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Articles by Jen Betterley
Free Admission for Veterans at Woodland Park Zoo
In honor of those who offer service to their community and country, Woodland Park Zoo extends free admission to all active, retired, reserve, and veteran U.S. military personnel and one guest on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11. In addition, up to five guests accompanying heroes with valid ID will receive $3 off admission on Veterans Day. Image sourced from event website.
Birds Connect Seattle’s Holiday Open House
Join the fun at Birds Connect Seattle’s Holiday Open House! Come in the morning to enjoy a sipping on bird-friendly coffee, tea, or cocoa while you shop. Or snack on a spiced cookie to get you in the spirit of the season. Explore our interactive mini-museum exhibit: The Wonderful World of Owls and talk to our staff an volunteers about our bird skin collection to learn about facinating adaptations of our local species.
Faerie Crown Crafting: A Magical Morning in the Garden
Where winter wishes meet the promise of spring! Step into a little woodland magic at Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens as we celebrate our final FREE family crafting morning of the year! Children can decorate their own luminary bags, while kids and adults alike are invited to fashion enchanting faerie crowns from natural materials.
Family Bird & Holiday Crafting Morning
A little copper, a few pine cones, and a whole lot of imagination! Bring the kids to Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens for a FREE morning of hands-on crafting inspired by nature and the holiday season. Young artists can create up to three projects to take home: a delightful Copper Bird ornament, a whimsical Pine Cone Gnome, and a Pine Cone Bird Feeder to help our feathered friends through the chilly winter months.
Family Holiday Crafting Morning at Evergreen Arboretum
Join us at Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens for a FREE Family Holiday Crafting Morning! Bring the kids for a morning of creativity, nature, and holiday cheer! Young crafters can make and take home up to THREE nature-inspired projects: Pine Cone Gnomes – Adorable little characters full of woodland charm! Rosemary Sprig Ornaments – Fragrant, natural decorations to hang on your holiday tree.
Drive In Movie Night: Elf
Join us at The Stone House Cafe for Drive-In Movie Night! Pull up for a special outdoor screening of Elf on Saturday, November 28th! Here’s the deets: – Reservations are required for the drive-in – $40 reservation goes towards your food & drinks – Gates open at 7pm, Gate closes at 8:55pm – Kitchen is open until 9pm, please arrive early and order your food – Bar is open until 10pm – Movie starts at 9pm (ish) – Car slots are LIMITED, car placement is first come, first serve Reservations are...
Cards & Cocktails – Presented by Kitsap Collectors’ Market
Join us Saturday, November 21 at Kitsap Golf & Country Club in Bremerton for Cards & Cocktails, a collectibles show with a drink in hand. Browse 45+ vendor tables of trading cards, sports cards, Pokemon, toys and collectibles, enjoy drinks from the bar, grab lunch at the Burger Bar, and enter free prize drawings throughout the day. All ages welcome. Whether you’re a serious collector, a casual hobbyist, or just looking for something fun to do, there’s something for everyone.
Family Magic Show
Seattle Family Magic Show: The Longest running magic show in Seattle. Do not miss this fun and interactive family magic show now playing at the University Heights Center. Theme park Magician Raymond presents a family friendly hour of fun filled entertainment, featuring stage magic, clean comedy, mind reading, illusions and lots of audience participation. Be prepared for mind bending interactive magic where the audience becomes the real stars of the show.
Fall Storytime at Pasado’s Sanctuary
Welcome in fall with Frank the turkey and one of his favorite books! Start with a brief tour of Pasado’s sanctuary and a chance to meet the animals who call it home. Then, settle in for a special story time with Frank, complete with a turkey-friendly enrichment activity inspired by the book. After, you’ll have the opportunity to create artwork celebrating these incredible animals.
Open Dance and Play at All That Dance
“Open Dance & Play is a fun, free-flowing playtime designed for toddlers and their grown-ups! This open-ended studio time gives little movers the chance to explore the space, climb, tumble, dance, and build confidence in a safe, welcoming environment. Soft mats, age-friendly props, and upbeat music create the perfect space for imaginative play and early motor-skill development. Caregivers stay and play, encouraging curiosity, connection, and joyful movement.
Photos with Santa at South Hill Mall – Puyallup, WA
Santa is coming to South Hill Mall! Bring the whole family for professional photos with Santa, captured by Souvenir Photograph. Reserve a time online to skip the wait, or walk up. Prints and digital packages are available on-site. Address: 3500 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98373. Available options: Traditional Santa Santa Paws Silent Santa Daily schedules vary, please view the website for available dates and times.
Health Fair: Free Lead-Safe Kids Event
The King County Health Department is partnering with Villa Comunitaria and other groups on a health fair with free blood lead testing and other health services. Free Services • Blood lead testing: Registration is encouraged, not required (Register at bit.ly/blood-lead-testing-tr) • Vaccines: Flu, COVID, RSV, and other vaccines. Free with insurance. • Product testing to check if cookware, jewelry, toys, or other products contain lead. • Safer cleaning supplies to bring home.
Forum Social Winterfest Family Holiday Party
Celebrate the holiday cheer at Winterfest featuring greetings with Santa, a hot cocoa bar, grab and go food, mini golf, music, and more! Forum Social House presents Winterfest, an All Ages Holiday Celebration for families and guests of all ages! Join the festive holiday excitement with Santa and The Grinch for meet-and-greets and exclusive photo opportunities! Indulge in Whoville-inspired food & drink specials, live DJ entertainment, and a complimentary round of Par1 Mini Golf.
First Friday Family Night at Schack Art Center
Join us at Schack Art Center for a very special evening of art activities, warm donuts, storytime with the Everett Public Library, a special performance by the Dance School’s Nutcracker cast, raffle prizes, and a holiday market in Studio 1. It’s a chance to gather, get creative, and enjoy a little holiday magic together. This is a Pay-What-You-Can event. Our goal is to reduce barriers to participation and make sure cost never stands in the way of enjoying creative experiences together.
Schack Art Center’s Holiday Market
Shop local this holiday season at Schack Art Center’s Holiday Makers Market! Discover unique, handcrafted gifts from talented local artists and makers, from one-of-a-kind artwork to handmade goods you won’t find anywhere else.
West Seattle Hometown Holidays
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS 2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Schedule for Night Market, Tree Lighting, Live Music and More December 5th, 2026 (Schedule subject to change as we get closer to the event) 4:00 PM: Festival begins. Night Market is open 4:30 PM: Endolyne Choir 5:00 PM: School of Rock 5:30 PM: Pet Costume Contest 5:45 PM: Metropolitan Singers (carolers) 6:00 PM: Tree Lighting (with carolers) 6:15 PM: Holiday DJ spinning tunes 8:00 PM: Night Market closes Image sourced from event website.
Pierce County Crafter’s Holiday Market
Kick off your holiday shopping experience at our Holiday Market! Find the ideal holiday gift for family and friends among the amazing array of artisanal offerings and neighborhood crafters. While shopping, enjoy holiday music, holiday photo ops, and more!
Holly Jolly Holiday Market
Buzzing Bee Events invites you to the sixth annual Holly Jolly Holiday Market at Thomas Family Farms Featuring more than 120 vendors, food and coffee trucks, Santa appearance and more! Held on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, it is a great way to shop small and support local businesses this holiday season! Friday, November 27, 2026 & Saturday, November 28, 2026
Letters to Language: A Playful Path to Literacy
Letters to Language™: A Playful Path to Literacy! Join LaVerne McGrath, creator of Letters to Language™: Making Sense of the Alphabet™, for a free online introduction to a playful, imaginative approach to building strong literacy foundations for students ages 4–8. Discover how animated letter stories, meaningful connections, and engaging activities help students understand why letters look and sound the way they do.
Free entry for veterans and active-duty military at Museum of Illusions
To honor those who serve, we’re offering complimentary admission to veterans and active-duty military this Veterans Day! The offer extends over the whole week, from November 11 to November 17. Simply present your military ID or proof of service at the reception desk to enjoy free entry. Those who can’t visit during that week can head to VetTix.org (Veteran Tickets Foundation) where a limited number of family ticket packages for up to four people will be available while supplies last.
‘Robin Hood’ Presented by Bellevue Youth Theatre
Join Robin Hood and friends on an adventurous journey to bring justice to an unjust world. Filled with humor, heart and memorable characters, this fresh retelling offers fun for audiences of all ages. Friday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. (sold out) Saturday, Nov. 28 at 5 p.m. (sensory-friendly*) Sunday, Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.
‘Horizon Line’ Presented by Bellvue Youth Theatre
Princess Catalina’s parents are throwing a ball to help her find a prince, but her heart yearns for the sea. When pirates arrive, Catalina finds herself torn between what she wants her life to be and the path that’s always been laid out before her. This swashbuckling adventure is filled with humor, heart and high-seas excitement for the whole family. Friday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. (sensory-friendly*) Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov.
NYE All-Ages Viewing Cruise
Looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Skip the late-night crowds and join us for a cozy evening on the water! Enjoy beautiful views of the Seattle skyline, sip on hot cocoa, and count down to midnight as fireworks light up the sky above the Space Needle.
Jewish Family Service of Seattle
ParentMap is the go-to resource helping parents across Greater Seattle and beyond navigate the challenges and joys of raising great kids.
Kitsap Golf & Country Club
ParentMap is the go-to resource helping parents across Greater Seattle and beyond navigate the challenges and joys of raising great kids.
Open Dance and Play at All That Dance
Open Dance & Play is a fun, free-flowing playtime designed for toddlers and their grown-ups! This open-ended studio time gives little movers the chance to explore the space, climb, tumble, dance, and build confidence in a safe, welcoming environment. Soft mats, age-friendly props, and upbeat music create the perfect space for imaginative play and early motor-skill development. Caregivers stay and play, encouraging curiosity, connection, and joyful movement.
StoryWalk at Lake Wilderness Arboretum
The Lake Wilderness Arboretum and Maple Valley Library have partnered together to bring a StoryWalk to Maple Valley. StoryWalk is an innovative approach to encouraging people of all ages to get out and walk while enjoying wonderful children’s books. With her wealth of experience, Sharon Chastain, the children’s librarian at the Maple Valley Library, selects the best children’s books for this story walk project.
November 2022 Archives
ParentMap Magazine The November issue of ParentMap focuses on food, family and fun, as we prime ourselves for the holidays ahead and our annual celebration of cherished family traditions.
15+ Fantastic Ideas for Dyeing and Decorating Easter Eggs
I look forward to dyeing Easter eggs every year. It’s a simple activity that has always brought so much joy to my kids, not to mention a great way to let their creativity shine. And while decorating Easter eggs using dye is one way to go about it, there are so many options! Whether you want to go for intricate details, eco-friendly and natural, or out-of-this-world space designs, we’ve got more than 15 Easter egg ideas to inspire you. Marbled eggs using shaving cream Shaving cream Easter eggs.
15+ Fantastic Ideas for Dyeing and Decorating Easter Eggs
Photo: Get creative with your Easter egg decorating this year. Photo: iStock Explore fantastic Easter egg decorating ideas I look forward to dyeing Easter eggs every year. It’s a simple activity that has always brought so much joy to my kids, not to mention a great way to let their creativity shine.
10 Healthy Super Bowl Snacks
Photo: Brit + Co “Scoop,” there it is Have your dip and eat it too with these adorable seven-layer-dip mini tostadas featured on Brit + Co by sports commentator Jaymee Sire. Skip the messy, double-dipped chip situation and give everyone all of the tastes they’re craving in one happy bite. These sweet little tostadas offer up layers of beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, tomatoes, olives and green onions.
16 Homemade Holiday Ornaments That Kids Can Make
Photo: iStock Handmade holiday sparkle There’s something extra magical about holiday decorations made by little hands, and these ornament crafts are all about creativity, simplicity and festive fun. From sparkly keepsakes to colorful creations that brighten the tree, these DIY projects invite kids to jump in and make something they’ll be proud to display.
16 Homemade Holiday Ornaments That Kids Can Make
There’s something extra magical about holiday decorations made by little hands, and these ornament crafts are all about creativity, simplicity and festive fun. From sparkly keepsakes to colorful creations that brighten the tree, these DIY projects invite kids to jump in and make something they’ll be proud to display.
Hidden Meadows Hometown Country Christmas
Last year, for the first time ever, Hidden Meadows transformed into a winter wonderland of fun & games for all ages to enjoy for the entire holiday season! You’re invited to join us this Christmas season and every holiday season to come for a magical session of winter wonderland fun! Join us for a one-of-a-kind adventure taking a journey to the North Pole by riding The Enchanted Elevator to the North Pole, through Santa’s workshop and house before meeting with the big man himself, Santa...
‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ Presented by Youth Theatre NW
In this nutty new twist, Clara Stahlbaum is now an adult, regaling her daughter Marie with the story of meeting the Nutcracker as a child. From her parents’ annual holiday party and an epic vermin battle to the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets, there are so many zany and memorable characters to meet.
Santa Secrets: Best Santas Around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound
Are photos with the big guy in the red suit part of your family’s December traditions? If so, read on for a stocking-full of opportunities for Santa photos Seattle families will want to book asap! Included are some of our readers’ picks for the best Seattle Santa, the best Santa photo experience and how to get through without (too much) crying.
Jingle Bell Run Seattle
Lace up your sneakers and join Seattle’s Jingle Bell Run, the Arthritis Foundation’s festive holiday tradition! This family-friendly run/walk brings the community together to celebrate the season, honor those living with arthritis, and raise funds for research, advocacy, and support programs. Wear your holiday best and make a difference while having fun.
15 Cool Homemade Summer Treats for Kids
There is something about summertime that makes me want to bring out all the treats. From classics to creative new combos, these simple summer dessert recipes are a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen — and please your taste buds at the same time. I’ve rounded up the best sweets and treats to make the most of these dog days of summer! Vegan Taiwanese shaved ice Fresh mango with shaved ice, topped with ice cream has all you need on a hot summer day.
15+ Easter Egg Ideas
Photo: iStock Explore fantastic Easter egg decorating ideas I look forward to dyeing Easter eggs every year. It’s a simple activity that has always brought so much joy to my kids, not to mention a great way to let their creativity shine. And while decorating Easter eggs using dye is one way to go about it, there are so many options! Whether you want to go for intricate details, eco-friendly and natural, or out-of-this-world space designs, we’ve got more than 15 Easter egg ideas to inspire you.
Spring Crafts and Activities to Keep Your Kids Entertained for Hours
Photo: iStock Discover spring activities and crafts The clouds are finally starting to break, the air is getting warmer, tiny flowers are peeking through the soil and — hallelujah — it stays light past 6 p.m. Spring in Puget Sound is making its grand entrance! With the change in seasons, my kids get so excited to spend more time outside and dive into fun spring-themed crafts.
Dragon Parades
Follow a fire breathing mechanical dragon (designed and built by Steve LaBerge) as we march through Tacoma neighborhoods. Bring your glowsticks and lights, get creative as we light up the night! Accompanied by the fantastic Tacomarama marching band. 2026 Parades: Saturday, November 14, McKinley Friday, November 20, Central Sunday, November 22, South End Image sourced from event website.
Holidaze at Tacoma Armory
The Holidays are approaching and the Black Night Market is the place to be for your holiday gift shopping and festivities! Celebrate the Holidays with us, while shopping with 30 + BIPOC-owned businesses offering everything from handcrafted art and fashion to skincare and delicious food. Enjoy live music, interactive activities, and a family-friendly atmosphere! This market is more than just shopping — it’s a cultural experience rooted in connection, empowerment, and joy. Free & open to all.
15 Cute and Easy Thanksgiving Decorations That Kids Can Make
When family and friends gather, it’s always fun to set the scene with kid-friendly Thanksgiving appetizers and starters and special festive decorations. But who has time or money to shop for decorations you’ll only use once a year? Not me! I’ve rounded up the best craft projects that keep my kids busy, and result in beautiful (and adorable) holiday décor. A true win-win.
15 Thanksgiving Decorations That Kids Can Make
Photo: iStock Thanksgiving crafts kids will love When family and friends gather it’s always fun to have some special festive decorations, but who has time or money to shop for something you will only use once a year? Luckily, many craft projects will keep your kids busy, and result in beautiful (and adorable) holiday décor.
14 Cool Summer Dessert Recipes for Kids
Photo: Enjoy the sunshine and yummy treats this summer! Photo: iStock Summertime is treat time There is something about summertime that makes me want to bring out all the treats. From classics to creative new combos, these simple summer dessert recipes are a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen — and please your taste buds at the same time. I’ve rounded up the best sweets and treats to make the most of these dog days of summer.
15 Spring Crafts and Activities Your Kids Will Love
Discover spring activities and crafts The clouds are starting to part, the temp is creeping back up, little flowers are poking up through the dirt and it stays light past 6 p.m. Signs of spring in Puget Sound are everywhere! As the seasons change, your little ones will love these spring activities and crafts. From pinwheels and fizzy paint to dirt snacks, there is a little something for everyone. Get ready to fill your afternoon with fun.
15+ Easter Egg Ideas
Explore fantastic Easter egg decorating ideas I look forward to dyeing Easter eggs every year. It’s a simple activity that has always brought so much joy to my kids, not to mention a great way to let their creativity shine. And while decorating Easter eggs using dye is one way to go about it, there are so many options! Whether you want to go for intricate details, eco-friendly and natural, or out-of-this-world space designs, we’ve got more than 15 Easter egg ideas to inspire you.
20+ Valentine’s Day Treats for Kids and Families
Photo: iStock Sweet treats to make this Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to whip up something sweet, whether you’re treating that special someone, your kids, your best friends, or yourself! From delicious chocolate to heart-shaped cookies and festive pink desserts, we’ve rounded up the best recipes to make your celebration extra special.
20 Valentine’s Day Treats for Kids and Families
Photo: Credit: Olga in the Kitchen Chocolate and vanilla bliss This smooth and creamy Panna cotta is a mix of chocolate, vanilla and your choice of topping is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Your valentine will know you care when these lovely cups hit the table. Serve them in small containers with dessert spoons to up the fancy, special feelings. This is a make-ahead dessert, so you can whip it up on Feb. 13 and be all set to impress on Valentine’s Day.
Snow Cream: Dessert That Falls From the Sky!
While searching for edible crafts to do with my nieces, I happened to come across this recipe (and lovely photo) for snow cream and I could barely believe my eyes. How could I not have known about this?! I grew up in Alaska, where my childhood revolved around the three to six feet of snow in our yard on any given winter day. Or, as my inner 6-year-old self now sees it — the three feet of SNOW CREAM that blanketed the yard each year.
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