Looking for fun things to do with the kids this weekend? I love how much FREE there is on the list for Saturday, especially! Highlights include free entry to parks and lands, free museum visits, and much more! Read on for all of it!
Updated for 2018
The kids are back in school and the mornings are getting crisp! If you’re looking to celebrate fall with apple fun, we’re here to help! The bad news is there are very few spots to go apple picking in the South Sound (or even very close), but there are several South Sound area apple events full of old fashioned fun and a few options for actual picking.
We’ve also linked to other options farther afield (Get it)? Read on for the whole round up! Note that this post is specific to apple events; I have another round up of harvest festivals that will be updated soon!
I decided to put this in the apple post since they’re offering cider squeezing! This one is hosted by Green Play Cooperative school on Saturday, September 22nd, and the public is invited. Other favorite activities include: eco face-painting, s’mores around the fire pit, free organic soups, free harvest muffins and baked goods, caramel apples, forest play and nature-crafting, strolling musicians, farm animals for snuggling, storytelling in the meadow, and more! A 15.00/family donation is suggested.
Meeker Mansion hosts their annual Cider Squeeze on Saturday, October 13th, 10:00am-4:00pm. Squeeze apples for some fresh cider, pick out a carving pumpkin, visit a favorite vendor, or munch on apple treats from the snack shack.
Last year, Wild Hare did an event just for CSA subscribers. I don’t see anything announced yet, but you may want to check in with them if you’re looking for tours for your preschool or homeschool group. They do also have organic produce available for purchase year round!
One of my kiddos helping with the wash and rinse way back in ’07. Ack! How did he get so big? Must have been all the apples….
Steilacoom Historical Museum Association hosts their annual Apple Squeeze on Sunday, October 7th. Make fresh squeezed cider and purchase apple treats. Last year’s event included apple trees for sale and an apple expert on hand to answer questions, along with children’s activities, pony rides, and more. If you’re new to the area, this is a lovely town, with an old-fashioned charm.
Lattin’s hosts a month long Apple Festival, beginning the last weekend of September and running through the last weekend of October. Plenty of apples on hand for sampling, and last year they had very low prices if you want to buy some to take home for munching. There are also animals to pet and lots of apple treats for sale. There has been a 5.00/car parking fee in the past; I haven’t confirmed that for this year yet. We have a more detailed review of this spot coming soon!
If you want to actually Pick apples, the Curran Orchard in University Place is where to go. Their annual apple squeeze event has past, but you can still pick apples. Here is the scoop from their fb page. Thanks to Kelly, who shared this with the V253Recommends group-a must-join for Tacoma area parents. Do note that you cannot pick from trees that have been, “Adopted.” If you want a sure thing next year, you may want to adopt a tree yourself!
The Pierce County Gleaning Project sends volunteers to pick crops that would otherwise go to waste. They are donated to area food banks, and volunteers usually get to keep some as well! I don’t know a whole lot of details about this program, but I sure think it’s cool. You can check it out and register as a gleaner. Do note that spots often go fast! If you have your own crops going to waste, you can also get in touch with them!
With the exception of the options mentioned above, if you want to have the kiddos pick lots of apples right off the tree, you’re going to have to find a generous neighbor (try finding your local Buy Nothing group on Facebook), or take a road trip. The closest options are found north, in Skagit County. To really multiply your options, you can head east over the mountains. Lauren of NWTripFinder has some fun spots in both areas. Btw, if you’re here via NWTripFinder, welcome! Our specialty is South Sound adventures, and we’d love to have you come back again!
There will also be lots of farm festivals and pumpkin patch fun in the weeks to come. Look for our updated guides to those soon. If you can’t wait, check out this fun post:
Updated for 2018! How to Save Money When You Take The Kids to the Puyallup Fair It’s fair time! Yes, already! The Washington State Fair (We still call it The Puyallup at our house) now begins Labor Day weekend. This post has my best bets if you’re looking to do the fair on a budget, […]
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Tacoma Play To Learn Looking for something fun to do with your preschoolers in Tacoma this fall? We’re super excited that Play to Learn is back! This is a FREE, drop-in program hosted at locations all around Pierce County. Every Play to Learn session is designed around a theme and includes play, group activities, songs, […]
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PEPS: Support, Social and Play Groups for Moms and Dads with New Babies Near Kent, Auburn, and Renton Have you just had a baby, or are you expecting a new baby soon? I am absolutely thrilled to tell you about a great sort of support for moms and dads today, from our new sponsors with […]
[Continue reading...]It’s a great weekend for family fun. We’re especially excited about the Moon Festival in Tacoma, a great family event, and a great way to explore other cultures. Speaking of which, the big Multicultural Festival is in Renton. We’ve also found a chance for you to meet Daniel Tiger, new theater for young children in […]
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Tacoma Rhea Lana Fall Consignment Sale 2018 Tacoma and Lakewood area mommas, I want to remind you that the big Rhea Lana consignment event is coming right up! Our readers have loved this Tacoma area kids consignment event for scoring awesome deals on high quality merchandise. We’re super excited to have sale owner, Josie, as […]
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Hey, Tacoma! If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do with the kids while they’re waiting for school to start, here are two cool ideas. Family groups can get free admission at the Tacoma Art Museum. From their website: TAM knows that families in our community value learning. To help families during the […]
[Continue reading...]Well, not quite all the kiddos are back to school, but that means some of you have extra time for family fun! Lucky you: I’ve got a list full of it, and there are lots of great things to do with kids in Tacoma this weekend, in particular! Highlights include Friday morning’s Rodeo Parade in […]
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Who needs something great to do with the kids this Labor Day weekend? We’ve found awesome free and cheap things to do this last weekend of summer (plus a few worthwhile splurges) in Tacoma, Puyallup, Olympia, Gig Harbor, Auburn, and just about everywhere else around the South Sound! Read on for all of them!
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Nathan Chapman Memorial Trail (The NCT Trail) and South Hill Community Park Contributing writer, Amy, has a report on a park and trail great for hunting painted rocks, taking a stroll, or having an adventure with new bike riders near Puyallup’s South Hill. If you’ve heard references to the, “NCT trail, ” and wondered where […]
[Continue reading...]Who needs something great to do with the kids this weekend? We’ve found awesome free and cheap things to do (plus a few worthwhile splurges) in Tacoma, Puyallup, Olympia, Gig Harbor, Auburn, and just about everywhere else around the South Sound! Read on for all of them!
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