Not going out of town this Memorial Day weekend? Good call—that gas money could go toward a precious language school, some darling BabyLegs (and a children’s charity to boot) or some ethnic food (from Africa, Europe and beyond) at a beloved multi-cultural Seattle Center festival. With so much local action, staying in town may be just as thrilling as getting away.

• Better Than TV
  Zoom Spanish Language School Open House
  Sign your one to 10-year-old up for Zoom’s interactive classes pronto. In class, kids listen to music and utilize games to help make learning a new language enjoyable. The school is also taking names for its summer camp, which starts June 26. Soon, your child will be saying, “Mama, tengo hambre,” instead of “Moooom, I’m hungry.” It just sounds nicer, doesn’t it? RSVP by sending a quick e-mail to info@zoomlanguage.com.
  When: Saturday, May 27, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
  Location: 1116 NW 54th St. (near 11th Ave. NW, in Ballard)
  Cost: Free
  Info.: 206.783.5000
  Online: www.zoomlanguage.com
• Giving Back
  BabyLegs’ First Birthday*
  Now that backyard par-tay season is heating up, we figured we’d give you a week’s warning for this lovely event. BabyLegs, the Seattle-based baby leg-warmer company, is turning one and it’s having a “SUPERBIG” bash to help children’s charities. Come with the kiddies and get your photos taken in a photo booth by a professional photographer (Patrick Lennox Wright) and take part in the silent auction, where you can bid on items such as baby clothes from designer Kate Quinn. The festivities are catered by Urban Harvest, so except delish local and organic food. Kids of all ages welcome.
  When: Saturday, June 3, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
  Location: 227 9th Ave. N (at John St., in South Lake Union)
  Cost: $20 for one ticket; $50 for a family (tickets available online)
  Info.: 206.973.3484
  Online: www.babylegs.net
  
  *Tip from Joia Port
• Community Communing
  Northwest Folklife Festival
  So many kid-friendly performances, so little time. At this NW cultural heritage-honoring festival, see ukulele players, puppeteers, bag pipers, dancers from Ireland and more. Take a hula class with your child and fake like you’re still flexible. Don’t forget to hit the worldly arts & crafts activities, too.
  When: Friday, May 26, to Monday, May 29, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
  Location: Seattle Center
  Cost: Free
  Info.: 206.684.7300
  Online: www.nwfolklife.org