What to do this weekend. ...

Sorry about the lack of posts this week, had a hard time finding time to write. I'll be doing something about our trip to the Pacific Science Center sometime soon, and wanted to throw some ideas out for this weekend, since that's kinda the point of this blog.

What are Satchel and I doing today? Today is Read Across America day in celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday, and Edmonds is having a little (and free) celebration. The point of the day is to encourage families to read together - something we do every day anyway - and raise support for Edmonds School District libraries, which we obviously have an interest in with Satchel now at Sherwood Elementary.

Revelations Yogurt (527 Main Street, Edmonds) has a reading room set up where guest readers will read children's books from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (we're going to go see Satchel's principal Mr. Hagen read at 12:15 p.m.). The Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2 are going to be there for photo ops but most interesting is a scavenger hunt through downtown Edmonds. There's also a drawing to win a party at Revelations Yogurt.

Anyway, nothing super exciting but sounds fun enough, supports a good cause and is free, which are three good reasons to do it. Plus it's like 5 minutes from our house. And most importantly, Satchel wants to do it, which means I won't have to fight him when it's time to go (at least, not that much).

Other ideas:
Family Bird Walk: Love birds and/or a challenge?  The Seward Park Audubon Center (5902 Lake Washington Blvd., Seattle) has a free basics of birding walk that includes a bird scavenger hunt at 1 p.m. Saturday. Binoculars are available. Best for kids aged 5-12 and their family.

Kent Kids' Art Day: A bunch of hands-on art projects, food, music by children's entertainer Bill Harley (never seen him but I guess he's won two Grammys) and food available, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Kent Commons (525 Fourth Ave. North, Kent). Cost is $10 for the art project or the performance, $15 for both, and ages 2 and younger are free.

Polar Science Weekend: Happening at the Pacific Science Center (200 Second Ave. North, Seattle), there's a bunch of hands-on exhibits, you can build an igloo, see polar research tents and join an ice smashing demonstration, which sounds awesome. Cost to get in is $9 to $16.

Free First Saturday at Seattle Asian Art Museum: I've never been to this museum but it's free for families on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's got craft activities and a kids movie at 11 a.m. Love taking advantage of free museum days. It's located at 1400 East Prospect St., Seattle.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration: Parkplace Books (348 Parkplace Center, Kirkland) is celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday by having children's authors Lenore Look (of the Alvin Ho and Rubu Lu series) and Brenda Guiberson (of Frog Song) read and Dr. Seuss treats and activities available. It's at 3 p.m. Sunday. It's free.

Evergreen City Ballet Presents Tea for Ruby: Satchel has been into ballet for a little while so maybe your kid is too. If so, here's an ballet with a kids' story about a little girl who gets invited to have tea with the Queen and so tries to improve her manners. They have shows at 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and cost is $13-21. Sounds like it's good for kids 3 and up. Oh, it's at 11000 NE 6th St. in Bellevue (the Maydenbauer Center).

Harriet's Return: The Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (104 17th Ave. South, Seattle) is putting on this one-woman act about the life of Harriet Tubman, obviously a great story for kids to learn about. One show is 7:30 p.m. Saturday and another at 3 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $10-25 Saturday, $10-20 Sunday. It's supposed to be good for all ages, though it sounds like it's probably for kids a little older.

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp: The Northwest Puppet Center (9123 15th Ave. NE, Seattle) - which puts on great shows - is putting on the story of Aladdin, though it sounds like it's a little different than the Disney version. Two shows Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and cost is $8.50-$10.50. I recommend these guys' shows, they're really good.

Annie: I loved Annie when I was a kid and this production is at the new Shorecrest Performing Arts Center (15343 25th Ave. NE, Shoreline), which is supposed to be quite a venue. The story of Little Orphan Annie, obviously, they have a show at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, cost is $17-22 and it's supposed to be good for all ages.

Fame Jr.: You know the story of Fame, about kids at a performing arts school having all kinds of drama. But good music, dancing, etc. This is put on by Core Theatrics at the Lake Washington High School Performing Arts Center (12033 NE 80th St., Kirkland) with shows 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $14-16 and it's for ages 8 and up.

Recess Monkey: Another weekend, another Recess Monkey concert, this time at Bainbridge High School Commons (9930 NE Highschool Road, Bainbridge Island) from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Cost is $10.

Ridge Romp The Purple House: This is a revolving door of local musicians who come and play music including kids classic songs (Old McDonald, etc.) along with modern hits. It's at the Phinney Neighborhood Association (6532 Phinney Ave. North, Seattle), is only $4 per person and is 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Robin Hood: I've always loved the Robin Hood story, Satch is into lately too. This show is put on by Emily Dickinson Elementary and Explorer Community School and is at Timberlake Church (4505 236th Ave. NE, Redmond), which I don't think has anything to do with Justin. Cost is $5 and it's at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Romeo and Juliet: I'm not into Shakespeare at all but this is a great deal. The Seattle Public Theater Youth Program is putting on this uplifting tale of forbidden love. Probably for older kids. But why's it a great deal? It's free, can't beat that! Seattle Public Theater is at 7312 W. Greenlake Drive, Seattle) and shows are at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Donations are encouraged.

Yo Gabba Gabba Live: Who doesn't know Yo Gabba Gabba? DJ Lance? Biz Markie? It's the craziest, weirdest kids show ever, and it's awesome! Here's their live show, costly at $21.25-41.25 plus taxes, but if your kids are really into it (Satch isn't anymore), here you go. It's at the Paramount (911 Pine St., Seattle) at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday.

Anyway, just a few ideas. Not sure what we're doing on Sunday but I'll try to put something out there. Of course, there's always the park (no rain. ...yet), indoor playgrounds, etc. Good luck, and have fun!