Love Is Love - Pride Parade

Every year we head downtown to celebrate our LGBT community and love with thousands of other people at the Seattle Pride Parade.  The parade has an energy of it's own, driven by the music, sights and spirit of the attendees.  The overall mood is one of joy and celebration, unabashed revelry, happiness and, simply,  Pride.  Pride in who you are, who you surround yourself with, who supports you.  These are important themes in how we are raising our boys. This year's pride served as a counterbalance to the tragedy in Orlando which also opened a dialogue about love and loss.  It was invigorating to be around so much delight and  emotion. 

Celebrate The Year of the Horse! - Lunar New Year

 

Dragons...That's all it should take to entice you to the Lunar New Year celebration in the International District.  To celebrate the New Year the international district puts on quite the shindig with dancing,  parades, food tasting, kid's costume contest and so much more. So head down to the ID and celebrate the Year of the Horse...and keep an eye out for Dragons.  More Info

Celebrate with Sub Pop!

 

Sub Pop Records is turning 25 and they want you, yes you, to come to their party!  Sub Pop is a Seattle institution that has given you some amazing music through the years with bands such as Nirvana, Soundgarden,  The Postal Service, Iron and Wine, Sleater-Kinney and The Shins, so give the love back to them and wish them a happy birthday!  Did I mention that it's free!!!!  http://silverjubilee.subpop.com/info

Eat Healthy - Vegfest

There are many opportunities to try new food in Seattle, but none are as unique as Vegfest.  Sure Bite of Seattle has a wide variety of food styles and flavors, but Vegfest gives you that with the added challenge of presenting them as a vegetarian fare.  Not just for the non-meat eaters out there, this event covers a wide variety of foods from veggie meats to vegan donuts and everything in between. It's worth going for the samples alone!   http://www.vegofwa.org/vegfest/

You Spin Me Round - Holiday Carousel @ Westlake

If you already feel like you're going in circles this holiday season, then stop by the Holiday Carousel at Westlake Park to have a few enjoyable turns for a good cause.  The Holiday Carousel is a Seattle tradition that benefits Treehouse, a wonderful support program for foster children.  The best part is how quickly a few turns on a galloping horse can reinvigorate your holiday spirit and create a lasting tradition that will make you return year after year.  The carousel is open through January 1st.

Holiday Carousel Hours of Operation*
Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Special Hours
Dec. 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dec. 25 Closed
Dec. 31, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Jan.1, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Snuggle up - Teddy Bear Suite

 

Everybody loves teddy bears.  Even the most jaded of teens will not not walk away from a Teddy without a soft pat to it's head.  That's what makes the Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel so special. An annual event for many years, the Teddy Bear Suite converts a suite at the hotel to a wondrous place full of 

teddy bears of every size.  The suite is open daily from 10a.m. - 7p.m. through December 26th. It's free to go, but donations are being accepted to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital. http://www.fairmont.com/seattle/promotions/festive-events/

Float A Boat - Seafair Milk Carton Derby

 

If you have ever looked at a milk carton and pondered what could be created from it, ponder no more.  Denny's Seafair Milk Carton Derby has been held at Greenlake annually for the last 42 years with this year’s race taking place on Saturday, July 14^th. The races are broken into several categories including military, youth, open, racing and commercial.  With a Showboat award being given out for the most creative boat, being the fastest isn’t necessarily on every boat builder’s mind.  For those not interested in getting wet, there are plenty of land-based activities to keep you occupied as well.  So come to Greenlake and maybe you can catch a glimpse of something as amazing as a giant “rubber” ducky sailing into the noonday sun. Milk Carton Derby Info

MMMM Brains – Red, White and Dead Zombie Walk

You wouldn’t think that hordes of shambling undead would be a good family outing, but then you’ve probably never been to the Red, White and Dead Zombie Walk.  Every year for the last 6 years thousands of zombies have gathered for World Record breaking walks through the Fremont neighborhood. While the first few years were more of an impromptu gathering, this year’s walk has something for the whole family with a zombie fashion show, mobile food court, massive Thriller dance, Apocalypse Survival Car Show, beer garden and more.  And although some costumes may be a bit much for younger kids, the attendees are generally a good group of people just having fun.  (Our boys have been going for the last several years with no issues but our experience won’t necessarily be yours!)  Tickets are required to be counted for the Guinness Record attempt … get yours here - Zombie Walk Tickets and more info here - Zombie Walk Info     See you in the HORDE!!!!

 

Watch the Sky Explode – Family Fourth on Lake Union

Every year the skies above hundreds of cities in the country light up in celebration of our country.  We happen to be in one of the top 10 cities in the countries to watch the sky explode. The Family 4^th at Lake Union isn’t just about the fireworks though.  This year the entire perimeter of Lake Union has activities for the whole family.   Lake Union Park is the home of The Center for Wooden Boats which is celebrating its 36^th annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival.  The Festival allows you to tour several historic boats and build your own toy boat among other activities. Lake Union Park will also host one of two stages providing live music throughout the day.  The other stage is located as what is arguably the center of the party – Gasworks Park.  Gasworks not only has one of the live music stages, but it is also host to a large amount family friendly activities.  Inflatable play center for the kids, dual slides, Microsoft Kinect Zone, and a giant zipline….Gasworks will have something for everyone.   So bring your sunscreen and umbrella, this is Seattle, and celebrate the Fourth! Family 4th at Lake Union

Show Some Pride – Pride Parade

My kids love parades.  They love the sounds, the sights and the colorful people involved.  And there isn’t a more colorful, lively parade than the Pride Parade.  In its 38th year, the Pride Parade brings together a wonderful, supportive community to celebrate being, and loving, who you are.  The Parade begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 24^th and winds through Downtown Seattle for over an hour, providing plenty of time to take in all the sights.  http://www.seattlepride.org/

Celebrate The Solstice - Fremont Fair

 

Every year around the Summer Solstice the Fremont neighborhood throws one of the best events of the year.  The Fremont Fair has an amazing array of events, activities and people watching to entertain everyone.  The major festivities kick off with the annual Solstice Parade and continues through the weekend with music, street performers, crafters, artists, food, art cars and more.  The Fair is a great family event.  (Insider tip: parking in Fremont during the fair is difficult, save yourself some time and park at BF Day Elementary.  100% of the proceeds go to the school and you may save yourself a bit of sanity as well.)

Science Expo Day!

Saturday June 1st, 2012 is the first annual Science Expo Day at the Seattle Center.  Sponsored by the Pacific Science Center, The Seattle Center and the Next 50, the Science Expo Day is part of the Seattle Science Festival which runs from June 3-10.  The Expo Day will be full of activities and events for the whole family - Including ROBOTS!