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.
We’ve also put together a big list of Pacific Northwest Fall Festivals including pumpkin patches & cider squeezes.
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!
Seattle Public Market Tour: See the Iconic Pike Place (Seattle; 9/28 – 9/30; tickets start at $8.43 plus service fee)
Seattle Premiere of Broke-ology: Family Love in Tough Times (Seattle; 9/29 & 10/3; tickets start at $11 plus service fee)
James and the Giant Peach: Enchanting Family Musical Gives Warm Fuzzies (Portland; 9/28 – 10/19 Saturdays; tickets start at $11 plus service fee)
ComedySportz Kids & Family Matinee (Seattle; 9/28 & 10/26; tickets start at $4 plus service fee)
Campfire: Improvised Spooky Stories Based on Your Suggestions (Seattle; 10/3 – 10/31 Thursdays; tickets start at $5 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, September 27th:
*Paint Me a Story - Bellevue; 9/27; 10:00am or 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; 9/27; 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.
*Schack-toberfest – Everett; 9/27 – 9/29; 10:00am – 6:00pm; Art and harvest themed festival benefiting the Schack Art Center. Events include glass-blowing demonstrations, kids’ activities and “Make It Now” glass pumpkin classes in the hot shop. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28, noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 29.
*Story Time at Lewis Creek – Bellevue; 9/27; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Look, listen and create during an hour of stories and crafts with a park ranger on the first Friday of every month. Parents and children will explore together the diverse natural world with animated fiction and fun. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration is required by calling 425-452-6885 . Cost: $2.50 to $3 per person.
*FreeTête-à-têter At Frye Museum – Seattle; 9/27; 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; 9/27; 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.
*Bite of Broadview – Seattle; 9/27 – 9/29; Food and craft vendors, carnival games and rides (fee), live music including Caspar Babypants (10:30 a.m. Sept. 28), car show (Sept. 28), kids’ activities and more. 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29.
*Kirkland Oktoberfest – Kirkland; 9/27 – 9/29; The Kirkland Oktoberfest Village is free and open to all ages, and includes entertainment, pumpkin carving contest, costume contest and wiener dog races. 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 28-29.
*Movies at Mercer Slough: “Nature: Animal House” – Bellevue; 9/27; 5:00pm – 6:00pm; Some of the most amazing, creative, and innovative structures on earth are not man-made or urban at all, but residences built by animals in the natural world. Popcorn provided! Best for ages 5 and older.
Saturday, September 28th :
*Free Entrance to National Parks – nationwide; To celebrate National Public Lands Day you can get FREE entrance into National Parks. National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Celebrate with volunteers in your community at parks and other public lands – Search for an event in your community.
* Smithsonian FREE Museum Day! – Nationwide; 9/28; various times; As part of Museum Day Live!, you can get 2 FREE museum tickets (1 for you & and a guest) into one of MANY participating museums nationwide– you just need to sign up while tickets are available and they will email you a link to get your FREE printable coupon to bring with you to the museum.
*Active Living Fair and Pancake Feed – Lynnwood; 9/28; 8:30am – 12:00pm; Come play with us! Event includes an optional pancake breakfast ($5, $15 family), helpful info on local activities, soccer scrimmages, bicycle safety course, mountain bike course, rugby games, basketball tournament, martial arts demonstration, remarkable hip hop dancing, Zumba trials, health and wellness information, great prizes and more.
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 9/28 & 10/1; 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.
*Family Birding Walk at Lake Sammamish State Park – Issaquah; 9/28; 10:00am – 12:00pm; Take advantage of the state parks no-fee day and enjoy a kid-paced walk on level pathways. We’ll look for ducks just coming back for the winter, and we’ll keep eyes and ears open for surprises. We’ll be out until noon, but you can leave the walk whenever your children are tired. Do bring water and snacks. Enter at the main park gate and turn left into the big parking lot to meet up the group.
*Bats of the Pacific Northwest Super Saturday – Seattle; 9/28; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Have you ever wondered why bats are a symbol of Halloween? Or looked up in the sky at night and seen them flitting around a streetlight? Let us introduce you to the bats of the Pacific Northwest and learn what you can do to encourage these voracious insect eaters. Activities include arts and crafts, games, puzzles, and more!
*Family Day: Kids Can – Seattle; 9/28; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Are you and your family inspired to make a change, but not sure where to start? Check out “Family Day: Kids Can” at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center to learn about the countless ways kids can get involved in giving back. At this free event you’ll hear inspiring stories from heroes in the community, get connected with family-friendly volunteer opportunities, and participate in hands on activities that demonstrate how simple and exciting it is to make a difference.
*First Annual Marysville Multicultural Fair – Marysville; 9/28; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Demonstrations, displays, performances, foods and crafts from a variety of cultures, plus kids’ activities and a resource fair.
*Duvall Heritage Festival – Duvall; 9/28; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Tours, antique displays, pioneer-life demonstrations, children’s activities, and musical entertainment. Parking at Holy Innocents Catholic Church, 26526 N.E. Cherry Valley Road, Duvall.
*Skykomish Mini-Train Ride – Skykomish; 9/28 & 9/29; 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.
*Italian Festival – Seattle; 9/28 – 9/29; starts 10:00am both days; Celebrity chef demonstrations, food, music and dance, bocce tournament, grape stomp, children’s activities and puppet show by Carter Family Marionettes. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 29.
*Story Time at the Conservatory – Seattle; 9/28; 10:30am – 11:30am; On the last Saturday of each month, kids ages 4 to 7 can hear stories in the conservatory’s Seasonal House. FREE, donations welcome.
*Jackson Park Golf Course Perimeter Trail Celebration – Seattle; 9/28; 11:00am – 1:00pm; Enjoy refreshments, talk with the artist whose work is installed on the trail, learn more about the trail and local environment, and enjoy a walk with a local naturalist and bird expert.
*Salmon SEEson in Issaquah – Issaquah; 9/28 – 11/10 Saturdays & Sundays; 11:00am & 1:00pm; See salmon return to Issaquah Creek, where you can view spawning from the bridge or through viewing windows. Trained docents from Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH) will give tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, September 7 to November 10.
*Jefferson Horticulture Open House – Seattle; 9/28; 11:00am – 2:00pm; Staff will be on hand to creatively share and educate the community on what work is done from Jefferson Horticulture. Besides touring the facility, families can climb into the bucket of the boom truck, play habitat bingo, and get their picture taken on a dump truck. The community is encouraged to attend and enjoy light refreshments and the fun activities.
*American Girl Fashion Show Casting Call – Lynnwood; 9/28; 11:00am – 3:00pm; American Girl will be having a fashion show March 22-23 benefitting Seattle Children’s Hospital. If your daughter is at least 6 years old by Feb. 1, 2014, wears between size 6X and size 10, and resembles an American Girl doll, she’s welcome to try out for the show during our casting call.
*Crafts of the Past – Tacoma; 9/28 – 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.
*ZeroLandfill Seattle Upcycle Event – Seattle; 9/28 & 9/29; Local architects and designers donate expired samples of carpet, textiles, wood, glass, tiles, laminate, rubber, and other materials for use by artists, crafters, teachers, homeschoolers or anyone who wants them! Bring a bag or box to bring home your treasures. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 29.
*Return of the Salmon Celebration – Sultan; 9/28; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; Tulalip welcoming ceremony, Northwest Native music, dance and storytelling, fish viewing, horse-drawn wagon rides, kids’ activities and more.
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 9/28; 1:00pm – 3:00pm; Free craft time for kids each Saturday. $2 material fee or free with admission.
*Nikkei Horizons Blast – Bellevue; 9/28; 1:00pm – 5:00pm; The Nikkei Horizons Blast kicks off the new school year with family fun for all ages, including food, Okinawa-style taiko, live music, drill team, kids’ activities and more.
*Nature Walk at Lake Hills Greenbelt – Bellevue; 9/28; 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; 9/28; 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.
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 9/28; 1:00pm to 3:00pm; Free craft time for kids each Saturday. $2 material fee or free with admission.
*Dora the Explorer Story Time – Bellevue; 9/28; 2:00pm; Meet Dora and enjoy a craft and story time in the Kids Department
*Book Launch Extravaganza and Art Show – Seattle; 9/28; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; Local illustrator and author Matthew Porter will introduce his new Monkey World picture book, The Thunderbolt Express. Plus, enjoy games, activities, refreshments, book readings and signings, and an original art sale.
Sunday, September 29th:
*Sustainable Ballard Festival – Seattle; 9/29; 11:00am – 6:00pm; Family-friendly, free, and full of surprises, the Sustainable Ballard Festival is celebrating its 10th year with more interactive exhibits than ever. With more than 75 exhibitors, from solar and wind turbine demos to the Citizen Activation Station, the Sustainable Ballard Festival is a fun opportunity to learn, get inspired, and discover new ways to live more lightly on the earth.
*Cast Off! Free Public Sailing – Seattle; 9/29; 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! They 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
Monday, September 30th:
*Masterpiece Monday - Bellevue; 9/30; 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.
Tuesday, October 1st:
*Village Playdays – Seattle; 10/1; 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.
Wednesday, October 2nd:
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 10/2; 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; 10/2 & 10/3; 10:30am – 12:00pm; Join kids ages birth to 5 and their parents/caregivers every Wednesday and Friday for a drop-in playgroup! Have fun playing with other families, reading, and singing. First-time families will be asked to fill out a registration form. FREE
*Students Get Free Admission To The Bellevue Art Museum – Bellevue; 10/2; 1:00pm to 5:00pm; Students of all ages can explore the Bellevue Arts Museum after school FREE with printable coupon.
*Celestial Viewing – Seattle; 10/2; 7:00pm – 9:00pm; If the sky is clear, the Theodor Jacobsen Observatory dome is open for viewing celestial objects through the telescope. At 7 p.m., a talk will be given in Spanish on constellations of the autumn sky, and again at 7:45 p.m. in English. Space is limited, reservations recommended. FREE, donations appreciated. Limited parking available – check in at gate 2 (parking fee may be charged).
Thursday, October 3rd :
(Always make sure to call the museum ahead of time to confirm that they are still participating in these discount days/events/activities)
*Westfield Southcenter Family Fun Day – Seattle; 10/3; 10:00am; Save the date for Westfield Family Fun Days! On the first Thursday of each month we will explore the month’s theme with books, craft and a snack. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for each month’s theme and event details.
*FREE Nordic Heritage Museum - Seattle; 10/3; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Nordic Heritage Museum is FREE first Thursdays.
*Free Admission To Kids Discovery Museum – Bainbridge Island; 10/3; 10:00am – 4:00pm; First Thursday of the month Kids Discovery Museum offers free admission.
*Free Admission To The Burke Museum – Seattle; 10/3; 10:00am – 8:00pm; First Thursday of the month The Burke offers free admission to the museum.
*Free Admission To The Museum Of History & Industry - Seattle; 10/3; 10:00am – 8:00pm; First Thursday of the month MOHAI offers free admission to the museum.
* Free Admission To Wing Luke Museum – Seattle; 10/3; 10:00am – 8:00pm; First Thursday of the month Wing Luke offers free admission to the museum.
*Free Admission To Seattle Art Museum- Seattle; 10/3; 10:00am – 9:00pm; First Thursday of the month SAM offers free admission to the museum.
*Free Admission To Seattle Asian Art Museum- Seattle; 10/3; 10:00am – 9:00pm; First Thursday of the month SAM offers free admission to the museum.
*Free Admission To The Northwest African American Museum - Seattle; 10/3; 11:00am – 7:00pm; First Thursday of the month NAAM offers free admission to the museum.
*Free Admission To Henry Art Gallery – Seattle; 10/3; 11:00am – 9:00pm; First Thursday of the month Henry Art Gallery offers free admission.
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 10/3; Thursday 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
*Free Admission To The Museum Of Flight - Seattle; 10/3; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; First Thursday of the month Museum of Flight offers free admission.
*Revealed: In Search of Bruce Lee – Seattle; 10/3; 6:00pm; Take a one-of-a-kind theatrical walking tour of Seattle’s Chinatown/International District. Enjoy snacks, surprises and special guests along the way! This tour will feature all new stories appropriate for the entire family with a focus on exploring the iconic Asian American – Bruce Lee. Part of the Arts Crush series. Ages 7 and older. FREE. R.S.V.P. online.
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, September 27th :
*Ladybug Nature Walk: Columbia – Portland; 9/13; 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; 9/27; 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.
*American Indian Day at Pioneer Courthouse Square – Portland; 9/27; 12:00pm – 7:00pm; Join the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) and other local Indian organizations for “American Indian Day Celebration”. The event will include Northwest Tribal leaders, Indian advocates, drum groups, dancers, and arts and crafts vendors who will share their talents and experiences with the Portland community.
*Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek – Portland; 9/27; 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.
*$5 Friday Artshop at Art a la Carte – Portland; 9/27; 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
*Free admission to the Portland Art Museum – Portland; 9/27; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; On the fourth Friday of every month, enjoy free admission to the Portland art museum.
*Swift Watch at Chapman School – Portland; 9/27 – 9/30; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Watch thousands of Vaux’s swifts swirl into the chimney at Chapman School. Audubon Society has info table most nights. Be courteous guests! Parking is very limited.
*Pajama Math Party at Green Bean Books – Portland; 9/27; 6:30pm – 7:30pm; Join us for a special Pajama Math Party at Green Bean Books. We’ll be reading math riddles from Bedtime Math by Laura Overdeck and showing kids and parents math activities that make math learning fun. Kids will get to make their own mystery clocks, build their own stuffed animal zip lines, solve tangram puzzles, and do a couple of wacky Bedtime Math problems. This event is free but space is limited, reservations required. Register by calling (503) 954-2354 .
Saturday, September 28th :
*Free Entrance to National Parks – nationwide; To celebrate National Public Lands Day you can get FREE entrance into National Parks. National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Celebrate with volunteers in your community at parks and other public lands – Search for an event in your community.
* Smithsonian FREE Museum Day! – Nationwide; 9/28; various times; As part of Museum Day Live!, you can get 2 FREE museum tickets (1 for you & and a guest) into one of MANY participating museums nationwide– you just need to sign up while tickets are available and they will email you a link to get your FREE printable coupon to bring with you to the museum.
*Flock and Fiber Festival Clackamas County Fairgrounds – Canby; 9/28; 9:00am – 5:00pm; Animals, music, demos, hands-on activities. Take your mama to see the llamas!
*Saturday Morning Music Time at TreeHouse Children’s Boutique – Portland; 9/28; 10:00am; Treehouse Children’s Boutique has music every Saturday morning at 10 am. Each week one of Portland’s favorite children’s entertainers will be there to play and sing. $5 per child. Coffee, tea and snacks available for donation. Check out the Facebook page or website for performer details www.misstreehouse.com.
*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek – Portland; 9/28; 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.
*Harvest Fun Day at 78th St. Heritage Farm – Vancouver; 9/28; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Pie eating and corn shucking contests, scarecrow making and pumpkin decorating, food for sale by the Lions Club Booth (to help raise money for the museum), live music and other hands-on activities for families. Donations gladly accepted to benefit the Clark County Historical Museum.
*Cider Squeeze at Philip Foster Farm – Eagle Creek; 9/28; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Cider Squeeze is a day filled with crafts, food, music, and history-inspired activities. Bring your own apples and press your own cider on our authentic cider press, or purchase apples and cider from us on site. See local artists and craftsmen in action, watch historical demonstrations, play pioneer games, purchase fresh produce, and much more. All our usual farm activities – from tours of the Foster’s 1883 home, to cabin building, to corn shelling and log hewing – will also be available.
*Ruckus in the Lobby at Artists Rep Theatre – Portland; 9/28; 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; 9/28; 10:30am to 12:00pm; For $6 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.
*Ekone Ranch’s Barbed Wire Ball – Goldendale; 9/28 – 9/29; starts at 12:00pm; Bring the whole family out to the ranch for the day or the whole weekend. Pony rides, kids activities, cakewalk, horse training demonstration, hikes to Ekone’s beautiful canyonlands and wilderness cemetery, and a jump start on your holiday shopping with the silent auction, packed with one-of-a-kind items and experiences. Overnight camping is $25 for a family. Additional lodging options are available–inquire for details. With questions or to RSVP, call 509-773-4536 , or email sacredearth@ekone.org. We offer a 10% discount for pre-payment, but you can also just show up!
*Oregon Pacific Railroad Train Rides – Portland; 9/28 Saturdays; 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.
*Bread and Butter Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill – Woodland; 9/28; 1:00pm – 4:00pm; One of the oldest events at the Mill, they will be teaching young guests to churn butter and while they are busy churning, the boys are going to rolling, cutting, and frying fresh bread. Of course, the bread is made with the finest whole wheat milled right in front of you. So how can you top homemade bread with homemade butter? With cinnamon sugar, naturally. Cost: $2 donation for materials.
*Oktoberfest Celebration at Grand Lodge – Forest Grove; 9/28; 1:00pm – 9:00pm; Join in the celebration! They’ll have food and drink specials (bratwurst, anyone?) as well as live music, including the High Five Polka Band, Rocky Butte Ranglers and Will West. A balloon man and facepainter will also be on hand, from 3-6 p.m.
* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 9/28; 4:45pm – 6:30pm; Bauman Chiropractic is sponsoring free family swims at Marshall Pool Saturday evenings.
*Movie at Steamers & Screamers – Portland; 9/21; 5:00pm; Enjoy a movie every Saturday night. FREE
Sunday, September 29th:
*Sunday Parkways – Portland; 9/29; 11:00am – 4:00pm; End the Sunday Parkways season with a trek in Southwest! Enjoy the added walk-only route, rolling hills, beautiful views, and Hillsdale and Multnomah business districts. Activities, music, food, and vendors will be located in Gabriel Park, Multnomah Village, and Hillsdale Shopping Center. 6 miles round trip, 4.5 miles walking route.
*Family Fun Time at Unplugged Games – Portland; 9/29; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; Let’s play! Whether your family likes classic board games, card games, or is looking to learn something new, Unplugged Games has lots of great ideas to make family game time fun. Try one of the games from our library, or bring one from home to play with new friends. See a new game you want to learn? Our staff will teach you. Unplugged Games lives up to its name by offering non-electronic games of all types, with a focus on role-playing games, board games, and card games.
*Harvest Fest at Jump4Joy Farm – Oregon City; 9/29; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; This recreational farm and equestrian facility is having a party with petting zoo, trial riding lessons, food vendors, crafts, hayrides and scavengar hunts. Learn about 2013-14 program offerings, tour the farm, meet staff, picnic, and enjoy a beautiful Fall day.
*Family tour of the Portland Art Museum – Portland; 9/29; 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).
*Harvest Century Family Ride – Hillsboro; 9/29; 12:30pm – 5:30pm; The Family 3-mile ride is a great way to include all abilities in a fully-supported bike/trike/wheelchair/walking shoes adventure, and we want to make sure that it is the best experience for everyone. Mid-point rest stop, craft table with bike decorations, face painting. Please register in advance so we know how many people to expect.
*Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek – Portland; 9/29; 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.) For more specific information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 225. FREE.
*Kids Karaoke at Pink Feather Restaurant and Lodge – Portland; 9/29; 1:00pm – 4:00pm; The Pink Feather Restaurant and Lounge is now hosting the Emma Rose Kids’ Karaoke Hour every other Sunday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Emma Rose, nine years old, is an extraordinarily talented singer herself and will be emceeing the event. Kids Menu, as well as Happy Hour appetizer prices for parents, available for the full three hours.
*Dissect a Flower at Seven Dees – Lake Oswego; 9/29; 2:00pm; Learn what a plant has in common with a solar panel, how plants gather and store energy, and different ways that plants attract pollinators and reproduce. We will dissect a flower to see some of its inner parts and learn their functions. Cost: $5
Monday, September 30th :
*Storytime with Olive Rootbeer and Dingo at Laurelhurst Cafe – Portland; 9/30; 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; 9/30; 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; 9/30; 10:00am – 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall; 9/30; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Tuesday, October 1st:
*Preschool Play and Skate at Oaks Park – Portland; 10/1; 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
*Kids Concert Series at Oregon Children’s Theatre – Portland; 10/1; 10:15am – 11:15am; Entertainment + education! Mo Phillips performs interactive shows that respect the intelligence of young people and lay the foundation for musical development. Come to OCT and dance and play to Mo’s music, for kids and parents alike. Cost: $3 drop in, free for kids under 1!
*Tuesday Art Time at the Treehouse Children’s Boutique – Portland; 10/1; 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; 10/1; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*Mommy Matinee at the Kennedy School – Portland; 10/1 & 10/2; 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
*Cirque Du Libre at Tigard Library – Tigard; 10/1; 6:30pm – 7:30pm; Enjoy traditional and original stories told through circus theater. Watch the ordinary become extraordinary. Embark on an adventure with acrobatic clowns, wild animals, juggling, hat tricks, a belly dancer and tons of audience participation.
Wednesday, October 2nd:
*Visit the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 10/2; 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; 10/2; 10:00am; Enjoy music with kindie favorite Mr. Ben. Cost: $5 per child
*Wondrous Wednesday’s At The World Forestry Center – Washington Park; 10/2; 10:00am to 5:00pm; Reduced admission for The Discovery Museum. Get in for $3 on the first Wed. of each month.
*Honeybee Hikes at Leach Botanical Gardens – Portland; 10/2; 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
*Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station – Portland; 10/2; 10:30am; Charming play, some with puppets, every Wed. Best for ages 2+ with good theatre manners. Cost: $4
*Storytime at Steamers & Screamers – Vancouver; 10/2; 11:30am – 12:45pm; Enjoy a story in the play area every Wednesday with play space admission. Wear socks! Cost: $4.95 per child
*Mommy Matinee at the St Johns Theater- Portland; 10/2 ; 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
*Evening Canoe the Slough at Whitaker Ponds – Portland; 10/2; 6:00pm – 8:30pm; Join the Columbia Slough Watershed Council and NW Discoveries for a guided canoe trip on the Slough. Extra-stable canoe bimarans with guides are safe for infants and grandparents. All equipment is provided. A $5 donation for equipment maintenance is greatly appreciated. Registration is required and fills up fast!
Thursday, October 3rd :
*St Johns Swapnplay Playspace Open Play - Portland; 10/3; 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.
*Mo Phillips performs music for kids at Milagros – Portland; 10/3; 10:30am; Mo Phillips plays some good ol’ kid-friendly rock n roll at Milagros. $3 suggested donation per walking human.
*Storytime at A Children’s Place Bookstore – Portland; 10/3; 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.
* Free admission to the Museum of Contemporary Craft - Portland; 10/3; 11am to 8pm; Free admission on the first Thursday of every month.
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).
*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. This week they will build a picture frame.
*Lego Stores Mini Models Build – Tues. ; 5:00pm; Monthly model build event, one free for kids 6-14 while supplies last. 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
* Michaels Make It Take It Event - 1:00pm to 3:00pm; Make-It Take-It Free Ornament Event. Ages 3 & up. While supplies last.
*Barnes and Noble Free Storytime - Times and events vary by location. Check your location for specific story’s available this weekend.
Fun & Frugal Family Events 9/27 – 10/3 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
The post Fun & Frugal Family Events 9/27 – 10/3 appeared first on Thrifty NW Mom.