Calling all conductors! Mark your calendars for the Great Train Show—the nation’s only coast-to-coast model train show. The Great Train Show is the nation’s only coast-to-coast model train show. The show is designed for the general public, modelers, hobbyists, families, and the just plain curious. Each show features hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids and more. All aboard!
Celebrate the Year of the Pig with the folks at the Wing Luke Museum. After the lion dance, grab a passport for a New Year journey through The Wing. Play games, create crafts and share New Year stories. Plus “pet” a New Year animal in the Museum’s stuffed zodiac animal zoo and enjoy face painting, a scavenger hunt and raffle prizes! Psst…kids who complete the passport will receive a ceramic pig money bank as a prize, thanks to Wells Fargo (while supplies last).
Free admission for kids and students (with ID); sponsored by the Vietnamese-American Bar Association of Washington.
Note: Viewing of the lion dance celebration will take place outdoors (along S King St.) at 10 a.m. The Lunar New Year Fair starts at 10:30 a.m.
Don’t miss ECA’s 7th annual Kidstock! event. This free family arts celebration features musical performances, theatre, arts education workshops and activities for kids. As the cornerstone of ECA’s programming for families, Kidstock! strives to engage children from a young age in diverse and exciting arts experiences. Reserve your family pass online.
2019 Performances:
9:45 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – Recess Monkey
11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. – Alchemy Tap Project
12:15 p.m -1 p.m. – UMO Ensemble
1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m. – Ballet Folklorico de Tacoma
2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m. – Alex Zerbe
Take the fam to the Seattle Aquarium to learn about one of the coolest creatures in Puget Sound—the giant Pacific octopus! Each day, the Aquaruim will feature special hands-on activities, octopus feedings, talks, diver shows and much more! View the schedule here.
Octopus Week runs Feb. 16-24, 2019.
The smash-hit musical show that has been all around the world and is now back in Seattle! Sing-Along Sound of Music is a screening of the classic Julie Andrews film musical in glorious, full-screen technicolor, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along! Be sure to arrive early to participate in the very popular costume contest. And get those vocal chords warmed up, cut up those chintz curtains and hurry down for the perfect night out.
Note: Sing-Along Sound of Music is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, which includes the costume contest, the movie and an intermission.
Kids and a long line to see Santa just don’t mix. That’s why you’ll love visiting the Santa at Fair Oaks Mall. Instead of a ho-hum, slow-moving line, kids work their way through “flight academy” on their way to take pics with the big man. While they wait, your little one will become a member of Santa’s flight crew, receiving a personalized Cadet Badge, trying on a virtual flight suit, operating the sleigh, and dancing under a cool indoor snowfall. Before you know it…it’s picture time!
This Northwest family tradition (now in its 45th year!) will feature dozens of model railroad displays and layouts, hands-on activities and crafts, history of Pacific Northwest Railway museums and rides aboard the Iron Horse Railway—a kid-sized train! Kids and parents will also enjoy learning the tricks of the trade from expert mini-engineers who have been designing model layouts for decades.
Stay updated by following PSC’s Facebook page.
Put on your best Hawaiian garb and take a break from winter at the Seattle Aquarium. During this special Hawaiian-themed weekend, explore a little slice of the tropics and discover some of the unique sea life that originates only in the Hawaiian Islands. This special event will also feature Hawaiian entertainment, hands-on activities and special diver shows.
Note: Members-only early opening at 9 a.m. on Sun., Jan. 20, 2019.
If you’ve got a lil’ monster truck lover, then you don’t want to miss big trucks, big tires and lots of dirt-flying, car-crushin’ action at the T Dome! Unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable, Monster Jam® is the most action-packed motorsports experience for families in the world and it returns to Tacoma with a new level of high-flying, four-wheel excitement. Be prepared for another high-octane weekend of Monster Jam Triple Threat Series events featuring six different competitions of speed, racing and freestyle stunts at the Tacoma Dome from January 11–13, 2019.
Featuring eight of the most intense athletes of Monster Jam, Puget Sound fans will witness a fierce battle for the championship with each Triple Threat Series competitor contending in customized high-powered vehicles: Monster Jam Speedsters, Monster Jam ATVs and of course, the iconic Monster Jam trucks in six events sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats. This year’s Tacoma event will also feature two debut truck appearances with Monster Jam Triple Threat teams appearing for the first time including Wonder Woman and Soldier Fortune Black Ops!
Note: Pit Passes are available to purchase for $15 each. The Pit Party takes place on Saturday from 10:30 a m.-noon. Same day event ticket for the 1 p.m. show along with Pit Pass required for entry.
In addition to spectacular display gardens, how-to advice by experts and ginormous Marketplace with garden accessories and gifts, this annual show will feature fun, hands-on activities for families, a show-wide treasure hunt with prizes for kids and much more.
Show runs: Feb. 20-24, 2019
Hours:
Wednesday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
