This week is loaded with events for young artists, musicians, science buffs, adventurers and book worms. Plus new places to explore and friendly people to meet all around the Sound. With so many options, it just goes to show that there’s no better place to be raising a family!
Monday, October 15
Library Lab: All About Electricity If you have a tinkerer in the family, today’s Library Lab is worth a visit. Kids can use snap circuits and learn basic electronic principles and components. Space fills quickly, so snag a seat early. 4 to 7 p.m. Delridge Branch Library.
Free Admission at PlayDate SEA It’s Monday. Why not end the day with some fun? Kids have 8,000 square feet of space to wiggle away those last bursts of energy before bedtime. For kids 12 and younger. 5 to 8 p.m. South Lake Union.
Tuesday, October 16
Preschool Discovery Zone Children ages 3 to 5 can play, create and learn during this playtime focused on science, technology, engineering, art and math. Activities include design projects and stories. 10 to 11 a.m. Bellevue Library.
Story Time for Kids Hear stories from some of the best in new and classic children’s tales. The U Bookstore always has great recommendations for kids’ reads, and they provide hands-on story time activities. Ages 3 to 7. 11 a.m. to noon. University Bookstore, U District.
Sugar Skulls Art Workshop Are your littles in love with the movie Coco? Here’s a chance to teach them more about Mexican culture. Learn why sugar skulls are placed at altars as part of Dia de Muertos. Then let the kids get all gluey, glittery and giggly while decorating their own pre-made sugar skull. Ages 5 and older. Space is limited. 4 p.m. Tukwila Library.
Math Buddies If your school-ager needs a little extra help with numbers (or just really loves math) pair ‘em up with a math buddy. Teen volunteers will help students with real-world math applications through fun games and activities. 4 to 5 p.m. West Seattle Library.
Wednesday, October 17
Cedar River Salmon Journey See the salmon migration and learn about their epic journey. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Renton Library.
Toddler Gym Little walkers, up to the age of 5, can meet new friends, bounce and play, ride scooters and tricycles, roll and throw balls, and much more. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ballard Community Center.
Thursday, October 18
Top Ten Toys Playday Drop in every Thursday, when there’s a new and creative play time activity. Ages 5 and older. 4 to 5 p.m. Top Ten Toys, Greenwood.
Family Movie Day Relax during a family flick with popcorn and beverages, too. Movie will be announced on the Belltown Community Center’s Facebook page. 10 a.m. Belltown Community Center.
The Armadillo’s Song and The Half Chicken This theater performance brings to life 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. Ages 2 through 6. Noon to 1 p.m. Northgate Community Center.
The Great Goblin Blow If you’re in the South Sound (or feel like gambling on I-5 traffic) the Museum of Glass’ Hot Shop is filled with ghastly ghouls and goblins today. Watch glassblowing; then sketch your own creepy-crawly critters. Free admission from 5 to 8 p.m. Museum of Glass, Tacoma.
Friday, October 19
Hamlin Halloween Haunt Scare each other silly with spooky songs and stories. Toast marshmallows around a campfire, ride the hay wagon and play Halloween games. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Hamlin Park, Shoreline.
Stargaze…from inside! Discover the secret lives of stars under the domed ceiling at Geer Planetarium. A volunteer from the Science and Math Institute will narrate this cosmic show. Pre-register. Shows at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Bellevue College.
Monster Bash Music, carnival games, face painting, a costume contest and lots of treats. Ages 6 to 12. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Garfield Community Center, Central District.
City of Music Open Mic Night Young musicians and vocal artists can practice taking center stage! Youth leaders from Totem Star, KEXP, The Vera Project, 206 Zulu and The Residency are hosting this event as way to elevate youth voices in our community. 6:30 p.m. sign-up; open mic from 7 to 9 p.m. The Vera Project (Warren and Republican Streets).
Party 4 Peace Tweens and teens can connect with their community at this indoor block party. BBQ, basketball, games, raffle and prizes. This is one of several events hosted by Seattle Parks and Rec and the YMCA to celebrate "Week for Peace,” a series of youth events across the city that promote peace, awareness and fun. 8 p.m. Rainier Beach Community Center.
Saturday, October 20
Exploration for All: Autism Early Open Families affected by autism spectrum disorder can explore the Pacific Science Center without heavy crowds. Lighting is softened, and noise and visual stimulation is decreased wherever possible. 8 to 10 a.m. Pacific Science Center.
Open House at Mercer Slough It’s their 25th anniversary celebration. Tour the site and classrooms, take a hike through the wetland and forest, and engage in program activities. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, Bellevue.
Fall Foliage Festival Enjoy the beautiful fall colors at the Rhododendron Species Garden. Peruse plant and pumpkin sales, sample tasty fall treats and view pop-up artist demos. Gardening workshops and garden tours, too. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday. Rhododendron Species Garden, Federal Way.
Caspar Babypants Concert Fuel up on coffee and donuts while the kids rock out to “Stompy the Bear.” (We see you tappin’ your toes, too!) 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Top Pot Donuts, Ballard.
Diwali: Lights of India Celebrate light over darkness, good over evil, and the beautiful Indian presence in our region. Festival highlights include music, dance, art, authentic food and hands-on learning. Noon to 6 p.m. Seattle Center Armory.
Spiders of the Duwamish Do spiders freak you out? Maybe a little knowledge about one of nature's best architects will help tame your fears. Follow a naturalist through the Duwamish River Valley to search for spiders, explore their habitat and dispel your fears. 1 to 3 p.m. Duwamish Longhouse, West Seattle.
Issaquah Goes Apples: Downtown Issaquah is going to be delicious today. Fresh-pressed apple cider, pop-up farmers markets, and a turkey carving demonstration. Plus pumpkin picking, a scarecrow contest, live music and more. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Historic Shell Station, Downtown Issaquah.
Sunday, October 21
Halloween Pet Parade Get out your costume…and one for your dog… because there’s a pet parade in Volunteer Park! Food trucks, prizes, and booths with all things pet-related. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteer Park, Seattle.
Carnation Harvest Festival Hay rides, a pumpkin patch, food, crafts, animals and more. Admission is free; small fee for some activities. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Carnation Farms, Carnation.
Nature’s Recyclers Look around at fallen longs and under old leaves to see nature’s cleanup crew in action. This ranger-led family walk is best for children ages 5 to 10. 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Lewis Creek Visitors Center, Bellevue.
For the Birds Enjoy an afternoon of music at this family-friendly venue. 8-part harmony group "The 32nd Street Singers" will perform favorites ranging from Mary Poppins to Bob Marley. Free; donations to the Seattle Audubon Society appreciated. 3 to 5 p.m. The Royal Room, Columbia City.
Yep, that’s a lot going on in just seven days! When you need a more low-key day with the kids, raid your art bin and try these cute DIY fall craft projects.
Want more? Check out our Family Events Calendar, searchable by age, location and cost.
