Friday Night Live - Free Admission to Imagine CM on 11/20

The 3rd Friday of every month is called Friday Night Live at the Children's Museum in Everett. This month the third Friday falls this Friday on November 20th.

Take a break from the wind and rain, let the kids burns off some steam - for FREE! Admission is free during Friday Night Live and hot dogs, soda and cookies are available for purchase. (Free admission only offered during 5:30pm-9pm on November 20th.) Bring family and neighbors for a great start to the weekend!

See you there!

Sponsored by Target.

Winter Session Swim Classes / Forest Park Pool

Sign ups are available for winter session classes through the Everett Park and Rec but for swimming the process is a little different. As I have said before - this is the best deal in town and you must log on early and only sign up online. Read this carefully and check out the Park and Rec website to verify the information that I have listed here.

NOTE- New Sunday classes available.

Winter Session Swim Classes at Forest Park Pool - Everett, WA

Sign up on Dec 7 at 7am (online or 8am in person)for:
Session 1 - 1/4 to 1/27 on M, W - 4 weeks, 7 lessons
Session 2 - 1/5 to 1/28 on T, Th - 4 weeks, 8 lessons
Session A - 1/16 to 2/20 on Sa - 6 weeks, 6 lessons
Session B - 1/17 to 2/21 on Su - 6 weeks, 6 lessons

Sign up on Jan 11 at 7am (online or 8am in person)for:
Session 3 - 2/1 to 2/24 on M, W - 4 weeks, 7 lessons
Session 4 - 2/2 to 2/25 on T, Th - 4 weeks, 8 lessons

Sign up on Feb 1 at 7am (online or 8am in person) for:
Session 5 - 3/1 to 3/24 on M, W - 5 weeks, 10 lessons
Session 6 - 3/2 to 3/25 on T, Th - 5 weeks, 10 lessons
Session C - 3/27 to 4/10 on Sa - 6 weeks, 6 lessons
Session D - 3/28 to 4/11 on Su - 6 weeks, 6 lessons

Everett Park and Rec - Sign Up Now Online

The winter guide for the Everett Park and Rec is available and sign-ups are open as of 11/6/09. Classes can be signed up for in person, by mail or online at http://signmeup.everettwa.org/. Books are mailed to Everett residents or available at the Everett Public Libraries.

Classes available for children are:
Beginning Piano (age 7 - 10), Ballet (age 7 - 110 , Creative Dance (1=age 3 - 4 or 2=age 5 -6), Jazz Dance Musical (age 8 - 13), Babysitting Basics (age 10 - 14), Gymnastics (age vary/multiple classes), Karate (age 5 - 16),

Also for winter activities, there are a couple snow shoeing outings for age 6+ as well as hiking and skiing outings.

Now do not worry if you are looking to sign up for the swim classes (aka - the best deal in town!). The classes are available for registration on different date depending on what session you are looking for. See post - Winter Session Swim Lessons / Forest Park Pool.

Read to Dogs at the Everett Public Library 1/19

This is a time honored tradition to many of the local kids in Everett who regularly visit the library and now of this. Read to dogs that are specifically trained to "listen" to people who read to them. This is a fun activity and reminds children of the importance of reading and how it can be fun.

Free to "dog readers" and people they bring.

Paws to Read
Everett Library, Evergreen Branch
9515 Evergreen Way
425-257-8030

Recommended ages: 6 and up

Disney's Beauty and the Beast - Everett Village Theatre

What child does not know the love story of Belle and the Beast? This magical show is now being performed locally at the Everett Village Theatre.

Dates: January 9 to February 1st
Times: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm and 7pm.
Recommended Ages: 5 and up

For more information contact the Village Theatre at 425-257-8600

Swimming Lessons at Forest Park Pool

If you signed up for winter swim lessons at Forest Park Pool in Everett, they begin this week. I was double-checking for myself and thought I would post a reminder.

For any of you that have not signed up for these classes, these are very affordable swim lessons in a great environment. We have signed up our oldest daughter there for many sessions and the only problem that we have is remembering to sign her up at the right time. The only way to really ensure getting a class booked is to go online the morning that online registration opens. You need to be ready to go with your Everett Park and Rec login and password and know what class you are looking for.

There may be classes still available for winter session but if not then look for your Everett Park and Rec LIVE OUT LOUD booklet. These can come directly in the mail to you or you can pick one up at one of the Everett libraries.

Classes range are about $3.25 per class (!) which is a bargain and usually run anywhere from 7 to 10 weeks. Ages range from 6 months to 16 years for all different levels of classes.

Frosty Snow Day Surprise at Imagine Children's Museum 1/10/09

Frosty may have melted at your house but he is arriving at Imagine Children's Museum on Saturday, January 10th for a fun surprise.

What you need to know:
-Registration required
-Permitted for ages 4 - 12
-Time is 6pm - 10:30pm

Activities include:
-Dinner with Frosty and friends
-Winter workshop
-Frosty's kitchen
-Frosty Games
-And much more!

Go to http://www.imaginecm.org/page.php?id=158 for more info.

Rocking New Years Eve (Day) Party at Imagine Children's Museum

The Everett Children Museum Imagine is having a Rocking New Year's Eve Party during the day for all of the local kids that are on winter break. The festivities are running from 12pm-4pm on Wednesday, December 31st.

Activities include:
Making party poppers, 2009 silly glasses, party hats, noise makers and much, much more!

Imagine Children's Museum is open from 10am - 4pm on the 12/31 and closed on New Year's Day.

Let your kids celebrate in a crafty way before the big night where they can wear their new party accessories!

Friday Night Live at Imagine - Dec 26th

The 3rd Friday of every month is called Friday Night Live at the Children's Museum in Everett. This month due to the weather, it is being postponed until next Friday, December 26th. Take a break from the post-Christmas wind down and let the kids burns off some steam - for FREE!

Admission is free during Friday Night Live and hot dogs, soda and cookies are available for purchase. (Free admission only offered during 5:30pm-9pm on December 26th.)

Holiday Ships and Santa Cruises

I have heard about 2 local holiday events that are "water" based for people who are looking for something like this to experience this holiday season.

In Everett, the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade is on December 12 and 13th from 5pm - 8pm. This parade features boats of all sizes that are beautifully decorated and in our backyard. For more information on an exact location, call 425-259-8178.

Downtown, Argosy Cruises offers an array of holiday sails in the month of December until the 23rd. Cruises featured are the Santa Brunches and family dinner cruises. A complete list can be located at http://www.argosycruises.com/themecruises/xmasSchedule.cfm#schedule. This list also provides information on the choirs that will be caroling during that sail. Reduced priced sales are listed as value nights and can provide a savings if you are flexible on when you can go.

Check it out and set sail this holiday season.

Velveteen Rabbit - 12/13

The traditional Velveteen Rabbit is playing at the Village Theatre in Everett on Saturday, December 13th. There are two performances that day at 2:00pm and 4:00pm at the Everett Performing Arts Center (2710 Wetmore Aveue).

The Velveteen Rabbit was a favorite storybook of mine growing up and I remember my mom reading it to me over and over again. This play is based on the original book and is full of puppets.

The Village Theatre Pied Piper focuses on theatre that is based on children's literature and catered towards younger audiences. Call the box office for ticket availability: 425-257-8600 or go to http://www.villagetheatre.org/piedpiper_0809_public.shtml.

Night of the Elves - 12/20

How about a night out for you and night out for them, too?

The Imagine Children's Museum in Everett is hosting a Night of the Elves on Saturday December 2oth. It is jam packed with exciting activities for kids ages 4 -12 and is available only by reservation, so if you are interested I would sign up early. Treat yourself to a night out to finish up your Christmas list, enjoy a dinner out or go see the movie Four Christmas's (I loved this movie -absolutely hilarious!).

Here is the scoop:

Dinner with the Elves - Deck the Halls Pizza, Rudolph's Reindeer Carrots, Fa la la Fruit and Jingle Juice

Santa's Workshop

Mrs. Kringle's Kitchen

Frosty Games - Penguin Race, Icicle Hunt, etc.


Member Price - $40 first child, $20 for each sibling

Non-Member Price - $50 first child, $25 for each sibling



They say they sell out so book now and enjoy some time for yourself, even if it used for wrapping gifts!

Polar City at Imagine Children's Museum-12/22

It is always a good time at Imagine Children's Museum in Everett. The museum is a wonderland of discovery for children off all ages, through out the year. Right now there are holiday festivities that are coming up that are sure to be a good time.

Monday, December 22nd
Polar Party
-Carpet skating and polar sox making (sounds great and not sure what it is!). Special story time as well.

This activity is free with museum admission.

Gingerbread Village-Imagine Children's Museum 12/13 and 12/14

It is always a good time at Imagine Children's Museum in Everett. The museum is a wonderland of discovery for children off all ages, through out the year. Right now there are holiday festivities that are coming up that are sure to be a good time.

Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th

Gingerbread Village

-Make a gingerbread brick and decorate it for a gingerbread house at the museum. Special story time as well.

This activity is free with museum admission.

The Nutcracker Performance - Everett 12/18 - 12/21

The Nutcracker is a traditional event that many part take in during the holiday season. Here is a local version of the popular play that is performed by the Alderwood Dance Spectrum company at the Snohomish County PUD auditorium (2320 California Street). Tickets must be reserved through Alderwood Dance Spectrum and the prices are $15 for adults and $12 for children/seniors/military.

Performances:
Thursday, December 18 at 9:45am and 12:15pm
Friday, December 19 at 7:00pm
Saturday, December20 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, December21 at 2:00pm

Location:
Snohomish County PUD Auditorium
2320 California Street

Tickets and Sales, Contact:
Alderwood Dance Spectrum
425-771-2994
http://www.alderwooddancespectrum.com/

Please note that I have not attended this but plan to this year with my 4 1/2 year old. Check it out for local holiday fun!

Make Holiday Tree Ornaments - 12/15

Are you looking for a festive way to get your kid's excited about the holidays? I know that one that thing that is always a big hit is craft projects. On December 15th, the Everett Public Library is having a workshop in the Main Library Children's Room from 3pm - 5pm where kids can decorate ornaments.

All supplies are included and it is free to who ever shows up.

Everett Public Library - 2702 Hoyt Ave, Everett - 425-257-8030

(Also on December 11th from 3pm - 5pm at the Evergreen Branch in the Meeting Room)

Holiday Puppet Show - Jingle Bell Rock (12/13 at 2pm)

Last Wednesday, my two children and I attended the first performance of the Jingle Bell Rock Puppet Show at the Everett Public Library. The puppet show was fantastic and my children loved it. The first showing was the Evergreen Branch and it was too large of a crowd for the meeting room that it was in.

But the next showing is on December 13th at the Main Library in Everett (2702 Hoyt Ave/425-257-8030) in the auditorium at 2:oo pm. This space will have a lot more room to accommodate a larger crowd. The puppet show is festive, funny and complimentary. My daughter received a color postcard to take home that had a photo of the characters on it.

A great outing that is short, sweet and free. You can't beat that.

McGruff Safe Kids Total ID

This is not an activity, per se, but it is something that was offered at my daycare center for my children recently. When I was growing up, I remember having things like a "Helping Hand" in our window or a "McGruff Crime Dog" sign as a signal to neighborhood kids and friends that our house was a safe house. If someone was being chased or lost, then they would see the sign and know that they could come there and we would call the police or their parents.

So a month ago, our daycare (Early Connections Learning Center/Gingerbread House) in Everett has this service come on site for the afternoon. For $15, my children received 2 ID cards with their thumbprints, name, photo, and descriptive info that my husband and I can show if ever needed. We also received a larger card to keep at home with all of their fingerprints and a larger photo. There are other packages that had more options, but this one was the most reasonable and provided us with what we need. The best part about this is that it was available while they were at daycare during the day. I did not have to wait in line at the mall and hope that my children were able to be patient.

This is an extremely helpful service that I wanted to share. More information about this service is at http://mcgruff-tid.com/streetwise/

The owner of this northwest branch is Kathie Street and she can also be contacted at 360-224-2756. Check it out and protect your children for the unknown or ask your daycare to look into bringing a service like this one in. It is so important in case you ever need it even though hopefully you never will.

Kids Eat Free - Locally!

I saw an article on another website that I write for called Busy Mommy about a website that tells you where your kids can eat for free. It is called My Kids Eat for Free, easy to remember which is good. Last time we went to the I.H.O.P. on Broadway in Everett, it was Kids Eat For Free on Tuesday. I have added this to the website and here are some other local eateries that are offering Kids Eat Free options. This is also a great website if you are going on a vacation, check in advance and maybe you can save a buck or two when dining out.

Please keep in mind that offers expire so I recommend calling in advance before dining.

I.H.O.P. (new -added 12/8/08)
Evergreen Way, Everett, WA (across from the Fred Meyer)
Kids Eat For Free - EVERDAY from 2pm - 10pm

Las Margaritas
Evergreen Way (across from the Safeway on 41st) in Everett
Kids Eat For Free on Mondays and Tuesdays

I.H.O.P.
4710 Broadway (near the AquaSox Stadium) in Everett
Kids Eat For Free on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
(When I called them to confirm this they said they are trying to have Kids Eat For Free every night of the week. Call to confirm.)

Marie Callender's (South of Northgate Mall)
9538 1st Ave., N.E.
Seattle, WA
206-526-5785
Kids Eat For Free on EVERYDAY of the week. Sunday through Saturday! 12 and under with adult entree purchase.

Ruby's Diner
13706 NE 175th St.
Woodinville, WA
(425) 489-1173
Kids Eat For Free on Tuesday nights. 12 and under with adult entree purchase.

Ruby's Diner (In Alderwood Mall - save money while holiday shopping!)
3000 184th St SW #840
Lynnwood, WA
(425) 778-8729
Kids Eat For Free on Tuesday nights. 12 and under with adult entree purchase.

Ruby's Diner (In Redmond Town Center- save money while holiday shopping!)
16501 NE 74th St.
Redmond, WA
(425) 861-7829
Kids Eat For Free on Tuesday nights. 12 and under with adult entree purchase.

Bon appetite and save some cash for ice cream afterwards!

Trick-or-Treating in Washington

Are you in search of a place to go trick-or-treating this year? Here are some ideas for trick-or-treating outside of your neighborhood.

Trick-or-Treating At Merrill Gardens
Date: 10/31 from 10:45am to 5pm
Location: Merrill Gardens at Mill Creek, 14905 Bothell-Everett Hwy
Description: Come have a fun costume parade and trick or treat at Merrill Gardens! This activity is open to the public and free. Call (425) 338-1580 for more info.

Halloween with the Lights On!
Date: 10/31 from 11am-3pm
Location: Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett, call 425-258-1006 for more info
Description: Visit the museum in costume and fun actitivities. Performances of "The 13 Nights of Halloween" at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Little Pumpkin Party in Mountlake Terrace
Date: 10/31 from 12-2pm
Location: Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion, call 425-776-9173 for more info
Description: Wear your costume and play inside indoor playground. Activities are planned and trick-or-treating will take place.

Snohomish Downtown Merchants Trick or Treat
Date: 10/31 from 4-5pm
Location: Downtown Snohomish, call 360-568-2526 for more info

Safe Halloween at the Country Village in Bothell
Date: 10/31 from 4pm-6pm
Location: Country Village in Bothell
Description: Trick-or-treat at storefronts. Kids under 12. Halloween photos from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at Chapters Photography (425-415-1267)

Safe Halloween at Main Street in Bothell
Date: 10/31 from 5pm-7pm
Location: Main Street in downtown Bothell
Description: Trick-or-treat on Main Street. Fish for prizes at the main gazebo.

Treats on Main Street in Mill Creek
Date: 10/31 from 5pm-7pm
Location: Mill Creek Town Center
Description: Merchants of Mill Creek Town Center are open for family friendly trick-or-treating. Trunk or Treat event is a couple blocks south of Central Market.

Edmonds Halloween
Date: 10/31 from 5-7pm
Location: Downtown Edmonds
Description: Dress up for Halloween and area stores stock up on candy to give away.

Everett Mall Trick or Treat
Date: 10/31 from 5-8pm
Location: Everett Mall, Everett
Description: Trick-or-treat at the mall. Bring canned food donation. Age 12 and under.

Trick or Treat at Redmond Town Center
Date: 10/31 from 5-7pmLocation: Redmond Town Center, Redmond
Description: Trick-or-treat safely at Redmond Town Center

HAVE A SAFE AND FUN HALLOWEEN!