Here it is….a great big list of weekend fun for kids in Puyallup, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Olympia, Sumner, Fife, and Your area of the South Puget Sound!

If you’re headed north or south, you’ll want to check out the fantastic list over at ThriftyNWmom compiled by super bargain sleuth Sia of Centsible in Seattle.

If you’re one of my Kitsap area readers, you’ll enjoy the Kitsap Macaroni Kid. You can sign up for Diane’s newsletter to get the scoop on all kinds of events around you!

Ongoing

Footloose the musical at Tacoma Little Theater (Best for older tweens and up) Tickets 17.00-27.00

Happy Days, the Musical at Tacoma Musical Playhouse 20.oo-27.00 Approved for 4 and up; I’d probably take tweens teens with real interest.

Friday

Chalk the walk at Frost Park in Tacoma noon

Read with a Dog at the Puyallup Library Kids can drop in between 3:30-4:30 to practice reading with patient listener.

Play in Peace Day at McCarver Park in Tacoma

Olympia Family Theater production of Goodnight Moon begins Want to go cheap? Next Thursday will be their Thrifty Thursday show.

Parents’ Night Out at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma 25.00/10.00 for siblings; call to register.

Saturday

Most Farmer’s Markets are open. Get your fresh on!

Water Weekends at HCC Mast at Redondo Every Saturday you can get up close with critters in the touch tanks and learn about sea life. Free

Big Lakeland Hills Garage Sale Thanks, The Coupon Project for this reminder. Know another one worth including? Let me know!

Family Train Day at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn Check out the current rails to sails exhibit and then enjoy special train themed activities with admission (1.00/2.00) 1-4PM

Petapalooza in Auburn Free event with entertainment for pets and pet lovers including agility courses, frisbee dog shows, and more. Lots of vendors with pet products for sale, too.

Kids’ Fish-in at American Lake in Lakewood I wrote about this one before, as the preregistration deadline was May 6. You may still be able to go depending on how many have signed up, but call first!

Grand Opening of the new STAR center in South Tacoma Special activities and a chance to check out this great, new community resource.

Family Nature Walks with Metro Parks Tacoma 10AM At Oak Tree Park

Open House for the new Wilderness Preschool Program based at Pt.Defiance 10AM-12 Nature based program from the Vashon Wilderness Program begins in Tacoma next fall for 4-6 year olds.

Tiny Soles Warehouse Sale in Yelm Good deals on designer kids’ shoes. I’m doing a giveaway until 4PM Friday.

Click! Family Flick at the Grand Cinema Free showing of The Princess Bride Door sopen at 9:30; show starts at 10AM. Free to first 100.

Mo knows! A Pigeon and Friends Party at the Wheelock Library 11AM

Preschool Open House at Discovery Village in Gig Harbor 10AM-12

Queen Victoria’s Birthday at Ft. Nisqually Actors will recreate the celebration of Queen Victoria;s birthday with musket firing and more.  11AM-5PM Admission is 4.00-6.00

Tacoma City Ballet presents StoryBook Theater Lower cost ballet for younger audiences. Performances at 1, 3, and 5. 5.00 tickets. Dances portray popular nursery rhymes stories. Audience members are welcome to come costumed as favorite characters.

Movies at Wheelock Free Showing of Happy Feet 2 at 2PM

Learning Sprout Toys Fancy Nancy Tea Party Pre-payment and registration is required if you and your little miss would like to go have some fancy fun.

Free kids gardening class with the master gardeners at the WSU extension in Puyallup. Today’s is a greenhouse theme! 1PM Click on, “Children’s Programs,” for a pdf schedule.

Armed Forces Day at JBLM Free, public event with military displays, vehicles, bounce house and more. Vendors on site with food and crafts for sale. 10AM-6PM Be sure to follow directions through the link for public entry.

Spring Fun Fair in Lacey 10AM-6PM Free admission, Kids’ World activities, entertainment and more.

Visit the LOTT WET Center in Olympia Every Saturday the center is open with free, science and environmental education activities

Mother/Son Dance with the Boys and Girls Club in Gig Harbor 30.00/pair

Sunday

Spring Fun Fair in Lacey Free admission, Kids’ World activities, entertainment and more.

Tacoma City Ballet presents StoryBook Theater Lower cost ballet for younger audiences. 3PM Dances portray popular nursery rhymes stories. Audience members are welcome to come costumed as favorite characters.

Pachamama at Pantages Carnival style show with music, dancers, and acrobats. 3PM Tickets 15.00-29.00

Check the, “All weekend,” choices at the top, too!

Phew! That’s a lot of weekend fun! Don’t forget I have posts about South Sound family fun all the rest of the week, too! If you haven’t already done so, I hope you’ll consider subscribing to my emails or joining me on Facebook. If you’d like to support this site (Hey, thanks!) I appreciate you telling your friends about it, and telling my sponsors you found them on Sounds Fun Mom!

In the coming weeks, I’ll be doing some previews of great summer activities. I’ll remind you about all of these in my weekly lists, but I thought it would be fun to give you an idea about the coming attractions, and I know some of you like to plan ahead for mom’s groups and playdates.

Virtually every city hosts free concerts during the summer months. I’ve only listed those specifically geared towards children here.  Grab your calendars and make plans to catch your favorites!

Kent

Wednesday kids’ concerts at noon at the town plaza

• July 11th Tickle Tune Typhoon
• July 18th Puppet Show/Brothers Grimm
• July 25th Roberto the Magnificent magician
• August 1st Caspar Babypants
• August 8th Recess Monkey
• August 15th The Harmonica Pocket

Auburn

Kids’ Summer Stage

Noon concerts at Les Gove park every Wednesday beginning July 11th

• July 11 Recess Monkey
• July 18 Louie Foxx Magician
• July 25 Eric Ode
• August 1st Eric Herman
• August 8 Caspar Babypants
• August 15 Brian Vogan and his Good Buddies

Bonney Lake

Kids’ Club Monday evenings and Tuesday mornings July 9th-August 28th at Cedarview Park

Shows TBA

Puyallup

Puyallup (pdf file)  Concerts at noon on Tuesdays at Pioneer Park. These are the ones of interest to kids:

• July 10 REPTILE ISLE Snakes, Lizards, Gators…yikes!
  Aug. 14 THE NOT-ITS! America’s Most Rockin Kindie Band!
• Aug. 21 Tim Noah

Tacoma Noon Tunes Concerts noon on select Fridays at the new STAR center beginning July 13th.

• July 13th Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth
• August 3rd Rodney Racoon
• August 24th Nancy Stewart

Lacey-7 week children’s entertainment series

Every Tuesday at 6:30 beginning June 26th. Shows TBA

Photo Credit

As you probably know, pediatricians recommend that little ones up to two wear shoes as close to bare feet as possible.  If you’d like your little one’s piggies to be sporting some serious, soft soled  cuteness, you’ll want to check out Tiny Soles. Tiny Soles is a mom run business, specializing in soft soled shoes (and more) for infants to big kids up to size 3.

The moms behind Tiny Soles pride themselves on offering a huge selection of the very best brands, and they’ve personally tested everything they sell. You can shop their friendly store in Yelm, or online in your jammies (Don’t miss their daily deals).  All orders over 20.00 ship free and fast, too!

Need more incentive? This weekend, they’re having a great sale at their Yelm warehouse, with rarely discounted brands, like Robeez, at 50% off and more! They also carry tons of other mom approved brands like BPA free Kleen Kanteen, Baby Legs, and more! You’ll find the store front  behind Yelm Dairy Queen at 106 Plaza Dr Suite C, Yelm, WA 98597. The sale is the 18th and 19th from 11AM-5PM

But….wait…I mentioned a giveaway, didn’t I? One lucky SFM reader will win a 30.00 gift certificate to Tiny Soles. You can use it at their store or online! Here’s how to enter:

1. Visit the Tiny Soles site. Come back and leave a comment about what style you’d love to have!

2. For an optional 2nd entry, share this contest or information about the sale in some way. Come back and tell me what you did!

To make sure you get the latest scoop on Tiny Soles, you can also check out their blog and Facebook page!

Ready to enter? Remember comment #1 is required for this contest, and if you’re reading this via feed or email, come to the site to enter. Ready, set…..

A quick heads-up that Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound should be launching their 48hr sale any time now.

The ads I saw said the 16th, which is tomorrow, and return visitors typically get an email in advance (I haven’t seen one yet). I’ll keep you posted, or just head over to the Great Wolf Lodge site and sign up for their enews. Once the sale launches, the code will be right there on the home page for you. It’s typically R48HOUR for returning guests (Yes, they will check your id) and 48HOUR for newbies.

Even with the discount, the prices are pretty darn eye-popping, but I know many of you do this in place of a trip that requires a plane ride, which makes it look like a better deal! Do be aware that members of the military often get a better rate using code HEROES. Be sure to compare if you’re eligible for that.

For more money saving ideas and handy tips, you can read  my take on Great Wolf Lodge.

Not in your budget? You can always check out the super cool pool at the Federal Way Community Center.

Big thanks to our friends at Kitsap Macaroni Kid with the scoop on Corey’s Day at the Farm 2012.

These are 2012 dates, but the other info. in this post is from my interview with the organizers last year. I’m quite sure it’s all still good, but I’d call if you have any questions-especially if you’re a first-timer!

If you or a friend are parenting a child with special needs, I want you to know about Corey’s Day at the Farm. It’s a longtime, annual event that gives children with special needs the opportunity to ride horses, pet animals, go on hayrides and more. The event started some 40 years ago. The Corey’s special needs son, Danny, brought some puppies in for show and tell, and his parents realized that most of his classmates had never had the opportunity to visit with animals. Their first event entertained a few dozen children-they now play host to a couple thousand and the event has moved to the fairgrounds.

This year’s event takes place on May 14th and 15th at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. You’re invited either day. Siblings are welcome to come along and enjoy the barbecue, but only special needs kids get the pony rides. Coleta would love for you to call and register so they have enough volunteers and barbecue goodies. You can reach her at (360) 692-4769.

Here it is….a great big list of weekend fun for kids in Puyallup, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Olympia, Sumner, Fife, and Your area of the South Puget Sound!

If you’re headed north or south, you’ll want to check out the fantastic list over at ThriftyNWmom compiled by super bargain sleuth Sia of Centsible in Seattle.

If you’re one of my Kitsap area readers, you’ll enjoy the Kitsap Macaroni Kid. You can sign up for Diane’s newsletter to get the scoop on all kinds of events around you!

All Weekend; Ongoing (Most not frugal, but sound fun…look in the rest of the list for more affordable choices)!

Footloose the musical at Tacoma Little Theater (Best for older tweens and up) Tickets 17.00-27.00

Happy Days, the Musical at Tacoma Musical Playhouse 20.oo-27.00 Approved for 4 and up; I’d probably take tweens teens with real interest.

Sesame Street Live at the Tacoma Dome

Friday

Free Crafting at Canyon/Puyallup branch of Umpqua bank May 11th 9AM-6PM Drop in to make a gift and enjoy a cookie.

Movies and more at the South Hill library 3:30-5:30 for school age children

Bobbing Butterfly Craft at the Summit Library 4-6 Paper and string craft would be a cute gift for mom. No registration required; preschoolers should bring an adult helper.

Make it; Take its at Michael’s 6-8 PM It’s a flower clip craft. Free for ages 3 and up with purchase of a flower clip.

Saturday

Most Farmer’s Markets are open. Get your fresh on!

Water Weekends at HCC Mast at Redondo Every Saturday you can get up close with critters in the touch tanks and learn about sea life. Free

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale in Lacey. Bag a bargain on clothes and gear for kids and baby!

Backyard Wildlife Festival in Tukwila Free event; kids’ activities; gardening information and more

Family Nature Walk at Titlow Park with Tacoma Nature Center staff

Moms ride free with any paying child, Mother’s Day weekend at the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie (Be sure to stop at the candy/ice cream shop).

Pierce County Library Events It’s a 2nd Saturday, which means every library in the system has free, family programming. Some require registration this week. Use the link to find something fun near you-highlights include kite making and the kids’ gardening club for school age kids at the Summit Library from 1-3.

Family Day at the Museum of Glass 1-4 It’s a family day, and artist Jennifer Adams will help the kids create a special flower bouquet. Included with admission. You Should be able to use the free library passes, if you can get ‘em.

Buds and Blooms garden tour Various venues in Federal Way host two days of garden fun, including tours and activities and crafts for the kids. Tickets are 20.00 for adults/ 10.00 for 12 and up; free for kids 12 and under. Save by purchasing in advance. Also on Sunday

Half-off admission for moms at Pt.Defiance Zoo Saturday, May 12th, plus many special activities. Expect a crowd at this one!

Key Peninsula Livable Community Fair Learn about gardening and emergency preparedness. New playground and touch a truck for the kids

Make it; Take its at Michael’s

Decorate a Cake for Mom at Top Foods 11-3 5.00 includes cake, decorating supplies, hat and apron Anglea from The Coupon Project found a similar event at Winco. I think there should be one at Fred Meyer Sunday.

Auburn Avenue Kids Presents The Lorax 2PM Tickets 6.00

Free kids gardening class with the master gardeners at the WSU extension in Puyallup. 1PM Click on, “Children’s Programs,” for a pdf schedule.

Wooden Boat Festival in Olympia Also Sunday; Go early on Saturday for free kids model boat building

Visit the LOTT WET Center in Olympia Every Saturday the center is open with free, science and environmental education activities Mother’s Day card making today

Parent’s Night Out at the HOCM in Olympia

Sunday

Happy Mother’s Day! Don’t forget to call your moms and, “Bonus,” mom figures today!

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale in Lacey. Bag a bargain on clothes and gear for kids and baby! Last day!

Wooden Boat Festival in Olympia

Buds and Blooms garden tour Various venues in Federal Way host two days of garden fun, including tours and activities and crafts for the kids. Tickets are 20.00 for adults/ 10.00 for 12 and up; free for kids 12 and under. Save by purchasing in advance.

Moms ride free with any paying child, Mother’s Day weekend at the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie (Be sure to stop at the candy/ice cream shop).

I have a few more suggestions just for mom in my Mother’s Day List. Check the dates-some of these were actually last weekend.

The forecast is for gorgeous sun all weekend. A great excuse to take a look at my list of great South Sound playgrounds and find a new favorite yourself!

Check the, “All weekend,” choices at the top, too!

Phew! That’s a lot of weekend fun! Don’t forget I have posts about South Sound family fun all the rest of the week, too! If you haven’t already done so, I hope you’ll consider subscribing to my emails or joining me on Facebook. If you’d like to support this site (Hey, thanks!) I appreciate you telling your friends about it, and telling my sponsors you found them on Sounds Fun Mom!

Looking for something to do for Mother’s Day around the South Sound?

I have a list of mom-centric ideas here, but if you don’t find something, I also have an even bigger list of weekend fun for the whole family.

Make it for Mom

Make it; Take its at Michael’s A variety of craft projects kids can make for mom. Most are free with purchase of required supplies.

Free Crafting at Canyon/Puyallup branch of Umpqua bank May 11th 9AM-6PM Drop in to make a gift and enjoy a cookie.

Card making at LOTT WET science center in Olympia May 12th 10AM-4PM

Go With Mom

Moms ride free with any paying child, Mother’s Day weekend at the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie (Be sure to stop at the candy/ice cream shop).

Family Day at the Museum of Glass Saturday the 12th 1-4 It’s a family day, and artist Jennifer Adams will help the kids create a special flower bouquet. Included with admission. You Should be able to use the free library passes, if you can get ‘em.

Buds and Blooms garden tour Mother’s Day weekend Various venues in Federal Way host two days of garden fun, including tours and activities and crafts for the kids. Tickets are 20.00 for adults/ 10.00 for 12 and up; free for kids 12 and under. Save by purchasing in advance.

Mother’s Day flute concert at the capitol Sunday the 13th

Half-off admission for moms at Pt.Defiance Zoo Saturday, May 12th, plus many special activities. Expect a crowd at this one!

Mommy/Son Sports Day in Fife

Treat Mom

Go here for my list of Mother’s Day teas. Check for dates and availability. Many are likely sold out, but who knows-you could get lucky!

Most every area restaurant will also host a special brunch. These are Pricey, but if you’re interested, here are a few worth checking out:

Mother’s Day Brunch with Mt.Rainier Scenic Railroad.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Lakewold Gardens

Mother’s Day Brunch at the Tacoma Art Museum (Note that the current gallery exhibit is on gender/sexuality and will be of interest to some but perhaps offensive to others. You make the call if you’re taking the mil).

For more traditional restaurant brunches, try Open Table to see what’s available.

Reservations are a must for all of these.

Found this list Googling around? I’d love to have you subscribe to my emails or join us on Facebook. I write just for South Sound families, and I have new, fun ideas every day and big activities lists each Monday and Friday!

Nothing here that sounds just right for your mom? Check my weekend list for even more ideas!

It’s finally bike season, and if you’ve got a kiddo about to graduate to two wheels (or four), you’ll want to make sure his head is protected.

If you’ve got a helmet, but you’re not sure it’s sitting on that little noggin correctly, here’s a helpful site with tips from the King County Department of Health, or you can also see a video from Seattle Children’s here.

You can also get a custom fitted helmet at very low cost at many locations. I have a whole list of ‘em below! Do note that most of these are undated pdf files, so call before you go. Most of these locations can also help you find free or low cost life jackets and offer car seat inspection.

King County- Go here and click on the downloadable list on the right, under the helmet. I got a weird warning about this file when I clicked, but it opened just fine, and so far nothing has blown up!

East Pierce County-Helmets are available from East Pierce Fire and Rescue for just 7.00 Monday-Friday between 8AM-5PM simply by stopping by the headquarters station in Bonney Lake.

Other Pierce County Locations-Scroll down to “Helmets,” and click on the hyperlink

Thurston County-Information here and many other resources from Safe Kids Thurston County.

Kitsap County-Harrison Medical’s site has lists for helmets, life jackets, and car seat inspection. Look in the right hand sidebar.

I hope you’ll consider sharing these links with your moms’ group, PTA pals, or other active friends. While I try really hard not to be naggy on this site, if there is one thing that makes me cringe, it’s seeing kids zooming around without helmets. Bike riding is great fun and exercise; just make sure they’re ready before you let them roll!

Here’s another fun idea if you’re looking for something to do for Mother’s Day.

I know a lot of my readers Are mom, or mom by another name-and yeah, it’s kind of weird to plan your own day….but, hey, at least that way you get what you want-like an hour to take a bath without someone coming in to watch or pounding on the door.

Top Foods is hosting this event on Saturday, May 12th, from 11AM-3. For 5.00, your kiddos get a 5″ cake to decorate, a decorating kit, and a pretty stinking cute hat and apron.

Fred Meyer has traditionally done a cake decorating event on Mother’s Day, too, which I think has always been free. I don’t see any info. about it in their ad or on their site, but if I get more scoop, I’ll let you know. You can also find more ideas in my Mother’s Day Events List. Some of those were last weekend, so pay attention to the dates. If you’d like to do something Today, it’s story hour at the Seymour Conservatory this afternoon. That and more, are in What Sounds Fun This Week. Btw, today is Teacher Appreciation Day, and I want to extend a special thank-you to my many teacher readers. If you’d like to thank the teachers in your life, a nice note is the best gift of all. I still have every one I got from teaching days.