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.
Looking for some fun things to do in the Greater Seattle Area this summer? Check out our list of Over 100 Seattle Staycation Ideas!
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; 5/9 – 5/31 Fri & Sat; tickets as low as FREE)
Fancy Nancy: Fun Children’s Musical Based on the Book (Portland; 5/22 – 5/25; tickets as low as $12 plus service fee)
Charlotte’s Web (Portland; 5/23 – 5/25; tickets as low as FREE)
Beneath the Streets: Subterranean Walking Tour (Seattle; 5/27 – 5/29; tickets as low as $7.50 plus service fee)
Rock Musical Godspell Junior Brings the Gospels to Life (Seattle; 6/26 – 6/29; 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, May 23rd :
*Museum Week Northwest – Greater Seattle Area; 5/23; Running May 16-23, from Bellingham and Port Townsend, through Seattle and Tacoma, to Olympia – and in the many smaller communities in between. Many museums will offer 2-for-1 admission and other special offers and events; see online for more details.
*Northwest Folklife Festival – Seattle; 5/23 – 5/26; More than 800 acts across 25 stages, participatory dances, workshops, crafts, food and more. No pets. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 23-25., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 26. Discovery Zone for kids on Next 50 Plaza 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Suggested donation $10 per day, $20 per family.
*FREE Drop-in Playgroup – Seattle; 5/16; 10:30am; 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.
*Museum Week: Innovations in Global Health – Seattle; 5/23; 2:00pm – 5:00pm; The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center staff will showcase innovations that are being used to solve global challenges – from water filters and coolers, to prototype toilets. Free tours will be offered 2 to 5 p.m. May 16-17 and 20-23.
Saturday, May 24th :
*Momstrology Family Event – Seattle; 5/24; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Celebrity astrologers The AstroTwins are celebrating the launch of their latest book “Momstrology: The AstroTwins’ Guide to Parenting Your Little Ones by The Stars” by hosting a family-friendly fun day on Capitol Hill at Rare Medium. The new book offers parents and caregivers insight on how to decode child behavior based on astrological signs and gives real-world advice from a cosmic perspective. The event will run feature book signings and mini astrology readings by the twins along with in-store activities at other businesses on the block. Fire Station #25 will also partake in the festivities by bringing out a ?re engine for kids to explore and offering station tours.
*Kidgits Club Super Duper Lil’ Chefs – Seattle; 5/24; 11:00am – 2:00pm; Simon Kidgits Club welcomes young foodies and their families to participate in the annual Simon Kidgits Club Super-Duper Lil Chefs event in the Ben Bridge Court. Designed to immerse families in discovering that enjoying food doesn’t have to be limited to mealtime, the event menu offers a variety of food-focused stations such as: • Cooking lesson with Twigs Bistro • Pasta art and jewelry-making • Make your own trail mix • Toothpick and kabob-sculpting • Crown and tiara decorating cupcake creation • Teacup-balancing relay race. Also as part of Lil Chefs events, kids are encouraged to help those in need by bringing a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food bank.
*Mother Goose Story Time – Seattle; 5/24; 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.
*The Cherry Orchard – Seattle; 5/24, 2:00pm & 5/25 & 5/26, 7:00pm; A genuine, truthful comedy of the absurd, of great poignancy and delicious ridiculousness. Chekhov’s classic is a Russian “Downtown Abbey,” full of characters who live at the brink of laughter and tears, in lives both great and inconsequential. Performed by students of the Seattle Public Theater Youth Program in grades 6 through 12. FREE, donations encouraged.
Sunday, May 25th:
*Spy on the Heritage Park Bald Eagles – Seattle; 5/25; 9:00am – 11:00am; Come to Heritage Park in Kirkland for close-up views of the bald eagles’ nest! One bald eagle parent has been sitting on the nest for a few weeks, and that means there’s an egg (or, more likely, two) that will hatch soon. We’re hoping for babies late this month or early in May. Stop by for a close look at the big nest and the bald eagle parents, using high-powered spotting scopes provided by Eastside Audubon. We’ll be there the last Sunday of every month from 9 to 11 a.m. and all day on July 4. Free and fascinating for all ages.
*Cast Off! Free Public Sailing – Seattle; 5/25; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Our Cast Off! program allows visitors the chance to sail in classic boats.
The boats we use include: Admirable, a Bristol Bay Gillnetter; Amie, a Friendship sloop; Colleen Wagner, an Egret Sharpie; our long-boat Discovery, our New Haven Sharpie Betsy D, or a visiting classic. Before and after your sail take a walk on the docks and discover the boats. Watch the volunteer crews rigging the boats. They’ll be happy to answer any question you might have, and you may even have a chance to help with the rigging!
*Worm Fun with Seattle Tilth’s Master Composter Soil Builders – Seattle; 2:00pm – 4:00pm; Look at worms under a microscope, learn about compost bins, and talk to Seattle Tilth’s Master Composter Soil Builders about what worms do for your garden! The Edible Garden Series includes events and presentations for all ages at Library branches around the city in April and May. Learn about edible gardening, food advocacy and sustainability in coordination with our local partner organizations.
Monday, May 26th:
*Memorial Day Parade – Arlington; 5/26; 10:00am; Parade sponsored by the American Legion.
*Military Families Appreciation Day – Poulsbo; 5/26; 11:00am – 6:00pm; CRISTA Camps and SPIRIT 105.3 are hosting the FREE camp to honor those of you who have served or are serving our country, and your families! There will be a BBQ lunch and all the camp activities you can imagine for all ages! Activities include waterfront fun, paintball, bounce house, skate park, bouldering wall, boating, moto-x, ropes course, disc golf, petting zoo, and more. For more information, visit www.cristacamps.com/military or call 877-723-4373
*Children’s Day at Seattle Japanese Garden – Seattle; 5/26; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; A day of hands-on activities and entertainment for families. $6, $4 seniors, students and disabled, free ages 5 and younger.
Tuesday, May 27th:
*The Harmonica Pocket Performance – Shoreline; 11:00am; The ABC’s come to life when favorite nursery rhymes, beloved books and original songs are mixed up with playful skits to celebrate reading and the alphabet. Presented by The Harmonica Pocket. All ages welcome!
Wednesday, May 28th:
*FREE Drop-In Playgroup – Seattle; 5/28; 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
*The Harmonica Pocket Performance – Sammamish; 5/28; 11:00am; The ABC’s come to life when favorite nursery rhymes, beloved books and original songs are mixed up with playful skits to celebrate reading and the alphabet. Presented by The Harmonica Pocket. All ages welcome!
*Pajamas & Puppets – Seattle; 5/28; 7:00pm – 7:30pm; It’s time for pajamas and puppets at the Northeast Branch! Bring your preschoolers and toddlers to enjoy a puppet show — along with stories, rhymes, songs and fun — with our children’s librarian.
Thursday, May 29th :
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 5/29; 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
*Ballard Summer Streets – Seattle; 5/29; 4:00pm – 8:00pm; The street is closed today for a massive bike party, held with Cascade Bicycle Club.
*The Harmonica Pocket Performance – Bellevue; 5/28; 4:00am; The ABC’s come to life when favorite nursery rhymes, beloved books and original songs are mixed up with playful skits to celebrate reading and the alphabet. Presented by The Harmonica Pocket. All ages welcome!
For more lists of local events in WA check out these websites::
*Sounds Fun Mom - Maegen always has a great list of events local to the South Sound area of WA
*Grays Harbor Deals - Annaliese lists some great events each weekend for Grays Harbor county (Long Beach, Hoquiam, Aberdeen, Moclips, Ocean Shores, Raymond, Elma & more!)
*SnoCo Mom - Emily shares all about Snohomish County family & kids activities on her blog & you’ll find some great weekly events.
PORTLAND AREA:
Here’s our list of weekly events for the Portland area.
Friday, May 23rd :
*Music with Miss SaraMag at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 5/23; 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; 5/23; 10:30am; Micah and Me Singalong with rollicking kid’s songs! Donations appreciated.
*Weekly Storytime + Craft Activity at The Craft Factory – Portland; 5/23; 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 we 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; 5/23; 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.
*Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek – Portland; 5/23; 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 @ Pie Spot – Portland; 5/23; 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
*Rose Festival Fireworks at Waterfront Park – Portland; 5/23; 10:00pm; The Rose Festival starts off with a bang by setting off a dramatic fireworks display choreographed to music, and entertainment on the RoZone stage. Other activities include various national concerts in the RoZone patriotic promotions where all active, reserve and retired military and their families receive free admission all weekend.
Saturday, May 24th:
*Vintage Toy Show and Swap – Vancouver; 5/24; 9:00am – 3:00pm; Take your kids to the Vintage Toy Show & Swap to see the toys you played with and your grandparentsplayed with. Free Superhero dress up photo booth, cool vintage toy displays, free toy appraisal and tons of vintage toys and retro games from 1889-1994. Red Lion at the Quay, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver. Cost: $3, free ages 0-12
*Rain City Rock Out! at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 5/24; 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
*Adventure Play in the Wild Woods! – Portland; 5/24; 12:00pm – 4:30pm; This is a free play event for kids of all ages and their parents too. We will be engaging wild creativity in the beautiful wooded setting of the new Beech Street Community Garden. This is an opportunity to explore open-ended, hands-on, child-directed play with the loose parts of the natural landscape. This event is part of the annual Village Building Convergence, with concurrent volunteer projects happening in the garden and at the intersection.
*Multnomah County Fair at Oaks Park – Portland; 5/24; 12:00pm – 7:00pm; The fair season kicks off with the Multnomah County Fair. Pony rides; petting zoo; barnyard fun; Walk on the Wild Side exotic animal show; art, craft, and floral displays; craft and food vendors; face painting, live entertainment; and much more. Visit www.multnomahcountyfair.org for full event info. Admission to the fair is free, but there is a charge rides and some activites. Please bring a canned food donation for Snowcap.
*Oregon Pacific Railroad Train Rides at Rail Heritage Center – Portland; 5/24; 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
*Family Field Trip Day at Tryon Creek – Portland; 5/24; 2:00pm – 4:00pm; Hawks, Owls and Woodpeckers -Bring your family to see what makes Tryon Creek such a special field trip destination. Each family will be guided through the forest as we uncover where our owls nest, how our hawks hunt, and why our woodpeckers don’t get concussions. We’ll play games and get our hands dirty as we learn about these incredible creatures through exploration and discovery. Kindergarten – 6th grade $6 (non-member) $5 (member)
Sunday, May 25th:
*Mr. Hoo at Cafe au Play – Portland; 5/25; 10:00am – 11:00am; Mr. Hoo (one half of The Alphabeticians), plays fun music for kids and their grown-ups. He plays guitar and kazoo, and sings songs that get the audience clapping and moving and singing along. Mr. Hoo or The Alphabeticians are here every Sunday. Cost: $5/kid
*Ruckus in the Lobby at Artist Rep – Portland; 5/25; 11:00am – 4:00pm; Traveling Lantern Theatre two-person family-friendly play every Sunday morning at 11 am. Includes a Q&A with the cast afterward. Tickets are only $5 for all who attend over 5 years old, and can be purchased at the door or at www.artistsrep.org. May 18 Bilbo ; May 25 Johnny Appleseed
Monday, May 26th :
*Micah and Me Singalong! at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 5/26; 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; 5/26; 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.
*The David Show! at Cafe au Play – Portland; 5/26; 10:30am – 11:15am; Fun, interactive musical variety for the whole family! Donations accepted.
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 5/26; 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, May 27th :
*Story Time with Olive and Dingo @ Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 5/27; 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; 5/27; 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
*Chuck Cheesman at Cafe au Play – Portland; 5/27; 10:30am – 11:15am; Chuck appears every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Cafe au Play for a kid-friendly concert.
*Micah and Me Singalong at Rain City Coffee – Portland; 5/27; 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.”
*Brad Clark at West Linn Library – West Linn; 5/27; 6:30pm – 7:30pm; We always have a blast when Brad Clark visits! Brad tells stories, sings songs, and plays guitar.
Wednesday, May 28th:
*Red Yarn at Village Ballroom – Portland; 5/28; 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; 5/28; 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 Slough Water Quality Facility – Portland; 5/28; 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; 5/28; 10:00am – 11:00am; Weekly nature-related activities for young children and their adult caregivers. Strollers limit where they 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; 5/28; 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; 5/28; 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; 5/28; 5:00pm – 6:00pm; Join Mo for some excellent family rock out dinner action
Thursday, May 29th :
*Free Story Time at Art Ala Carte – Portland; 5/29; 9:15am – 9:45am; Guess what? Story time is returning! Our awesome Friend Jane will return every Thursday morning for a free story time and art project. 9:15-9:45 then stay for open studio after for a discounted rate of $3 off!
*Tallulah’s Daddy at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 5/29; 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
*Story Time with Olive and Dingo @ Cafe au Play – Portland; 5/29; 10:30am – 11:30am; Fun for all. Full of comedy, songs, stories, balloons and laughter. Balloons twisting and fellowship is at the end of the show. $5 per child for balloons and entertainment
*Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek Park – Portland; 5/29; 1:00pm – 2:15pm;This program integrates nature exploration, art, literature, music, movement, and outdoor play. It is geared toward families with young children (preferably ages 2-6) but all are welcome. Thursdays and Fridays.This is a free event for ages 2-6 years with guardian. Reservations required.
*The Junie B. Jones Stupid Smelly Bus Live Tour at Bridgeport Village - Tigard; 5/29; 5:00pm; Come join us for The Junie B. Jones Stupid Smelly Bus Live Performance Tour featuring Junie B. Jones and Mr. Woo. There will be live performances, giveaways, and a book stamping and photo opportunity with Junie B., herself. Books will be available for purchase at the event. There is a book stamping limit of one book brought from home, but no limit on books purchased at the event. Space is limited for this event, and registration is required. Please visit www.bridgeport-village.com to register. Go to the Junie B. Jones logo on the right hand side, and click “register here”. This event takes place offsite of the Barnes & Noble, Bridgeport Village store in the open space next to Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth at Bridgeport Village.
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– Sataurdays; 11am to 3pm; Kids can come to this free craft time each week for a new craft (plus print a $5 off $25 coupon).
*Bank Of America Museums On Us Free Entrance – ; Bank Of America card holders can get free entrance to Museums Nationwide. Check website for participating museums in your area.
*Home Depot Kids Workshop – ; 9:00am to 12:00pm; Kids can participate in free building projects the first Sat. of the month.
*Lego Stores Mini Models Build – Tuesdays ; 5:00pm; Monthly model build event, one free for kids 6-14 while supplies last. 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
*Barnes and Noble Free Storytime - Times and events vary by location. Check your location for specific story’s available this weekend.
Fun & Frugal Family Events 5/23 – 5/29 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
The post Fun & Frugal Family Events 5/23 – 5/29 appeared first on Thrifty NW Mom.