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!
ComedySportz: Fast and Funny Improv Comedy Competition (Seattle; 4/18 – 5/31 Fri & Sat; tickets as low as FREE)
Beneath the Streets: Subterranean Walking Tour (Seattle; 4/18 – 4/30 various days; tickets as low as $7.50 plus service fee)
Fun Superhero Adventure in Family Musical Art Dog (Seattle; 4/19 – 5/4 various weekend days; tickets as low as $12.50 plus service fee)
Favorite Fairy Tale Motors Into the ’50s Era (Portland; 4/26 – 5/17 various weekend days; tickets as low as $11.00 plus service fee)
Split 2nd Improv: Audience-Led Comedy Shows at SecondStage Rep (Seattle; 5/2 -5/3; tickets as low as $7.50 plus service fee)
The Giver: Sci-Fi Drama Based on Newbery Award-Winning Book (Portland; 5/3; tickets as low as $12 plus service fee)
Charlotte’s Web: Beloved Children’s Classic Onstage (Portland; 5/16; tickets as low as $6 plus service fee)
School House Rock Live! Jr., a Musical Adaptation of ABC’s Classic Kids Show (Portland; 5/16; 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, April 18th :
*Skagit Valley Tulip Festival – Various locations throughout the Skagit Valley; 4/18 – 4/30; Daily events and attractions through April 30, most with appeal for kids and families. Mount Vernon Street Fair is April 25-27. Prices vary, many events FREE. Various locations throughout the Skagit Valley. Download the festival map and brochure online.
*Kruckeberg Easter Egg Hunt – Shoreline; 4/18 – 4/20; 10:00am – 5:00pm; Bring the whole family to the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden during our month-long Easter egg hunt. Avoid the crowds at the single day events and come search at your own pace for eggs that are actually hidden! Younger children will enjoy collecting an egg or two and then exchanging them for a treat. Older children will enjoy hunting for clues to a plant-themed puzzle. FREE, donations appreciated.
*Snap! Shows for Kids – Seattle; 4/18; 11:15am – 11:45am; Snap! is a series of immersive and inspiring performances. This month features String. Performer Mary Margaret Moore takes young children on a journey of discovery with dance, body language, and simple objects. Limited seating. Advanced tickets recommended. $5.
*Youth Appreciation Week Field Day – Seattle; 4/18; 3:00pm – 7:00pm; Youth ages 11 to 19 are invited to enjoy food and fun activities.
*FREE Friday Night Live at Imagine Children’s Museum – Everett; 4/18; 5:30pm – 9:00pm; Imagine Children’s Museum offers FREE admission on the third Friday of each month, 5:30 to 9 p.m. All ages.
Saturday, April 19th :
*April Pools Day – greater Seattle locations; 4/19; various times; Water safety instruction and free swimming.
Ballard Pool, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 1471 N.W. 67th St., Seattle. 206-684-4094,
Evans Pool, 1:30 to 3 p.m., 7201 E. Green Lake Drive N., Seattle. 206-684-4961
Meadowbrook Pool, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., 10517 35th Ave. N.E., Seattle. 206-684-4989
Medgar Evers Pool, 1:30 to 3 p.m., 500 23rd Ave., Seattle. 206-684-4766
Queen Anne Pool, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., 1920 First Ave. W., Seattle. 206-386-4282
Rainier Beach Pool, 10:30 a.m. to noon, 8825 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle. 206-386-1925
Southwest Pool, 10:30 a.m. to noon, 2801 S.W. Thistle, Seattle. 206-684-7440
*Lacey Family Fish-In – Lacey; 4/19; 8:00am – 2:00pm; Kids ages 5 to 14 will learn how to fish and take home their own rod and reel. $5. Space is limited, pre-registration required.
*Family Nature Walk – Tacoma; 4/19; 10:00am – 11:00am; Explore Tacoma’s Parks during this free naturalist-led walk. Discover amazing plants and animals and how they adapt to the seasons. Walks are organized and led by Tacoma Nature Center staff. Not recommended for strollers or children younger than age 3. Pre-registration is recommended.
*Kids’ Book Swap – Seattle; 4/19; 10:00am – 11:30am; Bring your gently used books (please, no books with coloring on them or torn pages), and for every book brought to the swap, you will be given a ticket to pick up a new book! Have too many books? Donations to the book swap also welcome. All leftover books will be donated to the play area.
*Earth Day Service Project – Seattle; 4/19; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Come and celebrate Earth Day at Seward Park by joining us in protecting native habitat. Swing tools, dig holes, plant trees and create a healthier planet. Tools, gloves, training, snacks and coffee provided. Pre-register.
*Bunny Party – Seattle; 4/19; 10:00am – 6:00pm; Take part in a market-wide egg hunt (10 a.m.), do sidewalk chalk art, make bunny crafts, and meet real bunnies (noon to 4 p.m., $1) in this fundraiser for Seattle Animal Shelter.
*Free Wing Luke Museum Entrance – Seattle; 4/19; 10:00am – 8:00pm; The Wing Luke Museum offers free admission on the third Saturday of each month, for family day.
*All Things Green Earth Day Event – Tacoma; 4/19; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; Family-friendly activities that promote environmental awareness, plus an Insect Safari. Noon to 4 p.m. FREE. Tacoma Nature Center, Tacoma.
*Mother Goose Story Time – Seattle; 4/19; 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.
*Family Fun at Milepost 31: History Scavenger Hunt – Seattle; 4/19; 1:00pm – 4:00pm; There will be a scavenger hunt eggstravaganza to discover Pioneer Square’s rich transportation history. Pick up your scavenger hunt kit at Milepost 31 between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m.
*The Great SBCC Family Challenge – Bellevue; 4/19; 1:30pm – 4:30pm; A team of three to five family members (with at least one adult per team) will challenge other family teams by performing physical feats, mind tasks and creative endeavors in this unique, fun event. Points will be awarded as tasks are completed, with winners announced at the end. Ages 6 and older. $5. Pre-register by phone (course 83701).
*Cultural Dance Series – Bellevue; 4/19; 6:30pm – 8:30pm; The third Saturday of each month, families are invited to watch dance demonstrations from different cultures and even learn (and try) some dance steps themselves.
Sunday, April 20th:
*Cast Off! Free Public Sailing – Seattle; 4/20; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Our Cast Off! program allows visitors the chance to sail in classic boats. Rides start throughout the day and last about 45 minutes. Sign-ups begin in person at 10 a.m.; space is limited and rides fill quickly. Arrive early to ensure your first choice, especially on sunny days and holidays. One person may sign up five other people who are not present, but no phone reservations are accepted. All ages are welcome and they have life jackets for everyone.
*Seattle Family Dance – Seattle; 4/20; 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.
*April Pools Day – Seattle; 4/20; 3:30pm – 5:30pm; Water safety instruction and free swimming.
Monday, April 21st:
*Thrilling Tales: A Story Time for Grown-ups – Seattle; 4/21; 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 they bring you gripping short stories expertly read — and well-calculated to keep you in suspense! This week’s story is “The Birdhouse” by Stephen Ross.
Tuesday, April 22nd:
*Earth Day Celebration – Seattle; 4/22; 3:00pm – 5:00pm; We will have an earth day scavenger hunt for the kids as well as a fun earth day craft to do together. Kids can test their recycling skills with our sorting game. Included with admission. $5.
*Bilingual Concert with Jose-Luis Orozco at the South Park Community Center – Seattle; 4/22; 6:30pm – 7:20pm; Mexico City native José-Luis Orozco is a nationally renowned children’s songwriter, author and performer. His lively music and songs will have kids singing, dancing and laughing. Plus: free books for the first 100 kids!
Wednesday, April 23rd:
*FREE Drop-In Playgroup – Seattle; 4/23; 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. FREE
*Seeds and Salads with Green Plate Special – Seattle; 4/23; 3:30pm – 5:00pm; Green Plate Special is a hands-on gardening and cooking program for students in grades 5-8. Plant vegetable seeds, then taste the delicious vegetables they will turn into! Learn how to water and care for seedlings so they will grow into healthy, tasty vegetables. For tweens in grades 5-8.
Thursday, April 24th :
*Tugboat Storytime – Seattle; 4/24; 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.
*Watershed Science for Kids: Human Use – Seattle; 4/24; 4:00pm – 5:00pm; Watershed Science for Kids teaches environmental science with fun, hands-on activities. Children in grades K-2 will learn about the water cycle and protecting our oceans. For grades K-2. Registration is required.
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 4/24; 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
For more lists of local events in WA check out these websites::
*Sounds Fun Mom - Maegen always has a great list of events local to the South Sound area of WA – 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!)
*Macaroni Kid - The local Macaroni Kid newsletters & websites are great resources for family activities around your area. There are a number of Macaroni Kid websites all around Washington & Oregon. Just look for your local area on their national page.
PORTLAND AREA:
Here’s our list of weekly events for the Portland area.
Friday, April 18th :
*Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival – Woodburn; 4/18 – 5/4; Daily activities include Children’s play area with duck races, slides, swings and more. Cow train $2 person. Weekends (weather permitting) include pony rides ($5), steam tractors, jump tents, rock wall zip line ($3-$7), archery tag ($5) and paint ball ($7). Well- behaved dogs welcome on leashes. March 28th – May 4th: Daily 9 am – 6 pm.
*Ladybug Nature Walks at Kenton Park – Portland; 4/18; 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 503-823-3601 For ages 2-5 with grown-up. Stroller friendly.
*Music with Miss SaraMag at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 4/18; 10:00am – 11:00am; Miss SaraMag loves to sing, dance, play, inspire, and teach. Miss SaraMag sings and plays the piano, as well as incorporating sign language and dance for interactive fun! $5 suggested donation
*Micah and Me Singalong! at A Children’s Place bookstore – Portland; 4/18; 10:30am; Come enjoy action songs and get some wiggles out! Even a few songs that adults might enjoy as well!
*Weekly Storytime + Craft Activity at The Craft Factory – Portland; 4/18; 10:30am – 11:00am; Storytime begins at 10:30 a.m. and is free for everyone to attend. They offer a $5 storytime craft special for your choice of 2 ornamental craft bases that they can turn into magnets or ornaments for you once you’ve finished decorating them. Regular craft bases remain at their everyday $12 price.
*Music From Mr. Hoo from The Alphabeticians – Portland; 4/18; 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; 4/18; 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.
*Spring Break Tram Tours – Portland; 4/18; 2:00pm – 4:00pm; The Tram tour includes a ride on the tram and a firsthand look at the control and motor room of the tram. $4 round trip (children 6 & under ride for free)
*Story Time with Olive and Dingo @ Pie Spot – Portland; 4/18; 3:00pm – 4:00pm; Full of comedy, songs, stories, balloons and laughter. Sure to get the jumpers jumping, the dancers dancing, wigglers wiggling and the noise makers cooing. Balloons twisting and fellowship is at the end of the show. Cost: $5 per child for balloons and entertainment
*Family Friday Flicks at the Hillsboro Main Library – Hillsboro; 4/18; 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.
*Swimwear Fashion Show at Popina’s – Portland; 4/18; 7:00pm; Urbanmamas and Popina will show off the latest swim fashions. You’ll get 25% off purchases and a raffle for a $75 Popina gift card. Mamas only. Cost: $5 at the door
*Aaron Nigel Smith and One World Chorus – Lake Oswego; 4/18; 7:00pm – 8:00pm; Wonderful family-friendly music. $5 suggested donation.
Saturday, April 19th :
*Low Sensory Bowling at Big Al’s – Beaverton & Vancouver; 4/19; 9:00am – 10:00am; Low Sensory bowling is your opportunity to bowl with your child and family in a quiet and peaceful environment! No music, no TVs, no Arcade… just fun, $2 games and $2 shoe rental for all ages.
*Rain City Rock Out! at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 4/19; 10:00am – 11:00am; Mo Phillips jams his originals, classic family jams, and supa sweet familiar pop tunes to charge up your Saturday! $5 suggested donation
*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek – Portland; 4/19; 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.
* Kids Saturday Morning Skate Session At Oaks Park – Portland ; 4/19; 10:30am to 12:00pm; For $6 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.
*’The Tree Lady’ Author H. Joseph Hopkins at Green Bean Books – Portland; 4/19; 1:00pm – 1:30pm; We’ll have local author H. Joseph Hopkins read from his book, The Tree Lady. Find out about Kate Sessions who was able to turn a dry desert landscape into a green paradise with this nonfiction picture book. A signing follows afterwards.
*Oregon Pacific Railroad Train Rides at Rail Heritage Center – Portland; 4/19; 1:00pm – 5:00pm; The Oregon Pacific Railroad is offering round trip diesel locomotive powered passenger train rides 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. Locomotive cab rides are available for an additional fee. Cost: $5
*Star Party at Rooster Rock Park – Corbett; 4/19; 8:00pm; Sponsored by OMSI, Rose City Astronomers, and Vancouver Sidewalk Astronomers at both Rooster Rock State Park and L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park starting at 8:00 pm. From beginners to experts of all ages, here’s your opportunity to view the stars and other celestial objects up close and personal through telescopes. Call the OMSI Star Parties Hotline at 503 797-4000. The event starts at sunset and is free with $5 parking per vehicle. Warm clothing and a flashlight with red light are recommended. Personal telescopes and binoculars are welcome.
*Star Party at Stub Stewart Park – Buxton; 4/19; 8:00pm; OMSI, Rose City Astronomers, and Vancouver Sidewalk Astronomers at both Rooster Rock State Park and L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park starting at 8:00 pm. From beginners to experts of all ages, here’s your opportunity to view the stars and other celestial objects up close and personal through telescopes. Call the OMSI Star Parties Hotline at 503 797-4000. The event starts at sunset and is free with $5 parking per vehicle. Warm clothing and a flashlight with red light are recommended. Personal telescopes and binoculars are welcome.
Sunday, April 20th:
*The Alphabeticians at Cafe au Play – Portland; 4/20; 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 per child
*The David Show! at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 4/20; 1:00pm – 2:00pm; Musical variety show for children of all ages and their families, now on Sundays. Free, donations accepted.
Monday, April 21st :
*Micah and Me Singalong! at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 4/21; 10:00am; Micah and Me Singalong! at Warehouse Cafe Enjoy rollicking kid’s songs by a baby (Micah, our manager) and two stay at home dads (Aaron and Ryan). $5 suggested donation
*Tallulah’s Daddy at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 4/21; 10:00am – 11:00am; Come sing, dance and play with Tallulah’s Daddy as he plays guitar, bass and cajon. They 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.
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; ; 12:00pm; 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
Tuesday, April 22nd :
*Story Time with Olive and Dingo @ Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 4/22; 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. Balloons twisting and fellowship is at the end of the show. Cost: $5 per child for balloons and entertainment
*Preschool Play and Skate at Oaks Park – Portland; 4/22; 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
*Micah and Me Singalong at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 4/22; 3:00pm; Micah and Me Kids Singalong at Rain City Coffee Tuesdays at 3pm. We will be singing the favorites including Dan Zanes’ new one, “Let’s Dance.”
*Danicng With No Shoes On with Chuck Cheesman – West Linn; 4/22; 6:30pm – 8:30pm; Join Chuck Cheesman for an interactive singing and dancing extravaganza!
Wednesday, April 23rd :
*Red Yarn at Village Ballroom – Portland; 4/23; 10:00am – 10:45am; Audiences will sing, dance, act, and experience the joy of community during Red Yarn’s interactive shows. Stick around for open playtime after the show, also hosted by Woodlawn Swap’n’Play! $5/family suggested
*African World Music at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 4/23; 10:00am – 11:00am; Kids of all ages and adults are welcome to join this fun, upbeat music hour of drumming, singing and jamming. Bring your children and come and dance and play along with us and try some of our handmade African kids drums while playing along to the African rhythms.
*Tadpole Tales at Columbia Children’s Arboretum – Portland; 4/23; 10:00am – 11:00am; Children aged 3-5 with their parents are invited to a short story and guided nature walk. This program runs each Wednesday March-May. Event runs rain or shine. Families are welcome to bring a snack. Cost: $3 per child, adults-free
*Honeybee Hikes at Leach Botanical Gardens – Portland; 4/23 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. 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
*Miss SaraMag at Treehouse Boutique – Portland; 4/23; 10:30am; Miss SaraMag loves to sing, dance, play, inspire, and teach. During the show, you will sing and dance along as Miss SaraMag sings, plays the piano, and incorporates percussion and American Sign Language. Feel free to bring your favorite instrument and play along! Cost: $5
*Story Time with Olive and Dingo @ Pieper Cafe – Portland; 4/23; 3:00pm – 4:00pm; Fun for all. Balloons twisting and fellowship is at the end of the show. Cost: $5 per child for balloons and entertainment
*Mo Phillips Party Time! at Oregon Public House – Portland; 4/23; 5:00pm – 6:00pm; Join Mo for some excellent family rock out dinner action
Thursday, April 24th :
*Tallulah’s Daddy at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 4/24; 10:00am – 11:00am; 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
*Toddler Storytime at End of the Oregon Trail Center - Oregon City; 4/24; 10:30am – 11:00am; Special Toddler Story Time with Oregon City Public Library’s Missy Lipe at the End of the Oregon Trail Center.
*Micah and Me Singalong! at Milagros Boutique – Portland; 4/23; 2:00pm; Come join us for well-known kids songs plus some new fun ones you may have not heard before! Lots of chance to jump up and down, move around and get the wiggles out! Even some songs that the adults will enjoy! Cost: $5 per child
*Trashanalia at Belmont Library – Portland; 4/23; 3:30pm – 4:15pm; Join King Neptune as he sings songs on his canjo (a banjo made of a can) and introduces a slew of trash puppets. Charleston Turtle, Scrappy Seagull, and Felix the Hermit Crab learn to recycle, reduce and reuse. Post show scrap puppet crafting is also available.
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– Saturday ; 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.
*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 4/18 – 4/24 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
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