I intended to write about the zoo in this post, which we went to on Monday. But the line to see the lion cubs was too long, and we didn't end up doing all that much, so I'll save the zoo for another time.
Instead, I'm going to write about one of our most reliable places we go: the library. We love it, and it goes beyond just being able to find free books, movies and music. There are regular events there that are fun and, more importantly, free.
Every Tuesday, Satch and I go to family story time at the Lynnwood Libary, part of the Sno-Isle Libraries group. We've gone to similar story times at Shoreline Library, part of the King County Library System and we've done plenty at various Seattle Public Library branches. No matter where you live, you can probably find something to do at the library.
Sometimes people think of the libraries kind of like they think of public transportation: grungy, gross, full of people you wouldn't want to be around. Yes, some of those people are at the library (and on buses). Mostly, though, it's just a place where a diverse group of people gather, and that ain't so bad. They probably have any book or movie or cd you're looking for (we haven't rented or paid to stream a movie in years, we get them all at the library). From a kid standpoint, most of the libraries have good kids book sections but they also have events for kids of any age. I recommend checking your local branch's event schedule, I'm sure you'll find something.
Three things that we regularly do:
Family story time: Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Lynnwood Library. This is a pretty informal gathering of kids, usually aged probably 2-7 or so. There's a core group of us there almost every week and always new kids. The librarian leads the kids in songs, dancing and stories for about 30 minutes and then they do an art project. Usually the art project ties into whatever theme the stories have been (last night it was boxes. ...which was better than it sounds). Satchel loves it, he loves singing and dancing around and listening to the story, and he likes doing the art project. They also usually put out some toys after the stories are done.
Reading With Rover: This happens once a month at various libraries, we go to the one at Mountlake Terrace branch (we're going tonight). There's usually three or four dogs they bring in who are trained to listen to kids practice their reading. The kids can read to the dogs, pet and groom them and they usually get some kind of sticker or bookmark or something from each handler after reading to them. There's usually only a few kids at this so they can read several times if they want. Satch loves reading and he thinks it's pretty fun to read to the dogs, who are very relaxed and calm (might be good for kids who are scared of dogs too).
LEGO Club: This also happens once a month, though we usually go to the one at Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace. It's a club in name only, it's not formal. Just a thing for kids to drop in and play with LEGOs, and who doesn't like doing that? At MLT, the librarian usually gives the kids a short challenge (build the tallest tower in 5 minutes) and then gives a theme (last time it was to build an entire city). At Lynnwood, they also do a theme (I think it was animals last time) and they'll display what's built in the display case in the kid's book section for a week, which was cool for Satchel to see.
All three of these events, and others at the library, are free. You don't usually have to sign up or register. And there's enough going on and enough other kids there that it gives parents a chance to enjoy watching their kids without having to be part of the entertainment. Hey, we all need a break, right? So check out your library's schedule. I bet there'll be something that fits what you're looking for.
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