admission. $8, $7 seniors and students, $6 ages 5 and older, free ages 4 and younger.
*Kids Co. Play and Learn – Seattle; 2/20; 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
*What the Griot Said: Stories at NAAM – Seattle; 2/20; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Children of all ages are invited to experience the art of storytelling and the power of stories with a gifted griot (storyteller).
*Family Movies Film Screening: ‘Monsters University’- Seattle; 2/20; 11:30am – 2:00pm; Join us for a movie over Mid-Winter Break! Bring your own pillows, we’ll supply the popcorn. Today we’ll be showing “Monsters University,” a 2013 animated film. For children and teens.
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 2/20; 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
*Third Thursday Art Mingle – Tacoma; 2/20; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; Visit Tacoma’s downtown galleries. FREE, includes the Museum of Glass, Washington State History Museum (free 2 to 8 p.m.) and Tacoma Art Museum.
*Tacoma Art Walk – Tacoma; 2/20; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; Visit Tacoma’s downtown galleries during the third Thursday artwalk. FREE, includes the Museum of Glass, Washington State History Museum (free 2 to 8 p.m.) and Tacoma Art Museum.
*FREE Third Thursdays at KidsQuest – Bellevue; 2/20; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; Enjoy free admission 5 to 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.
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 – her site is based on family activities around the South Sound area.
*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, February 14th:
*Little Kids Ride at the Lumberyard – Portland; 2/14, 2/17 – 2/19; 9:00am – 12:00pm; The Lumberyard, Portland’s indoor bike park, includes jump lines, pump tracks, skill sections and technical trail riding for beginners to experts. Weekday mornings that major Portland area metropolitan schools are in session kids 6 and under ride for just $6 from 9 am until noon. If they want to continue riding after noon it’s just another $6 until 2 pm.
*Ladybug Nature Walks at Tideman-Johnson Natural Area – Portland; 2/14; 10:00am; Explore nature in Portland parks with trained naturalists! Mid-February through early November, rain or shine. $4 per preschooler, no charge for adults. For more info, call 503-823-3601503-823-3601.For ages 2-5 with grown-up.
*Mo Phillips at Treehouse Children’s Boutique – Portland; 2/14; 10:00am; Mo has devised a fine, music blend of Americana, soul and blues in his secret ninja laboratory and is not afraid of a poppy hook, or straight rocking’ out! $5 per child.
*Red Yarn at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 2/14; 10:00am – 10:45am; Weaving together energetic live music, puppetry and storytelling, Red Yarn teaches positive values while reviving American folklore for a younger generation. Join Red Yarn & his lovable critters every Friday morning at Warehouse Cafe. Audiences will sing, dance, act, and experience the joy of community during Red Yarn’s interactive shows. This show is hosted by Warehouse Cafe, a coffee shop, market and community space committed to healthy food at fair prices.http://knowthyfood.com
*Music From Mr. Hoo from The Alphabeticians – Portland; 2/14; 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; 2/14; 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(503) 636-9886 ext. 225. FREE.
*Story Time with Olive and Dingo at Pie Spot – Portland; 2/14; 3:00pm – 4:00pm;Fun for all. Full of comedy, songs, stories, balloons and laughter. Balloons twisting at the end of the show. Cost: $5 per child for balloons and entertainment
*Valentine’s Day Party at Treehouse Boutique – Portland; 2/14; 4:00pm – 6:00pm; Celebrate Valentine’s day by singing and dancing with your children and family. Children of All Ages presents fun songs and dance that will engage everyone! Combining costumes, rhythm instruments and puppets, your child will be a star!
*Family Friday Flicks at the Hillsboro Main Library – Hillsboro; ; 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.
Saturday, February 15th:
*Valentine’s Fun at Village Toys – Tigard; 2/15; Hunt for Hearts at Village Toys and get a free goodie bag and mystery coupon. We’ll be scattereing hearts all around the store. Find 3 and you’ll get a free goodie bag with Valentine’s candy and a mystery coupon good for either 10, 15, or 20% off your purchase, good through February.
*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek – Portland; 2/15; 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.
*Rain City Rock Out! at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 2/15; 10:00am – 11:00am; Mo Phillips jams his originals, classic family jams, and supa sweet familiar pop tunes to charge up your Saturday! Cost: $5 suggested donation
*Spring Community Day at Oregon History Museum – Portland; 2/15; 10:00am – 7:00pm; Come join us for our quarterly Community Day. Take a look at a temporary exhibit created by Roosevelt High School students about local “Freedom Fighters,” community leaders who have fought for social justice. Meet the students and some of the Freedom Fighters themselves. Also, take one last look at the Windows on America exhibit before it closes. Free admission all day from 10 AM to 7 PM, activities for all ages between 11 AM and 3 PM.
* Kids Saturday Morning Skate Session At Oaks Park – Portland; 2/15 ;10:30am to 12:00pm; For $6 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.
*Seed Balls at Al’s Garden Center – Gresham; 2/15; 11:00am; If you enjoy making mud pies and playing in the dirt, this is the perfect project for you! Seed balls are a combination of soil, red clay and seeds that are mixed and rolled into a ball to form seed balls. After they dry, they can be thrown outside on a sunny day and left to sprout and grow. No planting necessary. Come join us for some good, old fashioned muddy fun. Reservations required. Cost: $5
*Johnny & Jason Mini-Concert at Green Bean Books – Portland; 2/15; 1:00pm – 1:30pm; Welcome the talented musical duo Johnny & Jason. They’ll be singing songs from their latest album, “Be Alive!” It’s music for kids… and their adults! Green Bean has the CD available for purchase for only $16 each! You can have it signed during the mini-concert.
*Oregon Pacific Railroad Train Rides at Rail Heritage Center – Portland; 2/15; 1:00pm – 5:00pm; The Oregon Pacific Railroad is offering round trip diesel locomotive powered passenger train rides to the public from the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, located near OMSI. Passenger trains will operate on Saturdays and depart the Oregon Rail Heritage Center at 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm and 4:30 pm. Rides last approximately 45 minutes. Locomotive cab rides are available for an additional fee. Cost: $5
* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 2/15; 4:45pm – 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.
Sunday, February 16th:
*The Alphabeticians at Cafe au Play – Portland; 2/15; 10:00am – 11:00am; Fun music for kids and families! Come and sing and dance, learn the alphabet backwards, eat a delicious breakfast, drink some coffee (grown-ups only!) and start your Sunday off right. Cost: $5/child.
*Wildlife Care Center Open House at Audubon Society – Portland; 2/15; 11:00am – 5:00pm; Once a year, Portland Audubon’s Wildlife Care Center opens its doors to the public and gives visitors a peek at what goes on behind the scenes in Oregon’s oldest and busiest wildlife rehabilitation facility. Also meet and greet the education birds, raptor education station, Q&A with vets, kids can make raptor art and get their faces painted. If you would like to go on a tour of the care center, you will need to reserve a spot in advance.
*PAM Family Tour - Portland; 2/15; 12:30pm; Bring your family to explore the Museum with a docent skilled at engaging visitors of all ages. Tours are free for members or with Museum admission, and free for children age 17 and younger.
*The David Show! at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 2/15; 1:00pm – 2:00pm; Musical variety show for children of all ages and their families.
*Olympics Extravaganza – Wilsonville; 2/15; 6:00pm – 11:00pm; Watch the Olympics on the big screen at our family-friendly “sports bar without the bar” event. There will be games, crafts and activities in addition to viewing the artistry and skill of winter athletes at the top of their game. Refreshments for sale benefit youth activities. It’s a Sunday night, but there’s no school on Monday, so put the little ones in their jammies and they can doze while the older ones stay up to watch and play.
Monday, February 17th:
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 2/17; 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; 2/17; 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; 2/17; 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 Japanese Garden Admission – Portland; 2/17; 10:00am – 4:00pm; This traditional Japanese Garden may be the lovliest 5.5 acres in Portland. There are 5 sections, and all create a sense of peace, harmony, and tranquility and to experience the feeling of being a part of nature.
*Washington County Museum Free Admission – Portland; 2/17;10:00am – 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.
*Penny’s Puppets at Central Lutheran Church – Portland; 2/17; 10:30am; Basil the Bookworm’s Trip Around the World – Basil is a shy, studious friendly monster show loves to read. She loves all the different places she can visit just by opening a book. Join Basil as she discovers new friends and cultures and finds strengths in herself that she never knew she had. Come sing and laugh with us in this new puppet adventure. Cost: $5, 4 for $17
*The David Show at Cafe au Play – Portland; 2/17; 10:30am – 11:30am; Fun and interactive musical variety show performed by David Rutiezer. Fun for all ages! Cost: $3 suggested donation
*Intergenerational Sing-Along at Cafe au Play – Portland; 2/17; 11:15am – 12:30pm; Join The Singing Hearts Club, an intergenerational sing-along every Monday at Cafe Au Play from 11:30-12:15. Toddlers, elders and everyone in between enjoy time together sharing songs, stories and simple movements. $5 buys you the chance to request any song and Mrs. Harrington will learn it and play it at next week’s gathering!
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall; 2/17; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Tuesday, February 18th:
*The Young Hearts Club Toddler Sing-along at Papaccino’s Coffee Shop – Portland; 2/18; 10:00am – 10:30am; Join The Young Hearts Club, led by Heather Harrington, and sing and dance along with your favorite children’s songs. Simple movements, positive messages, and a supportive environment for parents and children to enJoy the joy of music. With your $5 “Membership Donation”, Mrs. Harrington will learn any song of your choosing for next week’s sing-along.
*Story Time with Olive and Dingo at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 2/18; 10:00am – 11:00am; Fun for all. Not your average Story Time! Full of comedy, songs, stories, balloons and laughter. Sure to get the jumpers jumping, the dancers dancing, wigglers wiggling and the noise makers cooing. Olive and Dingo are bright and cheery, cartoony characters who love inspiring kids and families to be silly, to love imrove and creative performance and to be the best audience members Portland has ever known! Balloons twisting and fellowship is at the end of the show. Folks are encouraged to check Olive and Dingo out on the web. Lots of love! Cost: $5 per child for balloons and entertainment
*Preschool Play and Skate at Oaks Park – Portland; 2/18; 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; 2/18; 10:15am – 11:15am; Every Tuesday of the 2012-2013 school year, the Treehouse Children’s Boutique opens its doors and expands into the auditorium of the Sound Roots School of Music for art, craft, science, and play! Suitable for ages 1 to 6 with adult. *Please register in advance! Simply leave a comment on the Treehouse Children’s Boutique facebook wall, drop by the store, or email the teacher, Sarah, at sarahfagan@yahoo.com to secure a spot. Walk-ins welcome as space allows. Cost $6 per child.
*Red Yarn at Cafe au Play – Portland; 2/18; 10:30am – 11:00am; Weaving together energetic live music, puppetry and storytelling, Red Yarn teaches positive values while reviving American folklore for a younger generation. Join Red Yarn & his lovable critters every Tuesday morning at Cafe au Play. Audiences will sing, dance, act, and experience the joy of community during Red Yarn’s interactive shows. Cafe au Play is a nonprofit coffeehouse and community center with play areas for children and activities for children, caregivers, and the community. For more information, visit www.cafeauplay.org Cost: $3/walking person
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 2/18; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*Mommy Matinee at the Kennedy School – Portland; 2/18 & 2/19; 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
*Movie Night – Night at the Museum at Sunnyside Library – Clackamas; 2/18; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Come in your pajamas for a special movie night at the library. Find out what happens when the museum is closed.
Wednesday, February 19th :
*Visit the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 2/19; 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.
*Tallulah’s Daddy at Treehouse Children’s Boutique – Portland; 2/19; 10:00am; He sings, plays bass, trumpet, piano, guitar, cajon, and percussion for children and families. $5 per child
*Red Yarn at Village Ballroom – Portland; 2/19; 10:00am – 10:45am; Weaving together energetic live music, puppetry and storytelling, Red Yarn teaches positive values while reviving American folklore for a younger generation. Join Red Yarn & his lovable critters every Wednesday morning at the Village Ballroom. Audiences will sing, dance, act, and experience the joy of community during Red Yarn’s interactive shows. This show is hosted by Woodlawn Swap’n'Play, a cooperative community space where children play, parents socialize, and kids’ toys and outgrown clothes are swapped. www.woodlawnswapnplay.org Cost: $5/family suggested
Stick around for open playtime after the show, also hosted by Woodlawn Swap’n'Play!
*African World Music at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 2/19; 10:00am – 11:00am; Neindow and friends bring the rhythms of Africa to Rain City Coffee every Wednesday. Kids of all ages and adults are welcome to join this fun, upbeat music hour of drumming, singing and jamming. Cost: $5
*Story Time with Olive and Dingo at Sound Grounds – Portland; 2/19; 10:00am – 11:00am; Fun for all. Balloons twisting and fellowship is at the end of the show. Folks are encouraged to check Olive and Dingo out on the web! Lots of love! Cost: $5 per child for balloons and entertainment
*Honeybee Hikes at Leach Botanical Gardens – Portland; 2/19; 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; 2/19; 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 503-249-7474503-249-7474. Cost $3.00
*Family Day at the Washington County Museum - Portland; 2/19; 2:00pm – 4:00pm;
*Story Time with Olive and Dingo at Pieper Cafe – Portland; 2/19; 3:00pm – 4:00pm; Fun for all. Not your average Story Time! Full of comedy, songs, stories, balloons and laughter. Sure to get the jumpers jumping, the dancers dancing, wigglers wiggling and the noise makers cooing. Olive and Dingo are bright and cheery, cartoony characters who love inspiring kids and families to be silly, to love imrove and creative performance and to be the best audience members Portland has ever known! Balloons twisting and fellowship is at the end of the show. Folks are encouraged to check Olive and Dingo out on the web. Lots of love! Cost: $5 per child
*Mo Phillips Party Time! at Oregon Public House – Portland; 2/19; 5:00pm – 6:00pm; Join Mo for some excellent family rock out dinner action. Great food! Great beers! Great pub! Great tunes! The Oregon Public House is a non-profit pub that sends all profits to local charities — and you get to choose which charity on the list you would like your funds to go to!
Thursday, February 20th :
*Tallulah’s Daddy at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 2/20; 10:00am – 11:00am; Come sing, dance and stomp like a dinosaur as Tallulah’s Daddy sings and plays his guitar, bass and cajon. Tallulah’s Daddy plays fun, energetic and interactive acoustic music for kids, and brings lots of percussion goodies for kids of all ages to play with! Cost: donation
*Music and Puppetry with Red Yarn at the Treehouse – Portland; 2/20; 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
*Waggle n Flap Family Dance Party at the Village Ballroom – Portland; 2/20; 10:00am – 11:30am; Come dance with us to the booty shaking stylings of DJ Acidwash! He will play styles of dance music from all over the world that the whole family can enjoy together–hip hop, funk, reggae, robot music, electro-boogie, disco, latin and much more. Costumes and props for all to try on and play with, plus a drawing corner and a cushioned corner for nursing or just taking a load off. Cost: $5/family
*St Johns Swapnplay Playspace Open Play - Portland; 2/20; 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.
*Storytime at A Children’s Place Bookstore – Portland; 2/20; 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.
*Mommy & Me with a Jewish twist – Portland; 2/20; 10:30am – 11:30am; Join other moms and bond with your child while exploring the Jewish world through play, music & movement, stories and crafts. Ages 0-3 years. Healthy snacks provided. Open to all and free of charge.
*Story Time with Olive and Dingo at Cafe au Play - Portland; 2/20; 10:30am – 11:30am; Fun for all. Not your average Story Time!! Full of comedy, songs, stories, balloons and laughter. Sure to get the jumpers jumping, the dancers dancing, wigglers wiggling and the noise makers cooing. Olive and Dingo are bright and cheery, cartoony characters who love inspiring kids and families to be silly, to love imrove and creative performance and to be the best audience members Portland has ever known! Balloons twisting and fellowship is at the end of the show. Folks are encouraged to check Olive and Dingo out on the web. Lots of love! Cost: $5 per child for balloons and entertainment
*Heart in Hand Puppet Show at Green Bean Books – Portland; 2/20; 3:30pm – 4:00pm; Join us for a great Puppet Play production. Heart in Hand Preschool will do Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
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.
*Lowes Build And Grow Clinic - Saturday ; 10:00am; Come join Lowes Build and Grow Clinic. This week they will be making a goul bus. Register here.
*Barnes and Noble Free Storytime - Times and events vary by location. Check your location for specific story’s available this weekend.
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Fun & Frugal Family Events 2/14 – 2/20 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
The post Fun & Frugal Family Events 2/14 – 2/20 appeared first on Thrifty NW Mom.