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; 2/7 – 2/9, 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; 2/8, 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)
Tiny Tots: A Safari Valentine Interactive Music Show (Seattle; 2/15; tickets as low as $6.00 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)
The Fun Way to Learn About Music: Discover Music (Seattle; 2/22; 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, February 7th :
*Nature Alphabet – Tacoma; 2/7; 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.
*Story Time at Lewis Creek – Bellevue; 2/7; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Look, listen and create during an hour of stories and crafts with a park ranger on the first Friday of every month. Parents and children will explore together the diverse natural world with animated fiction and fun. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration is required by calling 425-452-6885 . Cost: $2.50 to $3 per person.
*CulturalFest International Expo – Seattle; 2/7; 11:00am – 3:30pm; Visitors will have a unique chance to experience booths representing over 35 cultures through music, dance, food, conversation and interactive activities for all ages. CulturalFest booths are developed and staffed by student volunteers from all over the world.
*FreeTête-à-têter At Frye Museum – Seattle; 2/7; 11:00am to 5:00pm; Frye Museum entrance and parking are free all the time. You can check their events page here, for a list of weekly events. On the first Friday of the month Children’s stories are brought to life with movement and play in the Frye Art Museum galleries by Frye educators or librarians from The Seattle Public Library. Visit the galleries after story time. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Both museum entrance and story time are free
*Free Entrance To Bellevue Art Museum – Bellevue; 2/7; 11:00am – 8:00pm. First Friday of the month Bellevue Art Museum offers free admission.
*Pay-What-You-Can at Seattle Symphony’s “Soundbridge”- Seattle, Beneroya Hall; 2/7; 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.
*Sounds Fun Mom Readers Valentine’s Party – University Place ; 2/7; 4:00pm – 6:00pm; Kiddos will have exclusive use of the play area, Lynnae’s Gourmet Pickles will have samples & items for sale, Valentine’s craft & gourmet cupcakes! A portion of ticket sales to Mended Little Hearts of Puget Sound. Cost: $5/child, parents free
*Valentine’s Day Family Night – Seattle; 2/7; 5:00pm – 6:00pm; Supplies will be provided to make Valentine’s Day cookies, cards, and personalized picture frames. Bring pictures of yourself, family or friends to put inside a picture frame. When the arts and crafts projects are complete, there will be a bounce house for school-age youth to bounce around in. Light snacks will also be provided. Cost: $3.
* Half Off Admission To KidsQuest Children’s Musuem – Factoria; 2/7; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; First Friday evening of the month offers free admission.
*Free Entrance to the Hands-on Children’s Museum – Olympia; 2/7; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; First Friday has free entrance in the evenings. Plenty of room for your whole family! Come on down for a night of fun at the Museum!
*Family Fun Night: Valentine Card-Making – Seattle; 2/7; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; This month’s family fun night is a chance to create beautiful Valentine’s Day cards. Cost: $3.
*Daddy-Daughter Dance: Night of the Unicorn – Redmond; 2/7; 6:00pm – 8:30pm; Dads and their daughters ages 3 to 12 are invited to dress up and dance the night away, plus enjoy crafts and refreshments. Uncles, grandfathers and other special adults are welcome, too. $30 to $36 per couple. Pre-register.
*Daddy-Daughter Dance – Everett; 2/7 or 2/8; 6:00pm – 8:30pm; Dads and daughters can dance to music spun by DJ PJ Parsons, enjoy refreshments and take a commemorative picture. Tickets are $25 per daddy-daughter pair and $6 for each additional daughter. Grandpas, big brothers and other male role models are welcome as escorts. All ages are invited to join the fun on one of two nights: Friday or Saturday, Feb. 7 or 8, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Recreation Office at 425-257-8300, ext. 2, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can also be reserved at the office in person until 5:30 p.m. weekdays at Forest Park.
*Daddy-Daughter Dance – Renton; 2/7; 6:30pm – 8:30pm; Girls and their dads, uncles, grandfathers or other special adults are invited to enjoy a special night of dancing and refreshments. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $10 to $12 per couple, $5 professional photo. Pre-register.
*Mom & Son Night: Tropical Magic – Lacey; 2/7; 6:30pm – 9:00pm; Moms and sons are invited to dress in Hawaiian shirts or other tropical attire and enjoy a magic show by Jeff Evans, refreshments, a limbo contest and other fun activities. $25, $5 each additional son. Pre-registration required.
*Free Movie: Hoot – Everett; 2/7; 7:00pm; See the film based on the Newbery Award-winning book by Carl Hiaasen about middle-schoolers working together to save an owl habitat. PG. FREE, pre-register.
*Columbia City BeatWalk – Columbia City /Seattle; 2/7; 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.
Saturday, February 8th :
*Kidstock! – Edmonds; 2/8; 9:30am – 2:30pm; Kidstock! is the free, annual family event at ECA that features musical performances, theatre, arts education workshops, and activities for kids. Bring the whole family and join us for a day of creativity and fun! This year, the ECA Main Stage will host Tim Noah, The Not-Its!, Alex Zerbe, and Aaron Nigel Smith. We’ll also host performances by Book-It Repertory Theatre (The Phantom Tollbooth) and Thistle Theatre (Mrs. Periwinkle and Possum), as well as face-painting, food concessions, hula hoops, bouncy houses, and a Seattle Shakespeare Company costume photo booth! FREE, pre-register online or by phone.
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 2/8 & 2/12; 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.
*The Scoop on Poop – Woodinville; 2/8; 10:00am – 12:00pm; Come to Brightwater Center and join IslandWood and King County as we explore the world of poop and the science behind it. After a short presentation at 10 a.m., take your time exploring a variety of fun poop-related activities. Get down and dirty dissecting some real animal waste, search for the scat of local wildlife in our natural area, and create an art project related to what (and what not) to flush down the toilet! Scoop on Poop activities are great for families with kids of all ages. A tour of the state-of-the-art Brightwater Treatment Facility will also be available at 10 a.m. for those curious about King County’s Waste Water Treatment Process. Treatment plant tour attendees must be ages 9 and older. This event is free to attend but requires pre-registration on the event website. If you are interested in a treatment plant tour, pre-register at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/brightwater-center.aspx
*Passport to Imagination – Seattle; 2/8; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Northgate Community Center is introducing our new Imagination Playground. Lowes will also be there with their build and grow workshop. Other activities include building with LEGOs and paper and creating your own healthy snack. Parents are expected to be with their child at all times as they go from station to station.
*Healthy Kids, Healthy Families Fair – Bellevue; 2/8; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Exhibits and information focused on the physical, nutritional and emotional health of kids and families. Teddy bear clinic, Ask-the-Doc, healthy snacks, performance by The Harmonica Pocket (11:30 a.m.) and more.
*Kids Rock Concert Series: Brian Vogan and His Good Buddies – Seattle; 2/8; 10:30am; Part of the Mount Baker Community Club’s Kids Rock season. Doors open 10 a.m., show starts 10:30 a.m. $5, $15 per family of four, season tickets available.
*Saturday Stories – Seattle; 2/8; 10:30am – 11:15am; Stories and activities that celebrate gardens, plants and nature. Ages 3 to 8 and their families.
*Ridge Romp: Chinese New Year Celebration – Seattle; 2/8; 10:30am – 11:30am; Music, lion dance, martial arts demonstration and more. Doors open 10 a.m., limited seating. $5, free babes in arms.
*Lunar New Year Celebration – Bellevue; 2/8, 11:00am – 6:00pm & 2/9, 1:00pm – 5:00pm; Watch performances including the traditional lion dance, singing and music, plus visual and martial arts demonstrations and more.
*Global Heat Hip Hop Soul Music and Dance – Renton; 2/8; 1:00pm; Global Heat’s family-friendly performance at the Renton History Museum will celebrate and explore the black roots of hip hop through fusion music, break dancing, and educational interludes between pieces, including excerpts from the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. $3, $1 kids.
*Mother Goose Story Time – Seattle; 2/8; 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.
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 2/8; 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; 2/8; 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; 2/8; 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.
*Daddy & Daughter Princesses in Paradise Ball – Lacey; 2/8; 3:00pm – 5:00pm; Dance to fun music, meet grown up princesses like Ariel, Tiana, Jazmine an Belle. Activities, refreshments and more. Ages 6 and younger. $25 per couple, $5 additional daughter. Pre-registration required.
*Crossroads Bellevue 2nd Saturdays – Bellevue; 2/8; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; Enjoy a family-friendly evening the second Saturday of every month. Activities can include game times, snacks, concerts and more.
*Father-Daughter Valentines Dance - Marysville; 2/8; 5:30pm – 7:00pm; Dancing, refreshments and photo. 5:30 to 7 p.m. or 7:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 1 and 8. $20 per couple, $5 each additional daughter. Pre-registration required.
*Daddy & Daughter Valentine’s Ball – Burien; 2/8; 5:30pm – 7:00pm or 7:30pm – 9:00pm; Dance includes refreshments, a flower for each girl and photo. 5:30 to 7 p.m. or 7:30 to 9 p.m. $30 to $35 per couple, $6 additional daughter or father.
*Daddy-Daughter Dance – Puyallup; 2/8; 6:00pm – 8:30pm; Enjoy dancing, refreshments and professional photos. $20 to $24 per couple, $7 to $10 additional daughter. Pre-registration required.
*Daddy & Daughter Dance: Tropical Paradise – Lacey; 2/8; 6:30pm; – 9:00pm; Dress in tropical attire and dance to fun music and enjoy light refreshments. $25 per couple, $5 additional daughter. Pre-registration required.
*Father-Daughter Valentine Dance – Issaquah; 2/8; 7:00pm – 9:30pm; Dancing and refreshments for girls in grades 1 through 5 and their dads or other special adults. Photo packages available. Pre-register. 7 to 9:30 p.m. $20 per father/daughter(s) advance, $40 at the door (space permitting).
Sunday, February 9th:
*Caspar Babypants Performance – Seattle; 2/9; 10:30am; Grab a doughnut and hear some tunes from beloved kindie rocker Caspar Babypants.
*Introduction to Geocaching – Camano Island; 2/9; 12:00pm – 2:00pm; Learn about geocaching and go on a walk to find caches with an experienced geocacher. You can also take a guided tour of the cabins, trails, Center for Wooden Boats and historic boathouse.
*Children’s Nature Movies – Bellevue; 2/9; 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.
*Family Sundays at the Henry – Seattle; 2/9; 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; 2/9; 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, February 10th:
*Thrilling Tales: A Story Time for Grown-ups – Seattle; 2/10; 12:05pm – 12:50pm; Love a good story? Come to the scene of the crime, the edge of adventure and timeless realms of wonder. Sit back, relax and escape from the everyday as we bring you gripping short stories expertly read — and well-calculated to keep you in suspense! This week’s story is: “Yesterday Was Monday” by Theodore Sturgeon. You know that feeling when you’ve somehow lost a day? Harry Wright is about to find out what lies on the other side of tomorrow.
*Pajama Story Time – Seattle; 2/10; 6:45pm – 7:15pm; It is pajama story time at the Queen Anne Branch! All ages are welcome to join us for stories, songs and crafts. You can wear your pajamas!
Tuesday, February 11th:
*FREE Noontime Concert – Seattle; 2/11; 12:00pm; Hear classics for piano, viola and bells by musicians Mark Andersen, Emmeran Pokorny and Lynn Andersen. FREE, donations accepted.
Wednesday, February 12th:
*FREE Drop-In Playgroup – Seattle; 2/12 & 2/14; 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
*Story Hour at the Conservatory – Tacoma; 2/12; 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; 2/12; 11:00am – 5:00pm; Students of all ages can explore the Bellevue Arts Museum after school FREE with printable coupon.
*Open Studio Night for Teens - Everett; 2/12; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Teens can get creative with local artists, as well as enjoy glass blowing demonstrations and refreshments.
Thursday, February 13th :
*Tot Trek: Animals We Love – Seattle; 2/13; 10:30am – 11:45am; In Piper’s Creek watershed where the grass and ferns grow, ‘neath the tall old trees, is a special place for you and a toddler to explore. Celebrate Valentine’s Day by exploring the park for critters and showing them some love. Ages 2 to 3 with an adult. $8 adult/child pair, $4 additional person.
*Might Mites Valentine’s Fun – Seattle; 2/13; 10:30am – 12:00pm; Enjoy Valentine’s Day surprises at this week’s Mighty Mites playtime. Ages 5 and younger. $3.
*Valentine’s Day Heart Hop – Seattle; 2/13; 10:30am – 12:00pm; Kids ages 2 to 5 can enjoy games, treats, crafts, cookie decorating, face painting and a bouncy house. Cost: $5.
*Tugboat Storytime - Seattle; 2/13; 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. Not intended for preschool groups.
*Tot Sweetheart Valentine’s Day Party – Seattle; 2/13; 11:00am – 1:00pm; Enjoy a special toddler open gym with extra-fun bouncy houses, cookie and card-making, snacks and juice. Cost: $3.
*Free Admission To NAAM - Seattle; 2/13 ; 11:00am – 7:00pm; The Northwest African American Museum is free on the second Thursday of each month.
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 2/13; Thursday 3:00pm – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
*Capital Hill Art Walk Blitz – Seattle; 2/13; 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.
*FREE Seattle Asian Art Museum – Seattle; 2/13; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; Seattle Asian Art Museum 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. first Thursdays and 5 to 9 p.m. second Thursdays.
*Valentine Appreciation Day – Seattle; 2/13; 5:30pm – 7:30pm; Come enjoy Valentine’s Day snacks, treats, card-making, games and more.
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, as her blog features family fun activities around the South Sound.
*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 7th :
*Little Kids Ride at the Lumberyard – Portland; 2/7, 2/10 – 2/12; 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.
*Tallulah’s Daddy at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 2/7; 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!
*Weekly Storytime + Craft at Craft Factory – Portland; 2/7; 10:30am – 11:00am; Friday morning storytimes are free. They 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; 2/7; 11:00am to 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.
*10 Free Days at Pittock Mansion – Portland; 2/7 – 2/10; 11:00am – 4:00pm; Join in the celebration as the Pittock Mansion kicks off its 100th year with free admission February 1-10. Discover what life was like for Portland’s early pioneer and entrepreneurHenry Pittock and his philanthropist wife, Georgiana. Enjoy a walk up the grand, elegant staircase or take in the sweeping views from the home’s famous music room. Explore a new exhibit, Building Pittock Mansion, showcasing the mansion’s original blueprints, photographs of workers constructing the home, and modern technologies that were incorporated into the architectural masterpiece when it was completed in 1914.
*$2 First Fridays at Art ala Carte PDX sponsored by PDX Kids Calendar – Portland; 2/7; Every First Friday of the month you pay only $2 per child for unlimited art! PDX Kids Calendar picked up the bill for the rest! Better yet…if you bring in a bag of recycled goods, toys and trinkets…you get in FREE!
*Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek – Portland; 2/7; 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.
*Story Time with Olive and Dingo at Pie Spot – Portland; 2/7; 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 at the end of the show. Lots of love! Cost: $5 per child for balloons and entertainment
*Free Admission To The Children’s Museum - Portland; 2/7; 4:00pm – 8:00pm; The first Friday of the month you Target sponsors free admission to the Childrens Museum. This month you can make a book.
*Vancouver First Friday Art Walk - Vancouver; 2/7; 5:00pm – 7:00pm; Join us for a fresh spring evening with refreshments, stimulating conversation and inspiring art! Walking maps will be provided to all attendees. This event is free to attend, but an RSVP is requested by replying to this email at firstfriday.artwalk@yahoo.com.
* Camas First Friday - Portland; 2/7; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; Come and join us for January’s First Friday- Game, Craft & Cocoa Night! Enjoy family friendly games and crafts throughout participating downtown merchants. Have fun and the chance to win prizes!
*First Friday Art Walk - SE Portland; 2/7; 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm; Hosted by Portland’s Eastside art galleries and alternative art venues, First Friday provides arts enthusiasts the opportunity to wander from gallery to gallery for artist receptions and openings during extended hours on the First Friday of every month
Saturday, February 8th :
*Goodnight Moon Storytime and Meet & Greet at Child’s Play – Portland; 2/8; 9:00am – 10:00am; Join us for storytime and a meet & greet with characters from the NW Children’s Theater production of Goodnight Moon! See the production at NWCT from February 1st-March 2nd.
*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek– Portland; 2/8; 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.
*Micha-el School Puppet Show and Open House – Milwaukie; 2/8; 10:00am – 12:00pm; Come visit our classrooms, meet our teachers and learn about Waldorf education. Children welcome and childcare available. Puppet show @ 11:00 The Old Woman and The Red Pumpkin
*Free Family Day at Washington County Museum – Hillsboro; 2/8; 10:00am – 1:00pm; Join Museum staff and volunteers for free hands-on history and art activities for the whole family. Bring the kids and create a project to take home, enjoy stories, see and touch artifacts, learn about local history and more.
*Safety Saturday at the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 2/8; 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.
*Northwest Family & Kids Festival at Washington County Fair Complex – Hillsboro; 2/8 – 2/9; 10:00am – 4:00pm; The only family event of its kind on the Westside, it offers an incredible amount of ideas for kids and families ranging from: entertainment, education, nutrition, health care, vacations, safety and more. There will be tons of family fun and games, music, arts and crafts, sports, a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatable bounce houses, Mad Science, face painting, Barley from the Hillsboro Hops, great food, a reptile exhibit and more. See our website for a $2 off admission coupon! *Please note that some activities require an additional nominal fee.
* Kids Saturday Morning Skate Session At Oaks Park – Portland; 2/8; 10:30am – 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 – Sherwood; 2/1; 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
*Rain City Rock Out! at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 2/8; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Mo Phillips jams his originals, classic family jams, and supa sweet familiar pop tunes to charge up your Saturday! Cost: $5 suggested donation
*Baby Fair at Babies R Us – Tigard; 2/8; 11:00am – 2:00pm; Expecting parents, new parents, families and friends are welcome to join us for this Child Safety Baby Fair. Visit various community partners, learn more about baby registry, play games and win prizes. Partners include, DolFun Swim Academy, Itsabelly and Randall Children’s Hospital Car Seat Safety. Drop in anytime between 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.
*Jill Vialet reads Recess Rules at Green Bean Books – Portland; 2/8; 1:00pm – 2:00pm; Playworks’ founder Jill Vialet will hold a special reading of her new children’s book Recess Rules. This middle reader chapter book tells the adventure of four friends who take back recess and make it fun again while proving to the superintendent that recess is important. First five individuals to show up and let Jill know your favorite recess game will receive a free signed copy of her book. All proceeds from book sales go to support Playworks.
*Portland Opera To Go Presents: La Bohème - Portland; 2/8; 1:00pm – 2:00pm; Do you like stories? Music? Comedy? Theater? Then you like opera! If you have never been to an opera, Portland Opera To Go’s 50-minute, English language adaptation of Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème is just the way to get acquainted. Designed for families, Portland Opera To Go’s opera adaptations have thrilled tens of thousands of children throughout Oregon and SW Washington. Cost: $5 under 12, adults $10, $20 for a family of 4
*February Second Saturday at the Water Center: Love Your Trees – Vancouver; 2/8; 1:00pm – 3:00pm; February is a great month to show your love for trees! Trees are special – even those that have lost their leaves for the winter. Enjoy making various crafts from different parts of a tree. Please note: Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
*Oregon Pacific Railroad Train Rides at Rail Heritage Center – Portland; 2/8; 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. The OPR is a full size freight railroad that runs along the Willamette River, through Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, next to the Springwater Trail. 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
*Portland Baroque Orchestra Young People’s Concert at First Baptist Church – Portland; 2/8; 3:00pm – 4:00pm; Young People’s Concerts are fun, educational, and interactive presentations of baroque music suitable for the whole family. Young People’s concerts are typically an hour long and feature selections of music from a concert in the current season program. Members of the orchestra share interesting information in a fun way and display their talents or the audience. After the playing is complete, everyone has a chance to come forward, ask questions and explore the instruments. Selections from The Classical Concerto. Cost: $10 adults, $5 kids, $20 family of 4
*2nd Saturday Family Dance at Fulton Park Community Center – Portland; 2/8; 4:30pm – 6:30pm; This is always one of the most popular dances of the year. Heidi Vorst will be calling a wonderful variety of international folk dances, backed by Suessefuesse. She’ll also bring her amazing folk dance students, who will perform at intermission in traditional attire representing cultures around the world. Cost: $6/adult, $5/child, $20/family maximum and babes
* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 2/8; 4:45pm – 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.
*One Night in Frogtown – Free Concert & Audition Event – Portland; 2/8; 7:00pm – 8:00pm; This don’t-miss, free concert and audition event will feature story narration and songs by Portland Boychoir’s Primary and Intermediate Boys of the locally-written and beloved book “One Night in Frogtown” which celebrates diversity through music. Event is free! and open to the public. Families with young boys, ages 5 to 12, who love to sing are encouraged to attend. An audition opportunity to sing with Portland Boychoir and meet choir director Dr. David York will take place immediately after the concert. Cookie and juice reception will follow.
Sunday, February 9th:
*Viking Pancake Breakfast at Norse Hall – Portland; 2/9; 8:30am – 1:00pm; Sons of Norway, Grieg Lodge Viking Pancake Breakfast. Save your Sunday morning appetite for our all-you-can-eat pancakes?-?served with scrambled eggs, sausage links, fruit, orange juice, and coffee or tea. Adults are $7, children ages 5-12 are $4 and children under 5 eat free. Ann Grangaard will lead story time for the youngsters at 10 am.
*Curious Garden at the Curious Comedy Theater – Portland; 2/9; 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.
*The David Show! at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 2/29; 1:00pm – 2:00pm; Musical variety show for children of all ages and their families, now on Mondays.
*JuggleMania with Shoehorn at the Village Ballroom – Portland; 2/9; 4:00pm – 5:00pm; “JuggleMania with Shoehorn” definitely contains two of the Northwest’s most unique and engaging variety performers in a show packed with hilarity & dexterity. Knives fly, plates spin, tiny pianos play and volunteers become part of a show that is often compared to Pixar for its all-ages appeal. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Show from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Food and drinks served by Oregon Public House. Tickets are $5 advance, available here: http://jugglemaniawithshoehorn.bpt.me/,$7 at the door (if still available).
Monday, February 10th :
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 2/9; 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
*Tallulah’s Daddy at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 2/9; 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.
*Tangled Threads at Warehouse Cafe - Portland; 2/9; 10:00am – 11:00am; Join The Tangled Threads for music and merriment. They delight and amaze audiences everywhere through an ever-evolving repertoire that includes music, dance, stilt walking, juggling, clowning, Heely skating, and much more! $5 admission. Please bring exact change or a check for the artist.
*Washington County Museum Free Admission – Portland; 2/10; 10:00am to 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.
*The David Show at Cafe au Play – Portland; 2/10; 10:30am – 11:30am; Fun and interactive musical variety show performed by David Rutiezer. Fun for all ages! Cost: $3 suggested donation
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall; 2/10; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Tuesday, February 11th :
* $4 Admission For Second Tuesday At The Zoo - Portland; 2/11; 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.)
*Preschool Play and Skate at Oaks Park – Portland; 2/11; 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
*Tangled Threads at Milagros Boutique – Portland; 2/11; 10:30am; Join The Tangled Threads for music and merriment at Milagros Tuesdays at 10:30 am. $5 admission fee per child (adults are free!) Please bring exact change or a check for the artist.
*Red Yarn at Cafe au Play – Portland; 2/11; 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. Cost: $3/walking person.
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 2/4; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*Tuesday Art Time at the Treehouse Children’s Boutique – Portland; 2/11; 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.
*Winter Story Time Stay-n-Play at TaborSpace – Portland; 2/11; 10:00am – 11:15am; Darlene Sochin, a professional classroom teacher of 24 years, will share her love of reading and telling stories with toddlers, preschoolers, parents, and caregivers. Every Tuesday morning this winter here in Portland, she offers story time, and activities to follow, for a fun way to brighten up your rainy winter mornings. A great way to break up the day and for some special learning and exploring before lunch and nap time.
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 2/11; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*Mommy Matinee at the Kennedy School – Portland; 2/11 & 2/12; 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, February 12th :
*Visit the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 2/12; 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; 2/12; 10:00am; Enjoy music with kindie favorite Mr. Ben. Cost: $5 per child
*Honeybee Hike at Leach Botanical Gardens – Portland; 2/12; 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. Story or craft. 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 2-5. Cost: $2/child
*African World Music at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 2/12; 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; 2/12; 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
*Wondrous Wednesday’s At The World Forestry Center – Washington Park; 2/5; 10:00am – 5:00pm; Reduced admission for The Discovery Museum. Get in for $3 on the first Wed. of each month.
*Mommy Matinee at the St Johns Theater- Portland; 2/12; 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 Party Time! at Oregon Public House – Portland; 2/12; 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 13th:
*Tallulah’s Daddy at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 2/13; 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
*St Johns Swapnplay Playspace Open Play – Portland; 2/13; 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.
*Mommy & Me with a Jewish twist – Portland; 2/13; 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. Each week, tots will enjoy a new theme incorporating movement exercises, music, sensory play and crafts. Great Opportunity to hang out with other local moms. Open to all and free of charge.
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 2/13; 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
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).
*Lowes Build And Grow Clinic - Saturdays ; 10:00am; Come join Lowes Build and Grow Clinic.
* Michaels Make It Take It Event - 1:00pm to 3:00pm; Ages 3 & up. While supplies last.
*Barnes and Noble Free Storytime - Times and events vary by location. Check your location for specific story’s available.
Fun & Frugal Family Events 2/7 – 2/13 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
The post Fun & Frugal Family Events 2/7 – 2/13 appeared first on Thrifty NW Mom.