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Donkey Creek Chum Festival in Gig Harbor

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2018 Donkey Creek Chum Festival Coming Up in Gig Harbor

Updated for 2018

Gig Harbor area friends, I want you to be sure to save the date for this fun and free event coming right up!

There are so many great things to do with kids this time of year, but this is definitely one you won’t want to miss.

It’s the Donkey Creek Chum Festival, and it’s an annual event celebrating the return of salmon to local waters.  This year the festival  is Saturday, November 17th . Most activities will take place in and around the Harbor History Museum.

This  family-friendly community event includes salmon tours; touch tanks, fish painting, and canoe, kayak, and Dragon Boat races. Bring a tote or a t for a fish print!

Btw, Harbor WildWatch and the Harbor History Museum are totally worth discovering if you’re one of our Gig Harbor area readers and  worth the bridge toll if you’re not!

You can get more information about the Donkey Creek Chum Festival here!

More information on salmon spotting around the South Sound is right here!

Meet TypeTastic For Schools

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I absolutely love that we have so many teachers and educators among our readers. I also love when I find products I believe in to share with you, which is why I said, “Yes!” right away when TypingMaster asked if I’d be interested in working with them again to tell you about the launch of the new school edition of TypeTastic, their amazing keyboarding program.

I got to try out the home version with my own son, and I knew right away it would be great for schools, too. I think most of you know I was a teacher before I ever started this site!

The TypeTastic Difference

TypeTastic is different than other typing programs. It utilizes a unique, color coded keyboard visual  and fun games that get children correctly using both hands right away. Kids can get faster and better at typing in less time with TypingMaster! 

My own kiddo has dysgraphia, which is a fancy way of saying that writing is hard for him. I was so impressed with how quickly he learned with this program, and he loved the game play!

A Free Kickstart is available through the TypeTastic website, along with a selection of complimentary games to help K–5 students to get familiar with the keyboard. You can check out that free Kickstart option here! 

Details for Your Principal

Need to convince your administrators? You’ll be glad to know TypeTastic is a great deal, and it was developed with schools in mind.

TypeTastic School Edition includes an entire K-12 keyboarding curriculum with more than 400 fun keyboarding activities and awesome tools for teachers.

TypeTastic School Edition works on every device without apps or plugins. The program supports single sign-on, and it can be integrated using Active Directory Federation Services (SAML 2.0).

TypeTastic School Edition is available at prices starting from $99 a year for a class of 40.

Get Your Free Trial

In addition to Free Kickstart games, TypeTastic offers an exclusive 60-day access to the School Edition where you can try out the Teacher Dashboard and the entire K-12 keyboarding curriculum. I’d love to hear how fast your students learn with TypeTastic!

 

 

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the innovators at

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun and Things to Do November 9th, 10th, and 11th

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Things to Do With the Kids Around Tacoma, Auburn, Pierce and South King Counties, plus Olympia, this weekend!

Note from SFM: This is our list of weekend events! If you are looking specifically for Veterans Day observances or free admission offers for Veterans, please check back for that updated list later today.

This list has things to do with the kids all three days this weekend!

Friday

Let’s Play Show at Olympia Family Theater

Let’s Play are dynamic, interactive shows that are performed in the lobby. They are between 20-35 minutes in length and perfect for the very youngest of audience members- toddlers, preschoolers and up. Giggles guaranteed! 10AM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday It’s Stone Soup. 5.00 cash at the door

Rock Painting at WiggleWorks

Author and Illustrator Wendy Wahman will be at the Orting Library 2:30pm – 3:30pm An all ages,  interactive talk with the author and illustrator of “Don’t Lick the Dog,” and “A Cat Like That.” Wendy will draw, read, and show you the fun of being an author!

Friday Fun at the Kobetich Library

Join TPL library staff at the Kobetich branch on Fridays from 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm for a fun activity! Activities will vary each week, but will consist of Family Game Days, S.T.E.M. activities, crafts, and more!

Just Between Friends event in Olympia

It’s Here! Another HUGE JBF Olympia Kids Consignment Event is right around the corner. Name brand items at a 50-90% savings compared to retail and it’s all under one roof in the Vacant Sport Authority in Cooper Point Marketplace, near the Capital Mall in Olympia. More than 30,000 square feet of bargains on kids’ clothing, gear, toys, and more! Free admission ticket at the link. Also Saturday and Sunday

Rogers High School presents Seussical the Musical   Fun for all ages! Also Saturday

Saturday

All Over

Storytime at Barnes and Noble stores Most area stores do a free, weekly storytime at 11AM; however, we do suggest calling yours to confirm first, as we have found participation to be inconsistent. It’s Juno Valentine and The Magical Shoes at most stores today.

Crafts at Michael’s  Santa themed crafts. 2.00/5.00 for 30 minute session, depending on age and craft 10-12; supplies included

South King County

Wizard’s Schools International Magic Show at the Kent Library 1-2PM

Presented by Professor Hieronymus Payne. All ages, ages 8 and younger with adult. Come for a magic show inspired by the characters and stories by J.K. Rowling, as the Professor guides all the lucky “first year” students through their orientation to the Wizarding world.

Veterans Day Parade in Auburn-It’s the largest west of the Mississippi! Great event to take the kids to.

Visit the Highline Mast Aquarium at Redondo Small but Free and has touch tanks where kids can feel sea creatures. This evening they also have a special event: Squid O Rama! 

Santa Arrival Outlet Collection

Puyallup/Greater Pierce County

Orting Turkey Trot

Bubbles, Volcanoes & Balloons Workshop at the Graham Library 10:30-11:30 Discover scientific laws through fun experiments including floating eggs, rocket balloons, effervescent bubbles, a baking soda volcano, dancing raisins and foil boats.

Movie Matinee in Fife   2-4PM Contact the help desk for the title!

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? at the Puyallup Public Library Screening of Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (PG-13), a documentary exploring the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children’s television host, Fred Rogers. Make toys for shelter animals during the show (supplies provided by the library). Toys and donations will go to the event partner, Sunny Skies Animal Rescue. *Recommended for 8 and up

Visit the North Pole at the fair. Get photos taken or just play! Photos require a reservation.

Santa arrival at the South Hill Mall

Home for the Holidays crafting event at Ben Franklin

Christmas Open House in Downtown Sumner I think this is mostly a shopping event, but it should have a festive atmosphere.

 Tacoma/South Tacoma

PBS Playdate at the Children’s Museum 

The Children’s Museum of Tacoma is proud to partner with KBTC to provide a PBS Playdate one Saturday a month from 10-11:30 am.  The event does not require registration and is free. It’s a Sesame Street theme today.

Craft Saturday at Job Carr Cabin 

Drop by Job Carr Cabin Museum for a monthly Craft Saturday event. Activities are designed for children ages 3-9 and their families. Games theme today!  Admission to the Museum and all events are “pay as you can.”

Neighborhood Toy Store Day at Teaching Toys and Books

Every child who attends will get a free toy and proceeds from the day’s sales will go to the local Ready Set Read program offered by Communities in Schools.

Family nature walk at McKinley Park

Naturalists lead free nature walks in area parks. Advance registration is now required; perfect for ages 3 and up; not suitable for strollers

Grand Opening of The Curious Bear Toy and Bookshop  Yes! A new independent toy store in Fircrest! We absolutely adore the owner, and are so excited for this. Paper Luxe, their original store, will also be having a celebration at the same time. 

Mini Sessions with Santa from Illusions of Grandeur   Need a more private, less drama Santa visit? Our talented friend with Illusions of Grandeur is offering holiday mini sessions with and without the big guy this Saturday.

The Falconer – John Prucich will be at the University Place Library 2-3pm Join licensed falconer, John Prucich, as we learn about falconry featuring live birds of prey.

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro

Children and all ages shows at the Science Dome presentations and shows on the overhead dome at the area’s only indoor, digital planetarium. This is really Such a great outing on a rainy day, guys, and super affordable, too!

Fiddler in the Forest Puppet Show – Presented by Heidi Larsen (Idea Hatch: STEAM for Kids) at the Tillicum Library   2:00pm – 2:45pm
Enjoy a shadow puppet show and make your own shadow puppets.

Olympia/Lacey/Beyond

Let’s Play Show at Olympia Family Theater

Let’s Play are dynamic, interactive shows that are performed in the lobby. They are between 20-35 minutes in length and perfect for the very youngest of audience members- toddlers, preschoolers and up. Giggles guaranteed! 10AM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday It’s Stone Soup. 5.00 cash at the door

Rain themed activities at the Wet Science Center  Admission and activities are free

Kids Club movie at Capitol Theater It’s an animated film festival movie today. I believe kids under 12 are 5.00. Link has more details on the title and tickets.

Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail The trail, featuring wild chum salmon, is free for visitors. Spot salmon returning to spawn with the help of trained docents. Do wear your boots!  There is more information for visitors here.

Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.

Gig Harbor/Kitsap

Winter Warm-up Holiday Crafts Fair at the Key Peninsula Civic Center  9 am – 5 pm. Santa arrives at 1. shopping, entertainment, food for purchase, and other festive fun.

Neighborhood Toy Store Day at Teaching Toys and Books

Every child who attends will get a free toy and proceeds from the day’s sales will go to the local Ready Set Read program offered by Communities in Schools. Karen Robbins, author of the Think! series, will be signing her books and crafting with kids.

Sunday

Note from SFM: If you are looking specifically for a Veterans Day Observance, please check the site later this weekend for a round up of those.

All Over

Free Day at Washington State Parks and National Parks! 

Tacoma/Pierce County

Boy Scout Troop 282 Veterans Day Ceremony at Skansie Park in Gig Harbor November 11th 2018 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

The program consists of a presentation of historic American flags, a traditional honor guard rifle salute, a guest speaker and refreshments after the ceremony. A special invitation goes out to all of our local veterans to join us and be recognized.

Olympia

Let’s Play Show at Olympia Family Theater

Let’s Play are dynamic, interactive shows that are performed in the lobby. They are between 20-35 minutes in length and perfect for the very youngest of audience members- toddlers, preschoolers and up. Giggles guaranteed! 10AM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday It’s Stone Soup. 5.00 cash at the door

Just Between Friends event in Olympia

It’s Here! Another HUGE JBF Olympia Kids Consignment Event is right around the corner. Name brand items at a 50-90% savings compared to retail and it’s all under one roof in the Vacant Sport Authority in Cooper Point Marketplace, near the Capital Mall in Olympia. More than 30,000 square feet of bargains on kids’ clothing, gear, toys, and more! Free admission ticket at the link. Last day-many items half off

Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.

As always, if you know something we missed or you’d like publicity or advertising for your group, get in touch via soundsfunmom@gmail.com.

If you use and love this list you can help us keep bringing it to you by mentioning Sounds Fun Mom to the places and businesses you visit. Thanks so much for doing that! 

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Family Activities For Sunday, October 28th

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Sunday South King County Featured: Tacoma City Ballet Presents Dracula Reflecting the legendary story of Vlad the Impaler, the Transylvanian Count Dracula, Tacoma City Ballet’s Dracula, an original ballet fashioned from this classic tale, will premier this October featuring fabulous dancers, a brilliant musical score, opulent scenery, and luxurious costumes. Dracula is suitable for audiences […]

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Things To Do Sunday!

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Sunday South King County JBF sale in Federal Way Score a bargain on gently used kids clothes, toys, gear, and more! Half off many items today! Reading with Rover at the Covington Library 1-2 Fall bazaar at the White River Buddhist Temple in Auburn I think this is mostly about food and crafts, but I’ve […]

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