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Ice, Ice Baby!
How will you ring in 2008? We've got word of some chill events for family fun this week, including poodles, pirates and polar bears, oh my! And click here for your last chance to catch some great holiday shows. Happy New Year!
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Fish School
The Seattle Aquarium celebrates the season this week with a Winter Break Fantastic Fishtival. Kids will find plenty of sea creature–themed activities, including arts and crafts, storytelling and a chance to learn about the care of the aquarium's animals. Each day will highlight a different critter, from fur seals to sea stars. Visit the Web site for the full schedule. Seattle Aquarium, Pier 59, 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, 206-386-4300. Free with admission: adults $15, youth $10, 3 and under free. All ages. Friday, Dec. 28-Sunday, Jan. 6, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Kwanzaa Extravaganzaa
If you haven't had enough holiday by now, there's still more to come. This Friday, you can take part in the All-City Kwanzaa Celebration. Adefua African Music and Dance Company will present an interactive performance in honor of this African-American festival that honors family, community and responsibility. It's part of Seattle Center's month-long Winterfest celebration. Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle, 206-684-7200. Free. All ages. Friday, Dec. 28, 2-4 p.m.
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Float Show
Drive-in movies may be on their way out, but the Float-In Movie is the best new thing. The last Friday of the month, little paddlers can bring floaties and enjoy a movie in the pool! This week it's a perfect pick for little fishies — Finding Nemo (G). Redmond Hartman Pool, 17535 N.E. 104th St., Redmond, 425-233-3031. $4.75, family (up to 8) $12. All ages. Friday, Dec. 28, 7-9 p.m.
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More Floating. . .
Just as cool, different pool. Mercer Island hosts a family Pool Movie Night, too. The pool has a new projector thanks to a Mercer Island Community Grant. Call 206-296-4370 for this week's movie selection. Mercer Island Pool, 8815 S.E. 40th St., Mercer Island, 206-296-4370. $4.75, family $12. All ages. Friday, Dec. 28, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
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Pink Poodles?!
Watch performers from Circus Contraption and The Aerialistas demonstrate amazing aerial feats — with dance, juggling, pink poodles and clowning thrown in for good measure — in their free holiday show Circus Confection. Find them in the Center House as part of Seattle Center's month-long Winterfest celebration. Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle, 206-684-7200. Free. All ages. Friday, Dec. 28 and Saturday, Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 30, 6:30 p.m.
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Pirate Party
Ahoy matey! It's Tacoma's First Night. Celebrate New Year's Eve pirate style — and family style — at this hold-the-drunken-revelers day and evening of fun and entertainment. It's worth the drive south. Make crafts, watch a parade, visit museums (including the Children's Museum and the Museum of Glass), check out lively street performers, count down the new year at a pirate party, watch fireworks and more. Participate in all the excitement, or just some of it, for one admission; buy your First Night button on the Web site, and read up on event details (don't miss the list of deals on evening eats). Buttons are also available in person at the Museum of Glass. $8 day of, $7 in advance, 7 and under free. All ages. Monday, Dec. 31, times vary.
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Gym Sitters
No sitter for New Year's Eve? We've got you covered. At My Gym Bellevue's Parents Night Out, the kids get a pizza dinner, snacks and an evening full of games in a safe spot, while you take some time to yourselves. Potty-trained kids only. $75/child. Sign up soon — preregistration (and prepayment) are required by Friday, Dec. 28. My Gym Bellevue, 900 160th Ave. N.E., Bellevue, 425-451-1393. Monday, Dec. 31, 6-10 p.m.
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Really, Thanks, I'll Just Take Photos. . .
Like adrenaline? Then this dip is for you! Lake Washington's water is about 50 degrees F at this time of year — and you're invited to immerse yourself neck-deep for the Sixth Annual New Year's Day Polar Plunge. Those who dunk will receive warm drinks and high praise. Costumes are welcomed and encouraged. Matthews Beach, 9300 51st N.E., Seattle. Free. All brave ages. Tuesday, Jan. 1, registration 11:30 a.m., plunge noon.
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Another Crazy-people Photo Op
Eastsiders get a chance to test their bravery this New Year's Day, too, with the Kirkland Polar Bear Club. Take a dip in Lake Washington's chilly water (it's also 50 degrees F on the Eastside!), then come out to hot drinks, a bonfire and glory. This year's theme is "Freeze for a Reason" — bring a donation for the local food bank. Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plaza Drive, Kirkland, 425-587-3000. Free. All ages. Tuesday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m.
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Smell-o-vision!
Pacific Science Center travels north this Wednesday. Visit the Edmonds Library and learn about sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell in the engaging show SENSEational Science. Edmonds Library, 650 Main St., Edmonds, 425-771-1933. Free. All ages. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2 p.m.
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So many preschools! Which one is best for your child? ParentMap is here to help. Make plans to visit dozens of schools all at once — at one of our free Preschool Preview Nights. Get the info you need to make an informed decision about early learning options for your child. Click here to learn more.
Tuesday, Jan. 15, 5:30-8 p.m.
Bellevue's Meydenbauer Center
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 5:30-8 p.m.
North Seattle Community College |
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