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!
Greater Tuna, the Off-Broadway Comedy Sensation (Portland; 8/9 – 8/11 weekends; tickets start at $16 plus service fee)
Whose Line-Style Comedy Live at Jet City Improv (Seattle; 8/9 – 9/6; tickets start at $7.50 plus service fee)
ComedySportz: Fast and Funny Improv Comedy Competition (Seattle; 8/9 – 8/31 Fridays & Saturdays; tickets start at $6 plus service fee)
Rat City Rollergirls: All-Female Roller Derby Action at Key Arena (Seattle; 8/10; tickets start at $7.50 plus service fee)
Steel Magnolias: Humor and Heartbreak in ’80s Louisiana (Portland; 8/17 – 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)
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 9th :
*Barbie is Moving Pop-Up Event - Tacoma; 8/9; 1:00pm – 5:00pm; Packed up and on the move, Barbie® doll is touring the nation to find the perfect place to call home. Making a stop in the Seattle area, Barbie® is bringing you an all-access free pass to enter her world with the “Barbie is Moving” experience – featuring entertainment, fashion and construct your own Mega Bloks® Barbie™ room! FREE
*Kruckeberg Garden Tots – Shoreline; 8/9; 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.
*Marysville Homegrown Festival – Marysville; 8/9 – 8/11; opens at 10:00am; Local produce, artisans, musicians and artists. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 9-10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 11.
*Pierce County Fair – Graham; 8/9 – 8/11; opens at 10:00am; Entertainment, food, displays, animals, carnival rides and games, competitions and more. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 8-10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 11. $5 ages 6 and older, $5 parking.
*Nature Alphabet – Tacoma; 8/9; 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; 8/9; 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.
*KIDSTAGE Entertainment – Everett; 8/9; 12:00pm; See young actors from Village Theatre perform excerpts from plays. Fridays at noon through Aug. 9 (no show July 5). FREE
*Pay-What-You-Can at Seattle Symphony’s “Soundbridge”- Seattle, Beneroya Hall; 8/9; 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.
*South Lake Union Block Party – Seattle; 8/9; 12:00pm – 11:00pm; Food, kids’ area, music and more. Outdoor movie Dirty Dancing (PG-13) at dusk.
*Kirkland SummerFest – Kirkland; 8/9 – 8/11; Music, food, cardboard boat regatta, arts and crafts, KidsZone, robotics and many more events throughout downtown Kirkland. 4 to 11 p.m. Aug. 9, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 10, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 11.
*Summer Bash – Tacoma; 8/9; 5:00pm; Enjoy family activities, food and entertainment starting at 5 p.m., and an outdoor movie Bedtime Stories (PG) at dusk. Bring blankets and chairs. Bring blankets and chairs. FREE
*Twirl Café Movie Night Social – Seattle; 8/2; 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.
*Seattle Art Museum Free To Teens – Seattle; 8/9; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; The Seattle Art Museum is free to teens 13 to 19 with school ID on the second Friday of each month.
*Twinderella: The Musical – Gig Harbor; 8/9 – 8/18 weekends; 6:00pm; PenMet Family Theater outdoor play for all ages. 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, Aug. 2-18. $5.
*PhinneyWood Summer Streets – Seattle; 8/9; 6:00pm – 10:00pm; The street is closed to traffic, turning the area into a big neighborhood fair.
*The Festival at Mt. Si – North Bend; 8/9 – 8/11; Live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, kids’ area, parade (10:30 a.m. Aug. 10), pet contests (4 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 10), fireworks (9:45 p.m. Aug. 10), Tour de Peaks bike ride (7 a.m. Aug. 11), duck derby (3:15 p.m. Aug. 11) and more. 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 9, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 11. FREE, fee for some activities.
*Auburn Days – Auburn; 8/9 – 8/11; Fun run/walk and community barbecue (Aug. 9), entertainment, children’s area, food, model boats, parade (noon Aug. 10), street dance (6:30 p.m. Aug. 10) car show (Aug. 11) and more. 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 9, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 11.
*Tales from the Woods: Book III, the Enchanted Woods – Everett; 8/9 & 8/12 – 8/14; 6:30pm; Enjoy family-friendly live theater presented by the Everett Community College drama department. Live actors and puppets will tell an alternate tale of Snow White, the Ugly Duckling and Sleeping Beauty, and how they came together to fight a common enemy. In doing so, they learn about their own origins. Bring a blanket and a picnic. In case of rain at outdoor locations, play will be held at Room 120 in Baker Hall at Everett Community College. Donations welcome.
*Backyard Bard: Twelfth Night & Merry Wives of Windsor – various Puget Sound Locations; 8/9 – 8/18; An outdoor, all ages, four-actor, 45-minute production. FREE, donations accepted.
*Shakespeare in the Park: Midsummer’s Night Dream & King Lear – various Puget Sound Locations; 8/9 – 8/17; GreenStage is excited to invite you to join us in the parks this summer for our 25th Anniversary Season! So grab your blanket and picnic basket and join us for two of Shakespeare’s finest plays. As always, admission to every performance is free, and donations are joyfully accepted and greatly appreciated.
*Renton Outdoor Movie – Renton; 8/9; 7:00pm; Bring blankets or low-back chairs and watch Madagascar 3 (PG). Seating begins at 7 p.m., family entertainment at 7:45 p.m., and the movie at dusk. May be canceled by weather; call ahead.
*You Can’t Take it With You – Seattle; 8/9 – 8/10 & 8/16 – 8/17, 7:00pm, 8/11 & 8/17, 2:00pm; Seattle Public Theater’s Youth Program presents this classic comedy about an eccentric family and some of life’s biggest questions. 7 p.m. Aug. 9-10 and 16-17, 2 p.m. Aug. 11 and 17. FREE, donations accepted.
*Movies in the Park – Tacoma; 8/9; 7:00pm; The Great Outdoors (PG). Bring blankets or chairs. Concessions available. Pre-show activities start at 7 p.m., movie starts at dusk.
*Snow White and the Seven Dwarves – Gig Harbor; 8/10 – 8/18 weekends; 7:00pm; PenMet Family Theater outdoor play for all ages. 7 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, Aug. 2-18. $5.
*Cinema Under the Stars – Everett; 8/9 – 8/16 Fridays; 7:30pm; Family entertainment (7:30 p.m.) and movie (dusk). Bring blankets and chairs. The Amazing Superman (PG-13) Aug. 9, Oz the Great and Powerful (PG) Aug. 16.
*Northwest Seaport Chantey Sing Aboard the Tugboat Arthur Foss – Seattle; 8/9; 7:30pm – 9:30pm; Sea chanteys and other sea songs celebrate our connections to the sea, ships, skippers and sailors. Sea chanteys are fun and easy to sing and are for all ages. Local pirate and scallywag Tugboat Bromberg leads this sing-along aboard the historic tugboat Arthur Foss at Lake Union Park. FREE!
*Family Summer Outdoor Cinema Series – Tukwila; 8/9 – 8/23 Fridays; 8:00pm; Madagascar 3 (PG) Aug. 9, Hotel Transylvania (PG) Aug. 16, 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.
Saturday, August 10th :
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 8/10 & 8/14; 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.
*Mutt Strut - Everett; 8/10; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Annual event for canines and their humans includes community dog walk, displays, lectures, competitions, and more. FREE, fee to register for competitions.
*Stillaguamish Festival of the River & Pow Wow – Arlington; 8/10 – 8/11; starts at 10:00am; Stilly Fun Run 5K (9 a.m. Aug. 10, $10 to $15), environmental education, music (including kids’ stage), food, salmon bake, entertainment, pow wow (Grand Entry 1 and 7 p.m. Aug. 10, 1 p.m. Aug. 11) and more. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 11. $5 to $10 parking.
*Taste of Hood Canal – Belfair; 8/10; 10:00am – 6:00pm; Custom and classic car show, beer and wine tasting, food, family entertainment, live music, informational displays, art and craft booths, fire engines and more.
*Story Time for Families – Seattle; 8/10; 11:00am; Families are invited to drop by every second Saturday at 11 a.m. during the summer for story time featuring books that highlight kids who have the courage it takes to act and stand up for what they believe in. FREE
*Celebrate Shoreline Dog Fest – Shoreline; 8/10; 11:00am – 3:00pm; DogFest is a fundraising event for ShoreDog (Shoreline’s Off Leash Area Group) that offers a festive fido-friendly environment. Come for an hour or make an afternoon of it and get to know other Shoreline dog lovers. Fun games and activities for your dog, Pet friendly vendor booths, Training tips from local dog trainers, Special demonstrations throughout the day.
*Lowell Days – Everett; 8/10; 11:00am – 3:00pm; Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Everett’s oldest neighborhood with a parade (11 a.m.) including Lowell’s original Seagrave 1938 fire engine, classic cars, kids and pets. Take a bus tour of historic Lowell with narrator David Dilgard, an Everett historian, plus enjoy entertainment and an old-fashioned picnic.
*Autism Day – Carnation; 8/10; 11:00am – 4:00pm; Booths, GFCF food, animals, games and activities, hayrides, sprinklers, acoustic performances, quiet zone and more. FREE
*Southwest Family Fest and Car Show – Seattle; 8/10; 11:00am – 5:00pm; Live entertainment, food, inflatables, car show and a free swim (1 to 2 p.m.).
*Crafts of the Past – Tacoma; 8/10 – 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.
*Tukwila Kids’ Festival – Tukwila; 8/10; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; Community resource fair, exhibits, entertainment, interactive booths and more.
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 8/10; 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; 8/10; 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; 8/10; 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.
*Crossroads Bellevue 2nd Saturdays – Bellevue; 8/10; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; Enjoy a family-friendly evening the second Saturday of every month. Activities can include game times, snacks, concerts and more.
*West Seattle Outdoor Movies – Seattle; 8/10 – 8/17; 6:00pm; Bring blankets and chairs. The Avengers (PG-13) Aug. 10, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (PG) Aug. 17. 6 p.m., movies start at dusk. FREE
*Music & Movies – Lacey; 8/10 Saturdays; 7:00pm; Concert (7 p.m.) and movie (dusk). Captain America (PG) Aug. 10. Bring food or purchase snacks. FREE
*Henry V – various Puget Sound locations; 8/10; 7:00pm – 9:00pm; See Wooden O perform Shakespeare in an all-ages, outdoor format. Bring blankets or low chairs. FREE, donations accepted. Various days and locations July 11 through August 11.
*MOHAI Movies in the Park – Seattle; 8/10 – 8/24 Saturdays; 8:00pm; Outdoor movies featuring Seattle or the Northwest. The Goonies (PG) Aug. 10, Say Anything (PG-13) Aug. 17, War Games (PG) Aug. 24. Bring blankets or chairs. Movie at dusk. FREE.
*Outdoor Summer Movie Series – Redmond; 8/10 – 8/24 Saturdays; 8:00pm; Hairspray (PG) Aug. 10, Rise of the Guardians (PG) Aug. 17, Ghostbusters (PG) Aug. 24. Bring blankets and chairs. Movies at dusk.
*Seattle Asian American Film Festival Summer Series – Seattle; 8/10 – 8/24 Saturdays; 8:00pm; Outdoor movies at Hing Hay Park begin at sunset and are canceled in case of rain. Shaolin Soccer (PG-13) Aug. 10, Mulan (G) Aug. 17, Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings (NR) Aug. 24.
*Star Party – Seattle & Shoreline; 8:00pm; Dress in warm clothes to view celestial objects through instruments provided by Seattle Astronomical Society. Check online for weather cancellations.
*Movies at the Mural – Seattle; 8/10 – 8/24; 9:00pm; The Avengers (PG-13) Aug. 10, The Help (PG-13) Aug. 17, Les Misérables (PG-13) Aug. 24. Bring low-back chairs or blankets. No pets. Movie begins at dusk.
*Popcorn in the Parks – Marysville; 8/10 – 8/17 Saturdays; 9:00pm; War Horse (PG-13) Aug. 10, The Great and Powerful Oz (PG) Aug. 17. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic (popcorn provided). Dusk (approx. 9 p.m.). FREE
Sunday, August 11th:
*Barbie is Moving Pop-Up Event – Seattle; 8/11; 11:00am – 3:00pm; Packed up and on the move, Barbie® doll is touring the nation to find the perfect place to call home. Making a stop in the Seattle area, Barbie® is bringing you an all-access free pass to enter her world with the “Barbie is Moving” experience – featuring entertainment, fashion and construct your own Mega Bloks® Barbie™ room! FREE
*Morse Preserve Open Trails – Graham; 8/11; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; The public is invited to explore the foot trails and new boardwalk at this monthly event between April and October. Discover distinct habitats from upland forest to riparian to prairies to wetlands. Morse Wildlife Preserve has it all! Please no pets or bicycles. FREE
*Adventure Playground – Mercer Island; 8/11, 8/13, & 8/15; 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; 8/11; 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
*Family Sundays at the Henry – Seattle; 8/11; 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.
*Global Peace Youth Festival – Seattle; 8/11; 3:00pm – 5:00pm; Local youth from the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative will join 50 youth from the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Mongolia and the around the United States to showcase their multi-cultural talents and raise funds for the “All Lights Villages” project. The youth will perform songs, cultural dances, spoken word and speeches.
*Columbia City BeatWalk – Columbia City /Seattle; 8/11 ; 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, August 12th:
*Masterpiece Monday - Bellevue; 8/12; 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; 8/12 – 8/26 Mondays & Tuesdays; 6:30pm – 7:30pm; FREE
Aug 12 – Eric Ode
Aug 13 – Pacific Science Center
Aug 19 – Reptile Man
Aug 20 – Last Leaf Theatre
Aug 26 – touch-a-truck
Aug 27 – touch-a-truck
Tuesday, August 13th:
*Children’s Concert Series – Kirkland; 8/6 – 8/20 Tuesdays; 10:00am; FREE
Aug 13 – Johnny Bregar
Aug 20 – The Brian Waite Band
*Village Playdays – Seattle; 8/6; 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.
*Nature Stories and Games – Seattle; 8/13; 10:30am – 11:30am; Join us for an hour of tales and games to delight your senses and increase your connection with the natural world! Learn about our programs for kids ages 4 to 6 in West Seattle.
*Motor Madness – Redmond; 8/13; 10:30am – 1:00pm; See a variety of vehicles, including the Model A Ford Club of America, Seattle Chapter; the Marymoor R/C Club; a variety of show cars, and maybe even some motorcycles. Hot dog, chips and a root beer float available for $4.
*Shoreline Noon Concert Series – Shoreline; 8/13; 12:00pm – 1:00pm; Enjoy outdoor performances at two different Shoreline parks every Tuesday at noon through July 9 through Aug. 13. FREE.
Aug. 13: Recess Monkey, Hamlin Park
*Hazel Miller Plaza Concerts – Edmonds; 8/13– 8/27 Tuesdays; 12:00pm – 1:00pm; Rick Huddle Aug. 13, Magic by Jeff Evans Aug. 20, Toy Box Trio Aug. 27. FREE.
*Kids First! Concert Series – Sammamish; 8/13 – 8/20 Tuesdays; 12:00pm – 1:00pm; Weekly concerts for kids at a variety of locations in Sammamish.
*Noon Tunes – Puyallup; 8/13 & 8/20 Tuesdays; 12:00pm – 1:00pm; Manimou Camara & Denbaya Aug. 13, Bubbles & Fog Aug. 20.
*Summer Movies in the Park – Bellevue; 8/13 – 8/30 Tuesdays; 8:00pm; Bring picnics, blankets and low-back chairs. Dusk. FREE. Each night themed to benefit a different charity, see donation needs online. Chasing Mavericks (PG) Aug. 13, Won’t Back Down (PG) Aug. 20. FREE
Wednesday, August 14th:
*Knee-High Naturalists – North Bend; 8/14; 9:45am – 10:45am; Take a stroll with a naturalist in the protected Cedar River watershed. Ages 18 to 36 months with adult. $5 per tot, free adults and ages 1 and younger, limit 2 children per adult.
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 8/14; 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; 8/14 & 8/16; 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
*Hooked on History – Auburn; 8/14; 10:30am – 11:30am; Every week there is a new theme with great activities and crafts. Hooked on History is perfect for kids age 3 to 12. FREE for everyone, no registration required.
*Kids SummerStage – Auburn; 8/14 – 8/28 Wednesdays; 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. 14 – Rolie Polie Guacamole
Aug 21 – Sing Along Fun with Nancy Stewart
Aug. 28 – Johnny Bregar
*Kids Showtime Summer Series – Seattle; 8/14; 11:00am; Reptile Man Aug. 7, Bubbleman Aug. 21. 11 a.m. $5 family of four, $2 each additional person. Shows are outdoors, weather permitting.
*Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts – Tukwila; 8/14; 12:00pm – 1:00pm; Recess Monkey Aug. 14, The Not-Its! Aug. 21, Caspar Babypants Aug. 28. Bring a picnic and blankets.
*Children’s Concert Series – Mill Creek; 8/14; 12:00pm – 1:00pm; Tia Quackertunes Aug. 14. Bring non-perishable food bank donation.
*Wednesdays For Kids! – Kent; 8/14 Wednesdays; 12:00pm – 1:00pm; FREE. Caspar Babypants Aug. 14.
*Inflatable Fun – Bellevue; 8/14 – 8/28 Wednesdays; 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.
*Back to School Scramble and Ice Cream Social – Seattle; 8/14; Kids ages 5 to 10 can come scramble for school supplies that they can trade and take home, and enjoy an ice cream treat afterward. Cost: $3.
*Kids Carnival – Seattle; 8/14; 1:00pm; Carnival games, bouncy houses, and an Eric Ode performance. Ages 12 and younger. $3.
*Students Get Free Admission To The Bellevue Art Museum – Bellevue; 8/14; 1:00pm to 5:00pm; Students of all ages can explore the Bellevue Arts Museum after school FREE with printable coupon.
*Celebrate Des Moines – Fiesta Style! – Des Moines; 8/14; 6:00pm – 8:30pm; Latin food, music, salsa dancing lessons, kids’ activities and more.
*Movies @ Marymoor – Redmond; 8/14 – 8/28 Wednesdays; 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.
Mary Poppins (G) Aug. 14, Jurassic Park (PG-13) Aug. 21, The Goonies (PG) Aug. 28.
Thursday, August 15th:
*Kids Co. Play and Learn – Seattle; 8/15; 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
*Children’s Concerts – Everett; 8/15 – 8/22 Thursdays; 10:00am; Rolie Polie Guacamolie Aug. 15, The Brian Waite Band Aug. 22. FREE
*Kelsey Creek Kids’ Shows – Bellevue; 8/15; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Enjoy live entertainment from a variety of children’s performers. 11 a.m. to noon. Linda Severt Aug. 15.
*Seattle Presents: Cordaviva – Seattle; 8/15; 12:00pm – 1:30pm; Cordaviva is a powerhouse of dance music influenced by the disparate rhythms and styles of the African diaspora. The band’s upbeat original music is a unique blend of soukous, rumba, Afrobeat, funk and various Latin styles. Bright horns complement sublime vocal harmonies sung in various languages, soulful guitars and relentlessly driving percussion. 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; 8/15; 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
*Tacoma Art Walk – Tacoma; 8/15; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; Visit Tacoma’s downtown galleries during the third Thursday artwalk. FREE, includes the Museum of Glass, Washington State History Museum (free 2 to 8 p.m.) and Tacoma Art Museum.
*FREE Third Thursdays at KidsQuest – Bellevue; 8/15; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; Enjoy free admission 5 to 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.
*Summer Life – Seattle; 8/15 – 8/29 Thursdays; 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; 8/15 – 8/29 Thursdays; 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
*Family Movies in the Park – Snohomish; 8/15 Thursdays; 7:00pm; The Avengers (PG-13) 8:50 p.m. Aug. 15. Bring blankets and low-back chairs, snacks available for purchase. Seating begins 7:00 p.m. with pre-movie entertainment. FREE, donations accepted.
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 9th:
*Summer Fest and Garlic Out West – North Plains; 8/9; It’s chic to reek at this event filled with garlic, food, arts & crafts, and live entertainment.
*Clark County Fair – Ridgefield WA; 8/9 – 8/10; Carnival midway, concerts, petting zoo with mini animals, Dock Dogs, monster trucks and all the fair fun. Walk on the Wild Side animal exhibit, Karen Quest’s cowgirl tricks and so much more.
*Lego Master Builder at Washington Square – Portland; 8/9 – 8/11; 10:00am – 6:00pm; Help a real LEGO® Master Builder construct an eight foot tall The Hulk™ during a three day LEGO building event at Washington Square. The building event will be in Summit Court. Throughout the weekend there will be exclusive in-store offers, free LEGO giveaways, raffles and the opportunity to work on a huge LEGO model with hundreds of other builders! Everyone who participates will receive a free LEGO Certificate of Achievement!
*Music From Mr. Hoo from The Alphabeticians – Portland; 8/9; 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; 8/9; 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.
*Kids Day at the Museum of the Oregon Territory – Oregon City; 8/9; 1:00pm – 4:00pm; Survival in the Oregon Territory. Kids grades 6–16 will enjoy learning about the necessary huntng and botanical skills that united both early homesteaders and the first Nation’s indigenous people of Clackamas County. Three hands-on activities and refreshments. Museum and activities are free.
*Drop-In Family Fun at Blue Lake – Fairview; 8/9 – 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; 8/9; 3:00pm – 5:00pm; All ages and all skill levels welcome. Every Friday we do a simple but fun project for the whole family. Cost: $5
*Parklane Superhero Scramble – Portland; 8/9; 5:00pm; This is a partner race (sorry, no animals). Here are some suggestions: super hero with side-kick… OR evil villian and minion… OR super hero temporarily joining forces with evil villian’s minion?… Dress to impress! Registrants are automatically entered in a costume contest. Online registration is limited to 200 people. An additional 100 racers may register on the day of the event at Parklane Park. Open registration begins August 9th at 5pm; the race will start at 6:15pm. If you register online, come to the registration booth to sign liability forms. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the festival. This event is an extension of the Parklane Neighborhood Fair (beginning at 4pm) and, to top off the evening, at dusk Portland Parks & Recreation show a Movie in the Park: The Avengers (begins at dusk).
*Tualatin Crawfish Festival – ‘Claws for Celebration‘ – Tualatin; 8/9 & 8/10; 5:30pm – 10:00pm; Activities for everyone from the Mystery Box Crawfish Chef Cook Off, Food Court and music by Hit Machine on Friday night to the Pancakes on the Lake Breakfast, Community Parade, Crawfish Eating Contests, Crawfish Boil and Fireworks on Saturday just to name a few activities. For a complete list of events and more information, please visit the web page. Admission AFTER 6pm on Saturday for music and fireworks is Free.
Free Friday Night Movie at Fisher Basin Park: Madagascar 3 – Vancouver; 8/9; 6:00pm; Check out these FREE family-friendly movies at various parks around Vancouver! Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs, grab a bite to eat at the park, or pack some snacks – come early for the pre-show entertainment
*NW Dance Project at Washington Park Summer Festival – Portland; 8/9; 6:00pm; NW Dance Project’s In Good Company, With Deejay Anjali & Eden Hana. Portland’s own award-winning dance company explores the mix of innovative movement, sounds found on vintage vinyl and live vocals for an unforgettable evening.
Saturday, August 10th :
*Kids Cook Classes at Portland Farmers Market – Portland; 8/10; 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; 8/10; 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.
*Big Truck Day at Conestoga Rec Center – Beaverton; 8/10; 10:00am – 2:00pm; Come and admire many types of trucks and vehicles up close. You can even honk the horns. Play video games in the game truck, climb into the monster truck, visit with safety experts, win prizes hang out with Geoffrey and Chuck E. Cheese mascots, enjoy great food, do arts and crafts, have your face painted and play free games.
*Northwest Fossil (Crab) Fest at Hillsboro’s Rice Museum – Hillsboro; 8/10; 10:00am – 4:00pm; This year the North America Research Group (NARG) fossil fest focuses on fossil crabs. The event will have: activities for children; demonstrations on fossil preparation; members to help identify your currently unidentified fossils; lectures; and living fossil plants. You can get seeds to grow your own! You will also be able to visit the Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals while attending the event. There will be displays of fossil crabs in concretions, found locally and prepared by NARG members. Children will go home with fossils to keep.
* Kids Saturday Morning Skate Session At Oaks Park – Portland; 8/10; 10:30am – 12:00pm; For $6 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.
*Kids’ Storytime at Powell’s Books on Burnside – Portland; 8/10; 11:00am; This week’s kids’ storytime features a reading from two different Dr. Seuss titles, as well as a special appearance from the Cat in the Hat by our friends at Northwest Children’s Theater. FREE.
*Alberta Street Fair – Portland; 8/10; 11:00am – 10:30pm; The Alberta Street Fair, one of Portland’s most beloved neighborhood street festivals, features a day of eclectic activities celebrating the diversity and uniqueness that is Only on Alberta… PDX Kids will be there with special kids acticities! 11:00 am kids parade, Curious Garden performs. Plus music vendors and more.
*Teen Beach Movie Bash at Cedar Hills Crossing – Beaverton; 8/10; 1:00pm – 2:30pm; Join Radio Disney for a Teen Beach Movie Bash. The Radio Disney Road Crew will be rockin’ your favorite hits from the movie, dancing, playing games, and giving out prizes. Learn some of the dance moves from the movie and be sure to dress in your very best surfer attire. Don’t miss this righteous good time!
*Second Saurday at Vancouver’s Water Center – Vancouver; 8/10; 1:00pm – 3:00pm; Learn about ancient floods and ice formations. Second Saturdays at the Water Resources Education Center are not only fun, they’re free! Each second Saturday of the month, from 1 to 3 p.m., kids and their families are invited to explore a different topic through hands-on activities, games and stories. Create bird feeders and other crafts to welcome wildlife to your backyard! Learn about the amazing world of bubbles! Make a piece of art from reused materials! There’s always something new waiting at Second Saturdays! Please note: Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 8/10; 4:45pm to 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.
Sunday, August 11th:
*Curious Garden at the Curious Comedy Theater – Portland; 8/11; 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.
*Family tour of the Portland Art Museum – Portland; 8/11; 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; 8/11; 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; 8/11; 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. A Portland tradition for over 50 years, kids and adults flock to the streets of Dairyville during the summer months to explore this fun pioneer exhibit. 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.
*Portland Festival Symphony at Grant Park – Portland; 8/11; 6:00pm; Classical music rocks the park.
Monday, August 12th :
*Penny’s Puppets at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 8/12; 10:00am; Come enjoy a puppet show! Cost: $10 donation per family
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 8/12; 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; 8/12; 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; 8/12; 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; 8/12; 10:00am to 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall; 8/12; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Tuesday, August 13th :
*$1 Movies at Area Regal Movie Theaters; 8/13 & 8/14; 10:00am; $1 movies! Such a deal! 12 Portland metro area Regal movie theaters are showing G or PG-rated movies at 10 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for nine weeks. See the web page for the theater nearest you. – See more at: http://www.thriftynorthwestmom.com/fun-frugal-family-events-82-88/#sthash.aJDI8GV2.dpuf
* $4 Admission For Second Tuesday At The Zoo - Portland; 8/13; 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; 8/13; 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; 8/13; 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.
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 8/13; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*Clackamas County Fair – Canby; 8/13 – 8/17; 11:00am; A classic county fair filled with amazing BBQ, a rodeo, rides, and entertainment for the whole family.
*Mommy Matinee at the Kennedy School – Portland; 8/13 & 8/14; 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 14th :
*Visit the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 8/14; 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; 8/14; 10:00am; Enjoy music with kindie favorite Mr. Ben. Cost: $5 per child
*Honeybee Hikes at Leach Botanical Gardens – Portland; 8/14; 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
*Family Day at the Washington County Museum - Portland; 8/14; 10am to 1:00pm;
*Club Bridgeport – Tigard; 8/14; 10:30am; Join Radio Disney at the gazebo to be every Wednesday this summer. No password needed. We’ll be dancing to the latest summer hits, playing games, and giving out awesome prizes! Plus, special guest, Home Depot Kids Workshop, will bring fun projects for you to build this week.
*Speedy Day at Kazoodles – Vancouver; 8/14; 11:00am; How fast can you race with an egg in a spoon? How well can you Feed the Woozle? Try tests of speed and skill in this fun day of play! Please register at 360.823.0123
*Noontime Showcase: Zimba at PCPA – Portland; 12:00pm – 1:00pm; Marimbas of Zimbabwe -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. FREE
*Hands-On Activities at the Washington County Museum – Hillsboro; 8/14 – 8/21 Wednesdays; 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; 8/14; 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; 8/14; 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
*Art Hour at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 8/14; 1:30pm – 2:30pm; Kid friendly art supplies like collage materials, glue sticks, non-toxic markers, play doh and crayons are available for parents and kids to use together to create self-guided projects such as cards and pictures. Have fun making art with other kids. Optional donation of $2 for supplies. Feel free to bring projects and materials from home. Sponsored by Dasies and Dino’s Kid’s Consignment shop.
*Kid’s Activities at the Moreland Farmers Market – Portland; 8/14; 3:00pm – 5:30pm; Lots to do for kids today at the Moreland Farmers Market, and all for free! There will be arts and crafts, sponsored by the Classical Ballet Academy. Trackers Earth will be leading kid’s activities on the grass. And music all market to dance to. FREE
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