Local malls offer family-friendly summer activities and discounts

If you're a parent, then your idea of a carefree summer day may not include a trip to the mall with your kids. But many of our area's shopping centers now offer special events and savings to help parents and their children enjoy their days off together without fear of boredom or overspending.

Mill Creek Town Center
Thursdays at 11 a.m., bring the kids to University Bookstore to enjoy refreshments and dramatic readings of children's books like "Tickle Monster" by local actress Josie Bissett. Parents can indulge in the adult Main Street Book Club every fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy a discount of 20 percent off the purchase of the book club selection. This month, readers are enjoying "A Golden Age" by Tahmima Anam.

Redmond Town Center
Every Thursday, Redmond Town Center hosts Playdates & Perks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. While kids enjoy interactive story time, complete with costumes, at Hush Baby Boutique, parents receive various deals by using their free Playdates and Perks membership card. Discounts include 10 percent off purchases of $20 or more at Carousel Stationery and Gifts; buy one service and get another at 50 percent off at Pure Med Spa; 10 percent off at Foot Zone; and a $1 kid's slice of pepperoni or cheese pizza at Pizza Schmizza.

University Village
University Village offers weekly Playdays Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. for parents and their children to enjoy together. For example, families can play chef at a cookie-decorating workshop at Mrs. Cook's; achieve mind-body balance with a special one-hour kids' yoga session at Lululemon Athletica; or enjoy a crafty hour at Kid's Club. After attending a play day activity, parents are given a pass that entitles them to select offers at University Village shops and restaurants to enjoy that same day.

Westfield Southcenter 
Southcenter's free WFamily program offers members exclusive savings at participating retailers each Wednesday, along with invitations to special family-friendly events and an e-mail newsletter. The mall's special services for families include a kids' play area, preferred parking and a family lounge. Discounts associated with WFamily include 20 percent off a color service at Regis Salon; $10 off a dinner purchase at Racha Thai and Asian Kitchen; and buy one game, get one game free at ACME Bowling and Billiards. Sign up at the mall's customer service counter.

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