- Book/Author I met: 111 Places In Seattle That You Must Not Miss, Harriet Baskas
- Self-guided food tour: While researching this story, I came across The Emerald Palate's downloadable PDF. It's beautifully done, informational and I absolutely love her writing style.
- More family-friendly breweries: In addition to Georgetown Brewing, Lowercase Brewing, not only has tasty beer and snacks anytime but ramen bowls Friday nights and donuts Sunday mornings. Jellyfish Brewing and Machine House Brewery are two more on our must try list the next time we go back.
- Other cool places: If you’ve ever wanted to join the circus you’ll be thrilled to discover the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA). In addition to a wide range of weekly classes for all ages, there are options for the whole family too. On Friday nights try flying through the air on a trapeze at their Pay Per Flight class (for ages 4 and up) or for more flexibility book a private lesson with a custom class just for your group.
- Music more your thing? Swing by the Seattle Drum School. It’s so much more than drums! Not only do they offer different types of music lessons including rock band classes, you can come listen to music or even perform. They host a monthly youth music showcase “Second Sundays at Six” plus several public shows at their all-ages space called The LAB at 1010.
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
February Fun—Love rocks
While looking for February pics, I came across this one—taken during the pandemic when we painted rocks while stuck at home. We'd leave them in front of our house for anyone walking by to take as a way of connecting when we couldn't be together. Messages ebbed and flowed from hope and kindness to advocacy and lots and lots of love.
EVENTS
One-time events, listed chronologically.
- Lunar New Year Celebration / Friday, February 3rd—11:50am-12:40pm Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave SW
- Chinese New Year Lantern Festival / Sunday, February 5th—1-4pm
Seattle Chinese Garden @South Seattle College, 5640 16th Avenue SW
Come celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with a full line of up family-friendly activities at one of my favorite hidden gems in West Seattle. - Jewish Story Hour@the High Point Library / Sunday, February 5th—3pm
3411 SW Raymond
Join us for a children’s story time at the library and learn about tu bishvat – the birthday of the trees! - Free Tiny Movers Class at Mode Music / Thursday, February 9th—12:20-1:15pm
Chance to check out their movement and dance class for ages 2-4 and their grown-ups for free. - West Seattle Art Walk / Thursday, February 9th—5-9PM
Explore art throughout the Junction on the second Thursday of every month. Visit their website for more info. - Mode Music All-Ages Open Mic / Thursday, February 9th@8pm
Skylark West Seattle, 3803 Delridge Way SW
Join in on celebrating Black History Month with Mode Music Studios' all-ages open mic night at the Skylark West Seattle. - Family Reading Time@Paperboat Booksellers / Saturday, February 11th & 18th—11am-noon
6040 California Ave SW, Suite A
Join for a special Family Reading Time in celebration of Black History Month with the middle schoolers from Explorer West! - Hearts at the Nest / Saturday, February 11th—1-3pm
The Heron's Nest, 4818 Puget Way SW
Celebrate love with a variety of arts and crafts activities—cards, suncatchers, candles, ornaments and fairy hair sparkles. All-ages, free. - Women in Entrepreneurship Meetup / Monday, February 13—7:30-9:30
Work & Play Lounge, 4700 42nd Ave SW Suite 535 Seattle, WA 98116
Free event for West Seattle female entrepreneurs. Hosted by Sensa Play Rentals, Pearsall Properties, Work and Play Lounge, and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Register here. - Great Backyard Bird Count—President's Day Weekend
- Seattle Parks and Rec events. Free, no pre-registration required.
- Westcrest Park / Friday, February 17th— 3-4:30 pm
Meet at the picnic tables near the P-patch. - Camp Long / Saturday, February 18th—10-11:30am
- Bird Fest (Burien) / February 18—10AM – 2PM
Registration required. - Your backyard
- Winter Evening Beach Walk with Seattle Aquarium Naturalists / Saturday, February 18th—8-10pm
Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint
Meet beach naturalists near the Seattle Aquarium canopy, located at the corner of 63rd Ave. SW and Beach Dr. SW. Free event.
WSHS Chinese students will be putting on a Lunar New Year event. They will do lion dances and a dragon dance with drumming. They will be sharing their Chinese calligraphy and some small sweets to share for a sweet New Year. The community is welcome!
Recurring/Weekly/Multiple events. Listed alphabetically.
- Free Drop-in Tot Gyms
- High Point Community Center / 6920 34th Ave SW
January 3rd-March 30th—Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am-12:30pm
Ages 5 and under. Open play time with all sorts of toys in the gym. Parent/guardian must stay with their kiddo/s. More details here. - Salvation Army Seattle Community Center White Center / 9050 16th AVE SW
Monday thru Friday—3:30pm-5pm starting January 23rd
Playtime for ages 2-6 years old. Parent supervision is required. More details here. - Stay 'N Play at Arbor Heights Church / 4113 SW 102nd Street
Fridays—10-11:30am
Indoor play gym for kiddos 5 and under. More details here. - Indoor options for rainy days
Here's my post from last November that includes oodles of options, listed by age (babies, preschool, K-5 and tween/teens. - Late Night for Teens@High Point Community Center
Fridays 7:30-Midnight. Ages 13-19
Recreation-based program with a focus on positive teen interactions and engagement where all teens are welcome. Dinner is provided each night. FREE - Library Programs—Story times & Events
Seattle Public Library is still only hosting online story times but King County Libraries have several in-person story times and events for kids, tweens and teens. Closest KCLS from West Seattle with programming are White Center, Burien and Boulevard Park. Search the calendar by location and/or ages. - Meeples Games
3727 California Ave SW, Suite 2B Weekly—family game nights, Pokemon training camps, D&D and more - Open Gym Basketball at High Point Community Center
Free pick-up basketball games for ages 17 and under.
1/3-3/31: M/Tu/Th/F 3:30-5PM
1/4-3/29: Wednesday 2-5PM - Parkour classes@Hiawatha Added 1/4/23
Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave SW - Tuesdays: 4pm Young Kids • 5:15pm Kids • 6:45pm Teens
- Wednesdays: 2:30pm Young Kids • 3:45pm Kids • 5:15pm Teens
- Thursdays: 4pm Young Kids • 5:15pm Youth • 6:45pm Teens
- 12 week session (Jan-Mar) for $348
- Visit website for dates, registration and payment.
- Open Play at Outer Space Seattle
2820 Alki Ave SW #2 - Teen Sundays@High Point Community Center
Sundays (January 8th-March 26th) / Noon-6PM
Ages 12-19. Calling all neighborhood teens! This day is for you. We’ll play a lot of basketball, and those that attend will be able to set the agenda for the day. Options can include video gaming, volleyball, dodgeball, floor hockey and the like. Come with friends or come and make friends. FREE - The Missing Piece
9456 35th Ave SW
Weekly—Scrabble, cooperative games, D&D, crafting and creativity and more. - West Seattle Farmers Market / Sundays 10AM-2PM
Year-round event in the Alaska Junction.
- Giving back—ways to volunteer
A post I did a while ago about options for volunteering in West Seattle. - Ideas for winter birthdays
A post I did with indoor and outdoor options for hosting a party this time of year.
Check out these awesome adventures around the peninsula and beyond.
- Grab your binoculars and watch for whales from shore.
- Take a day trip to Des Moines or Vashon.
- Discover new and go-to spots around West Seattle.
- Step into fun on these stairway adventures, including the highest one right here in West Seattle.
- Explore nature through a variety of tree walks in West Seattle and all around the city.
Multiple options:
- Seattle Parks and Rec
Winter programs and registration opened December 6 at noon. Brochure available here.
Variety of classes (sports, art, dance, music, etc) and one time events happening at Delridge, High Point and Hiawatha community centers. - Upcoming Registration Dates
- February 7th
- Winter Activities (Term 3) — Amy Yee Tennis Center
- Spring Activities (Term 1) — Spring Sports, Volleyball, Track and Field
- March 7th
- Winter Activities (Term 2) — Aquatics, Amy Yee Tennis Center, Community Centers, Lifelong Recreation, Citywide Athletics, Boating, and Specialized Programs
- Summer Camps (Term 1) Specialized Programs
- April 4th
- Summer Activities (Term 2) — Seasonal Outdoor Pools, Summer Swim League, Boating, Sports Leagues
- April 18th
- Summer Day Camps (Term 3) — Day Camps, Activity Camps, Preschool Camps, Nature Day Camps
- CraftLab Seattle
Mobile location—comes to your house, a park or TBD location of your choice.
Upcycling crafting activities and offers classes, birthday parties and other events for kids or adults. Holiday-themed classes now available. - Curious Kidstuff
4740 California Ave SW
Variety of classes on Mondays and Fridays. $12/child, each day. Ages 18 months+.
Also offering birthday parties packages again with teacher-led arts and crafts. - West Seattle Art Nest
2903 SW Cambridge Street - Toddler Time/Messy Play Date: March 3-April 7—10:30-11:30am
- School Age classes: variety of days and options
Music:
- Sunshine Music Together
Fauntleroy Schoolhouse / 9131 California Ave SW
Ages: 0-5 and 5-8 - For more options see my post about Music from last spring.
Sports:
Registration for several winter sports is now open and planning for spring is coming up. Check out my post all about when and where to play sports locally throughout the year.
Swimming:
- Southwest Pool
2801 SW Thistle Street (inside the Southwest Teen Life Center) - Public Swim
Tuesday & Thursday / 7-8pm
Saturday / 12:15-1:15pm - For schedule, fees and more info click here.
- Registration for winter classes (Jan-Apr).
- YMCA—West Seattle (Membership-based but offers lessons to non-members too.)
Swim lessons and open swims. - West Seattle Health Club (Membership-based but some lessons available to non-members.)
- General pool information—open swims, lessons, birthday parties.
- Lessons through club
- Lessons through British Swim School
- Evergreen Aquatic Center (Closed Nov 28-Feb 6)
606 SW 116th Street (White Center) - Lap/public swims, water exercise classes and lessons.
- Dive-in movie nights on Saturdays
- Swim lessons registration dates: January: Not yet posted
Hard to think but summer planning has already begun! Have something to share? Let me know.
- Summer Camps@West Seattle Art Nest
- Summer Camps@ModeMusic&Performing Arts
- Seattle Parks and Rec Summer Camps
Upcoming registration dates: - March 7th
- Summer Camps (Term 1) Specialized Programs
- April 4th
- Summer Activities (Term 2) — Seasonal Outdoor Pools, Summer Swim League, Boating, Sports Leagues
- April 18th
- Summer Day Camps (Term 3) — Day Camps, Activity Camps, Preschool Camps, Nature Day Camps
- Summer camps@Pedalheads
Biking camps at South Seattle College. - Tree Walk in Highland Park Neighborhood / Saturday, March 11 at 10 am
Pierre is back for another easy stroll around the Highland Park neighborhood in West Seattle. This walk explores the bountiful urban forest found in an around Westcrest Park as well as delightful canopy in yards and along streets. We will be walking a little over a mile over flat surfaces with a small amount of uphill/downhill travel. Please register here, bring snacks and a full water bottle, and be prepared to be outdoors in whatever weather we find ourselves in.
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Fun find for little dinosaur enthusiasts!
Update: 2/3/23—No more dinos. Display has been updated with a fun Love the Library theme for February.
It doesn't seem that long ago when my now teens were in preschool and life was all about dinosaurs. We watched Dinosaur Train daily, created a dinosaur-themed birthday and I figured out how to make a Troodon costume for Halloween because all we could find to buy were T-Rexs.
So, when I was at the library this week and spotted a fun dinosaur scavenger hunt in the children's area I just had to post about it for anyone in this phase now. Start by picking up a booklet and then keep your eyes open for printed images of eight different dinosaurs sprinkled throughout the rows of books. There's also a creative display of lift-the-flap dinosaur puns and a whole section of dinosaur books at the front of the library you can check out and take home.
- Where: Southwest Branch / 9010 35th Ave SW
- Good to know: The children's librarian is planning to keep this scavenger hunt up until February when they will switch it to a new theme.
- Continue the adventure by renting a dinosaur kit from Sensa Play Rentals. Based out of West Seattle, these kits are created just for preschoolers by the mom of a preschooler.
- Other library posts I've done you might like to check out:
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Nantes Park—Gem of a little park
While out walking with a mama friend the other day, we came across Nantes Park as we huffed up Admiral Way. Wow, what a gem of a little park! I'd probably driven past it hundreds, if not thousands of times, in our 20+ years of living in West Seattle but we were always on our way to somewhere else—hiking in nearby Schmitz Park, playground time at Whale Tail Park or a day at the beach on Alki.
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
January activities—plunging into the new year
Kick off the new year with this list of family-friendly things to do in West Seattle. There's a handful of ways to ring in the new year before plunging right into January with lots of options for younger kiddos and even a few teen-only events for those with older kiddos. Have something to share? Let me know.
EVENTS
One-time events, listed chronologically.
- New Year's Eve Family Vibe@West Seattle Bowl / December 31
Two hours of VIBE bowling, shoes, one 1-topping pizza, one pitcher of soda or juice boxes and party favors for $129.99. Two sessions available (3:30-5:30pm & 6:30-8:30pm). - Highland Park Not-So-Silent Night Parade / December 31—5:30PM
This fun neighborhood event is returning this year! - Alki Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day / January 1st—10AM
- West Seattle Art Walk / Thursday, January 12th—5-9PM
Explore art throughout the Junction on the second Thursday of every month. Visit their website for more info. - Georgetown Steam Plant Tour (Georgetown) / Saturday, January 14, 10AM-2PM
On the second Saturday of every month you can explore this historic steam plant located just outside West Seattle. Guided tours happen between 11AM and 1PM. Free event. - Bird & Plant Walk@Seahurst Park (Burien) / January 16—10AM–12PM Also just outside WS. Free guided walk with naturalist to learn about the birds and plants around you. Geared towards ages 13+ and registration required.
- MLK Day of Service—Monday, January 16
- Winter Evening Beach Walks with Seattle Aquarium Naturalists
Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint
Meet beach naturalists near the Seattle Aquarium canopy, located at the corner of 63rd Ave. SW and Beach Dr. SW. Free event. - Friday, January 20, 2023 from 8–10pm
- Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 8–10pm
Recurring/Weekly/Multiple events. Listed alphabetically.
- Free Drop-in Tot Gym
Ages 5 and under. Open play time with all sorts of toys in the gym. Parent/guardian must stay with their kiddo/s. - High Point Community Center / 6920 34th Ave SW
January 3rd-March 30th—Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am-12:30pm - Indoor options for rainy days
Here's my post from last November that includes oodles of options, listed by age (babies, preschool, K-5 and tween/teens. - Late Night for Teens@High Point Community Center
Fridays 7:30-Midnight. Ages 13-19
Recreation-based program with a focus on positive teen interactions and engagement where all teens are welcome. Dinner is provided each night. FREE - Library Programs—Storytimes & Events
Seattle Public Library is still only hosting online storytimes but King County Libraries have several in-person storytimes and events for kids, tweens and teens. Closest KCLS from West Seattle with programming are White Center, Burien and Boulevard Park. Search the calendar by location and/or ages. - Meeples Games
3727 California Ave SW, Suite 2B Weekly—family game nights, Pokemon training camps, D&D and more - Open Gym Basketball at High Point Community Center
Free pick-up basketball games for ages 17 and under.
1/3-3/31: M/Tu/Th/F 3:30-5PM
1/4-3/29: Wednesday 2-5PM - Parkour classes@Hiawatha Added 1/4/23
Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave SW - Tuesdays: 4pm Young Kids • 5:15pm Kids • 6:45pm Teens
- Wednesdays: 2:30pm Young Kids • 3:45pm Kids • 5:15pm Teens
- Thursdays: 4pm Young Kids • 5:15pm Youth • 6:45pm Teens
- 12 week session (Jan-Mar) for $348
- Visit website for dates, registration and payment.
- Open Play at Outer Space Seattle
2820 Alki Ave SW #2 - Stay 'N Play / Fridays—10-11:30am
Indoor play gym for kiddos 5 and under at Arbor Heights Church. - Teen Sundays@High Point Community Center
Sundays (January 8th-March 26th) / Noon-6PM
Ages 12-19. Calling all neighborhood teens! This day is for you. We’ll play a lot of basketball, and those that attend will be able to set the agenda for the day. Options can include video gaming, volleyball, dodgeball, floor hockey and the like. Come with friends or come and make friends. FREE - The Missing Piece
9456 35th Ave SW
Weekly—Scrabble, cooperative games, D&D, crafting and creativity and more. - West Seattle Farmers Market / Sundays 10AM-2PM
Year-round event in the Alaska Junction.
- Giving back—ways to volunteer
A post I did a while ago about options for volunteering in West Seattle. - Ideas for winter birthdays
A post I did with indoor and outdoor options for hosting a party this time of year.
Check out these awesome adventures around the peninsula and beyond.
- Grab your binoculars and watch for whales from shore.
- Take a day trip to Des Moines or Vashon.
- Discover new and go-to spots around West Seattle.
- Step into fun on these stairway adventures, including the highest one right here in West Seattle.
- Explore nature through a variety of tree walks in West Seattle and all around the city.
Multiple options:
- Seattle Parks and Rec
Winter programs and registration opened December 6 at noon. Brochure available here.
Variety of classes (sports, art, dance, music, etc) and one time events happening at Delridge, High Point and Hiawatha community centers.
Art:
- CraftLab Seattle
Mobile location—comes to your house, a park or TBD location of your choice.
Upcycling crafting activities and offers classes, birthday parties and other events for kids or adults. Holiday-themed classes now available. - Curious Kidstuff
4740 California Ave SW
Variety of classes on Mondays and Fridays. $12/child, each day. Ages 18 months+.
Also offering birthday parties packages again with teacher-led arts and crafts. - West Seattle Art Nest
2903 SW Cambridge Street
Music:
- Sunshine Music Together—Registration open for January 2023 classes
Fauntleroy Schoolhouse / 9131 California Ave SW
Ages: 0-5 and 5-8
For more options see my post about Music from last spring.
Sports:
Registration for several winter sports is now open and planning for spring is coming up. Check out my post all about when and where to play sports locally throughout the year.
Swimming:
- Southwest Pool
2801 SW Thistle Street (inside the Southwest Teen Life Center) - Public Swim
Tuesday & Thursday / 7-8pm
Saturday / 12:15-1:15pm - For schedule, fees and more info click here.
- Registration for winter classes (Jan-Apr) opens December 6th at noon.
- YMCA—West Seattle (Membership-based but offers lessons to non-members too.)
Swim lessons and open swims. - West Seattle Health Club (Membership-based but some lessons available to non-members.)
- General pool information—open swims, lessons, birthday parties.
- Lessons through club
- Lessons through British Swim School
- Evergreen Aquatic Center (Closed Nov 28-Feb 6)
606 SW 116th Street (White Center) - Lap/public swims, water exercise classes and lessons.
- Dive-in movie nights on Saturdays
- Swim lessons registration dates: January: Not yet posted
- Chinese New Year Lantern Festival / Sunday, February 5th—1-4pm (Added 1/18/23)
Seattle Chinese Garden @South Seattle College, 5640 16th Avenue SW
Come celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with a full line of up family-friendly activities at one of my favorite hidden gems in West Seattle. - Winter Evening Beach Walks with Seattle Aquarium Naturalists
Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint in West Seattle. Meet beach naturalists near the Seattle Aquarium canopy, located at the corner of 63rd Ave. SW and Beach Dr. SW. - Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 8–10pm
- Great Backyard Bird Count Events—President's Day Weekend
- Birdfest@Seahurst Park (Burien) / February 18—10AM – 2PM
Registration required. Mid-Winter Break Camp@West Seattle Art NestUpdated: 1/18/23—SOLD OUT- Summer Camps@West Seattle Art Nest
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Snow day—Spots to go sledding
NORTH (Camp Long and north)
- Camp Long
5200 35th Ave SW - Hamilton Viewpoint Park
1120 California Ave SW - Madison Middle School
3429 45th Ave SW
Spot: Back of school, between school and sports field. - West Seattle Golf Course
4470 35th Ave SW
Note: Opens after a certain amount of snow and announced via Seattle Parks and Rec. - Dragonfly Park
4111 26th Ave SW
Spot: East of the dragonfly pavilion - Jack Block Park
Terminal 5 / 2130 Harbor Ave SW
- High Point Commons Park
3201 SW Graham Street - Myrtle Reservoir Park
3600 SW Myrtle Street - Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex
2600 SW Thistle Street
Spot: West of the grass soccer field and north of the main baseball field. - Solstice Park
7400 Fauntleroy Way SW - Westcrest Park
9000 8th Ave SW
Spot: South of the playground and north of the p-patch.
Parking: In either the south-end parking lot or the lot off 8th Ave SW.
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
December activities—fun and festive!
One-time events, listed chronologically.
- Winter Wander: A West Seattle Scavenger Hunt / December 2nd-11th
A fun, free 10-day adventure for West Seattleites (and friends) and a chance to win some awesome prizes too. - Duwamish River Cleanup / December 3rd—10am and 12pm
həʔapus Village Park, 4500 Duwamish Trail
Volunteer opportunity to help clean up the river by kayak. See website for more info and to register. - Family Magic Show / December 3rd—1pm and 3pm
Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th SW
Raymond the magician will be performing two shows. Kids 8 and under are free, $5 for ages 9 to 18 and $10 for adults over 18. There will be two 45 minutes shows starting at 1 pm and 3 pm. - Tree Lighting and Holiday Night Market / Saturday, December 3rd—4-10pm
Alaska Junction - Cultures United FC Game / Saturday, December 3rd—5pm
Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, 2600 SW Thistle St
Soccer fans might like to check this game out. Here's a link to an article in The Seattle Times about the club and the game. Free to attend. - Lacrosse Get Togethers for Girls / December 11th—9:30-11am
A.T. Milo Park 30th SW & SW Thistle
Come check out lacrosse in these get togethers on Sundays (11/13, 11/20 and 12/11) from 9:30-11am. Girls 3rd through 12th grade. - Bikes & Lights Alki Beach Slow Ride / Friday, December 16—6-8pm (Added 12/1) Seacrest Marina Park
- Dance West Seattle presents The Magical Doll Maker / December 18@1:30 pm
Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 South 152nd Street Burien
This wonderful holiday performance and fundraising event is returning this year! Do note, it's now being held in Burien. - Pop-Up Hanukkah in The Junction / December 18th@5:00 pm
Junction Plaza Park
Kol Ha Neshamah is back this year with for song, candle lighting and donuts-to-go. Everyone’s welcome! - Moonlight Beach Walk / December 20—7-9PM (Added 12/2/22)
Seahurst Park, Burien
Just south of West Seattle but worth mentioning since checking out tide pools at night is pretty cool. Free but registration required. Additional ones coming up January in both here and West Seattle. - Winter Solstice—December 21
Celebrate the shortest day of the year and the returning to longer days. Alice hosts an event in Solstice Park (website says 3:45-4:45pm) unless is driving rain. - New Year's Eve Family Vibe@West Seattle Bowl / December 31
Two hours of VIBE bowling, shoes, one 1-topping pizza, one pitcher of soda or juice boxes and party favors for only $129.99! Two sessions available (3:30pm-5:30pm & 6:30pm-8:30pm).
Recurring/Weekly/Multiple events. Listed alphabetically.
- Free Drop-in Tot Gym
Ages 5 and under. Open play time with all sorts of toys in the gym. Parent/guardian must stay with their kiddo/s. - High Point Community Center / 6920 34th Ave SW
Currently: Tuesdays / 10am-12:30pm
Upcoming: January 3rd-March 30th—Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am-12:30pm - Indoor options for rainy days
Here's my post from last November that includes oodles of options, listed by age (babies, preschool, K-5 and tween/teens. - Library Programs—Storytimes & Events
Seattle Public Library is still only hosting online storytimes but King County Libraries have several in-person storytimes and events for kids-teens. Closest KCLS from West Seattle with programming are White Center, Burien and Boulevard Park. Search the calendar by location and/or ages. - Meeples Games
3727 California Ave SW, Suite 2B Weekly—family game nights, Pokemon training camps, D&D and more - Open Play at Outer Space Seattle
2820 Alki Ave SW #2 - Stay 'N Play / Fridays—10-11:30am
Indoor play gym at Arbor Heights Church. - The Missing Piece
9456 35th Ave SW
Weekly—Scrabble, cooperative games, D&D, crafting and creativity and more.
- See some holiday lights
The WS Blog's Holiday Guide has a full rundown but our favorites are Menashe Family Lights (5605 Beach Drive SW) and West Seattle Yuletide (38th Ave SW between Genesee and Dakota). - Giving back—ways to volunteer
A post I did a while ago about options for volunteering in West Seattle. - Ideas for winter birthdays
A post I did with indoor and outdoor options for hosting a party this time of year.
Check out these awesome adventures around the peninsula and beyond.
- Grab your binoculars and watch for whales from shore.
- Take a day trip to Des Moines or Vashon.
- Discover new and go-to spots around West Seattle.
- Step into fun on these stairway adventures, including the highest one right here in West Seattle.
- Explore nature through a variety of tree walks in West Seattle and all around the city.
Multiple options:
- Seattle Parks and Rec
Winter programs and registration opens December 6 at noon. Brochure available here.
Variety of classes (sports, art, dance, music, etc) and one time events. happening at Delridge, High Point and Hiawatha community centers. - Winter camp@Viva Arts
Monday December 19th through Thurday Dec 22nd
9:00am - 1:00pm
Art:
- CraftLab Seattle
Mobile location—comes to your house, a park or TBD location of your choice.
Upcycling crafting activities and offers classes, birthday parties and other events for kids or adults. Holiday-themed classes now available. - Curious Kidstuff
4740 California Ave SW
Variety of classes on Mondays and Fridays. $12/child, each day. Ages 18 months+.
Also offering birthday parties packages again with teacher-led arts and crafts. - West Seattle Art Nest
2903 SW Cambridge Street
After school art classes—Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays
Cost: $255
Music:
- Sunshine Music Together—Registration open for January 2023 classes
Fauntleroy Schoolhouse / 9131 California Ave SW
Ages: 0-5 and 5-8
For more options see my post about Music from last spring.
Registration for several winter sports is now open and planning for spring is coming up. Check out my post all about when and where to play sports locally throughout the year.
- Lacrosse Get Togethers for Girls / December 11th, 9:30-11am
A.T. Milo Park 30th SW & SW Thistle
Come check out lacrosse in these get togethers on Sundays (11/13, 11/20 and 12/11) from 9:30-11am. Girls 3rd through 12th grade.
- Southwest Pool
2801 SW Thistle Street (inside the Southwest Teen Life Center) - Public Swim
Tuesday & Thursday / 7-8pm
Saturday / 12:15-1:15pm - For schedule, fees and more info click here.
- Registration for winter classes (Jan-Apr) opens December 6th at noon.
- YMCA—West Seattle (Membership-based but offers lessons to non-members too.)
Swim lessons and open swims. - West Seattle Health Club (Membership-based but some lessons available to non-members.)
- General pool information—open swims, lessons, birthday parties.
- Lessons through club
- Lessons through British Swim School
- Evergreen Aquatic Center (Closed Nov 28-Jan 8)
606 SW 116th Street (White Center) - Lap/public swims, water exercise classes and lessons.
- Dive-in movie nights on Saturdays
- Swim lessons registration dates: January: Not yet posted
- Alki Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day—Details TBD
- Winter Evening Beach Walks with Seattle Aquarium Naturalists
Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint in West Seattle. Meet beach naturalists near the Seattle Aquarium canopy, located at the corner of 63rd Ave. SW and Beach Dr. SW. - Friday, January 20, 2023 from 8–10pm
- Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 8–10pm
- Mid-Winter Break Camp@West Seattle Art Nest
- Summer Camps@West Seattle Art Nest