MiniMaker Faire with crafts, storytime, speakers, robotics, demos, coding, hands-on activities and more at Barnes and Noble stores around the country - Saturday and Sunday - November 7th and 8th 2015 - Various locations, various times, various activities!

Check out the Science and Technology themed event happening at Barnes and Noble this weekend!

" Join us to see demonstrations and experience some of the latest products in 3D printing, robotics, coding, programming and more. "

For more info. go here. 

​​KIDS' ECO DAY​ with crafts, yoga, zumba, storytime and more at Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle - Saturday, July 18th 2015 from 10:30-3pm

​​KIDS' ECO DAY​

" Bring your family to Kids’ Saturdays, where kids explore the Olympic Sculpture Park through drop-in art activities, family-friendly yoga, storytime, and more. Today, learn more about the earth and rethink the ways we experience our natural environment. "

Yoga

10:30–11:30 am

Enjoy free outdoor yoga with instructors from 8 Limbs Yoga. Bring your own mat, water, and any needed supplies. Rain or shine!

SAM Creates

11 am–1 pm

"Woolgathering" art activity with Mandy Greer

Come explore the idea of thrift, creative re-use, and the basics of crocheting while working in the park on a large-scale community project with multidisciplinary artist Mandy Greer. Work with Mandy to re-create her memory of a tiny cave in Iceland, using re-claimed fibers in silver and gray, and ethically-sourced wool from Washington State farmers. All skill levels welcome, imperfections encouraged!

King County EcoConsumer

11 am–1 pm

Get your green on and tap into your crafty side by using recycled materials in fun new ways. Learn more about how you can be an EcoConsumer!

Storytime

1 pm

Snuggle up, get cozy, and enjoy listening to stories about art and the environment hand-picked by SAM.

Public Tour

1 pm

Site, Sculpture, Shoreline: Discover the Olympic Sculpture Park.

Zumba

2–3 pm

Fusing Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow moves, free Zumba® Latin dance-fitness lessons are a great way to spend the afternoon. Tennis shoes and water bottle recommended. Rain or shine!

For more info. go here.

39th Annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival with free boat rides, pond boat sailing, pirate story time, boat tours, music, fireworks and more in Seattle - Friday through Sunday, July 3rd - 5th 2015 - from 10am-6pm each day! Fireworks at dusk July 4th!

For more info. go here.

4th Annual Polish Festival Seattle (with additional children's activities!) at Seattle Center - Saturday, July 11th 2015 from 12-8pm

Go and check out the Polish Festival and enjoy all things of the Polish culture as well as some fun children's activities!

Many thanks to Marija for submitting this to the FreePlay Kids calendar!

" The very popular Polish Festival returns to Seattle Center on July 11, 2015 as part of Festal cultural programs. Come explore and experience Polish cultural traditions and contemporary achievements through live music, dance performances, workshops, exhibits, and children's activities. Merchandise market place will showcase Polish glass art, hand-crafted pottery, amber jewelry, crystal, and cut-out paper art (wycinanki); it will also provide information about local Polish-American community and travel to Poland. The beer garden will be well stocked with a variety of imported Polish beer, and the food booths will serve plenty of authentic Polish food.

This summer the Festival will feature many new children's activities including crafts, a drawing contest, story time, and an interactive science presentation based on experiments of Maria Sklodowska Curie.  The Festival's featured Polish region is the Polish Highlands (Podhale).  The unique traditions of Polish Highlanders (Górale) and the splendor of the Polish Tatra mountains  will be showcased with regional artifacts exhibit, performances of authentic music and dance, and special sheep cheese (oscypki) from the mountains.

The Polish community is proud to present this Festival and provide an opportunity to share its Polish heritage and find common ground with others, to foster understanding between cultures and build a greater Seattle community overall. "

For more info. go 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.

"SATURDAY STORIES" AT THE ELISABETH C. MILLER LIBRARY IN SEATTLE FEATURING "GARDEN SCIENCE STORY PROGRAM" - SATURDAY, MAY 16TH 2015 FROM 10:30-11:15AM

Go and enjoy "Saturday Stories" - a monthly, themed storytime and art/craft or play event!

" As the weather warms up and we're spending more time outdoors, let's allow time for scientific inquiry. These books focus on some easily-observed processes and cycles in nature, with plenty of room for kids to theorize, predict, and observe. After the stories, kids can make an ecological bookmark in the program room.. "

                                                                      

 Featured Stories:

IN MY BACKYARD by Margriet Ruurs
SECRETS OF THE GARDEN by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
GARBAGE HELPS MY GARDEN GROW by Linda Glaser

Recommended for children ages 3 to 8 and their families.

For more info. go here.

"SATURDAY STORIES" AT THE ELISABETH C. MILLER LIBRARY IN SEATTLE FEATURING "PLEASE WELCOME THE BEETLES STORY PROGRAM" - SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH 2015 FROM 10:30-11:15AM

Go and enjoy "Saturday Stories" - a monthly, themed storytime and art/craft or play event!

" Learn about ladybugs and other beetles and get a peek at their tiny world in these three books. Learn how scientists are looking for volunteers of all ages to observe ladybugs in their neighborhoods. After the stories, please come to the Program Room to play a bug game and put together a bug puzzle. "

                                                                      

 Featured Stories:

BIG BUG by Henry Cole
THE BEETLE BOOK by Steve Jenkins
CITIZEN SCIENTISTS by Loree Griffin Burns

Recommended for children ages 3 to 8 and their families.

For more info. go here.

Storytime and Activities featuring the book "Edmund Unravels" at Barnes and Noble at Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood - Saturday, March 21st 2015 at 11am

" Join us March 21 at 11:00 am for a special Storytime featuring Edmund Unravels. Edmund is ready to discover the wonders of the world and go on new adventures. Activities to follow. "

For more info. go here.

"SATURDAY STORIES" AT THE ELISABETH C. MILLER LIBRARY IN SEATTLE FEATURING "TREES ARE FOR EVERYONE STORY PROGRAM" - SATURDAY, MARCH 14TH 2015 FROM 10:30-11:15AM

Go and enjoy "Saturday Stories" - a monthly, themed storytime and art/craft or play event!

" We love trees! Each of these three books has a different angle on the ways trees have a place in our hearts, from tree forts to wondrous life cycles to family trees planted in honor of those we love. After the stories, visit the Program Room to make a tree picture of your own. "

                                                                      

 Featured Stories:

OLIVER'S TREES by Kit Chase

TAP THE MAGIC TREE by Christie Matheson

MAPLE by Lori Nichols

Recommended for children ages 3 to 8 and their families.

For more info. go here.

"SATURDAY STORIES" AT THE ELISABETH C. MILLER LIBRARY IN SEATTLE FEATURING "BEE MINE STORY PROGRAM" - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH 2015 FROM 10:30-11:15AM

Go and enjoy "Saturday Stories" - a monthly, themed storytime and art/craft or play event!

" Bees are fascinating and vitally important for gardeners and farmers. Learn about their life cycle in these books. After the stories, families are welcome to make a bee craft in the program room "

                                                                      

 Featured Stories:

THESE BEES COUNT by Alison Formento
FROM FLOWER TO HONEY by Robin Nelson
FLIGHT OF THE HONEYBEE by Raymond Huber

Recommended for children ages 3 to 8 and their families.

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.

Pajama Storytime and/or Family Night Out with crafts, games, puzzles, science and more at the Lake City Branch of the Seattle Public Library - Thursday, January 29th 2015 - Storytime at 6pm and Family Night Out at 6:30pm

Enjoy a night out WITH the kids!

" It is story time at the Lake City Branch! Bring your children from birth to 8 years old to enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, crafts and fun with our children's librarian, Ms. Nancy! "

Then stay for some Family Night Out fun happening right after!

" Children from birth to age 12 and their caregivers are invited to join us for games, crafts, science, puzzles, fun and more! "

For more info. go here.

SAM presents "Winter Weekends: Kids' Saturday in the Park" with crafts, storytime, an animated movie (The LEGO Movie, Finding Nemo, Ponyo) and more at Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle! - Third Saturdays - January 17th through March 21st 2015 - Storytimes at 11:30 and Movies at 1pm

" Bring your family to the Olympic Sculpture Park for Kids’ Saturdays. Experience the dramatic views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound while making art and enjoying community, all from the warmth of the PACCAR Pavilion. Explore the Olympic Sculpture Park through drop-in art activities and story time, and stick around to make a vehicle out of recycled materials to take to our drive-in movie. Story time at 11:30 am. Movie begins at 1 pm. All ages. Free and open to the public. "

January 17: Mapping the City

Build, create, and dream up what it takes to develop a successful city. Imagine how Seattle came to be what it is today and where it’s going in the future. Use these ideas to contribute to a communal map mosaic with social artist Melanie Schambach. 

Featured movie: The Lego Movie

********

February 21: Defined by Water

Discover the ways that water has shaped our city over time. Learn about the hidden layers of earth under our feet and how landscape is affected by local histories.

Featured movie: Finding Nemo

*******

March 21: Forces of Nature

Use your imagination to travel to Japan and find out how the ocean we share influences our cultures. Think about our natural surroundings and invent creative ways to help take care of our environment.

Featured movie: Ponyo

And for the grownups:

" Spend Sunday afternoons getting inspired and generating ideas with some of Seattle’s best thinkers. Hang out in a beautiful space while exploring meaningful artistic practices and creative studies of our region. 

All events are free and open to the public. Sunday Meetups require an RSVP. "

Winter Weekends are on the third weekend of the month from January to March. 

For more info. go here and here.

"LITTLE BOOKWORMS" STORYTIME, Songs + Mini Trophy Cupcakes (& Free Valet Parking!) AT THE BRAVERN - WEDNESDAYS AT 11AM

My son is getting a little older so we havent' been to this for a while but nonetheless a fun thing to attend and now they even have free valet parking for attendees!

"Little Bookworms" Storytime on Wednesdays, from 11am - 12pm is co-sponsored by Seattle Nanny Network and includes stories and songs, as well as treats from Trophy Cupcakes!

It occurs at the Bravern on the second level of Bldg. Two by the fireplace. Try to arrive early as it is a popular event and the cupcakes go fast!

FREE valet parking when you attend Little Bookworms.

For more info. go here.

OddMall - Emporium of the Weird with an arts and crafts fair, entertainment and a kids area at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Everett - Saturday and Sunday, November 22nd and 23rd 2014 from 11am-7pm (until 6pm on Sunday!) - Accepting new pj donations for Treehouse!

Head to Oddmall this weekend to check out all things unusual! They will have entertainment and a kids area, as well. Free admission but accepting new pjs to benefit Treehouse kids!

For more info. go here.