Here is this week’s list of family-friendly free or frugal events for around the Northwest, as well as some events going on around the country.
Don’t forget to check out Goldstar for Discount Tickets on many local activities and events, if you are looking for a specific event and want to save some money!
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; 9/6; tickets start at $7.50 plus service fee)
Lily Tomlin: Laugh-In Legend Performs Classic Characters (Portland; 9/7; tickets start at $10 plus service fee)
Les Misérables: Intimate, Immersive Production of the Musical Phenom (Seattle; 9/12 – 9/27 select days; tickets start at $12.50 plus service fee)
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Fully Charged, Gold Edition (Portland; 9/14; tickets start at $12 plus service fee)
Travel Guru Rick Steves Leads Discussion on Spiritual Journeys (Seattle; 9/22; tickets start at $14.50 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)
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 6th :
*Washington State Fair (formerly the Puyallup Fair) – Puyallup; 9/6 – 9/22; Farm animals, agriculture, home arts, rides, exhibits, kids’ activities, food, rodeo shows (Sept. 6-8) and concerts. Fiestas Patrias Latino Celebration, noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 15. SillyVille includes train rides, food court, rides and more. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays (9 a.m. today), 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays through Sept. 22. $12.50, $9 ages 6 to 18 and seniors, free ages 5 and younger, free 9 a.m. to noon today with non-perishable food donation. Kids free Sept. 7 and 8 with coupon (www.becu.org/freekids). Rodeo, Luminasia exhibit and concerts priced separately. Packages available. Parking $10 to $12.
*Kruckeberg Garden Tots – Shoreline; 9/6; 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.
*Musical Storytime with Mr. Brian and The Cat in the Hat – Seattle; 9/6; 10:30am – 11:15am; Join us for songs, a story, and a special giftbag for our Kidgits members. You also won’t want to miss a special guest appearance by The Cat in the Hat! In addition, the first 30 Kidgits members get a free Cat in the Hat book. Story time is held at the Ben Bridge Court located at the north end of Northgate Mall.
*Nature Alphabet – Tacoma; 9/6; 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.
*FreeTête-à-têter At Frye Museum – Seattle; 9/6; 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.
On the first Friday of the month Children’s stories are brought to life with movement and play in the Frye Art Museum galleries by Frye educators or librarians from The Seattle Public Library. 11:15am – 11:45am Visit the galleries after story time. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Both museum entrance and story time are free
*Pay-What-You-Can at Seattle Symphony’s “Soundbridge”- Seattle, Beneroya Hall; 9/6; 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.
*Back-to-School BBQ – Seattle; 9/6; 3:00pm – 5:00pm; Enjoy an end-of-summer barbecue complete with games and inflatables.
*Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival – Mukilteo; 9/6 – 9/8; Vendors, food, entertainment, children’s activities, kids’ fishing derby (8 to 10 a.m. Sept. 7) children’s parade (10:30 a.m. Sept. 7), grand parade (10:45 a.m. Sept. 7), fireworks (dusk Sept. 7) and more. 3 to 10 p.m. Sept. 6, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 7, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 8. No on-site parking; shuttles from Kamiak High School and Olympic View Middle School.
*Twirl Café Movie Night Social – Seattle; 9/6; 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.
*FREE Hands On Children’s Museum – Olympia; 9/6; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; Hands On Children’s Museum is FREE 5 to 9 p.m. first Fridays.
*Apple Squeeze and Open House – Seattle; 9/6; 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Sample fresh apple juice from the apple press, meet instructors and try class demonstrations, and enjoy the gym playspace. FREE
*Author Appearance: Rebecca Dudley – Seattle; 9/6; 7:00pm; Meet author Rebecca Dudley as she introduces her first picture book, “Hank Finds an Egg.” It’s a wordless, illustrated-with-photographs story with retro appeal. FREE
*Movies Under the Stars at Swedish/Edmonds – Edmonds; 9/6; 8:00pm; Free Willy (PG). Free popcorn and lemonade. Seating on site for first 200 guests, can also bring blankets. Dusk.
Saturday, September 7th :
*Puget Sound Bird Fest – Edmonds; 9/7 – 9/8; Guided bird watching and nature walks, speakers, exhibits (Sept. 7), field trips on land and water, kids’ activities (Sept. 7) and more. No dogs. Various hours Sept. 7-8, see detailed schedule online. FREE, fee and pre-registration for some events. Frances Anderson Center and various other Edmonds locations.
*Community Harvest Breakfast – Seattle; 9/7; 9:00am – 12:00pm; Join us for a harvest breakfast including burritos, muffins, fruit and beverages. It’s the perfect start to the day before visiting Seattle Tilth’s 26th Annual Harvest Fair at nearby Meridian Park. $6, $3 kids.
*Tales & Trails for Little Tykes – Seattle; 9/7 & 9/11; 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.
*Pierce County Touch-A-Truck – Tacoma; 9/7; 10:00am – 1:00pm; Kids can get an up-close look at a variety of big trucks, including a fire engine, dump truck, striper, military vehicles and more. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., noon to 1 p.m. is no horns. FREE, canned food donations appreciated. Free on-site document shredding.
*Family Festival: Salmon Return Celebration – Seattle; 9/7; 10:00am – 3:00pm; Celebrate the return of the salmon and learn about Native American cultures. Find out how to care for our planet with earth-friendly art making, fantastic family tours, exciting live performances and more.
*Seattle Tilth’s Harvest Fair – Seattle; 9/7; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Organic farmers market, music, urban livestock, workshops, food, vendors, seed swap, children’s parade (noon; arrive by 11 a.m. to participate) and family activities. FREE, donations welcomed.
*Skykomish Mini-Train Ride – Skykomish; 9/7 & 9/8; 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.
*Wheels on the Waterfront Classic Car Show – Everett; 9/7; 10:00am – 4:00pm; Hundreds of vehicles on display, plus food and live music.
*San Gennaro Festival of Seattle – Seattle; 9/7 & 9/8; starts 10:00am both days; The first annual San Gennaro Festival of Seattle features Italian entertainment, food and wine, including antipasto and wood fire pizzas from Tutta Bella, polenta from San Gennaro Foods, and traditional Canoli and Sfogliatella from Chiodo Brokerage. Entertainment will be provided by local star Danny Quintero, Federico Fuoco from Vancouver, BC and more. There will be a kids’ booth with a variety of kids’ activities and free face painting. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 8.
*Aki Matsuri – Bellevue; 9/7 & 9/8; starts 10:00am both days; Japanese cultural arts festival features performing arts, martial arts demonstrations, puppet shows based on Japanese folktales, exhibits, tea ceremonies, Japanese flea market and more. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8.
*Saturday Stories – Seattle; 9/7; 10:30am – 11:15am; Stories and activities that celebrate gardens, plants and nature. Ages 3 to 8 and their families.
*Free Mix & Mash Tasting – Bellevue; 9/7; 11:00am; We will be hosting a tasting event for everyone tempted by our delicious menu items. Tasting will include menu items from all categories, so it’s not just for those with kids! Space is limited; R.S.V.P. to stacy@mixandmash.com.
*Salmon SEEson in Issaquah – Issaquah; 9/7 – 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.
*First Saturdays for Families – Seattle; 9/7; 11:00am – 2:00pm; Families enjoy free admission on the first Saturday of each month, plus hands-on art activities and entertainment.
*Crafts of the Past – Tacoma; 8/7 – 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.
*25th Annual Fishermen’s Fall Festival – Seattle; 9/7; 11:00am – 6:00pm; The Fishermen’s Fall Festival will feature industry-related exhibits and competitions, fundraising salmon barbecue, children’s activities and musical entertainment. All proceeds directly benefit the Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial and their efforts to honor the local fishing community and their families.
*Vintage Plane Fly Day – Everett; 9/7; 12:00pm – 1:00pm; Watch historic aircraft from the Flying Heritage Collection take to the sky for a maintenance flight. Bring lawn chairs. Noon to 1 p.m., subject to weather and operational considerations.
*Bellevue Art Museums Get Crafty Saturday – Bellevue; 9/7; 1:00pm – 3:00pm; Free craft time for kids each Saturday. $2 material fee or free with admission.
*SummerSet Arts Festival – Seattle; 9/7; 1:00pm – 5:00pm; Live music, dance and drumming performances, fun kids’ activities, art making stations, park and arboretum tours, and a sculpture installation.
*Nature Walk at Lake Hills Greenbelt – Bellevue; 9/7; 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; 9/7; 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; 9/7; 5:00pm – 9:00pm; Enjoy a family-friendly evening the second Saturday of every month. Activities can include game times, snacks, concerts and more.
*Arts-A-Glow Lantern Festival – Burien; 9/7; 5:00pm – 10:00pm; Lantern making, artist installations, lantern procession at dusk, face painting, live music, performers, food trucks, dance party and more! Bring shakers or bells for the procession.
*Movie on the Green - Issaquah; 9/7; 8:00pm; Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch The Sandlot (PG). Movie will be held inside in case of bad weather. FREE, concessions available for purchase. No pets.
*Outdoor Movie Night – Kirkland; 9/7; 8:00pm; 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.
Sunday, September 8th:
*Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival – Seattle; 9/8; 11:00am – 7:00pm; Hawaiian music, hula, food, vendors, kids’ activities and a lei-making workshop.
*Cider Squeeze – University Place; 9/8; 12:00pm – 4:00pm; Music, apple pie and an old-fashioned cider squeeze using Curran Orchard Park apples. Bring clean jugs and picking bags or purchase at the orchard.
*Jazz Picnic - Seattle; 9/8; 1:00pm – 4:00pm; Sponsored by Pony Boy Records, featuring great jazz. Bring a picnic. FREE, donations welcomed.
*Cast Off! Free Public Sailing – Seattle; 9/8; 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
*Children’s Nature Movies – Bellevue; 9/8; 2:00pm – 2:30pm; Join us for fun, educational nature movies at Lewis Creek. Popcorn provided. Drop-in; no registration required. Kids younger than age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 425-452-4195 for more information. FREE.
*Family Sundays at the Henry – Seattle; 9/8; 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.
*Columbia City BeatWalk – Columbia City /Seattle; 9/8; 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, September 9th:
*Masterpiece Monday – Bellevue; 9/9; 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, September 10th:
*Village Playdays – Seattle; 9/10; 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, September 11th:
*FREE Drop-In Playgroup – Seattle; 9/11 & 9/13; 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
*Students Get Free Admission To The Bellevue Art Museum – Bellevue; 9/11; 1:00pm to 5:00pm; Students of all ages can explore the Bellevue Arts Museum after school FREE with printable coupon.
Thursday, September 12th:
*Tugboat Storytime – Seattle; 9/12; 11:00am – 12:00pm; Listen to stories about boats and the sea aboard the Arthur Foss, a 100-year-old tugboat. After stories, there is time to explore the boat. This is an indoor/outdoor activity; dress accordingly. Ages 2 to 5. 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 12 and 26. Not intended for preschool groups.
*Free Admission To NAAM - Seattle; 9/12; 11:00am – 7:00pm; The Northwest African American Museum is free on the second Thursday of each month.
*Half Priced Admission Imagine Childrens Museum – Everett; 9/12; Thursday 3:00pm – 5:00 p.m. is half priced ( $3.88)
*Capital Hill Art Walk Blitz – Seattle; 9/12; 5:00pm – 8:00pm; On the second Thursday of every month in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, 5pm – 8pm and later. Events include visual arts, musical performances, food and beverage specials, and more. Pick up a printed map at a participating venue and explore Capitol Hill. Art is everywhere! Get FREE admission to the Seattle Asian Art Museum during this time too.
*Bat Walk – Seattle; 9/12; 6:30pm – 8:00pm; Learn about bats, then help search for them using a bat detector. Rain or shine.
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 6th :
*Ladybug Nature Walk: Washington Park – Portland; 9/6; 10:00am – 11:00am; Naturalist led stroll. Ages 2-5, with grown-up. Stroller-accessible. Cost: $4 per child
*Music Class with Mo Phillips at The Treehouse – Portland; 9/6; 10:00am; He has devised a fine, distiller music blend of americana! Soul and blues In his secret ninja laboratory and is not afraid of a poppy hook, or straight rocking’ out! Best for ages 0-6. Cost: $5/child
*Red Yarn at Warehouse Cafe – Portland; 9/6; 10:00am; Red Yarn is a dynamic Portland family performer. Weaving together energetic live music, puppetry and storytelling, he teaches positive values while reviving American folklore for a younger generation. Join Red Yarn & his lovable critters every Friday morning at Warehouse Cafe. Audiences will sing, dance, act, and experience the joy of community during Red Yarn’s interactive shows. This show is hosted by Warehouse Cafe, a coffee shop, market and community space committed to healthy food at fair prices. http://knowthyfood.com. Cost: $5 suggested donation
*First Fridays at Art ala Carte PDX - Portland; 9/6; 10:00am – 5;00pm; Art ala Carte PDX is an open studio for artists of all ages. Children have full creative freedom and access to 4 Salad bars of art supplies and endless amounts of recycled goods. Children load up trays, make as much art as they would like and then leave the mess! Enjoy open studio at Art ala Carte every First Friday of the month on donation basis only. No studio fee all day–you choose how little or how much you want to donate! You can make monetary donations or bring in art supplies/recycled goodies or art related books. Most needed art supplies: paints (new or used), game pieces, stickers, stamp pads, army men, popsicle sticks, feathers, buttons, polly pocket/barbie accessories, baby food jars, beads and play dough.
*Music From Mr. Hoo from The Alphabeticians – Portland; 9/6; 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; 9/6; 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.
*Swift Watch at Chapman School – Portland; 9/6 – 9/9; 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.
Saturday, September 7th :
*Peace and Justice Fair in Esther Short Park – Vancouver; 9/7; 9:00am – 4:00pm; Throughout the day, there will be many activities. The stage will showcase a series of musical artists, dance, and poetry. Around the park, there will be exhibits, children’s activities, and food. The annual Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair will feature the hard work and creative spirit of individuals, social justice groups, peace organizations, faith communities, performers, artists, businesses, and environmental activists who are making the world a better place. The fair gives participants the opportunity to network, share, publicize events, celebrate, recruit volunteers, and educate the community.
*Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek– Portland; 9/7; 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.
*Ruckus in the Lobby at Artists Rep Theatre – Portland; 9/7; 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
*Vulture Day at the Audubon Society – Portland; 9/7; 11:00am – 3:00pm; Around the world vultures are facing hazards in the wild and their numbers are dwindling. As “Nature’s Recyclers,” they play an important role in reducing disease-and it’s up to us to help save them. International Vulture Awareness Day is filled with fun and educational activities.
* Kids Saturday Morning Skate Session At Oaks Park – Portland; 9/7; 10:30am – 12:00pm; For $6 children 10 and under can skate (skates included). Parents free with paid child admission.
*Once Upon a Time Family Theatre in SE PDX – Portland; 9/7; 12:00pm; Once Upon a Time Family Theatre Presents Rumplestiltskin. Once Upon a Time Family Theatre is a magical mix of theatrical simplicity and grand storytelling for kids and their families. Though simply produced, these delightful and engaging productions will soon have everyone fully absorbed in the interaction of live theatre. There’s always a slight twist to the traditional story that keeps these productions fresh. This month we present an amusing mystery for our audience to solve. Help bring this tale to life on our stage. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available online. Cost: $1.00 children/$2.00 adults
*Oregon Pacific Railroad Train Rides – Portland; 9/7 – 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.
* Free Family Swim At Marshall Community Center - Vancouver; 9/7 ; 4:45pm to 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, September 8th:
*Curious Garden at the Curious Comedy Theater – 9/8; 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.
*Cafe au Play’s Special Kids Toy Workshop – Portland; 9/8; 11:15am – 1:00pm; Cafe au Play celebrates its Third Birthday on September 8th with a Special Kids Toy Workshop -Boat Building! Bring your little (or big) inventors to Cafe au Play to try out ship building using the KTW supplies of recycling materials, corks, popsicle sticks, and colorful duct tape. We’ll even have a kiddie pool ready to test them out.
*Second Sunday at Cathlapotle Plankhouse – Ridgefield; 9/8; 12:00am – 4:00pm; Children’s activities, Plankhouse tours, and displays highlighting other First Foods of the Columbia River will be available. 2pm: Historian Melissa Darby presents a talk on Wapato, and its use by Native People of the Columbia River and beyond. This event is part of the Cathlapotle Plankhouse Second Sunday Series. The Cathlapotle Plankhouse is a full- scale replica Chinookan Plankhouse located on the Carty Unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. $3 vehicle fee.
*Family tour of the Portland Art Museum – Portland; 9/8; 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).
*Bike Beaverton – Beaverton; 9/8; 1:00pm; The festivities begin at 1:00 pm with a bike rodeo for the kids hosted by the Beaverton Police Department. The family-friendly ride begins at 2:00 pm. Representatives of the NW Bicycle Safety Council will be there to inspect and fit helmets. All ride participants must wear a helmet. Free ice cream social after the ride!
Monday, September 9th:
*Music Class with Johnny Keener at The Treehouse – Portland; 9/9; 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; 9/9; 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; 9/9; 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; 9/9; 10:00am to 4:30pm; Admission is free to this museum every Monday.
*Mondays On The Mall – Portland – Downtown Central Transit Mall; 9/9; Various Times; Free events all day including Wii play, caricatures, the original photo booth and entertainment.
Tuesday, September 10th :
* $4 Admission For Second Tuesday At The Zoo - Portland; 9/10; 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; 9/10; 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; 9/10; 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; 9/10; 11:00am – 11:30am; Get ready to get immersed in the world of books! FREE
*Mommy Matinee at the Kennedy School – Portland; 9/10 & 9/11; 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, September 11th :
*Visit the Historic Belmont Firehouse – Portland; 9/11; 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; 9/11; 10:00am; Enjoy music with kindie favorite Mr. Ben. Cost: $5 per child
*Honeybee Hikess at Leach Botanical Gardens – Portland; 9/11; 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; 9/11; 10am to 1:00pm;
*Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station – Portland; 9/11; 10:30am; Charming play, some with puppets, every Wed. Best for ages 2+ with good theatre manners. Cost: $4
*Storytime at Steamers & Screamers – Vancouver; 9/11; 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; 9/11; 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
*Dissect a Flower at Cedar Hills Seven Dees – Portland; 9/11; 4:00pm; Learn what a plant has in common with a solar panel, how plants gather & store energy, and different ways that plants attract pollinators & reproduce. We will dissect a flower to see some of its inner parts and learn their functions.
Thursday, September 12th:
*Children’s Happy Hour in NE PDX – Portland; 9/12; 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; 9/12; 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; 9/12; 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; 9/12; 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.
*Mr. Hoo of the Alphabeticians plays a kid-friendly music show at Flying Cat – Portland; 9/12; 10:00am – 11:00am; Mr. Hoo from The Alphabeticians plays fun music for little ones every Thursday at Flying Cat. Get a bagel and some coffee and listen and sing along on some traditional kids songs, some Alphabeticians songs and Hoo knows what else!
*Storytime at A Children’s Place Bookstore – Portland; 9/12; 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.
*Mt. Angel Octoberfest – Mt. Angel; 9/12; 11:00am – 12:00am; Four stages live music, Fri. and Sat. night street dance, Kindergarten with rides and shows, food, crafts, car show, glockenspiel. Biergarten and Weingarten. See web page for detailed schedule.
*Storytime at Green Bean Books – Portland; 9/12; 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
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– Sat. ; 11am to 3pm; Kids can come to this free craft time each week for a new craft (plus print a $5 off $25 coupon).
*Lowes Build And Grow Clinic - Saturday ; 10:00am; Come join Lowes Build and Grow Clinic.
*Barnes and Noble Free Storytime - Times and events vary by location. Check your location for specific story’s available this weekend.
Fun & Frugal Family Events 9/6 – 9/12 is a post from: Thrifty NW Mom
The post Fun & Frugal Family Events 9/6 – 9/12 appeared first on Thrifty NW Mom.