Looking for some ideas for Father's Day? We've got you covered! From gift ideas to fun family outings, your dad is guaranteed to have a great weekend!

Make Cookies and Crafts for Dad
Drop in at the Redmond Whole Foods Market this Saturday 6/19 from 12-2 to make special cookies for Father's day for $2 a cookie. No need to make a mess at home or buy supplies, stop by and take home beautifully decorated treats for dad.  For little ones ages 3+, stop by the Lakeshore Learning Store in Bellevue from 11-3 to make a free craft for dad. This week's craft is a special notepad holder just for dad.
More info: http://wholefoodsmarket.com/storesbeta/redmond/calendar
More info: http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/general_content/store_locations/storeCrafts.jsp

Like Cars?
If dad is into cars, take him to the Fenders on Front Street car show (Sunday from 8 to 3) or Bothell's Country Village Car Show (Saturday from 12 to 3).
More info: http://www.fendersonfrontstreet.com/
More info: http://www.countryvillagebothell.com/

Festivals Around Town
Lucky for dads, this weekend is also a popular weekend for summer festivals as it's the last weekend of Spring.

The "Swedish Midsummer Festival" is taking place at Bellevue's Vasa Park this Sunday at 9 am and is free and open to anyone. 
More info: http://www.vasaparkresort.com/1521.html

The popular and eclectic Fremont Fair and Solstice parade is happening this weekend. The parade is on Saturday but festivities take place all weekend long.
More info: http://www.fremontfair.org/events.php

Nature Walks and Canoes
If dad likes being outdoors, consider taking him to Bellevue's Mercer Slough for a free guided tour on Saturday from 2-3 to explore the city's largest wetland. More info: http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/mercer_slough.htm

On Sunday, get dad on a Canoe for a 4-mile paddle that begins on Enatai Beach Park. Registration is required for this guided family event.
More info: http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/mercer_slough.htm

The Museum of Flight Free for Dads
Stop by a Bartell Drugstore anytime and pick up a free pass for dad good on Father's Day. Enjoy a new air exhibit featuring real helicopters for a day full of heroes and helicopters. More info: http://www.museumofflight.org/

Other Ideas
Take dad to one of the Eastside Parks for a picnic and some play, especially since the sun is planning to finally come out on Sunday. Or if the weather doesn't behave, take dad along to see Toy Story 3 in theaters this weekend.

While we're still recovering from all the Easter egg hunts and celebrations, we're starting to plan for the next big day: Earth Day. It's a great time to teach kids about the environment, conservation, and making the right choices for our planet.

Here are some wonderful Earth Day events on the Eastside to help you celebrate with your kids.

(Free) Earth Day-Arbor Day Celebration
Saturday April 17th, 8:30-1
Lewis Creek Park (Lakemont, Bellevue)
Start the morning volunteering (8:30-11am) [don't forget to register with the park in advance] and join other volunteers to plan trees and shrubs, remove invasive plants and improve trails. Or just go for Family Festival, which starts at 11am, and begins with a tree planting ceremony, a raffle, and family fun eco-stations throughout the park.  

(Free) Earth Day Craft Activity
Saturday April 17th, 11-3
Lakeshore Learning Store (Bellevue)
This weekly craft event will focus on Earth day and have kids create and decorate an Earth Day bag that they can use to clean up the environment.
More at: http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/general_content/store_locations/storeCrafts.jsp

(Free) Earth Day Celebration at Orange Blossom Society
Saturday April 17th, 11-2
Orange Blossom Society (Redmond)
The Redmond Fire Department, Green Redmond Partnership, Shaklee and other local 'green' companies will be there to teach you about how you can do your part to support Mother Earth. The parking lot will be closed so that kids can bring their bikes and learn about bike safety with the Fireme. There will also be a free Kid Yoga Class and Gardening tips.
More at: http://www.orangeblossomsociety.com/special-events.html

(Free for kids) Bellevue Art Museum Earth Day Family Celebration
Sunday, April 18th, 1-4
Bellevue Arts Museum (Bellevue)
Join Bellevue Arts Museum for an afternoon of art projects and artist demonstrations celebrating Earth Day with the themes of recycling and reusing materials. Several local artists will be on hand demonstrating how they recycle objects into new and usable works of art.
More at: http://www.bellevuearts.org/calendar.htm

(Free) Little Lake-to-Lake 5K walk
Wednesday, April 21st, 2-6pm
Lake Hills Greenbelt (Bellevue)
Celebrate Earth Day with a family/stroller/wheelchair-friendly trail walk that follows the Lake Hills Greenbelt Trail connecting Larsen and Phantom Lakes.  Walkers are invited to stop along the way at earth education stations set up within the park. Event highlights include the Larsen Lake Pioneer Cabin, King County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden, Puget Sound Energy's Green Power Program, and Eastside Audubon Society. Registration takes place the morning of the event at the start location.
Contact Debbie Pettersson - 425-452-7106 or dpettersson@bellevuewa.gov

(Free) Earth Day Story Time
Thursday, April 22nd, 11am and 2pm
Pottery Barn Kids in Bellevue Square (Bellevue)
Story time featuring tales about caring for the planet, as well as other earth-friendly activities. Throughout the day, they'll be giving kids a special gift that they can plant at home!

(Free) Earth Day Celebration at Whole Foods
Saturday, April 24th, 11-1
Whole Foods Market (Redmond Location)
A party to celebrate Earth Month, with kids' activities, tips for reducing, reusing and recycling, lots of samples to try, and of course cake!
More at: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/redmond/storecalendar.php

With Easter just around the corner, it's time to start planning for some egg hunting. Here is a list of what's happening on the Eastside. We attended the PCC Issaquah and the Gilman Village egg hunts last year; both were awesome. 

PCC Natural Market Egg Scramble (Issaquah, Redmond), Free
March 27, 2010 at 9AM
Ages: 0-8, divided into age groups
Get there early as this event gets quite busy; but it's worth the wait. There are 1000's of eggs filled with delicious candy or special prizes. Bring the camera to snap some shots with the Easter Bunny.
website: http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/events/rd.html

Issaquah's Underwater Egg Hunt & Carnival, $6/child and $4/adult
April 2, 2010 at 6:30-9PM 
The Issaquah Community Center is hosting its 4th annual underwater egg hunt. The event is held indoors and is in the shallow part of the pool; children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Bring your swimsuits, goggles, towels, and plastic baskets to collect eggs underwater and get prizes for the eggs gathered. Make sure to register online because space is limited. 
website: http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/

Vasa Park (Bellevue), Free
April 3, 2010 at 10AM
Ages: 1-12, divided into age groups
1000's of candy filled eggs, and hundreds of great prizes. Easter Bunny available for photos. Non-perishable foods and canned goods donations are accepted for the Northwest Harvest
website: http://www.vasaparkresort.com/

Fox Hollow Farm (Issaquah), $8/child and $5/adult 
April 3, 2010 at 11AM or at 2PM
Ages: 0-10+, divided into age groups
Besides the 10,000 eggs filled with candy and prizes, there will be many activities to keep your kids entertained: pony rides, farm animals, and large inflatables for bouncing and sliding. The Easter Bunny will be giving out treats and posing for pictures. Registration is required so make sure to sign up soon.
website: http://foxhollowequestrian.com/events_11.html

Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle), Free with zoo admission
April 3, 2010 at 9:30AM until 2PM
Ages: 1-8, divided into age groups
Not really on the Eastside, but if you're looking for an all day outing to celebrate Easter, the Woodland Park Zoo hosts an annual Bunny Bounce event, which includes egg hunts, crafts, bunny encounters, and zoo programs throughout the day.
website: http://www.zoo.org/Page.aspx?pid=209&cgid=1&ceid=58&cerid=0&cdt=4%2f3%2f2010

Gilman Village Egg Hunt (Issaquah), Free
April 3, 2010 at 10AM until 12PM 
Ages: 1-12
10,000 toy and candy filled Easter eggs left at the shops by the Easter Bunny, who will also be available for pictures, so bring a camera. 
website: http://www.gilmanvillage.com/eventssub.php3?id=74

Mercer Island Egg Hunt at Mercerdale Park, Free
April 3, 2010 at 3PM (ages 1-6) and 8:30PM (ages 7-10)
Ages: 1-10
Lots of eggs and lots of candy. Special prized-filled eggs will be hidden in the park. A Flashlight egg hunt in the evening for older kids, ages 7 to 10.
website: http://www.mercergov.org/Page.asp?NavID=406

Easter Egg Hunt at Peter Kirk Park in Kirkland, Free
April 4, 2010 at 1:30PM
Join in the fun at Kirkland’s annual Easter egg hunt. This free and family-friendly event features three age categories and lots of chocolate.
website: www.kirklandandparks.net

Valentine's Day is fun for kids too. They can celebrate by making cards and decorating cookies. Here are some free (or very cheap) workshops just for kids, happening this week and next.

Saturday 2/6/10 and Sunday 2/7/10, 10-2PM
Pottery Barn Kids (Bellevue Square)
Free event for Kids to craft their own Valentine's day cards. 

Saturday 2/6/10, 11-3PM
Lakeshore Learning Store (Bellevue)
Free crafts for kids ages 3+. Kids will make a My Valentine magnetic note holder to hold all the Valentine's day cards they will receive.

Saturday 2/13/10, 1-3PM 
Whole Foods Market, Redmond location
Kid's Valentine Cookie Decorating event. Costs $1 per cookie

Saturday 2/13/10, 3-5PM
PCC Natural Market, Issaquah
Kid's free card making workshop. Drop-in anytime between 3 and 5. 

Saturday 2/13/10, 10-1PM
Michaels (Crossroads, Kirkland, Issaquah)
Kids can purchase a heart-shaped frame for $1 then decorate it inthis workshop (Micheals will provide free supplies). 

Here are some ideas to celebrate Dr. MLK Jr. Day with your kids next week.

(FREE) Washington State History Museum (Tacoma)
Admission to the museum is free in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There will be screening of a documentary, a civil rights speaker, and music. 
Hours: 10-4; website: www.wshs.org

(Free) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration at the Seattle Center (Seattle)
The Center House at the Seattle Center will have a an afternoon full of music, dance, and celebrations. Mayor Mike McGinn will also be present to present an award to youth.
Hours: 12-5; website: www.seattlecenter.com

Don't forget, most museums and libraries are closed on Monday to celebrate the holiday, but most kid museums will be open. So, if your kids are bored, check out these museums:
Kids Quest Museum (Bellevue)
Imagine Children's Museum (Everett)
The Children's Museum (Seattle)
Children's Museum of Tacoma (Tacoma) - special activity in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.