Mockingbird Books, housed in a vintage former VFW hall, boasts a large stage for musical performances, a coffee bar and an events room for readings. The store's grand-opening bash includes a performance by Recess Monkey at 3 p.m. and other celebratory fun. Mockingbird Books, 7220 Woodlawn Ave. N.E., Seattle. Date: 08/31/2008 Time: Noon-5 p.m. Ages: All ages Cost: Free Event Info: 206-518-5886 | Web site
Nisqually Watershed Festival
Celebrate the importance of the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and Watershed with mainstage music and the famous salmon bake. Then explore the watershed from a salmon's perspective and see critters of the refuge up close with touch tanks and a guided bird and river walk. Kid's will enjoy the critter parade and storytelling too! Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, 100 Brown Farm Rd., Olympia. Date: 09/27/2008 Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Ages: All ages Cost: Free Event Info: 360-753-9467 | Web site
5th Annual Bird Lovers Weekend
It all goes to the birds on the 5th annual weekend full of glassblowing demonstrations, interviews, and signings by master artists known for their bird creations. Friday and Saturday features live birds of prey visits from Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium from 1-2 p.m. and don't miss bird crafts on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Check the Museum's website for a detailed schedule of events. Date: 10/03/2008 - 10/05/2008 Time: Friday, Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m. Location:Museum of Glass, Tacoma | Map It Ages: All ages Cost: Free with admission Event Info: 253-284-4750 | Web site
Get Moving
Guided Family Hike
The Washington Trail Association's "Families Go Hiking" series for parents and kids wraps up today with a four-mile roundtrip hike in Snohomish County off Highway 2. Look for beaver activity along the ponds, and watch for songbirds and other animals. It's free, but register in advance. Meet at the trailhead. Date: 10/04/2008 Time: 10 a.m. Ages: All ages Cost: Free Event Info: 206-625-1367 | Web site
Reading Fun
Story Time at Mockingbird Books
Store manager Geeta treats kids to story time. Mockingbird Books, 7220 Woodlawn Ave. N.E., Seattle. Date: 07/01/2008 - 10/31/2008 Time: Mondays-Saturdays 11 a.m. Ages: Preschoolers and under Cost: Free Event Info: 206-518-5886 | Web site
Science and Nature
Flamingo Exhibit
Visit the zoo's newest exhibit, a 4,000-square-foot habitat for Chilean flamingos that features more than 25 birds, life-sized "nests" and "eggs," and a bas relief sculpture of a flamingo head and neck that kids can touch. Date: 05/25/2008 - 09/01/2008 Time: Daily 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Location:Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle | Map It Ages: All ages Cost: Free with admission Event Info: 206-684-4800 | Web site
Puget Sound Bird Fest
Edmonds’ annual bird-themed festival -- moving this year to September from the International Migratory Bird Day-themed May dates -- features guided beach and forest walks, kids’ activities such as the migration game at the marsh, bird-watching stations and workshops. Click on the link for locations, registration information and detailed descriptions of activities. Date: 09/12/2008 - 09/14/2008 Time: Friday,-Sunday all day, activities scheduled for various times Ages: All ages Cost: Most events free Event Info:Web site
Backyard Wildlife Habitat Community Celebration
Submitted by Maia Eisen
Join a community celebration of Backyard Wildlife Habitat and learn how your yard can provide the five elements of healthy habitat for birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Meet neighbors whose yards are already certified as Backyard Wildlife Habitat, and talk with members of the NE Seattle Community Wildlife Habitat Team. There will be a native plant sale, and local honey from Beauty and the Bees. Bring the kids! We’ll have children’s activities, and our co-host for this event, Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center, has a brand-new playground!
Date: 09/13/2008 Time: 1-4 p.m. Location:Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center, Seattle | Map It Ages: All ages Cost: Free Event Info: 206-200-0189 | email
Willawong Station
Have an up-close bird experience at the zoo! Walk through an Australian grasslands habitat that's home to about 150 free-flying birds. Kids are thrilled to observe and feed small, colorful Australian parrots at close range, while learning about the conservation of habitats and endangered wildlife. Watch out for the extremely friendly cockatiel. Date: 05/01/2008 - 08/31/2008 Time: Open daily, zoo hours Location:Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle | Map It Ages: All ages Cost: Free with zoo admission, kids 2 and under free Event Info: 206-684-4800 | Web site