The Eastside's large Japanese fall festival is the place to go for all things Japanese.Performing arts include taiko drumming, dance, puppet shows for kids, martial arts demonstrations, a screening of the anime movie Doraemon the Movie 2006: Nobita's Dinosaur (1:30 p.m. both days), crafts exhibits and demonstrations, and tea ceremonies. A family taiko workshop takes place on Saturday at 2 p.m. ($20, ages 5-7 with parent) and a youth workshop ($17, ages 8-15) is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. Preregister for both workshops by Aug. 31. Bellevue Community College, 3000 Landerholm Circle, Bellevue. Date: 09/06/2008 - 09/07/2008 Time: Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Ages: All ages Cost: Free Event Info:Web site
Children's Book & Fun Fair
Submitted by Jennifer Avellino
Shop at an Usborne children's book fair, view fire safety demos by the Redmond Fire Department, get in on a quilt and fun fair raffle, and enjoy stories, crafts, and performances by yo-yo champion Sterling Quinn, Lolly the Clown and Recess Monkey (1 p.m.). All proceeds benefit Children's Hospital. Trilogy Cascade Clubhouse Ballroom, 23215 N.E. Greens Crossing Road, Redmond. Date: 09/07/2008 Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ages: All ages Cost: Free admission Event Info: 206-550-5658 | Web site | email
Films
Outdoor Movie at the Beach
Bring chairs and blankets, a picnic and the entire family to an outdoor showing of Water Horse: Legend of the Deep at Juanita Beach Park, 9703 N.E. Juanita Drive, Kirkland. Date: 09/05/2008 Time: 8:15 p.m. Ages: All ages Cost: $5 suggested donation per family Event Info: 425-587-3330 | Web site
Get Moving
Country Village Train Rides
Take a half-mile train ride through the Country Village grounds. Date: 04/01/2008 - 08/31/2008 Time: Mondays, Wednesdays-Thursdays 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays 11:30-5 p.m. Closed Tuesday. Location:Country Village Bothell, Bothell | Map It Ages: All ages Cost: $3/person Event Info: 425-210-6688 | Web site
Outdoor Open Swim
It's open swim time at outdoor Peter Kirk Pool! The pool warns that "unscheduled facility closures can occur with limited notice" -- so call ahead before showing up. 340 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland. Date: 06/21/2008 - 09/06/2008 Time: Saturdays, Sundays 2:15-3:45 p.m., 6:30-8 p.m. Ages: All ages Cost: $3 Event Info: 425-587-3335 | Web site
Super Float Open Swim
Enjoy a special open swim with inner tubes, water toys, air mattresses and other floaties. Non-swimming kids under 7 must have an adult in the pool with them at all times, and swimmers must be able to pass the swim test to use the inflatables. The pool warns that "unscheduled facility closures can occur with limited notice" -- so call ahead before showing up. Peter Kirk Pool, 340 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland. Date: 06/21/2008 - 09/06/2008 Time: Saturdays, Sundays 12:30-2 p.m. Ages: All ages Cost: $3 Event Info: 425-587-3335 | Web site
New Parent/Baby Walks
Get fit and make new friends as you join other new parents on the trails at Lewis Creek Park. Trails are composed of a variety of materials (strollers with large, rugged wheels work best) and there are some hills. Just drop by -- no need to preregister. Date: 07/02/2008 - 09/24/2008 Time: Wednesdays 10-11 a.m. Location:Lewis Creek Park Visitor Center, Bellevue | Map It Ages: Parents and infants Cost: Free Event Info: 425-452-4195 | Web site
Lake-to-Lake Trail Walk
Take a 15K walk along a beautiful urban greenway trail that connects open spaces, parks, wetlands, forests and neighborhoods between Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington. Register the morning of the event at the Mercer Slough Blueberry Farm, 2380 Bellevue Way S.E., Bellevue. Park in various sites at the Mercer Slough Nature Park, and look for signs and arrows. You'll take a shuttle from the blueberry farm to the start of the trail at Weowna Park. Date: 09/13/2008 Time: Registration/start 8-10 a.m., finish by 4 p.m. Ages: All ages Cost: Free Event Info: 425-452-7106 | Web site
Tiny Tots Skate
Bring your new roller skater to the rink without fear of being run over by more experienced skaters. On Saturday mornings, the rink is reserved for kids 10 and under with their parents. NOTE: The rink is closed July 28-Aug. 4 for its annual floor resurfacing. Date: 09/08/2007 - 08/30/2008 Time: Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Location:Bellevue Skate King, Bellevue | Map It Ages: Ages 10 and under with parent Cost: Admission $5, skate rental free. Blade rental $4. Event Info: 425-641-2047 | Web site
Family Skate
Families skate at a special price on a day set aside especially for them. NOTE: Closed July 28-Aug. 4 for annual floor resurfacing. Date: 09/09/2007 - 08/31/2008 Time: Sundays 12:30-5 p.m. Location:Bellevue Skate King, Bellevue | Map It Ages: All ages Cost: Families $16, skates $1.50, blades $4, single admission $5. Good for 4-6 people, and all must be present at ticket window for family rate. Event Info: 425-641-2047 | Web site
Indoor Play
Great Play Open House
Submitted by Jamie Lynn Segura
Great Play is unique gym where kids develop motor and sport skills in a high-tech, patent-pending interactive arena. Come to one of the age-appropriate open house classes Monday through Thursday to experience the fun of fitness with your child. This is a great activity in any weather. Click on the link for specific days and times. Great Play, 16510 Cleveland St., Redmond. Date: 08/25/2008 - 08/28/2008 Time: Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Ages: Ages 6 months-12 years Cost: Free Event Info: 425-885-3800 | Web site | email
Other Great Stuff
Free First Friday
Admission to the museum is free today. Date: 09/05/2008 Time: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Location:Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue | Map It Ages: Ages vary Cost: Free Event Info: 425-519-0770 | Web site
Sample Music Class
Enjoy a free sample Music Together® class for infants, toddlers, and preschool children and their parents. Please call to reserve your spot. Date: 09/05/2008 Time: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. Location:Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, Redmond | Map It Ages: Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and a caregiver Cost: Free Event Info: 425-556-2300 | Web site
Issaquah Farmers Market
Buy fresh fruits and vegetables, gorgeous cut flowers, hand-made arts and crafts, snacks, cooking demos, and weekly entertainment and activities for kids. On April 19, celebrate Earth Day with booths and displays by local environmental groups. At Pickering Barn, Issaquah (exit 17 off I-90, north onto Front St./E. Lake Sammamish Parkway SE), left at SE 56th St, left at 10th Ave NW. On the left across the street from Costco.) Date: 04/12/2008 - 10/11/2008 Time: Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: Other Ages: All ages Cost: Free admission Event Info: 425-837-3311 | Web site
Friday Night Market at Juanita Beach
Do your weekend shopping at Juanita Beach, and buy fresh produce and flowers from local farmers. A farmers market is a great outing with the kids! 9703 N.E. Juanita Drive, Kirkland. Date: 05/30/2008 - 10/10/2008 Time: Fridays 3-7 p.m. Ages: All ages Event Info:Web site
Country Village Farmers Market
Buy local (often organic) fruits and veggies, cut flowers, nuts, honey and crafts produced by local artisans, and show the kids how much fun food shopping can be at an outdoor market. Musicians will play all season, and kids can ride the train ($3). Date: 06/06/2008 - 10/31/2008 Time: Fridays noon-6 p.m. Location:Country Village Bothell, Bothell | Map It Ages: All ages Cost: Free admission Event Info: 425-483-2250 | Web site
Redmond Town Center Saturday Market
Visit the oldest farmers market on the Eastside and get all your food shopping done -- there's fresh product, organic meats, cheese and eggs, seafood, baked goods, jams and jellies, and gorgeous cut flowers. Date: 07/10/2008 - 10/25/2008 Time: Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Location:Redmond Town Center, Redmond | Map It Ages: All ages Cost: Free Event Info:Web site
Sammamish Farmers Market
Buy gorgeous fruits and vegetables straight from the farm, and enjoy other events and activities during the season. July 16 is Indian Cultural Day -- enjoy a display of the culture, food, clothing, art and entertainment of India; learn how to make chapati; and get recipes to take home. Sammamish Commons Plaza, Sammamish. Date: 07/16/2008 - 10/01/2008 Time: Wednesdays 4-8 p.m. Ages: All ages Event Info:Web site
Medieval Village Life Portrayals
On select summer weekends, Camlann hosts events that illustrate everyday activities in a Medieval village, including demonstrations of gardening and household skills, kitchen techniques, textile production and the like. Admission includes a two-hour tour (tours begin hourly from noon-4 p.m.). Date: 08/30/2008 - 09/21/2008 Time: Saturdays, Sundays noon-5 p.m. Location:Camlann Medieval Village, Carnation | Map It Ages: All ages Cost: $5 Event Info: 425-788-8624 | Web site
Fetch! Challenge Quest
Celebrate the start of FETCH! Lab's third season by assembling a team of 3-6 people (including at least one adult), and taking part in crazy challenges in far-flung locations. Nobody know what the challenges will be until that day. Teams should assemble at the museum at 11 a.m. A premiere party follows. Preregistration is required.
Date: 09/27/2008 Time: 11 a.m. Location:KidsQuest Children's Museum, Bellevue | Map It Ages: Ages 5-12 Cost: $15/team, members $10/team Event Info: 425-637-8100 | Web site
Parent Learning
LearningMap Education Fair - Eastside
Looking for the best school for your child? ParentMap is here to help! Spend an evening with us and visit local independent, private and public schools from the Greater Seattle area and the Eastside, all under one roof. Explore the options, make connections, ask questions. It’s easy – and it’s free! Date: 10/13/2008 Time: 6-8:30 p.m. Location:Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue | Map It Cost: Free Event Info: 206-709-9026 | Web site | email
Homeschooling Support: Teaching Parents Association Meeting
From unschoolers to curriculum-based home education and everything in between, TPA has something for you. Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month. The March 2008 meeting will be held in the Evergreen Room at Woodinville Community Center, later meetings may be held at other locations. Please see website for details. Date: 03/04/2008 - 12/02/2008 Time: 7-9 p.m. Location: 17401 133rd AVE NE, Woodinville, WA | Map It Event Info: (206) 654-5658. | Web site | email
Mothers and Others
Mothers and Others meets at St. Madeleine Sophie Church in Bellevue. Kids play nursery/childcare rooms with loving caregivers while moms hear speakers on parenting and family education, do crafts, and provide support to each other. Open to all moms looking for friendship, support, and interesting topics and activities. Group members pay affordable dues for speakers and quality childcare during meetings. Visitors and guests always welcome! Call Andrea at 425-644-0840 for information. Date: 05/20/2008 - 09/29/2008 - Happens on : Monday Time: 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Event Info: 425-644-0840
Woodinville Family Preschool Parent/Child Education Classes
Woodinville Family Preschool offers child development and parenting classes, led by highly-qualified educators. Classes are held Mondays-Fridays from September-May; click on the link to the preschool's Web site for specific times. The Woodinville Family Preschool is associated with the Shoreline Community College Parent Education Program. Woodinville Family Preschool, 23713 49th Ave. S.E., Bothell. Date: 09/01/2008 - 05/31/2009 - Happens weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Ages: Parents of children birth-pre-K Event Info: 425-481-9707, Ext. 3. | Web site
Infant and Toddler Open House
New parents are invited to meet faculty, tour the facility, enjoy refreshments, and learn about WFP's nationally accredited infant and toddler enrichment program (it's a satellite branch of Shoreline Community College). Visitors will receive gift bags and can take part in a drawing for a free consultation from Smarter Spaces educational home organization. Woodinville Family Preschool, 23713 49th Ave. S.E., Bothell. Date: 09/13/2008 Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Ages: Parents and children ages birth-24 months, and parents-to-be Cost: Free Event Info: 425-481-9707, Ext. 3. | Web site
Calendar 
