Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

9 Free Things To Do With Kids This Week, Dec. 25-31

Enjoy the last bits of seasonal fun with lights, crafts, and a brand new playground.

Monday, December 25 – Christmas Day

Gingerbread Village Seattle architectural firms, trade associations and Sheraton Seattle culinary staff team up to design, bake and build fantastic gingerbread creations. FREE, donations accepted for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. today, and various hours through Jan. 1. U.S. Bank City Centre (Downtown Seattle).

Ivar’s Clam Lights See a stunning visual display of several dozen trees and shrubs professionally decorated with thousands of lights. Centered at Ivar's, Kidd Valley, and the water walk at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. The overall decorated paved trail path is a flat walk-able loop approximately one mile long. 5 to 9 p.m. tonight and nightly through Jan. 1. Gene Coulon Beach Park (Renton).

 

Tuesday, December 26

Seattle Center Winterfest Enjoy seasonal activities and entertainment through Dec. 31. Today, see Eric Haines perform a comedic one-man band variety show at 12:30 p.m. in the Armory. See the Winter Train and Village (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. also in the Armory). Also, check out the Winterfest ice rink ($8) in Fisher Pavillion. See the complete schedule here.

Story Time for Kids Enjoy a dramatic reading of classic books along with new favorites. Recommended for ages 3 to 7. 11 a.m. University Book Store (U District).  

 

Wednesday, December 27

A Tale of Two Bad Mice Puppet Show In this fun puppet show, young Beatrix Potter re-enacts the day the mice Tom Thumb and Hunca Munca came to be called, "two bad mice". Presented using the Bunraku style of puppetry by Thistle Theatre. 1 p.m. Shoreline Library (Shoreline).

 

Thursday, December 28

Discovery Park's New Playground Grand Opening Celebrate the opening of the newly constructed Discovery Park playground.  Nature activities, hot drinks, light snacks and of course lots of play time. Located south of the Discovery Park Environmental Learning Center/Visitor Center just past the tennis courts. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Discover Park (Magnolia).

Winter Craft Extravaganza Children and their grownups are invited to celebrate the winter season with books, snacks, and winter themed crafts. 3 to 4:30 p.m. Seattle Public Library – Queen Anne Branch (Queen Anne).

 

Friday, December 29

Children's Film Festival Watch independent short animated children's films from around the world, selected by Children's Film Festival Seattle 2017. Recommended for ages 5 and older. 11 a.m. to noon today and Dec. 30. Seattle Public Library – Central Branch (Downtown Seattle).

 

Sunday, December 31

Sunday Public Sail Each Sunday, the Center for Wooden Boats offers free 45-minute rides on Lake Union. Set sail on one of the beautiful, classic boats. Sign up for a slot in person, several trips throughout the day. Space is limited. Sign up begins at 10 a.m. Center for Wooden Boats (Lake Union). 

Check out more events! Our Family Events Calendar is searchable by age, location, and cost. 

About the Author

Nicole Santora, Calendar Editor