We’re just sitting here snacking away on our kids’ Halloween candy and — bam! — all of a sudden, it’s the holidays?! Holy fruitcake! This month brings favorite family light shows, chances to play outside no matter the weather, and the return of family theater, designed to engage and delight young audiences (and their grown-ups). Go forth and savor all that November has to offer.
- Register for the upcoming ParentEd Talks event with Lisa Miller, Ph.D., during which she will share her fascinating insights into the neuroscience of spirituality, and how spirituality influences our health, happiness and resilience. Preregister and then tune in on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 1–2 p.m. ParentEd Talks are offered on a sliding-scale fee of $0–$15.
- Delight your crew with spicy taco-party fun at Olympia Family Theater’s adaptation of beloved children’s story “Dragons Love Tacos.” Performances are Friday–Sunday (with masks required for Sunday shows), Nov. 4–20. Tickets available for a sliding-scale cost of $5–$35, with a portion of each show’s tickets available for free to walk-up guests. This show is recommended for ages 3 and older.
- Salute our country’s veterans and honor all active-duty military at Auburn’s annual Veterans Parade & Observance, one of the largest in the United States. The parade route follows East Main Street in downtown Auburn. Saturday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. Free.
- Gather with local Hmong families to celebrate the Hmong New Year and dive into the culture and traditions of this community, which has a strong presence in the Seattle area. Enjoy dances, food and signature intricate needle crafting at Seattle Center, Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Learn about and try your hand at origami and other Japanese papercrafts at this free fest celebrating Bunka no Hi (Japanese Culture Day) . Also enjoy taiko drumming, martial arts demos and storytelling. Japanese Cultural & Community Center, Seattle, Saturday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- GeekGirlCon is a family-friendly and inclusive gathering of fans of gaming, comics, STEM and design. Panels and workshops highlight the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in these fields. Book your passes and get your costumes together! Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; tickets $30 for adults, $15–$20 kids and teens, free for ages 5 and younger.
- Visit the Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail to see a South Sound salmon run in action and learn from on-site docents. Leave your pooch at home and plan to carefully follow the directions on the website to reach the trail, which will be open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Nov. 5–6, 11–13, 19–20 and 25–27. Access is free.
- Everyone has ancestors worth remembering. Visit Tacoma Art Museum to partake in the Día de los Muertos tradition of honoring departed ancestors in a joyful and respectful way. View the tapete (sand painting) and contribute to community ofrendas (offerings) on Sunday, Nov. 6, noon–5 p.m.
- Bundle up and explore the outdoors on Veterans Day, when our state and national parks provide free entry to all in honor of all those who have served in our armed forces. Friday, Nov. 11.
- Woodland Park Zoo’s enchanting lantern display is back for its third year to bring wonder and light to your dark winter days. Book your timed tickets ahead for dates beginning Friday, Nov. 11, and note that tiered pricing is in effect, based on peak times. Tickets cost $29.95–$34.95 for adults and teens ages 13 and older, $25.95–$29.95 for kids ages 3–12, free for tots ages 2 and younger.
- In Seattle Children’s Theatre’s holiday show, “Paddington Saves Christmas,” the beloved — and somewhat clumsy — bear aims to help everyone get ready for the holidays. This fun-filled comedy is perfect for families with kids ages 3 and older. Tiered-pricing tickets $20–$40.
- Kids and their grown-ups love StoryBook Theater’s ingenious twists on classic fairy tales. Catch its unique take on the story of Hansel and Gretel, performed at the Kirkland Performance Center. Can the siblings work together to outwit a shifty chef? StoryBook shows are designed for kids ages 3–10. Two showtimes, Saturday, Nov. 19; tickets $13.
- Step into the holiday season by enjoying Fantasy Lights’ amazing displays on foot during the only chance to walk, not drive, through its annual light display in Spanaway Park. Book your tickets for one of two sessions taking place Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 19–20. Book your tix early; $4 per person, ages 3 and younger free. (Fantasy Lights’ drive-through edition begins Nov. 25.)
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium again welcomes families from the South Sound and beyond to immerse themselves in a winter wonderland of color spread across the zoo grounds. Mount Rainier and the giant Pacific octopus were among past years’ incredible displays. Book your timed-entry tickets, $6–$16, for this show, opening Nov. 25.
- Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden, another favorite seasonal light display for families, features whimsical animal, flower and bird shapes — at an affordable price. Book your tickets to enjoy this display of over half a million lights, opening Nov. 26. Tickets $8, children ages 10 and younger free.
