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15 Ways to Pounce on the Year of the Tiger

Highlighted family events and outings for February 2022

Nancy Chaney
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Published on: January 31, 2022

A young Asian girl watches a lion dance at a celebration of Chinese New Year

We *heart* you, February! Despite your chill and brevity, we’re here with you to spot majestic eagles, try out hockey skills, dig more deeply into cultural traditions and celebrate Black history. There’s all that and more — let’s do it!

  • Pour your coffee, park the kids in front of the iPad and tune in to learn practical ways that families can support anti-bias education during ParentMap’s virtual live talk by social justice advocate Scotland Nash, Ed.D. Wednesday, Feb. 16, 1 p.m. $0–$15; preregister.
  • Catch Kraken fever by exploring Pacific Science Center’s super interactive hockey exhibit on three special Wednesdays when admission is discounted. Check your goalie reflexes, shoot the puck and sit in the “sin bin.” Feb. 2, 9 and 16. $5; preregister.
  • Gallop into a virtual Small Frye session over Zoom to explore this month’s horsey theme through drama and creating art. Friday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Ages 3–5 with adult.
  • Gape in wonder at a convention of bald eagles at recommended viewing spots, plus catch a wagon ride (Saturday), watch chainsaw carvers in action and more at the Arlington-Stillaguamish Eagle Festival. Friday–Saturday, Feb. 4–5. Free.
  • Wild Child Weekends are the perfect occasions to make the trek to Northwest Trek, our phenomenal regional wildlife park. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in February, as many as two kids ages 12 and younger enter the park for free with each paid adult admission. Feb. 4–6, 11–13, 18–20 and 25–27. Adult admission $20–$25.
  • Sharpen your nature detective skills by searching alongside a knowledgeable ranger for animal tracks, poop and other signs of winter wildlife activity at Bellevue’s Lewis Creek Park. Feb. 6, 12 or 27. Free; preregister. Ages 5–10 with families.
  • Prepare to explore a whole different world of cinema with incredible, thought-provoking and imaginative feature films and shorts from around the globe at this year’s Children’s Film Festival Seattle. Feb. 11–20. 
  • Sign up for a spot in a family-friendly tree-planting party to add native plants to our ecosystem and remove invasive species from the South Sound’s Marine View Park. There will be snacks! Saturday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free; preregister.
  • Gather in person or join online for this year’s hybrid edition of Tết in Seattle, celebrating Lunar New Year and Vietnamese cultural traditions practiced around our community. Saturday–Sunday, Feb. 12–13. Free.
  • Tune in for a special edition of the Northwest African American Museum’s interactive story time for kids focusing on Black History Month. Stories highlight Black characters, Black authors and Black experiences. Sunday, Feb. 13, 1 p.m. Free.
  • Feel the love and share time together preparing Valentine’s Day–themed sweet treats for your dear ones. Think heart-shaped red whoopie pies and adorable Neapolitan cupcakes. Valentine’s Day is Monday, Feb. 14, but you can make these anytime.
  • Citizen science needs you! Tally the birds you see — from your yard, a park or any other locale — during one 15-minute time span and log your findings with the Great Backyard Bird Count. Friday–Monday, Feb. 18–21. Free; preregister.
  • It’s the Year of the Tiger! Join the South Sound community to celebrate Lunar New Year in person with games, activities, demos and live performances from a variety of Asian countries and cultures. Saturday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free.
  • Snag your spots in a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve aquarium. You can stick your fingers (gently!) in the touch tanks and watch the fish eat their lunch. Don’t delay; spots fill quickly. Saturday, Feb. 26, 10–11 a.m. Free; preregister.
  • Live theater is back?! Yes! Mask up to enjoy the wild antics of the Cat in the Hat, Horton and other beloved characters in this Dr. Seuss mash-up for all ages performed by Tacoma Musical Playhouse. Feb. 26–March 6. Tickets $12–$15.

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