Seasonal
Summer Farmer’s Day Parade, Lynden – June 7, 10:30am Running down Front Street in Lynden, this parade is filled with commercial and agricultural exhibits. It’s a procession of trucks, tractors, antique cars and animals along with the traditional floats, bands and children’s entries. Bellingham Scottish Highland Games in Ferndale- June 7/8 I've heard from friends that this is quite an event to bring kids to. Space to sprawl out, plenty of entertainment and stuff to do and watch, and fun for all ages. Just some of the attractions are the arts and crafts, food, games, music - everything you would imagine at a highland games event! The mini train in Birch Bay Running weekends April through May, then every day in June and through the fall. 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road, Birch Bay $3.50 per person or $3 per person for a family of four or more. 371-7700, www.miniatureworld.org Children's Craft Fair at the Bellingham Library, Some Tuesdays 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. Raspberry Festival - Downtown Lynden - July 18-19 Washington State is the number one producer of raspberries in the entire world! The Raspberry Festival is held in downtown Lynden as well as outlying areas. This year the festival includes a basketball tournament, a fun run, live jazz, street vendors, food booths, a classic car show, and of course...enough raspberries to tourn your hands a beautiful shade of pink! Details: www.lynden.org Old Settlers' Picnic - Pioneer Park and Downtown Ferndale - July 24-27 This is the 113th annual "picnic"!! Three days of live entertainment, a talent show, a junior and grand parade, a fun run/walk, flower show, a classic car show, horse-drawn wagon rides, and tours of the historic cabins at Pioneer Park. The event celebrates the early pioneers of the Nooksack River Valley. Salish Sea Chautauqua Tour (a CIRCUS!) – Sunday, July 27th An extravaganza!! From 1-6:30 pm at Boulevard Park, there will be juggling, clowns, acrobats, music, quilt making, knot-tying, sea chanteys, orators, mask-making, face-painting, comedy and a vaudeville show! Oh My! Northwest Washington Fair, August 11-16 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/ Skyhoundz Frisbee Dog Contest, Saturday, July 18th, starting at 3pm, Bloedel Donovan Park I realize most of us don't have a frisbee dog, but kids sure like to watch this fun event! There are points given to the dogs, an overall winner, and the best part is that they looooove spectators. Get out there and cheer them on! Discovery Days - Birch Bay - July 18-19 Known as a "Family Fun Festival", Disovery Days includes a parade, arts and crafts, food, fun and music. http://www.birchbaychamber.com/events.html Old Settlers' Picnic - Pioneer Park and Downtown Ferndale - July 23-26 This is the 114th annual "picnic"!! Three days of live entertainment, a talent show, a junior and grand parade, a fun run/walk, flower show, a classic car show, horse-drawn wagon rides, and tours of the historic cabins at Pioneer Park. The event celebrates the early pioneers of the Nooksack River Valley. http://www.whatcomoldsettlers.com/picnic-agenda/ 20th Annual Kids' Festival, Bellingham, Saturday August 1, 11-3pm, Bloedel Donoval Park, FREE! B'ham Parks and Rec puts on a great Kids' Fest every year. It is crowded, so get there early and there is a free shuttle from Civic Field so you can avoid a parking fiasco. There will be be free food, performers, inflatables, face painting, clowns and more! Anacortes Arts Festival, August 7, 8, and 9 In downtown Anacortes...first class fine art exhibitions at Arts at the Port...Culinary Art with an international selection of foods... a full lineup of Entertainment with free music on three stages during Festival hours and $15 concerts in the evenings... and a creative Youth Activities area for the youngest artists. http://www.anacortesartsfestival.com/ Lummi Island Reef Net Festival, August 16th from 12 - 8:30pm Lummi Island's 3rd annual reef net festival, celebrating Lummi Nation's unique approach to salmon fishing. The celebration will include music, crafts, a salmon bbq and boat rides. Admission is $2 per person, and the ferry is $7.50 per person, $5 for kids under 16, and $4 for walk-ons and take the shuttle to the festival. Drayton Harbor Maritime Festival and Steam Boat Show - Saturday August 2nd & 3rd Little Boy loooooves boats (Bews!) so while a martime festival may not seem like a toddler/baby event, I think this one will entertain all ages. The boats alone will be fun to look at, but Blaine also combines the boat show with their Drayton Harbor Martime Festival which feachers vendors and arts and crafts for kids on Saturday. For more information, visit Blaine Chamber of Commerce Kids’ Festival! – Saturday, August 2nd Celebrating National Kids Day! There will be free food, performers, inflatables, facepainting, clowns, and more! You can be sure there will be oodles of kids too, so get there early or utilize the free shuttle from Civic Field. 11am – 3pm at Bloedel Donovan Park. Mini Chalk Art Festival on Tuesday August 5th on B'ham Library Lawn from 1-2 pm Join kids of all ages on the library lawn for music, hula hooping and chalk art. Practice for the Chalk Art Festival or play hopscotch. Bring a hula hoop if you have one. Chalk Art Festival and Bite of Bellingham– Saturday and Sunday, August 9th and 10th The Chalk Art Festival is one of talented artists who are willing to share their gifts with us on the street. Full of fun, festivity, and getting to know your community, the Chalk Art Festival has always been one to not miss. Located in downtown Bellingham. Lydia Place Garage Sale, August 15th, starting at 9am at the Sportsplex Lydia Place is a non-profit organization that benefits homeless women and children. They throw the biggest garage sale in Whatcom County once a year, so get there early and find some awesome deals! You can pre-enter at 8am for $10 or wait until 9am with the rest of the crowd. Honor Day celebrating Native American Culture, August 23rd, 12-3pm at the Martime Heritage Park in downtown Bellingham. I always think it's a great idea to expose little ones to as many cultural experiences as I can, and here is a prime opportunity to celebrate culture, history and local pride with the Bellingham Storytellers Guild for Honor Day Bellingham. The community is invited to gather at Maritime Heritage Park for stories, songs and other activities to honor and celebrate Native American traditions and culture. Plover Ferry Ride, Blaine, Friday - Sunday through Labor Day 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! Dance Your Heart Out! Community Dance Party Saturday, August 30th from 6-9 pm on the Taylor Docks in Fairhaven The Bellingham Parks and Rec department is throwing a Dance Party/End of the Summer celebration for all ages on the Taylor Dock between Boulevard Parka and Fairhaven. The live band will be Jon Parry and Joe Paquin (and Friends) who will feature some fabulous "honkytonk cajun hippie blues". FREE For more information, call (360) 778-7000. 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! Free Movies at Bellis Fair, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am During the summer, there are free movies every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am from July-August, showing G and PG movies every week. Little Boy has never had the attention span to watch an entire commercial, so I have not tested this out, but from what I've heard, anything goes. The theaters are loud, loud, loud so kids can be free to laugh, chat and ask for more popcorn without using their quiet voices. So moms of toddlers looking for a short break, try out one of the shorter G movies! 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! 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 Fall KinderGym – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (pre-register) KinderGym is a structured playtime for 2-5 year olds, including cooperative play, circle time, open free time, parachute games, dancing singing and fun with a variety of equipment. Held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Bloedel’s multi-purpose room from 10 – 11:30am, parents are required to pre-register and purchase a minimum of 5 classes (using a punch card system) at $4 per visit. You can attend when you can, but your card expires after two months from the purchase date. For more info call 676-6888 Open house/registration Monday, September 8th at 10 am. Indoor Toddler Time – Tue and Thur 10-11:30 If the weather is bad, Bloedel Donovan Park is essential for kids 0-3. On Tue's and Thur's from 10-11:30 they turn their gym into a toddler heaven where kids can run around and ride their bikes and trikes and pretend they're outdoors (they don't allow bicycles). If the weather is good, they also have a great playground and a beach for throwing rocks into the lake. http://www.neighborhood-kids.com/Activities/General/313.aspx Toddler time closes for the summer after June 12 and resumes Tuesday, September 9th. Pumpkin Patch – Stoney Ridge Farm, Everson I start getting excited to go to Stoney Ridge Farm’s fall pumpkin patch in the Spring! This is an amazing family owned operation with animals, a goat walk (you just have to see it for yourself) a hayride to the patch, and of course…lots and lots of pumpkins. You can get apple cider and scrumptious goodies in one of the barns and all the different kinds of pumpkins and gourds your heart desires. I think I took about 176 pictures last year, so bring your camera – photo ops abound! Peace Arch Park - Dedication Days, Saturday Sept. 6, 1 - 4 pm Celebrate with Blaine and Whatcom County the Peace Arch's 87th Anniversary. Live music, games, kids games and food! Peace Arch Park, 2nd Street and A Street. Salmon BBQ - Fairhaven, Saturday Sept. 6 1-4 pm Salmon BBQ on the Fairhaven Green to benefit the Old Fairhaven's Association. Live music and community fun! Kindren Spirits Picnic at Boxx Berry Farm, Sunday Sept. 7th, 1-6 pm Join Sustainable Connections at Boxx Berry Farm near Ferndale for a community bbq. Live music, corn on the cob and games. Bring your own picnic lunch and something to grill. Boxx Berry Farm: 6211 Northwest Rd., Ferndale Whatcom County's Tour de Farms, Saturday, September 13th 9am - 5pm 8 farms will offer tours, cider pressing, cheese making, tractor-drawn wagon rides, visits with animals, berry picking, educational presentations, egg collecting, and of course, delectable farm treats, from berry shortcakes and cheese to bison, wine and more. click here for a full list of farms and addresses: http://www.neighborhood-kids.com/Activities/Highlighted/1268.aspx Kindergym Open House and Registration, Bloedel Donovan Park Multi-purpose room, Monday, September 8th from 10-11:30 Drop by and see what kindergym is all about. A structured playtime for kids ages 2-5 (with parents) every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Fall and Winter and Spring. Drop-ins are $4 per visit or you can buy a pre-paid punch card Sumas Tractor Pull, Saturday September 20th from 1-6pm Tractors, big wheels, fun for all the little boys and girls. Need I say more? Admission is $5, held at Howard Bowen Memorial Park, 1550 Cherry St.Sumas, WA 98295 Early pumpkin patches and Harvest Festivals for the end of September are: Lynden's FFA Cornmaze, Fri, Sat and Sun for the month of September Come support Lynden High School's FFA. Their cornmaze is open Fridays, 6-10 pm, Saturdays 2-10pm and Sundays from 2-6pm - (flashlight mazes after dark each day). Located on Hannegin Rd, just south of Lynden. Adults, $6, K-6 $4 and Family Rate $18. Click here for a coupon and click on "printable coupon" http://www.lyndenffa.com/Corn%20Maze.html Skagit Valley's Annual Farm Tour, October 4th and 5th 12 Farms to choose from, free samples, a variety of kids activities at each of them...sounds like the perfect day! Choose a few to go to or head out to all 12. Farm hours are 10-4 Saturday and Sunday. Just a few of the activities.... Click here for a map and details: http://www.festivaloffamilyfarms.com Stoney Ridge Farm, Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in October Without a doubt, my FAVORITE thing about fall - Stoney Ridge Farm. They have more pumpkins and gourds than you can count, soooo many adorable photo ops, a mini animal farm, a u-pick pumpkin patch with a tractor ride to the field, a goat walk (you just have to see it) and most delectable treats your mouth can imagine. I'm going at least twice this year. 2092 Van Dyk Road, Everson Ph: 966-3919 Pumpkin Carving Party, Sunday October 26th, 4:30-6:30pm, Bloedel Donovan Park Pavilion This is too funny! I am so excited for LB to get messy and carve pumpkins this year, but a little fearful of what that will look like in our kitchen, and I stumbled across this! Bring your own pumpkin and the B'ham Rec Dept. will provide tools and tasty treats! If nothing else, I think the examples set by other carvers will get our little toddler in the know! Cost is $3 per person. Pumpkin Pool Party, Sunday October 26th, 4:30-6:30pm, Arne Hanna Aquatic Center Bobbing for pumpkins!! Take your pick from over 200 floating pumpkins, donated by Haggen. There are also apple bobbing games. Cost is $5 per person and the Aquatic Center suggests coming early because this is such a popular event! Community Halloween Party, Sunday October 26th, 4-6pm The Community Food Coop hosts it's annual Halloween Party at the Garden Street Family Center (lower level). Wear a costume and get ready for some fun! Bloedel Halloween Carnival, Friday October 31st, 4:30 - 6:30pm A candy free party at the Bloedel Donovan Pavilion! Wear a costume and there will be games and facepainting amongst other fun stuff. Cost is $2 per child, adults are free. Downtown Trick or Treating, Friday October 31st, 3-6pm Join a ton of youngsters and families trick or treating through downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven at participating stores (most - peer pressure!). Maps are available throughout downtown. Winter Mini-Train through Christmas Lights visit Santa…. Mini Train in Birch Bay travels through more than a million lights, serving free hot chocolate and cookies in enclosed train cars on the way to see Santa Claus. Early December provides less of a crowd. It runs Friday through Saturday. $7.50 for 13 and up. $5.50 for under 13. 371-7700, www.miniatureworld.org Fairhaven's Historic Holiday, Friday November 28th and Saturday November 29th Join Fairhaven for their first annual holiday fair... * Friday the 28th at 1pm, welcome a Victorian Santa as he arrives arrive at the Fairhaven Village Green in a horse-drawn carriage! There will also be carolers and victorian ladies wandering the streets to make sure you're in the festive mood! Music Class - FREE DEMOS (by Music by the Bay), December 2, 3, 4th Families with kids up to 5 years old are invited to come to an interactive musical demonstration with Music Together by the Bay. These free programs include singing, dancing and sign language. If you like the class, you can sign up for their winter courses! Tuesday, December 2 from 5:45 - 6:15pm Launching Success Learning Store Wednesday, December 3 from 11 - 11:45am La Vida Dance Studio Thursday, December 4 from 10 - 10:45am La Vida Dance Studio Thursday, December 4 from 11:15 - 12pm La Vida Dance Studio Santa Train Ride - Birch Bay - Weekends starting November 28th Since "train" is the word of the hour in our house, I've been waiting for this event to pop back up for the Holiday Season. The website is a little ambiguous, so you may need to call for more information, but they do have a pretty detailed list of the days the train operates. The train ride winds through a lighted, twinkling forest, ending with a visit with Santa and cocoa. Call for specifics on time and length of ride (I'm assuming it's like the other ride making it around 23 minutes or so). Rides are offered from 5-9pm: November 28th and 29th December 5th, 6th and 7th December 12th, 13th and 14th December 19th, 20th and 21st December 22nd and 23rd December 26th and 27th http://miniatureworld.org/santa%20train%20ride.htm and phone: 360-371-7700 Rides are $5.50 12 and under, $7.50 13 and up Holiday Party through Whatcom Libraries - Dates vary depending on library Stories, ornament making and treats! Blaine - Wednesday, Dec. 3, 3:15pm Deming - Saturday, Dec. 13, 10:30 am Everson - Saturday, Dec. 6, 1pm Ferndale - Satuday, Dec. 6, 3pm Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach Camp (near Stanwood) Dec. 4-7, 11-14, 17-23, 26-28 from 5 - 10pm Dazzling light displays, the smell of fresh hot donuts, the holiday sounds of Victorian Carolers, and so much more make The Lights of Christmas the perfect holiday destination for your family, your friends, and your group. General admission runs from 5pm - 10pm each night. $12 for adults (13 and older), $7 for kids (4-12), kids under 3 are free. There is a $2 off general admission coupon in the NW events free magazine on page 15. Santa Pictures at the Bellingham Public Market, Friday December 5th from 5-8pm For those of you looking to escape the mall Santa option, there will be live music, free refreshments and the "holiday spirit" at the Public Market from 5-8 pm on December 5th. OH! And Santa Claus too! Phil Rose Photography offers 2 5x7s for $10 and additional pictures for $4 each. This is the Public Market in downtown Bellingham off of Cornwall Ave. http://www.bellinghampublicmarket.com/ Gingerbread House Contest and Holiday Port Festival - December 5-7 Friday, Dec. 5, from noon - 8 pm Saturday, Sept. 6, from 11 am - 6 pm Sunday, Dec. 7, from 11 am - 5 pm at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave. in Bellingham. Holiday Port ushers in the holiday season with performances by local choirs, bands and dance groups. The festival offers many free activities for families, including horse drawn wagon rides, children's art activities, complimentary gingerbread cookies and cider and much more! Santa Claus will be on hand to discuss this year's wish lists, and a photographer is available for pictures with Santa. NEW THIS YEAR - Food Drive to benefit the Bellingham Food Bank. Donate non-perishable food items at the festival and receive a FREE photo keychain from Artiem Photography! There is usually a Lighted Boat Parade put on by the Bellingham Yacht Club, but they have not announced that yet for this year or come out with a date. I'll keep you posted! Gingerbread House Contest: Creative cooks of all ages enter gingerbread structures in our annual Gingerbread House Contest. Entry is free, and contestants compete in one of 10 categories. Go to http://www.portofbellingham.com/content/ArchivesItem_11_1799_v for more info. The Children's Shop, Bloedel Donovan Multipurpose Room, Saturday December 6th from 10am - 3pm Designed so that children can actually do their own Christmas gift shopping and giving (oh, those proud, cute faces!), the Parks and Rec Dept. came up with The Children's Shop. Artisans and Crafters from all over Whatcom come and price their items all at $8 or less so the kiddos can shop for all their loved ones either with your help or on their own (if they're old enough - parents can wait in the concessions area). This is just for the kids, so kids are the only ones who can shop! I'm bringing my two year old. We'll see how this goes. I think it's never to early to start teaching that the season is in the giving rather than the receiving. Bellingham Railway Museum Holiday Open House, Dec. 6, 12 - 5pm For those of yFree admission to the Bellingham Railway Museum wehre there's history, heritage and trains! Sinterklaas and Lighted Christmas Parade - Lynden, Saturday December 6th, 1-4 and 6-8pm Sinterklaas (the Dutch patron saint who looks remarkably like Santa Claus) arrives on front street at 1pm and a parade of music, storytelling, gifts and singing ensue. If you miss the parade, you can meet Santa...I mean Sinterklaas...at the Lynden Community Center. A lighted Christmas Parade down Front Street starts at 6pm. Pictures with The Grinch! Fairhaven, December Saturdays 6, 13 and 20 from 12-4pm The Grinch and his sley will be available for family pictures in the basement of the Waldron Building (off 12th street) where photographer Tim Chandonnet will leave you with a CD for $10 so you can print your own pictures. Stoney Ridge Christmas Tree Farm - Thursdays and Fridays, 12-5 and Saturdays 9-5 Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Let me start by saying that we've never actually been to a tree farm to get our family Christmas tree. We have a family tradition of doing it the old fashioned way by going out into the woods with our $5 Forest Tree Permit and chopping one down from the wild. Some years are good and some are a little funny looking. But this year, even though we will still get our tree via our family tradition, we're still checking out Stoney Ridge for their Christmas Tree Farm extravaganza, based on their fun fall festivities. Their tree farm touts all the trees you might need, handmade wreaths, coffee and hot chocolate, pies, donuts and caramel apples, crafts, gifts, garlands and hotdogs by the bonfire. I think it might be the thing to get us in the Christmas spirit. Oh, and a live nativity featuring Moses the Camel! Admission is a little steep at $5 per family on Thur and Fri and $10 on Saturdays, but it might be well worth it. ** If you have a special Tree Farm or place you go for the holidays, let me know and I'll add it to the site! Family Activity Day for the Holidays - Bellingham Museum, Saturday December 13, 12-4pm Make seasonal crafts, take your own pictures with the Museum's Victorian Santa and see "The Snowman" movie. There's a variety of crafts, including nutshell ornaments, clay gingerbread pins, stamp art cards and more! Activities are geared towards preschool to grade school children. Refreshments are also provided. Lighted Boat Parade, La Conner, Saturday December 13, 6:30pm "Twas the Lights before Christmas" is the theme of this year's Lighted Boat Parade. The Swinomish Yacht Club will set off for its traditional run from the Port of LaConner, turning south along the LaConner waterfront and ending up in Shelter Bay. This annual event increases in participation and popularity each year! Get your spot along the Swinomish Channel early as you won't want to miss this. Swedish Pancake Breakfast, Saturday Dec 20, 8-11 am at Sonts of Norway (Bellingham, Forest St.) Pancakes with lingonberries and whipped cream, ham, eggs, coffee, hot chocolate and tea. YUM! Adults are $6 and children are $3. Menorah Lighting Events - Saturday, December 21st A lot of different Menorah Lighting events throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County to celebrate Chanukah. Times vary for the different listed cities - Fairhaven, Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, and Blaine. Visit http://www.jewishbellingham.com/ for more information. Celebrate Bellingham FREE Events for Kids - December 29 - January 1 Designed to showcase Bellingham's recreational and family activities, all events are free for these 4 days. There will be more information coming soon, but based on last year's events there will be horsedrawn trolley rides, musical entertainment, swimming, ice skating, gymnastics, a family festival and free museums. It can get a little crazy, but it's sometimes worth the crowd to try something new for free! Parent and Child Classes Offered through BTC - Various dates Bellingham Technical College offers several different options for parent/child classes, parenting classes, and parent help sessions. All classes are with parents and children together. Baby N Me (8-12 months) Wednesdays, January 7 - March 25, 1-3pm Baby N Me (1-7 months) Fridays, January 9 -February 27, 10-12pm Signing With Baby - Tuesdays, February 3 - February 24, 10-11:15 Baby N Me (1-7 months) Thursdays, Feb 5 - Mar 12, 10-12:45 Signing with Baby - Thursdays, Feb 5 - Feb 26, 6-7:15pm Baby N Me (1-7 months) Tuesdays, Feb 10 - March 31, 1-3pm Living and Learning Together with Ones: Mondays, Jan 5 - March 23, 9:30-12, Tuesdays, Jan 6-March 10, 9:15-11:45, Wednesdays, Jan 7-March 11, 9:15-11:45 Time with Twos: Mondays, Jan 5- March 23, 9:15-11:45, Tuesdays, Jan 6 - March 10, 9:15-11:45, and Thursdays, Jan 8-March 12, 9:30-12pm go to Bellingham Technical College's site for more information, to register and inquire about cost. Swedish Pancake Breakfast, January 17, 8-11am, Bellingham Come enjoy a traditional Scandinavian breakfast with Swedish pancakes and lingonberries, ham, eggs, coffee, chocolate, and tea. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children. Breakfast is served at the Sons of Norway on the third Saturday every month. For more information, call (360) 733-6618. Sons of Norway, 1419 N. Forest St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Sensational Toddlers, Tuesday and Thursday Mornings, Jan 20/22 - March 10/12 This class has been highly recommended to me by a lot of moms! Designed for toddlers between 18-36 months, this is an interactive sensory learning experience. Held at the Whatcom Center for Early Learning, there are two classes offered for the winter session: Tuesdays, January 20 - March 10 from 11-12:30 and Thursdays, January 22 - March 12 from 10-11:30. The cost is $99 and space is limited to 8 students per class. Call to sign up - 676-6985 Winter Warm Up Craft Session! Friday, Jan 23 A parent-child class where you and your little one can make finger puppets, and have fun with playdough, fingerpaints and silly putty! This class was advertised in the Parks Dept. 09 Leisure Guide, but a time and location was not listed. Please call 778-7011 for more information! Hugs and Kisses! Wednesday, February 11 Designed for preschool-ish age, this is a parent-child class where you can help your little create valentines treasures and masterpieces for your home and loved ones. This class was advertised in the Parks Dept. 09 Leisure Guide, but a time and location was not listed. Please call 778-7011 for more information! Family Valentine Country Dance - Saturday February 14, 7-9pm, Bloedel Multipurpose Rm, Bellingham Well, it might be a little on the late side for a lot of kiddos, but if you're looking to get out and have some fun on Valentines Day without hiring a babysitter, this might be the event for you! There will be live country fiddling, dancing callers, coyboy food and fun activities like a cake walk, line dancing, a hay pit and funny photo booth. Dressing up is encouraged! Cost is $7 per person if you preregister and $9 per person at the door. Kids under 3 are free. Family Valentine Country Dance .jpg)
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07/29/2008-07/31/2008 Wallace And Gromit (G) Surf's Up (PG) 08/05/2008-08/07/2008 Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G) Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG) 08/12/2008-08/14/2008 Everyone's Hero (G) Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (PG) 08/19/2008-08/21/2008 Arctic Tale (G) Firehouse Dog (PG) 08/26/2008-08/28/2008 Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (G) Happily N'ver After (PG) .jpg)
Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patches in September...
Santa returns again at 1pm on Saturday.
* 4:30pm Friday, show up in your best Ebenezer Scrooge face and enter the Scrooge Contest on the Fairhaven Village Green stage. The grumpiest winner will receive a copy of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, courtesy of Village Books.
* After the contest (around 5pm Friday) the entire Fairhaven District lights up, with caroling by local groups in front of the the Magic Forest on the Fairhaven Village Green stage.
* The Magic Forest (20 evergreen trees) will be open 5-9 Friday and all day Saturday.
* From 1-4pm on both the 28th and 29th, take in a horse-drawn carriage ride around the neighborhood (donations benefit the Old Fairhaven Association).
Spring
Music By The Bay, Free Demo Music Classes, Starting March 4th
March 5th, 10-10:45 AM and 11:15 - 12 PM
Thurdsay, March 12th, 10 - 10:45 AM and 11:15 - 12 PM
Saturday, March 14th, 9 - 9:45 AM and 10 - 10:45 AM
Parent and Child Craft Time, Tuesday, March 17th from 10 - 11:30, Bloedel Donovan Pavilion
A parent child craft called "Lucky Leprechans" through the Bellingham Parks Dept. Cost is $8 per child. You can register through the Bellingham Parks Dept. online or call 778-7000.
Preschool Puppet Show and Nursery Rhymes, Saturday March 21, 11 - 11:30, Bellingham Public Libary
Celebrate Spring with a puppet show! Also enjoy a retelling of favorite nursery rhymes. Presented by Adrienne Doucette, a local Waldorf educator. Call (360) 778-7200 or visit Bellingham Public Library for more information.
Parks and Rec. Dept., Winter Preschool Performances, Tue March 24, 10:30 - 11:30
An interactive show aimed at children 3 and up (recommended...ie, my two year old will probably be fine!). Cost is $2 per person and the perfomances will be located in the Multipurpose Room.
March - Stories and Sounds
The festival is definitely what you make it - long, short, interactive, just a view from the car. It's an easy event that you can tailor to your needs. Check out the official Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Page for a map: http://www.tulipfestival.org/fieldmap.php Cowtown is a HUGE hit, but unfortunately they only operate for 2 of the 4 weeks – usually the first two weeks. Head into LaConner for a bite to eat (my personal, kid friendly favorite is the LaConner Brewery - all the waitresses have kids…so the like to talk to them, they have plenty of highchairs, and a covered porch to leave your stroller outside), go to Childhood Bliss (my favorite children's store in Western Washington and there is a small place for children to play in corner with store toys) and there is also a small public park with a playstructure on the south end of town if your kiddos need to work off some energy. ENJOY!
Some of the most kid-friendly events:
Schue Farms: 100 year old Barn on a berry/pumpkin farm, opens April 1st with seasonal treasures at “garage sale” prices. An acre of you pick/we pick tulips, picnic area, kid’s playground and petting zoo. Selling fresh, valley produce and gourmet products. Latte stand plus local, hard ice cream speacialties. Let us entertain you! Schuh Farms
Country Time Alpacas: Experience alpacas at a family farm with 40+ alpacas including babies, fiber studio and country store featuring yarns and hand-crafted alpaca products. See alpacas up close on a self-guided educational tour and learn more about alpacas and the fiber produced. Family fun activities (Sat. & Sun. only) include kid’s craft, photo opportunities and spinning demonstrations. Adults $1, kids free. www.countrytimealpacas.com Check out their website; they are not open every day.
Kite Demonstration and Flying: Come and see special professional kit demonstrations of coloful, huge kites! April 18, 10-5:30pm. www.tuliptown.com
(Mom’s) Night Out – Thursday, May 7th,
Benefiting breast cancer research, Girl’s Night Out in Fairhaven from 5 – 10pm offers dinner specials, beauty treatments, massages, games, gift bags, raffles, a silent auction, a fashion show and much more! Part of the fun is getting your raffle ticket stamped by at least 7 businesses so you are eligible for the $1,000 drawing. Grab your girlfriends and head out!
Spring Family Activity Day, Saturday, May 9; noon–4 p.m., Whatcom Museum, Old City Hall Building
Celebrate Spring and Mother’s Day! Crafts include clay fish, watercolor book marks for Mom, animal rubbings and more. Face painters will add special Spring decorations to attendees! All materials are provided. Activities are geared for children in pre-school through grade school accompanied by caregivers. Free for Museum members, By donation for non-members. For more information about this event, please call (360)778-8930.
RAMBLING; a forest exploration, Thursdays May 7-28, 10-11:30, kids w/ adults
Splat, poke, peek, dig, run, skip, jump, and climb. Look under rocks and in the trees to see what we can find! When we ramble we explore our vast and varied environment, learn about critters we may uncover and meet new friends. This spring we will greet the sun and the new green buds as we meander along the Connelly Creek Trail, Larrabee Trail, Big Rock Garden and the Bay to Baker trail to Squalicum beach. All of our walks take us to a wide variety of environments just right for exploring. All walks are easy to moderate and very kid friendly. We will meet at trail heads, and driving directions and an itinerary are available upon registration. Bring a snack and dress for the weather. $8 per child, locations vary, call to register: 676-6985 (Parks and Rec. Dept)
BIG HANDS, LITTLE HANDS for Mother's Day, Friday May 8, 10-11:30, 3-5 year olds w/ parent, Bloedel MP Rm.
Spend a morning celebrating motherhood with your preschooler. This mommy and me class will have you crafting fun projects that will be kept for years and always remind you how great it is to be a mom!! Cost is $10 per child.
Ski to Sea Junior Parade – Friday, May 16th
This year’s parade theme is Transportation: Past, Present and Future. The parade starts at the corner of
Wig Out – Friday, May 23rd
Ski to Sea Grand Parade – Saturday, May 24th
It All Ends in
Anacortes Waterfront Festival - May 16 & 17, 10-5pm
Live music, food, arts and crafts and marine related vendors. For a family friendly environment, the festival also offers boat-building for children and boat rides for all ages. Other events include a walking tour, boat show, regional entertainment, a classic car show, marine swap meet, water safety demonstrations and remote control boats. Festival is held at Cap Sante Boat Haven, a public marina two blocks from downtown. www.anacortes.org
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YMCA, Kids 'N Motion, Classes in Bellingham on Thursdays and Ferndale on Wednesdays
This fun, creative movement program will explore motion through music, dance and fun games and is open to kids age 2-4. Classes meet once a week. Cost is $38 for YMCA Members and $45 for Program Members.
Bellingham YMCA starting Thur, Feb 26 - April 2 from 4:30 - 5:15pm
Ferndale YMCA starting Wed, March 4 - April 8 from 3 - 3:45pm
Pool Egg Hunt, Arne Hanna (Bellingham), Saturday, April 11, 4:30-6:30
An egghunt and games in the pool! Children 6 years and younger are required to swim with an adult. Cost is $3 per child and $4 per adult. I have been to an event like this through the aquatic center before and they are really good about adapting the event for little ones in the toddler pool. Combine a couple egg findings and water and what toddler wouldn't be happy?
Bellingham Parks and Rec Easter Egg Hunt? ....April...??
B'ham P&R usually puts on an awesome Easter Egg hunt on the gigantic lawn behind Barkely Haggen for children of all ages, complete with a bunny you can take pictures of, stickers, etc. It's a massive free-for-all (as in a hundred children all running from one line at the start time which is one of the most hilarious things I've ever seen). HOWEVER, I cannot find the info on it this year! It's an annual event, so it should be advertised soon. Call the P&R Dept. to check in if you are interested - I'm posting this early in case I can't get to it with a new baby in the house. :)
Sensations Toddlers! Tuesdays or Thursdays (8 week session), starting April 14th and 16th
This is an inclusive parent-child play program for children 18 to 36 months of age. You and your child can explore learning through a variety of motor, sensory and perceptual activities. See how creative those little hands can be as they “get messy” with paint, play dough, glue, glitter and goop! The kid-friendly environment at Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL) is just the thing to spark your child’s imagination. Active parent participation, along with hands-on teaching by staff from WCEL will encourage skill building in all areas of your child’s development. Wear an old T-shirt and get ready for some “sense”-ational learning. Co-sponsored by Bellingham Parks and Recreation and the Whatcom Center for Early Learning. Minimum must be met one week before first class.
Tuesdays, April 14 - June 16, 11 - 12:30pm, Thursdays, April 16- June 18, 10-11:30am. Children must be between 18 and 36 months and cost is $99.
"Dirty Dan Days" Festival in Fairhave, April 25 and 26
Celebrate the unscrubbed founder of Fairhaven this event-packed weekend!
During the two-day festival, enjoy a benefit FUN RUN (Miles for Memories 5k Saturday morning), KIDS' ACTIVITIES on the Green both days (toy boat building, fish art, friendliest catch fishing derby), CONTESTS (pro fish fillet, salmon toss, oyster eating, Dirty Dan look-a-like/1800's period costumes), a vespa show, and booths (food, fish, cooking demos, education, history). On Sunday the event will feature the popular Chuckanut Chowder Cook-off and culminate with the world's only piano race! Both days will feature live music all on the Village Green stage. April 25, 10-5pm, April 26, 12 - 4:15pm.
Family Pinata Party! Friday, May 1st, 6:30-8pm, Bloedel Donovan Multi-purpose room
Join us for the eighth season of piñata decorating and celebrate Cinco De Mayo with a family art project! Bring your excitement and leave the mess to us! Each family will get to work together to decorate their own papermache piñata, all materials will be provided including the filling. This festive program will end with breaking open a piñata that we have made for you! A family event, $10 per family.
Children’s Art Walk – May 1st, 6-9pm, Downtown Bellingham
The 9th annual Gallery Walk displaying artwork done by local school children. Displays are done in businesses and galleries and there is also theater, dance and music performances at selected venues downtown. Visit www.whatcommuseum.org for more info. *Because the artwork is displayed for at least a week ahead of time, you can take your kiddos and walk the downtown route and peruse the works of art at any time of the day.
Procession of the Species Parade, May 2nd, Starts at 4pm on Lottie St. in front of City Hall and ends at Maritime Heritage Park
A WONDERFUL parade for the little ones celebrating community, creativity and nature. There are also tons of workshops leading up to the big event, including participating in the banner, making puppet hands, and creating sidelines shakers and drums (all during the month of April). Visit their website; http://www.bpots.org/ to learn more and see the specific parade route.
"Lil Rookies", an interactive class for preschoolers. 3 Fridays, Starting April 17, 10-11am, Bellingham (locations vary)
Physical activities can open up a whole new world of experiences while encouraging exercise, muscle development, coordination, and sportsmanship. Join us as we spend 3 mornings learning and participating in different activities: creative movement, gymnastics and soccer. All activities are led by experienced instructors who have been working with children for years. Class itinerary and specific details are available upon registration. No experience necessary. Ages 3-5, Fridays April 17, 24, and May 1, 10-11am, $20 for the three week session and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Children’s Museum Gallery Walk – Early May
The gallery walk usually occurs in early may on a Friday evening from 6-9 pm. It has run for 8 years now, displaying artwork done by local school children. Displays are done in businesses and galleries and there is also theater, dance and music at selected venues downtown. Visit www.whatcommuseum.org for more info. *Because the artwork is displayed for at least a week ahead of time, you can take your kiddos and walk the downtown route and peruse the works of art at any time of the day.
Holland Days Festival – Early May
Celebrating Lynden’s Dutch heritage. There’s traditional dancing, old fashioned street cleaning, an open air market, and live music. More info: www.lynden.org
Kids Fishing Derby at Whatcom Falls Park – Saturday, mid-May
Running from 9-12 am, for kids 9 and under at Whatcom Falls Park’s Derby Pond.
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