Pinkies out, people! The Yakima Valley Museum, in partnership with the Yakima Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, will host its “High Tea and Ice Cream Social” from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 21.

More than tea will be offered during this free event at the museum. Kids can also take part in an art project in the museum’s Children’s Underground and have a chance to play outside in adjacent Franklin Park with planned games, including a Victorian ribbon game, croquet and three-legged races.

But children also will get a taste of high tea, according to Kathy Sample, the museum’s education program coordinator. The idea behind high tea, Sample said, is to bring a Victorian feel to the experience. “So there will be teacups on saucers set out with tea pots, and we’ll pretend to have a tea party.”

Most likely, said Sample, kids will drink juice instead of hot tea and snack on cookies baked by the consumer science group. Table manners will be discussed during this time, and the hosts will read aloud from selections of the “Kim” series of books, which emphasize being safe, clean and healthy. Good etiquette will be covered, including washing hands, saying “please” and “thank you,” passing food to others, and taking small bites of food.

Erwina Peterson, a former home economics education and nutrition instructor in Yakima, devised the “Kim” books in 1973, and about half a dozen titles were published in both English and Spanish.

The books feature a central, androgynous character named Kim, who can also be seen in three-minute video animations made in the ’70s (thanks to David Lynx, the museum’s curator of information and design, these short animations have been converted into DVD format and can now be viewed at the museum’s website). Sample said Peterson’s goal was to develop easy-to-read books that taught healthy eating habits for children. Yakima’s Bill Donelson supplied all of the illustrations.

Each child is encouraged to pick up a copy of “Kim’s Coloring Book” and have it stamped at the museum to receive dollar-a-scoop ice cream at the Soda Fountain social during this event.

Photo courtesy of the Yakima Greenway

We all know about having popcorn with a movie, but what about a little bit of karate first?

Pro-Action Family Martial Arts is offering just that Aug. 7, as it hosts its “Martial Arts Night & Movie” at Sarg Hubbard Park in partnership with Yakima Parks & Recreation and the Yakima Greenway’s “Kiddin’ Around” program.

The free event begins at 7:30 p.m. with a demonstration and brief class, and at sunset a family-friendly martial arts movie will be shown.

“Our involvement in the Kid Fit programming at the Greenway has been fun and exciting for both our school, the staff at the Greenway, and most importantly, the kids of Yakima,” said Ernie Brennecke, senior instructor – or sensei – at Pro-Action. “Last time we did something like this, the attendance was significant, and I play best with and to large audiences.”

Last year, more than 100 kids participated in the event. The opening demonstration is aimed at giving the public a peek at what karate is all about.

“So we don’t just do something, but we talk about what we’re doing, too,” said Erik Brennecke, Ernie’s son and a sensei with Pro-Action. 

Following the demo, the Brenneckes, along with other instructors and students, will hold a 10-minute class for kids. While last year’s class was aerobic-based, this year’s will focus on self-defense.

“We’re going to keep it basic. We like to teach basic risk escape, and maybe some palm strikes,” said Brennecke, who noted punching with a fist takes conditioning. “This is for the kids to get excited about karate.”

All ages are welcome. For more information, contact the Yakima Greenway at 509-453-8280, or visit yakimagreenway.org.

Half-day and full-day camps will each be offered for two sessions: Aug. 2-6 and Aug. 16-20. Register at least 10 days prior to camp.

UK Classic Camp will meet from 9 a.m. to noon. Open to players ages 4-14. Cost is $100.

UK Classic Camp Full Day will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 2-6. Open to players ages 8-14. Cost is $150.

All camps will meet at the Perry Soccer Complex, 2011 W. Washington Ave., Yakima.

To register, or for more information, visit www.uksocca.com.

Enjoy free craft projects at the park this summer with the Allied Arts Summer ArtsVan. From June 14 to July 30, the van visits two locations each weekday, inviting children to stop by and make some art. This summer’s theme is “I Heart Art,” emphasizing healthy bodies and feelings.

Daytime ArtsVan weekly themes:

• Stained Glass Hearts, June 14-18
• Healthy Heart Art, June 21-25
• Beating Heart Drum, June 28-July 2
• My Book of Feelings, July 5-9
• Slot Sculptures, July 12-16
• Animal Hearts, July 19-23
• Healthy Heart Mobile, July 26-30

Mondays
10 a.m. to noon: Franklin Park, 21st Avenue and Tieton Drive, Yakima.
1-3 p.m.: Miller Park, N. Fourth and “E” streets, Yakima.

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to noon: Randall Park, between 44th and 48th avenues south of Nob Hill Boulevard, Yakima.
1-3 p.m.: Southeast Community Center, S. Eighth and E. Arlington streets, Yakima.

Wednesdays
10 a.m. to noon: Kissel Park, S. 32nd and Mead avenues, Yakima.
1-3 p.m.: West Valley Community Park, 323 S. 80th Ave., south of Nob Hill Boulevard, Yakima.
Family Night (July 7-Aug. 11): 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Tieton Park, Tieton Avenue and Elm Street, Tieton.

Thursdays
10 a.m. to noon: Chesterly Park, N. 40th Avenue and River Road, Yakima.
1-3 p.m.: Milroy Park, corner of N. 16th and Lincoln avenues, Yakima.
Family Night (July 8-Aug.12): 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Franklin Park, 21st Avenue and Tieton Drive, Yakima.

Fridays
10 a.m. to noon: Buena, call 966-0930 for location.
10 a.m. to noon: Toppenish, locations vary. Railroad Park, July 2 and 30; Olney Park, July 9; Lincoln Park, July 16; Pioneer Park, July 23 and Aug. 6.
1-3 p.m.: Wapato Library, 119 E. Third St., Wapato.

Before we walk the plank for burying their press release with our treasure, there’s still time to catch the show: Remaining performances will be at 7 p.m. May 13, 14 and 15. A matinee at 1:30 p.m. May 15 will be followed by a free ice cream social where audience members can meet the cast and have pictures taken with their favorite pirate. Arg!

Tickets are $5 for standard sections and $7.50 for the premium seats. Purchase tickets online at zcenterstage.com or call 509-829-5565.

This pirate tale sets sail in the Performing Arts Center at Zillah High School, 1602 Second Ave., Zillah.

Now, be off with you!

The two movies for May will be “Babies” and “Furry Vengeance.” The final movie of the program’s 2010-11 season will be “Shrek Forever After.”

“Babies,” rated G, is a documentary that chronicles the lives of four newborns from different corners of the world — Mongolia, Namibia, San Francisco and Tokyo — from their first breath to their first steps. The Cinema Circle screening will be at 11 a.m. May 13 at Yakima Cinema, 1305 N. 16th Ave.

In “Furry Vengeance,” rated PG, a developer and his family move into a new subdivision carved in the middle of a pristine forest. Starring Brendan Fraser and Brooke Shields, this funny film will show at 11 a.m. May 27 at The Majestic, located at 1919 S. 14th St. in Union Gap.

Admission is $6 adults, $5 children ages 4-6; one child 3 and younger is free with each paying adult; concessions are available for purchase. For reasons of safety and supervision, only preschool and younger children with their parents or guardians are admitted. Parents with older children are asked to choose a regular matinee time.

Cinema Circle’s final film of the season will be “Shrek Forever After” at 11 a.m. June 10.  This fourth movie in the Shrek fairy tale series is rated PG.

Cinema Circle presents special matinees on second and fourth Thursdays during the school year (except holidays) especially for adults accompanied by preschool-aged children. The program is sponsored by Yakima Theatres and Circle of Success, an early-learning program.

For more information, contact Circle of Success at 509-965-7100 ext.1019.

Kiddin’ Around is a summerlong activity program designed to get kids and their families movin’ in the great outdoors. Much like a summer reading program, kids can earn participation points that add up to fitness-themed prize incentives, such as swim passes, and will culminate with a drawing for larger prizes at the end of the summer.

The program kicks off May 1 with Family Field Day at Sarg Hubbard Park. Other activities planned throughout the summer include tennis lessons, community gardening and using a GPS device to explore the Greenway.

Participants can register for the program at Family Field Day or any event, or stop by the Yakima Greenway office at Sarg Hubbard Park.

Here’s the lineup of events and activities:

INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES

BIRDIN’ AROUND | Second and fourth Wednesdays. Guided bird walks along the Yakima Greenway or Cowiche Canyon. Free. Check schedule at yakimaaudubon.org.

GOLFIN’ AROUND | Golf nine or 18 holes of golf (not miniature) and turn in signed scorecard to the Greenway for points credit. Greens fee required.

PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT | Use your digital camera or check one out from the Greenway office (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday) to snap photos along the greenway. Free. Call 453-8280 to reserve a camera and get the list of scavenger items.

TECHIN’ & TREKKIN’ | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Check out a GPS and record your mileage as you bike or walk the Greenway. Free; call 453-8280 to reserve a GPS.

WALKIN’ THE DOG | Check out a dog from the Humane Society and go for a walk. Adult participation required. Dog walking hours are 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays and 12-3:30 p.m. Saturdays. Call 457-6854 for more information.

GROUP EVENTS

FAMILY FIELD DAY | 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 1. This free event promotes good nutrition, exercise and family fun. Activities include an obstacle course, jump rope, soccer, kayaking, hula hoops and “an unbelievable game of tag.” Sponsored by the Yakima Greenway Foundation, CWU Dietetic Interns and FitKids USA. Held at Sarg Hubbard Park (next to eastside WalMart), 111 S. 18th St., Yakima; 453-8280.

KIDS’ FISH-IN | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 8. Kids ages 5-14 can learn to fish and keep their catch at this trout-stocked event, which replaces Fishing Kids. Cost is $5 per kid and includes a rod and reel. Participants are assigned a 30-minute slot at the Sarg Hubbard Park Reflection Pond. Hosted by Go Play Outside Alliance of Washington. Limited to 800 kids. Download a registration form at gopaw.org or yakimagreenway.org or call 453-8280.

HIKIN’ AROUND | 9 a.m. Saturday, May 15. Bring hiking shoes and water for a gentle hike through Cowiche Canyon. Free; stroller accessible. Meet at the Weikel Road parking lot; find directions at cowichecanyon.org. Hosted by Cowiche Canyon Conservancy. To register, call 453-8280.

FITNESS FOR KIDS MARATHON | 6 p.m. Friday, May 21. Participants run or walk 25 miles on their own, with adult supervision, then join others to run or walk the last 1.2-mile leg of the marathon on May 21. School Mileage Club laps count towards the first 25 miles. Cost is $5, which includes a T-shirt, finisher ribbon and other prizes. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. Run/walk starts at 6 p.m. Meets at Sarg Hubbard Park. Hosted by Yakima Hard Core Runners Club, HCRunners.org.

GOLFIN’ AROUND | 1 p.m. Sunday, May 23. Youth ages 5-14 can start learning to golf at this free event hosted by The First Tee of Yakima and Yakima Parks & Recreation. Equipment is provided. Pre-registration is required; call 949-6349 by May 17. Meets at Fisher Park Golf Course, 823 S. 40th Ave., Yakima. For information, go to thefirstteeyakima.org.

JUNIOR GAP2GAP RELAY | 6-11 a.m. Saturday, June 5. Kids ages 6-14 can test their endurance and skill in this 21th annual youth relay on the Yakima Greenway. (Gap2Gap, the grown-up counterpart, marks its 26th anniversary this year.) In 2009, 431 youth competed in this bike, run, in-line skate, kayaking and obstacle course challenge. Just for fun, there’s also a best T-shirt competition. Juniors may compete as individuals or teams. The fee is $15; register by May 26 at yakimagreenway.org or call 453-8280.

YCTA TENNIS FREE-4-ALL | 1-3 p.m. Sunday, June 6. Ages 5 and up can learn how to play tennis or improve their game. Quickstart session for ages 5-10. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. Free. Kissel Park, corner of S. 32nd and Mead avenues, Yakima. Hosted by Yakima Community Tennis Association; contact erobbins@ycta.info.

KIDDIN’ AROUND IN THE GARDEN | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 12. Learn how to grow food, take home a veggie plant. Free. Hosted by Rev it Up! and United Christian Church. Meets at the church, 317 S. 41st St. in Terrace Heights.

JUNIOR BOOT CAMP | 1 p.m. Saturday, June 19. Cardio, strength and flexibility exercises outdoors. Free; call 972-5276 to register by June 16. Hosted by Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima.

POWER WALKIN’ 4 KIDS | 9-10 a.m. Friday, June 25. Take a guided walk with jumping, running and laughing along the way. Free. Meet at Sarg Hubbard Park at the Yakima Greenway.

SNAPPIN’ AROUND | 6-8 p.m. Saturday, July 10. Learn to use a digital camera. Limited cameras available or bring your own. Free; must call 453-6348 by July 9 to register. Meet at Sarg Hubbard Park at the Yakima Greenway.

SPLASHIN’ AROUND | 1-4 p.m. Saturday, July 17. Free swimming at Franklin Pool, 21st Avenue and Tieton Drive, Yakima. Multiple sessions. Hosted by Yakima Parks & Recreation. Call 576-6348 or 575-6035 for details.

KIDDIN’ AROUND IN THE GARDEN | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 24. Learn how to grow food, take home a veggie plant. Free. Hosted by Rev it Up! and United Christian Church. Meets at the church, 317 S. 41st St. in Terrace Heights.

KICKIN’ AROUND | 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1. Ages 6-14 can learn the game of soccer and practice basic skills. Free; must call 575-6020 by July 23 to pre-register. Hosted by Yakima Parks & Recreation at Chesterley Park, N. 40th Avenue and River Road, Yakima.

MARTIAL ARTS NIGHT/OUTDOOR SUMMER CINEMA | 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7. Martial arts demonstration and learn basic self-defense moves. “The Karate Kid,” rated PG, begins at sunset. Sarg Hubbard Park at the Yakima Greenway, yakimagreenway.org. Outdoor Summer Cinema presented by Allied Arts, alliedartsyakima.org.

POWER WALKIN’ 4 KIDS | 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14. Take a guided walk with jumping, running and laughing along the way. Free. Meet at Sarg Hubbard Park at the Yakima Greenway.

BEARS BASEBALL SKILLS CLINIC | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21. Learn how to hit and catch the ball with Yakima Bears staff and players. Free; must call 453-8280 by Aug. 11 to register. Meets at Yakima County Stadium, 1301 S. Fair Ave., Yakima.

HOT SHOTS 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT | Aug. 28-29. Youth, high school and adult teams shoot hoops on the streets in downtown Yakima. Watching is free. To play, you’ll need to register; deadline is Aug. 5. The fee for youth teams is $90. Yakima Valley Sports Commission,  yakimahotshots.org; 573-3010.

Party-goers will be among the first to get information and register for summer art classes and camps, which include Mosaic Madness and one-day drama workshops. Families who attend the event also will have a chance to get creative with an ArtsVan project, cool off with ice cream, visit with the Yakima Bear’s mascot Boomer and more.

For more information, call Allied Arts at 966-0930 or visit alliedartsyakima.org.

“Into the Woods” is a Tony Award-winning musical that intertwines the plots of several Grimm fairy tales into an original story that follows the characters’ wishes and dreams. Familiar faces include Little Red Ridinghood, Cinderella and Jack (from the beanstalk).

Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $5 for students with ASB cards and children under 12.  Purchase tickets in advance at Inklings Bookstore and Off the Record; otherwise tickets will be available at the door.