As you can imagine, these are popular and do fill fast, so don’t wait long.

The only downside? Your kiddos will probably be wanting some very expensive, “Toys,” at the end of their session-something to think about before you sign up.

Thanks, ThriftyNorthwestMom

My family loves to hike, but there were several years when it seemed like we had one disaster after another. If you have little ones who are too big to carry but too short to walk far, here are 10 outings that might do the trick!

Each feels like a real adventure, but they’re short and flat and won’t have you more than a few minutes from juice boxes, hand wipes, and real potties. You might want to consider trying a few as training runs before a longer adventure!

1. Snake Lake-Tacoma Nature Center  There are several trails around the lake. All are flat with plenty for kids to explore, and if your walk is a bust you can look at the exhibits inside or play on the playground. This is a FREE outing, too (though it’s nice to leave a donation).  If you want a wilder ramble, China Lake is right down the street.

2. Wildwood Park-Puyallup   Wide, easy trails through the woods, plus a small playground by a little stream kids love to muck around in. Note: Several years ago the secluded shelters here were attractive spots for not-so-attractive behaviors. I haven’t heard reports of that in ages, but consider this your heads-up.

3.Shadow Lake Bog  Renton  A super short walk that goes on a boardwalk. Try a Friday preschool program!

4. Hylebos Federal Way  A boardwalk, a bog, and bunnies! Lots for kids to see on this flat, easy walk that feels like you’re really out in the wild. An old cabin to peer in at the trailhead, too!

5.Swan Creek Tacoma  This is turning into a mountain biking destination, but go now for a forested ramble.

6. Dumas Bay Federal Way   A stroll that ends in a beach? Check! Note that this is officially a wildlife sanctuary, so kiddos can wade and walk but shouldn’t dig up sand where critters are or take sand dollars home.

7. Near Gig Harbor? The SFM grandma recommends the Cushman Trail- a paved, but non-motorized trail that’s perfect for beginning bike riders

8. Near Lacey or Olympia? There are trails around the capitol itself, plus miles of paths at Priest Point. Readers also recommend the Chehalis Western  Trail .This is a long one, great for bikes. There are several different spots to start and finish, so you can make it as long or short as you’d like.

9. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge  Awesome playground and visitor center, plus a flat boardwalk. A great place to take bird watchers. The walk itself is actually quite long if you do the whole thing, but no one says you have to!

10. The trails at Point Defiance. If you just hit Point Defiance for the zoo, it’s time to explore! There are several trails in the park that have the feel of a hike.

For more options, try this Pierce County Walking Guide! (this is a large pdf)

When you’re ready for a longer adventure, the Washington Trails Association is wonderful for finding actual hikes, and I’ll have lots of great ones to share with you all summer long! Do you know a good walk I missed? Leave a comment and let us know!

Virtually every city hosts free concerts during the summer months. I’ve only listed those specifically geared towards children here.  If you know one I missed, let me know!

Kent

Wednesday kids’ concerts at noon at the town plaza    *There is a water feature here, so you may want to bring a change of clothes!

• July 110th Tickle Tune Typhoon
• July 17th Roberto the Magnificent
• July 24th Dr.Kaboom!
• July 31st  Shokoto  African world music
• August 7th Recess Monkey
• August 14th Caspar Babypants

Auburn

Kids’ Summer Stage

Noon concerts at Les Gove park every Wednesday beginning July 10th  Les Gove is home to the excellent Discovery Playground and the Rotary Sprayground.

• July 10 Recess Monkey
• July 17 Jeff Evans,  Magician
• July 24 Caspar Babypants
• July 31st Roving Reptiles
• August 7 Magic of Louie Foxx
• August 14 Rolie Polie Guacomole
• August 21st Sing along with Nancy Stewart
• August 28th  Johnny Bregar

Bonney Lake

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

Monday evening shows at 6:30

• July 8th  Magician Jeff Evans
• July 15th Last Leaf Theater
• July 22nd Caspar Babypants
• July 29th The Gothard sisters
• August 5th The Brian Waite Band
• August 12th Eric Ode
• August 19th Reptile Man
• August 26th Touch a Truck
• Tuesday Morning Shows at 11AM
• July 9th Son of Reptile Man
• July 16th Cap n Arr
• July 23rd Recess Monkey
• July 3oth Rowdy Referees
• August 6th Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth
• August 13th  Pacific Science Center
• August 2oth  Last Leaf Theater
• August 27th Touch a Truck

Puyallup (pdf file)  While all their concerts are family friendly, the only one I see of specific interest to the kiddos is Reptile Man at Pioneer Park, August 6th at 12

Tacoma  Last year, the STAR center hosted free concerts. I don’t see any scoop on that this year, but I’ll keep you posted. There will be many entertainers at the libraries.

Lacey-7 week children’s entertainment series  

Huntamer Park at 6:30 on Tuesday evenings beginning June 25th

June 25th Ropeworks-Interactive jump rope show

July 2nd  Reptile Man-Hands on reptile program

July 9th Ian Dobson Steel Drum party

July 17th Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth

July 23rd Brownsmead Flats  folk stringband

July 30 Recess Monkey

August 6th Henrik Boothe

There are also all kinds of children’s acts and performers coming to a library near you! Make sure you’ve signed up for your library’s summer reading program!

Photo Credit

Looking for something to do with dad in Tacoma, Auburn, Lakewood, Federal Way, or Your South Sound spot?

Here’s a list of South Sound fathers ideas and deals.

Many areas now have farmer’s markets open on Sundays. Find one a new favorite here.

Father’s Day Cruise-In at the LeMay MaryMount  BBQ is available for purchase; dads get in for 5.00   Vintage/Collector automobiles and motorcycles on display Note that this is the South Tacoma location

Father’s Day at LeMay auto museum (downtown Tacoma location)  special activities include a, “Hoods-up,” look at cars; 2 for 1 vouchers for the Nascar simulators  Admission charged

Old Town Dock reopening celebration  11AM-1PM   Enjoy the improved dock on Ruston Way.

Free Family Car Show at the New Tacoma Cemetary

Family Fun Swim at the Kandle Pool  2:30-5  Organized activities and fun prizes; included with pool admission.

Crafts of the Past at Fort Nisqually  Each weekend, artisans demonstrate a craft that would been used in the 1880s. While not a total bargain, a trip to the Fort is fun for most children and a good resource if you have one doing some kind of report. Demonstration of primitive fire starting methods today

Visit our new sponsors at City Goat Farm and Petting Zoo in Spanaway Here is their fb page .  Dads are free today!

 Dads jump free with a paying child at Trampoline Nation

Free admission for dads and grandpas at the Hands-on Children’s Museum in Olympia

Father’s Day events at the Museum of Flight

Dads are free at Wild Waves with a paid 14.99 admission

Father’s Day at Emerald Downs  First 7,000 get a free hat. Family fun days begin at 1PM today. Free pony rides, face painting, and more.

For events out of the area, or restaurant and retail deals and freebies for dad, see this list over at ThriftyNorthwestMom.

Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business?  Just let me know!

New here? I’d love to have you use the buttons at the top to join us on the Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or get my posts in your feed or reader. I also Love to hear about readers sharing this page with their pals and mentioning it at the places they visit, so thank you So Much for all of that!

South Sound family fun is right here!

Headed elsewhere? For Seattle or Portland area fun you’ll want to check out the fantastic list over at ThriftyNWmom compiled by the newest member of their frugal finding team, Annaliese of Grays Harbor Deals!

All Weekend

Olympia Family Theater presents a student production of The Wizard of Oz  Shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at various times  Tickets 5.00/8.00

Saturday

All Over

Most Farmer’s Markets are open  Find one here

Toys R Us Lego event  Kids can build a free Lego City police car  12-2

South King County

Story Time at the Federal Way Barnes and Noble   Pirates Don’t Change Diapers today  Says 1AM….pretty sure it’s 11.

Water Weekends with HCC Mast at Redondo Every Saturday visit the center for free from 10-2 and get up close with sea critters in their touch tanks  Octopus graduation today

 Dads jump free with a paying child at Trampoline Nation  all weekend

Saturday Story Time at Southcenter Barnes and Noble  11AM  Read to a therapy dog

Japanese Kite Making Workshop at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn  Tickets 20.00

Heavier Than Air theater at Green River presents Jack and the Giant

Puyallup/Sumner/Greater Pierce

U-Pick Berries at Picha Farms in Puyallup  Here is their Facebook page. If you’ve never gone before, you might want to read my post about our trip.

Tacoma

Got a brave kid? The spraygrounds are On in Tacoma! Free, open 10AM-8PM

Most Farmers’ Markets have opened! Has yours? Check here.

Bricks 4 Kidz  Build and Play with the Simon KidDigit Club at the Tacoma Mall   1-4PM

Summer Reading Kick-Off at Moore, Main, and Wheelock  Family friendly music at various times. Sign up for summer reading program while you’re there.

Metro Parks Tacoma Presents James and the Giant Peach Shows. Pre purchase tickets are 14.00 adults/8.00 kids   All tickets at the door are 20.00. Performers are students 3-18 from Metro Arts programs 7PM Friday or 2PM Saturday

Crafts of the Past at Fort Nisqually  Each weekend, artisans demonstrate a craft that would been used in the 1880s. While not a total bargain, a trip to the Fort is fun for most children and a good resource if you have one doing some kind of report. .  Also Sunday

It’s also What’s Cooking Day at the Fort.  Actors in costume demonstrate 1800s cooking techniques. Included with admission.

Family Fun Swim at the Kandle Pool  2:30-5  Organized activities and fun prizes; included with pool admission.

Block Play at the Parkland/Spanaway Library

Visit our new sponsors at City Goat Farm and Petting Zoo in Spanaway Here is their fb page . I’ve had sooooo many nice notes from readers who have loved it here. If you do, too, be sure to ask about their season pass! 10-6 today. Dress for mud and meeting animal friends.

Movie at the LeMay auto museum  (downtown Tacoma location)  Outdoor movie is free. You can purchase admission to the museum and enjoy the exhibits before the show. There will also be food for purchase, bounce houses and a zip line (fee).  The show is Back to the Future

Lacey/Olympia/

Make a Father’s Day card at the LOTT WET Science Center  Center is free and open every weekend. Kids 10 and up and their grown-ups can also tour the Budd Inlet water treatment plant today at 1PM. Closed toe shoes required.

Saturday storytime at the Olympia Barnes and Noble  1PM  Every Saturday  It’s the Summer Reading Kick Off today. Kids get a journal to record books read it. Kids who complete journals get a free book from selected titles.

See, “All Weekend,”above  for the Wizard of Oz at Olympia Family Theater

Gig Harbor/Kitsap

Open Play with our sponsors at Discovery Village  They’ll also have a time at the Costco event. Be sure to ask about signing up for summer camps, and tell ‘em Sounds Fun Mom sent you!

Penlight Summer Fun Run  5K and kids’ dash; Kids run fee; adults are 25.00

Savage Seas Exhibit at the Harbor History Museum; Harbor Wild Watch will have touch tanks in the lobby from 11AM-2PM

The farmer’s market at Uptown is open! From 9-10 every Saturday there is free entertainment for kids.

Story Time at the Kitsap Barnes and Noble   11AM Fancy Nancy story and coloring activity

Variety Show at the Key Peninsula Civic Center 7PM Family friendly magic acts with Jeff Evans and Alex Zerbe  Tickets 7.00 kids; 15.00 ages 13 and up

Recess Monkey CD release party at the Naval Undersea Museum in Bremerton

Kitsap area readers may also like to get the free newsletter from Macaroni Kid Kitsap

Sunday/Father’s Day!

Many areas now have farmer’s markets open on Sundays. Find one a new favorite here.

Father’s Day Cruise-In at the LeMay MaryMount  BBQ is available for purchase; dads get in for 5.00   Vintage/Collector automobiles and motorcycles on display Note that this is the South Tacoma location

Father’s Day at LeMay auto museum (downtown Tacoma location)  special activities include a, “Hoods-up,” look at cars; 2 for 1 vouchers for the Nascar simulators  Admission charged

Old Town Dock reopening celebration  11AM-1PM   Enjoy the improved dock on Ruston Way.

Free Family Car Show at the New Tacoma Cemetary

Family Fun Swim at the Kandle Pool  2:30-5  Organized activities and fun prizes; included with pool admission.

Crafts of the Past at Fort Nisqually  Each weekend, artisans demonstrate a craft that would been used in the 1880s. While not a total bargain, a trip to the Fort is fun for most children and a good resource if you have one doing some kind of report. Demonstration of primitive fire starting methods today

Visit our new sponsors at City Goat Farm and Petting Zoo in Spanaway Here is their fb page .  Dads are free today!

 Dads jump free with a paying child at Trampoline Nation

Free admission for dads and grandpas at the Hands-on Children’s Museum in Olympia

Father’s Day events at the Museum of Flight

For events out of the area, or restaurant and retail deals and freebies for dad, see this list over at ThriftyNorthwestMom.

Father’s Day at Emerald Downs  First 7,000 get a free hat. Family fun days begin at 1PM today. Free pony rides, face painting, and more.

Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business?  Just let me know!

New here? I’d love to have you use the buttons at the top to join us on the Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or get my posts in your feed or reader. I also Love to hear about readers sharing this page with their pals and mentioning it at the places they visit, so thank you So Much for all of that!

This list was compiled based on contributions from readers and participating churches last year. Most welcome children from preschool-5th grade. Many are free, while others now charge a small amount (20.00-30.00 seems the standard range).

Please know that I have not verified any information here, and I am leaving it up to you to do that and to make sure that the program offered is compatible with your family’s faith traditions.

I know this is in now way every church in the South Sound, so if you want to include Yours, just let me know! Leave a comment on this post, or send an email to soundsfunmom@gmail.com

Kent  Vacation Bible School/VBS

Calvary Chapel  No announcement yet, but they’ve hosted one in the past.

Auburn  Vacation Bible School/VBS

Messiah Lutheran July 22nd-26th  Spark! Summer theme  9:30-12:30 3yrs-6th grade 20.00/child-max of 50.00/family scholarships available  I found a registration form on pg. 9 of their current newsletter.  You might just want to call the office or drop in.

Bonney Lake  Vacation Bible School/VBS

Our Redeemer Lutheran   I don’t see new info. yet, but they hosted one last year.

Sumner  Vacation Bible School/VBS

Calvary Community Church  June 25th-28th 4yrs-5th grade; two times; 40.00/child (scholarships available)   Hang Ten/Surfing theme Registration closes 6/13 or when full

Puyallup Vacation Bible School/VBS

Bethany Baptist July 15th-19th SonWest (think cowboys)  theme 9-12  programs for 4-4th grade and 5th & 6th

Pilgrim Lutheran July 15th-18th  9AM-12  Kingdom Rock theme

South Hill Christian June 24th-28th South Hill runs an annual sports camp with a Christian theme  Evenings 5-8:15

Immanuel Lutheran July 15th-19th 9AM-12  Western/Cowboy theme 9-12  15.00/child or 30.00/family  They’re also offering a preschool day camp this year and a soccer day camp for young children

Nazarene Church I can’t find an announcement yet, but they’ve hosted one in the past.

Puyallup United Methodist  July 15th-19th  9AM-12  Everywhere Fun Fair is the theme

Graham  Vacation Bible School/VBS

Graham Emmaunel August 5th-9th

Tacoma  Vacation Bible School/VBS

Destiny City Church  July 22nd-26th Kids’ Camp theme

Our Savior Lutheran Church July 15-19 SonRise theme 8:55-12:15   kids 3 (potty trained) to 6th grade

Fellowship Bible Church  July15th-19th  9AM-12:30 SonWest theme

Fircrest   Vacation Bible School/VBS
Redeemer Lutheran July 29th-August 2nd  Theme is, “100% Chance of Rain,”   Details tba

University Place  Vacation Bible School/VBS

University Place Presbyterian July 8th-12th Kingdom Rock theme 10AM-12:30 30.00 per child

Sunset Bible  July 29th-August 2nd 10.00 day/per child or 50.00 for the week. Maximum of 100.00 per family  “Son Games: Going for the Gold” Kids K-7th 9AM-4

The Church on the Hill 9-12 July 15th-19th 30.00 per child; registration deadline July 5th  Gotta Move! theme
Gig Harbor Vacation Bible School/VBS

Angus Dei Lutheran July 15th-19th  Kingdom Rock theme. 25.00 9-12

Harbor Covenant August 12th-16th  SonWest theme 9-12 or 9-4, depending on age

Fox Island  Vacation Bible SChool/VBS

Alliance Church  July 22nd-26th  God’s Backyard theme

Lacey Vacation Bible Schools/VBS

Sacred Heart Catholic  June 24th-18th  9:30-12  25.00/child

Paramount Christian Academy  Extensive program, with 11 weeks of VBS day camps

Olympia  Vacation Bible Schools/VBS

Calvary Chapel  July 29-August 2nd   9AM-12:15  3-4th grade 30.00 per child or free if you’re without a church home;  Kingdom Rock theme

Olympia Bible Presbyterian  David the Giant Slayer theme  9-11:40  For ages 4-11
June 24th-26th

Want to include your VBS? You can just leave a comment with all the details, or email me at soundsfunmom@gmail.com  Please include: Dates/Price/Ages/Theme/Cost   Most importantly? Please leave a link! Thanks so much!

It’s  a  wooden chest with a Monster’s University tie-in. It’s not until the weekend after this one, but these fill faster and faster, so you’ll want to sign up now.

As of now, I do see spots at most South Sound locations for Saturday’s session. If you can’t get in that one, the good news is that they add Sunday sessions during the summer months!

I know many of you are regulars at these fun, free events. I’d love you to leave a comment with any know-before-you-go tips!

Jump parties offer tons of time in their safe, clean facility with plenty of room for the whole class. And, they start at a super reasonable 9.95 per child.

For more information, just call 253.777.3403  

They’d  also be glad to talk about hosting your home school group,  Sunday school classes, or your gaggle of Girl Scouts, too!

Of course, Jump! is also the perfect place for  your upcoming birthday party. I’ve heard from several readers that their Jump! party was their easiest and best yet. Their staff is so friendly and professional. You’ll really be able to relax and watch your kiddos have a blast.

All parties get exclusive use of the bounce area and the party room, Plus paper goods, Plus your own coordinator, Plus juice and water. That’s a lot of value for a party at a kid favorite spot.

You can get more details here, or give them a call at 253.777.3403  or just stop in.

While you’re there, be sure to ask about their great summer programs-including camps, a kids’ fitness class, and a season’s pass deal that is pretty amazing!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. We’re very proud to have local, parent run businesses as sponsors. I hope you consider thanking them with your business!

This year, the first session is the 17th. That’s (gulp!) next week! I’ll include these in our summer calendar, but I know many of you are collecting activity suggestions now, and I knew you’d want to add these.

Each session features a craft inspired by a different country or culture. They do all cost this year, but it’s a very reasonable. 2.00, which includes all the supplies, and the session is two hours (10-12).  During week one, the first 50 kids also get a reusable tote.

Kids 5 and up are welcome at these events. You are asked to register in-store. Now, I think they’d like you to stay and shop while your kiddos are crafting, but a 2 hour session seems like a Looong time to shop at Michael’s to me (I’m not crafty, though). If you’ve done these before, feel free to leave a comment about how crowded they were and whether you found you needed to stay-or any other crafty tidbits! The program runs for 7 weeks on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Well, Sleep Country has just announced two!

June 23rd, get half-off admission with your donation of new clothing.

August 25th, get half-off admission with your donation of school supplies!

Now, through the month of June, admission is 14.99 a person.…I’m assuming this discount applies to that price, which would make the per person admission 7.50-a bargain compared to a regular priced, summer ticket.

I’ve got a call in to our friends at Wild Waves to try and find out some more details, but I thought I’d go ahead and post these dates now for those of you who like to plan ahead.

If you aren’t going to spring for a season’s pass, these are likely to be among the strongest offers we see this season.

Don’t forget-All items are distributed to area foster kids in need, making this a true win-win for everyone!

For more information, head here to Sleep Country.

If you have great Wild Waves tips, feel free to share them!