Weekend family fun for July 12 and 13

Who needs to leave Seattle to show their children the world? We've got it all right here this weekend:

Where can you hear Cantonese opera, tap to Indian tunes, watch hula dancers and feel taiko's drums deep in your chest? At the Chinatown-International District Summer Festival, celebrating Seattle's Pacific Rim roots and Seafairin' present. The full and diverse entertainment lineup just can't be beat. And of course, all the great food and kid-friendly activities.

Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, July 13, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at Hing Hay Park, 411 Maynard Ave. S.

So, France is a bit expensive this year, what with sky-high airfares and a bottoming-out dollar. But you can still visit France with the kids at Seattle Center's Bastille Day Celebration. Eat crepes, listen to Django-style swing, play football and participate in activities provided by France Education Northwest.

Sunday, July 13, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at Seattle Center's Fisher Pavilion.

No France for you? How about Scandinavia? At Tivoli Viking Days, there's always a small hands-on crafty area just for kids, live Vikings (they drink grog with the Seafair Pirates, I've heard), plus free admission to the Nordic Heritage Museum. Go early for the Swedish pancake breakfast (accompanied by live music), before the line snakes out the door.

Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, July 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Nordic Heritage Museum, 3014 N.W. 67th St. The Swedish pancake breakfast takes place 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday. $8 adults, $6 kids 12 and under.

And who's more worldly than a pirate? Get your gal and guy all gussied up for the Wallingford Seafair Kiddie Parade and Street Fair, taking place on Saturday. Pirate, princess and pirate-princess costumes are all highly coveted costume themes for the parade, in our experience. Post-parade, join the Wallingford folk for live music, food vendors, crafts and rides at the street fair.

Street fair on Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., on Wallingford Avenue between North 43rd and North 45th streets; kiddie parade at 11 a.m. (North 45th Street).

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