Magic in the Market Holiday Celebration with Santa, photo opps., cookie decorating, a caroling competition and more in Pike Place Market in Seattle - Saturday, November 28th 2015 from 1-5pm

" Celebrate the holiday season at Magic in the Market! Meet and take FREE photos with Santa. Decorate gingerbread cookies with your family in the Market Atrium Kitchen. 

Get a belly full of laughs from performances by the Figgy Pudding Caroling Teams, right under the Public Market Center clock and sign. 

Enjoy Martin Family Orchard's apple cider, indi chocolate's hot chocolate and MarketSpice tea while you shop for locally made gifts. 

At 5 pm, Santa will lead a countdown to the lighting of the 20-foot holiday tree and lights throughout the Market. Join in the fun and the kick off to the holiday season!

This event is free. No tickets required. "

 

 

 

For more info. go here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REINDEER FESTIVAL WITH LIVE REINDEER (AND A CAMEL!) AT SWANSON'S NURSERY IN SEATTLE - NOW THROUGH WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24TH 2015 - FEEDING TIMES ARE 10AM AND 4PM DAILY!

Reindeer Festival

MODEL TRAIN VILLAGE 

Watch trains speed through snowy landscapes in one of Swansons' favorite traditions: a themed model train village. This year's theme draws from the classic children's holiday film, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. 

DONATE TO THE BALLARD FOOD BANK

Bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Ballard Food Bank through December 23. Donation bins are located near our model train village and at the cashiers. See the food bank's wishlist. 

CAMEL AND REINDEER

Visit our special holiday guests: Curley the camel and Dasher & Blitzen, two of Santa's reindeer! Join us for feedings at 10am and 4pm daily, learn about these incredible animals, and experience a magical photo op!

SAMMY THE SALMON'S ADVENTURE TOURS

Kids and Adults alike can learn about Curley and the Reindeer, seasonal plants, Christmas trees, and local salmon habitat on Sammy's self-guided adventure tour. Groups can schedule a special guided tour by calling (206) 782-2543. 

 Pictures from previous visits:

For more info. go here.

Two Harvest Festivals with all kinds of free family fun tomorrow! One at Occidental Park in Seattle and one at Molbak's in Woodinville - Saturday, October 17th 2015 from 11am-4pm (Seattle's until 3pm)

Celebrate the change of seasons with Fall Family Harvest in Occidental Square Park.

Bring the whole family down on Saturday, Oct. 17 for FREE fun in the historic Pioneer Square park. Halloween costumes encouraged!

- KidsQuest Museum activity for children

- An inflatable obstacle course

- An inflatable football game

- Face painter

- Live music

- Free candy

- Outdoor games and activities

- More! 

                                                                       

AND...

The leaves are turning and the kids are wiggling -- time to pack up the crew and head to Molbak’s for a day of family fun! 

BOOGIE DOWN: Dance to the award-winning family rock band, Recess Monkey.

CARVE IT UP: Be amazed and entertained by master pumpkin carver, Russ Leno. 

GET CRAFTY: Visit the Kid’s Corral, hosted by The Nest, for fun crafts and games; and make a pinecone birdfeeder with the Eastside Audubon Society.

DIG IN: Join Lisa Taylor for a puppet show filled with garden critters and hands-on fun.

 

GRAB A BITE: Treat the family to gourmet mini donuts from Mini The Dough Nut and check out the samples in our Home department.

STRIKE A POSE: Let artist, Tamara Belland, paint your portrait in watercolor; and bring your camera—there will be photo ops aplenty.

VOTE: Cast a vote for your favorite pumpkin carved by Molbak’s talented staff members.

For more info. on Seattle's event go here.

For more info. on Woodinville's event go here.

Queen Anne Days with Summerfest on Saturday and FamilyFest on Sunday in Seattle - Saturday and Sunday, July 11th and 12th 2015 - Various times

QUEEN ANNE DAYS SUMMERFEST 

Saturday, JULY 11TH 2:00pm to 9:00pm

Geared to ages 21+ but all ages are welcome. Sip taste and experience Queen Anne culture!

 West Queen Anne Playfield

Beer, Wine & Cider Garden / Art Walk / Car Show / Dog Parade / Music / Food 

and more.

QUEEN ANNE DAYS FAMILYFEST

SUNDAY, JULY 12TH - 10:30am TO 4:00pm

Familyfest. An awesome day of fun for everyone in the family! Now even bigger and more awesome!

KIDDIE PARADE

Decorate your “ride” (bike/wagon, scooter) and get creative with your kids for this neighborhood kids' parade! Costumes are most certainly encouraged!

10:30am: Gather at McClure School Parking Lot.  The parade begins at 11:00am.

The fun continues right after the parade at the West Queen Anne Playfield

UNION BANK STAGE 

Join us at Familyfest for family-friendly music - free and open to anyone who enjoys community. Our line-up includes favorite bands of kids and parents alike. Boogie along on the dance floor or relax with refreshments from our food trucks while enjoying the happy sounds of summer. 

Familyfest musical guests:

• 10:30 AM - Seattle Kokon Taiko
• 11:15 AM - Recess Monkey
• 12:15 PM - The Tallboys
• 1:15 PM - Johnny Bregar
• 2:15 PM - The Not-­Its!
• 3:15 PM - The Harmonica Pocket

Between band sets, stop by the Union Bank merchandise tent to meet the bands and pick up a t-shirt or album. Also between sets, enjoy performances and demonstrations for local talent, including:

• Fingerprint Music
• Metropolis Dance
• Aegis Living Yo-yo expert

FOOD TRUCKS

Food Trucks! Get your fill! We will be serving up some of the finest during Familyfest on Sunday!

• Cupcake Royale
• Kiss My Grits
• Mad Dawg's Hot Dogs
• Mesob at the Curb
• Napkin Friends
• Neema's Comfort
• Simply Kettlecorn
• Six Strawberries 
• Thai-U-Up

GAMES AND BIG FUN

More than 20 carnival games and tons of other stuff to make you smile! Play games, win tickets, turn them in at the Queen Anne Dispatch prize booth for cool stuff! And it's all free!

• Bunny petting! 
• Human Hamster Balls
• Splashy water fun to keep you cool
• Inflatable obstacle course
• 26-foot video game truck
• Inflatable bungee run
• Plus 3 more bouncy houses
• Balloon twister!
• Face painters!
• Cookie decorating from Metropolitan Market
• Temporary tattoo station by Damasak Tattoo
• Sidewalk chalk contest by Clutter Punch Personal Organizing
• Kubb game from Blue Highway Games
• Robotics Demos by CoeBotics and McClure Robotics
• Lucky Ducks game by La Casita Feliz
• Tumbling from Little Gym
• Parkour course from Parkour Visions Gym
• Bean Bag Toss, ring toss and craft by Queen Anne Co-op Preschool
• Sports demos by Sportball
• Collaborative sculpture with Sweet Pea Cottage
• Learn dance routines, enter a drawing for discounted classes from Metropolis Dance
• Giant finger painting from Bustle Caffe
• Pop-a-shot basketball game and meet the Falcons mascot from Seattle Pacific University
• Yo-yo contest by Aegis Living
• Meet local kids book author Hillel Cooperman    
• Dart board with Nerf gun from Z-Ultimate Karate/Self-Defense
• Mini jam sessions with Fingerprint Music School
• Build and launch water bottle rockets with Queen Anne Cub Scouts & Boy Scouts
• Fold and fly paper airplanes with Usborne Books
• "no-brush" painting challenge by Hope Black Art
• Spaghetti stick and marshmallow science project sculptures from Orange Clever
• Free books and crafts from the Queen Anne Public Library Books on Bikes cart    
• Cardboard Maze by Queen Anne Historical Society
• Family Polaroid photos from Safe N Sound Swimming

For more info. on SummerFest on Saturday go here.

For more info. on FamilyFest on Sunday go here.

Mercer Island Summer Celebration with return of the Pirates, fireworks and more! - Saturday and Sunday, July 11th and 12th 2015 from 10am on both days!

The Pirates Return!

Ahoy Mercer Island sea dogs an’ land lubbers! Back by popular demand…the pirates from our 2007 festival are returning to cause a wee bit more o’ mayhem, all in the spiritof swashbuckler fun.

Visit the Pirate Village to purchase yer plunder (souvenirs), engage in a “pirate wanted poster” hunt, play pirate games with the pirates, examine pirate artifacts, an’ chat with live pirates. GREAT photo opportunities lurk around every corner. Prepare yourselves for an excitin’ weekend o’ pirate fun! Costumes encouraged.

Saturday: 

10 am - 7 pm - Mercerdale Park & town center 

At 7 pm the celebration moves to Luther Burbank Park and culminates with a fireworks extravaganza.

Sunday:

10 am - 5 pm - Mercerdale Park & town center

For more info. go here.

Mill Creek Festival and Street Fair - Saturday and Sunday, July 11th and 12th 2015 - Starts at 11am both days!

There will be 2 performance stages, an artists plaza, a pet plaza arena with demos and performances, a kids zone, 3 on 3 basket ball and more! 

" Besides bouncy toys, a rock climbing wall and even a dunk tank, many of our vendors opt to be in the Kid's Place so that they can sponsor activities such as face painting, arts and crafts, or having your picture taken with a super hero. "

For more info. go here.

Flipper Fest with educational exhibits, art activities for kids, a really cool raffle and more in West Seattle - Sunday, May 31st 2015 from 1-5pm

Highlights: 

Marine Life Exhibits

Environmental Exhibits

Art Activities for Kids

Raffle with some really cool prizes

20 foot by 12 foot Orca Inflatable for photo opps.

Raffle Prizes:

For more info. go here and here.

Global Citizen Day with an emphasis on girl power with lots of fun and interactive activities, guest speakers, special appearances by Sesame Street characters and more at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center in Seattle - Saturday, May 30th 2015 from 10am-3pm

" Explore what it means to be a global citizen, here and around the world at the first-ever Global Citizen Day – a FREE public event open to all – boys, girls, and families of all ages! 

Discover how women and girls are transforming the world, participate in hands-on activities and hear from inspiring leaders, creators, advocates, and problem solvers to spark ideas for positive change.

Global Citizen Day highlights:

• Appearances by Raya, the newest member of the Sesame Street family, and photo opportunities with Grover from Sesame Street Workshop

• Hands-on activities that explore how to keep moms and new babies healthy

• Youth empowerment selfie booth 

• Design your own global citizen puppet and t-shirt. 

• Check out the Visitor Center’s interactive exhibits

Plus get connected and meet these other fantastic organizations! 

Schedule: 

• 10:45 am: Inspirational Speaker Series: Camille McDorman - refugee worker, human rights advocate, law student

• 11:30 am: Raya

• 12 pm: Youth Speakers Series: Life Enrichment Group-Young Queens, Eastside GirlUp, Lake Washington Girls Middle School and Kids in Medicine

• 1 pm: Raya

Activities and organizations available 10-3: 

• Girl UP–Are you UP for the challenge millions of girls face every day in just getting water?

• Girls Can Do–How will you change the world in the future? Share your goal in our selfie booth. 

• Heifer International–Discover amazing women and girls working to transform their lives, and enjoy storytime with Flora and the Runaway Rooster. 

• Kids in Medicine–Get hands on with how to keep moms and babies healthy

• Northwest Girls Coalition–Match yourself up with incredible local organizations working with and for girls in our community.

• Project Girl Mentoring Program–What are your best qualities? Share them with the world at the affirmation station. 

• Sesame Workshop/ Sesame Street–Enjoy appearances by Raya at 11:30 and 1, and meet her friend Grover throughout the day. 

• UNICEF–Explore how simple it can be to save lives and stay healthy, take home many ideas to make a difference. 

• YWCA’s GirlsFirst–Find out about equity in education and sign up to help with the YWCA Schools Days donation drive all summer long. " 

Food for Purchase available from these great vendors during lunchtime: 

• Biscuit Box

• No Bones About It

• Seattle Pops 

• Street Treats

For more info. go here.

SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FESTIVAL 2015 - DAILY IN APRIL UNTIL THE 30TH! (PLUS PHOTOS OF PREVIOUS YEARS) THEY ARE EARLY THIS YEAR SO RECOMMEND GOING BY SUNDAY IF YOU CAN...AND IF YOU CAN'T I HAVE INCLUDED AN INSIDER TIP!

**Insider tip at the bottom if rain or early harvest keeps you from getting to the fields in time!**

Pick a sunny day - they should be coming more consistently soon! - and head up to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. If you haven't already been it's really beautiful and worth the trip. You will be amazed by the "ribbons" of color across the fields comprised of all the different colors of tulips. Makes a great opportunity to take some really nice pictures of the kiddos. Just remember to bring some boots for the kids as it can still be muddy there even on sunny days.


" The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of the destination events for the Pacific Northwest, held each year from April 1-30. Every spring hundreds of thousands of people come to enjoy the celebration of spring as millions of tulips burst into bloom. As with all things governed by Mother Nature, the tulips bloom according to their own schedule sometime during the festival. The tulips allow us to share our corner of the world and help us to showcase Skagit Valley agriculture. "  

RoozenGaarde also has beautiful gardens with great photo opps. for young and old alike. Admission is "Less than a Latte"at $5 per person and kids 10 and under are FREE. There is free parking across the street and your admission ticket gets you free parking at their fields too!

For more info. on the Tulip Festival go here.

For a downloadable field map or their Interactive Festival Map with GPS coordinates go here.

For more info on RoozenGaarde go here.

Insider tip: If you can't make it in time before the fields get cut then go and check out RoozenGaarde! It is inexpensive, has lots of different kinds of tulips, etc. in the gardens and lots of photo opportunities, including a windmill, little trees surrounded by tulips and mountains in the backdrop! They keep the gardens going even after the fields are cut. We have done this a few times and our son enjoys it every time! 

Happy Spring!

 

 All images are property of FreePlay Kids and may not be reproduced without written permission!

Additional FREE Egg Hunts (plus one for dogs!) for the Eastside! - Saturday, April 4th 2015 - Various times

Here is a list of additional FREE local area Egg Hunts for the Eastside! Don't forget your Easter baskets and your camera for photo ops with the Easter bunny! Have fun!


BELLEVUE/MEDINA:

Medina Easter Egg Hunt - 10:00am ...Info. here.
Northwest side of Medina Park, for ages 12 & under.


ISSAQUAH:

Gilman Village Easter Eggstravaganza - 11am-2pm ...Info. here.  Stores/Shops will have Easter egg treats and the Easter Bunny will be there for photos too! (Bring your camera!)


SAMMAMISH:

Sammamish Family YMCA Eggstravaganza - 10am-12pm...Info. here.
Highlights: Easter Bunny & Friends, Carnival Games, Bounce House, crafts and more! "Join us at our NEW LOCATION at Sammamish City Commons"

FALL CITY:

5th Annual Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater Egg Hunt - 11 AM for more info. call 425-736-7252 or go here. For directions go here.  For ages 12 & under. Cookies and refreshments provided.

SNOQUALMIE:

Annual Spring Egg Hunt at Centennial Park - 10am ...Info. here.  For ages 1-12.

Downtown’s Hoppin’ in Downtown Snoqualmie - 10am-1pm...Info. here.  Bring baskets and gather goodies at downtown businesses. For all ages.

Bow Wow Doggie Egg Hunt at Three Forks Off-Leash Dog Park (Snoqualmie, across from Centennial Park) - 11am ...Info. here.

Bring your dog and your basket and join us for fun in the park. Collect eggs filled with doggie treats and prizes, plus tennis balls. (!)

Suggested donation for participation $5 (all who donate will receive a dog brush)

Supports the Snoqualmie Valley Pet Food Bank




REDMOND:

Easter Eggstravaganza - 12-4pm ...Info here.
Hop on over with your Easter basket for some festive family fun! Enjoy an egg hunt, sparkly egg decorating, a cuddly bunny petting zoo, bouncy house, bean bag toss, giant Jenga, photo booth, special retail offers, lively kid activities, and goodie bags.


MERCER ISLAND:

Spring Eggs-travaganza! Egg Hunt at Mercer Island Mercerdale Park - 5pm-6pm...Info. here.
For ages 6 & under, with a special area for ages 1-3. No parents on the field for ages 4-6.
$5 donation/family.

Flashlight Egg Hunt at Mercer Island Mercerdale Park - 8:30-9pm...Info. here. For ages 7-10.
Bring your flashlight to hunt for eggs and look for a golden egg during the Eggs-travaganza for an “eggstra” special surprise. NO Parents on the field! $5 donation/family.

Additional FREE Egg Hunts for the Eastside! - Saturday, April 4th 2015 - Various times

Here is a list of additional FREE local area Egg Hunts for the Eastside! Don't forget your Easter baskets and your camera for photo ops with the Easter bunny! Have fun!


BELLEVUE/MEDINA:

Medina Easter Egg Hunt - 10:00am ...Info. here.
Northwest side of Medina Park, for ages 12 & under.


ISSAQUAH:

Gilman Village Easter Eggstravaganza - 11am-2pm ...Info. here.  Stores/Shops will have Easter egg treats and the Easter Bunny will be there for photos too! (Bring your camera!)


SAMMAMISH:

Sammamish Family YMCA Eggstravaganza - 10am-12pm...Info. here.
Highlights: Easter Bunny & Friends, Carnival Games, Bounce House, crafts and more! "Join us at our NEW LOCATION at Sammamish City Commons"

FALL CITY:

5th Annual Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater Egg Hunt - 11 AM for more info. call 425-736-7252 or go here. For directions go here.  For ages 12 & under. Cookies and refreshments provided.

SNOQUALMIE:

Annual Spring Egg Hunt at Centennial Park - 10am ...Info. here.  For ages 1-12.

Downtown’s Hoppin’ in Downtown Snoqualmie - 10am-1pm...Info. here.  Bring baskets and gather goodies at downtown businesses. For all ages.

Bow Wow Doggie Egg Hunt at Three Forks Off-Leash Dog Park (Snoqualmie, across from Centennial Park) - 11am ...Info. here.

Bring your dog and your basket and join us for fun in the park. Collect eggs filled with doggie treats and prizes, plus tennis balls. (!)

Suggested donation for participation $5 (all who donate will receive a dog brush)

Supports the Snoqualmie Valley Pet Food Bank




REDMOND:

Easter Eggstravaganza - 12-4pm ...Info here.
Hop on over with your Easter basket for some festive family fun! Enjoy an egg hunt, sparkly egg decorating, a cuddly bunny petting zoo, bouncy house, bean bag toss, giant Jenga, photo booth, special retail offers, lively kid activities, and goodie bags.


MERCER ISLAND:

Spring Eggs-travaganza! Egg Hunt at Mercer Island Mercerdale Park - 5pm-6pm...Info. here.
For ages 6 & under, with a special area for ages 1-3. No parents on the field for ages 4-6.
$5 donation/family.

Flashlight Egg Hunt at Mercer Island Mercerdale Park - 8:30-9pm...Info. here. For ages 7-10.
Bring your flashlight to hunt for eggs and look for a golden egg during the Eggs-travaganza for an “eggstra” special surprise. NO Parents on the field! $5 donation/family.

Meet the Easter Bunny for free photo opps. and play a fun game (NO Egg Hunt) at Country Village in Bothell - Saturday, April 4th 2014 from 12-3pm

Head to Country Village for more photo opps with the Easter Bunny! Don't forget your camera!

" Meet and greet the Easter Bunny at Country Village. He will be located on the Center Stage in the Courtyard area from noon to 3pm. Take your picture with the bunny and play a fun game. 

Please be aware, there is NO egg hunt. "

For more info. go here.

Northshore YMCA presents "Easter Fun!" with Egg Hunt, Pictures with the Easter Bunny and more at Doug Allen Fields in Bothell - Saturday, April 4th 2015 starting at 10am sharp!

Image courtesy of Northshore YMCA

" Bring your baskets—It’s almost time for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt plus a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny! 

Join us tomorrow at Doug Allen Fields in Bothell - the Hunt begins at 10:00 am! "

For more info. go here.

Fun Easter Events at PCC stores with crafts, photos with the Easter Bunny, snacks and more - Saturday, March 28th 2015 - Various times depending on location but most starting at 9am!

PCC Easter Fun

Saturday, March 28, 2015, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Edmonds PCC,Greenlake Village PCC, Redmond PCC, West Seattle PCC

Saturday, March 28, 2015, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greenlake Aurora PCC

" Spend the morning making crafts with your kids, guess the number of jelly beans and take a photo with the Easter Bunny. Enjoy snacks provided by PCC and enter to win a gift basket. Free for children 12 and under. "

PCC Egg Scramble

Saturday, March 28, 2015, 9 a.m.

Issaquah PCC

1810 12th Ave. N.W., Issaquah

" Bring your own basket to hunt for prize-filled eggs and a camera to snap a photo with the Easter Bunny. After the egg hunt, receive a treat from PCC and enter to win a surprise! Free for children 12 and under. "

For more info. go here.

Community Easter Egg Hunt with free hot dogs, bounce houses, face painting and more at Lake Hills Elementary School in Bellevue - Saturday, March 28th 2015 from 3-5:30pm

 

EASTER EGG HUNT:  MARCH 28TH AT 3PM AT LAKE HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

" The entire community is invited to participate in this free, family friendly Easter Egg Hunt at Lake Hills Elementary school! We will have hot dogs, inflatables, face paint, photos with the Easter Bunny and… 20,000 Easter Eggs!  This FREE Community Event is being offered by Essential Church in partnership with Jubilee REACH, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, The Well Community Church, SAMBICA, YFC and the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club Keystone group.  Invite friend and neighbors to come and participate!  This year, the event will have 4 Scheduled Egg Hunts based on age.  Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior. "

3:00PM- Easter Egg Hunt Event Begins  

3:30PM- EASTER EGG HUNT 1 @ Field A (Ages 1-3)

3:45PM- EASTER EGG HUNT 2 @ Field B (Ages 6-8)

4:15PM- EASTER EGG HUNT 3 @ Field A (Ages 4-5)

4:30PM EASTER EGG HUNT 4 @ Field B (Ages 9-11)

5:30PM-  Easter Egg Hunt Concludes

For more info. go here.