Stories with Art at Tacoma MainLibrary

Sunday December 4th at 2pm, listen to a story and paint a craft to support the holiday theme.  Children and families circle around a fire as snowflakes fall and stories are shared of adventures taking place deep in the winter's snow. Children will reate an art project based on our wintry theme that is perfect to give as a gift to someone they love. Recommended for ages 3-8.

Fife Holiday Showcase

On December 4th at 11am, Paws-Abilities in Fife will open the First Annual Fife Holiday Showcase.  There are more than 40 vendors signed up and plenty of entertainment, from live music to door prizes and activities for the kids too.

You can even get pictures taken by Creative Indulgence Photography for family, corporate and pet photos.

7338 26th Street E

Story with Art in Tacoma Wheelock Library

Saturday December 3rd at 11am in the Wheelock Library in the Proctor District of Tacoma you can participate in a story reading and a craft, for FREE!

Many cultures hold celebrations of light during the winter.  Children can help perform a Slovakian take, The Twelve Months.  A little girl goes on a journey to find violets in the deep snows of winter.  She stumbles across the secret to the four seasons and the reasons for celebrating lights.  Then, complete an art project that encourages them to explore light.  Recommended for children ages 3-8.

Gingerbread Houses - Gig Harbor

The Pierce County Library is hosting an event to let you build your own Gingerbread Houses!

Saturday, December 3rd in Gig Harbor at 10:30 & 1pm

Registration is REQUIRED! Please register at the library

Build a gingerbread house with your kids and bring how a great decoration for the house in time for the Christmas season.

Hawks Holiday Happening in Olympia

Sat. Dec 3rd from 9-4pm at River Ridge HS, the gift and craft fair palooza continues.  Over 100 vendors offer an eclectic mix of arts and crafts.  Fundraising proceeds benefit band students at River Ridge HS.  So, come out in support of your local educational district and give the tuba players a break...I know the Tuba Players always get a bad rap...but seriously, this looks like fun!

350 River Ridge Dr SE

FREE entrance to Children's Museum of Tacoma

The 1st Friday of every month, December 2nd, from 10-7pm, entrance is FREE to the Hands On Children's Museum of Tacoma.  This is a great museum and you can enjoy it at its current location.  It will be moving soon.

The exhibits change frequently and there might even be a bubble hour!  Check the website: www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org for more details and other programs they offer.

Holiday Storytime and Craft S. Tacoma

At the South Tacoma library on December 3rd from 3-4pm, read a holiday story and make a craft to support the theme of the book.  Ages 5-10, no registration is required.  3411 S 56th Street

Come get out of the weather and enjoy a story, a craft and take some books home to read.

Movies at the Main - Tacoma

On December 3rd from 1-3pm at the Main Tacoma library in downtown, come to see a screening of CARS 2, a Pixar film.  We  haven't seen it yet, and I've heard mixed reviews about the film because of the adventure Mater is involved in.  Here is a link for a review for you to make your own decisions.

If you do decide to see it, have fun and check out a book afterward!

Free Museum in Seattle

In Seattle on the 1st Thursday of the month from 5-8pm, December 1st, you can visit these museums for FREE!

• Burke Museum - 4500 15th Ave NE
• Museum of Industry and History - 2700 24th Ave NE
• Seattle Art Museum - 1300 First Ave
• Wing Luke Pacific Asian Experience - 719 S King St.
• Henry Art Gallery - 4100 15th Ave NE (UW)
• NW African American Museum - 2300 S Massachusetts St.
• Experience Music Project and Sci Fi Museum - 325 5th Ave N
• Museum of Flight - 9404 E Marginal Way S

I have taken my kids to the Art Museum and they are not quite old enough to fully enjoy it yet.  So it was a short trip.  FREE makes it worth while.  And the EMP is amazing because of its hands on activities.  

And, if you plan right, you can take an Express Sound Transit bus from the Tacoma Dome station and you don't have to pay for parking.  Each trip will cost approx. $3 see www.soundtransit.org for details (586 will take you to UDistrict and 590's will take you downtown)

Holiday Gift Making - FREE

Bring your kids to the Portland Ave Community Center and have them make a gift for someone they love...a teacher or a grandparent etc. On December 3rd from 10am-1pm, children can make a gift for the family for FREE!  Call 253-591-5391 for more information!

Fetch with Ruff Ruffman University Place

University Place library on December 1st from 4-5pm, explore your ability to manipulate a deck of cards.

REGISTRATION is REQUIRED! by November 28th.

Habitat Restoration Work - Metro Parks

Help maintain the trails and grounds at The Tacoma Nature Center.  Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, learn about new things and enjoy the great outdoors.  Not to mention the way you can teach the kids about what you consider important.

On December 2nd and 16th from 9am-12pm, you can help out by trimming vegetation, planting native plants, removing non-native species, picking up litter or filling bird feeders.  See the flyer here for more details.

Get the links for more information about volunteering or to register as a volunteer here.

Gingerbread Storytime

At the Kobetich Library in Browns Point Tacoma on Tuesday, November 29th from 1-2pm, spice up the holiday with some yummy gingerbread stories (I vote for Hansel & Gretel) and decorate your own gingerbread craft.

Evergreen College Craft Fair

On Wednesday November 30th, from 2-10pm, on the Evergreen College Campus in Olympia, more than 50 students, staff and local artists will be represented at the Evergreen College Craft Fair.  There is free music and entertainment as well as a variety of free DIY workshops are offered.

2700 Evergreen Way

Polar Plaza in Tacoma

Opening Friday, November 25th through Saturday January 2nd, the Franciscan Polar Plaza comes to downtown Tacoma!  This is a COVERED open-air ice-rink in downtown Tacoma.

More information at http://www.polarplaza.com/

Admission Prices:

• Adults & Children: $8
• Skate rental: $2
• Members of Tacoma Art Musuem: $1 off Admission
• All active duty military members & family: $1 off admission

***FREE*** skate when you show a receipt from a participating downtown vendor.  See http://www.bedowntowntacoma.com/ for more details!!

Hours of Operation:

• November 25th - 10am-10pm
• November 26-December 16 
• M-F: 4pm-10pm
• Sat: 10am-10pm/ Sun: 10am-8pm
• December 17-January 2 
• M-Sat 10am-10pm/Sunday: 10am-8pm
• Open till midnight on December 31st

Upcoming Events 

Let it Snow: Free Community Festival 

Sunday, December 4th 10-4pm Start your winter festivities off right with a free community festival at Tacoma Art Museum

Holiday Market
Saturday-Sunday, December 3-4, 10am-5pm
Saturday-Sunday, December 10-11, 10am-5pm
Do a little holiday shopping from local vendors, enjoy warm beverages and skate with your family at Polar Plaza.

Metro Parks Turkey Trot

The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot sponsored by Metro Parks begin at the Center at Norpoint in NE Tacoma.  Work up your appetite for Turkey by walking or running the 5k or the 2mile.  The 5k is chip timed, the 2mile is not.  The kids trot runs around the building or around a course in the parking lot.  Totally supervised, of course, and is only for children.  REGISTER here

Cost:   5K - $35 Kids trot - $15

Cost includes a long sleeve t-shirt and snacks after the race.  Earn your Turkey and show your kids the value of physical fitness!  DON'T FORGET the old shoes for the shoe drive and the canned food for the food bank!

Muppets Movies at UP Library

This Wednesday from 1:30 PM at University Place Library 'Its the Muppets' movie is playing.  Muppets seem to be a big thing recently.  I think they have a new movie in the theaters.  Instead of spending the big cash at the Theater, this is a viable alternative for the younger crowd who might not know the difference.  Recommended ages are 9-12.

Lego Madness - South Hill Library

On Wednesday, November 23rd from 3-5pm, bring your imagination and build something awesome with the library's Legos.  Ages 3-12 are welcome and parents should stay with children that will need help building.

Drop by the play, then check out some books or movies.  The movies might not be brand-new, but FREE beats the late fees charged by movie rental places any day!

The Muppets on the Big Screen in Seattle

The Seattle Cinerama is a Seattle Iconic movie theater.  It boasts an extra large screen that our parents are always talking about when they were kids...imagine seeing Star Wars on the 'Big-Screen', WOW!  (Im a true nerd and Star Wars/Star Trek fan.)  On Wednesday November 23rd - Sunday November 27th , the Muppets are coming to town!  Show times are 10:30am, 1:15pm, 4pm, 7pm and 10pm

Tickets are :
Adult: $11
Children: $9
Matinee: (before 6pm) $9
Senior: (60+) $9

Voyage to Mars - Museum of Flight

The Challenger Learning Center is a simulated space mission that uses hands-on, inquiry based activities to engage participants in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.  The Voyage to Mars mission has your group travelling to Mars to replace a crew of astronauts who have been there for 2 years.  You need to travel to Mars, collect and analyze samples and launch exploratory probes to Mars' two moons. 

This sounds like SO much fun!  It is reccommended for children 10yrs and older and those younger than 16 must have an adult with them.  REGISTRATION is REQUIRED!  Click here for details

* Nov 26th 11am-1pm REGISTER  by Nov 18th.   *Dec 30th 11am-1pm REGISTER by Dec 23rd.

Cost:
Member: $7.00/youth (under 18); $12.00/adult
Non-member: $10.00/youth (under 18); $15.00/adult
(Includes museum admission)

Click Family Flick - Home Alone

Every month on the 3rd Saturday of the month, the Grand Cinema in Tacoma partners with the local cable company, Click! to bring you a free family friendly movie.  Only the first 100 are allowed in because of limited seating.  This months movie, on November 19th at 10am is Home Alone.  This movie is animated and rated PG and is about a boy who suddenly finds his wish to be alone for Christmas granted.  

Since the movie is free, splurge on some of the best movie popcorn Ive ever had and enjoy the ambiance of a great small theater.  The Grand is the only non-profit movie theater in Tacoma and the staff are wonderful.  Enjoy!

Win up to $500 in Prizes! - W. Seattle

Win – up to $1,000 in prizes like water cisterns, landscape design, car wash gift certificates, oil changes, bus passes, and more!

Sustainable West Seattle is taking an hour long education event to community centers in West Seattle this Sept. through Nov. (dates listed below & on events page).  We’ll investigate the biggest threat to Puget Sound, toxic runoff, and easy everyday solutions that people can engage in to stop it.  Audience members will be eligible to win pollution prevention prizes.  Up to $1,000 in prizes will be awarded at each event.

Saturday November 19th, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m., Alki United Church of Christ, 6115 SW Hinds Street, Seattle ($500 in prizes)

Kids Concert - Harmonica Pocket (FREE)

At the Tacoma Main Library, on Wednesday Nov 16th from 10:30-11:30am the group Harmonica Pocket will entertain the kids with a concert that mixes up music, dance and imagination games.  The show is highly interact and delivers a great experience to children, even the big ones, while encouraging them to get up and move.

No reservations are neceesary, just show up at the Olypmic Room.

Cuentos para toda la familia - Puyallup

On November 14th from 6:30-7pm, enjoy a family friendly story hour in Puyallup at the library at 324 S Main street in Spanish and English.  The event includes songs, rhymes and a whole lot of fun.  If you are not a native spanish speaker, but wish to expose yourself or your children to the language of culture, then this is a perfect FREE way to do so. No registration is required.  Click here for more information.

Music at the Library - Instrument Making - Steilacoom

On Wednesday, November 16th, at 4pm, the library in Steilacoom on Steilacoom Blvd is hosting an event courtesy of the Seattle Symphony Music Discovery Staff.

Learn about and how to make your own instrument, so you can take one home with you. Reccommended for ages K-8.

Breakfast with Santa - Puyallup

On December 17th, from 8:30-10:30, the City of Puyallup is hosting a very special event, Breakfast with Santa.  This event also includes a visit with Santa and a show featuring singers from Seattles Teatro ZinZanni. (Teatro ZinZanni has truly amazing shows if you've never been before)  Tables are set for 8, and you must specify if you want to sit with someone special, e.g other family members, at the time of registration. 

Last year, this event sold out in HOURS! Click here for more information

Call 253-841-5457 to reserve your tickets on November 14th

Ticket prices are a little steep, but I couldn't resist posting because it sounded like SO MUCH fun!  You will have to write and let me know if you go and what the experience was like.

$15/ per person ages 3-adult

$5/ per person ages 1-2

FREE for babies 1 and younger

Veterans Day Events

Vetrans Day, especially in such a strong military community like the Puget Sound area, can be great teaching points for your kids.  Even if your children haven't been directly exposed to military life by a parent deploying, it is a great idea to hear the storys and the accomplishments of our vetrans as they have fought for honor and our freedoms.  Politics aside, there is honor in much of what our troops have done and continue to do to ensure freedom for people at home and abroad. (Disclaimer: I am an Air Force brat and an Army wife) 

Here are some local events: click here for a complete list:

Puyallup Veterans Day Observance - Thursday, Nov 107:00p to 8:00p at Pioneer Park
A free program of patriotic and popular music will be performed by The Tapestry Singers and Puyallup Valley Community Band in tribute to veterans and those serving on active duty in the Armed Forces.

Veterans Day Service - Friday, November 1111:00am at Tacoma War Memorial Park
6th Avenue and MacArthur Street
Near the Narrows Bridges
Tacoma, WA 98465
253.752.7722
http://www.tacomahistory.org/

Veteran’s Day at the History Museum - Friday, November 112:00pm at Washington State History Museum
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402

We commemorate this Veteran’s Day by reading aloud a series of recollections written by or about military service members past and present. Members of the public are invited to recount, in 500 words or less, a personal experience related to the American armed forces or a memory of someone who is or was in military service. Free museum admission for active duty/retired military and their families.

Vetran's Day Free Admission to Point Defiance and NW Trek - Friday November 11

Come play the Arctic way.  See how our polar bears, muskoxen, and arctic stay cool all year long with fun toys and treats called enrichment.  The PDZA and NW Trek salutes retired and active military with free admission. 

Museum of Glass - Friday November 11

Free admission for all Vets, Retired, Active Duty Miliary and Families - ID Card required

Lego Building Club

On Sunday, Nov 13th at 1:30-2:30pm, join the Lego club at the Tacoma Main Library.  If you love Legos and want some inspiration, or just want to hang with other Lego makers.  There is a monthly theme and I hear it is a rockin good time!  This is good for ages 5+.

Music at the Library - Make your own Instrument - Gig Harbor

On Saturday, November 12th, at 10:30am, the library in Gig Harbor on Pt Fosdick Drive is hosting an event courtesy of the Seattle Symphony Music Discovery Staff. 

Learn about and how to make your own instrument, so you can take one home with you.  Reccommended for ages K-8.

Volunteer at a Food Bank During the Holiday Season

The holiday season makes us realize the great blessing we have and usually inspires us to do more than we already do in the way of giving back to those around us.  Over the last few years, as the economy is struggling to recover, food banks have noticed a marked increase in demand.  As you go shopping for food to prepare for your various holiday events, office parties, family dinners, etc. please remember those in need.  Buy something extra and put it aside to donate to a food bank.  Or, perhaps volunteer your time.  Choose a location near you from the list here.

Before dropping off gifts consider calling and asking what they need.  If you plan to volunteer, call ahead and ask to schedule a time where they know they will need extra help.  A little preparation will go a long way to ensure you can help make the maximum effect for your time and your money in someone else's life.

Movers and Shakers Dance Party - Wheelock Library

On Thursday, Nov 10th from 10:30-11am at the Wheelock Library in the Proctor District, put your dancing shoes on and get ready to boogie down.  You can shake, rattle and dance your sillies away.  Burn off the kiddos extra energy, and snag some books/videos/CD's to take home.

Story Hour at the Conservatory

On Wednesday November 9th, from 11am-12pm, join a storyteller at the Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Wright Park for a story and science project.  The story is Sori's Harvest Moon.  You can make a paper plate shaker and learn about the Harvest Festivals around the world.

This is a FREE event and is a great way to get out of the house, and stay out of the rain, for an educational afternoon.  If the sun is shining, pack a lunch and head over the newly revamped play area in Wright Park.

Parents Night Out

Every 3rd Friday in Tacoma, the Childrens Museum offers a Parents Night Out from 6-9:30pm. Ages 3-10 (Potty trained PLEASE!) The Cost is $25/1st Child and $10 for Siblings = $35 for 2 children. Not bad as they get 2 1/2 hours of play, dinner and create works of art to take home. This month, that is November 18th.

Doyles Public House also offers a coupon for the participating parents to enjoy a free appitiser of their choice. Please register early by calling 253-627-6031. If they don't have enough participants, they do cancel. Have fun!

Metro Parks Youth Basketball

Indoor fun at its best!  Your kids will learn team teamwork, and sportsmanship.  Best of all, it is indoors and you stay warm too!  The leagues are for both boys and girls, grades K-9.  Registration Deadline is November 18th, that is TOMORROW!  Lets Go!

Click here for more information

Green Seattle Day

The Green Seattle Partnership is coordinating a volunteer event at several parks around town this weekend. Nov 5th from 10-2pm (verify start time at your site)  Without a coordinated effort, Seattle will lose its green space.  Green Seattle Day is a way for you to get involved and plant native shrubs and trees in a park near you.  Click here for more details and to register.

If you have a party of 10 or more, registration is necessary.  Otherwise, if you are reading this on Sat. Nov 5th just show up.  There is always plenty of work.  Some of the parks participating are:

• Westcrest Park
• Golden Gardens
• Lincoln Park
• Discovery Park
• Seward Park
• Interlaken Park 
• Kinnear Park

Cuentos para toda la familia - Puyallup

On November 7th from 6:30-7pm, enjoy a family friendly story hour in Puyallup at the library at 324 S Main street in Spanish and English.  The event includes songs, rhymes and a whole lot of fun.  If you are not a native Spanish speaker, but wish to expose your children to the language or culture, or even pick up a few words yourself, this is a perfect FREE way to do so.  No registration is required.  Click here for more information.

Order your Holiday Wreath and Support Mary Bridge Childrens Hospital

The Tacoma Orthopedic Association or TOA has an annual fundraiser where you can order holiday wreaths to hang on your front door, car grill or your office.  Each wreath is hand crafted from freshly cut boughs and smell wonderful.  They last a really long time too.  Ive had no problems with having mine last all the way through New Years every year. Click here to order.

If you have loved ones out of state, you can also order a gift pack, a fresh wreath and a package of locally made Almond Roca.  So, send the gift of a great smelling wreath as well as a great tasting local product for the holidays!  This really goes for a wonderful cause.  Im sure most of us know of at least one person whose life was touched by a childrens hospital.  We are lucky enough to have both Mary Bridge in Tacoma as well as Childrens in Seattle.

Please help support these wonderful, life giving and selfless places. http://www.toaholidaywreaths.org/

Music at the Library - Instrument Appreciation - Orting

On Saturday,November 12th at 1pm, the Orting library on Washington Ave is hosting an Instrument Appreciation time for ages 4+.  This event is brought to you courtesy of the Seattle Symphony Music Discovery department. 

Pick up a violin or other instrument from a real symphony orchestra and pluck a string to make your own music!  This is a great hands-on event.

Polar Express Trains - Chehalis & Elbe

If you have a train lover in your family, this can be a really nice special event.  Include the grandparents or favorite people in the trip and make it a memorable holiday experience!  These events are more expensive than my usual postings, but my kids are gaga for trains and the sometimes the holidays call for a little something special.


The Chehalis Central Railroad is offering a Polar Express Santa Train!  Fridays/Saturdays & Sundays November 25th through December 18th.  The trains feature a reading of the popular book "The Polar Express" on the ride up to the North Pole.  The train picks up Santa for the return trip so he can visit with everyone.  Children are encouraged to dress in their pajamas and cookies and cocoa will be served just like the movie.  **Train cars are not heated, so dress warmly 

Departure time:
Friday - 7:30pm
Saturday - 4:30pm & 7:30pm
Sunday - 4:30pm

The ride is approximately 90minutes and will cost $25 for Adults and $15 for children 3-15

For a cheaper, shorter duration option, the Santa Trains are offered for 30min rides starting Dec 3-11th Saturdays & Sundays only at 12:30pm and 2pm.  $TBD

The Mt. Rainier Railroad out of Elbe offers a similar event, November 17th through December 18th for $25 Adults and $20 for Youth 3-12 (They do offer Senior/Military/AAA discounts)

Riders will leave the station and ride to Mineral Lake where they meet Santa.  Everyone gets to sit on Santa's lap and will receive a small gift, cocoa/cider and cookies.  You can even make reservations to ride in the CAB OF THE ENGINE!  That is pretty cool.  Trains are not always heated and trains do sell out.  So click here to reserve your spot.

Kids Concerts - Theater on Square in Tacoma

On November 5th, at 10 and 11:30am, bring your kids to listen to the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association play Vivaldi.  The music of Vivaldi and a string trio will play Goldyhands and the Three Bows.  Purchase price is $8.50.  Not a huge amount, but with multiple kids, plus adults, it can get pricy quick.  So, I reccomend buying for 3 shows for a total charge of $20.75. So, for $5.25 per show, you can see THREE!  The next three shows are:

• Mother Goose Goes to the Symphony on Jan 21st
• Sailing the Musical Seas on March 17th

 Click here for more info.