Is there anything sweeter than decorating a gingerbread house with your kidlet during the holidays? We think not. But beyond the lickably sticky fingers and gooey frosting faces, that you just can’t get enough of, comes a serious mess. Outsource this seasonal kitchen chaos to maximize your return on those memorable moments by signing up for a gingerbread house class. We’ve got the sweet details on six that will add ease to your holi-daze.

photo: Tacoma Children’s Museum

Classes for the Whole Family

Gingerbread House Day
After last year’s success, the Country Village in Bothell will be hosting its second annual Gingerbread House Workshop for families. Get a sneak peak, on November 14th at the annual Taste of the Holiday celebration. Here, families can greet Santa’s reindeer as they make their holiday debut, check out demos and enjoy holiday refreshments, including fresh roasted chestnuts (starting at 4 p.m.) before heading over to Santa’s Cottage to get their build on.

The following weekend, Nov. 21st, is the official Gingerbread House Day. Expect lots of holiday cheer, train rides, pony rides and photo ops with the wandering gingerbread man and woman at this lively celebration. But no matter what workshop date you choose, you’ll find everything you need to sit down with the kidlets and create a messy masterpiece with all the sticky frosting and gooey treats provided. Take your creation home or enter it in the Gingerbread House Competition that will make your holiday shopping sting a little less if you win 1st place, a $200 gift certificate to the Country Village. Remember to register in advance for these workshops; they fill up fast! Email katie@countryvillagebothell.com to get on the list.

photo: Bothell Country Village’s website 

Country Village Shops
814 238th St. S.E.
Bothell, Wa 98021
425-483-2250
Online: countryvillagebothell.com/gingerbread-house-day-0

Dates: Nov. 14 & 21, 2015
Time: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. or 3 p.m.
Cost: $35

Eat Local
Take your little pastry chef down to the Burien Eat Local location to decorate a rustic gingerbread house in their spacious kitchen workshop. As with all the Eat Local classes this one is taught by an expert gingerbread house maker (read: pastry chef) and includes all the sticky, gooey sweets needed to make your house worthy of display. Plus, you’ll get to test run some of the Eat Local fare while you and your littlest decorator put on the finishing touches. Plan on decorating for about two hours and bring your appetite paired with some holiday cheer. Bon appétit!

photo: Eat Local

810 S.W. 151st St.
Burien, Wa 98166
206-432-9849
Online: eatlocalonline.com/make-a-gingerbread-house

Date: Dec. 12, 2015
Time: Noon & 6 p.m.
Cost: $98

Gingerbread Jamboree
This T-town family tradition is a great post turkey, pre putting-up-the-Christmas-tree event for the whole fam. Head down to the Hotel Murano to decorate pre-fabbed gingerbread houses with other area families and enjoy some special guests too. Santa will make a special appearance at one of the sessions to sit down with little decorators and make sure their special wishes are on his list. But don’t worry if you miss out on Santa, each session has an added extra (like music and special guests) that add a sprinkling of magic to an otherwise already magical day. Pre-registration is required (sessions are filling up quickly!) and museum members receive a 10% discount.

photo: Tacoma Children’s Museum

Good to know: If you can’t make it to the party, you can host your own Jamboree during the month of December for your friends, family or group. Find out how online.

Hotel Murano
Bicentennial Pavilion
1320 Broadway Plaza
Tacoma, Wa 98402
253-627-6031 ext. 221 for reservations
Online: playtacoma.org/gingie

Dates: Nov. 28-29, 2015
Time: 10 a.m.-noon & 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. (both days)
Cost: $40/family of four; $5/additional guest; $25/additional house; 10% discount for museum members

KidsQuest Children’s Museum: Family Gingerbread House Workshops
The Kid’s Quest Gingerbread House Workshop is the perfect way to kick the winter holiday season into high gear and take advantage of a long, post-Thanksgiving weekend with all the fixings. We love this workshop for families (the registration cost includes up to 6 people!), but it’s also a no-brainer if you’re thinking about gathering a big group, like neighbors or a parent group, because this year a VIP package is available ($250) for the first time. It includes seating for up to 10 people and four houses just waiting for frosting and sweets to make it complete. Plus, the special VIP seating is close to the candy buffet, which is totally worth it. Bring just the fam or the whole gang for this festive afternoon!

photo: KidsQuest Children’s Museum

Hyatt Regency Bellevue
900 Bellevue Way
Bellevue, Wa 98004
Online: kidsquestmuseum.org/page.php?id=147

Dates: Nov. 27-28, 2015
Time: Noon-2 p.m. & 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on Nov. 27; 10 a.m.-noon & 2 p.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 28
Cost: $45/family for members (up to 6); $50/family for non-members; $25/additional house; $250/VIP Table Package

Hot Stove Society
Join the Hot Stove Elves and work alongside other area families to transform a plain gingerbread house into a culinary masterpiece that’s good enough to eat, but will do much better sprucing up a mantle this holiday season. Families will gather in the Hot Stove Society cooking space, located inside the Hotel Andra, where they’ll find plenty of space to create and get messy while they work. Plus, the Littles get to munch on grilled cheese sandwiches washed down with hot cocoa or apple cider while decorating, and parents can do the same, but with holiday-spiced wine. Yum! The registration cost covers one parent, one helper and the house. And that’s how you do the holidays right!

photo: Hot Stove Society’s website 

Good to know: The afternoon class is sold out, and spaces are filling up quickly for the morning session. Book ASAP if this one’s on your wish list!

Hotel Andra
2000 4th Ave.
Seattle, Wa 98121
206-463-0383
Online: hotstovesociety.com/classes/gingerbread-house-decorating-for-kids1

Date: Dec. 12, 2015
Time: 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $75

Classes for Kids Only

Frog Legs Kids Culinary Academy
Drop your tiny bakers off at Candy Land (i.e. Frog Leg’s Kids Culinary Academy) for a whole lotta holiday cooking with Mrs. Frog Legs herself, Laura Vida. Frosting, houses and all the fixings are included in these just-for-kids classes. Mrs. Frog Legs offers a few different variations, so families can find one that’s just right for them. Here’s the breakdown of this season’s three workshops. It’s dinner and decorating for little bakers ages 6-13 on December 11th, featuring soup and grilled cheese dunkers to fill up hungry tummies. December 19th is a similar version, but for the tot lot. Kiddos ages 3-10 will munch on homemade mac and cheese with roasted broccoli after decorating their home sweet home. And on the 21st, a build your own pizza party will follow decorating and Christmas crafting for kids ages 4 and up. If you’re thinking drop and shop, we’re right there with you. Ho ho ho!

photo: Laura Vida

3217 33rd Ave. S.
Seattle, Wa 98144
206-954-9094
Online: froglegskca.com/index.php

Dates: Dec. 11, 19 & 21, 2015
Time: Dec. 11 from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; Dec. 19 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Dec. 21 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $65-$70, depending on the class

Where to See Ah-mazing Houses

The 23rd Annual Gingerbread Village
After decorating a house as a family, take a trip to the downtown Sheraton Seattle, where an ogle-worthy display of gingerbread creations, designed collaboratively by local architecture firms and the Sheraton’s own culinary team, will be on display from the week of Thanksgiving through the new year.

Jedis of all ages will cheer for this year’s oh-so-timely theme, May the Holidays Be With You, featuring fantastic gingerbread creations inspired by the Star Wars movies. No Jedi mind trick here, just plenty of scene stealing creations, photo ops for your littlest lightsaber wielding fan and a chance to finally find those droids you were looking for (we hope!). Plan for a bit of a wait before you can see the houses if you go on the weekends, but don’t let that discourage you. This is one line that’s worth waiting through!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Sheraton Seattle
1400 6th Ave.
Seattle, Wa
Online: gingerbreadvillage.myevent.com

Date: Nov. 24, 2015 – Jan. 3, 2016
Time: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Cost: Free, donations accepted to benefit JDRF

Do you plan on making gingerbread houses at one of these classes? Have you made one in the past? Tell others about your experience in the Comments below. 

— Allison Sutcliffe

When the local library comes to mind, it’s easy to think of a reading area or a weekly story time. But yoga classes, lego-a-thons, homework help and song hours don’t immediately jump out. You may be surprised to know that San Diego libraries are brimming with kid-friendly activities, classes and events designed to entertain and educate your little ones. And best of all, they are free! So get ready to be surprised with our guide to local library fun.

Create a Sweet Sound at Music Makers
Toddlers will love the chance to explore their musical side at the Music Makers classes from Hopscotch Tiny Tots. Little maestro’s ages 3-5 will sing, dance, clap and cheer up a storm at these themed sessions that incorporate music, art, movement, science and language arts. Classes are a very toddler attention span friendly at 30 minutes, and younger and older siblings are welcome to join in the fun. Keep in mind that due to the popularity of this class, Music Makers will be close to arrivals once the room is at capacity or 5 minutes after the start of the session.

North University Community Library
8820 Judicial Dr.
San Diego, Ca, 92122
858-581-9637
Online: friends.northuclibrary.org

Date: Mondays, 10 a.m.

Looking for More Like This In Your Area? The Mira Mesa, Logan Heights, Linda Vista, Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa and North University Community libraries host similar music events. Just check out the local library listings here and here for dates and times.

Image Credit: The Mommy Project San Diego

Bop With The Babies at Rhyme Time
The littlest of little ones don’t have to miss out on the library fun with Rhyme Time. Geared toward babies ages 0 – 18 months, these classes are designed to teach social, motor and sensory skills in a fun environment. Classes are a very baby friendly 40 minutes long and include songs, rhymes, finger play, toy time and bubbles. No registration is required and it isn’t a problem if you arrive a little late. Feel free to pop right in and join in the fun!

Carlsbad Cole Library
1250 Carlsbad Village Dr.
Carlsbad, Ca 92008
760-434-2897
Online: carlsbadca.gov/services/depts/library/youth/kidsevents.asp

Date: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. and 11a.m.

Looking for More Like This In Your Area? The Kensington-Normal Heights, Allied Gardens / Benjamin, North Clairemont, Paradise Hill, Scripps Miramar Ranch and North Park libraries all host similar baby rhyme time events!  Just check out the local library listings here and here for dates and times.

Image Credit: Plant Seed

Build It Up At LEGO Play Time
Get the kids singing “Everything is Awesome” at the Mission Hills LEGO Play Time. Kids 3 and over will love being able to conceptualize, build, rearrange and build again to their hearts content. The library will provide the lego all you need to do is bring your imagination. Each week has a theme and is on display for everyone to see.

Mission Hills Library

925 Washington St.

San Diego, Ca, 92103

619-692-4910

Online: facebook.com/mhlibrary

Date: Wednesdays, 5- 6 p.m.

Looking for More Like This In Your Area? The Rancho Peñasquitos, Skyline Hills, La Jolla/Riford, Mission Hills, North Park and Balboa libraries all host similar lego events!  Just check out the local library listings here and here for dates and times.

Image Credit: County New Centre

Have A Namaste Moment At Yoga Story Time
Breathe deeply and feel the connection of mind and body at Allied Gardens / Benjamin Branch yoga story time. Kids will to transform into a stretching monkey, a downward dog or a silly elephant as they partake in a 45 minute session of stories and songs matched to yoga poses and breathing. Some parents swear by the classes calming effect and ability to bring on a great post-yoga nap time! Classes are geared towards toddlers ages 2 and over. No registration is required and a mat isn’t necessary (unless you want to bring one).

Allied Gardens / Benjamin Branch Library
5188 Zion Ave.
San Diego, Ca, 92120
619-533-3970
Online: facebook.com/bjbranchlibrary

Date: Mondays, 10:30 a.m.

Looking for More Like This In Your Area? The Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla/Riford, Central, Rancho Bernardo and Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa libraries all host similar yoga events!  Just check out the local library listings here and here for dates and times.

Image Credit: San Diego County Library

Call Check Mate At Chess Club
Visit the Mira Mesa library to open your mind at their weekly chess club catch up. Your mini Bobby Fischer’s will practice a game of strategy, logic and consequence where it’s not about the position’s you have but the moves you make! Mira Mesa welcomes all chess players ages 5 and up at any skill level. Kids can learn the fundamentals of the game, practice their skills or workshop why that move was made with the friendly library staff. The library will provide the chess sets or bring your own. Checkmate!

Mira Mesa Library
8405 New Salem St.
San Diego, Ca, 92126
858-538-8165
Online: facebook.com/mmlibrary

Date: Tuesdays, 4 p.m.

Looking for More Like This In Your Area? The Rancho Peñasquitos, Point Loma/Hervey, Central and Otay Mesa-Nestor libraries all host similar chess events!  Just check out the local library listings here and here for dates and times.

Learn Sign Language at the Sign-A-Story Circle Time
Practice your sign language at the fun and energetic sign circle time at the Pacific Beach / Taylor Branch library. Run by Monta Briant, a local mommy and author of Baby Sign Language Basics and Sign, Sing, and Play, this action-packed 45 minutes is filled with signed stories, signed songs and games. It’s perfect for preverbal babies and toddlers, giving you an early communication tool to start understanding your little one better. This class gets very busy and parking can be tight.  Leave extra time to find your spot; but if you’re late, feel free to join once the class has started.

Pacific Beach / Taylor Branch Library
4275 Cass St.
San Diego, Ca 92109
858-581-9934
Online: pblibraryfriends.org

Date: Fourth Thursday of the month (except November and December), 10:30 a.m.

Looking for More Like This In Your Area? The Mission Valley, Kensington, Tierrasanta, Bonita, Encinitas, North Clairemont, Central Library / Sanford Children’s Library, Rancho Peñasquitos, Mission Hills, Rancho Bernardo, Clairemont and Ocean Beach libraries all host similar sign events! Just check out the local library listings here and here for dates and times.

Image Credit: New Style Magazine

Tackle Your Homework at Homework Help
Looking for some one on one home work help? Or perhaps just a focused and stimulating environment to tackle those class assignments. Homework help at  Linda Vista Library offers a curriculum-aligned resources, Wi-Fi and a wide range of print and digital resources that help your kiddo develop and succeed academically. Students can work independently or with the assistance of the learning coordinator and/or the homework help volunteers. Keep in mind parents will need to be present on site at the library.Linda Vista Library
2160 Ulric St.
San Diego, Ca, 92111
858-573-1399
Online: lindavistalibrary.org/homework-help

Date: Mon – Thurs., 3.30 – 7 p.m. during the school term

Looking for More Like This In Your Area? The Central, North Clairemont, North Park, Logan Heights, Pacific Beach, San Carlos,  Scripps Miramar Ranch, City Heights/Weingart, Otay Mesa-Nestor, Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa, San Ysidro, College-Rolando, Linda Vista, Mountain View/Beckwourth, Oak View, Kensington-Normal Heights, Valencia Park/Malcolm X and Skyline Hills libraries all host similar homework help events!  Just check out the local library listings here and here for dates and times.

Do you have any favourite library classes or events? Let us know in the comments below!

— Lenya McGrath

It’s true, families don’t need an island to have an adventure. But it sure adds to the thrill! So board a ferry and make your way over to Vashon Island for your own Swiss Family experience (less shipwreck, more festivals, we promise!). From record-breaking raft ups to bio blitz bashes, we’ve got the scoop on the coolest, quirkiest summer events this little island has to offer.

Island Festivals

Low Tide Celebration
Join the party at the 9th annual Low Tide Celebration, a beach party like no other, where families celebrate the living beaches of our (totally awesome) Puget Sound. The free event, hosted at Point Robinson Park, promises a galosh-stomping good time for families, including lighthouse tours, canoe rides, and a beach walk with Odin Lonning, a traditional Tlingit carver (and Vashon resident)! All that, plus serious face-time with mysterious sea creatures? Sounds like a magical northwest day if ever there was one. And be sure to take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs along Point Robinson Beach Rd. and Luana Beach Rd., so that the kiddos will still have energy left to explore this low tide dreamscape. Just imagine what they’ll find!

Point Robinson Lighthouse
S.W. Point Robinson Rd.
Vashon Island, Wa 98070
Online:  business.vashonchamber.com/events/details/low-tide-celebration-51939

Date: June 14, 2014
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Free

BioBlitz 2014
Budding biologists and curious kiddos won’t want to miss the 3rd Annual Vashon Island BioBlitz. This 24-hour event, sponsored by the Vashon Nature Center, brings together scientists, naturalists and volunteers to descend upon Christensen Creek Preserve, where they’ll catalogue the ecosystem of the area. Families will have a chance to shadow an expert or make finds of their own, all the while observing, recording and learning as they go! Science much? So dress for the weather and plan to get dirty turning over rocks, digging through mud and exploring the shoreline at this ecologically diverse area. And from what we’ve heard, it’s also a known birder hot spot so bring some binocs if you’ve got them. Families can register by emailing: info@vashonnaturecenter.org. This lets the Nature Center staff plan and space volunteers, and dish the insider deets, too. Explore on!

Christensen Creek Preserve Network
West side of Wax Orchard Rd. S.W.
Vashon Island, Wa
Online: vashonnaturecenter.org/bioblitz

Dates & Time: July 12-13, 2014 from 3 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free

Strawberry Festival
The Vashon Island Strawberry Festival is the island’s summer bash to end all bashes. And this year is no exception. Now in its 106th year (nope, not a typo), it attracts upwards of 40,000 (still not a typo) people each year. Expect the family fun to be piled high with carnival rides, face painting, music and more. As for not-to-miss events, the Grand Parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, the classic car parade at noon on Sunday, and the youth stage where the kiddos are in charge make our list. And don’t forget the strawberries. Many restaurants and food booths will be serving up strawberry-themed goodies to keep the kiddos running throughout the day. Party on!

Good to know: Act like a local for this event and leave the car at home, if possible (or bring a bike!). With so many people coming in from off-island there will be shuttles and buses running from the ferry docks into town. But plan to wait and pack an extra dose of patience in your pocket for the day.

Downtown Vashon
Online: vashonchamber.com/pages/StrawberryFestival

Dates: July 18-20, 2014
Cost: Free

Raft Up
This record-seeking event with a heart (it benefits the Vashon Youth and Family Services) is “quintessentially Vashon,” from its focus on the beauty of the island, to its “bring the kids” welcoming vibe. And it promises to be a boat floating bounty for all. Participants will raft up (line up kayaks and canoes side by side) in the hopes of blasting the 2,099 boat current world record out of the water. Register to be one of the (hopefully) 2,500 boats lining up for this benefit or just come to watch this awesome event. The boats will make their attempt at 1:30 p.m. on the second day. It’s one world record breaker you won’t want to miss!

Quartermaster Harbor
Between Neil Point & Piner Point on the south end of the island
Vashon, Wa
Online: vyfs.org/raftup

Dates: August 16-17, 2014
Cost: $25/registered boat

Vashon Sheepdog Classic
If you heart dogs, this one’s got your name written all over it. The Vashon Sheepdog Classic is a three-day, family-friendly festival dedicated to those hardworking dogs that help keep everyone together. Well, every sheep together at least. It’s a throwback–to-yesteryear type event that includes a kid’s activity center and the Skacel Fiber arts tent, where they’ll be spinning yarns and gearing up for a yarn storming (who knew fences needed sweaters?). But at its heart, this is an opportunity to watch working dogs in action, showing off their skills in serious competition. So pack a picnic (or grab food there) and watch someone else do the herding for a change. You’ll be awed!

Misty Isle Farms
Old Mill Rd. & S.W. 220th
Vashon, Wa
Online: vashonsheepdogclassic.com

Dates: August 22-25, 2014
Times: Dusk to dawn each day
Cost: $8/person; free for children under 10

Island Eats

While you’re on island, there are lots of great places to bring your appetite. Even the local Thriftway has tempting prepared sandwiches that are the perfect grab-and-go for a family picnic on the beach (or at one of these events). But, if you’re looking for sit down restaurants (chairs and all!) we have a few that are worth the ferry ride. The Snapdragon Bakery and Café takes the cake when it comes to oversized baked goods that taste as good as they look. Recently they’ve expanded and now serve up tantalizing meals throughout the day. Fair warning though, serving sizes are ginormous and can easily be shared, although you may want to keep this foodie goodness all to yourself.

The Hardware Store Restaurant is another can’t-miss on our list of island eateries. Categorized as upscale casual, the menu’s pleasing to carnivores, vegetarians and those that have gone gluten-free. Plus, they serve up a decadent weekend brunch, so there’s that. And if fast is your thing, as it often is with toddlers in tow, the Saucy Sisters Brick Oven Pizzeria can have a piping’ hot pie ready to go in about 5 minutes. Coincidentally, that’s just about the time it takes to stave off a hungry toddler meltdown. Order up!

Eclectic Island Fun

Vashon wears its eclectic, quirky title with pride, and it’s got the sights to prove it. Be sure to make a post-fest detour to check out these local legends before heading back to the big city. You won’t regret tracking down the bicycle in the tree, a nationally recognized oddity, live and in person off the Vashon Island Highway. Or head over to Vashon’s outdoor gym for a workout with a view. The exercise bikes at the intersection of Dockton Rd. S.W. and Portage Bay S.W. are another local attraction that’ll cause you to stop and wonder. And don’t forget the UFO over at the Vashon Municipal Airport. Real or just really cool, it’s got bedtime story written all over it. Experiencing even one of these is a great way to top off a family adventure on Vashon!

Do you plan to take a trip to Vashon Island this summer? Let us know in a comment below. 

–Allison Sutcliffe

Photos thanks to: Kelly Keenan, Jay Holtz, The Vashon Chamber of Commerce, Nancy Raume Carr, Vashon Sheepdog Classic’s website