ML Interest Tag: free-membership

The Ultimate Guide to Seattle’s Free (& Cheap) Museum Days

by Dhyana Levey

Seattle is home to some of the finest museums in the country. But you know what makes them even better? When you can find free or cheap museum days. With summer days in full swing, now’s a great time to get the kids out of the house and save money, too. From Free First Thursdays and Third Thursdays to special deals and discounts, we’ve compiled a list of affordable (read: free or cheap) museum days you’ll want to put on your calendar. Read on to make your next playdate plan at one of our favorite local museums.

Children's Museums

KidsQuest Children’s Museum (Bellevue)
Children ages 1 and younger always get in free.
Active military members (with ID) receive 20 percent off of general admission from Armed Forces Day to Memorial Day. Admission is always free for Gold Star military families.

Within this awesome museum you'll find a water gallery with a toddler specific splash zone, an "On the Go" gallery with a big rig semi-truck cab, a "Sticks and Stones" outdoor gallery, a story tree gallery, a two-story climber, an art studio and a special place for kids up to age 3 to explore, complete with a quiet nursing area. We apologize if you have to drag your kids away at closing time, and remember timed ticket entry is still SOP here.

Seattle Children's Museum (Seattle) 
Children ages 1 and younger always get in free.
Show your qualifying military ID for a $2 discount.
The Museums for All rate is $3 per person with proof of participation in the following programs: EBT, CHIP, Provider One or WIC.

Located in the shadow of the Space Needle, the Seattle Children's Museum boasts more than 18,000 square feet of play space for kids ages 10 months to 10 years. There you can find plenty of hands-on exhibits to explore as well as daily educational programs, story times and art activities that are free with the cost of admission. 

Kids Discovery Museum (Bainbridge Island)
Free first Friday Art Walk from 3-7 p.m.
Children ages 1 and younger always get in free.
The Museums for All rate is $3 per person with proof of participation in the following programs: EBT, CHIP, Provider One or WIC or foster families.
KiDiMu also offers a special Museums for All membership for just $30 annually. 

This small but mighty kids’ museum rocks a giant Lite Brite, Mission to Moon, Rigamajig, Nature Microscope, and all the around-the-town exhibits kids can't seem to get enough of like a grocery store, bank and and vet clinic. Plus it's fun to get there by taking a ferry from Seattle. Downtown Bainbridge is also just steps away, as well as the always free Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, so you can easily make a day of it.

Imagine Children’s Museum (Everett)
Editor's note: This museum is closed for renovations through August. Keep an eye on the website for the reopening date.

Children ages 1 and younger always get in free.
Receive free admission every third Friday of the month from 5:30-9 p.m.
The Museums for All rate is $3 per person with proof of participation in the EBT program.
Military families receive free admission on various dates throughout the year.

Come to the Imagine Children's Museum where your kids can find fun activities like Art Rocks, i-engineers and Cartoon Corner to keep them busy. If that's not enough, send them exploring throughout Imagine's two floors that come complete with a rooftop playground and a treehouse. It's totally tops.

Hands On Children’s Museum (Olympia)
Children ages 17 months and younger always get in free.
Pay just $1 to play on the first Friday night of the month.
The Museums for All rate allows the first two guests in free (pay $2 for each additional guest) with proof of participation in the EBT program.
For qualifying families who want the benefits of Annual Membership, Hands On offers an Access Membership Program for $25.

With more than 150 hands-on exhibits spread over two floors and an Outdoor Discovery Center, you can’t really go wrong at this Olympia museum. Little museum-goers might never want to leave once they spot the Built It! center, Fabulous Forest and the Tides to Trees Climber. And if that's the case, here's how to make a weekend out of it in Olympia.

Children’s Museum of Tacoma
Take advantage of pay-as-you-will admission that's always offered when the museum is open to the public (10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays.) Member-only hours are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m on Mondays and from from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturdays.

In a space along Tacoma's museum district, this bright and cheery museum boasts a large (and very clean) water table, a fantastically fun art studio, a climbable vessel reminiscent of an airplane-treehouse-fort with a total steam punch vibe and a new arty climber that's challenging for older kids. Check out their low-sensory hours on Fridays, from 1:30-4 p.m. for a quieter playtime if you've got kids with sensory sensitivities.

Museums About History

via instagram

Burke Museum (University of Washington)
3 & under are always free.
Free every first Thursday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Do you dig fossils? Then you've gotta check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. First of all, you'll see scientists at work—they're actually on display. Little white boards posted at the large windows will tell you what they are up to and in same cases, you'll be invited inside. Plus family spaces allow your Littles to climb, crawl, look, touch and ultimately learn as they explore. Kids can climb on an orca whale, investigate a large log, explore a tide pool, board a Northwest Indian canoe, check out a research tent and dress up like animals and see how well they blend in at the "camouflage corner." When hunger strikes, head to Off the Rez for handmade frybread, Indian tacos, wild rice bowls, salads and espresso beverages.

The Museum of History and Industry - MOHAI (South Lake Union)
14 & under are always free with a paying adult; maximum 5 youth admitted per adult.
Free every first Thursday from 5-8 p.m.

Bring the kids to South Lake Union to learn about the area's history at MOHAI where all the permanent exhibits are free on First Thursdays. Grab an Exploration Pack (designed for kids ages 3-7) filled with activities, puzzles, books and more or an Innovation Pack (designed for kids ages 7-10), filled with gear, to help kids use creative thinking as they explore the museum. Both are free with adult museum admission, so this means they’re totally free for kids. Don't forget to hit up the Kid-Struction Zone when you visit. It's tops with toddlers. Psst... the free Lake Union Photo Scavenger Hunt is happening this month too.

Klondike Gold Rush Museum (Pioneer Square)
Always free for everyone.
Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. During the summer, from mid-June through Labor Day, the Visitor Center opens one hour earlier, at 9 a.m.

If you have a family of history buffs, you don’t want to miss this little nugget (see what we did there?) of a museum located in Pioneer Square and close to the International District and its plethora of restaurants. Not too crowded, with Park Rangers ready to answer your questions—this is a fun little museum run by the National Parks (who knew?) right in our backyard.

Art Museums

Seattle Art Museum (Downtown Seattle)
Children ages 14 and younger always get in free.
The Chase Open Studio and Ann P. Wyckoff Education Resource Center are always free (Editor's note: these spaces remain closed).
Free first Thursdays are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

If your kid has a complete art library of their own, The Seattle Art Museum is where you'll want to take them. The museum hosts a variety of family events, although many remain paused due to Covid. Outdoor programs like Summer at SAM give families the opportunity to explore art and nature together. But we know your kids will love the Alberto Giacometti: Toward the Ultimate Figure on display through October.

Henry Art Gallery (University of Washington)
Free first Thursdays are from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Every Sunday is free from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
UW students, faculty and staff along with students and kids are always free.

The Henry stokes imagination by introducing kids and families to contemporary art and culture through interactive art experiences. Inspired by current exhibitions, the museum offers family programs that are especially designed for adults and children to consider new ways of thinking while learning and creating together. 

Bellevue Arts Museum
Children ages 6 and younger always get in free.
Students get in free each second Wednesday of the month using the online coupon.

The Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) helps to engage hands and minds alike with their kids & family programs that include free family days, workshops and more. Imagination Stations are located throughout the museum, allowing you to get hands-on with your own arty ideas. 

Seattle Asian Art Museum (Capitol Hill)
Children ages 14 and younger are always free.
Free last Fridays are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The recently-reimagined Seattle Asian Art Museum groups art by theme, rather than country, and offers guests expanded exhibit areas, education spots and a lovely walkway that connects this impressive Art Deco building to Volunteer Park's many other amenities. Don't miss the public programs at its Garden Center, which shares a range of artistic expression through performances, films and events with visual artists. 

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (Bainbridge Island)
Always free for everyone each day from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This awesome museum is located on beautiful Bainbridge Island, just a 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle and a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal. The museum offers group visits, lectures and panel discussions as well as a film series, publications and hands-on art experiences for a range of ages and audiences. BIMA has a small but growing Permanent Art Collection including various media such as painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, wood, artist’s books, fiber and jewelry art.

Olympic Sculpture Park (Seattle Waterfront)
Always free for everyone each day.
Park is open 30 minutes prior to sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
PACCAR Pavilion is open each day from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. during spring and summer.

If your kids get squirrely in museums, take them to Seattle’s coolest outdoor art exhibit. OSP is home to awesome sculptures, giant art and interactive beauty. It's also a great way to get your tykes appreciating art without needing to shush them every two minutes. Plus, the unparalleled view (and lots of room to spread out a picnic blanket) is reason in itself to plan a visit. 

Frye Art Museum (First Hill)
Always free for everyone, Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Check out the Museum's Human Nature, Animal Culture: Selections from the Frye Art Museum Collection, which examines how we use animals to nourish our bodies, carry our belongings and become our companions. While we look at science for solutions to address the climate change that impacts them, we also turn to art to understand our past, present and future relationships with our fellow creatures.

Museums for Culture

National Nordic Museum (Ballard)
Children ages 4 and younger always get in free.
Free First Thursday of the month from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

If there’s a Viking in your family, check out the Museum's Nordic Journeys exhibit which is a hands-on, kid-friendly display about the immigration story from the "old country” to the United States, then Seattle and to Ballard. 

Northwest African American Museum (Southeast Seattle)
(Editor's note: Until further notice, the museum is operating virtually and in pop-ups only until it reopens its onsite operations.)
Children ages 3 younger always get in free.
Free every first Thursday of the month from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Offers admission by donation days (often coincides with our large community events like MLK Day).

The exhibits and programs at this museum feature the visual arts, music, crafts, literature and history of African Americans in the Northwest. Together with the community, the museum presents and preserves the connections between the Pacific Northwest and people of African descent and investigates and celebrates Black experiences in America. Be sure to keep an eye on their events calendar for special events and programs throughout the year for families, such as interactive storytime and the Knowledge is Power Book Giveaways.

Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience (International District, Seattle)
Children ages 5 and younger always get in free. 
Museums for All discounts offer free admission for up to five guests with an EBT card.
Show your qualifying military ID for a $2 discount.

Visit this museum to connect with the dynamic history, culture and art of Asian Americans, native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders through storytelling and experiences meant to advance racial and social equity. Youth ages 10 to 14 years old should check out the free art program Teensway, which explores heritage and community through various art techniques led by teaching artists and museum staff. And keep an eye on the events calendar for upcoming family-friendly events.

Insider tip: Most of the kids' exhibits feature interactive elements such as videos, sounds and games, sure to please your whole brood.

MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture) (Seattle)
Children ages 4 younger always get in free.
The Museums for All discount is available with proof of EBT participation.  
The museum is also a Community Access Partner, which offers free or reduced-cost entry.

MoPOP is an ever-changing museum offering insights on everything from music, video games, movies, sports and more. While there is something for everyone here, we recommend MoPOP for families with older kids who can appreciate Sci-fi wonders and Fantasy worlds. Just about every kid (and parent who wished that they had become a rock star) will love the Sound Lab where they can actually learn to play different band instruments in a matter of minutes. We think everyone will love the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design exhibit that just opened in late June. 

Transportation Museums

The Museum of Flight (Boeing Field)
Children ages 4 and younger always get in free.
Receive free admission the first Thursday of each month from 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Discounted tickets are available for active military and veterans, Boeing employees and AAA members.

Check out the Museum's Apollo 17 Lunar Module Ascent Stage Mock-up exhibit where you can land the Apollo lunar module, or walk through a full-sized replica of the International Space Station’s Destiny Research Lab. Weekend Family Workshops offer hands-on experiences exploring science, engineering and aerospace topics for the whole family on Saturdays and Sundays. The Museum of Flight Tower at Boeing Field is always a hit with future airplane pilots, and hearing the King County International Airport air traffic controllers in real-time is pretty darn awesome, too. But the current draw at this area favorite has got to be the Walt Disney Studios & WWII retrospective that will delight both parents and kids.

The Center for Wooden Boats (South Lake Union & Camano Island)
Always free for everyone.
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Believing that everyone should have access to maritime heritage, The Center for Wooden Boats' Floating Boathouse Gallery (Seattle) highlights four unique and historic wooden boat designs that enjoy a permanent place in the CWB collection. Toy Boat Building classes for kids and adults are offered at the Cama Beach location each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. And we're all hoping the tugboat storytime and pond boat rentals return to Seattle soon. While we wait, consider renting a free pea pod boat with the kids.

Northwest Railway Museum (Snoqualmie)
The Depot and grounds are always free.
Railway History Campus is $10/adult, $5/child, ages 2 to 12.

In 1981, the Northwest Railway Museum rehabilitated and restored the Snoqualmie Depot back to its 1890s appearance giving kids a better idea on what travel was like for their grandparents. If you want to go for a ride, Scenic Train Rides take place during special events in July, October and December and on weekends April through October. Moms, dads and grandparents can take advantage of free train rides (with a paying kid) on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Grandparent's Day weekends. View the special events calendar online.

The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum (Kent)
Children ages 6 and younger always get in free.

Kids love to watch the hydros during Seafair, but did you know they can visit them anytime? Climb into an actual hydro or just check out all the cool boats and memorabilia on display at The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, our nation's only public museum dedicated solely to powerboat racing.

Good to Know

Did you know you can get free museum passes with your Seattle Public Library card or your King County Library card? You can! Print out your totally free passes to places like SAM, MoPOP and The Museum of Flight and get exploring. And don’t forget, Smithsonian Magazine is celebrating its 18th annual Museum Day next month. Families can get in for free at 12 museums around the state.

—Jeffrey Totey, Kristina Moy & Erin Cranston

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FTW! Seattle’s Best College Sports Events for Kids

by Natalie Compagno

Seattle families love our sports. From the Seahawks to the Mariners to our yet-to-be-named NHL team, we can’t get enough. Next time your kids need a sports fix, consider taking them to a college sporting event. Attending is easier and less expensive; plus, with four fantastic schools that boast an exciting array of teams, it’s a win for everyone. Read on to find can’t-miss events for the weeks to come.

University of Washington

Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures

Whether you call them the Huskies, the Dawgs, or simply U-Dub, the University of Washington is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities on the West Coast. With 23 intercollegiate athletic programs, top-notch facilities for every sport and championship teams across the spectrum, it's easy to be a fan. Fan families can take advantage of the Pups & Parents package. Each purchase grants two admissions (one parent, one child) to designated games for these sports: volleyball, soccer, women's basketball, gymnastics, baseball and softball. Join the P&P and treat your kids to a life of athletic pursuits or at least Husky fandom.

Upcoming Events

Pac-12 Swimming & Diving Championships
Head down to Federal Way to cheer the Huskies to victory at the Pac-12 finals! Cal, Stanford and USC are all ranked in the national top 20 in each sport, but they're no match for the Huskies. Check out the schedule of events for Women's Swimming and Men's & Women's Diving and Men's Swimming. Event details.

Feb. 26-29 & Mar. 4-7
Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center
650 S.W. Campus Dr.
Federal Way, WA 98023

UW Fan Fest & Spring Football Preview
Excitement is running high under new head coach Jimmy Lake, so be among the first to check out the 2020 Husky men's football team! Fan Fest kicks off in the indoor practice facility with football fun for fans and fams, and freebies and festivities for small fry. Then the event moves outdoors for the first Husky practice of spring football. Go Dawgs!

Apr. 25, TBD
Dempsey Indoor Practice Facility
Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium
3800 Montlake Blvd N.E.
Seattle, WA 98195

Windermere Cup & Opening Day Regatta
Every year UW creates one of Seattle's finest spring traditions by celebrating the opening day of boating season with this rowing classic. The free, family-friendly event sees the University of Washington compete against top U.S. and international teams. The event also includes food and drink vendors, kid-friendly activities and free giveaways. Following the races, fans are invited to join the champions for an awards ceremony near the finish line. Be sure to arrive early to stake out your spot on the Montlake Bridge or along the Cut. Event details.

May 2, 10 a.m.
Montlake Cut

Insider tip: Anywhere along the Cut provides a fantastic experience, but consider cheering for the Husky winners at the finish line, located on the northwest side of the Cut behind the UW Medical Center. The Montlake Bridge is another great (albeit packed) spot to watch the big races. It offers bird's eye views of the starting line to the east and the finish line to the west.

Good to know: Many UW spring sporting events are totally free all season, including men's and women's tennis, rowing, track, and beach volleyball!

Huskies Ticket Office
3910 Montlake Boulevard
Graves Building Room 101
Seattle, Wa 98195-4070
206-543-2200
Online: gohuskies.com

Seattle Pacific University

Andy Towell/Troutstreaming

Located along the Fremont Cut, the NCAA Division II SPU Falcons play 13 different varsity sports. Last year the Falcons won four Great Northwest Athletic Conference team championships in women’s indoor track & field and outdoor track too. Plus, the Falcons men's basketball team just pulled off an eight game winning streak on the road to March Madness. Long story short, it's a great time to learn to love these teams.

Upcoming Events

National Girls & Women in Sports Day Celebration
How about a two-fer? Watch the SPU women's basketball team take on the Western Washington Vikings and celebrate females in sports at the same time! Expect fun giveaways like Falcon scrunchies, a free yoga class, a climbing gym pass, and more. Psst...Promo code: NGW20 will get you $4 tickets. Event details.

Feb. 6, 5:15 p.m.
Brougham Pavilion
3414 3rd Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119

Girl Scouts Night 
The kids will flip for Falcon Gymnastics at this event. Extra perks to Girl Scouts (who receive a free patch) but the whole family will marvel at the feats of strength and agility. So bring the fam out to support the team!

Feb. 21, 7 p.m.
Brougham Pavilion
3414 3rd Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119

Falcon Regatta
Looking for something exciting to do with tiny early risers? Pack up the fam and head to the Lake Washington ship canal to catch the Annual Falcon Regatta. The Falcons will have free donuts and coffee on hand shortly after sunrise. Best of all, tickets are free! Event details.

Mar. 14, 8:30 a.m.
Lake Washington Ship Canal
Seattle, WA 98118

Falcons Ticket Office
Brougham Pavilion
3414 3rd Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119
206-281-2085
Online: spufalcons.com

Seattle University

Sarah Finney/Seattle U Athletics

With a proud history that includes NBA Hall-of-Famer Elgin Baylor, Seattle University is back in NCAA Division I athletics after 29 years. The Redhawks have recently pulled off some stunning upsets over nationally-known teams, so it's a great time to become a fan. In fact, Seattle U wants to afford all grade school children the opportunity to experience the college environment through the fun of sports. Kids sixth grade and younger can join Rudy's Kids Club for free. Membership includes free tickets to select events, exclusive invites to Rudy's Club events, even autograph opps. Sign us up!

Upcoming Events

Fan Appreciation Day
The Redhawks are in the thick of things in the WAC race this year, so show your support against the Chicago State Cougars. They'll have groovy giveaways like fanny packs, deals on Chicago dogs, and discount coupons from team sponsor Pagliacci Pizza. Yum! Event details.

Mar. 5, 7 p.m.
Redhawk Center
550 14th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98112

Final Regular Season Men's Basketball Game
Cheer the Redhawks on to victory against the UMKC Kangaroos in their final game before the WAC Championship tournament in Las Vegas. This important game takes place in the 7,000 seat ShoWare Center in Kent, so arrive early and be loud!

Mar. 7, 1 p.m.
ShoWare Center
625 W James St.
Kent, WA 98032

Women's Softball First Home Game
Celebrate the return of spring by cheering for the Redhawks at their first home game.

Mar. 12, TBD
Bannerwood Park
1790 Richards Rd.
Bellevue, WA 98005

Redhawks Ticket Office
O’Brien Center
901 12th Street
Seattle, WA 98122
206-398-GOSU
Online: goseattleu.com

Bellevue College

Rick May

Home of the Bulldogs, Bellevue College competes in 11 different men's and women's sports. This Eastside, hometown fave competes as part of the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWCA). With baseball and softball season just around the corner, now's a good time to become a fan. Check out these upcoming games for electrifying fun with the fam.

Upcoming Events

Softball
Coach Lisa Francis has built this team into a force to be reckoned with, and their 42-7 overall 2019 record proves it. Catch the women as they take on the Edmonds Tritons and Everett Trojans in two, exiting games this spring.

Apr. 25 & May 2, noon & 2 p.m.
Bellevue College Softball Field
3000 Landerholm Cir. S.E.
Bellevue, WA 98007

Baseball
Recognized as one of the top junior baseball teams in the country, the Bulldogs are fun to watch. Come out to support the team this spring!

Apr. 4 & 26, 1 & 4 p.m.
Courter Baseball Field
3000 Landerholm Cir. S.E.
Bellevue, WA 98007

Bellevue College
3000 Landerholm Cir. S.E.
Bellevue, WA 98007
425-564-2396
Online: bellevuecollege.edu

—Natalie Compagno

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5 Reasons to Shop Thrive Market This Fall

by Tinybeans Team
Partner Content

The lunchboxes they’re using this year put a brown bag to shame. Make sure you fill it with the foods your crew will love by shopping at Thrive Market. Here are five reasons parents are choosing Thrive Market for all their back-to-school (and beyond) shopping needs.

Convenience. Online grocery shopping makes the whole process stress-free. Thrive Market offers free shipping on orders over $49 and will include a free item, like a new granola bar to try or almond butter. Perk: your order will ship in two days or less.

Brands. Find products and foods from your favorite brands like Happy Baby, Late July, Banza, Annie’s, Lotus Foods, Rao’s, Seventh Generation, Honest Kids and more. Or, shop the highly-rated Thrive Market Goods brand for pantry staples like olive oil, almond flour and apple cider vinegar.

Shop by Value or Diet. Thrive Market allows you to sort its 6,000+ products by 12 diets (Keto, Paleo, AIP), 35 ingredients, and 29 environmental or social values (Non-GMO, Preservative-Free, Grass Fed and Plant-Based). Perk: Thrive Market offers pre-selected boxes based on your diet or its value, which means you don’t have to think about what to buy.

Thrive Market does good. Try it free for 30 days. After your free trial, the $60 annual membership will provide a free membership to a low-income family, student, teacher, veteran or first responder so they can also access Thrive Market’s quality goods.

Discounted prices. See below for some popular products (and discounts!), including Dr. Bronner’s, Mrs. Meyers and Annie’s. If you don’t save at least $60, Thrive Market will give you the difference in credit after you renew your membership.

 

Single-Serve Whole Milk ($14.49)

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Amazon Wants to Train Your Kids to Become Future Engineers

by Shahrzad Warkentin

STEM careers are rapidly growing and yet the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there won’t be enough computer science graduates to fill the demand. Amazon is looking to change that with a pivotal investment in students through its Amazon Future Engineer program.

Amazon announced it will fund computer science courses in more than 1,000 high schools across the country. This investment is part of the $50 million the company has pledged towards computer science and STEM education in the United States. More than 700 of those high schools are classified as Title I, meaning they primarily serve students from low-income communities.

photo: Courtesy of Amazon

“We want to ensure that every child, especially those from underprivileged communities, has an opportunity to study computer science,” said Jeff Wilke, CEO Worldwide Consumer for Amazon. “We are excited more than 1,000 schools will now provide these courses, and look forward to adding 1,000 more schools over the coming months.”

The funding will provide for Intro to Computer Science and AP Computer Science classes through curriculum provider, Edhesive. This will include preparatory lessons, tutorials, professional development for teachers, curriculum for students and live online support for teachers and students. All students participating in the program will receive a free membership to AWS Educate, which provides them with free access to the AWS Cloud for their coding projects and tutorials on cloud computing.

“Our students are hungry for computer science education, but we could not get the funding to bring this class to our school,” said Chad Bobb, a teacher at Pike High School, a Title I school in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Amazon Future Engineer allows us to open our students’ eyes to something that is both interesting and can lead them into rewarding, thriving careers.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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‘Tis the Season for Science at Pacific Science Center

by Jeff Totey

If you feel like the days leading up Christmas are moving at warp speed, we can relate. But for kids, the holidays feel like they’re still five years away. If your kid crew is having a hard time controlling their excitement and cabin fever is already starting to set in, consider giving everyone a time out…of the house, with a visit to the Pacific Science Center. It may be just what everyone needs for a short-term distraction. The best part? PSC has tons of fun, festive and educational activities planned this month to keep little minds active and entertained. Read on for the deets.

photo: Pacific Science Center

Festive Décor & Holiday-Themed Activities 
This month, the Pacific Science Center has not only decked its halls, but its entire 7.1 acre campus with festive décor, including bright red poinsettias where you can learn the science behind these plants. See the power of liquid nitrogen up close at the Super Cold Live Science Stage Show or make a stop at the Tinker Tank to learn how to create your own pop-up Christmas cards. Over at the Laserium, you can groove to holiday tunes while gazing at a spectrum of laser lights during the Laser Winter Magic holiday presentation. And for curious little minds, winter-themed story times will delight tykes of all ages.

photo: Pacific Science Center

Go on a Virtual Vacation
Stop by the virtual reality micro-theater to explore other worlds without having to leave your seat. Take a trip to the stars and learn the science of the winter solstice at the Science on a Sphere and gaze at the night sky in the Planetarium. Psst…beginning on Dec. 15, you can take a trip to the Canadian Rockies via the IMAX theater to see Rocky Mountain Express.

Christmas Critters
While the weather outside might be frightful, you can warm up in the amazing and beautiful Tropical Butterfly House where the butterflies will be pretending to be ornaments and decorating various trees and plants. While you’re there, be sure to check out the iguana, box turtle and naked mole rats, because nothing says Christmas like naked mole rats. (Maybe this year someone will knit those guys some winter sweaters for Christmas.)

photo: Pacific Science Center

Candy Cane Chemistry
If you’re looking for some extra time to shop for presents for you-know-who, you might want to take advantage of PSC’s Parent’s Day Out event happening on Sat., Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Candy Cane Chemistry event will take kids through a series of “pepperminty experiments” that test which liquids dissolved candy canes the best. Kids will also learn why sugar gives them energy, watch an IMAX documentary on the subject and, of course, indulge in some sweet treats! Cost is $55/child or $45 for PSC members.

Snowball Central
To add to the fun this season, a brand new winter wonderland will be unveiled to the public beginning on Mon., Dec. 18 where a snow machine will be pumping out the fluffy stuff at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day through January 31. Challenge friends to a “snowball fight” where no one gets hurt or build your own igloos without freezing your hands off.

photo: Pacific Science Center

Fill Those Stockings With Science
The PSC gift shop features all kinds of science-y trinkets and toys for stocking stuffing. And many are items that you can’t really find anywhere else like MadMatter Play Doh, Insta-Snow Powder, an all-season snowman, dinosaur-shaped cookie cutters and fair trade ornaments, plus solar print kits, RC Mini Mips, science lab sets, science-themed tea infusers and so much more. Also, memberships to the PSC make great gifts and there is no worrying about getting the right size or color.

Good to Know:
‘Tis the Season for Science runs through December 31, 2017 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends. Activities and experiences vary by day. Check the website for more info.

Pacific Science Center
200 Second Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98109
206-443-2001
Online: pacificsciencecenter.org

Admission: $21.95/Adults; $19.95/Seniors (65 & older); $15.95/Youth (6-15); $11.95/Child (3-5); 2 & under Free

Membership: A family membership is $139/year and covers two named adults and up to six named youth (ages 3-18). It also includes eight guest passes and 15 documentary IMAX movie passes.

Do you plan to visit the Pacific Science Center this month? What’s your family’s favorite exhibit? Tell us in the comments below. 

— Jeffrey Totey

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Stack It Up, Build It, Knock it Down: Where to LEGO

by Mae Respicio

Do you know the extreme pain associated with stepping barefoot on a LEGO brick? Then you must be living with a little LEGO addict! Despite their sharp exteriors, LEGO bricks can offer kids many important skills from fine motor development to creative play skills. These places all over the Bay Area provide lots of LEGO love and ample building time. The best part? Those pesky little bricks stay all over their floors—not yours!

Photo credit: Mae Respicio

San Francisco

Built It! LEGO Club
Books and LEGOs? Could it get any better? The San Francisco Library has drop-in building sessions throughout the year at various branches including Ocean View and North Beach. They provide all the pieces—the kiddos just bring their imaginations.

Ocean View Branch
345 Randolph St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-355-5615

North Beach Branch
North Beach Meeting Room
850 Columbus Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
415-355-5626
Online: sfpl.org

Tech Know How
Sometimes the future engineers of America need just the slightest bit of guidance. Tech Know How provides that, and more. Their summer camps let littles as young as 5 learn about everything LEGO. The older ones (ages 14–18) can even volunteer as summer interns where they train to work in a classroom, have access to software and tech tools, and even receive a letter of completion (for extra brownie points on those college apps!).

Camp locations in San Francisco, the Peninsula, East Bay, and South Bay
Cost: Prices vary
Online: techknowhow.com

Marin

Marin County Free Library
What’s better than LEGOs?  Free LEGOs! The Novato branch library welcomes your engineers-in-training and provides all the parts, which means Duplos through LEGOs for youngsters 4–14.

Novato Branch
1720 Novato Blvd.
Novato, Ca
4–5:30 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of the month. No registration required.
415-897-1141
Online: marinlibrary.org

Play Well Activity Center
Buildings, birthdays, and babysitting—all rolled into one cool place!  Well, not actual babysitting per se, but with the way kids zone out (in a good way) on those plastic pieces, you know what we mean. Be sure to ask about their sibling discount.

216 Greenfield Ave.
San Anselmo, Ca
Summer Hours:10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day
Drop-In Cost: $10/hour per child
415-460-5210
Online: play-well.org

Photo credit: Mae Respicio

Peninsula/South Bay

Build It Again with Bricks
This store has everything for your crazy little builders to go nuts: drop-ins, parties, camps, buying/selling and even photo mosaics. Yes, you too can turn your little’s school photo into an amazingly detailed LEGO portrait. Simply bring in a photo and their experts do the rest. (How cool is that?!)

398 Main St.
Los Altos, Ca
650-935-2166
Wednesday and Thursday, 12–6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Drop-In Cost: $15/hour
Online: builditagainwithbricks.com

LEGO Stores
Pick-a-Brick buffet?  Why yes, please!  These shops are pay per scoop, so check with each location for exact rates. Go crazy, South Bay residents!  They also offer monthly LEGO Club meetings where participants get to make and take home a mini model ($10/person fee).

341 Hillsdale Mall
San Mateo, Ca
Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
650-571-9020
Online: stores.lego.com

2855 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, Ca
Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
408-247-8071
Online: stores.lego.com

BrainVyne
BrainVyne takes unique LEGO fun and combines it with basic programming for kids in their popular spring and summer camps. Their Girl Power Robotics: WeDo program is a girl-only introduction into the LEGO Robotics WeDo program. Kids also love the combination of LEGO and Star Wars in another popular program. BrainVyne even offers LEGO birthday parties in their Palo Alto location (or another public location near you).

Camps located in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Evergreen, San Carlos, Santa Clara and Milpitas
Online: brainvyne.com

Wizbots Imagineering Programs
Combine LEGO Mindstorms with arts, crafts and low-tech building materials and STEM takes on a new meaning for young innovators (grades 2–8). They have everything from camps to parties to afterschool programs; check their website for individual Peninsula locations and programs. 

233 Highland Ave.
San Carlos, Ca
Online: wizbots.com

Photo credit: Karla Oliveira / Build it Again with Bricks

East Bay

Oakland Public Library Lego Mania Club
It’s brickmania at the Lakeview Branch, where kiddos build and explore with LEGO and Duplo. The littles will love this weekend precursor that takes place every 2nd Friday of the month.

Lakeview Branch
550 El Embarcadero
Oakland, Ca
510-238-7344
Online: oaklandlibrary.org

Play-Well Pleasanton Activity Center
The power of play is at work here with drop-in activity time for even the littlest of builders (starting at age 3 but with Duplo, natch). Activities focus on popular themes like Ninjaneering, Star Wars, and Flight, to name a few.

5737 Valley Ave.
Pleasanton, Ca
925-484-1547
Summer Hours: Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Drop-In Cost: Weekdays: $9/hour per child (all ages); 5-hour pass: $35
Online: play-well.org

Photo credit: Kate Loweth

Bricks 4 Kidz
Calling all LEGO lovers who also love Angry Birds and Minecraft! This center has not only drop-in hours, classes, camps, afterschool programs and birthday packages but they also have… (wait for it): Kids Night Out! You won’t feel so guilty about date night when you know how much fun they’re having.

3150 Balfour Rd.
Brentwood, Ca
925-684-4082
Drop-ins: Tues., 10 a.m.–noon; Wed., 4–6 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.–noon; Fri 4–6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–noon
Cost: $5 per child
Kids Night Out every Friday from 6–10 p.m. ($25/child)
Online: bricks4kidz.com

BrickSpace
The owner of this Benicia gem combined a love of learning with a love of all things LEGO and out came BrickSpace! The littlest LEGO lovers will enjoy the preschool playtime especially their Curious Kids Love Science class which brings together LEGO fun and science experiments! After school and summer camp programs are available, as well as the ever-popular Parents Night Out program that’s offered the first Friday of the month.

946 Tyler St., Suite H
Benicia, Ca
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

621 First St.
Benicia, Ca
Hours: Monday through Thursday 1 – 5 p.m.; Friday 12 – 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Online: brickspacebenicia.net

Photo credit: Kate Loweth/Living LEGO-cy

More LEGO Fun

BayLUG
Join up with other Bay Area LEGO fans both young and old and become a member of BayLUG – the Bay Area LEGO Users’ Group. BayLUG has meetings where members can display their projects and the group also participates in various LEGO events around the area including Bricks By the Bay in August.

Little LEGO lovers will love the annual “Living LEGO-cy” show at the Museum of American Heritage in Palo Alto which takes place in December and January. You don’t have to be a member to attend this show (but members do get in free!).

Membership: $10/year for a child (with parent permission) or $20/family for the first year (fees are half after the first year)
Online: baylug.org

Did we leave out any of your favorites?  Where does your family like to go for a little LEGO action?

—Kate Loweth & Mae Respicio

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