Airfares for spring break travel are up from last year (by almost double digits, according to ABC news). If you are sticking around town, we have a list of 15 boredom-busting ideas that will help keep your kids busy and entertained over the break. Bonus: Many of them are free!
1. Tiptoe Through the Tulips
The annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival kicks off this week and lasts the whole month long. If you can go during the week, instead of on a weekend, you’ll have far fewer crowds. Check out a map and schedule of events for this year’s festival, or peruse our Parent’s Survival Guide to the Tulip Festival for helpful resources and a kid-tested itinerary to help you navigate the fields.
2. Meet Author Dav Pilkey
He’s the imaginative mind behind dozens of fun kids’ books, including Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers, his latest book in the series. He’ll be available to sign your book purchase at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, at Lake Forest Park’s Third Place Books.
3. Take an Urban Hike to a Beach
It’s staying light later, and now that we are getting more glimpses of that bright orb in the sky, nature is calling our name. But it’s not quite time for mountain hiking; many trails are still socked in with snow. Try urban hikes to get your family moving in April. Read about five idyllic spots for getting some good exercise under the guise of having playtime at the beach.
4. Poetry is Magical
At 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, watch a FREE magic show at the Shoreline Library by Thomas H. Pruiksma that combines storytelling, magic and poetry to demonstrate the power language has to inspire.
5. Go on Some Adventures with Spot
Seattle Children’s Theatre’s world premiere of Adventures with Spot, adapted from the books by Eric Hill, is a hit for kids ages 2 through 7. Check out our parent review of the show, which held the rapt attention of a 2- and 6-year-old in the audience. Spot is played with endearing enthusiasm and immediately draws the audience in, and the physical humor brings much enjoyment to the crowd. Some performances are sold out, so get your tickets soon.
6. See the New Lion Cubs (and More!) at Woodland Park Zoo
The Woodland Park Zoo has welcomed lots of new babies recently, including four frolicking lion cubs that are now on view (weather dependent). Come see them and all of the other interesting creatures, plus enjoy keeper talks, animal feedings (additional fee) and Zoomazium programs.
7. Try Seattle’s Child’s Scavenger Hunt at Seattle Art Museum
Don’t miss the opportunity to take your children to see world famous works in “Rembrandt, Van Dyke, Gainsborough: The Treasures of Kenwood House, London,” on loan to the Seattle Art Museum through May 19. Many of the 50 paintings have never traveled to the United States before. Get the low-down on what you’ll find in this exhibit and ways to make the art come alive for your kids, including a scavenger hunt devised by our parent reviewer. After your trip downtown, find inspiring ideas in our Eight Ways to Nurture a Young Artist story.
8. Cut Yourself a Picture
Put away the markers, crayons and paints—all you need is a pair of scissors to make a masterpiece. Nordic Heritage Museum invites kids and adults to explore their newest exhibit, Paper for a Brush, and try three different styles of paper-cutting art. It’s included with admission and happens 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 25.
9. Coffee Shops You and Your Kids Will Love
Worried about fussy or bored kids while you are trying to connect with friends? Worry no more! The just-opened Playdate Café in Lynnwood (see our parent review) is the new hot spot for moms, offering top notch coffee and teas, a healthy menu and a giant play space geared toward little ones ages 6 and younger. In fact, we would recommend any of these fabulous family-friendly coffee shops.
10. Magical Mac and Cheese
Words aren’t the only magical thing: Come down to Northgate Community Center on Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m. and for $5 a person or $20 a family, be treated to dinner and a magic show by Xakary the Magician and his pet rabbit.
11. Eat and Run: A Weekend of Fun Food Truck Outings
It’s official. Food trucks are having their moment in Seattle. These days, there are roving eateries on every other street corner slinging kid-approved edibles ranging from oversized biscuits to schmancy grilled cheese sandwiches. Here, three kid-approved food trucks meet their match when they’re paired with a family outing that extends a quick bite into an extended weekend activity.
12. Explore the World of Fantasy
EMP | SFM is celebrating the opening of their new exhibit “Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic” with a special night of fun, including sword-fighting demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, games, Carter Family Marionettes and more. If you can’t make it to the event on Friday, April 26 (pre-register!), you can always check out the new exhibit, which opens the next day.
13. Go to a Fair
Evergreen State Fairgrounds is holding its first-ever Spring Festival April 27 and 28, featuring all the things you love about the fair: food, music, rides and more. Admission is FREE, although some activities require a fee.
14. Focus on Friendship Around the World
The beautifully named International Children’s Friendship Festival has an equally beautiful goal: to foster appreciation and acceptance of the world’s cultures. Enjoy performances, games, hands-on activities and more from children’s groups representing over 40 countries. It’s FREE and happens Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28.
15. U Village Celebrates Kids
It’s a lovely place to go shopping with your family, and on Sunday, April 28, U Village gets even more fun with concerts by Brian Vogan and His Good Buddies, and The Not-Its!, plus a Louie Foxx magic show, kids’ crafts, parent resources and more.
