Hands-On Activities, Stories & Games That Capture the Imagination & Delight

Posted on January 22, 2026 at 4:00 am

Creativity, play, and science are teaming up in February for some engaging events for teens, kids, and families. All ages can participate in our swaps and submit artwork for the upcoming art show. Early learners, their families, and caregivers can discover new stories to read at home and enjoy storytime at our libraries.

Kids and families have great opportunities to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) topics and a challenge to play games, read, and learn new things. Creativity and imagination are at the core of the events for teens, including tabletop role-playing games, 3D printing, and creative activities.

If you’re a homeschooling family, check out our programs to make a stop-motion movie and explore engaging and educational activities.

Explore new things in February!

All Ages

February is the month to create and share art with your community. Our Call for Submissions: Community Art Show is February 2–28 and open to all ages. Stop by your library to find out more and pick up the special art canvas, while supplies last. When you’ve finished creating, return your art to the library for the all-ages show in March.

If you enjoy crafting and making art, you can bring in new and gently used arts and crafts supplies and tools for a Crafting & Art Supply Swap and find some supplies you can use for your next creative project. Gamers and puzzlers of all ages can check out our upcoming Jigsaw Puzzle & Board Game Swaps as well.

Early Learners

Infuse reading time at home with fresh picks from Picture Book Chat, where librarians share the best new books to read with early learners. At our libraries, young children and their caregivers can enjoy stories and activities to build early literacy skills, all while having fun, at our weekly Play & Learn Storytime programs.

Kids & Families

Our activities and programs for kids ages 5 and older and their families provide engaged learning, enjoyable crafts and activities, and ways to explore creativity and critical thinking.

During Stuck Together with Stories & STEM, experiment with magnets, create crafts, and play games related to famous duos who stuck together through thick and thin.

We make a tonoscope to “see” and create sounds, in the program Explore the Science of Sound, and try other hands-on activities to investigate how sound is heard.

STEAM programs focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and math are always popular. Weekly after-school activities include Terrific Tuesdays at North Spokane, Wonder Wednesdays at Medical Lake, and STEAM-Themed Thursdays at Spokane Valley. And at many of our libraries, you can drop in for LEGO Free Play.

For tweens (ages 8–12), Glowforge Creations: Play with Tangram Puzzles share how the laser cutter can make tangram sets that you can explore and make into interesting shapes and designs by using the pieces, called tans.

Jump into the fun of games, learning, and reading at the Game Quest Kickoff with KSPS PBS for ages 2–14 and their families. Explore hands-on learning stations featuring puzzles, literacy games, and creative challenges. Plus, pick up everything you need to start your Game Quest adventure, while supplies last. This free event is a playful, engaging way to spark a love of reading, problem solving, and exploration.

Teens

Gather friends or venture solo to the library for a one shot or ongoing campaign with tabletop games, during Arcane Adventures: Teen RPG Club (ages 13–17). From newbies to dragonslayers, all experience levels are welcome. The library provides all games and supplies, but teens are welcome to bring their own dice.

In days of yore, signets were used to seal correspondence with wax, usually with a family crest or other symbol. Create your own during 3D Printing: Signets for teens and adults.

Drop by the library for Teen STEAM: Ignite Your Imagination (ages 13–17) to try some new activities, such as programming your own video game, making art from upcycled materials, and other creative ideas. Explore your interests and imagination by collaborating with peers or by creating your own content.

Homeschooling Families

Create and edit videos of LEGO characters moving, jumping, and talking to each other. During LEGO Stop-Motion Studio (Homeschool Session) for ages 8–14, you’ll make a short stop-motion movie and learn how to create more in the future. Monthly Homeschool Hodgepodge: STEAM Activities for ages 5+ and their families offer new activities to explore at Deer Park Library.

Tags: art show, early learning, events, family, kids, parents, teens, tweens