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.
Make sure to check out our list and links to Fairs & Festivals in the Pacific NW and the huge post on things to do in Seattle for a staycation!
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!
Whose Line-Style Comedy Live at Jet City Improv (Seattle; 8/23 – 9/6; tickets start at $7.50 plus service fee)
ComedySportz: Fast and Funny Improv Comedy Competition (Seattle; 8/23 – 8/31 Fridays & Saturdays; tickets start at $6 plus service fee)
Steel Magnolias: Humor and Heartbreak in ’80s Louisiana (Portland; 8/23 – 9/1 weekends; tickets start at $14 plus service fee)
Stars Beam Down to Official Star Trek Convention in Seattle (Seattle; 8/24 & 8/25; tickets start at $15 plus service fee)
Oliver! — Outdoor Musical Theater for the Whole Family (Seattle; 8/24 & 8/25; tickets start at $9 plus service fee)
Travel Guru Rick Steves Leads Discussion on Spiritual Journeys (Seattle; 9/22; tickets start at $14.50 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, August 23rd:
*Evergreen State Fair – Monroe; 8/23 – 9/2; Evergreen State Fair. Old-fashioned fair features animals, carnival (fee), concerts, monster trucks (Aug. 22-23, fee), music, rodeo ($5, Aug. 30 to Sept. 1), food, contests and exhibits. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Sept. 1, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 2. $10, $7 seniors and ages 6 to 15, free ages 5 and younger and ages 90 and older, other packages and discounts available. Free admission 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. Free ages 15 and younger Aug. 39. All admissions discounted Sept. 2. $8 to $10 parking.
*Sand in the City – Olympia; 8/23; starts 10am daily; Beach party with sand sculptures, entertainment, hands-on kids’ activities and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 25. Grandparents’ Day (Aug. 25) includes special activities for grandparents and kids.
*Paint Me a Story - Bellevue; 8/23; 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
*Kruckeberg Garden Tots – Shoreline; 8/16; 10:00am – 1:00pm; Drop in to the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden with your young children every Friday through September for a fun nature exploration in this unique, naturalistic garden. Each week we offer a simple plant activity, a themed garden exploration, and a craft project. $7 family, free for members.
*Nature Alphabet – Tacoma; 8/23; 10:30am – 11:30am; Preschoolers explore different nature topics through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks and crafts. Note – two location options: Tacoma Nature Center and Center at Norpoint. Adult participation is recommended, children younger than age 4 require an adult present. Space is limited, advance registration required. $6.
*FREE Drop-In Playgroup – Seattle; 8/9 & 8/14: 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.
*FreeTête-à-têter At Frye Museum – Seattle; 8/23; 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.
*Pay-What-You-Can at Seattle Symphony’s “Soundbridge”- Seattle, Beneroya Hall; 8/23; 12:00pm to 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.
*Summer Bash – Tacoma; 8/23; 5:00pm; Enjoy family activities, food and entertainment starting at 5 p.m., and an outdoor movie Madagascar 3 (PG) at dusk. Bring blankets and chairs. Bring blankets and chairs.
*Twirl Café Movie Night Social – Seattle; 8/23; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; Grab your kiddos and join us for pizza and a movie with friends or family. With a rotating pizza special each Friday and $4 cheese pizzas, celebrating the weekend is easy to do! Free to attend; food, beer and wine available for purchase. R.S.V.P. online and get entered into our monthly drawing.
*Sing and Read with Eric Ode – Bellevue; 8/23; 6:45pm; Come sing along with Eric Ode, children’s performer and author of the new book Sea Star Wishes: Poems from the Coast. This mini-concert will include beach songs and fun ocean puppets and will be followed by a book signing.
*The Comedy of Errors – Seattle; 8/23 – 8/24, 7pm & 8/24 – 8/25 2pm; Seattle Public Theater’s Youth Program presents Shakespeare’s comedy about mistaken identities, set in a rural Appalachia. 7 p.m. Aug. 23-24, 2 p.m. Aug. 24-25. FREE, donations accepted.
*Family Summer Outdoor Cinema Series – Tukwila; 8/23; 8:00pm; Rise of the Guardians (PG) Aug. 23. Bring a blanket or chairs. Concessions available. 8 p.m., movie at dusk. FREE, suggested donation of two non-perishable items per person.
*Movies at the Marina – Seattle; 8/23; 8:45pm; Dolphin Tale (PG) Aug. 23. Bring blankets or chairs.
Saturday, August 24th :
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 8/24 & 8/28; 10:00am – 11:00am; Introduce your toddler to nature with story time, songs, and fun activities inside, followed by exploration along the trails of Seward Park. Walks are easy and less than one mile in length. Pre-register, space is limited. Recommended for ages birth to 3. Cost: $2 per person.
*Touch-a-Truck – SeaTac; 8/24; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Kids can see and climb into a variety of trucks, including those used by police, fire, public works and more.
*Big Day of Play – Seattle; 8/24; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Family activities, sports, music, healthy food and cooking demonstrations, vendors and more. Free bike helmets for ages 1 to 18 and multi-sport helmets for ages 5 to 18 while supplies last (wearer must be present for fitting, one per child). Free shuttle buses from High Point, South Park, Rainier and Yesler Community Centers (pre-register).
*Skykomish Mini-Train Ride – Skykomish; 8/24 & 8/25; 10:00am – 4:00pm; The Great Northern & Cascade Railway will offer free rides on a mini train to the public as well as a railroad education program. Parking lot is on the left after crossing railroad tracks. FREE, donations welcome.
*Tacoma Maritime Fest – Tacoma; 8/24 – 8/25; 10:00am – 5:00pm; Free port harbor tours, entertainment, Quick & Dirty Boat Building Competition, tall ships, kids’ activities and entertainment, and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 24-25.
*Suitcases Project – Snoqualmie; 8/24 – 8/25; 10:30am – 4:00pm; Informative, interactive demonstration of bygone days featuring a cast of nine re-enactors at the railroad depot and onboard trains. Hear stories from hobos, soundscapes in the freight room, have your passport stamped, watch railroad workers go about their tasks, and more. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 24-25. FREE.
*Monroe Fair Days Parade – Monroe; 8/24; 11:00am – 2:00pm; The Monroe Fair Days Parade is the largest annual event in historic downtown Monroe featuring the SeaFair Pirates, drill teams, the Sea Gals cheerleaders, the Monroe High School Marching Band, Pirates of Treasure Island, cars from Evergreen Speedway, music, street dancing, food and more. Route starts at the intersection of Village Way and West Main Street. The route continues on West Main until it turns north onto Blakely and ends on West Hill Street.
*Snoqualmie Ice Cream-O-Rama – Matlby; 8/24; 11:00am – 3:00pm; Food, ice cream, animals, Caspar Babypants concert (1 p.m.) and more.
*Crafts of the Past – Tacoma; 8/24 – 9/29 Saturdays & Sundays; 11:00am – 5:00pm; Crafts of the Past will feature a different artist each weekend who will display and demonstrate a specific 19th century art or craft such as Native American beadwork, textile arts, woodworking and more. Visitors are invited to participate in a hands-on activity to discover just what it takes to produce the various art forms. Saturdays and Sundays, May 4 through Sept. 29. Included with admission. $6.50, $5 seniors, active military and students, $4 ages 4 to 17, free ages 3 and younger, $22 family.
*Tibet Fest – Seattle; 8/24 – 8/25; 11:00am – 6:00pm; Tibetan cultural performances, bazaar, traditional food, costumes, children’s activities and more. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 24-25.
*Beach Art Festival – Camano Island; 8/24; 12:00pm – 3:00pm; Each individual or team will create drawings or sculptures using nothing but the inanimate objects found in their designated creating space. FREE. Discover Pass required to park.
*Board Bash – Mill Creek; 8/24; 12:00pm – 3:00pm; Skateboarding competition for ages 6 through adult, broken down into four age categories. Prizes, food and music, too. Registration 11 a.m. to noon, competition noon to 3 p.m.
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 8/24; 1:00pm to 3:00pm; Free craft time for kids each Saturday. $2 material fee or free with admission.
*Nature Walk at Lake Hills Greenbelt – Bellevue; 8/24; 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; 8/24; 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.
*Sounds & Cinema – Puyallup; 8/24; 7:30pm; Oz the Great and Powerful (PG) Aug. 24. Bring a blanket and chairs. Concessions sold. Live music 7:30 p.m., movie at dusk.
*MOHAI Movies in the Park – Seattle; 8/24 Saturdays; 8:00pm; Outdoor movies featuring Seattle or the Northwest. War Games (PG) Aug. 24. Bring blankets or chairs. Movie at dusk. FREE.
*Outdoor Summer Movie Series – Redmond; 8/24 Saturdays; 8:00pm; Ghostbusters (PG) Aug. 24. Bring blankets and chairs. Movies at dusk.
*Seattle Asian American Film Festival Summer Series – Seattle; 8/24; 8:00pm; Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings (NR) Aug. 24.
*Outdoor Movie Night – Kirkland; 8/24 & 9/7; 8:00pm; Puss in Boots (PG) Aug. 24, The Pirates! Band of Misfits (PG) Sept. 7. Bring a blanket, beanbag or low-back chair. Movie starts at dusk. $5 suggested donation to Hopelink.
*Owl Prowl Party & Walk – Seattle; 8/24; 8:00pm – 10:00pm; Begin with a party where you will learn fun and exciting facts about these amazing nocturnal predators, their habitat needs, unusual behavior, and calls. For instance, did you know that the Great Horned Owl weighs only 3 pounds? Party activities include family lessons on owls and owl pellet dissection. Continue with a prowl deep into the forest to call for our resident barred and barn owls. This is a great opportunity to have a safe and exciting night hike. Ability to hike 2 miles, stand still and be super quiet a must! No pets, please. Ages 8 and older only. Walk is limited to the first 25 registrants and sells out quickly. $5 per person.
*Movies at the Mural – Seattle; 8/24; 9:00pm; The Help (PG-13) Aug. 17, Les Misérables (PG-13) Aug. 24. Bring low-back chairs or blankets. No pets. Movie begins at dusk.
Sunday, August 25th:
*Bicycle Sundays – Seattle; 8/25; 10:00am – 6:00pm; The four-mile stretch of Lake Washington Boulevard between Mount Baker Beach and Seward Park is closed to motorized traffic 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. several Sundays through September.
*Adventure Playground – Mercer Island; 8/25, 8/27, & 8/29; 1:00pm – 4:00pm; Adventure Playground is a one of a kind play area that allows kids to create their own play adventure. Nestled in the wooded forest of Deane’s Children’s Park, children are provided toolboxes, various building supplies, safety items and the freedom to create build-it-yourself play zones with the guidance of staff. Open 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, June 25 through Aug. 29 (closed July 4 and 14). Donations accepted.
*Cast Off! Free Public Sailing – Seattle; 8/25; 2:00pm; Our Cast Off! program allows visitors the chance to sail in classic boats. 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! We sail rain or shine, but wind conditions may keep us at the dock. Reservations are taken day-of-sail only at the CWB front desk. This is a popular activity so please arrive early to reserve a spot, we open at 10 a.m. Rides are always at 2 p.m., and sometimes also at 3 p.m. FREE
*Sponge Presents “Cha Cha Cha! Cake-Pops!” A Fiesta for Families – Seattle; 8/25; 3:00pm – 5:00pm; Sponge invites families to a free cultural event in August at its center in Seattle. Families can try a beautifully crafted cake creation courtesy of Carol Herrarte, Spanish-speaking cake chef extraordinaire. The event will feature mini-Spanish language classes, and children can decorate their own piñatas. There will be singing and dancing and play!
Monday, August 26th:
*Masterpiece Monday - Bellevue; 8/26; 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.
*Kids Club Entertainment Series – Bonney Lake; 8/26 Mondays & Tuesdays; 6:30pm – 7:30pm; FREE
Aug 26 – touch-a-truck
Aug 27 – touch-a-truck
Tuesday, August 27th:
*Village Playdays – Seattle; 8/27; 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.
*Hazel Miller Plaza Concerts – Edmonds; 8/27; 12:00pm – 1:00pm; Toy Box Trio Aug. 27. FREE.
Wednesday, August 28th:
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 8/28; 10:00am-11:00am; Introduce your toddler to nature with story time, songs, and fun activities inside, followed by exploration along the trails of Seward Park. Walks are easy and less than one mile in length. Pre-register, space is limited. Recommended for ages birth to 3. Cost: $2 per person.
*FREE Drop-In Playgroup – Seattle; 8/28; 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
*Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts – Tukwila; 8/28; 12:00pm – 1:00pm; Caspar Babypants Aug. 28. Bring a picnic and blankets.
*Kids SummerStage – Auburn; 8/28; 12:00pm – 1:00pm; Exciting performances designed just for kids. Pack a lunch and enjoy the amenities Les Gove Park has to offer, including a new, state-of-the-art playground and a refreshing spray park, a 1/2 mile trail, the White River Valley Museum and more. Concerts noon Wednesdays July 10 through August 28. Aug. 28 – Johnny Bregar
*Inflatable Fun – Bellevue; 8/28; 12:00pm – 7:00pm; Kids can come bounce on a variety of inflatables. Ages 3 and older, must be accompanied by an adult. $1 to $2 per activity. Wednesdays, Aug. 7-28.
*Pirate Party – Seattle; 8/28; 1:00pm; Treasure hunt, snacks and other activities. Pirate costumes encouraged. Ages 5 and younger. $1.
*Bat Walk – Seattle; 8/28; 7:00pm; Learn about bats, then help search for them using a bat detector. Rain or shine.
*Movies @ Marymoor – Redmond; 8/28; 7:00pm; Big-screen movies, cirque performers, movie trivia and the region’s best food trucks. Bring blankets and warm clothes for a comfortable evening. All events are dog friendly. Premovie seating is $5, starting at 7 p.m., and movies show at dusk. The Goonies (PG) Aug. 28.
Thursday, August 29th :
*Kids Co. Play and Learn – Seattle; 8/29; 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
*Seattle Presents: La Luz – Seattle; 8/29; 12:00pm – 1:30pm; Rising Seattle stars La Luz turn every show into a beach-side dance party with their lush ‘60s-inspired surf rock and girl pop. Presented by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, Metropolitan Improvement District and Triamp Group.
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 8/29; 3:00pm – 5:00pm is half priced ( $3.88)
*Back to School Celebration – Seattle; 8/29; 5:30pm – 7:30pm; Come enjoy ice cream, haircuts and school supplies.
*Summer Life – Seattle; 8/29; 5:30pm – 8:00pm; Come join other Hillman City neighbors for a community gathering every Thursday evening through Aug. 29. Field games at 5:30 p.m., potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m., and storytelling at 7 p.m.
*Thursday Nights at Olympic Sculpture Park – Seattle; 8/29; 5:30pm – 8:00pm; Live entertainment, art tours (6:30 p.m.), hands-on art activities and more. Food trucks will be on site 5:30 to 8 p.m. See schedule of entertainment online. Thursdays July 11 through Aug. 29. FREE
*Outdoor Movies at Magnuson Park – Seattle; 8/29; 7:00pm; Bring blankets, dogs and lawn chairs. Leashed dogs welcome. Food trucks on site. 7 p.m. entertainment, movie at dusk. $5. The Princess Bride (PG) Aug. 29.
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!)
PORTLAND AREA:
Here’s our list of weekly events for the Portland area.
Friday, August 23rd :
*Ladybug Nature Walk: Lents Park – Portland; 10:00am – 11:00am; Naturalist led stroll. Ages 2-5, with grown-up. Stroller-accessible. Cost: $4 per child
*Music From Mr. Hoo from The Alphabeticians – Portland; 8/23; 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; 8/23; 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.
*Drop-In Family Fun at Blue Lake – Fairview; 8/16 – 9/1 Fri, Sat & Sun; 1:00pm – 5:00pm; Gather ideas to make your yard pesticide-free, safe and fun for kids, songbirds, lakes and streams. All ages can explore an active worm bin, dig for “fossils,” discover, rub and sniff plants, find the softest leaves, and see what wildlife have to say about natural gardening. Come for the garden and stay to enjoy the park’s many recreational activities. Free with $5 per vehicle ($7 per bus) fee, free for bicycles and pedestrians. FREE
$5 Friday Artshop at Art a la Carte – Portland; 8/23; 3:30pm – 5:00pm; All ages and all skill levels welcome. Every Friday we do a simple but fun project for the whole family. Cost: $5
*Enjoy free admission to the Portland Art Museum – Portland; 8/23; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; On the fourth Friday of every month, enjoy free admission to the Portland art museum.
*Radio Disney @ Beaverton’s Flicks by the Fountain – Beaverton; 8/23; 6:00pm; Join Radio Disney at Flicks by the Fountain. The Radio Disney Road Crew will be rockin’ your favorite summer hits, dancing, playing games, and giving out awesome prizes. Movie is Freaky Friday and starts at dusk.
*Bat Night at Whitaker Ponds – Portland; 8/23; 7:30pm – 9:30pm; Bring your whole family to explore nature at night! Whitaker Ponds has a high diversity of bat species who wait to hunt until after the sun goes down. Join a naturalist for a quick indoor bat talk and then a guided group hike. This trip is suitable for families with children aged 5+; pre-registration is required. Space is limited to 22 people. Suggested donation of $5/person.
Saturday, August 24th :
*Kids Cook Classes at Portland Farmers Market – Portland; 8/24; 8:30am – 10:00am; The Portland Farmers Market is once again partnering with the Art Institute Of Portland to offer Kids Cook at the Market classes, a deliciously fun cooking program for young chefs-in-training. At these classes, kids learn about the seasonality of food, meet local farmers and gain first-hand experience preparing ingredients purchased fresh at the market. Pre-registration is strongly recommended, as class size is limited. For kids ages 7-11. For more information and to register for this class contact Anna Curtin at anna@portlandfarmersmarket.org or call 503-241-0032. Cost: $5
*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek – Portland; 8/24; 10:00am-11:30am; Free guided nature hikes exploring the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Topics will vary from week to week but will be appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes.
*Music Class at the Treehouse with Mr. Ben – Portland; 8/24; 10:00am; Enjoy music with kindie favorite Mr. Ben – now on Saturday! Cost: $5
*Silly Saturdays at Art ala Carte PDX – Portland; 8/24; 10:00am; Dress in the weekly theme and receive BOGO (2for1) Open Studio! Please check calendar for each dates OS times. http://artalacartepdx.com/calendar-2/ Grab a friend, dress up and make some super silly art!
8/24 Super heroes! [Superman, Super girl, Batman, Batgirl- Super Artist]
8/31 Backwards day! [Backwards caps, shirts, pants-Maybe even walk backwards!]
9/7 Star Wars! [Yoda, Jedi, Darth Vader, Princess Leia]
9/14 Wild, Wild West! [Cowboys and Cowgirls- Giddee up!]
*Besaws Anniversary Bash in NW PDX – Portland; 8/24; 10:00am – 8:00pm; Besaws, the historic Portland restaurant, will be closing down the block all day long for a massive “Grand Outdoors Bizarre.” Live music, kids circus workshop, jugglers, fire eaters, petting zoo, carnival games and more. Event, entertainment are free, but food and some activities will be on a ticket system, $1 per ticket. Benefit for Friendly House.
*Ruckus in the Lobby at Artists Rep Theatre – Portland; 8/17; 10:30am – 11:15am; Traveling Lantern Theatre Company presents “Ruckus in the Lobby”. A series of plays for children, in the lobby at Artists Rep. All performances are interactive and geared for the K-6th grade age group and their families. The shows include a Q&A with the cast following the performance. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at: www.artistsrep.org. Cost: $5
* Kids Saturday Morning Skate Session At Oaks Park – Portland; 8/24; 10:30am – 12:00pm; For $6 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.
*The Toy Trains at Gresham Arts Plaza – Gresham; 8/24; 11:00am – 12:00pm; The best of the Northwest’s “kindie” music scene performs at Gresham’s Arts Plaza this summer for Musicalu, a free, family-friendly music series.
Aug. 24 – The Toy Trains – Music for kids that won’t make mom and dad sick
Sept. 8 – Mo Phillips & Special Guests – End summer on a high note with Mo and his friends
*Summerfest at Quatama Elementary – Hillboro; 8/24; 11:00am – 2:00pm; Music playing all day, lots of large inflatables to play on, and games and activities throughout the event. We will have a free BBQ lunch served at 12pm and will be distributing free diapers, wipes, and food! We have some huge giveaways for the parents as well as the kids. The grand prize drawing is for a flat screen tv. We will also be giving away a bike and free passes to lots of great local places such as Cinetopia, Art a la Carte, and others.
*42nd Ave Street Fair in NE PDX – Portland; 8/24; 12:00pm – 6:00pm; The 42nd Avenue Business Association will hold the 42nd Avenue Street Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24. Most of the activities will take place on the corner of NE 42nd and Alberta Court. Kick-off parade at noon. Activities will include vendor booths, live music, activities for children, and more. For more information including how to become a sponsor of the event, contact Marie Larkins by emailing marie@mearaes.com or calling (503) 287-5258 or contact Susan Trabucco by emailing susan@trabucco.biz or calling (503) 440-7732.
*Oregon Pacific Railroad Train Rides – Portland; 8/17; 12:00pm – 6:00pm; The Oregon Pacific Railroad is continuing to offer passenger train rides on Saturdays between Oaks Amusement Park and East Portland (near OMSI) and back. Round trip rides last approximately an hour and take guests along the Willamette River, through the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Cost: $5 round trip or $10 to ride in the cab of our locomotive, limited space available for locomotive cab rides. We’re the only full size passenger excursion train in the Portland area. See our website for scheduling info and more details.
*PDX DIY – Robots at SCRAP! – Portland; 8/24; 1:00pm – 5:00pm; Come join PDX DIY to make wheeled robots out of salvaged and recycled materials! Reservations required. Here is the link to register - http:// pdxdiy-august.eventbrite.co m/. This month we are we are looking to achieve both the Salvager skill (https://diy.org/skills/salvager) and Mechanical Engineer (https://diy.org/skills/mechanicalengineer). Recommended age: 5-16. Parents: Remember – make sure to get a ticket for each child.
* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 8/24; 4:45pm – 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.
*Movie at Steamers & Screamers – Portland; 8/24; 5:00pm; Enjoy a movie every Saturday night. FREE
Sunday, August 25th:
*National Park Service Birthday at Ft. Vancouver – Vancouver; 8/25; 9:00am – 5:00pm; Fort Vancouer National Historic Site will celebrate the 97th birthday of the national Park Service by holding an array of fun, immersive and educational programs. Fee free day!
*Sunday Parkways – Southeast PDX – Portland; 8/25; 11:00am – 4:00pm; Spend a warm summer day walking and rolling around the closed streets of Southeast Sunday Parkways. Take in the great city views from the top of Mt. Tabor! Activities, food, vendors, music, and fun will be in Laurelhurst, Colonel Summers, Ivon, and Mt. Tabor Parks; plus Universal Cycles Marketplace.
*Family tour of the Portland Art Museum – Portland; 8/25; 12:30pm – 1:30pm; Take a tour of the art museum with a docent skilled at engaging visitors of all ages. Tour is free with admission and free for kids 17 and under. Cost: $15 (adults), Free (kids under 18).
*Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek – Portland; 8/25; 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.
*Alpenrose’s Dairyville – Portland; 8/25; 1:00pm – 4:00pm; Alpenrose Dairy, Oregon’s oldest family-owned dairy, is ready once again to welcome families to Dairyville, a Western-themed “town” located right on the 52-acre dairy farm. Visitors can peak into Grandma’s Bakery, the Great Western Bank, the Dairyville School, and the post office. Kids can watch model trains chug through tiny Oregon landscapes and learn from some of the area’s train club experts. And no Dairyville visit would be complete without stopping off at the Ice Cream Parlor for a delicious Alpenrose ice cream cone. Dairyville is open every Sunday afternoon beginning June 2nd through August 25th.
*FACT Family Swim Day at Wilson Pool – Portland; 8/25; 6:15pm – 8:15pm; FACT Family Network Family Swim Day at Wilson Pool - Lifeguards and flotation devices provided. This pool is zero depth to 3 ½ feet with slides and a lazy river. Come relax with your whole family in this 88° paradise. There is also a water wheel chair to help make it fully accessible. FACT’s Family Network Coordinator Noelle Sisk will have tables set up outside on the patio at 5:30 pm for those who want to bring their own dinners and eat together before the swim time begins. FACT Family Network will provide beverages. FACT- Family and Community Together is Oregon’s parent training and information center for issues related to special education.
Monday, August 26th :
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 8/26; 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; 8/26; 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; 8/26; 10:00am – 11:00am; Come sing, dance and play with Tallulah’s Daddy as he plays guitar, bass and cajon. Tallulah’s Daddy plays fun, energetic acoustic music for your little ones, and you can grab some coffee, tea or a snack. We start with musical storytime, then sing songs, and we leave a little bit of extra time for the kids to get their hands on some percussion instruments! No cover charge, donations appreciated.
*Washington County Museum Free Admission – Portland; 8/26; 10:00am to 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland; 8/26; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Tuesday, August 27th :
*Preschool Play and Skate at Oaks Park – Portland; 8/27; 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
*Tuesday Art Time at the Treehouse Children’s Boutique – Portland; 8/27; 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.
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 8/27; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*Crafty Kids at Fancy That – Hillsboro; 8/20; 1:30pm & 2:30pm; Back to school frame + cupcake treat. Classes are held at Fancy That in Orenco Station on Tuesdays. Classes are held at 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm and last about 30-45 minutes. We ask that parents stay either in the shop or right outside if you prefer to enjoy a cup of coffee in the sun. Prepayment is required to reserve a spot. Cost: $5
*Mommy Matinee at the Kennedy School – Portland; 8/27 & 8/28; 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, August 28th:
*Visit the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 8/28; 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.
*Honeybee Hikes at Leach Botanical Gardens – Portland; 8/28; 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
*Music Class at the Treehouse with Mr. Ben – Portland; 8/28; 10:00am; Enjoy music with kindie favorite Mr. Ben. Cost: $5 per child
*Radio Disney Project Family Back to School at Bridgeport Village – Tigard; 8/28; 10:30am – 12:30pm; Join Radio Disney’s Project Family Back to School campaign to help create a great start to the new school year. Families can join us at Club Bridgeport Summer Street Fair and bring school supplies to benefit kids in their community.
*Noontime Showcase: Train River at PCPA – Portland; 8/28; 12:00pm – 1:00pm; Bluegrass. This show is part of PCPA Noontime Showcase, a series of free, weekly, public performances in July and August. Bring your lunch and enjoy a live show! Located on Main Street (at Broadway Ave.), outside of Antoinette Hatfield Hall at 1111 SW Broadway, Portland. In the event of rain, or extreme heat, this event will take place in the Antoinette Hatfield Hall rotunda.
*Hands-On Activities at the Washington County Museum – Hillsboro; 8/28; 1:00pm – 2:00pm; Dive into the Washington County Museum’s summer exhibits with hands-on activities each Wednesday from through August 21. Activities are free with admission and suitable for ages 8 to 12 years of age. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for seniors, students, children 18 and under, and active military. Children 3 and under are free.
*Mommy Matinee at the St Johns Theater- Portland; 8/28; 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
*Recycled Arts and Crafts at Whole Foods Bridgeport – Tigard; 8/21; 1:00pm – 3:00pm; Come see us at Whole Foods Market on Wednesdays for a hands-on arts and crafts activity for kids ages 5-12! Drop in anytime between 1 and 3 pm. Most projects take 45 min-1hr to complete. It’s a great time to get your weekly grocery shopping completed. (Children under the age of 7 require a guardian to be present). Call Guest Services today to reserve. Cost: $3.00
*Family Day at the Washington County Museum - Portland; 8/28; 2:00pm – 4:00pm
*Sidewalk Games at Kazoodles – Vancouver; 8/28; 2:00pm – 4:00pm; Take a break from school shopping and come play on our sidewalk! Hopscotch of many varieties, sidewalk art and more! Please register at 360.823.0123 Cost: $2 per kiddo
*PDX Kids at Moreland Farmer’s Market – Portland; 8/28; 3:00pm – 7:00pm; PDX Kids will have its fun, fun, fun table set up along with the usual produce, food and music.
Thursday, August 29th:
*Children’s Happy Hour in NE PDX – Portland; 8/29; 9:00am – 12:00pm; Kid’s play in the garden, adults relax and sip tea. $1.50 snack and drink combo for kids (with adult purchase). Gluten free options.
*Story and Art Time at Art ala Carte – Portland; 8/29; 9:30am – 10:30am; Join us for a free story time with Miss Michelle and a fun related art project. After that, if you decide to stay for open studio, it’s only $4 per child!
*Music and Puppetry with Red Yarn at the Treehouse – Portland; 8/29; 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
*St Johns Swapnplay Playspace Open Play - Portland; 8/29; 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.
*Storytime at A Children’s Place Bookstore – Portland; 8/29; 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.
*Storytime with Olive and Dingo at Another Read Through – Portland; 8/29; 3:00pm; Olive Rootbeer and Dingo will read stories, sing songs, make balloon animals, and generally entertain and whoop it up with any kids and grownups who stop by. Donations welcome.
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 8/29; 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
*Last Thursday at The Alberta Arts District – Portland; 8/29; 4:00pm – 10:00pm; Last Thursday in the Alberta Arts District is a community grown event featuring artists, vendors, and musicians. The monthly event has become increasingly popular, and, in recent years, has been attended by thousands of people, particularly in the warm weather months.
*Riverview Six to Sunset Concert at Esther Short Park: Lost Lander – Vancouver; 8/29; 6:00pm – 9:00pm; Enjoy FREE concerts on the grass of Esther Short Park. Great music, great food, and kid’s activities!
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).
*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 8/23 – 8/29 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
The post Fun & Frugal Family Events 8/23 – 8/29 appeared first on Thrifty NW Mom.