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Archives for September 2010

Play at Rainbow Play Systems!

September 30, 2010 by Maegen Blue

I’m trying to think of a good lead in for this post, but all I’m coming up with is, “Holy, cow. How did I not know this before?!!”

So, I’m going to go with that.

Here’s the deal: You know those amazing Rainbow Play systems? The ones with the tube slides and the climbing walls that your kids dream about every time you drive 167? Well, believe it or not, the Rainbow Algona showroom has open playtime every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:30-12:00. That’s right-your kid can totally go play on those Amazing play structures for Free! I know!

You do have to reserve your spot in advance, but I spoke with super nice Rainbow guy Mark this morning, and he told me there is rarely a crowd.  We are So there!

The play systems are all outdoors, so try to fit this one in before the non-stop drip season starts.

Don’t forget to check out my Chinook Book post and enter to win!

Rain, Rain, It’s Here to Stay: Indoor Playgrounds

September 28, 2010 by Maegen Blue

BallpitfadetextUPDATED: March 2017

Welcome to the South Sound Indoor Playground Guide! We have listed every indoor playground and indoor play space for kids in South King County, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Olympia, and Thurston County.

The indoor play guide is proudly presented by our friends at WiggleWorks! Visit them today!

The indoor play guide is proudly presented by our friends at WiggleWorks! Visit them today!

If you need a fun and dry place where the kids can burn some energy in Puyallup, Auburn, or just about anywhere….we’ve got you covered! All of these spots also offer parties and special events.

While we do try hard to keep this guide updated, it’s never a bad idea to confirm hours and pricing before you head out.As you can imagine in a list this size, changes are a lot to keep up with (if you know of an addition or correction, do let us know)! 

And, finally…if your kids just want to Bounce…we have a whole additional guide to area bounce houses with open play here! Play on!

 

South King County

The Jungle Gym , Burien

Open Gym sessions  at varying times, plus monthly date nights, camps, and parties.  From their site:

OPEN GYM

Explore, play, practice, or just have tons of fun!  Bounce down trampoline, swing like monkey on the bars, challenge your balance on the beams, climb the rock wall, ropes, and cargo net, then zip across the gym on the zip line! Open Gyms are supervised by our staff to safely maximize the fun! The Jungle Gym is appropriate for 6 months to 12 years. Children 3 years and under must be supervised by an adult.

Up to 2 hours of play during the weekday open gym times.
Tuesday  11:00-1:00 and 3:00-5:00
Wednesday  11:00-1:00 and 3:00-5:00
Thursday  11:00-1:00 and 3:00-5:00
Saturday   12:00-1:00 and Sunday 12:00-1:00

PRICES

Non-Members:  1 Hour $10 per child or up to 2 hours of play for $16

Members:  1 Hour $6 or up to 2 hours of play for $12

Need to run an errand? Additional drop off fee:  $4 for members and non-members, for up to 2 hours. Child must be 3 years old for the drop off service.  Children under 3 are always welcome with a parent or guardian.

MEMBERSHIPS

Become an annual member and receive discounts for some services including open gym and kids night out.

An Annual Membership is $25 for one child plus $10 for each additional sibling.

Kids Night Out Schedule

It’s every 2nd and last Friday of the month from 6:00-9:00 and costs $25 per child for members and $30 for non-members.  If you are interested in becoming a member, annual memberships are $25 for the first child and $10 for each additional child. Children ages 3-12 years (potty trained) are welcome and both members and non-members are invited. Reservations are required as space is limited. Call us 206-248-3547 or reserve online with the following link

Beginning September 6th, we will be offering up to 2 hours of play during the weekday open gym times.
Tuesday  11:00-1:00 and 3:00-5:00
Wednesday  11:00-1:00 and 3:00-5:00
Thursday  11:00-1:00 and 3:00-5:00
Saturday   12:00-1:00 and Sunday 12:00-1:00

Non-Members:  1 Hour $10 per child or up to 2 hours of play for $16

Members:  1 Hour $6 or up to 2 hours of play for $12

Drop off fee:  $4 for members and non-members, for up to 2 hours.

Fred Meyer, Multiple Locations

Supervised kids’ play area for use while parents shop. Yes, you must remain in the store, and no, this is not your date night solution. On the other hand, if your shopping list consists of a People magazine and a pumpkin spice latte, I won’t tell! 

Family Fun Center, Tukwila

Open daily (opening/closing times depend on day), except for special closures for private parties. FFC has a variety of indoor play areas. For smaller children (under 58” tall) Kidopolis is a fun play area where youngsters can climb, crawl and explore; admission is $6.00, socks required. Value packages are also available if you want to use multiple attractions. Check out the FFC Specials page or your Entertainment Guide for coupons. FFC is also frequently featured on Groupon.

Southcenter Mall Play Area, Tukwila

Recently remodeled play area with a rainforest theme. Located near the JcPenney’s mall entrance and conveniently situated near lots of kid friendly stores and the awesome family lounge area. The Food Court also boast family friendly eating areas.  Open during mall hours. 

Discovery Playtown Maple Valley

Themed play areas and fun. 10.00 first child/sibling discounts   Monday-Friday 10AM-7PM  (Last admission at 6); Saturday and Sunday 10AM-1PM. We have a detailed review of this new, fun spot here.

Smaland at Ikea, Renton

Shop while your potty trained kids play in the ball pit! Smaland accepts children up to 15 minutes prior to Smaland closing. Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00AM-7:45PM, Sunday, 10:00AM-6:45PM.

Kent Commons Indoor Park, Kent

Indoor Park is a traditional outdoor playground brought inside the Kent Commons Gym! Kids from 10 months to-four-and-a-half years old can play with toys, balls, and other playground equipment in a safe and dry environment. $2/visit, plus $1 for each additional child on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 9:30AM-11:00 AM. A 10-visit pass is $15. Parent supervision required (max 3 children per adult).

The Metropolitan Gym, Kent

Open Gyms are offered Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2-4pm or Saturday from 12-2pm. We often offer additional Open Gym times in the summer or during school holidays, please check our website or look for signs in our gym to look for additional times.

  • Member Pricing:  $9/hr or $11 for 2 hours
  • Non-member Pricing:  $11/hr or $13 for 2 hours

Trampoline Nation, Federal Way

All ages fun on trampolines!  Regular Hours

Mo-Tu: 4pm to 9pm
We-Th 3/8 & 3/9: 2pm to 9pm
Fr 3/10: 12pm to 11pm
Sa: 10:30am to 11pm
Su: 10:30am to 9pm
Jump time by the hour. No new jumpers after start of last hour.

Jumping
Mon – Fri: $11/hour (+tax), additional hours $7 (+tax).
Sat – Sun: $11/hour (+tax), additional hours $11 (+tax).
No jumpers under 3 years of age.

Be sure to also check their site or fb page for special events and parties.

FWCC Come Play With Me, Federal Way

The Federal Way Community Center has an indoor play gym.. Drop in and let your little ones jump in the inflatable bounce house and play with fun toys, while you enjoy free coffee, compliments of Poverty Bay. Parent participation is required.

Come Play with Me 

Come check out the Community Center’s indoor play gym. Drop in and let your little ones jump in our inflatable bounce house and play with our fun toys.

Drop in fee is $3 per child.
Punchcards $30 for 10 punches, 11th FREE.

Hours: Monday and Friday at 9:30-11:30am
(September – June), Friday’s only for Summer Break

The Commons Play Area, Federal Way

A FREE, brand new play space located just outside Macy’s. Open during mall hours, Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-9:00PM, and Sunday, 11:00AM-6:00PM.

Auburn Gymnastics Center, Auburn

Tot Open Gym:
Tot Open Gym is for preschool aged children (6 and under) and their parents. Parents are allowed out into the gym of our 17,000 square foot facility to play with their kids on all of our gymnastics equipment. This is a great indoor activity for you to do with your tots in the Winter. Come to Open Gym to let out some of that extra energy!
Tot Open Gym is avaialble at the following locations at a cost of $5.00 per child.

 Auburn: Monday and Wednesday from 11:30am – 12:30pm.

Sumner: Tuesday and Friday from 11:30am – 12:30pm.

Open Gym:

Regular Open Gym is for school age children and older!

Open Gym is available at both the Auburn and Sumner locations every Friday from 7:30pm – 9:30pm. The cost is $15.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members.

Les Gove Park Indoor Park, Auburn 

  Toddler Indoor Playground (ages 5 and under) – Bring your child for socialization and fun! We provide balls, games, mats, riding toys, climbing toys and more in the Les Gove Gymnasium (located at 910 9th Street SE).

  • Winter Hours 2017 (January 4 through February 27)
    Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30-11:00 AM

Cost is $2 per child per session. 10-punch pass also available. No more than three children per adult. No registration required. Parent or caregiver must provide supervision of children at all times. Closed: January 16 & February 20, 2017.

Call ahead for holiday closures, periodic kids’ night out events, and other family fun!  Note from SFM-Drop off option now available if you need to get some errands done. Woot! 

NEW! Drop-In Child Care – Drop-in child care is available for children ages 2 (who are potty trained)-7 years old. Cost is $4/visit or $3/visit with a punch card if parent is enrolled in fitness classes.

Kidz Playtime – Cost is $10 for two hours of care if parent leaves the building.

  • Hours are:
    • Monday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 4:15 PM – 6:45 PM
    • Tuesday 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    • Wednesday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 5:15 PM – 8:00 PM
    • Thursday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The Outlet Collection Play Area, Auburn

A northwest themed soft play area near the Sam’s Club entrance to the mall. There is also a carousel near the Food Court. While the play area is often swamped, the mall itself is never crowded and easier to navigate than the large malls. Open during mall hours. 

Peak Gymastics, Enumclaw

INDOOR PARK         ($4 per child)                      Wednesday and Fridays         12:00 – 2:00 pm
PARENTS NIGHT OUT    ( $10 per child)       Fridays                                                7:30 – 10:30pm
KIDS NIGHT OUT     ( $10 per child)                Saturdays                                          7:00 – 10:00pm

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED!!

Pierce County

WiggleWorks, Puyallup

WiggleWorks Puyallup

Award winning soft play and moving equipment for young children is featured at this indoor playground at the South Hill Mall. Open 10:00AM-9:00PM, Monday-Saturday; 11:00Am-6:00PM, Sunday. Admission on weekdays  is 7.00 per/child, and you can come and go! There are lots of deals available for WiggleWorks-save big with a monthly unlimited play pass, and be on the lookout for super party deals. More details at their site or on their Facebook page. We’re proudly sponsored by WiggleWorks-the cleanest, safest, funnest spot around for preschoolers and littles. We promise you’ll love it!

Indoor Playground, Sumner link opens pdf for fall 2016 schedule

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30AM-11:30AM, $3/child, everything set up with kids ages 1-5 in mind! There is music and lots of toys for a fun and safe play session. Parent supervision required; maximum 3 children per caregiver. Space limited to first 35 children. Located at the Robert Miller Gymnasium.

Fife Community Center

No daytime playtimes listed, but they do have Parents Night Out.

Kids Night Out (ages 5-12)
Parents, need a night out?! Drop the kids off with us to have a good time with friends! We will be doing crafts, playing games, creating a delicious snack, and more! Join us for an activity filled evening that will be one to surely remember!
Registration deadlines: 4/10
Dates: 4/14
Times: 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Cost: $15/childKids Night Out
(ages 5-12)

Indoor Play Park, Puyallup

808 Valley Avenue NW
Puyallup, WA 98371

Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30-11:30PM.  Drop-in, child must be accompanied by parent or caregiver. $2/child, $1/additional child.  Punch cards available. For children 5 and younger.

South Hill Mall Play Area, Puyallup

Noah’s ark themed soft play area near Old Country Buffet 

Tacoma Mall Play Area, Tacoma

A “Kidgit” themed play area near the food court, open during mall hours. 

Odyssey One, Tacoma

Odyssey One has a large jungle gym soft play park for kids 10 years and younger, laser tag and an arcade!

Our Jungle Gym Play Park Pricing

  • $6.95 for kids ages 2 and over Monday -Friday
  • $7.95 for kids ages 2 and over Saturdays & Sundays
  • $1.95 for little kids under age 2
  • FREE for kids under age 2 with a $6.95 or $7.95 paid admission
  • FREE for the supervising adults

Try to go early before the crowds and be sure to check your Entertainment Book for coupons. There are also frequent coupons in the Val Pak mailers.

Edgeworks Climbing, Tacoma

How about an indoor climbing facility? This is a great option for kiddos over age 6, but the facility offers climbing to anyone who wants to try it out!  Day passes are $14 for students, gear is extra. They offer classes, group events, and parties.

Climb Tacoma, Tacoma

$10 for a student day pass. They also host birthday parties, classes and group events. As with Edgeworks, this is a real-deal, climbing gym-not a drop in place for climbing toddlers.

Note-Frog n Kiwi is permanently closed.

 

Children’s Museum of Tacoma, Downtown Tacoma

A recently updated and renovated museum that includes a variety of play areas for children of various ages, including an art space, water play, and lots of imaginative play. Admission is pay-as-you-will. Open Wednesdays-Sundays, 10:00AM-4:00PM, closed Tuesdays, Members only on Mondays, 10:00AM-4:00PM. Check out their site for awesome kids’ programs and Parents’ Night Out.

STAR Center Treetops Playground and Sprayground, Tacoma

Indoor Playground Tacoma

An urban adventure play era with three different sections designed to engage children ages 6 months to 12 years old.  More than just “play equipment”, this is a creative experience that’s fun for the entire family!

Family & Group Play Playground
Indoor, Outdoor & Lil Leafs Toddler Area
Parent Required in playgrounds.

  • Mon-Thur 1-4 pm
  • Friday 1-6 pm
  • Sat/Sun 12-6 pm

 

Treetops Playgrounds are open daily, Monday-Thursday, 1:00pm-4:00pm; Friday, 1:00pm-6:00pm, and Saturday/Sunday, 12:00pm-6:00pm.  Do note that parents must supervise children at the playground and children must be 44″ tall to play on the Urban Adventure Course. To beat the crowds, avoid the Childwatch Hours which is a supervised childcare time for members’ kids using the facility.  SFM readers recommend a STAR center adult membership, which includes many perks for $26/month. Fees are based on a sliding scale and there is also a military discount.  Drop in day passes are $7/child or $15/month.

 

Tiny Tots Indoor Playground, Lakewood

Kids will delight in the opportunity to run, jump, climb and explore in this safe environment, while creating fun with oodles of toys and space. Parents supervision required, maximum of three children per adult. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30AM-11:00Am, $2/child. Closed June 15-October 3, 2017.

 

Discovery Village, Gig Harbor

Five play areas for children of all ages, including an indoor playground, Moon Sand Beach, The Village (imaginative play space for dramatic play), and Drawing Table. Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00AM-3:00PM, admission $8.50/12 months-12 years, $6.00/siblings, FREE for adults.

Kitsap County

Imagination Station, Port Orchard

Indoor playground and children’s classes. Open Tuesdays and Thru, 12:00PM-3:00PM, admission is $7/child, $5/siblings; first responders and teachers $6/child, $4/siblings. Military/law enforcement/teachers get $1 off! Parent supervision required. Date nights, preschool, and other programs available; detailed information on their site.

Ahoy Kitsap Playland- Bremerton

14 different fun activities for kids, including bounce house, play kitchen area,  21 foot tall slide,  sports zone, play cars. Admission is good for the entire day! FREE/12 months and under and adults, $4/12-24 months, $8/24 months and up, $6/siblings, $1 off for active duty military. Open, Mondays, Tuesday, Fridays, 9:30AM-5:00PM, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:30AM-7:00PM.

Thurston County

Charlie’s Safari, Lacey

Update March of 2017: location still not open.

Charlie’s has closed their Lacey location. They are currently working on construction at a new Hawks-Prairie location, anticipating a fall opening. You can check their Facebook page for updates.

22,000 square feet of indoor safari themed play, including a 2 story laser tag arena, huge arcade, play equipment and inflatables! Pride Rock Bounces for ages 5+, 3,000 square foot fully encased play structure, Big Game Hunt Lazer Tag (must be 4′ to play), Big Five Tykes Village (ages 1-4), and an arcade! Costs vary for each area from $6.95-$21.95. Check our their Pricing page for details. Open Mondays-Thursdays, 11:00AM-8:00Pm, Fridays, 11:00AM-9:00Pm, Sundays, 11:00AM-8:00PM. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for specials!

Black Hills Gymnastics, Lacey

Open gym for ages 6-17 Saturdays from 7-10PM 15.00 They also offer date night events as well as classes and parties.

                                                 

Cabela’s, Lacey

There’s no play area here, but there is lots to look at in the 185,000 square foot showroom. Your kids can feed the fish and stare at all the museum quality animal displays, huge aquariums, and trophy animals interacting in realistic re-creations of their natural habitats. There is also an old-fashioned shooting gallery. Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00AM-9:00PM, Sunday, 9:00AM-7:00PM. 

Hands on Children’s Museum, Olympia

While not specifically a playground, this excellent museum offers multiple exhibit galleries for play and exploration. There is an arts studio, building area, forest, farmer’s market, water play area, and climbing structure. Geared toward children ages birth to 10. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10:00AM-5:00PM, Sundays & Mondays, 11:00AM-5:00PM. Outdoor Discovery Center closes at dusk. Admission (ages 1+) $10.95, Seniors (62+) $8.95, Military with ID, $8.95. The first Friday of each month, admission is FREE from 5-9PM. Deals to the museum are featured on Groupon and Living Social, so keep your eyes peeled! Check out their awesome website for plenty of information for first time visitors.

Westfield Capital Mall, Olympia

An animal themed play area near JCPenney is open during mall hours.  Reader Crystina says this mall has a lot to offer for the family, “A foam play area for tots, a family restroom with 4 or 5 changing stations, a kiddie potty next to the adults, foam toys & a movie playing, and nursing stations with curtains, plus there is a Chuck E Cheese for your older kiddos!”

Alley Oop Gymnastics, Tumwater

Indoor Playground for children under 6: Friday mornings 10-11:30 AM
Saturday evenings 5:30-6:30 PM
$7 per child; children must have an adult; no more than 3 children per supervising adult
Open Gym for older children: Tuesdays 10-3PM for kids 11 and under  Saturday Evenings 6:30-8:30 for kids 5-11  13.00
 Alley Oop no longer accepts checks, but take cash, credit or debit card.

::

For more options, check the Bounce House List for a complete list of bounce houses/inflatable indoor play places in the South Sound. I also have a list of malls with soft play areas.  You’ll find both of those in the menu bar under, “Rainy Day Play!”

Wiggleworks Puyallup halloween

Proud sponsors of the Indoor Play Guide. Visit them soon!

Plan Ahead for Fun, Farms and Festivals!

September 26, 2010 by Maegen Blue

Around the SFM house, planning ahead tends to mean scrambling around for the car keys and yelling at people to find their shoes…or really any two shoes at all.

I realize that not everyone operates this way, and so today I want to give you a heads-up about two super fun events coming up this weekend. That’s Days away-talk about advance planning!

The first is the Fife Harvest Festival this Saturday, October 2nd, in Dacca Park. There are tons of free things for the kids to do, from train rides to a petting zoo. I don’t see pony rides on the list this year, but there will be bouncy houses and the reptile man! The festival has a really great, small-town atmosphere. It’s not too slick, not too commercial-just good fun.

Also on Saturday is the Pierce County Farms tour. You can download the map and tour guide (Choose Pierce County only or you are going to be downloading a Really big file) and plan your route. We did this a couple years ago and had a great time, even though the first place we stopped was somewhere east of the outer boondocks. Our kids had a great time petting and feeding all kinds of animals-not to mention checking out all kinds of animal poop! At other farms you can get a tractor ride or shop for fresh produce.  The event is free, although it’s suggested you make a ten dollar cash donation at whatever place you stop first. The idea is to celeberate local farms and farming, and it’s a really wonderful way to help your kids appreciate where food really comes from. Just keep in mind that these are real, working farms. You’ll want to Wear Boots and bring something to clean your hands (I try to do this in the car-it seems like better manners)!

As long as we’re planning ahead, I’ll also encourage you to check back often this week. I’ll  have more options for indoor play, and I’m working on the very first Sounds Fun Mom giveaway!

Many thanks to all of you who have shared this site with your friends. I so appreciate the encouragement.

Last Day for the Fair!

September 26, 2010 by Maegen Blue

Hope you got out and enjoyed your Saturday because it’s looking like November again (or should I say May)?

Just a reminder that this is the last day to go to the fair. If you’ve decided to skip it this year, you have my blessing. I just don’t want you to be surprised! Remember: Kids are free today. Don’t forget to see my original post here for some money saving ideas. You can also go to the fair website for a list of what’s  free and fun today. Don’t miss the hobby hall and the baby pigs!

Already freed your glee? This afteroon you can take a guided walk at the Adriana Hess Park in University Place with a volunteer naturalist. The Audubon Society has lots of great programs for kids both at this location and at the one in Tacoma. If you know of a homeschooling family, it’s a particularly great resource for science instruction.

I’m working on some great posts for next week, so be sure to check back to read about the Fife Harvest Festival, the Pierce County farm tour, and indoor playgrounds.

I’d also still love to get your pumpkin patch recommendations. You can leave a comment here, on the Facebook page, or by using the contact page here at the blog, or my email-meg@soundsfunmom.com

Have a great day!

Take a Bite Out of Your Weekend!

September 25, 2010 by Maegen Blue

Wow! What’s that strange glow in the sky? It’s looking way too nice for cleaning and errands, friends. I hope you used yesterday’s post to plan something fun for the day. Just scroll down if you didn’t have a chance; it’s got tons of great ideas.

Thinking more low key? Many area Farmer’s Markets are still in full swing. Now is a great time to get fresh fruits and veggies to stock your freezer for the gloomy months ahead. Crazy talk? Most produce freezes really well in plain old Ziploc bags-no canning needed.

I’d love to hear about whatever affordable, family fun you find today!

Your Weekend Forecast: Fun and Free!

September 24, 2010 by Maegen Blue

There is almost too much to do this weekend. If you’re starting to lose track, here’s your run-down.

Smithsonian Free Museum Day is Saturday. My pick: The Foss Waterway Museum, which has tons of interactive exhibits for would be sailors young and old.

National Public Lands Day is also Saturday: Take a hike at Mt. Rainier or other federally managed lands. Your admission is free. Or

Head to the Snake Lake Nature Center for Green Tacoma Day.

Do the Fair Saturday or Sunday and get in free! Kids get in free this weekend with a special coupon. Adults can also get in free with a little work before hand. Take the bus for 1.75 each way (kids ride free) and avoid paying for parking. You might just have enough left to buy yourself a scone!

More?

Auburn has the Hops & Crops festival. It’s billed as a family friendly event with beer tasting for the grown-ups and a soda garden for the kids. I’ve never been to this one before, and I have to admit I’m curious what the atmosphere is like. If anyone knows (or goes), leave a comment.

Nisqually Watershed Festival-Bring a plain t-shirt and the kids can print a salmon on it! Plus, lots more kid friendly activities. Note that all parking for this event is off-site at the Schliter family farm.

Frontier Round-Up– A Western themed fun-run or walk at Frontier Park in Graham. Non-competitive race on a flat course.

Chowder Cook Off-Gig Harbor hosts its 10th annual battle of the bowls (I made that up-think I can sell ’em on it?)

Phew! I have lots more events to tell you about in the next couple days, plus the indoor playground listing, pumpkin patches, and the first Sounds Fun Mom giveaway! Thanks for sharing this site with your fun loving friends!

Ghosts and a Guest Post

September 23, 2010 by Maegen Blue

If you’re coming here from The Coupon Project-welcome! While this isn’t a bargain blog, you’ll find that many of my posts have a thrifty angle, as I’m firmly convinced that it’s possible to have fun without empyting the bank account or filling the gas tank twice. Head a couple paragraphs down for some great examples of frugal fun in our own backyard! Be sure to check around the archives, too. I have a great list of area bounce houses with open playtimes. I update my site daily, and I’d love to have you come back. Consider subscribing to my emails or RSS feeds, or “Like,” Sounds Fun Mom on Facebook!

If you’re one of my regular readers I’m going to take a minute to tell you about a really great post of mine that you won’t find here! This is kind of a big deal for me. As some of you know, when the boys and I aren’t off looking for adventure, we’re off shopping for bargains-usually with a fistfull of coupons. I’ve tried convincing the boys that this is also a fun adventure, but so far no dice. 

One of my very favorite bargain bloggers is Angela Russell, and she’s very graciously agreed to publish a guest post for me over at her blog, The Coupon Project. Even if you’ve never wanted to be a, “coupon lady,” you’ll find her blog a great source of thrifty inspiration (thrispiration?) Be sure to check out the pictures of her Amazing garden! Of course, I also hope you’ll head over there today to read my post on secret treasures at your local library-it’s a good one!

Now for the ghosts…

There are two really special events coming up at Fort Nisqually. The first is the candelight tour on October 1st and 2nd. While not intended to be spooky, it does involve walking around in the night and watching people in costume. It’s a chance to get a close-up look at life in the 1800’s. There will even be a blacksmith in action. There is only one nightly tour of the fort a year, and you’ll want to get tickets. When I called yesterday, I was told Friday night slots are going fast, but quite a few times remain on Saturday. 

       The second event is Bonfires & Boogeymen on the 29th and 30th. There aren’t tickets to this event,but put it on your calendar now, and I’ll remind you about it in the coming weeks. It’s an evening of old-fashioned ghost stories around a campfire. The events begins with gentler stories, and there is a cookie break before the more intense tales begin. A volunteer will come out and invite children to, “Go home if you think your grown-ups might be too scared.” How cute is that?

I spoke with storyteller, Jerry, and he assured me that while the stories are intended to be scary, they aren’t bloody or gory. He thinks 2nd grade and up is probably the target age. He also asked me to remind you to dress warmly as this is an outside event, and he said a seat cushion is a good idea, too! On the fence about this one? The Fort is participating in Smithsonian Free Museum Day so you could take a free preview during the daytime this weekend. Btw, the Fort was never used for military purposes. Read up about it before you go and dazzle (or annoy) your family.

.

You Can Still Do the Fair for Free!

September 22, 2010 by Maegen Blue

 If your children have already used the free ticket from their school, I’ve got  good news: Kids get in free this Saturday and Sunday. You’ll just need to go the the fair website, sign up for their emails, and print out the coupon. Now, this is a Brand New Deal this year. If you know of a family without free tickets for one reason or another, this is a great deal to forward them….or take your kids for an extra day of fair fun. Expect to hear that you’re the, “Best Mom Ever!”

At least for a day.

An Outlet for Your Artist

September 21, 2010 by Maegen Blue

I’ve got mixed feelings about this post.

Half of me is so excited to tell you about kids’ art classes at the Fred Oldfield Center. The other half wants to keep it all to myself-there, I said it.

The Fred Oldfield Center is located at the Puyallup fairgrounds. You’ve probably wandered in before-it’s got all the western art and cowboy things.

What you might not know is that the center offers art classes for kids  of all ages year round!

Jack did one of the daycamps this summer, and I was so impressed to find that the volunteer teachers really Teach Art. The kids aren’t just copying or crafting; they’re learning real techniques like shading and perspective.

There are a variety of classes for different ages and interests, and tuition is a genuine bargain.

I’d tell you more, but I’ve said enough….Seriously, if you have a child with an interest in art, and you live anywhere near Puyallup, do yourself a favor and check it out. Classes start at the beginning of October, and there are programs for adults, too! If you call and talk to one of the volunteers, she’ll probably call you honey. Love it!

Jump for Joy: It’s the Bouncy House List!

September 20, 2010 by Maegen Blue

BouncyHousePicMonkey

UPDATED: 3/2017

This is my complete list of South Sound Area Bouncy Houses. Be sure to also check out our Indoor PlayGround Guide!

Note that all these facilities require a signed waiver and socks must be worn at all times. They also all offer birthday party packages, but please-don’t try to sneak a party into open play! Times and fees vary, but generally, parents jump free. Most offer punch cards that will save you a bit if you go frequently. Some also offer sibling discounts.  Also, keep in mind that the atmosphere can vary from week to week. Some days, your little one will have the run of the place; others every playgroup in town will show up.  Be sure to read the listings for special deals, too!

:: Bounce at Diamond Square: Maple Valley-Black Diamond

Bounce it Up 360 in Black Diamond/Maple Valley is now called Bounce at Diamond Square  Same location!

Bounce360: Kent

Bounce it up 360-Kent still goes by the same name! Check their Facebook page for up-to-date info.

SouthSoundBouncyHouseList

Trampoline Nation, Federal Way

All ages fun on trampolines! Weekday open jump times begin at 4 PM, 10:30 AM on weekends. Check out their Hours page for more detailed info and special scheduling during school breaks. $11/first hour, $7/second hour. They also have a Monday special, and tween and teen nights.  Sounds Fun Mom is proudly sponsored by Trampoline Nation! Tell them you heard it here first!

SouthSoundBouncyHouseList

SJPAuburn

Super Jump Party Zone-Auburn

Multiple inflatables {parents welcome to bounce!}, foosball table, and a skeeball machine. This location does not have Open Play, and is only reservable for parties. Check out their Auburn or South Hill location for open play times.

SJPSumner

Super Jump Party Zone, South Hill

Open Play for $6.50/90 minutes with access to multiple inflatables, including a double lane slide, a pirate ship, train, and interactive toddler area.  Open Play, Monday-Saturday, 10AM-9PM, Sundays, 11AM-6PM, holidays open during mall hours.

SJPSouthHill

Bounce E House, Tacoma

Bounce E House has a shiny, new facility with a location convenient to folks in Lakewood, Summit, Puyallup or Tacoma and now under her management! Bounce E House has recently moved locations and can now be found at 11110 25th Ave E in Tacoma, just 5 blocks from HWY 512 and the Portland Avenue exit. They have also added additional options such as fun toddler toys, an infant/crawler play area, riding toys, air hockey, and an inflatable obstacle course! Outside food and drinks are welcome. There are summer discounts to be had, and playtimes 7 days a week!

Bouncy House Tacoma

Pump it Up, Tacoma

Plenty of opportunities for Open Jump times at Pump it Up at the rate of $8/2 hour session! Plus, you can reserve your jump time on their site so your little ones never have to be disappointed that the room is full! There are two separate jump areas that kiddos rotate through during the jump session. Pump it Up also holds lots of special events, including Parents’ Nights Out and offers birthday party packages. Check out their awesome site for lots of info.

PumpItUP

Don’t forget your socks! Happy jumping!
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