Monday, October 1
Toddler Playtime Little walkers (ages 5 and younger) can burn off some energy while developing motor and social skills. Meet new friends while playing, bouncing, riding, and rolling. And don’t forget to check out the imagination playground. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ballard Community Center.
Pajamarama! Evening Family Story Time Zip up those fleece onsies and grab your kids’ favorite snuggle buddy! Enjoy rhymes, songs and surprises. Ages 3 to 6 with adult; families are welcome. 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. Shoreline Branch Library.
Tuesday, October 2
Library Learning Buddies While you browse the latest parenting books, a local high school student will help your kids brush up on math and reading. This mentoring program is designed for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Beacon Hill Branch Library.
Indoor Toddler Gym Let your energetic toddler run free while developing hand-eye coordination and making new friends. 11:20 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. Alki Community Center, West Seattle.
Detective Cookie’s Chess Club Learn to play chess with the urban club that’s been ongoing for more than a decade. Kids and teens ages 7 and older are welcome. 3 to 5 p.m. Rainier Beach Branch Library.
Pokemon League Night Learn the game basics and get the feel for competitive play. Trade and win prizes, too. 5 to 7 p.m. Top Ten Toys, Seattle (Greenwood).
Wednesday, October 3
Renton History Museum It’s free admission day at this Art Deco firehouse turned museum. Learn about the neighborhood history, then explore the nearby Liberty Park. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Renton.
Bird Tales from Bird Note® Tweet, tweet! Today your little wildlings can learn all about birdsong. Science advisers from the popular NPR radio show Bird Note will talk about the “chirps, quirks and stories from 100 birds.” Noon to 1 p.m. Central Library, Downtown Seattle.
Photography Club Kids ages 9 through 14 will learn how to shoot a portrait with studio lighting, take great action shots and edit photos. 3 to 4 p.m. Delridge Community Center, West Seattle.
Sanctuary in the City Need a calm afternoon activity? Listen to beautiful music at this free lunchtime concert. This week New York-based baritone James Dargan will celebrate Black history through the music of five legendary singers: Paul Robeson, Roland Hayes, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday and Robert McFerrin, Sr. 12:10 to 1:10 p.m. Christ Our Hope at the Josephinum, Seattle.
Thursday, October 4
Free First Thursdays How is it October already? It’s a good thing, because that means it’s free admission today at local museums. Can’t decide which museum to visit? Try the Living Computer Museum, where kids play with robots, run a program on an Apple, try for the high score on Ms. PacMan, draw in virtual reality and so much more. This place is totally fun for kids… and totally nostalgic for you! 5 to 8 p.m. SODO, Seattle.
Children’s Story Time This is one of our favorite spaces for story time. The children’s librarian is energetic and has seasonal stories to share. And there’s plenty of room for little ones to play, sing and meet new friends. 10:30 to 11 a.m. Douglass-Truth Branch Library.
Tales from Latin America: The Armadillo’s Song and The Half Chicken Watch sweet and wacky folk tales from Central and South America, featuring songs by Mondeto De Oro and Afrocubism, as well as a Sesame Street favorite. For children ages 2 through 6. Noon to 1 p.m. Northgate Community Center.
Friday, October 5
Small Frye: Storytelling + Art Seattle Children’s Theater puts on a dramatic storytelling. Art making follows. Due to limited space, pre-registration is recommended. 10:30 to 11:45. Frye Art Museum, First Hill, Seattle.
Story Time with Betsy and the PJ Library Preschool-aged children and families can listen to stories and sing songs every Friday. 11 a.m. Third Place Books, Ravenna.
Bellevue Arts Museum Enjoy free admission on the first Friday of the month. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bellevue.
Saturday, October 6
Seattle Fire Day at MOHAI It's your young firefighter-in-training's chance to be the real deal! Try on gear, learn fire safety tips and climb aboard a real fire engine. Free for museum members and free Grand Atrium admission during event hours. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. MOHAI, South Lake Union, Seattle.
Salmon Days Festival Celebrate the yearly return of salmon to our waterways. Hatchery tours, carnival, grand parade and hands-on activities for kids. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Sunday. Downtown Issaquah.
Kelsey Creek Farm Fair Entertainment, heritage demonstrations, crafts, inflatables, petting zoo, tractor-pulled hayrides and more. Some activities are for a fee, so bring a little cash. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bellevue.
S’more than You Imagined Who says S’mores are just for summertime camping? Get your marshmallow and chocolate fix while you sing songs and tell stories around a bonfire. 6 to 8 p.m. Game Farm Wilderness Park, Auburn.
Touch-A-Truck: Port of Tacoma If your littles love trucks and trains, this event is worth the haul to Tacoma. Kids can explore equipment used by Tacoma Rail, port security, and maintenance. Free popcorn and cookies, too. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Port of Tacoma.
Sunday, October 7.
CroatiaFest Celebrate Croatian heritage and culture with music and dance performances, food, art, activities, demonstrations and workshops. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Seattle Center.
Indoor Pumpkin Patch You don’t have to brave the cold and wet to visit a pumpkin patch. Country Village has indoor cornstalks, straw bales, fancy gourds and tons of pumpkins. Free admission; fee for pumpkins. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Country Village, Bothell.
Board Game Sunday Sometimes it’s nice to get out of the house while still taking it easy. Play a game of Ticket to Ride or Jenga with your neighbors. Or bring a favorite board game from home. 1 to 4 p.m. Ballard Branch Library.
Want more? Check out our Family Events Calendar, searchable by age, location and cost.
