Children's Museum of Seattle - Sensory Sensitive Hrs

The Children's Museum of Seattle offers sensory sensitive hours before the normal operating hours at least one time per month 8:30-10am.  The Children's Museum opens their doors early to provide a sensory sensitive environment for children affected by disabilities or autism.  This environment includes minimal sounds and dimmed lights, providing a quieter environment for the loved ones who need these special accommodations.

Tickets ($3/ person) need to be purchased in advance click here for more information.

Upcoming dates are:
February 4th
March 3rd
April 7th

D is for Duck, Preschool Nature Series

At the Tacoma Nature Center on February 3rd, at 10:30am, Preschoolers explore different nature topics through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks, and crafts. Adult participation is recommended; children under 4 require an adult present. For ages 3-6. Please call to register - 253-591-6439. This class has limited availability. $6/$5 child / member-child

PreSchool and Private School Fair in Olympia

If you live in the Olympia area and have kids starting school like mine, then you might be interested.

The Third Annual Olympia Area Private School and Preschool Fair is on Saturday, January 28 from 1:00 to 3:00.

Learn about the local alternatives to public schools, with over 20 local Preschool, Elementary, Middle and High Schools. There will be fun activities at each table and a chance to learn about each school in one place. There will be a wide range of school models including alternative, cooperative, democratic, faith-based and independent.

In the Olympia Community School Gym, 1601 North St SE, Olympia.


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Location:SeaTac,United States

Big Mini-Golf Classic

This was brought to my attention by a twitter friend who reads the Volcano. It looks like fun, and you support a great cause, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.

On Saturday the 28th of Jan, from 10am, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts' Big Mini Golf Classic returns. This event invites patrons of all ages to play a mini-golf course that winds throughout the building.

512 Wasgington Street SE
Olympia





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Location:Olympia

Cuentos para toda la familia

Jan 30, 2012 6:30 pm-7:00 pm
Location
Puyallup Public Library
324 S. Meridian
Puyallup, WA 98371

Join Señora Hogue for a FREE family storytime in Spanish and English that includes stories, songs, rhymes, and a whole lot of fun. Listen to a familiar story in a different language. Learn a new word or two. Children of all ages and ability levels are invited to attend along with their families.

As someone who admires the Spanish/ Hispanic culture, and lived abroad, learning another culture is a valuable experience for ALL ages. I hope you can go.

No registration required.
Contact Info
(253) 841-5454
puylib@ci.puyallup.wa.us

Location:Puyallup

Tacoma Free Day at the Zoo

This Saturday the 28th of January, the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is offering free entrance to all Tacoma residents. Proof of residency is required, zoo membership, utility bill, drivers license, etc.

This is a great opportunity to see great animals, and enjoy the wonderful views of the Puget Sound. This is one of my favorite places, my boys too. Even in the rain there is much to enjoy at the aquarium, discovery center and other exhibits.

***Get there early as it can get crowded fast***


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Location:Tacoma

How to Train Your Dragon and Craft - Summit

On Friday, Jan 27th from 3:30pm till 6pm, at the Summit Pierce County Library, you can watch the movie 'How to Train Your Dragon', eat some snacks and make a dragon themed craft after the movie.

The movie is rated PG, the rating blog from IMDb http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0892769/parentalguide#certification will give you more information to see if the movie is right for you and your youngster.  It is a hard line to walk to make a film the kids will find funny, and entertain parents too.  So use your best jugement. 

Summit Library
5107 112th St E
Tacoma, WA 98446 

Healthy Teeth, Healthy Smiles

For my southies, the Parkland/Spanaway branch of the Pierce County Library, tomorrow on Jan 25th at 10:30am, you can make a tooth themed craft and learn all about dental health from a special guest from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (Feburary is Dental Health Month).  Everyone have healthy snacks and walk away with a free toothbrush and resource information for dental care. 

This is a great excursion for the family on a blustery, windy day.  Make a craft, eat a snack, and learn all about your teeth.  My boys are always interested in learning about their bodies, sometimes to my chagrin - in public.  But this is safe. :)

Soundbridge at Seattle Symphony

Every Friday, from noon till 4pm, Soundbridge is FREE! Soundbridge is a great part of the Seattle Spymphony where children can play instruments, make noise, and experiment with sound. At 1:30, participate in musical storytelling.

My boys love music and are always dancing around. I keep meaning to bring them to this, but it's a bit of a trek for a Friday night. But, if you're based closer to Seattle, then this is definitely a must-do.

Benaroya Hall
2nd Ave and Union



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Location:Seattle

Free Symphony Concert at Seattle City Hall

On Wednesday January 25th at 12:30pm, Mayor Mike McGinn will welcome the Seattle Symphony to Seattle City Hall. The event is FREE, so if you plan on being downtown for any other reason, stop by to enjoy the music!

500 Fourth Ave


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Location:Seattle

Pier Peer Around Tacoma: Foss Waterway

On January 28th, bring your family and join up for an aquatic night-time adventure as you explore hundreds of mysterious marine life forms below the docks with experienced naturalists. Warm-up at the end of the evening with hot cocoa. While Im kind of bummed that this is for ages 8+, I understand.  This is a night/evening peer into all that is cool under the water at Point Defiance Marina.  This looks like a ton of fun!  Hope you guys can make it!

Each child requires one adult companion. Please dress for the weather; piers can be slippery. Life jackets are supplied and MUST be worn at all times when on the pier.

For ages 8+. Please call or click here to register. (Pre-registration is REQUIRED!)

Cost is $6/person

The Children's Museum - Tacoma

Yesterday we went to The Children's Museum. We all had a really great time. The space is much bigger than the previous space and includes 5 playscapes. The toddler's favorite was the water feature, the older boys (5yrs) had fun with the dragon boat. We spent about 3 hours at the museum and could have spent another 2 hours easily.

That said, here are a few warnings...
* If you have a runner, be prepared to sprint. There is only 1 door in and out, so parents leaving can inadvertently let your child out.
* This space like the previous one has minimal space to have a picnic lunch. It has a coffee shop, where members receive a discount, but seating is limited. Most parents I know bring a picnic lunch to this sort of thing; I know I did. So, it's easier to hope the light rail to Freighthouse Square and grab a table in the food court.



That said, the play area is magnificent! The arts & crafts area is amazing and there is a ton of fun to be had. And, since they are in a donation model, you can pay as much as you want toward entrance. (Thank you Key Bank!)

My advice, park at Freighthouse Square, ride light rail (for free) to the convention center stop. Walk a block to the Children's Museum. Makes the whole day an adventure, and possible on a small budget.

Location:Tacoma

Winter Volksmarch - NW Trek - UPDATED

****I just found out that this event was cancelled due to storm damage*** I am so bummed!  Keep tuned and I will update if/when they reschedule. 

I love, love, love this event.  During this event, you get into NW Trek for FREE and receive a 1/2 priced tram ticket.  Volksmarch is a German custom where you get to go on measured walks through native scenery (urban or rural) and there are many clubs dedicated to the past-time.  (Click here for a list of clubs in Washington)
Having lived in Germany for a time, this is a great way to spend time with the family, and outdoors, and pretty cheap too!  Having done this walk many times, I recommend showing up at the beginning of the walk as tram rides fill up fast.  And when you have little ones, the last thing they want to do at the end of a long walk is to wait to ride a train!

February 4th & 5th (Sat & Sun) from 9am-1pm - Click here for more event details!

Family Nature Walks - Tacoma

Metro Parks offer great nature walks, lead by a naturalist at various parks throughout the city.  These walks are FREE and offered for children over the age of 3 (able to walk on their own).  Walks are organized and led by Tacoma Nature Center staff.  I've taken my children on these walks, and not only are the great exercise for the body, but they are entertaining and full of information too!

For more information: 253-591-6439 or click here

• Jan 21st 10-11am - Center at Norpoint, 4818 Nassau Ave NE
• Jan 28th 10-11am - Wapato Hills Park, 6231 S Wapato St.
• Feb 4th 1-2pm - Oak Tree Park, Cedar and S 74th St.
• Feb 11th 10-11am - Wapato Park
• March 31st 10-11am - Wapato Park
• April 14th 10-11 - Wapato Park
• April 28th 10-11 - Swan Creek Park, 2820 Pioneer Way E
• May 19 10-11am Oak Tree Park

Click Family Flick - Tacoma

At the Grand Cinema in Tacoma, you can watch a FREE family movie on the 3rd Saturday of every month at 10am.  This event is sponsored by the Click cable company in Tacoma and is limited to the first 100 people in attendance.  Seats go quick, so be at least 30min early. Click here for more information.

Jan 21st - Astro Boy (PG) 2009
Feb 18th - Hotel for Dogs (PG) 2009
Mar 17th - Muppet Movie (G) 1979
April 21st - Happy Feet (PG) 2006
May 19th - The Princess Bride (PG) 1987 (Im personally really stoked about this one!! A personal favorite)

Enjoy the free movie and buy some popcorn to support one of the best movie houses in Tacoma!

Kids Concert in Tacoma

On January 21st, at 10 and 11:30am, bring your kids to listen to the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra play Mother Goose.  Purchase price is $8.50. (some handling fees apply) Not a huge amount, but with multiple kids, plus adults, it can get pricy quick.  If you purchased the 3pack of shows, you scored a deal for a total charge of $20.75. The next show is:

• Sailing the Musical Seas on March 17th

 Click here for more info.

Model Railroad Extravaganza

Janurary 14th through 16th from 10am-6pm, the Pacific Science Center is hosting Washington's largest model train show.  For all my train loving friends out there, this looks like a blast!  Explore displays and layouts and hands-on activities and crafts for people of all ages, even the big kids (aka. my husband!).  The smaller ones can also take a ride on the Iron Horse Railway kid-sized train!

Adults: $14 (16+)       Senior: $12 (65+)
Youth: $9 (6-15)        Children: $7 (3-5)

Prepare for Summer Camp - NOW?

This is a really great article that I saw on my twitter feed.  (@tacomalynette) The YMCA recommends that if you want to get your kids to summer camp this summer, planning ahead is key.  I am the mother of 3 boys, so planning is a way of life, or at least my best effort to avoid major mayhem and confusion.  My boys are still a little young for the summer camp thing, in my opinion.  But, they can be great experiences offering great tools for building relationships, and all kids of fun, learning and interactive environments.  So, check out the article, a worthy read, and as the Summer starts getting closer, I will try to put up a special summer activity page on the website.

The YMCA Camp Seymour takes payments!  While I would never recommend putting the payment on the credit card, but you can charge to a debit card for a layaway type plan.  (Im sure not all camps offer this, but you never know, so just ask)

Also at Camp Seymour, you can apply for financial assistance.  The sooner you do, the sooner you know the answer.  Just don't get the kiddos hopes up until you know for sure, or at least qualify any promises you make.  "Suzie, I am going to try and get you into summer camp again, but if we don't get any financial assistance, we might not make it...etc"

Camp Seymour lets you set up a fundraising web-page.  The page can be emailed to grandparents, and other relatives, linked on facebook or shared through other social media sites to ask for help in funding your child's summer camp experience.

Also, look for special pricing situations.  Camp Seymour has several pricing tiers (3) and special pricing for Pierce and Kitsap County members.

See http://campseymour.blogspot.com/2011/11/when-camp-is-priority-for-your-child.html for more information.

Daddy Daughter Dance

In Puyallup at the Best Western Ballroom on Saturday February 4th, Dads take your daughters out for a night on the town.  This is a great way to bond with your best little girl and have a great time.  Treat your little sweetheart out to a night with a live DJ, refreshments and an occasion photo.  (There is probably a charge for the photo.)

RESIDENT: $20/ dad-daughter pair ($7) for each additional daughter
NON-resident: $24/ dad-daughter pair ($10) for each additional daughter

Two sessions: more information
A: 4:30-6:30pm  ~  B: 7:30-9:30pm

Tickets sell out, so buy yours soon!

Lets Play Tacoma

January 14-16th, at the Tacoma Convention Center, learn about how to keep yourself and your family moving in Tacoma/Pierce County.  With sponsors like the Children's Museum, MultiCare and the YMCA, this looks to be a great, wholesome event.  As the mother to boys, they operate better after working off a bit of steam...by running around.  Hahaha At the event you can participate in:  http://www.letsplaytacoma.org/

• Tournaments
• Wellness Clinics
• Demos & Participation
• Vendors
• Entertainment (well-known figure skater Kimmie Meissner will be there as well on the 14th at 10:30)
• Lets Walk Food Drive

Kids under 12yrs - FREE

Kids 12+ (and Adults) - $5 or 5 non-perishable food donation

MLK Day Jump

Jan 16th, Pump It Up Tacoma is hosting a Drop-in, not drop-off, event for the MLKing holiday.  The kids can run, jump and have fun.  Parents can enjoy the free wi-fi in the Parent Lounge.  http://bit.ly/uaIH3t

Ages 4-12 are welcome between 10am-12pm.  Cost is $10 per child

Children get to:

• Jump and run
• Craft 
• Eat a snack

Free Entrance to National Parks

Over the Martin Luther King holiday, experience a national park for free! Free entrance also applies for parking fees, according to the article! We are so lucky that we have so many parks that are so close...check out the link for great parks and great fun!

U.S. National Park Service Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

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Family Day at Glass Museum

Bring the family for an afternoon of creativity! Family Days at the Museum of Glass encourage visitors of all ages to tap into their imaginations and make their own art, guided by a professional artist. Performances by local dance and music groups add an extra element of inspiration and energy.

Jan 14th from 1-4pm

Family Days are scheduled for the second Saturday of each month. - Click here for more details

New Tacoma Children's Museum Opens

The new Children's Museum in Tacoma is opening on January 14th!  The new location is 1501 Pacific Avenue.  Thanks to a grant from Key Bank, their new fee structure is PAY AS YOU WILL.  This means, you donate what you can during your visit.  Your admission means means they can extend the privilege to everyone in the area.  The Children's Museum has great programs and is sure to have wonderful playscapes.

Each program I have experienced through this organization has been focused on learning and development for the child through the use of fun and exciting play.  I can't think of anything better than to learn without realizing your are learning.  Frequent this location, donate/pay what you will and pass on this great benefit to other families in the community.

http://www.playtacoma.org/

More Outdoor Fun - Snow

I love getting my boys outside and running around. They feel better and they are better behaved when they go outside.  They think better because they have been able to exercise their body and mind.  And, they just plain love snow.  These sound like wonderful opportunities to get them up and moving.  I can't wait, and the prices look reasonable. 

Verify before you go about additional possible rental costs, but a $10/$20 excursion sounds like a  blast to me!

Stevens Pass: Jan8-Feb26
Snoqualmie: Jan8-March31

Kids in the Snow: Feb 4- March 31 - earn a Junior Ranger badge, learn about tracking, and check out a snow crystal with a magnifier!

Guided Snowshoe Walks: A Great Way to Get Outdoors During the Winter | Seattle's Child

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Rain Stick Fun

WET Science Center

At Lott WET Science Center, they have a great event for the kids on Sat, Jan 7th, from 10am till 4pm.  You can make your own rain stick. And, you can participate in a contest to see how long you can make your rain stick rain.  Enjoy the craft, learn some science and have some fun!

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Model Train Reinactment - Tacoma History Museum

For my train enthusiasts out there, after the Model Train show has left the Washington State History Museum, the volunteers who run the model railroad exhibit will reenact actual schedules of the 1950's railroad.  The exhibit is included with regular admission on January 7th:

• $8 adults
• $7 seniors
• $6 children 6-17/ military
• $25 family of 4

Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Park - UP

On Monday Jan 9th from 12-1pm, at the Adriana Hess Wetland, courtesy of the Tahoma Audobon Society (www.tahomaaudubon.org),  a naturalist will walk you through the wetland and talk about nature, birds and our ecology.  This is a great program for nature lovers or for people who just want to get out and experience nature. Im pretty lucky in that my boys love anything outdoors, cold weather or warm.  And this is just the ticket to keep them wanting to learn more about life around them.

Sensory Friendly Film - Lakewood

On January 10th, at 10am, the AMC Loews Lakewood Towne Center is offering a Family Friendly movie for Sensory sensitive children and their families.  Families affected with autism can enjoy The Adventures of TinTin for $4-$6 with lights up and sound turned down.  No previews or ads either!  Bring your own snacks to enjoy and have fun at the movie.

This is great.  So many of my friends who have a child with a special need also has dietary requirements and the food restrictions at movie theaters can be daunting.  So, this is a really special event for some very special people.

3rd Thursday Artwalk

Every 3rd Thursday in Tacoma, they host an artwalk.  Several museums are open to the public and offer specials and great displays.  NOW...show a partnering receipt from downtown Tacoma and get a free skate at Polar Plaza! See http://www.bedowntowntacoma.com/ for more details on the free skate in Tacoma and http://www.artwalktacoma.com/ for details on participating venues:

• Museum of Glass
• Tacoma Art Museum
• Wa State History Museum
• American Art Gallery
• BKB & Company
• Tacoma Glassblowing Studio
• Dragonfly (Sponsor)
• Hotel Murano (Sponsor)
• Tacoma Art Supply & Gallery Wall (Sponsor)