October 2019 Issue by seattleschild

focus on education

Closing the opportunity gap

Seattle’sChild O CTO BE R

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F RE E

YO UR G U I D E TO A KID - F R I E N D LY C I T Y

R! RAWRR INO D IT’S A R’S L OV E ! DREAM

New Burke turns the museum inside out

Romp

A SNEAK PEEK AT THE NEW BURKE MUSEUM WHAT PARENTS ARE TALKING ABOUT

Chomp

Life after high school for kids with autism

FANCY MEETS FAMILY AT EDEN HILL PROVISIONS

MAKING HOME

MAKING MAGIC AT THE SPLINTERED WAND

The greenest house of all

R S E AT T L E S C H I L D.C O M

Shop Taylor Calloway of Seattle’s Central District explores the new Burke Museum

Enter to win a family trip to Maui

Win a trip for four to Maui, Hawaii with roundtrip flights from Seattle on Alaska Airlines and a three-night stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani. Enter now at seattleschild.com/Giveaways Giveaway ends October 31, 2019

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>>Contents Seattle’sChild October 2019 // Issue 477

WHAT PARENTS ARE TALKING ABOUT....... 5 DAD NEXT DOOR................ 7 ROMP........................................... 9 CHOMP....................................... 11 SHOP..........................................13 FEATURE CLOSING THE OPPORTUNITY GAP..........16 MAKING HOME....................23 CALENDAR............................25

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Seattle’sChild October 2019 // Issue 477 “Seattle is my town. I know this city inside and out… or so I thought until I had kids.” Seattle’s Child is your guide to getting to know your city all over again. Finding things to do, places to eat, and how to get around — it’s a whole new ballgame with kids in tow. We’re interested in how parents make homes in a space-challenged urban environment, how families create community, and what parents are really talking about. Seattle’s Child reflects real Puget Sound families and their broad range of parenting experiences. ANN BERGMAN Publisher, Founder abergman@seattleschild.com

FALL FAMILY FUN AT BLOEDEL RESERVE A

SUPER SQUASH SCAVENGER HUNT OCT 1–31, 2019 Pumpkins and squash are hiding everywhere at Bloedel Reserve. Pick up a scavenger hunt worksheet at the Gatehouse and see how many you can spot.

SPOOKY CREATURES WALK SAT, OCT 26, 3:30 to 7:30 PM Meet spooky and nocturnal creatures who inhabit our woods with the handlers from West Sound Wildlife. Walks start every 10 minutes. Space is limited; register online.

GUIDED WALKS & TALKS See the fall leaves, learn about permaculture, discover how to ready your garden for winter, and much more all month long at Bloedel Reserve.

For tickets & more info about all of our fall events, visit bloedelreserve.org.

BOO DAVIS Art Director bdavis@seattleschild.com SYDNEY PARKER Managing Editor sparker@seattleschild.com JULIE HANSON Website Editor jhanson@seattleschild.com JENNIFER MORTENSEN Things To Do Editor jmortensen@seattleschild.com LEAH WINTERS Calendar Editor calendar@seattleschild.com MIKE MAHONEY Copy Editor JEFF LEE, MD Columnist KATIE ANTHONY, ERIKA LEE BIGELOW, MARGARET BUTTERWORTH, FIONA COHEN, HALLIE GOLDEN, JIAYING GRYGIEL, BRETT HAMIL, CHRISTA MURRAY, SECONDE NIMENYA, DIJANA STEWARD Contributing Writers JANA WITT Accounting ADVERTISING KIM LOVE Ad Production Manager klove@seattleschild.com MELIA WILKINSON Advertising Sales Manager mwilkinson@seattleschild.com 774-253-2219 RACHEL NEVARIL Sales Account Manager rnevaril@seattleschild.com

Seattle’sChild Seattle’s Child has been providing useful information to parents since 1979. In addition to our monthly magazine, look for our special themed publications — Explore, FamilyPages, School and SummerTime — distributed free throughout the Puget Sound area. Seattle’s Child is published monthly with combined issues in January/February and July/August.

ONLINE seattleschild.com Facebook facebook.com/seattleschild Twitter @SeaChildMag Instagram @seattleschildmag MAIL c/o Postal Plus 1211 E. Denny Way, Seattle, WA 98112 VOICE 206-441-0191 TO ADVERTISE advertise@seattleschild.com MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION distribution@seattleschild.com STORY IDEAS editor@seattleschild.com CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS calendar@seattleschild.com Deadline is first of the month, one month prior to publication (Nov. 1 for December publication). Include date, time, cost, appropriate ages, address, contact information and description.

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Don’t miss these stories on seattleschild.com

Brown-bag rut? Tips for packing school lunches

Stronger gun laws Join the movement loudly or quietly

Pumpkin patch time! Find the perfect fall family outing

»What Parents

„ Find more local news for families on seattleschild.com

Are Talking About Education, health, development and more

Dijana Steward prepares her son for life — and laundry — after high school.

Ready for life on his own A mom wonders if she has prepared her son with autism to seek support in adulthood by D I J A N A S T E W A R D / photo by J O S H U A H U S T O N

It’s 7:30 am and James and I are waist deep in a full-on Clash of the Titans. I’m fuming about his recent lack of good judgment and he’s defending his

choices. Suddenly, he says: “Listen, Mom, why don’t I just leave for a few days and come back when things have cooled down?” “Excuse me? Leave? And go where? With whom? And do what?” My head is spinning. James will be 19 in December, and though I knew the day would eventually come, I believed that the transition from my home to his own would be a lot less hurried and not motivated by a disagreement. Truth is, parents across the world have

some level of angst about the “launch” part of parenting. But for parents of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the prospect of their children living independently is especially worrisome. For me, the list of logistical considerations that will go into planning for James to live away from home makes my heart race and my stomach hurt. Because James is “high functioning” outside of closed-door CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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meetings with educators and his employer, we have been very discreet about broadcasting his diagnosis. We don’t even discuss his autism much at home. This wasn’t my doing, but by request from James. His justification was that he never wanted to be treated differently or not be accepted because he needed accommodations, so he worked very hard to pattern some of his behaviors after his neurotypical peers. And for the most part, James presents as a shy but very normal teenager. I had James at a pretty young age so all I knew was how to parent him the way I was parented, which was with a lot of love, responsibility and accountability. I was once told that in spite of a very late diagnosis (James was 10), the best thing we could do for him was to treat him as normally as possible. But now that he’s about to start his last year at the local technical high school, where he will graduate with his high school diploma and an associate degree in culinary arts, I can’t help but think: Is it possible that I focused too much on reminding him how normal he was, that I didn’t spend enough time explaining to him that his diagnosis would need to be embraced and nurtured as he entered into adulthood? After our disagreement, I lost a lot of sleep. I wondered if I had done enough to inform him of all that I did behind the scenes to make his world tolerable and pleasant. After a week of being unable to truly rest, I decided I needed to make a list of all the things that were concerning

me and share them with James. This is what I put together: Transitioning the onus of his diagnosis onto him. Coming to a mutual understanding that as an adult he is going to have to be more open about his diagnosis when dealing with employers, medical professionals and in his business interactions. And that he would need to start treating his autism as a part of his health makeup that would need attention. Helping James find a doctor who is well-educated on autism. It’s one thing as a parent to ask your pediatrician questions about your autistic child; it’s something different to speak to a doctor about your own diagnosis. I want to make sure that James feels heard by a practitioner who understands the complexities of being on the autism spectrum. Asking James how he defines independent living. Getting clear on what James wants, then helping him identify where he is going to need support. Identify supportive services for autistic adults. There have to be organizations that can provide us with information to help light this road. Explore apartment living geared towards neurodiversity. I’ve heard there are apartment buildings in Western Washington specializing in providing housing that considers the needs of a non-neurotypical renter. What that looks like I don’t know, but it’s worth the research. These are the things that keep me up the most at night, but there are a ton of other worries. I don’t expect to solve all these concerns by the time my son graduates and decides on what he would like to do next. I think my approach as we look toward encouraging James to have a life that is fulfilling and dignity-driven is to ask a lot of questions, go with my gut and trust my son. Hopefully, that’s enough.

„ Read all of Jeff Lee’s columns on seattleschild.com

»DadNextDoor

A little encouragement from across the fence by J E F F L E E , M D

Discover the history and culture of the Tulalip Tribes

Truth vs. Faith Just as we do for strangers bearing candy, let’s teach children to make good decisions when someone offers them an idea As a physician, I try to make decisions based on facts, but as a parent I always feel like I’m on shaky ground. There’s never one reliable truth to hang your hat on, so you go with gut feelings, and anecdotes, and advice from your friends, even though their kids are little brats. (If you quote me on that, I’ll deny it). Over time, I’ve made my peace with this. Parenting is more art than science, and probably always will be. Recently, though, I’ve been worrying about truth again. This time, I’m less concerned about the lack of facts behind my parenting decisions, and more about the erosion of truth in our everyday lives. In this age of fringe websites, Russian bots and fake news, the truth is more slippery than it used to be. There’s the truth as supported by objective evidence, and then there’s the truth with a capital “T,” as in what we choose to believe. Unfortunately, the two aren’t always the same. Sometimes they aren’t even close. When we reach the limits of what we can know with certainty, we fill the vast expanse beyond that with conjecture, theory, and most of all, faith. There are more than 4,000 religions in the world, all dedicated to the idea that we should seek to understand even those things which we can’t completely know. Faith, when used in this way, is a powerful force, and a source of human strength. The

problem, though, is that we rely on faith even when the evidence disproves it. Ironically, we do this because faith is more reliable than fact. Whoever invented the phrase “cold, hard facts” didn’t realize that some facts go mushy over time as new facts emerge to put them in a different light. What we thought we knew with certainty can quickly become quaint and dated. Faith, on the other hand, is often described as “unshakable.” Since it doesn’t rely on facts, it’s mostly impervious to them, and there’s great comfort in a truth that doesn’t shift and change over time. Science’s greatest strength — that it evolves and adjusts to new evidence — is also its greatest weakness. For those who seek certainty in an uncertain world, faith is a safer bet. Though faith often conflicts with science, that hasn’t stopped scientists from studying it. Research shows that when someone is confronted with evidence that contradicts them, it often strengthens their belief in their original position. When the border between fact and faith is clear, they coexist peacefully, but where that border is in dispute, they battle for our hearts and minds. All of this is just human nature. It was this way for our parents and their parents, and it will be for our children as well. The difference is that the world we live in today provides a constant stream of faith disguised as fact. You can find confirmation for virtually anything, if you look hard enough. Do you believe that the moon landing was

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S E AT T L E ’ S C H I L D

A Healthier FamilY

What can you do if your child is struggling in school? Fall is upon us, and parent-teacher conferences are around the corner. We all want to hear that our children are well-behaved, learning, having fun, and getting along well with their classmates. But what if that’s not the feedback you receive? You may be told that your child is struggling with reading, writing or math, they are disruptive and fidgety in class, can’t follow directions or complete assignments, have difficulty making friends or may be aggressive towards others. EVALUATION AND TESTING It’s crucial that your child has an evaluation as soon as learning challenges become apparent. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, one in five children have learning and attention issues such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Evaluation starts with testing at your local public school, even if your child attends an independent school. Testing can be started as early as three years old, when delays in speech, gross motor, fine motor and social skills are often identified. If there are areas of concern, an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is developed and your child can receive special education services through the public-school district. Typical services include speech therapy, occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), social skills training and extra help in reading and math for older students. Your child may need additional help outside of school such as a reading specialist, tutor, private speech therapist, occupational therapist or physical therapist. ADHD If your child doesn’t have a clearly identified learning disability, but can’t pay attention in class, sit still, or is frequently disruptive, see your pediatrician to discuss additional testing. ADHD may be one possible diagnosis. According to the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 9.4% of all children in the US between the ages of 2 to 17 years had an ADHD diagnosis in 2016. Children with ADHD may struggle both inside and outside of the classroom. It may be difficult to pay attention in sports, respect personal space of others, control impulsivity, or wind down to go to sleep. If ADHD is diagnosed, medications and therapy can

make a huge difference, as can working with an organizational tutor to build lifelong skills. The Center of Disease Control reports that two out of three children in the US with an ADHD diagnosis have at least one other mental health diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, Tourette’s Syndrome, or Autism Spectrum Disorder. A pediatrician, psychiatrist and neuropsychologist can be instrumental in diagnosing ADHD. The detailed testing done by a neuropsychologist can more clearly identify disabilities such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. The testing can also reveal whether there is anxiety or depression present as well. The neuropsychologist can provide recommendations for the school’s office of learning support. 504 ACCOMMODATION PLANS Both public and independent schools will review recommendations and help create a 504-accommodation plan for your child. Accommodations can consist of extra time to complete assignments, extra time on tests, electronic instead of written tests, scheduled breaks during a test, the opportunity to take tests in quiet, distraction-free classrooms and other accommodations. The accommodations outlined in your child’s initial 504 plan typically support accommodations when testing for higher education (such as the SAT and ACT). Working with your child’s school to keep learning plans current helps your child develop the best plan for each stage of their education. As your children advance in school, they need to learn to advocate for themselves and their 504 plans. It will be a lifelong skill for them to know when to ask for help and to know which accommodations will benefit them most in their future life paths and careers.

by E L L E N PA SSL O F F, MD T he Everett C l i ni c E llen P as s lo ff, M D, is a pe dia t ric ia n wit h T h e E v eret t C l i n i c at Sh o rel i n e. D r. P a s s loff s a y s t h a t t h e re is n ot h in g m ore grat i f y i n g t o h er t h an p ro v i d i n g g u i d an ce a n d re a s s u ra n c e t o f a m ilie s wh ile work in g t o g et h er t o an al y z e an d t reat h eal t h c on c e r n s a n d illn e s s e s . S h e is c u rre n t ly we l co mi n g n ew p at i en t s t o h er p r act i ce.

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«DadNextDoor faked? That aliens are abducting us and erasing our memories? That copper bracelets prevent cancer? If so, there are others just like you, and you can seek them out with no more than a smartphone and a two-minute web search. That all sounds kind of silly, until you hear about the darker beliefs that bring people together. There are thriving online communities where people share versions of “truth” that are almost unimaginable: pedophilia, violent misogyny, racial supremacy, pro-anorexia — the list goes on and on. We wouldn’t knowingly expose our kids to such people in a million years, yet we let them wander around in cyberspace where whole online tribes like these are a click away. As much as we’d like to, we can’t turn back the clock. The internet is here to stay, and it’s foolish to pretend that we can shield our kids from it. Just as we do for sex, drugs and strangers bearing candy, we need to teach our children how to make good decisions when someone offers them an idea. Here are a few questions that every child should be able to answer: • How do you know if a source of information is credible? • How do you get good information from multiple independent sources? • How do you seek out thoughtful opinions that are different from your own? • How do you figure out if an idea is true or false, or not yet known? • What’s the difference between fact and faith? These are strange times we live in. Every day, the headlines bombard us with distortions, contradictions, and “alternative facts.” It almost feels as if truth is irrelevant — but it’s not. We need the truth and we need to keep faith, now more than ever. We just have to remember which is which. ABOUT OUR COLUMNIST

Jeff Lee has never been abducted by aliens (as far as he knows) in Seattle.

5 things to do

„ Find more things to do on seattleschild.com

Perfect pumpkin patches

Right under your nose!

Minecraft in real life Young gamers (and non-gamers) can see Minecraft come to life at MoPOP. Minecraft The Exhibition features full-scale creatures, scenic backdrops and stories from the realm. During opening weekend, show off your own Minecraft creative expression with art-making, costume contests and building challenges. — Jennifer Mortensen

Grab the muck boots, the cozy sweaters and the camera. It’s not fall until you’ve taken the kids to the pumpkin patch.

1 Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm in Snohomish

The exhibit runs Oct. 17 through Sept. 7, 2020. Visit mopop.org

»Romp

Wend your way through the 10-acre corn maze, or let the kids loose in the two kids’ corn mazes. Bob’s also has hayrides and a trike track. 3 bobscorn.com

Things to do with kids

Jubilee Farms in Carnation Watch a medieval siege weapon catapult pumpkins through the air. Then take a horsedrawn wagon ride. 3 jubileefarm.org

Fall City Farms

Scenery, farm animals, wagon rides and mini-donuts are the main attractions at this farm. It’s also less than a 10-minute drive from Snoqualmie Falls. 3 fallcityfarms.com/ pumpkins

Bellewood Acres in Lynden

It’s a dino lover’s dream! Taylor Calloway of Seattle’s Central District explores the new Burke Museum, opening this month.

An inside-out museum The new Burke’s design invites everyone to look at behind-the-scenes research by J I A Y I N G G R Y G I E L / photos by J O S H U A H U S T O N

As soon as you walk into the lobby of the new Burke Museum, you’ll see a real skeleton of a 30-foot Baird’s beaked whale hanging overhead. To the right is a mastodon cast from the Ice

Age. All through the building, floor-to-ceiling glass walls give you an open view of researchers at work. This isn’t one of those stuffy old museums where you’re supposed to look at artifacts on a

wall. The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is now light and open, and everyone is invited to interact with artifacts and peek into the curators’ workspace. The goal of this new building is to turn the museum inside out — 60 percent of the entire museum is now visible to the public.

Pick pumpkins and apples! On weekends in October, ride the Apple Bin Express tractor-pulled train out to the orchard. 3 bellewoodfarms.com

5 Two Brothers Pumpkins and Game Haven Farm in Carnation

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This simple pumpkin patch focuses on pumpkin cultivation and not all the extras. They do have farm animals, though. 3 facebook.com/ twobrotherspumpkins

— Fiona Cohen

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There are six new galleries, 12 transparent working labs and an artists’ studio. On any given day, you might see researchers prepping a T-Rex neck vertebra or examining a bat specimen. Everyone can be a part of the discovery. “I am very excited for adults and children to see the new museum, where they will be able to not just look at exhibit and cases of objects, but also look at people working with those objects and creations,” says Julie Stein, the Burke’s executive director. “I hope children will realize that we hold these objects for them, for their future, so they will be able to answer the many questions that have not even been considered yet.” The Burke is celebrating its grand opening with a three-day event, Oct. 12-14. Sunday, Oct. 13, is dedicated to kids, with special programming from 10 am to 5 pm. Look for touch tables, dance parties, story

time and take-home crafts. There are free outdoor performances and family activities. You will need a ticket to enter the museum ($22 adults, $14 kids 4-17, free 3 and under). The museum is free on First Thursdays; the next one is Nov. 7. The Burke is located on 15th Avenue NE at the University of Washington, next door to the now-demolished old building. Its new 113,000-square-foot home is 66% larger, cost $106 million to build and was a decade in the making. Unlike the museum’s previous digs, this building has climate control to preserve the artifacts in its collection. The Burke, started in 1885 by a group of teenage boys who called themselves the Young Naturalists, is now the oldest museum in the state. It holds more than 16 million artifacts documenting Northwest natural history, including the world’s largest collection of spread bird wings. Stein has worked at the Burke since 1990, starting as a curator and becoming the museum’s director in 2005. She hopes that kids, especially, realize that museums are important educational spaces that inspire us to be curious and ask questions. “Each of us can be an expert in something, and we can find joy in sharing that knowledge and excitement,” she says. q 4300 15th Ave. NE, burkemuseum.org

Escape from Seattle!

More than Twilight nostalgia in Kalama Remember 10 years ago when vampires were popular? Several scenes from the movie Twilight were filmed in Kalama, a picturesque town on the banks of the Columbia River in southwest Washington. Vampire nostalgia aside, Kalama is perfect for a chill weekend getaway. Visit Marina Park, where miles of riverfront lined with ships and towering totem poles make for a fun family stroll. In town you’ll find quirky antique shops and the kid-friendly Willie Dick’s Tap House (kids will love the Scooby Snack: a hot dog with peanut butter). Book a night at McMenamins’ new Hawaiianinspired Kalama Harbor Lodge, and wrap up your weekend with fishing, hiking, kayaking or a 30-minute drive into Portland. — Jennifer Mortensen

WORLD PREMIERE

World Premiere 10.19.19

Tickets at MoPOP.org 10

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

MINECR AFT: MOP OP.OR G, KALAMA MAR IN A WALK : JONNIE MORTE NS E N

«Romp

n the „ Joi er Club Supp Kids on the pp

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Right under your nose!

All-you-can-eat pie

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Does your kid love pumpkin pie? Enter your kids, ages 8-13, in the pumpkin pie eating contest at the West Seattle Harvest Fest on October 27. Sign up at A la Mode Pies, and while you’re there pick up an apple ginger pear pie, a fall staple and Seattle favorite. – Sydney Parker wsjunction.org/blog/harvestfest2019

»Chomp Eating with kids

The Petty family hopes you’ll join them for Champagne with mac & cheese.

Fancy meets family Queen Anne’s new Eden Hill Provisions offers a kid-friendly fine-dining experience by H A L L I E G O L D E N / photo by J O S H U A H U S T O N

Four years ago, Maximillian Petty made his culinary mark on Seattle with Eden Hill, a new, American-fare dining spot on Queen Anne Hill. The awardwinning chef had spent years

working in the food industry and threw his expertise into launching a true fine-dining destination in his Pacific Northwest hometown. Now a father of two young children, Petty is back at it again. He and his wife, Jennifer, have

opened a new restaurant in the same neighborhood with the same culinary expertise. But there’s one key difference: the new restaurant will be truly kid-friendly. Petty, 30, got the idea to launch Eden Hill Provisions, which opened its doors in September, after walking around his Queen Anne neighborhood and realizing that there were no restaurants able to CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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Snack-time tips

That 10 am hunger Kids eat a lot during morning snack time — if their classroom has it. “Your kid is hungry at 10 o’clock. They are not handfulof-Goldfish hungry at 10 o’clock, they are eat-theirwhole-lunch hungry at 10 o’clock,” says Lisa Taylor, a garden educator and author. If you are packing a morning snack, make it generous, say “half-asandwich big,” says Taylor. Including some kind of packaged food? Make sure your child can open it easily. Kids’ food preferences change. They might develop a food sensitivity or become a vegan. You have to be ready to roll with it. It’s not easy, Taylor says: “Power on, all you parents who pack lunches. Power on!”

— Fiona Cohen

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«Chomp CONTINUED

accommodate him, his wife, and their 1½-year-old daughter Samantha and 3½-year-old son Thomas. There were either kid hot spots, like Zeeks Pizza, or fancy, less child-friendly restaurants, like Eden Hill, he said. But nothing that could make both adults and children feel truly welcomed and comfortable “If I wanted a glass of Champagne and Thomas wanted some chicken nuggets or mac and cheese, we had nowhere to go in my own neighborhood,” says Petty. He soon recognized that if he wanted a restaurant like that, he would have to open it himself. In February, he found the perfect spot. Cupcake Royale was closing and its space, right next to the Queen Anne Farmers Market, would be a great location for this new venture. Petty and his wife teamed up as co-owners and started the months-long process of opening the restaurant. Today, Eden Hill Provisions is a French bistro offering casual fine dining that is also extremely welcoming to children. There are rocking horses dispersed in and outside the restaurant, and instead of paper and crayons, Petty said they plan to give each pint-sized patron a small wooden lunchbox with a toy set they can play with while waiting for their meal. There are separate menus for adults and children, but the food is similar. While both menus have mac and cheese, the children’s version comes with cheddar instead of the fancy Gruyère cheese on the regular menu, and no fresh herbs. While both menus include milkshakes, the adult version is alcoholic. “We’re using similar stuff, about the same exact stuff,” says Petty. “We’re just making it a little different, so the kids feel comfortable and the adults feel taken care of.” These types of meal adjustments are certainly in Petty’s wheelhouse. In addition to his work in more traditional restaurants, he also served as a private chef for a family in Washington, D.C., and, of course, makes meal alterations for his own young children. Eden Hill Provisions brings together his fine-dining expertise and kid-friendly food skills to offer a culinary experience welcoming for people of all ages. q Eden Hill Provisions, 1935 Queen Anne Ave. N, edenhillprovisions.com

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Q&A

Where do you get the most bang for your buck in the city? Amy Nelson, The Riveter

We love City Mouse in West Seattle for our four girls! City Mouse is a one-stop shop. You can find a mix of new and consigned clothes, fun toys, and functional goods like child-sized umbrellas. It’s also local and womanowned — both of which are important to me.

»Shop

Things we love

Monster build Some monsters are a roaring good time, like this solarpowered, paint-yourown 3D monster truck puzzle from Renton’s Original Hobby. Builders love the challenge of

Lively + locally made

constructing and personalizing their own monster truck; parents love pre-cut pieces and glue-free assembly. Available in 1-, 2-, and 3-packs for one builder or a whole team. 3 originalhobby.com

Cutline here Widow Balch and cutline here Geoffrey Balch will cutline here have you under a spell cutline Wand. here. at The Splintered

Muggles welcome Local wizards open a magical pub and custom wand shop in Ballard by K A T I E A N T H O N Y / photo by J O S H U A H U S T O N

Local wizard Geoffrey Balch and his partner, the Widow Balch, would like to make one thing clear: There are no muggles in Ballard, only inexperienced wizards. “Most people don’t realize

that the day you blew out your first birthday candles, you cast your first spell. There’s magic in everyone.” That’s where The Splintered Wand comes in. The Splintered Wand, a magical pub and wand store, opens

at 5135 Ballard Ave. this fall. Walk through the Dutch door on 20th Avenue NW and step into a salon where you may find an 8-yearold Harry Potter fan being fitted for his first wand, or a 300-yearold witch (no need to gender your magical identity, says Geoffrey), recalling the day he captured the Ballard Sea Monster. Don’t believe him? Look up. The Monster’s CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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Trick out your treats Holly Havnaer’s Ravenna-based Etsy shop, A Paper Affaire, offers simple, colorful and whimsical cards, gift card holders, and goody bags. Save your tricks and stash your treats in festive, sturdy, kraft-paper treat boxes. While you’re at it, score cheerful one-of-a-kind greeting cards and gift card holders for the season. Treat boxes from $5.25, set of 5. 3 etsy.com/shop/ apaperaffaire

— Katie Anthony

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skeleton hangs among flickering chandeliers over the first floor. Grab an oak pub table and let a server (hired for hospitality and theatricality) deliver tavernstyle comfort food: stuffed Yorkshire puddings, skewers of meat and vegetables, or macaroni and cheese. The alchemist behind the bar concocts potions with the aid of Boreas, the North Wind, who lives in the bar and chills elixirs for patrons of all ages. “Just about anything we offer that’s alcoholic can also be offered non-alcoholic, so that everyone can feel involved, including kids,” Geoffrey says. The wand shop occupies the second floor. Wandmakers use an astrological chart to select one of 13 sustainably grown North American woods, handturned by artisans in Maine. The customer casts a spell over glowing pots of alabastron, or magical material, to determine which

substance will “choose them” and become their wand core. Wands cost $30 and take about 10 minutes to complete. While no formalized licensing program exists in the United States, witches and wizards are asked to use their wands responsibly. It’s all fun and games until someone loses a third eye!

Wands cost $30 and take about 10 minutes to complete. While no formalized licensing program exists in the United States, witches and wizards are asked to use their wands responsibly. It’s all fun and games until someone loses a third eye! Magic lives in every corner of The Splintered Wand. Stop by on rainy afternoons for story time with the Widow Balch, known in some circles by her

The Splintered Wand is a new addition to Ballard Avenue.

alias, Andrea Ravnholm. Drop a note to the trolls who live in the crow-themed, third-floor Euphorium, or stop by on date night when the planets are aligned for a reading of the Tarot under jewel-toned hanging lanterns. “The whole place is built for everyone,” the Widow Balch says. “Our goal is to make everybody feel comfortable.”

In a neighborhood rife with third places and niche boutiques, The Splintered Wand promises to be a unique immersive experience designed to transport people of all ages who are in search of a little magic. q Follow Piscataqua & Balch on Facebook for updates on opening day and upcoming events. Accepts most major forms of payment as well as Elvish gold, at goblin market exchange rate.

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FOC U S O N EDUC AT ION: CLOSI NG TH E OP P ORTUNI TY GAP

‘ALL KIDS ARE OUR KIDS’ Students of color, children with disabilities, and kids in the foster care system deserve equal access to Seattle Public Schools’ resources and opportunities. It begins with each one of us, doing what we can, from where we are, with what we have. These Seattle parents and educators are working to close the opportunity gap:

Taking back the PTA

Is the primary role of parent-teacher associations to raise money or advocate for kids? by M A R G A R E T B U T T E R W O R T H Over the past several decades, private fundraising for public schools has increased as state and local funding has declined. Revenue from school-supporting nonprofits, like parent-teacher associations, increased nearly 350% from 1995-2010, according to a 2014 study conducted by researchers at Indiana University Bloomington. Students who live in affluent communities with the financial and social capital to fundraise benefit from class-size reductions, technology, arts programs and other resources that enhance the school’s success. In contrast, families in disadvantaged communities don’t have the money, time or connections to privately fund the substantial needs of their public school students. This disparity exacerbates Seattle’s income inequality crisis and perpetuates the city’s harmful history of racial segregation.

“Seattle has the worst student opportunity gap in the state, and the fifth worst in the nation. PTA funding widens that gap,” says Hayden Bass, a SPS parent and co-founder of Families and Communities for Equity in Schools (FACES). In an effort to heal this divide, the Seattle Council PTSA (SCPTSA), a volunteer organization representing more than 80 PTAs in the Seattle school district, issued a resolution highlighting the PTA’s original mission and history of building community through child advocacy. Energy that is now spent on “mega-fundraising” was once devoted giving a voice to vulnerable children, engaging families, and advocating for policy changes in public education. Chandra Hampson, former SCPTSA chair, current Seattle School Board candidate and author of the #TakeBackPTA Resolution, has deep concerns CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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about inadequate accounting practices by the district in tracking how PTA funds are accepted and used. As a result, the district often can’t issue a receipt to PTAs. This creates a lack of transparency that may jeopardize a PTA’s 501(c)(3) status. PTAs themselves don’t use a consistent set of budget categories, creating further inability to aggregate data and track how funds are used by schools. There’s also the question of sustainability. A PTA might be able to raise funds one year for a new staff position, but may not be able to maintain that position the following year. Hampson has also seen how PTA fundraising leads to internal tensions within a school. As SCPTSA chair, Hampson recalls, “Every week I would get a call from a school where the PTA was caught in a confrontation with staff or parents around the funding of a staff position.” Finally, there’s the unfortunate reality that PTA fundraising competes with communitybased organizations like the YMCA which provide afterschool programming. “If parents are donating to their PTA, they’re not giving money to the organizations that are trying to work in the schools,” says Hampson. “We wouldn’t have these circumstances if we were fully funded at the state level and enrichment programs weren’t the first to be cut and our teachers weren’t just struggling to have the basics in many cases,” shares Keli Faw, president of the Broadview-Thomson PTA in North Seattle, where 56% of the school’s students participate in the Free and Reduced Price Meals program. Some argue that if parents keep filling the funding gap, local and state government will never fully fund public education. Lisa Rivera Smith, leading the start-up of Lincoln High School’s PTA in Wallingford and also a candidate for the Seattle School Board, agrees that PTAs should revitalize their advocacy efforts. However, she is realistic about how long that process will take. Parents want to make sure their children’s needs are met, whether that be funding for reading specialists or another service: “I can’t morally tell them, ‘Well, let’s stop paying for that, advocate at the state, and then see if we can get that specialist paid for in the next two or three years.’ Our kids don’t have that long.”

PTA participation

At schools where families have limited resources, it’s difficult for PTAs to fulfill their advocacy mission. Rising Star Elementary at the African American Academy (formerly Van Asselt) in South Seattle, a Title I school, doesn’t have a designated board member to attend city and state events to learn about legislation and represent their school’s needs. As Katharine Strange, secretary for the school’s PTA, told Seattle’s Child, “Most well-funded PTAs have a legislative chair. But we’re a board of 5 to 8 people. We just don’t have the time to sit in more meetings. We all work, and some members are experiencing housing instability.” In addition to the barriers of cost (Rising Star parents pay $10 to join the PTA) and lan-

Seconde Nimenya says teaching kids to stay open is one way to build a better world.

How to welcome refugee students Starting over in Seattle isn’t easy; your family can make a difference by S E C O N D E N I M E N Y A / photo by J O S H U A H U S T O N

guage, Strange says just having to complete the necessary form to join is a barrier. Exhausted parents are already required to fill out multiple forms at the beginning of the school year to receive any sort of assistance and aid; asking them to fill out one more is sometimes too much. Bass echoes these barriers. At her child’s school, which has a majority of families of color, the PTA leadership is majority white. Childcare is not available, and they can’t always hire interpreters to accommodate language differences. The primary focus of the PTA is on fundraising activities, further alienating families. “When there are events that are not related to fundraising, like potlucks where every family feels they can contribute, attendance is excellent. Families of color are heavily involved in the school and invested in their kids’ education, just not necessarily in the PTA,” says Bass.

I can still remember my daughter coming home after school when she was in the first grade, crying because a classmate had taunted her about her black skin. “Did your mom drink too much black coffee when she was pregnant with you?” The little girl asked my daughter. Granted, these words have a racial connotation, but children are not racist. They only act out of what they don’t know; what they have not been taught, due to the lack of exposure and learning about people

Momentum to change

Since PTAs are stand-alone organizations with full operational autonomy, the SCPTSA is limited in its ability to enforce change. Ultimately, it’s up to each PTA to decide to adopt the SCPTSA’s resolution. Whatever the response, it’s clear that the SCPTSA is not the only organization trying to address the issue of inequity. “Our group hears from parents and parent-teacher groups who want to act on this issue on a very regular basis,” says Bass. FACES has proposed that PTAs contribute a portion of their proceeds to an Equity Fund which would distribute money to higher needs schools. Montlake Elementary’s PTA gave 5% of its revenue to Lowell Elementary in 2018-19. Green Lake Elementary contributed funds to Rising Star the previous school year, which helped Rising Star support its soccer program.

who are different from them. Even though I was an adult when I moved to North America, I still longed to fit in and to be fully accepted. Thus, these types of comments my children endured were hurtful, because I had moved as a refugee, looking for a better life for my family. I endured racism, sexism, and all other types of isms, and didn’t want my children to experience this pain too. This is what happens to many new immigrant and refugee students who come

Hampson fears efforts like these still involve the PTA in fundraising. But if something like an equity fund were to be implemented districtwide, “the district should handle any restrictions on funds they receive from PTAs,” not the parent associations. The focus should be on sustainability, targeting funds around particular ongoing needs, like librarians or nurses. Hampson feels that “probably the best bet is to support the nonprofit in our community that can provide services in schools.” It’s not just about the exchange of money. As Strange points out when discussing Rising Star’s relationship with Green Lake Elementary, “We can teach schools and help schools because of our diversity. We have things to give to other schools. We don’t want to be considered a charity case… The segregation in our system really hurts us. Funding is a piece,

to the United States. Imagine dealing with discrimination a world away from your place of origin. Being uprooted (through no fault of your own), from everything and everyone you know and starting over in a new country with a new culture. As is to be expected, every kid wants to feel that they belong and fit in their school environment; students who come from different countries are no different. They face all types of challenges, and one of the biggest stressors I know from personal experience is the feeling of isolation. Many immigrants come from collective cultures, where there is a sense of community. It is understandable that they find it hard to integrate into the individualistic American society. Many refugee students experience a sense of loneliness and confusion, because of the lack of culturally relevant curricula. They don’t know how to connect with their peers. Many refugee students come from circumstances very different from those of their classmates. Many children have fled their home countries in the turmoil of war and endured traumatic journeys to get to safety. Some kids have witnessed things no person should, such as seeing their parents get killed, or sexually abused and tortured. Other kids are survivors of rape and abuse. With so much going on in our current social environment, communities need to come together and build each other up. And it begins with each one of us, doing what we can, from where we are, and where we have most personal power. Here are a few ways we can help meet the needs of refugee students, and support them in their integration.

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but it won’t make these problems go away.” Smith agrees “the very last thing we should be doing is pitting schools against schools, or communities against communities,” echoing Hampson’s point about long-term benefits of developing more partnerships between schools and community-based organizations. Regardless of how it’s done, if Seattle parents genuinely want equal outcomes for all students, a paradigm shift must occur. As Bass sees it, “It will mean changing the way we do things: the ways we interact with our schools, the district, and each other. It will mean really believing that ALL the kids are our kids, and acting on that belief.” She also emphasizes that “it’s the communities most affected by this issue, communities of color, who should lead the decision-making around solutions.”

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unfriendly comments because they don’t look, act or speak like their American-born classmates. As parents, we have the power to build a better world by raising our children to stay open. Begin by talking with your children about differences, in themselves and others. Teach them acceptance of self and others. Every refugee student is unique and has a meaningful story that can enrich your kids, if they have an open mind.

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2. Acknowledging individual needs One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that all refugee students have the same needs. For example, when it comes to English, some students come to the U.S. already fluent. Some are not, but manage to understand or speak a little English. Others may have never set foot in a school before. Some students come from well-todo families, while others have never seen a flushing toilet (inside the house, people!). Some students may have been educated at private schools, while others struggled to pay their school fees. The point is, not all refugee students have the same story. So, it is important to meet them where they are, and give them the appropriate support they need to be successful. 3. Having mentors from the host community Being resettled has its own sets of challenges, as refugee students must start anew. This is where the host community outside the classroom can provide support. There are many ways families from the Seattle community can help refugee students and their families. Here are just a few ideas:

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Helping with childcare during the parent-teacher meetings Inviting a refugee student for a play date with your own kid, so they can socialize and learn from one another. Helping refugee families who can’t read in English with the information sent home from school. Exchanging knowledge and stories with refugee students.

4. Building partnerships between families, schools and community organizations The stress that comes from being uprooted, and the fact that some families have to endure poverty and discrimination, can be alleviated by community mentoring. This is a great way to support refugee students, and tailor services and programs that meet their needs, and also those of their families. 5. Offering brave spaces for refugee students Opening spaces of welcome for refugee students, where they can feel brave enough to explore their stories, to reflect and heal from their trauma, will help them integrate into the Seattle community. Seconde Nimenya is a Seattle-based author and diversity advocate. For more on her work, visit SecondeNimenya.com

FOCUS ON EDUCATION: CLOSING THE OPPORTUNITY GAP

Christa Murray didn’t give up on finding the right preschool for her twin foster children.

Finding a fosterfriendly preschool How do you help kids thrive in a system created without them in mind? by C H R I S T A M U R R A Y / photos by J O S H U A H U S T O N

Our journey to becoming foster parents was not atypical. Having spent time in relative foster care (placed with a family member) as a youth, I knew that helping children was always going to be part of my life. My partner and I discussed it early on in our relationship. Our plan: Have two to three biological children, and when they were older, start foster care for teenagers (knowing they were often the hardest to place). Life had other plans for us. When we discovered we couldn’t easily have kids on our own, we reexamined the option of foster care. Becoming a licensed foster parent is a lengthy, complex process. There are mountains

of paperwork, days spent in trainings, multiple home inspections, interviews, and more paperwork, all requiring a great deal of intrapersonal examination of how we were raised and what qualities we wanted to carry with us as parents. At the end of the 10-month process, we discovered a lot about our strengths as parents along with our limitations. Being young adults ourselves, taking on teens at that time seemed beyond our capabilities. We decided to become licensed to care for two children from birth up to age 6. Foster parents are faced with many hardships: Children’s emotional struggles that often manifest in behaviors, being the last to know about an important factor that affects a child’s

needs, feeling at the mercy of others’ choices that often impact your everyday life, just to name three. Yet the one I felt most blindsided by was the challenge of advocating for my children’s educational needs. I felt the weight of these choices; they would have lasting effects across their lifetimes. Parenting children from hard places means they don’t always thrive in a system created with others in mind. We’ve learned to explore all the options available to advocate for their needs. We were excited to move our 3-year-old twins into a preschool program; they had been our foster children for a year and made great gains in their social development. Typical brain

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development is interrupted when a child is experiencing extreme adversity. We knew more support from a childcare program designed to work with kids from tough circumstances would be beneficial, but it became evident early on that it wasn’t working out as planned. Both kids’ personalities and learning styles were not matching up with their new teachers. Our first step was to meet with their teachers. I provided tactics that were working at home, along with ones that we learned from their counselors, and shared research on trauma-informed care and how early childhood trauma affects brain development. Children who experience abuse and neglect early on spend the first years of their lives learning that adults are not a source of support and comfort. When an infant’s cries are not met with a comforting response (being fed, changed or cuddled), an insecure attachment to their caregivers is created. Their brains are now wired to no longer seek others for support. Along with the absence of nurturing, they have not received good modeling on how to calm themselves down, leaving children without the ability to regulate their emotions or know where to turn for help. The end result is often a child who has emotional meltdowns whenever they begin to experience even the slightest amount of uncertainty. Trauma-informed care is about understanding the effect that trauma has had on brain development and meeting the child where they are

at. Our breakthrough in parenting came when we were able to identify the difference between a typical tantrum and an emotional meltdown. There may seem to be only a subtle distinction between the two, but the effects are enormous. For our son, a normal child tantrum resolves itself with a time-out or correction of the behaviors. But when he’s struggling to manage his emotions, time-outs result in prolonged, often escalated meltdowns. What he needs during a meltdown is not a consequence, but rather connection with an adult modeling how to self-regulate emotions. These are best handled with time-ins. Our version looks like us sitting with him, talking calmly even as he yells, hits and kicks. We share with him why his actions were not OK and what he needs to do to correct it, all while knowing only a fragment of this information is making its way in. The point is to demonstrate how to calm down and use his words to express his frustrations; it is not a free pass for bad behavior. Once calm, he is required to correct his previous actions, often picking up the toys he threw when the meltdown began. We shared these insights with his teachers in hopes they would see the merit and usefulness of our tactics. I went into that meeting feeling hopeful, but sadly felt unheard and left with only excuses as to why these couldn’t work in their classroom setting. We gave it time. Our son struggled with change; the move to this new preschool had already been rough on him. We wanted to give him time to adjust, not just whisk him away to another program

where we may find similar issues. After several weeks with no improvement, we knew something needed to change. I began looking elsewhere. I thought I had taken care in finding the right place the first time. I realized I may not have been asking all the right questions. Yes, I wanted to know how their center focused on child development, an overview of their discipline policy, along with countless other criteria that indicate highquality childcare. But I also needed to know how the teachers connected with students. What they thought the role of nurturing was for children in preschool, how they would partner with us as parents when concerns did arise. All these questions gave me a more well-rounded picture of what our twins’ experience in this preschool would be. After several tours and meetings with teachers we finally found a preschool that met our kids’ needs. Now, after having spent over a year there, we are continually encouraged by the support the teachers offer. Even on a particularly rough day, they find something positive to share. We discuss what is working both at home and at school as a way to make sure the children receive a consistent message. Without the extra time and effort we put into recognizing the issues and searching for a better fit, both children would not have progressed as much as they have. They are building the foundation of knowledge and social emotional skills for a great educational start. We are confident that when they reach kindergarten, they will be ready to learn.

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»MakingHome

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Living large in small and unique spaces

Years of planning went into the McLennan family’s home.

The greenest house of all This local architect and dad built a Bainbridge Island home fit for Mother Earth by H A L L I E G O L D E N / photos by J O S H U A H U S T O N

When architect Jason McLennan set out to design a home for him and his family, he wanted it to be incredibly functional

and beautiful, but also very, very green. As the founder and creator of the Living Building Challenge, a rigorous green building certification program (think Bullitt Center in Seattle) and CEO of McLennan Design, a regenerative architecture and design practice, McLennan has dedicated himself to green building architecture and advocacy. He’s even won the prestigious Buckminster Fuller Prize for his work. When it came time to design his

own family’s home, McLennan wanted it to reflect and demonstrate these green values. It took a couple of years to find the perfect piece of land on Bainbridge Island (it ended up being down the street from their old home) and then several more years designing and building the house, but in 2017 it all came together. Today, McLennan, his wife Tracy, and their children, Rowan, 11, CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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Aidan, 14, and Declan, 16, all live in the home on about an acre of land on the south side of Bainbridge Island, very close to an idyllic estuary and restored salmon stream. “It was definitely a labor of love,” says McLennan. “I was trying to showcase how you can build one of the greenest houses in the world, and yet anyone who comes to visit wants something like it, just because it’s beautiful and attractive to be in.” Called Heron Hall in tribute to the beautiful birds that reside nearby, the house has an alluring mix of high ceilings, striking reclaimed wood walls and incredible views. At the same time, McLennan says, it is also the first certified residential Living Building Challenge project in Washington. Thanks to rooftop solar panels, the house’s energy comes from the sun, while its water comes solely from rainwater. It also has composting toilets and a rooftop garden, and the materials used to make the home were specifically selected because they’re local and have a low environmental footprint. But the house has done even more than simply benefit the environment. McLennan says its design and location have actually helped to connect his children to nature.

The McLennan kids find inspiration in their new green space.

Each of his children’s rooms face east, so that the sun helps to wake them up every morning. The rooms look out on the green roof, so they can see plants and animals outside their windows. The house also offers views of the estuary, where they often spot herons, deer and ducks. And just recently, McLennan says, they saw a coyote in their yard. From the beginning, McLennan’s children have been part of the design and construction process. They helped ram the rammed-earth walls, an ecologically

It’s so much more than a gift! Washington State Heirloom Birth Certificate A portion of the proceeds from each birth certificate benefits the Children’s Trust Fund of Washington, administered by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families Strengthening Families Program.

friendly construction technique, and installed a variety of species of plants on the green roof. The whole process has taught them about green construction, according to McLennan. Another sign of the success of this project? McLennan says their new home seems to always be filled with kids from the neighborhood. “It’s become kind of the local hangout for my kids’ friends,” he says. “I’m not sure why that is, but they seem to really like being there.”

Challenging K-12 students in an intellectual community through early entrance, online, and outreach programs Transition School • UW Academy Saturday Enrichment • Summer Programs Online Program • Professional Development

• This official birth certificate is personally signed by the Governor and State Registrar. • Certificate is 8 1/2 x 11 and includes the name, date and place of birth, as well as the name and birthplace of the parent(s). • Frameable keepsake. • For each $45 purchase of an Heirloom Birth Certificate, $20 is tax deductible. To find out more information on Children’s Trust and child abuse prevention in Washington State visit: www.dcyf.wa.gov/about/governmentcommunity/community-engagement or visit the Department of Health to order your own Heirloom Birth Certificate. DCYF FS_0010 (09-19)

S E AT T L E ’S C H I L D

O ct o b er 2 0 1 9

www.robinsoncenter.uw.edu 206-543-4160 • rcys@uw.edu

Our picks for October

by E R I K A L E E B I G E L O W

Oct. 5-6

Oct. 12

Oct. 13

Oct. 19

Oct. 26

Issaquah Salmon Days Festival 50th Anniversary Head to the Eastside and celebrate the yearly return of our amazing salmon to Issaquah’s waterways. Free hatchery tours, a fun carnival, grand parade and hands-on activities for kids.

Water Lantern Festival Experience the magic of floating lanterns as they light up the water on Green Lake. It’s a night of food trucks, live music, hands-on lantern making and an exciting lantern launch.

Dawg Dash Bring your favorite four-legged friend (on a leash) for this family-friendly event at UW. Lace up your running shoes for a 10K run or 5K run/ walk and kids’ dash. Registration at 7:30 am; races begin at 9.

Hamlin Halloween Haunt Try out your costume! Bring a flashlight and weather-appropriate layers. At Shoreline’s Hamlin Park, enjoy a free evening of spooky songs, stories, face painting, Halloween games and a haywagon ride.

The Phantom Tollbooth This popular book is brought to the stage by Bellevue Youth Theater. Meet Milo and discover the magic of a tollbooth, as he is transported to the Land Beyond, where he discovers the powers of imagination.

»Calendar

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What’s happening around town

are nd sh the a e v d, sa s on „ Fin dar event calen ld app

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by L E A H W I N T E R S

Tuesday, October 1 S E AT T L E A R E A

Village Playdays. Free story time, crafts and fun activities for kids each week. Attend a Village Playdays event and receive a Playdays Pass featuring special offers to select U Village shops and restaurants. Check the website for this week’s theme and host store. Tuesdays at 10 am. FREE. University Village, Seattle. www.uvillage.com/news-events/ village-playdays

P H OTO CO U RT ESY OF S E AT TL E AQ UA RI U M

Open Art Studio. Kids can explore their creativity at full force in this art studio. There’s even a splatter room, where kids are encouraged to splatter paint! All the materials provided to create, and families bring home what their children make. 10 am to 1 pm. $$. West Seattle Art Nest, West Seattle. www.westseattleartnest. com/open-studio

Wednesday, October 2 S E AT T L E A R E A

Storybook Corner. Bring little ones in to enjoy popular picture books read by the staff. Mercer Island is a great place for families and children, and Island Books reflects that with its magical children’s section and playhouse. The shop hosts weekly morning storybook corners and

Seattle Aquarium Halloween

monthly PJ story times. 10 to 11 am. FREE. Island Books, Mercer Island. www.mercerislandbooks.com Sanctuary in the City; Bach: Conversations in Counterpoint. Soprano Linda Tsatsanis joins baroque violinist Tekla Cunningham and harpsichordist Henry Lebedinsky for a journey into some of Bach’s most personal and intimate music, blending beautiful melodies and lively dances with unparalleled musical architec-

ture. All ages welcome. 12:10 pm to 1:10 pm. FREE. Christ Our Hope at the Josephinum. www.pacificmusicworks. org/sanctuary

Thursday, October 3 S E AT T L E A R E A

Free First Thursdays at the Museums. Explore a new exhibit or enjoy a favorite gallery. Participating museums all around Seattle have free admission BIG KID PICK

EVENT S ARE SUBJE CT TO C H A NG E Please call ahead or check the venue’s website before you go.

today. Various times and locations; check museum websites for details. FREE. www.seattleschild.com/ 9-Museums-to-Visit-for-FREEon-First-Thursdays Maple Festival. See the magnificent fall colors at the Seattle Japanese Garden. Make fall a family event with nature-inspired craft making, scavenger hunt, origami, and live performances. 10 am to 5 pm today through Oct. 13 (noon to 7 pm on Mondays). $.

E VE N T P R I C I N G $: Under $10 / $$: $10–$20 / $$$: $20 and over

O c t o be r 2 0 19

S E AT T L E ’ S C H I L D

Seattle Japanese Garden, Washington Park Arboretum. www.seattlejapanesegarden.org

family – a man her parents have never met. 7:30 pm tonight; various times through Sun. $$. Tacoma Musical Playhouse. www.tmp.org

Friday, October 4

Fright Fest. Enjoy rides, haunted houses and the scare-free Booville for younger children. Costumes welcomed (see rules online). Fridays, 6 to 11 pm, Saturdays, noon to 11 pm, Sundays, noon to 10 pm through Nov. 2. $$ to $$$. Wild Waves Theme Park, Federal Way. www.wildwaves.com

Saturday, October 5

BrickCon. View hundreds of LEGO models on display, build your own creations and shop. Today and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. $$, free ages 4 and younger and active duty military with ID. Advance purchase recommended. No strollers. Seattle Center Exhibition Hall (Lower Queen Anne). www.brickcon.org

SOUTH SOUND

S E AT T L E A R E A

Fort Nisqually Candlelight Tour. Costumed re-enactors will let you eavesdrop on the life of the men, women and children of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Guests will arrive during October 1859 and will encounter gentlemen and their wives, American settler families, experienced trappers, and more. Friday and Saturday, 6 to 9 pm. $ to $$. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Tacoma. www.fortnisqually.org

Black Beauty. Innovative large-scale puppetry, live music and a multigenerational cast gather on stage to share the story of a beautiful horse. Brimming with compassion, this SCT commission and World Premiere invites us to seek kindness in the face of adversity in an equestrian adventure for the whole family that will gallop straight to your heart. Best for ages 6 and older. 1 to 3 pm and 4:30 to 6:30 pm today; various dates and times through Oct. 27. $$$. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Center. www.sct.org

EASTSIDE

Free First Friday at the Museum. The Bellevue Arts Museum has extended hours and offers special lectures, tours, presentations, and programming throughout the day. 11 am to 8 pm. FREE. Bellevue Arts Museum. www.bellevuearts.org

Oktoberfest Northwest. Authentic German entertainment, food and beer garden. Wiener dog races, kids’ activities and more. Today, noon to midnight (free admission noon to 3 pm), Saturday, 11 am to midnight (ages 21 and older after 6 pm tonight and Sat.), Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm (Sunday is Family Day with half price admission). $ to $$, free ages 12 and younger. Washington State Fair and Events Center, Puyallup. www.oktoberfestnw.com The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy. See the last weekend showing of a classic haunted tale, perfect for this Halloween season. This version features an original story, and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable BIG KID PICK

Monster Mash Dash 5K Run/Walk. Run or walk along Shoreline’s Interurban Trail. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded for best costumes. 8 am. $ to $$. Interurban Trail, Shoreline. www.shorelinewa.gov Little Red Riding Hood. Thistle Theater brings to life this classic tale with bunraku (ancient Japanese puppetry). 2 and 4 pm today and Sunday; various dates and locations through Oct. 27. $$. Magnuson Park Theater Building, Seattle (Sandpoint). www.thistletheatre.org Tiny Tots Concert. The Percussion: 5, 6, Pick Up Sticks is a musical experience for children 5 and younger. Arrive 30 minutes prior to the concert for pre-concert activities including instrument

Issaquah Salmon Days Festival 50th Anniversary. Celebrate the yearly return of salmon to Issaquah’s waterways. Hatchery tours, carnival, grand parade and hands-on activities for kids. No pets. Today and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. FREE. Downtown Issaquah. www.salmondays.org Harvest Festival. Hayrides, pumpkin patch, food, crafts, animals and more. 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 27. FREE, fee for some activities. Carnation Farms, Carnation. www.carnationfarms.org

The Northwest School offers a vibrant, intellectual home, a warm inclusive community, and a dynamic liberal arts education for grades 6-12 that prepares students to think critically, act compassionately, and believe they can have a positive impact on the world.

FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING!

Sunday, Oct 20, 2019, Noon - 2:30pm

Middle School Open House

Sunday, Nov 17, 2019, Noon - 2:30pm

1415 Summit Avenue • Seattle, WA 98122 206.682.7309

www.northwestschool.org

O ct o b er 20 1 9

Kelsey Creek Farm Fair. Entertainment, heritage demonstrations, crafts, inflatables, petting zoo, tractor-pulled hayrides and more. No pets. 11 am to 4 pm. FREE, small fee for some activities (bring cash). Kelsey Creek Farm Park, Bellevue. www.parks.bellevuewa.gov

Celebrate our 21st Annual

Upper School Open House

S E AT T L E ’S C H I L D

Remlinger Farms Fall Harvest Pumpkin Festival. This event runs for five consecutive weekends, with more rides, entertainment, feel-good food and U-Pick pumpkin fields — so don’t forget your boots! Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Check website for weekend dates through Oct. 27. $$$, FREE ages 12 months and younger. Remlinger Farms, Carnation. www.remlingerfarms.com

It’s not just what you learn but how.

Come visit us!

exploration, a percussion play area and concert-specific craft. Today, 10:30 am, Saturday, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 am. $$. Benaroya Hall, Downtown Seattle. www.seattlesymphony.org

October 5th & 6th

Acres of Fun For Everyone!

Plant a tulip, pick a pumpkin, taste fresh apple cider and locally grown corn, or pet a baby alpaca. Tour the valley at your own pace.

CHECK OUT THE MAP OF FARMS

www.farmtour.com

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NORTH SOUND

Celebrate Schools 5K Monster Mad Dash. Celebrate the Edmonds School District with a fun run. Raise money and try out your Halloween costumes. Dogs are welcome. 8 am. $ to $$. Alderwood Mall, Lynnwood. www.foundationesd.org BIG KID PICK

Monster Bash. Get up close to a collection of mythical and marvelous machines. Touch fire trucks, tanks and tractors. Take a ride in the monster truck! 10 am to 2 pm. $$, FREE ages 12 and younger in costume. Flying Heritage Collection, Everett. www.flyingheritage.com FA R T H E R A F I E L D

Kinetic Sculpture Race. Wacky, imaginative parade featuring human-powered, artistically enhanced vehicles that must go through sand and mud, float on water, and transverse hilly neighborhoods. See schedule online. 10 am today through 6 pm Sun. $$$. Downtown Port Townsend. www.ptkineticrace.org Vashon CiderFest. Sweet or hard cider tasting, apple pressing demonstrations, Vashon Fire and Rescue open house, orchard tours, food, crafts, kids’ activities and more. See schedule online. FREE. Vashon Island Village Green, Vashon Island. www.vashonciderfest.com

Sunday, October 6 S E AT T L E A R E A

CroatiaFest. Music and dance performances, food, art, activities, demonstrations and workshops. Noon to 6 pm. FREE. Seattle Center Armory (Lower Queen Anne). www.croatiafest.org Public Sail at the Center for Wooden Boats. Take a 45-minute sail on a beautiful, classic boat. Sign up for a slot in person, several trips throughout the day. Space is limited. 10 am to 4 pm. FREE. Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle (Lake Union). www.cwb.org Puget Sound Buddy Walk. Family-centered event to promote awareness and acceptance of people with Down syndrome. One-mile walk, music and dancing, face painting, prizes, food trucks and more. 1 pm to 4 pm. FREE, fundraising encouraged. Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle. www.downsyndromecommunity.org

Tuesday, October 8 S E AT T L E A R E A

Story Time for Kids. Enjoy dramatic readings of the best in new and classic kids’ books followed by activities and entertainment. Recommended for ages 3 to 7. FREE. Tuesdays at 11 am. University Bookstore, University District. www.ubookstore.com/u-district Village Playdays. Story time, crafts and fun activities for kids each week. Attend a Village Playdays event and receive a Playdays Pass featuring special offers to select U Village shops and restaurants. Check the website for this week’s theme and host store. Tuesdays at 10 am. FREE. University Village, Seattle. www. uvillage.com/news-events/village-playdays/

Thursday, October 10 EASTSIDE

Remlinger Farm. The Fall Harvest Educational Self-Guided Tours are perfect for large or small groups who want to stay and play all day, or just want the ability to move around the park at their own pace without a guide. Tour sites include a pioneer home, corn mill, country fair theater, steam train, barnyard, hay jump and climbing wall. 10 am to 3 pm; various dates through Oct. 31. $. Remlinger Farms, Carnation. www.remlingerfarms.com

Friday, October 11 EASTSIDE BIG KID PICK

Nightmare at Beaver Lake. Indoor/ outdoor “haunted” attraction. 7 to 7:45 pm is the family scare recommended

for ages 10 and younger. Various times, Oct. 11-31. See website for schedule. $$. Beaver Lake Park, Sammamish www.nightmareatbeaverlake.com

Spruce Street School

SOUTH SOUND

Hoot ’n’ Howl. Wear your costume to trickor-treat, plus enjoy games, crafts, a nighttime tram tour and more. Friday and Saturday from Oct. 11-19, 5 to 9 pm. $$, free ages 2 and younger. Pre-purchase recommended. Northwest Trek, Eatonville. www.nwtrek.org FA R T H E R A F I E L D

Pumpkin Walk. Walk a nature trail lit with nearly 300 glowing, carved pumpkins. The proceeds of this popular, non-scary event benefit the Bainbridge Island Boys and Girls Club. Enjoy games, food, face painting, hay maze, music and more. Today and Saturday, 6 to 8 pm. FREE, suggested donation for activities. Bainbridge Gardens, Bainbridge Island. www.bainbridgegardens.com Crab and Seafood Festival. Try all kinds of delicious seafood and participate in fun events, too. The Grab-a-Crab Derby is fun for kids of all ages, even if you’re only spectating! You’ll find great music at the Crab Central Tent. Enjoy more than 75 craft, merchant, nonprofit and food booths on City Pier, endless cooking demos, the Chowder Cook-Off on Sunday, and more. Today, noon to 10 pm, Saturday 9:30 am to 10 pm, and Sunday 9:30 am to 5 pm. FREE. Port Angeles. www.landing.crabfestival.org

Elementary Education, Ages 5 - 11 A diverse academic environment where creativity and imagination thrive.

2019-2020 Open Houses December 7, 2019 10:00am January 11, 2020 10:00am

Downtown Seattle

Saturday, October 12 S E AT T L E A R E A

Water Lantern Festival. Experience the magic of floating lanterns as they light up the water. Food trucks, music, lantern making and a lantern launch. 4 to 10:30 pm. $$$. The Boathouse Theater, Green Lake. www.waterlantern festival.com/seattle.php Swansons Fall Festival. Hay maze, tractor rides, veggie car racing, crafts, games and activities. Today and Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm. FREE, small fee for some activities to raise funds for a local nonprofit. Swansons Nursery, Seattle (Ballard). www.swansonsnursery.com Star Wars Reads Day. Join in thousands of Star Wars Reads Day celebrations around our planet. Activities include family crafts and storytelling in an Ewok village. Wear your favorite intergalactic outfits and meet other Star Wars characters roaming the halls. 10 am to 5 pm. $$ to $$$. Museum of Flight, Seattle. www.museumofflight.org

a e d I y t r a Unique P

Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk. 5K untimed walk and 1K warrior walk to benefit the American Heart Association. Kids can also enjoy games and activities in the Kids Zone. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome. 9 am. FREE, fundraising encouraged. Seattle Center (Lower Queen Anne). Www2.heart.org EASTSIDE

Fall Farm Fun: Pigs and Pumpkins. Make pumpkin treats, go on a scavenger hunt and learn all about pigs. 10 to 11:30 am. $$. Kelsey Creek Farm, Bellevue. www.parks.bellevuewa.gov Spiders! They’re building webs and catching bugs. You can find a variety of different spiders in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you think they’re creepy or cool, join us for this family spider class and even make a spider craft! 10 to 11 am. FREE. Lake Hills Greenbelt Ranger Station. www.bellevuewa.gov/events/spiders SOUTH SOUND

Lakewood Truck and Tractor Day. Kids can climb aboard a variety of trucks and tractors, plus enjoy free hayrides, pumpkin chucking and carving, games, crafts and more. Noon to 3 pm. FREE. Fort Steilacoom Park, Lakewood. www.cityoflakewood.us

4329 Chennault Beach Rd - Mukilteo traxxracing.com - (425) 493-8729 Oc t o be r 2 0 19

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MONTESSORI SCHOOLS Celebrating over 50 years of Educational Excellence

Orting Pumpkin Fest. Pumpkinflavored food and beverages, entertainment, kids’ activities, farmers market, farm tour by bus, car show and a parade of pumpkin-costumed kids. 10 am to 5 pm. FREE. Orting City Park, Orting. www.tacomaevents.com Zoo Boo. Dress in your costume and watch as animals receive pumpkins to eat. Today and Sunday, 9:30 am to 4 pm. Included with admission, wear a costume for $2 discount. $ to $$. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma. www.pdza.org Trunk or Treat in Gig Harbor. A fun, safe, and convenient way for children and families to celebrate Halloween and trick-or-treat in one location. Vehicles are parked together, decorated in a Halloween theme, and are full of candy and goodies. 3 to 6 pm. FREE. Gig Harbor High School. www.gigharborguide.com FA R T H E R A F I E L D

Seattle Area Locations:

Peanuts™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Meet Charlie Brown and Snoopy as you ride the train to a pumpkin patch and enjoy Peanuts-themed activities. Train rides run at 11 am and 3 pm every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 27. $$$. Pre-register. Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum, Elbe. www.mtrainierrailroad.com

Woodland Park Wedgwood West Seattle

Open House Dates: *Oct. 12, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Oct. 29, 6:30-7:30 PM Jan. 11, 10:00-11:30 AM

Sunday, October 13 S E AT T L E A R E A

Dawg Dash. Family-friendly event with a 10K run or 5K run/ walk and kids’ dash (ages 10 and younger). Leashed dogs welcome. 7:30 am registration, 9 am 5K, 9:20 am 10K, 10:30 am kids’ dash. $$$, kids’ dash free. Red Square at University of Washington, Seattle (U District). www.dawgdash.com

*West Seattle location only

BIG KID PICK

Fall Family Forest Adventure. Explore the forests, learn about native plants and enjoy the autumn colors. Best for children 4 and older. 2 to 4 pm. $$. Camp Long, West Seattle. www.seattle.gov

Friday, October 18

www.northwestmontessori.org

Main Office: 206.524.4244

Learn.

Grow.

Become.

Woodinville Montessori School

S E AT T L E A R E A

Harvest Fest and Haunted Hall. Another good reason to wear a Halloween costume. Arts and crafts, games and prizes. Festival: 5:30 to 7:30 pm, FREE. Center at Norpoint, Tacoma. www.metroparkstacoma.org

Bothell & Woodinville Pre-K - 12

Saturday, October 19 S E AT T L E A R E A

Turkfest. Experience Turkish culture with music and dance performances, hands-on activities, food and a marketplace. 11 am to 6 pm through Sun. FREE. Seattle Center Armory (Lower Queen Anne). www.tacawa.org Family Nature Class: Spiders are Special. Experience the UW Botanic Gardens using all five senses. Learning stations help children practice fine motor skills, sensory investigation, creativity, and pre-math and literacy skills. Hiking, games and stories. 9:30 to 11:30 am. $ to $$. Washington Park Arboretum. www.botanicgardens.uw.edu Hamlin Halloween Haunt. Dress for the weather, bring a flashlight and enjoy spooky songs, stories and toasted marshmallows around a bonfire. Ride the hay wagon, get faces painted, and play Halloween games. 6 to 8:30 pm. FREE. Hamlin Park, Shoreline. www.shorelinewa.gov

S E AT T L E ’S C H I L D

O ct o b er 2 0 1 9

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Open Houses Woodinville campus, Pre-K-K Oct. 5, 10 a.m. & Nov. 2, 10:30 a.m. Bothell campus, Pre-K-12 Oct. 17, 6 p.m. & Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m. www.woodinvillemontessori.org

MONTESSORI SCHOOLS EASTSIDE

Halloween Storytelling Train. Take a special train excursion that includes a stop for cider pressing, hands-on activities and Halloween train stories. Rides at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm today, Sunday and Oct. 26-27. $$ to $$$. Northwest Railway Museum, Snoqualmie. www.trainmuseum.org NORTH SOUND

Harvest Festival and Haunted BOOathouse. An afternoon on the beach with pumpkin carving, veggie car races, crafts, treats and games. 11 am to 3 pm. FREE, Discover Pass required for parking. Cama Beach State Park, Camano Island. www.camabeachfoundation.org Goat & Float. Enjoy trick-or-treating at the Forest Park Animal Farm with some fun and friendly goats before heading to the swim center to float in the pool! Evening includes candy at the farm, root beer floats and the inflatable in the pool. Dress warmly and bring your bathing suit and a towel. 5:30 to 8:30 pm. $ with donations of nonperishable food items. Forest Park Animal Farm & Swim Center, Everett. www.everettwa.gov SOUTH SOUND

Fall Foliage Festival. Take in the beautiful fall colors at the Rhododendron Species Garden. Peruse plant and pumpkin sales, enjoy tasty fall treats and view pop-up artist demos. Gardening workshops and garden tours, too. 10 am to 4 pm through Sun. FREE. Rhododendron Species Garden, Federal Way. www.rhodygarden.org

Sunday, October 20 S E AT T L E A R E A

The Sammamish Montessori School In Redmond

Halloween Pet Parade. Get out your costume and one for your dog, too. Food trucks, prizes and booths with all things pet-related. 11 am to 2 pm. FREE. Volunteer Park, Seattle. www.volunteerparktrust.org

Tuesday, October 22 FA R T H E R A F I E L D

Haunted Hayride. Ride through the “haunted” pumpkin-lined trails of Battle Point Park, where ghosts, zombies, mummies and even historic figures emerge from the shadows. Make crafts and play games before your hayride, and warm up afterward with cider and cookies. 6 pm today through Wed. $, free ages 2 and younger. Pre-register. Bainbridge Island. www.biparks.org

Thursday, October 24 S E AT T L E A R E A

Hands-on learning, collaborative play, and self-directed activity LEARN MORE ABOUT US

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Call 425-883-3271 for a tour. • Child-centered, joyful atmosphere with strong academic focus • Experienced, Montessori-certified teachers • Preschool and kindergarten • Family owned and operated since 1977 • Summer, before & after school programs • Prep Program, (starting ages 2 1/2-3)

Glow Party. Come glow with us for the 5th annual glow-in-the-dark party. Snacks, games and music is just the beginning of the fun. Wear your costume, face paint or anything that will illuminate the party. 6 to 8 pm. FREE. Delridge Community Center, Seattle. www.seattle.gov

Friday, October 25 S E AT T L E A R E A

Hilloween. Capitol Hill’s family-friendly Halloween event includes trick-ortreating and other fun Halloween activities. There will be a stroller parking lot, four moon bounces, many face painters, and a horse to pet. Costumes encouraged. 5:30 to 7:30 pm. FREE. Mitchell Activity Center at Seattle Central College (Capitol Hill). www.facebook.com/ HilloweenatEasternMarket

www.sammamishmontessori.com

425-883-3271

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Aquarium Halloween. Wear your costume and enjoy treats, face painting, games, activities, and pumpkin carving on land and underwater. 10 am to 5 pm through Sun. Included with admission. $$ to $$$. Seattle Aquarium, Downtown Seattle. www.seattleaquarium.org

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Harvest Festival. Join us for carnival games, food, vendors, cake walk, basket raffle, fun prizes, music, dancing, and more. 5:30 to 7:30 pm. FREE. Mill Creek YMCA. www.ymca-snoco.org/millcreek FA R T H E R A F I E L D

Haunted Fort. Stroll through haunted Fort Casey for scares: ages 10 and older. All ages can enjoy trick-or-treating, games, ghost stories, inflatables and food vendors. Today and Saturday, 6:30 to 10:30 pm. $$. Discover Pass required ($$). Fort Casey Historical State Park, Whidbey Island. www.whidbeycamanoislands. com/event/haunted-fort-casey BIG KID PICK

Saturday, October 26 S E AT T L E A R E A

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Caspar Babypants Halloween Party. A great place for young kids to dance to some of their favorite tunes in their seasonal attire. Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes! 10:30 am. $, babes in arms are free. Neptune Theater, University District. Tickets available online. www.stgpresents.org Boo in Burien. Annual safe trick-ortreat event for families includes crafts, hayrides, a haunted house, wiener dog races and more. Noon to 4 pm. FREE. Town Square Park, Burien. www.discoverburien.org Diwali: Lights of India. Celebrate the arts and culture of India during this festival adapted from Diwali. Dancing, henna and saree booths, puppet shows, face painting, Indian food and more. Noon to 6 pm. FREE; $ for some activities. Seattle Center, Queen Anne. www.seattlecenter.com Zoo Pumpkin Bash and Trick-orTreating. Kids can enjoy trick-ortreating and other fun activities, and watch as the animals enjoy chomping, smashing and playing with pumpkins. 9:30 am to 3 pm. through Sun. $ to $$, one child 12 years and younger in costume is admitted FREE with a paid adult. Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle (Phinney Ridge). www.zoo.org

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West Seattle Monster Dash. 5K fun run and kids dash, plus a costume party and prizes. Benefits South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools. 9:30 am 5K, 10:30 am kids dash. $$ to $$$. Lincoln Park, West Seattle. www.westseattle monsterdash.com Hunger Goblin’ Trick-or-Treat. Trickor-treat for a cause at participating businesses in the Phinney-Greenwood neighborhood. Families are encouraged to donate $2 or a can of food for the FamilyWorks Resource Center. Photo booths, candy and costumes. Noon to 3 pm. FREE, donations encouraged. www.phinneycenter.org Toddler Halloween Fest. Costumes, prizes, cookie decorating, crafts and a toddler gym. 10 am to noon. FREE. Rainier Community Center, Seattle (Columbia City). www.seattle.gov EASTSIDE

BAM-O-WEEN. Calling all unicorns, superheroes, goblins, and ghouls! Bring the whole family to BAM for an after-

„ For our mobile-friendly, totally searchable, frequently updated calendar go to seattleschild.com

noon of artmaking at our spooktacular Halloween celebration! Costumes are strongly encouraged. 11 am to 4 pm. FREE. Bellevue Arts Museum. www.bellevuearts.org The Phantom Tollbooth. Through a magic tollbooth, Milo goes to the Land Beyond where he discovers the powers of imagination. Tonight, 7 pm; various dates and times through Nov. 3. $$. Bellevue Youth Theater, Crossroads Bellevue. www.parks.bellevuewa.gov Issaquah Zombie Walk. Watch people of all ages in zombie costumes shuffle and lurch down Front Street, ending with a “Thriller” dance performance. 1:30 to 5:30 pm. FREE. Downtown Issaquah. www.downtownissaquah.com Bellevue Rock and Gem Show. Annual show includes vendors, demonstrations and kids’ activities. 10 am to 6 pm today, 10 am to 5 pm Sun. FREE. Vasa Park, Bellevue. www.bellevuerockclub.org Thrill the World. Hundreds of people dressed as zombies invade Redmond Town Center, followed by a 3 pm performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance. Noon to 4 pm. $ to $$$ to participate, FREE to watch. Redmond Town Center, Redmond. www.thrilltheworldredmond.com NORTH SOUND

Wild Mushroom Show. Experts with the Snohomish County Mycological Society will teach how to identify more than 100 types of fungus. Bring in mushrooms from your backyard. Today, Noon to 6 pm, Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. $, FREE for children 12 and younger. North Seattle Community College, Seattle. www.psms.org

Tricks & Treats Funfest. Halloween carnival games, costume contests, haunted hallway, treats and prizes (ages 2 to 12). 3 to 6 pm. $, free for adults and kids younger than age 2. Federal Way Community Center, Federal Way. www.itallhappenshere.org FA R T H E R A F I E L D

A Spooky Walk. A guided walk through the reserve, meeting ambassador animals, including raptors, a raccoon and a possum. 40 minutes long, every 10 minutes. Benefits West Sound Wildlife Shelter. 3:30 to 8:30 pm. $ to $$, free ages 4 and younger. Pre-register. Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island. www.westsoundwildlife.org Howl-O-Ween. Scary and notso-scary stories, mad scientist activities, fortune tellers, bats and a pumpkin patch. Costumes encouraged. No pets. 1 to 4 pm. FREE, $ for some activities, donations suggested. IslandWood, Bainbridge Island. www.islandwood.org

Museum of Fright. Halloween games, activities, crafts and more. Costumes encouraged. 10 am to 3 pm. Included with admission. $ to $$, free ages 17 and younger in costume. Museum of Flight, Seattle (Boeing Field). www.museumofflight.org

Thursday, October 31

Run Scared. Dress in costume and enjoy a Halloween-themed finish-line party at this fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Pre-race treasure hunt. Strollers and leashed dogs welcome. 7:30 am registration, 8 am treasure hunt, 9 am kids’ dash, 9:15 am costume contest, 9:45 am 10K, 10 am 5K and 4K. $$ to $$$. Seward Park, Seattle (Seward Park). www.runscared5k.com

Indoor Halloween Playground. Kids ages 1 to 5 are invited to play games and participate in hands-on activities. Costumes encouraged. 9:30 am to noon. $. Spartan Recreation Center, Seattle (Shoreline). www.shorelinewa.gov

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Halloween Spooktacular. Mix potions, create melted masterpieces, and make your own pumpkin play-dough to take home. Wear a costume and enjoy activities, pizza and sweet treats. 10 am to 5 pm. $$. Pre-registration recommended. KidsQuest Children’s Museum, Bellevue. www.kidsquestmuseum.org

West Seattle Harvest Festival. Enjoy a farmers market, crafts, a kids’ costume parade and trickor-treating in the streets of the Junction neighborhood. 10 am to 2 pm. FREE. California Avenue SW, between SW Alaska Street and SW Oregon Street, West Seattle. www.wsjunction.org

Storybook Theater: Beauty and the Beast. A musical performance perfect for children ages 3 to 10. Shows feature catchy songs, clever stories and life lessons with happy endings. 11 am to noon today; various times and locations through Dec. 21. $$. Kirkland Performance Center. www.kpcenter.org

Sunday, October 27

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Toddler Pumpkin Palooza. Games, face painting, arts and crafts, snacks and more. 10 am to noon. $. High Point Community Center, West Seattle. www.seattle.gov

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Tricks & Treats. Dress in costume fo trick-or-treating at participating stores, music, face painting, trampolines and prizes. 4 to 7 pm. FREE. Redmond Town Center, Redmond. www.redmondtowncenter.com NORTH SOUND

Halloween Trick or Treat. Join other trick-or-treaters in downtown Edmonds for a fun-filled evening, including photo ops, a flash mob, and plenty of candy. 5 to 7 pm. FREE. Downtown Edmonds. www.edmondschamber.com SOUTH SOUND

Boo-allup in Puyallup. Costumed kids can trick-or-treat at businesses in downtown Puyallup. 3 to 6 pm. FREE. Downtown and Pioneer Park Pavilion, Puyallup. www.puyallupmainstreet.com

Nile Halloween Family Funfest. Enjoy family-friendly Halloween activities: inflatables, face painting, vendor booths and trunk-or-treating. Noon to 4 pm. $$. Nile Shrine Golf Center, Mountlake Terrace. www.nilenightmares.com SOUTH SOUND

Kids Walkthrough Haunted House. Enjoy a kid-friendly, less scary version of a haunted house where creatures hand out treats. 5 to 6:45 pm tonight and Halloween. $. My Morbid Mind, Lacey. www.mymorbidmind.com Spooktacular Sprint. Halloweenthemed 5K. 8 am registration, 8:50 am kids’ dash, 9 am start. $$$, free kids’ dash. Priest Point Park, Olympia. www.spooktacularsprint.com Pumpkin Chomp & Stomp. Watch animals interact with pumpkin treats. Come in costume for a discount on admission. 9:30 am to 3 pm today and Sunday. Included with admission. $$ to $$$. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Eatonville. www.nwtrek.org Pumpkin Train. Ride a vintage logging train to choose a pumpkin. Treats and a costume contest. 11 am, 1 and 3 pm today, 11 am and 1 pm Sun. $$. Preregister. Chehalis-Centralia Railroad, Chehalis. www.steamtrainride.com Boo Bash. Dress in your costume and enjoy games, art and science activities, treats, prizes and more. Today and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm. $ to $$. Hands On Children’s Museum, Olympia. www.hocm.org/boo-bash Halloween Harvest Festival. Come in costume for games, crafts, trunk-ortreating (children ages 2 to 10) and more. 1 to 5 pm. FREE, bring canned food donation. Les Gove Park, Auburn. www.auburnwa.gov

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