The clock is ticking and your holiday shopping has yet to commence. You can’t do it when you’re working; you can’t do it when you’re not, because the kids are with you. What to do? Here’s what: take advantage of one of the many Parents’ Night Out opportunities at kid-favorite locations. You get the night (or day) free to shop ‘til you drop and the kids get exercise and nourishment. And they might even learn something, all for less than the cost of most sitters. And no one says you have to shop; sneak out for a relaxing holiday movie and dinner with your sweetie. The shopping can be handled later online — hurray for two-day delivery. Keep reading for a sample list of PNO possibilities. If these dates don’t mesh with your calendar, don’t be discouraged. Just check in with your child’s favorite play place. Chances are you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Pacific Science Center
Dec. 6: Glow Factor, 5:30-11 p.m.
Dec. 13: Chocolate Factory, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
pacificsciencecenter.org/Education/Programs/parents-night-out
Seattle Gymnastics Academy, Lake City: Pizza, gymnastics & movie!
2nd & 4th Saturday of each month, 6-10 p.m. $35/child. Ages 5-12, potty-trained
seattlegymnastics.com/lakecity/events/parents-night-out
Seattle Gymnastics Academy, Ballard: Pizza, gymnastics & movie!
1st & 3rd Saturday of each month, 6-10 p.m. $35/child. Ages 5-12, potty-trained
seattlegymnastics.com/ballard/events/parents-night-out
The Moonpaper Tent: Drama, dress-up, dance, stories and whimsy
Fridays, 5:30-9:30 p,m., ages 4 and up. $30/child. BYO dinner and water bottle.
moonpapertent.org/Parents_Night_Out_.html
Dizzy’s Bus Stop, Bellevue: Games, tumbling and lots of fun
Two Fridays per month, 4-9 p.m., plus a couple of Saturday days this month.
Ages 2½ to 8. $10/hr, $5/hr siblings. Pizza $3 extra; two-hour minimum.
dizzys-tumblebus.com/kids-night-out/
University YMCA: Games, tumbling and dinner
Dec. 13, 4:30-9 p.m. $20-35.
6 months-13 years
apm.activecommunities.com/seattleymca/Activity_Search/parent-s-night-out/2153
Alki Community Center, West Seattle: Skating, games and pizza.
Dec. 19, 6-9 p.m. $25/child.
Ages 4-9
seattle.gov/parks/Centers/WestSeattle/fall14.pdf
Ballard Community Center: Games, pizza and fun.
Dec. 12, 6-9 p.m. $20/1st child, $15/2nd child. Must be potty-trained
Ages 3-10
