Polar Plunge. Join friends and neighbors for an icy dip in Long Lake to welcome the new year — or just hang out and cheer on the swimmers and enjoy a campfire, music and warm drinks. The fun begins at noon on Friday, Jan. 1, with the plunge at 1 p.m. Free. Long Lake Park, 2790 Carpenter Road S.E., Lacey. 360-491-0857.
You’re out! Drop the kids off at the Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia for a night of pizza and creative play, then make tracks for the nearest restaurant or movie theater for a little grownup time. The museum’s Parents Night Out is Saturday, Jan. 9, from 6 to 9:30 p.m.; for children ages 4–10. Non-members $30, sibling $25; members $25/$20. Call 360-956-0818 to register.
Snow joke. No snow in town this year? No problem! The City of Puyallup brings it by the truckload for a day of snow play (wear your gear!), live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and a snowman-building contest. The contest is open to all ages, and you have to bring your own props. Register for the contest by calling 253-841-5457; the fee is $20. (Take note: The event may be cancelled if there’s not enough snow in the mountains.) Saturday, Jan. 16, 2–7 p.m. at Bradley Lake Park, 531 31st Ave. S.E., Puyallup. City of Puyallup.
Bear necessity. Lisa and Linda of Let Your Music Shine! team up with the Tacoma Philharmonic to present a classical performance for young children, “Teddy Bears Musical Picnic.” Tickets are just $5! Saturday, Jan. 23, 10 and 11 a.m. Theatre on the Square in Tacoma; for tickets, call 253-272-0809.
—Kris Collingridge
