Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

22 free things to do with kids around Seattle, Nov. 18-24

Homework help, movie nights, holiday markets, Seattle's Festival of Trees, and so much more to kick start the holiday season.

 

 

Monday, November 18

Homework Help. Visit one of the many branches offering homework support from a qualified volunteer, from Lake City to Greenwood to Rainier Beach and beyond. Children must be supervised by a caregiver. 4 or 4:30 p.m. on weekdays (depending on location), various library locations throughout Seattle. 

Yoga for Preschoolers. Get your zen on with your little one with some beginner yoga practice. Through books and storytelling, simple yoga poses will be introduced for guests to try. Pre-register. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Woodinville Library. 

Monday Madness at Playdate SEA. Enjoy 8,000 square feet of indoor playground fun for the kids, while parents sip coffee at the attached cafe. 5 to 8 p.m. Play Date SEA, Mercer Street, Seattle. 

 

Tuesday, November 19

¡Hora De Cuentos! (Spanish Story Time). This story time is presented fully in Spanish, so whether you speak the language or would like to expose your youngster to Spanish speaking, this event is a win. 10:30 to 11 a.m. Beacon Hill Library, Seattle. 

 

 

Wednesday, November 20

The Do Butterflies Dream Show. A fun, musical puppet show exploring how plants and insects survive during the winter months. There will be singing, dancing, science, reading, and art. Something for everyone! 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Snoqualmie Library. 

PJ Library Song & Story Time. Head to the children’s section by the big castle to discover the wonders of this special story time, which explores movement, language, and rhythm. There will be fun kids’ activities, as well. 11:30 to noon. Elliot Bay Book Company, Seattle. 

Pajamas & Puppets. Wear your pajamas and come early to get a seat at this puppet show that includes rhymes, songs, stories, and more. 7 to 7:30 p.m. Northeast Library (Ravenna), Seattle. 

 

Thursday, November 21

Oly Third Thursday. Each month, Downtown Olympia offers this lovely celebration of arts, culture, food, and music. There are buskers, discounts at the shops, and a “challenge game puzzle” for kids to play and win a prize. 4 to 7 p.m. Downtown Olympia. 

UHeights: The Mermaids. This live performance is recommended for the older kiddos and teens, as it doesn’t start until 8 pm on a school night. Two friends wander onto a secluded beach and a mystery begins to unfold. (Pay what you can night). 8 to 10 p.m. The Auditorium (University Way), Seattle. 

 

Friday, November 22

Wonders of Wilderness. November is a great time for gratitude, and this program focuses on appreciation for nature with a hike led by a park ranger. Afterward, make a craft to take home. Pre-register. 10 to 11 a.m. Lake Hills Greenbelt, Bellevue. 

Friday Movie: Frozen Sing-Along. Don’t want to splurge on tickets to the big release of Frozen 2 tonight? Instead, catch the original tonight and join in for a sing-along! Costumes encouraged, come early for crafts. 3:30 to 6 p.m. Kent Library. 

Movies at Mercer Slough: Seasonal Forests. An episode of Planet Earth shown on the big screen, exploring woodland animals and their habitats. Pre-register. 5 to 6 p.m. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, Bellevue. 

 

Saturday, November 23

Native Art Market. Shop for handmade items from Native American artists, including clothing, drums, art prints, woodworking and more, plus food vendors. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daybreak Star Indian Culture Center (Discovery Park), Seattle. 

Holly Daze Bazaar. Vashon’s annual bazaar, where dozens of island artists will be selling their handmade goods. Crafts, music, food, and more will entertain the youngsters. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. McMurray Middle School, Vashon Island. 

Holiday Crafts Market. Another great option for the family to explore unique, handmade gifts to prepare you for the holiday season. Over 65 artisans will be selling their handmade goods. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spartan Recreation Center, Shoreline. 

Appreciating Nature Through Art. Learn how to fine tune your observational skills, sketchbook and pencil in hand, and hone in on all that nature has to offer and appreciate. Paper and art materials provided, partially outdoors. Pre-register. Noon to 1 p.m. Lake Hills Greenbelt Park, Bellevue. 

Special Story Time. First, head to Third Place Books to peruse the shelves, let your littles hang in the play area, or grab a coffee. Then, enjoy story time with Laura McGee Kvasnosky, author of children’s book Squeak! A perfect Saturday! 11 a.m. to noon., 6504 20th Ave. N.E., (Ravenna), Seattle 

 

Sunday, November 24

Family Variety Show. Want to impress your family, or to simply be “wow-ed?” Performers will share their musical and magical talents, and show off some world-record-breaking skills. 4 to 5:30 p.m. University Heights Center (University District), Seattle. 

Seattle Festival of Trees Celebration. This special event at the Fairmont supports the Seattle Children’s Hospital. Admire the dozens of beautifully decorated trees in the lobby, hear stories, a Christmas choir, and enjoy treats. 1 to 4 p.m. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Downtown Seattle. 

Piper’s Creek Salmon Celebration. See chum and coho salmon return to Piper’s Creek at Carkeek Park, plus enjoy food, hot drinks, music, and activities throughout the park. There will be Salmon Stewards are on hand to answer questions. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Carkeek Park, Seattle. 

 

About the Author

Leah Winters, Calendar Editor