Heads up! January 2016...A New Year and a really great, brand new giveaway coming up...

Hi All! I have a great new sponsor giveaway coming up very soon to kick off this wonderful New Year! You are gonna REALLY love this one! Coming up soon...

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. We did and I am looking forward to getting back on track with the blog now that my schedule has finally solidified. Happy 2016 Everyone!

2015 Chinese Culture Youth Fair at Crossroads Mall in Bellevue - Saturday, September 26th 2015 from 1-5pm

For more info. go here.

"PIRATE DAY" AT KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS = TALK LIKE A PIRATE GET A FREE DONUT OR DRESS LIKE A PIRATE GET A FREE DOZEN! - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH 2015 - ALL DAY!

Yay!!! Talk like a Pirate Day is back!

"To claim yer bounty on September 19, ye must:

• Come in to a participating Krispy Kreme shop and Talk like a pirate for one FREE Original Glazed doughnut.

• Come in to a participating Krispy Kreme location in full pirate costume for one FREE dozen Original Glazed doughnuts. Qualifying pirate costumes must include three or more of the items below.

Pirate Attire

Make yer own Pirate accoutrements at home or while on ye ship. Tag and share ye pirate gear using #TalkLikeAPirate.

• Eye Patch
• Pirate Hat
• Pirate Flag
• Bandana
• Peg Leg
• Parrot on Shoulder
• Pirate Shirt / Loose white shirt
• Knickers
• Leather belt
• Silver and gold necklaces and earrings
• Pirate Hook
• Pointy black boots or ragged brown sandals

Offer good for one free doughnut per customer who talks like a pirate to a Krispy Kreme team member at a participating shop. One free dozen Original Glazed doughnuts per customer who wears a full pirate costume into a participating Krispy Kreme location. Redeemable on September 19, 2015 only at participating Krispy Kreme US locations.

NO WEAPONS ALLOWED! 

For more info. go here and here.

Poets in the Park (Poetry Festival, picnic & book fair) at Anderson Park in Redmond - Saturday, June 20th 2015 from 11am - 6pm

" Enjoy poetry readings, activities, and vendors at the Café and Picnic stages, and on the King County Metro Poetry Bus, plus the poetry book fair, workshops, and more—all FREE!

Bring a potluck dish for a free poetry book, and enjoy your lunch on the lawn or in our café area. Poetry putt-putt (mini-golf), chalk poetry, hula hoops, Haiku on Sticks, make your own weathergrams, RASP poetry anthology poems on sticks, and more! "

For more info. go here.

FREE BIKE HELMETS FOR KIDS AGE 1-18 AT RENTON COMMUNITY CENTER - SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH 2015 FROM 10AM-1PM

Last helmet giveaway close to Seattle until end of June! Make sure to head on over!

Another Kohl's Cares/Seattle Children's Helmet Fitting and Giveaway!

Free bike helmets are available for children from age 1-18. Wearers must be present and be fitted to receive a helmet and quantities are limited. First come, first served.

Location: Renton Community Center, 1715 SE Maple Valley Hwy., Renton, WA 98057

For more info. go here.

5th Annual Healthy Kids Healthy Families Fair featuring a Caspar Babypants performance, activities, exhibits, a Teddy Bear Clinic, demos, raffles, lectures and more at Bellevue College - Saturday, February 7th 2015 from 10am-2pm

" A free community event featuring exhibits, Teddy Bear Clinic, Ask-the-Doc, demonstrations, healthy snacks, creative activities, lectures, a raffle and much more!

With special musical guest:

CASPAR BABYPANTS

Performing at 10:30 a.m.

Please join us for this FREE, fun-filled event which focuses on the health of you and your family. The fair includes creative activities for children, exhibits, Ask-the-Doc, healthy snacks, a raffle and MUCH MORE. Mini lectures will be given throughout the day by Swedish Issaquah physicians and Bellevue College Parent Education Instructors. Your little one will want to bring a puffed lovey or doll for the Teddy Bear clinic. There will also be a main stage performance by Caspar Babypants at 10:30 a.m. 

The first 200 attendees will receive a free re-usable bag. "

Main Stage Presentations:

10:30 AM Special Musical Performance by Caspar Babypants 

11:45 AM Baby Wearing Demonstration 

Presented by: Sweet Baby Wrap

12:45 PM Jazzercise Family Dance Mixx! 

Presented by: Lori Hollow

Discover how dancing to some upbeat songs can be a playful form of getting exercise. A Jazzercise instructor will lead the whole family through a fun-filled, easy-to-follow dance workout. Good for the body and lifting the spirit.

Additional Special Presentations:

11:15 AM (Location TBA) Join Joanne Massimino, Program Director of My Gym Bellevue, for age-appropriate games and activities for kids of all ages! 

12:15 PM (Location TBA) Join Usborne Books for Storytime 

Mini Lectures:

11:30 AM

Breastfeeding 101: Troubleshooting Common Breastfeeding Concerns

Presented by: Anthony West, DO and Tamara Wescott, RN and Lactation Specialist

· The importance of a good latch

· Navigating early breastfeeding 

· Osteopathic techniques to improve breastfeeding, including a newborn demonstration!

12:00 PM

Meet the Midwife: A Chat on Women's Health

Presented by: Laura Carmichael, Certified Nurse Midwife

Don’t miss this informative discussion on:

· The latest in OB care in 2015

· The growing field of Midwifery in hospital systems

· Building a great relationship with your OB provider

· Bring your questions!

12:30 PM

Outdoor Play – How Kids Benefit from Playing in the Mud

Presented by: Janelle Durham, Bellevue College Parent Educator 

Help your child avoid “Nature Deficit Disorder”

Learn about the benefits of outdoor play for children’s 

· Health and physical development

· Cognitive development

· Mood and ability to concentrate

1:00 PM

How to Stay Calm in the Midst of a "Parenting Storm"

Presented by: Kristin Nasman, Bellevue College Parent Educator

and more!!

For more info. go here.

Is it you? Unofficial Winner of the Fan Appreciation Contest FEATURING A "COLLECTIBLE"? SEAHAWKS ITEM! is announced and has 24 hours to respond...

Thanks to all who entered the 

 "FAN APPRECIATION" CONTEST FEATURING A "COLLECTIBLE"? SEAHAWKS ITEM! -  a loaded, limited special edition Starbucks Rewards card honoring the Seahawks and the 12th Man!

  

A winner was randomly chosen and has 24 hours to respond ...

If this is you, please email me at freeplaykids1@gmail.com 

#5  Allison - who said "I'd totally keep it for my self :-) I'm a fan of both the Seahawks and Starbucks, so this would be awesome! "

Congratulations Allison! You have 24 hours to respond to this announcement or another winner will be randomly selected. Look forward to hearing from you!

Super Bowl Rally at the Burke Museum with free admission, souvenir noisemakers, a special performance, UW Cheer Squad and more in Seattle - Blue Friday, January 30th 2015 from 11:30am-12:30pm

Super Bowl Rally at the Burke Museum

Burke Museum

Fri., Jan. 30, 2015 | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm 

FREE Admission

" The Seattle Seahawks are undefeated since the mask that inspired the logo was unveiled for display at the Burke Museum.

Let's send that good luck to Arizona!

Wear your Seahawks gear and get ready to GET LOUD—we will have souvenir noisemakers for the first 500 people who attend! See the mask on display, enjoy a special performance by "One Crazy Raven" storyteller Gene Tagaban and "GET LOUD" with help from the University of Washington Cheer Squad. We will record our good luck message at 12:00 PM.

Invite your friends to join this event on Facebook and plan your visit (hint: UW parking gives prorated refunds for visits less than 4 hours!).

SPECIAL OFFER: Join, renew, or gift a Burke Museum membership and get $12 off! Wear your Seahawks gear to the Burke Museum January 30 – February 2 to get the discount! "

GO HAWKS!

For more info. go here.

FreePlay Kids "Fan Appreciation" Contest featuring a "Collectible"? Seahawks item! Now through 11:59pm PST on Thursday, January 29th 2015!

Captain America mini-figure not included. ;-)

In honor of 700 FB Fans I am running a contest for this limited edition Starbucks Rewards card honoring the Seahawks and the 12th Man! This one is brand new and loaded with $20.00 and my husband tells me that these can become collector's editions. 

To enter the contest please comment below who you would give this card to if you won. And yes, it can be yourself! UPDATED to state two things: 1.) Make sure that there is a way that I can get a hold of you should you win and 2.) If not already a FB fan, make sure to "Like" FreePlay Kids on Facebook here.

Contest open to Washington State residents and will end on Thursday, January 29th 2015 at 11:59 pm PST. Winner will be announced at 10:00am PST on Friday, January 30th 2015 just in time for Super Bowl Weekend! Winner will be selected via Random.org and will have 24 hours after the winning name is announced to get in touch with me at freeplaykids1@gmail.com and if after 24 hours no contact has been made another winner will be randomly selected. 

Front row seat for the Seahawks/Panthers game. Yes, it starts young! ;-)

Me and the big guy enjoying the same game with friends and family.

Seahawk 12's...Big and little.

Good luck to all, thanks for being fans and for your continued support and GO HAWKS!

Last Ski Helmet Fitting and Giveaway this season happening tomorrow at Seattle Children's in Bellevue - Sunday, January 11th 2014 from 10am-12:30pm

Ski Helmet Fitting and Giveaway

Keep your kids safe and get ready for the snow! If you missed a previous giveaway, Seattle Children's  Hospital and Kohl's are partnering up once again to offer FREE ski helmets, this time in Bellevue! 

They are available for children at least 4 years old to age 18 and the wearers must be present and be fitted to receive a helmet. Quantities are limited, so it is one helmet per child and first come, first served. No appointment needed.

FYI - If you have kids on the younger side, a reader has informed me to make sure you get there early as those sized helmets go fast!

Location:

 Seattle Children’s Bellevue Clinic and Surgery Center

 1500 116th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

For more info. go here.

Reminder: LEGO Mini-Build happens 1st Tuesday of the Month at your local LEGO Stores - Free event and up to 250 free builds per store - First Tuesdays - January 6th 2015 at 5pm

Join in the LEGO® Store Monthly Mini Model Build!

Upcoming Mini Model Build

: 

LEGO® Alien and Space Dog: Tuesday, January 6 beginning at 5:00 pm until supplies last.

Visit your local LEGO Store on the first Tuesday of every month and you can learn how to build a cool mini model, and take it home – for free! Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. Ask a Brick Specialist for details.

For more info. go here.

FREE BIKE HELMETS FOR KIDS AGE 1-18 AT KOHL'S IN REDMOND - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10TH 2014 FROM 3-6PM

Another Kohl's Cares/Seattle Children's Helmet Fitting and Giveaway!

Free bike helmets are available for children from age 1-18. Wearers must be present and be fitted to receive a helmet and quantities are limited. First come, first served.

Location: Kohl's, 17601 NE Union Hill Rd, Redmond, WA 98052

For more info. go here.

"Pirate Day" at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts = talk like a pirate get a FREE DONUT or dress like a pirate get a FREE DOZEN! - Friday, September 19th 2014 - all day!

" Ahoy There Mateys! Friday, September 19, any buccaneer to enter a participating Krispy Kreme and talk like a pirate gets one FREE Original Glazed® doughnut. To the landlubber who dares to wear full pirate attire goes a bounty of one FREE dozen Original Glazed doughnuts. Offer good on International Talk Like a Pirate Day, September 19th, only. 

To claim yer bounty on September 19, ye must:

• Come in to a participating Krispy Kreme shop and Talk like a pirate for one FREE Original Glazed doughnut.

• Come in to a participating Krispy Kreme location in full pirate costume for one FREE dozen Original Glazed doughnuts. Qualifying pirate costumes must include three or more of the following items: 

• Eye Patch

• Pirate Hat

• Bandana

• Peg Leg

• Parrot on Shoulder

• Pirate Shirt / Loose white shirt

• Knickers

• Leather Belt

• Silver and gold necklaces and earrings

• Pirate Hook

• Pointy black boots or ragged brown sandals

Offer good for one free doughnut per customer who talks like a pirate to a Krispy Kreme team member at a participating shop. One free dozen Original Glazed doughnuts per customer who wears a full pirate costume into a participating Krispy Kreme location. Redeemable on September 19, 2014 only at participating Krispy Kreme US locations. Non-participating locations include: All CT shops, Anderson, SC and Spartanburg, SC. "

For more info. go here and here.

FREE BIKE HELMETS FOR KIDS AGE 1-18 AT KOHL'S IN LYNNWOOD - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH 2014 FROM 10AM-1PM

Another Kohl's Cares/Seattle Children's Helmet Fitting and Giveaway!

Free helmets are available for children from age 1-18. Wearers must be present and be fitted to receive a helmet and quantities are limited.

Location: Kohl's Lynnwood, 18405 Alderwood Mall Pkwy., Lynnwood, WA 98037

For more info. go here.

"Demo Days" at The Nest Music in Woodinville = Free Demo Class and Free Music CD for kids ages 0-6 - Tuesday, September 2nd at 9:30am and Wednesday, September 3rd 2014 at 10:30am - Space is limited so call to RSVP!

         

Just saw this wonderful email from this morning in my inbox!! 

                    

It's Demo Days Time! with The Nest Music featuring Kindermusik The community's favorite music teacher, Miss Beth, is back in the classroom starting September 8! Before her classes start she's offering two chances for you and your friends to try a completely FREE demo class. In fact, she's including a FREE CD for every child that attends.  Space is limited, so call The Nest at 425-415-6378 to RSVP.    Tuesday Sept 2  - 9:30am Wednesday Sept 3 - 10:30am Ages newborn - 6 years    Yours in Music and Melody, The Nest Music www.thenestkids.com

Live in Bothell, Kirkland or Redmond? Then get a FREE, reusable lunch kit (Laptop Lunch) when you take the free pledge to reduce waste! - August 15th 2014

Cool! Get a FREE lunch box kit that is reusable and therefore eco friendly! You can receive one per household and help reduce the amount of daily waste happening at schools. I Love it! 

Please note: 

"You must live in the City limits of Bothell, Kirkland or Redmond to participate in this program. "

Thanks to Tori for posting this on her Bothell Community page!

For more info. go here.

My Dad Rocks! event at Country Village in Bothell - Sunday, June 15th 2014 from 11am-5pm

                                                  June 15th

11:00AM

5:00PM

" Bring dad out for a fun day at Country Village! Treat him to delicious barbecue at Carolina Smoke or any tasty restaurant in the Village. Show Dad how much he "ROCKS" with a special polished rock collection. Pick   up your pouch at O'Malley & Potter and visit each participating shops to collect a one-of a-kind gift for dad. "

Here is a list of participating shops: 

Bon Sejour Home

Creativity Place

King's Kettle Corn

Magic Earth Art

O'Malley & Potter

Quite the Find

Sankara Imports 

Tiffany Ann Home

Town Hall Antiques

The Village Bean 

Country Village Shopping Center:

23718 Bothell Everett Highway, Bothell, WA 98021

For more info. go here.

American Girl presents Summer Reading Bookmark Craft events with poster giveaway - Tuesdays - June 10th through August 26th 2014 - Various Times

And another fun one! 

Summer Reading Bookmark Craft

• June 10: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• June 17: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• June 24: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• July 1: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• July 8: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• July 15: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• July 22: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• July 29: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• August 5: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• August 12: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• August 19: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• August 26: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

" Celebrate summer reading with American Girl! At this craft event, your girl will decorate her own bookmark and summer reading log to keep track of all the great books she’ll read over break. Includes a doll-sized poster to take home. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up. "

For more info. go here.

THE NATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FOR TALENTED YOUTH (NFFTY) presents the 2014 Kickoff with FILM SCREENINGS & GALA with panel event plus ticket giveaways for teens and adults - Today, Saturday, April 5th 2014 from 2-4pm

Have a budding teen filmmaker? Then check out this fun event happening today at the Central Branch of the Seattle Public Library! 

" Join us for a film screening and young filmmakers panel to kick off the 2014 season for The National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY).

Young adult filmmakers Jesse Stipek and Max Magerkurth will discuss the process of creating and submitting their respective films, "Two Brothers" and "Alone," to NFFTY.

Selections from the best films of the 2013 festival will be screened, and tickets to the 2014 festival will be given away. 

NFFTY (pronounced "nifty") is the largest youth film festival in the world. It is also a student film festival and a Seattle film festival. Watch films, learn filmmaking.

This event will be recorded for future podcast. "

For more info. go here.