Cabin fever and a thin wallet don’t mix well. How do you entertain restless kids on a tight budget? Luckily, some Redmond merchants and the City of Redmond are offering free or inexpensive activities to welcome spring. Escape boredom, grab a bite to eat or do some light learning at these upcoming events:
Saturday, March 28
From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Redmond TOP Foods, 7320 170th Ave. NE, will offer free pictures with the Easter Bunny and food tastings. For information, call (425) 869-2362.
And from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Redmond Whole Foods Market, 17991 Redmond Way, The Humane Society of Seattle/King County’s mobile pet adoption unit, the MaxMobile will pay a visit. Children can view dogs, cats and other small animals in need of loving homes. Humane Society volunteers will be there to answer questions. For details, call Whole Foods at (425) 881-2600 or visit the Humane Society Web site, www.seattlehumane.org.
Sunday, May 29
A free, drop-in “Kids Love It! Tasting Fair” is scheduled from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Redmond Whole Foods Market. Children can vote on favorite food products and enter a contest to win a family day pass for the Woodland Park Zoo.
Thursday, April 2
Kids can learn about traditional Passover foods at a free, drop-in Kids’ Club event from 3-4 p.m. at Redmond Whole Foods Market.
Saturday, April 4
From 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 4, PCC Natural Market, 11435 Avondale Rd. NE in Redmond presents its annual Egg Scramble, which is free for children 8 and under. Bring a basket to hunt through the store aisles for prize-filled eggs and bring your camera to shoot a photo with the Easter Bunny. After the egg hunt, hot breakfasts will be available for sale in the deli. For information, call (425) 285-1400.
Saturday, April 11
The City of Redmond’s 13th annual Eggstravaganza takes place from 8-11:30 a.m. at the Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave. NE. The egg hunt begins at 10 a.m. and you can enjoy a pancake breakfast before or after the hunt. Arts and crafts will also be featured. Cost for the breakfast and egg hunt is $5 for ages 3-12 and seniors; $7 for age 13 and older; or free for age 2 and under. Photos with Mr. Bunny are available for a $3 donation. To register or obtain information, call (425) 556-2300 or visit www.redmond.gov.
Redmond’s Earth Day Celebration will happen from 9 a.m.-noon on The Sammamish River Trail near Leary Way Bridge. Volunteers can help to plant native trees and shrubs near the river. All participants must sign a volunteer agreement. Those under 18 must have the signature of a parent or guardian. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact Peter Holte at (425) 556-2822 or pholte@redmond.gov or visit www.redmond.gov.
The “Eat Local Vendor Fair” from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Redmond Whole Foods Market, is a free, drop-in event where guests can meet local food producers and learn why shopping locally is good for the environment.
Every day
One of Redmond’s best-kept secrets is the farm at Farrel-McWhirter Park, 19545 NE Redmond Rd. Admission is free and kids can see horses, goats, rabbits and other cute animals.
The park also features picnic tables, easy walking trails and open, grassy areas for running and playing. For information, call (425) 556-2309 or visit www.redmond.gov.
