The holidays are coming! While the days get shorter our schedules get fuller with places to go, people to see and things to buy. So let’s keep this week low-key and budget-friendly with some simple, yet fun, family outings.
Monday, November 12
Veterans Day Free Skate Take the family ice skating. Admission is free; $4 for a skate rental. 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Highland Ice Arena, Shoreline.
Reindeer Festival Visit Dasher and Comet, and see a model train layout. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, Swansons Nursery (Blue Ridge).
Leap Into Science: Balance Kids can become scientists for a day by reading a story about balance and testing physics with balancing activities. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Auburn Library.
Drop-In Preschool Art Create art projects using nature, recycled materials and more. Ages 2 to 5. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. High Point Branch Library.
Magic Monday Bewilder yourselves at this magic show inspired by the theaters of London and New York. 7 p.m. Third Place Books, Ravenna.
Tuesday, November 13
Toddler Gym Little walkers ages 5 and younger can roll, bounce, climb and toddle all around this safe, indoor play space. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Loyal Heights Community Center.
Tots & Tunes with SJCC BYOB (that’s bring your own baby) to an inter-generational morning of music. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Stroum Jewish Community Center, Activity Center, Rainier Valley.
Detective Cookie's Chess Club Learn to play chess – new players are always welcome. 3 to 5 p.m. Rainier Beach Branch Library.
Creative Story Writing Workshop Does your kid love to explore imaginary worlds? Young writers in grades 3 through 5 can join author Ailynn Collins for creative story writing. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Redmond Branch Library.
Wednesday, November 14
PJ Library Song and Story Time Tots and toddlers can explore language, movement and rhythm. Meet in the children’s section by the castle. 11:30 a.m. to noon. Elliot Bay Book Company, Capitol Hill.
Library Lab Drop in for today’s STEM-related challenge. All ages welcome. 4 to 5:30 p.m. South Park Branch Library.
Reading with Rover School-age readers can build confidence in their literacy skills as they read aloud to a certified therapy dog. 3 to 4 p.m. Woodinville Library.
Student Wednesday at BAM Students get free admission to the museum today. Download the coupon from BAM’s website. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bellevue Arts Museum.
Thursday, November 15
Learn to Play the Native American Flute Pre-register for this fun workshop that introduces families to the beautiful and haunting sounds of various Native American flutes. Then learn to play one! Ages 10 and older. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Shoreline Branch Library.
Top Ten Toys Playday Drop in for a play date at the neighborhood toy store. 4 to 5 p.m. Top Ten Toys, Greenwood.
Friday, November 16
Holiday Open House Santa’s elves are creating a magical experience in the conservatory’s Seasonal House. Get a first look, and enjoy some holiday treats. 5 to 8 p.m. Volunteer Park Conservatory, Capitol Hill.
Teen Night Out at SAM Drop your high school-aged kids off at the museum for a night of cultural exploration that includes DJs, art tours and art making. 7 to 10 p.m. Seattle Art Museum, Downtown Seattle.
Saturday, November 17
Autism Early Open at PacSci Families affected by autism disorder can experience museum exhibits in a sensory-friendly atmosphere and without heavy crowds. 8 to 10 a.m. Pacific Science Center, Lower Queen Anne.
The Gingerbread Man A cute, holiday puppet show for all ages. 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Shoreline Branch Library.
Open Play at the PlayGarden Get some fresh air and some outdoor play at this inclusive playground. Staff are onsite to help lead activities. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seattle Children’s PlayGarden, Mount Baker.
Sunday, November 18
Salmon SEEson Celebration at Piper’s Creek The salmon migration season is winding down, so don’t miss one of the last chances to see and learn about their amazing journey. Music, food, and activities throughout the park. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Carkeek Park, Seattle.
Ranger-Led Hike Wind along a creek as you learn about fall in the forest from a park ranger. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Lakemont Community Park, Bellevue.
ArtVenture: Library Labyrinths Lean about book-making to create personal maps of your memories, stories and histories. 1 to 3 p.m. Henry Art Gallery, U District.
Festival of Trees Celebration Welcome the holidays with story time, a Christmas choir and designer-decorated trees. 1 to 4 p.m. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Downtown Seattle.
Want more? Check out our Family Events Calendar, searchable by age, location and cost.
