Mark your calendars!
Skagit County Fair, August 12 - 15th
Your typical, wonderful family friendly fair. Carnival rides, food, livestock and a rodeo on Friday and Saturday. Enjoy! http://www.skagitcounty.net/Common/Asp/Default.asp?d=Fair&c=General&p=main.htm
LaConner Classic Yacht and Car Show, August 15th...starting at 7:30 am with pankcakes!
Have I told you how much I love La Conner? The little town with a huge heart, where every shop seems to enjoy and love kids?! If you have a boys boy like mine who can't get enough of any type of transportation, head on down for the yacht and car show. $3 and kids under 12 are free. http://www.laconnerchamber.com/chamber_calendar_details.cfm?id=218
*and if you don't mind me telling you what to do...here's my recommendations! Check out Childhood Bliss on the main drag off of the main street (Front St? First St? Main St?) - super cute baby store with items to die for. In town, get icecream at the windmill behind Nasty Jacks or in the Produce Market across from the musem. Take your icecream and head to the docks that "T" with both main streets. There's an area for kids to run around, climb on statues and go down onto the little dock if you wish. Get lunch at La Conner Brewery and sit outside if you can. This family friendly restaurant is chalk full of kind hearted waitresses - one even help Little Boy when he was a baby so my husband and I could eat!! And then wander through town. If you have a toddler with some steam to run off, there's a playground at the Southwestern end of town - up from the bookstore and adjacent to the old settler's cabin. Enjoy!!
Gem City Picnic, Saturday August 15, Lynden City Park, 2-8pm
If you haven't checked out Lynden City Park yet, it's time to. And what better excuse, than to make it out to benefit Lynden's Holden and Phoebe Judsen Memorial Statue. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for kids and includes food, drink and a Dixieland Concert. This is hands down, my favorite park in Whatcom County because of it's AWESOME playstructure and the wading friendly creek. Bonus - Lynden has got to be the friendliest town in the county.
Northwest Washington Fair, August 17-22
Whatcom County's favorite fair! Scope out the animals, ride a few rides, and let the kids run amock on cotton candy and fair fries and scones (why not? it's only once a year!). Fun for the whole family and they're sure to sleep well that night!
http://www.northwestwashingtonfair.org/
Inspiration Jamboree at Woodstock Farm, Sunday August 23, 1-5pm
Live music and rootbeer floats while you have an opportunity to explore the grounds of Inspiration Point and Woodstock Farm. The only downside to this awesome event is that there is no parking, so you must take a shuttle from the North Chuckanut Trailhead lot, which can be a downer with little ones. Buuuuuut, the adorable farm is worth it! http://www.neighborhood-kids.com/Activities/General/1960.aspx
Ferndale Street Festival, Saturday August 29, 10am - 9pm
Ferndale's fifth year having fun with a street festival. The event includes food, festivities and fun as well as a kid's stage! Main Street, of course.
Community Pancake Breakfast, Sunday September 6, 8am - 1pm, Rome Grange
This is actually a monthly even that I never seem to post in time - the first Saturday of each month! Just $5 for adults, $2 for kids 6-12, and free for those under 6, you can enjoy homemade pancakes, french toast, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee.
http://www.neighborhood-kids.com/Activities/General/375.aspx
Ongoing Events... Free Movies at Bellis Fair on Tuesdays and Thursdays The shows start at 10 am... Ride the historic Plover Ferry, built in 1944, from the Blaine Visitor's Dock. The ferry leaves every hour, taking an 11 minute ride to Semiahmoo where riders can get off and wander on the beach for as long as they want. The ferry returns every 1/2 hour, taking a 23 minute ride on the way back complete with views of wildlife. A great mama said that the driver even let her nephew "drive" the boat. So cute. There is a suggested donation of $3 for adults and $2 for children. Try it out before it docks for the fall! The mini train in Birch Bay This year is the 40th annual Children's Craft Fair. Children under 14 make and sell their own crafts and goodies. This should be a really fun event to bring the kiddos to and support all the local children and community! 10am -3pm on the Bellingham Children's Library lawn. All Comers Track Meet - Civic Field, Mondays from 6 - 9:30pm Upon a suggestion from a friend, I'd like to offer up the all-city track meet. My friend said that her two younger girls immensely enjoy it and that kids all the way down to 3 or 4 years old can have a blast. Having had a people-watching baby myself, I can imagine that this is a fun place to go, watch the festivities, and who knows...maybe join in an adult race yourself! Bellingham Preschool of the Arts Summer Camps - July through August A variety of summer camps for preschoolers ages 3-5. All classes are held at the main campus at 1059 N. Sate St. All Sessions are from 8:30 – 11:30; $125 for one session, $225 for two sessions or $310 for 3 sessions. Additional discounts for four or more sessions. Call 306-1546 for more information or to register. A-B-C’s and 1-2-3’s…July 7-11 Music and Discovery…July 14-18 Science is a Blast…July 21-25 Kidzart…July 28- Aug. 1 Food is Fun…Aug 4-8 Movin and Groovin…Aug 11-15 Waterparks are open in the summer! *Due to budget cuts at the parks dept., the water parks are open from 1-7pm this summer. BOO! There are two amazing waterparks that Bellinghamsters with kids in tow migrate to when the weather gets hotter. On a not-so scorching day, I recommend Fairhaven Park’s water park. It is an awesome park, but not a lot of shade around to get out of the sun. The second is located in Cornwall Park. There is also a nearby creek with natural wading pools to wade (not deep enough to swim) in. Cornwall’s waterpark offers quite a bit more shade to escape the sun, so head there on the hottest of days. Free Summer Concert Series…Starting Mid-July Tuesdays, 6-8pm Fairhaven Village Green Wednesdays, 6-9pm, Alley downtown between Holly and Champion/Bay Streets Thursdays, 6-8pm, Elizabeth Park Fridays, 12-1pm, Bellingham Library Lawn, CHILDREN’S CONCERTS Saturdays, 7-9pm, Boulevard Park Sundays, 3:30-5pm, Big Rock Garden Park Arellanes Family Farm and Giggles the Clown - Summer Activities and Camps Fun, fun, fun! The Farm offers pony rides, a petting farm, kids trails, and a summer camp program. Coming soon is miniature golf and a zipline! They are open daily, from 10am - 8pm starting June 16th. The farm also offers space for birthdays, company picnics and familiy picnics. 8651 Kendall Road, Maple Falls, 350-599-1515, http://www.gigglestheclown.org Toddler Time - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11:30, Bloedel Multipurpose Room *Opens in Sept!07/14/2009-07/16/2009 The Tale Of Despereaux (G) Kung Fu Panda (PG) 07/21/2009-07/23/2009 Everyone's Hero (G) Surf's Up (PG) 07/28/2009-07/30/2009 Igor (PG) Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG) 08/04/2009-08/06/2009 Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G) Bee Movie (PG) 08/11/2009-08/13/2009 Mr. Bean's Holiday (G) Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG) 08/18/2009-08/20/2009 Space Chimps (G) Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG) 08/25/2009-08/27/2009 Wallace And Gromit (G) City Of Ember (PG) 
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Bellingham Parks and Rec. Kindergym - Mon, Wed, Fri from 10-11:30 *Sign up in Sept.!
Kindergym has been my savior this winter! It is a drop-in parent and child class for 2-5 year olds. The drop-in class operates on a punchcard system ($4 per class, minimum punchcard purchase is $20 and then you can reload it all season). The only catch was that you had to sign up in the Fall, however you can call the COB and get on a waiting list. Chances are good that you can get in before the rainy season is over. Contact Sarah Longman at the COB to be added to the waiting list - 676-6888.
Bellingham Railway Museum, Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat - 12-5, Downtown Bellingham
The Bellingham Railway Museum offers different options for little ones, from various sizes of of model layouts, to interactive exhibits where people can run the trains. There's even a floor layout for kids to play with. Admission cost is $3 for adults, $1 for students, $5 for families of 4, and free for children under 3. See Bellingham Railway Museum for more information.
Swimming! The little slope pool is open almost every day, almost all day...
The Arne Hanna Aquatic Center has a wonderful slope pool and great toys that they set out pretty much every day. Their schedule is fairly difficult to read, but I called and they said it's basically open for parent and child swimming from 6am to 4:45pm. From experience, I'd recommend a quick call ahead to make sure they're not cleaning it or a random lesson hasn't been scheduled. Arne Hanna Aquatic Center
Bellingham Bay Gymnastics and Preschool - Various Classes for 9 months - preschool and beyond! (Bellingham)
Parent/Child gymnastics classes are aimed for kids from 9 months to 4 years old. Classes include movement exporation, songs, parachute games, ball play and bubbles. Bellingham Bay Gymnastics, Haskell Business Center, Bellingham 715-8842
Mini-Gymmys - 9-22 months, Mondays from 10:30-11:15
Terrific Tots - 22 months-2 3/4 years, Mon 11:30-12:15, Tues 10:30-11:15, Thurs 10:30-11:15
Super Tots - 2 3/4 years-3 1/2 years, Wed 10:30-11:15
Tater Tots - 1-4 years, Mon 5:30-6:15, Wed 11:30-12:15
Gym Star Sports Center - Various Clasess including Baby N Me, Gymnastics, and Preschool (Ferndale)
An all encompassing gym center that includes anything and everything from parent-child classes to cheerleading classes. Check out their website for specifics on schedules, classes and pricing. Gym Star Sports, 384-3861
An Interactive Museum - Mindport, Bellingham
A recommendation from another park-parent - Mindport. An interactive museum that is sure to delight the senses. Judging from their website, you may need to do a little more "minding of the hands" than other museums, but it looks like a fun place to spend an hour or two! Days of operation are:
Wednesday through Friday 12-6
Saturday 10-5
Sunday 12-4
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Admission is $2 per person.
Dancing 4 Joy, Various Classes for 6 months up to preschool and beyond, Bellingham
A dancing and movement studio that offers classes for Baby n Me from 6 months to 2 years, creative movement for ages 3-4, and Pre-Ballet/Jazz for 4-6 year olds. Check our their website for specifics on times, dates and costs. Dancing for Joy, 715-0900
If your kid loves water and you're willing to travel...Watermania in Richmond, B.C.
I'm including this on recommendation that this is a really neat and very toddler friendly place to spend the morning, afternoon or all day. The site is a little difficult to read, but I surmise that there is a little pool for kids, waterslides, a wave pool and I've heard there is a park-like playstructure in the water for toddlers to play on. Sounds pretty cool! According to Mapquest, Watermania is about 45-50 minutes from Bellingham.
*We drove up one day to check this out (and go to Ikea!) and low and behold - it was AWESOME! It is about 45 minutes from downtown B'ham. It costs about $4 Can. per person and free for kids under 2. There are toys to play with, a wave pool for kids and toddlers, and a big climbing toy, complete with a slide and sprayers to wander around in. We arrived shortly before nap and stayed for 2 hours! The complex that it is located in also has a toddler climbing center (Go Bananas), an iceskating rink, and a bowling alley. We also enjoyed the kid friendly Brewery, or there's a Subway if you'd rather. We've been twice now - that's how great it is!
Library Storytimes meet again! Mondays...and check your individual libraries
Bellingham's Children's Library meets on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10, 10:30 and 11 for storytime full of games, singing and reading for birth to 3 years.
Blaine Toddler Time (at the library) - Tuesdays at 10:30am
Deming Preschool Storytime (Deming Library) - Tuesdays at 10:30am
Lynden Preschool Storytime (Lynden Library) - Tuesdays at 10:30am
Mom and Baby Yoga and Prenatal Yoga - classes starting in mid-September through the beginning of October 10 sessions for $100 or drop-ins $15. Taught by Amy Robinson at The Yoga Room in Bellingham. Click here for a full list of dates, times and classes: http://www.neighborhood-kids.com/Activities/General/1207.aspx
Treasure Chest – Fridays at the Bellingham Children’s Museum *opening in Fall 2009
Different activities or crafts each week between 10:30 – 11:30. These activities are supposed to be for 3-6 years olds, however the very patient and encouraging staff allows my exuberant 16 month old to join in the fun. $3.60 Admission to museum includes workshop or free with family pass. www.whatcommuseum.org
Wonder Workshops – Saturdays at the Bellingham Children’s Museum *opening in fall 2009
Exploration workshops with a hands-on craft or activity, 1-3 pm. $3.60 Admission to museum includes workshop or free with family pass. www.whatcommuseum.org
Farmer’s Markets – Every Saturday and Wednesday
Bellingham’s main Farmer’s Market at the Depot Square (southern end of Railroad) is a mixture of local food, plants, produce and craft items. A fun place for moms and dads and a world of wonder for the little ones. There’s usually live music, kettle corn and plenty to look at. The Bellingham Farmer’s Market operates from April – December, 10am to 3pm. The last Saturday of every month is Kids Day at the market where kids are encouraged to set up their own booths of hand-made or self grown products. What fun!
A slightly smaller version operates in Fairhaven on Wednesdays between 12-5 pm from June 4 – September 3. This smaller scale and slightly more relaxed version is centered around the Fairhaven Green - a perfect place to let kids run around and experience another fun market full of local produce and worthy crafts.
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Have a Baby or Toddler with Special Needs?
The Whatcom Center for Early Learning offers several different types of support in the form of parent/child classes, in home therapy and consultations, theraputic playgroups, parent support sessions, and family resources. They are a GREAT resource! WCEL
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