Wednesday, December 28, 2022

January activities—plunging into the new year

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Kick off the new year with this list of family-friendly things to do in West Seattle. There's a handful of ways to ring in the new year before plunging right into January with lots of options for younger kiddos and even a few teen-only events for those with older kiddos. Have something to share? Let me know.

EVENTS
One-time events, listed chronologically. 

  • New Year's Eve Family Vibe@West Seattle Bowl / December 31
    Two hours of VIBE bowling, shoes, one 1-topping pizza, one pitcher of soda or juice boxes and party favors for $129.99. Two sessions available (3:30-5:30pm & 6:30-8:30pm).
  • Highland Park Not-So-Silent Night Parade / December 31—5:30PM
    This fun neighborhood event is returning this year! 
  • Alki Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day / January 1st—10AM
  • West Seattle Art Walk / Thursday, January 12th—5-9PM
    Explore art throughout the Junction on the second Thursday of every month. Visit their website for more info.
  • Georgetown Steam Plant Tour (Georgetown) / Saturday, January 14, 10AM-2PM
    On the second Saturday of every month you can explore this historic steam plant located just outside West Seattle. Guided tours happen between 11AM and 1PM. Free event.
  • Bird & Plant Walk@Seahurst Park (Burien) / January 16—10AM–12PM
    • Also just outside WS. Free guided walk with naturalist to learn about the birds and plants around you. Geared towards ages 13+ and registration required.
  • MLK Day of Service—Monday, January 16
    • I haven't seen anything listed yet but there are usually several volunteer opportunities in parks around the peninsula. Until then, you can check out a post I did about Giving Back for a list of organizations that you can volunteer with year round.
  • Winter Evening Beach Walks with Seattle Aquarium Naturalists 
    Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint
    Meet beach naturalists near the Seattle Aquarium canopy, located at the corner of 63rd Ave. SW and Beach Dr. SW. Free event.
    • Friday, January 20, 2023 from 8–10pm
    • Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 8–10pm

ONGOING
Recurring/Weekly/Multiple events. Listed alphabetically. 

  • Free Drop-in Tot Gym 
    Ages 5 and under. Open play time with all sorts of toys in the gym. Parent/guardian must stay with their kiddo/s.
    • High Point Community Center / 6920 34th Ave SW
      January 3rd-March 30th—Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am-12:30pm
  • Indoor options for rainy days
    Here's my post from last November that includes oodles of options, listed by age (babies, preschool, K-5 and tween/teens.
  • Late Night for Teens@High Point Community Center 
    Fridays 7:30-Midnight. Ages 13-19  
    Recreation-based program with a focus on positive teen interactions and engagement where all teens are welcome. Dinner is provided each night. FREE 
  • Library Programs—Storytimes & Events
    Seattle Public Library is still only hosting online storytimes but King County Libraries have several in-person storytimes and events for kids, tweens and teens. Closest KCLS from West Seattle with programming are White Center, Burien and Boulevard Park. Search the calendar by location and/or ages. 
  • Meeples Games
    3727 California Ave SW, Suite 2B 
    • Weekly—family game nights, Pokemon training camps, D&D and more
  • Open Gym Basketball at High Point Community Center 
    Free pick-up basketball games for ages 17 and under. 
    1/3-3/31:  M/Tu/Th/F 3:30-5PM
    1/4-3/29:  Wednesday 2-5PM
  • Parkour classes@Hiawatha Added 1/4/23
    Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave SW
    • Tuesdays: 4pm Young Kids • 5:15pm Kids • 6:45pm Teens
    • Wednesdays: 2:30pm Young Kids • 3:45pm Kids • 5:15pm Teens
    • Thursdays: 4pm Young Kids • 5:15pm Youth • 6:45pm Teens
    • 12 week session (Jan-Mar) for $348 
    • Visit website for dates, registration and payment. 
  • Open Play at Outer Space Seattle
    2820 Alki Ave SW #2
  • Stay 'N Play / Fridays—10-11:30am
    Indoor play gym for kiddos 5 and under at Arbor Heights Church.
  • Teen Sundays@High Point Community Center 
    Sundays (January 8th-March 26th) / Noon-6PM
    Ages 12-19. Calling all neighborhood teens! This day is for you. We’ll play a lot of basketball, and those that attend will be able to set the agenda for the day. Options can include video gaming, volleyball, dodgeball, floor hockey and the like. Come with friends or come and make friends. FREE
  • The Missing Piece
    9456 35th Ave SW
    Weekly—Scrabble, cooperative games, D&D, crafting and creativity and more. 
  • West Seattle Farmers Market / Sundays 10AM-2PM
    Year-round event in the Alaska Junction. 
ANYTIME IDEAS
OUTINGS
Check out these awesome adventures around the peninsula and beyond. 
CAMPS/CLASSES

Multiple options:
  • Seattle Parks and Rec
    Winter programs and registration opened December 6 at noon. Brochure available here.
    Variety of classes (sports, art, dance, music, etc) and one time events happening at Delridge, High Point and Hiawatha community centers.

Art:

  • CraftLab Seattle
    Mobile location—comes to your house, a park or TBD location of your choice.
    Upcycling crafting activities and offers classes, birthday parties and other events for kids or adults. Holiday-themed classes now available.
  • Curious Kidstuff 
    4740 California Ave SW
    Variety of classes on Mondays and Fridays. $12/child, each day. Ages 18 months+.
    Also offering birthday parties packages again with teacher-led arts and crafts.
  • West Seattle Art Nest
    2903 SW Cambridge Street

Music:

Sports:
Registration for several winter sports is now open and planning for spring is coming up. Check out my post all about when and where to play sports locally throughout the year.

  • Registration open for West Seattle Little League's 2023 softball and baseball season

Swimming:

All options are now indoors.


    PLANNING AHEAD