Girls Code
Learn to create your own story using core computer coding concepts, and earn a new sticker in your Coding Passport for each concept you master. Spark values diversity and welcomes girls and girl-identified kids of any background to participate. Sign up online; open to grades 4-7. Free. Sat, Dec. 15 from 10 am-noon. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org (279-0299)
Santa Express
The annual holiday retail store allows local children to shop for affordable holiday gifts for family and friends, with proceeds benefiting the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, a safe shelter for kids who are in crisis situations. Open to ages 4-12; all items are priced between 50 cents and $8. Open through Sun, Dec. 23; Mon-Fri from 11 am-8 pm, Sat from 10 am-8 pm and Sun from 11 am-6 pm. River Park Square, second level, 808 W. Main. santaexpress.org (624-3945)
Winter Wonderland on Garland
This family-friendly event was created to unite the Garland District and Spokane community for a day filled with food, festive activities, entertainment and more. Event contributions support Fostering WA, a nonprofit supporting foster parents and their children in the Spokane area. Free admission. Sat, Dec. 15 from 10:30 am-4:30 pm. Garland District. bit.ly/2qKg1ho
Harmonics for Happiness: Make Music Day
An open-to-all community music jam with the "Magic Bus Music Bash" to kick things off. The annual event is part of a national celebration; Spokane is one of 13 cities around the U.S. participating. Also includes a short parade, live visual artists, a winter clothing drive and free hot food and drink for participants. Free. All ages. Fri, Dec. 21 from 3-8 pm. Activities at 100 N. Wall St., downtown Spokane. Makemusicday.org ♦
