Parents' Night Out! Alternatives to Babysitting

Call it “date night” or call it “getting away from the kids for a few hours night” — call it whatever you'd like, but sometimes you just have to have an evening to yourselves. These days, parents have lots of alternatives to hiring a sitter in their home. For a stress-free date and a fun time for the kids, try taking your brood to a parents’ night out (PNO), where they’ll be highly entertained, fed and worn right out while you sneak off to a restaurant that doesn’t stock high chairs. And, depending on the going rate for sitters in your area and the number of children you have, you might even save a few bucks. Click here for more creative alternatives to hiring a sitter. 

Seattle Area

The Pacific Science Center hosts PNOs once per month for grades K–6. Kids enjoy private, after-hours exploration of exhibit halls, an IMAX film, planetarium presentation or laser light show. Includes a nacho bar for dinner and a snack.

• Price: $40/non-members, $30/members.
• Flexible drop-off time: between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.; pick-up time is between 10 and 11 p.m.
• Upcoming dates: Feb. 9.

Woodland Park Zoo is hosting a monthly PNO where kids ages 4–11 will enjoy an educational evening under the supervision of zoo staff inside the Zoomazium. Supervised activities include games, puppet shows, movie, and a live animal encounter. Pizza dinner included. 

• Price: $30/child, $22/additional sibling.
  
• Time: 5:30–10 p.m.
• Upcoming dates: Friday Feb. 15 and Saturday March 9.

The Drama studio The Moonpaper Tent PNOs appeal to kids’ creativity with drama, dress-up and crafts for ages 4 and older. 

• Price: $30/child, 10% sibling discount
  
• Time: Takes place the second Friday of each month from 5:30–9:30 p.m. Ages 4 and older.
  
• Upcoming dates: Feb. 6, March 8.

Seattle’s Littlest Perfomers (Ballard and Greenlake) gives kids age 4–10 years the opportunity to explore musical theater and enjoy a pizza dinner at their monthly themed events.

• Price: $40/child.
  
• Time: 5–8 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month for the Ballard location and the fourth Saturday of the month for their Green Lake location.
  
• Upcoming Dates: Ballard location: Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8. Green Lake location: Feb. 23, March 23, April 27, May 25, June 22.

The Little Gym offers “Parents’ Survival Night” on selected Friday and Saturday
nights for ages 3–12 at locations in Seattle (206-524-2623) and West Seattle (206-937-0311). Games, music and themed activities make for a fun—filled evening.

• Price: Prices vary by location, but range between $15–$25/members, $25–$35/non-members. 
• Time: Select Fridays and Saturdays 6:30–10 p.m.

Seattle Gymnastics Academy (Ballard, Lake City, and Columbia City) offer PNOs and include pizza, games and a late-night movie. For ages 5–12.

• Price: $35/child (buy five in advance and get one free, ten and get two free) 
  
• Time: 6–10 p.m.
• Dates: Ballard: First and third Saturdays, Lake City and Glade Training Facility: Second and fourth Saturdays, Columbia City: First and third Fridays.

Penny Pumpernickel Pants Playcare (Northgate) hosts a four-hour "Parents' Morning Out" every other month for ages 2.5–4. 

• Price: $34/child. Register online. 
• Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Upcoming Dates: Feb. 9, March 16.

A handful of Seattle community centers put a regular PNO on their schedules, but other locations occasionally offer them for special occasions. Call your local community center to check if you don’t see it listed below.

Alki Community Center (West Seattle) hosts a PNO on the fourth Friday of each month. Kids age 6–12 can enjoy a movie, and roller skating. Children are treated to a pizza and salad dinner. 206-684-7430. 

• Price: $20/child. Register one week in advance.
• Time: 6–9 p.m.
• Upcoming Dates: Feb. 22, March 22, April 26, May 24, June 28.

Loyal Heights Community Center (Ballard) Regularly hosts PNOs for potty trained kids age 3–10. 206-684-4052. 

• Price: $15/child
• Time: 6–9 p.m.
• Upcoming dates: Feb. 8, March 8.

Meadowbrook Community Center (Northgate) Host a PNO for potty-trained children age 3–10. Includes a pizza and fruit dinner. 

• Price: $15/child. 
  
• Time: 6–9 p.m.
• Upcoming dates: Fridays, Feb. 15 and March 15. Pre-register at least 2 days prior in person or by calling 206-684-7522.

Many area YMCAs offer regular, low-cost PNOs that include play in the facility, themed fun and dinner or snacks. The events are open to the public, but most require that non-members pay a program membership fee.

Fauntleroy YMCA (West Seattle) hosts monthly PNOs for ages 2 and older. 

• Price: $20/Facility members, $30/program members.
• Time/Date: 5:30–10 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.

University Family YMCA hosts a monthly PNO for ages 6 months–12 years. Register at 206-524-1400.

• Price: $15/facility members, $25/program members. 
• Time/Date: 4:30–9 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
  

The Eastside

Drop-off play center The Nest in Woodinville plans fun for kids ages 2–9.

• Price: $30/first child, $20/additional child. Register online. 
  
• Time: 4–10 p.m. every Saturday.

At Dizzy’s Bus Stop in Bellevue, kids age 2–8 years can enjoy an evening of active fun . Visit the website or call 425-564-8287 for details. 

• Price: $10/hour for first child, $5/hour for Siblings. Dinner is an extra $3, or you may provide your own sack dinner. 
• Flexible drop-off time: 5–10 p.m. 
• Upcoming dates: Feb. 9, Feb. 23.

The Discovery Bay Pro Sports Club in Bellevue hosts “Kids Night Out” most Saturdays. Children have the chance to swim, eat a healthy dinner, and participate in crafts. Two separate classes are offered for ages 3–6 years and 7–12 years.

• Price: $43/ members, $52/non-members, and $27/each additional child in the same family. 
• Time/dates: 5:30–9:30 p.m. most Saturdays. Call to confirm. 425-861-624

My Gym in Bellevue offers PNOs that include games, relays, dancing and pizza for children ages 2.5 years and older (child must be potty-trained and able to separate). 

• Price: $35/child and $20/sibling. 
• Time/dates: 6–9:30 p.m. two Fridays per month. Call for specific dates. 425-451-1393.

Great Play of Redmond offers a fun-filled night for potty--trained kids ages 3–8. Gym activities, a cheese pizza dinner and a movie time keep kids entertained. 425-885-3800. 

• Price: 4-hour session is $40/members, $50/non-members. The 2-hour session is $25/members or $30/non-members. For additional children, the 4-hour session is $25/members and $30/non-members and the two hour session is $15/members, $20/non-members. 
• Time: Parents have the option of the 5–7 p.m. or the 5–9 p.m. session.
• Upcoming dates: Fridays Feb. 15, March 8, April 19, May 17 and June 7.

At Northwest Aerials in Kirkland, kids can do gymnastics and crafts, and nosh on ice cream (but no dinner). For ages 3 and older.

• Price: $30/child, $25 if paid three days in advance. Non-members must have a registration card on file. Call to register: 425-823-2665. 
• Times: 6:30–10:30 p.m. $30/child, $25 if paid three days in advance. Non-members must have a registration card on file. Call to register: 425-823-2655.

Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC) in Mercer Island hosts a PNO for kids age 5–5th Grade. Activities include games, swimming, dinner, dessert, and a movie or other program.

• Price: Pricing for Members is $30/first child, $15/siblings. Non-Members $40/first child, $20/siblings.
• Time: 5–10 p.m. 
• Upcoming dates: Feb. 9, March 9, March 23. 

SJCC also hosts a drop--in babysitting program for children 6 months–4 years old. Call 206-388-0839 for details.

• Price: $40/members, $50/non-members.

The Little Gym offers Parents’ Survival Night on selected Friday and Saturday nights. Games, music and themed activities make for a fun--filled evening.

• Price: Prices vary by location, but range between $15–$25/members, $25–$35/non-members. Issaquah (425-837-1414), Bellevue (425-885-3866). Member and sibling discounts may apply.
• Time/Dates: Fridays and Saturdays. Call for details. 

The Bellevue Family YMCA hosts a monthly PNO for ages 1–11. Dinner is included.

• Price: $15.75/facility members, $26.25/program members.
• Time/Dates: 5:30–9:30 p.m. first Friday of each month.

The Coal Creek YMCA (Newcastle) hosts regular PNOs bi-monthly For ages 3–11. 425-282-1500.

• Price: $30/facility members, $35/program members.
• Time: 5–9 p.m. 
• Upcoming dates: Feb. 2, Feb 15, March 2, March 23.
  

North

Mountlake Terrace Community Center hosts a monthly PNO for ages 5–10. Activities include a swim time, craft and a movie. Pre-registration required. 425-776-9173  

• Price: $20/residents, $22/non-residents.
• Time: 6:30–10 p.m. 
• Upcoming dates: Fridays, Feb. 15, March 22, April 12, May 10 .

The Dale Turner YMCA (Shoreline) hosts a monthly PNO for ages 4–12. 

• Price: $18/facility members, $28/program members. Visit daleturnerymca.org to register.
• Time/Date: 5–9:30 p.m second Saturday of the month. 

The Northshore YMCA (Bothell) hosts a monthly PNO for ages 1–10. Dinner is included.

• Price: $20/facility members, $30/program members.
• Time:  5:30 p.m.–midnight. 
• Upcoming dates: Feb. 11, March 10, April 14, and May 12. 425-318-8005

The Little Gym (Alderwood) offers Parents’ Survival Night for ages 3–12.

• Price: Prices vary by location, but range between $15–$25/members, $25–$35/non-members.
• Time: Select Fridays and Saturdays 6:30–10 p.m.

Imagine Children’s Museum (ICM) in Everett is hosting a “Kid’s Night Out” for ages 4 and older. Activities include carpet skating, art and cooking. ICM hosts similar events throughout the year.

• Price: $35/members and $40/non-members. 
• Time/Date: Feb. 9 from 4:30–9:30 p.m.

Jump Planet of Bothell hosts monthly PNOs where kids age 4–12 years enjoy supervised jumping, games, dinner and a movie. Call 425-481-JUMP or visit the website for more info. 

• Price: $29/child, $19/siblings
• Time: Every third Friday of each month from 6–10 p.m.
• Upcoming dates: Feb. 15 and March 15.

Gymagine Gymnastics of Mukilteo hosts monthly PNO events for kids age 5–12, featuring gymnastics, games, and pizza. 425-513-8700.

• Price: $20/child or $25/child for same-day registration.
• Time: 6:30–9:30 pm. 
• Upcoming dates: Feb. 16, March 16, April 20.
  

South

Federal Way Community Center hosts monthly “Kid Escape” nights for kids ages K–5th grade. Kids enjoy dinner, pool time, arts & craft and then a movie. See www.itallhappenshere.com or call 253-835-6900.

• Price: $15/members, $20/non-members. 
• Time: from 5:30–9:30 p.m.
• Upcoming date: Friday April 12.

Roach Gymnastics in Sumner hosts monthly PNO’s for children four years and older. Kids enjoy supervised play in the kid--friendly gym. Must pre-register. Call 253-826-5999. 

• Price: $15/members and $10/additional member child, or $20/non-members and $15/additional child.
• Upcoming dates: Feb. 16, March 16, April 20, May 18 and June 22. 

The Little Gym offers Parents’ Survival Night on selected Friday and Saturday nights for ages 3–12 at locations in Kent (425-656-0737), Covington (253-630-1232), Federal Way (253-529-0309) and Puyallup (253-435-7400).

• Cost: $26–$35 for non-members, sibling discount available. 
• Time/Dates: 6:30–10 p.m., Call for schedule at each location.

My Gym (Kent/Covington) locations offer PNOs that include games, relays, dancing and pizza.

• Price: $33/first child and $20/siblings.
• Time and Dates: PNO's are two Fridays each month from 6–9:30 p.m. for children ages 2.5 years and older (child must be potty-trained and able to separate). Call My Gym Kent/Covington at 253-630-8880. 
• Upcoming dates. Feb. 15, March 22, April 26. 

Matt Griffin YMCA (Sea-Tac) hosts a monthly PNO for children ages 3–10. Dinner is included. Call 206-244-5880 for details and dates.

• Price: $18/facility members, $28/program members. 

Auburn YMCA hosts PNOs for potty trained children age 3–11 years.

• Price: $20/facility members $30/program members. Includes a meal. Register online or call 253-833-2770. 
• Time/Dates: 5–10 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

Children's Museum of Tacoma hosts bi-monthly PNOs for potty trained children age 3–10 years. 

• Price: $25/child, $10/each additional sibling. Members receive a 10% discount.
• Time: 6–9 p.m. 
• Upcoming dates: Feb. 1, Feb. 15, March 1, March 15. 

Hands On Children's Museum of Olympia hosts a Monthly PNO for potty-trained children age 4–10. 

• Price: $35/member, $30/member sibling. $40/non-member, $35/non-member sibling. 
• Time: 6–9:30 p.m. 
• Upcoming dates: Feb. 9, March 9. 

For Teens

The Seattle Art Museum hosts ARTattack: Teen Night Out, a free event equipped with DJs, teen art tours and drop-in art activities led by Seattle’s hottest contemporary artists. Teens pay no admission to see works in the SAM's permanent collection and special exhibition galleries. For upcoming dates visit the website.

Rainier Community Center (South Seattle) hosts a free Late Night Teen on weekends. Program features different arts, crafts, cooking, and Wii tournaments. A meal is included. For ages 13–19. Please bring student ID. 

• Time/Dates: 7 p.m.–midnight every Friday and Saturday.

Elevated Sportz (Bothell), an indoor trampoline park,, hosts a monthly Teen Night for ages 13–18. . Includes pizza, soda, a live DJ, door prizes and a dodge ball tournament. Call 425-949-4488 for details. 

• Price: $16/person.
• Time/Dates: The first Saturday of every month.

Black Hills Gymnastics in Lacey offers a supervised open gym for ages 6–17. It isn’t advertised as a PNO, but parents are not required to stay.

• Price: $30/registered child, $35/unregistered child.
• Time: Saturday nights, 7–10 p.m.

The Lynnwood Recreation Center hosts Night Waves for 7th and 8th grade teens. Teens can dance to a DJ, swim in the new pool, play Rockband, Wii and Kinect, watch movies, eat tasty snacks, and hang out with friends. A dress code is enforced. Call 425-670-5386 for more info.

• Price: $5 with current student ID.
• Upcoming dates: March 23, June 8.

Tips

• Be sure to register well ahead of time, as popular programs fill up fast.
• Most locations only take kids who are potty-trained — be sure to ask!
• If your child balks at new situations, consider bringing a friend for support.
• Many locations offer dinner, but some do not — ask at registration.