Archives for December 2010

All Weekend-It’s the Last weekend for Fantasty Lights in Spanaway, Zoolights at Pt.Defiance, and Winter Wildland events at Northwest Trek.  *The trek activities are in the daytime. Note that tram rides are limited due to icy conditions.

Friday-

Train festival at the Washington State History Museum continues through tomorrow

New Year’s Eve party at the Hands on Children’s Museum in Olympia from 10-2   Special crafts and magic acts

Pt.Defiance Zoo’s last day for special animal enrichment activities and half off with a canned food donation.

Feel like a road trip? It’s the last day for Winterfest activities in Seattle.

First Night-Family friendly New Years celebration in downtown Tacoma

Read my post here for more First Night info. and other ideas for a kid friendly New Years Eve.

Saturday

Kids’ Build Workshop at Home Depot 11-2 (special time because of the holiday) It’s a battery organizer. SFM readers suggest going early to these popular, free events.

Polar Bear plunges in Olalla and Lacey .  SFM is Not suggesting you or your kids get into ice, cold water. In fact, SFM strongly advises against it. But it might be fun to watch others do it.

Moonlit Beach walk at Seahurst Beach in Burien

Sunday

Special holiday “cheapskate,” session at Sprinker. There are also skating sessions Friday.

Know something great I missed? Let me know! Next week is going to be jam packed with ideas as classes, story times, and schools all get back in full swing. This might be a good time to enjoy some quiet time and get the school things organized.

Whatever you do, stay safe, and resolve to have loads of fun with your family in 2011! I’ll be right here to help you out with that, starting with a big ‘ol list on Monday.

Don’t forget you can share your ideas for Sounds Fun Mom (or just hang out) on the Facebook page! You might also consider subscribing to my handy feed or reader.

We’re not big New Years Eve people here at the SFM house, mainly because the idea of staying up until midnight lost its appeal about two kids ago.

But, there is something about a shiny, New Year all full of promise. If you and your kiddos want to mark the occasion, here are some ideas for a kid friendly New Years in the South Sound!

First Night is a big, family friendly event in downtown Tacoma. Area museums have various hands-on projects, and performance venues will have special kid friendly shows. Some of them really do sound cool this year, like a mini ballet lesson themed around Alice in Wonderland, or rabbit headband making at the children’s museum. 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit-get it? There are also jugglers, giant puppets, fire dancers, and more! All the activities are free once you purchase a special “First Night,” button, which also gets you into all the downtown museums. Buttons are 10.00 for adults and 5.00 for kids 7 and up if you purchase in advance. Wait until the 31st and you’ll pay a bit more. Given the parking situation in downtown Tacoma, you may want to budget for that, too.

Now, First Night officially starts at 6:30, but most of the museums are closing at 5:00 (the Children’s Museum stays open until 7:00). If you’re interested in museum going, go earlier in the day and do that first. Then use the schedule and program to plan what other shows and fun you want to see. If you like a more active New Years, there is also a special fun run, Tacoma’s Last Mile. The First Night website has all the scoop you need, just be sure to go to the “Program,” section and look at the Just for Kids section, as well as Museums and Nonsense (gotta love it).

Want something quieter? Zoolights and Fantasy Lights are both open on New Years Eve, though not until midnight!

Or maybe you just want to wear the kids out and ring in the New Year quietly with your favorite T.V. host or your significant other. Pump it Up! has a special jump event in the morning for 2-6 year olds that just might do the trick. This event is 10.00 and includes juice and pizza. Reservations suggested.

Of course, another alternative is to find a sitter (good luck with that) and enjoy an adult evening.

Your sister already booked grandma? Consider partying with some of your pals. You can pick a time zone and celebrate the New Year at a kid friendly hour. Do some easy crafts if you want. We did this one year with our friends Mike and Jen, and it really was a lot of fun. The kids all jumped up and down and blew horns along with New York and everyone got off the roads well before midnight, which was great.

Whatever you do, make sure to stay safe. Let me know if you’ve got a great idea I missed! I’ll also have your regular weekend list coming up on Friday.

Photo credit: Nuttakit at freedigitalphotos.net

First, if you’ve got babes at your house still, there is a pretty hot diaper deal today. Go one post down for that (I’ve fixed the link if you tried earlier).

Snow?? I did not see this coming! Guess I need to start watching the weather! If you’re ready to go play in it, you might want to check my snow play post for some fresh ideas first. Too chilly? Today’s post is a quick, indoor craft that will keep you tosty. If you’re willing to brave the roads, I’m guessing you’ll find lighter crowds out and about. It’sWinterfest at the Morse preserve in Graham today, and kindie band the Not-Its is performing at the Tacoma library. As far as I know, both these events are still going on, but you may want to call before you head out. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know!

Read on to get your craft on!

Have you got leftover Christmas cards? I always feel a little weird just tossing them. If you do too, you might want to consider a little “upcycling.”

Now, as you know, I’m not crafty. Many of the ideas I found for repurposing Christmas greetings fell somewhere between, “You’ve got to be kidding me,” and “Not in this lifetime.” Tiny origami boxes? Luminaries sewed together with embroidery thread? ‘Um…not this mommy. But, I did find some ideas that seemed very doable.

Were most of your cards the photo variety? I think you could still do these crafts. In fact, the placemat one would be a really cute way to showcase family and friends. You could give it a title like, “People Who Love Me,” and let your little one enjoy eating with her peeps every night! You could also do what a friend of mine does and buy a cheap-o old school photo album just for photo greeting cards. She pulls it out once a year and everyone gets a kick out of seeing how families (and fashions) have changed.

Here’s a little summary of the best ideas I found. These were all on multiple websites, but I’m linking you to a Squidoo article because it has the best pictures.

-Card placemat  Cut and arrange leftover cards and pictures in an arrangement of your choice. Laminate it at the office supply store or just use contact paper. We did this at my younger son’s preschool, and I was surprised how much fun the kids had doing it.

-Puppets Cut out figures and glue them on popsicle sticks.

-Bookmarks-Like placemats; only smaller, ‘natch

-Cards & gift tags-If you’re a super organized mommy you can get a head start on next year. Bust out the decorative scissors and a little glitter glue and use parts without writing to craft tags and cards for next year’s giving! Tuck them away with something you’ll pull out early in the season. The article also suggests letting your kids make colorful confetti with a hole punch. I do believe this would occupy my kids for a good bit of time. I also believe I’d be cleaning confetti up until next year, but perhaps you could keep in contained! Hole punching can be challenging for younger kids, and it’s quite good for working on small muscle development.

For more details on all of these projects head right here. There are much more difficult projects at the beginning that would be fun for your older children. Truly, the little boxes are beautiful-I just don’t have the patience. The easier stuff is all the way at the bottom of the piece; just scroll down.

I’d love to have you come hang out with us on the Facebook page and share what you’re up to!

This time of year, a lot of schools start planning for science fairs. While these have a certain amount of ugh factor for parents (who do you think is making that poster??) finding a cool experiment is easier than ever thanks to a number of seriously cool web sites. Not doing a science fair? Even better! You can do some easy investigations just for fun!

Here are my fav quick five and some links to Lots more!

1.Colored flowers-You probably did this when you were a kid. Put a white flower like a carnation in a vase with some food coloring and water and watch it change color! Experiment with different shades and formulas. Talk about how water is traveling up the stem and how this process is the same or different from how a flower in your garden gets food.

2.Grow a carrot-Take the top of a carrot and place it in a saucer with water. The water should fully cover the bottom but not the whole piece. Place it in a sunny spot, and within days your carrot top will start sprouting leafy, fern-like branches. You won’t ever get a new carrot, but it does make for a pretty houseplant. Carrots are essentially a big root, and the top has enough left to continue absorbing nutrients and sprouting leaves.

3.Water glass xylophone-I used to do this all the time when I was a kid, and it’s still good fun, even though you dirty up all your glasses. Get out glasses of the same size and height and fill them with different amounts of water. Tap them gently with the flat side of a spoon to make musical notes. The spoon is producing sound waves that travel through water. Different amounts of water make different notes. Even if your kiddo can’t quite “get,” this, it still makes pretty music. Just don’t use your wedding crystal.

4.Lemon juice invisible ink. Use lemon juice and a paintbrush to write a message and on white paper. Let it dry until it becomes invisible. Reveal the message by exposing it to a heat source like a low watt lightbulb or a hair dryer (a grown-up should do this). We ruined at least one of my mom’s irons doing this (not recommended). Your kids will love being spies. Who knew chemical reactions were so cool?

5.Baking Soda Volacanos Kids tend to do these as part of volcano projects, but this is really about a simple chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar. My 7 year old has been known to make these just to kill a little time. Hey, who can blame him?

Know lots better experiments? Want to correct me on my science facts? Go right ahead! Really!

Need to find something more or less challenging? Here are some great sites to try:

ScienceBuddies.org A very organized site, especially good for finding an experiment suitable for a school science fair.

ZoomSci Based on the PBS Zoom series this site has loads of easy, fun experiments organized by science discipline. I also like that it includes comments from kids who have tried them and suggestions for variations.

BillNye Does anyone else remember watching him on Almost Live? A cool site for older kids. Check the “Parents and Kids,” sections for home experiments.

ScienceKids Colorful, comprehensive site with games and information as well as ideas for experiments.

Don’t forget that your library has shelves of books on easy science activities. If you haven’t ventured out of kids’ fiction, you’re missing out!

If you’re a home schooling family, I also urge you to look into the various science clubs at the Tacoma Nature Center (non home schoolers can enroll as well). There is also an outstanding program for 3rd through 5th graders through the Pierce County Library System based on the Fetch! series on PBS. It’s called Fetch! Club, and programs fill fast, so reserve your spot in advance.

Tomorrow is Winterfest at the Morse Wildlife Preserve in Graham, a special place that is open to the public only a few times a year. The preserve was donated by the Morse family and is managed by the Audobon Society and the Cascade Land Conservancy. It’s a rare  combination of forest, prarie and wetland habitats. Winterfest is a family event with nature themed games and crafts, as well as guided nature walks and hot cocoa (I do believe my kids would go tight rope walking for a cup of cocoa).

The event is from 10AM -1PM at

25415 70th Ave. E., Graham

For more information, call 253-565-1884

Sounds too chilly? Go right here for my list of best bets for this week. You might also enjoy exploring the archives, or picking some activities from Part One or Part Two of my homebound survival series.

We’ve been having lots of fun at the Sounds Fun Mom Facebook page. I’d love to have you join us there, or subscribe to my feed or reader. You can do all those things with the handy buttons in the top left!

I’ll be back later with some of my all time favorite science experiments (no laboratory required)!

One of the best deals going is the free museum passes available from area libraries. Just check ’em out like you’d borrow a book, show up at your museum of choice, and in you go! Here’s my attempt at a summary of your options:

UPDATED March, 2017

Note: The new Children’s Museum in Tacoma is free by donation every day, thanks to a very generous, 5 year grant from Key Bank. No special pass or coupon needed-just show up!

Pierce County Library System-Passes to the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, the Museum of Glass, and the Tacoma Art Museum Passes are on display in the lucite holders on the end of the stacks when they’re available. To check, type “Museum Pass,” into the catalog to search. It will show whether passes are in at your branch, although you cannot reserve them.

Tacoma Public Library Passes to the Tacoma Art Museum, the Washington State History Museum, and the Museum of Glass  You can search the catalog for availability, although you cannot put them on hold. I believe these are displayed in holders through out the library when available-please correct me if I’m wrong.

Puyallup Public Library Passes to the Tacoma Art Museum,the Washington State History Museum, and the Museum of Glass. To check one out, just ask a librarian. I promise they’ll know what you mean. You can check availability before you go by searching the catalog. The PPL catalog is super finicky, so if you don’t see it, just give the info. desk a call.

King County Library–Passes to the Bellevue Arts Museum, Kidsquest Children’s Museum, and the Washington State History Museum. You check them out online and take in a receipt. Very slick!

Timberland Regional Library System-Mobile Membership Pass to the Hands-on Children’s Museum in Olympia  Must go in to the library; very limited number; be prepared to put your name on the wait list.

Remember: All these libraries have reciprocal borrowing agreements, so if you have a card from one, you shoul be able to score a card from any other library on the list. Just limit your book borrowing to one location, or you’ll be giving yourself a headache (trust me on this)!

Other stuff: Can’t get a pass from the library? Go FREE to the big venues in Tacoma  on third Thursdays. Some locations have bogo coupons in the Entertainment book. Members of the military can go free through Labor Day through the Blue Star Museum program.

You might also consider becoming a member of any place you go frequently. Besides getting you in the door, members typically receive other discounts, and it’s a great way to support an organization you believe in.

Finally, you might want to consider visiting, smaller, less expensive museums. The White River Valley Museum in Auburn, the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor,  and the  Foss Waterway Seaport Museum in Tacoma are all outstanding, low cost outings. You can also try small spots like the Job Carr Cabin Museum in Old Town Tacoma or the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage at Brown’s Point that are FREE all the time! The Children’s Museum in Tacoma continues to be pay-as-you will for the next several years.  You’ll find posts on all of these in my archives.

Of course, I’ll also keep you updated on special bargains all through the year!

Here’s this week’s highlights for Monday-Friday. Please think of this as just a starting point! There is tons more to explore in the menu and archives, and new fun every day! Got some extra kids on your hands this week? Don’t worry! I’ve planned some special, all ages posts this week to keep you covered.

New here? I’d love to have you join us on the SFM Facebook page, or subscribe to my feed or reader!

Here’s What Sounds Fun for the Week of December 27th

Daily

Bubble Time and Art Exploration at The Children’s Museum of Tacoma Try to snag a pass from your library to go for free! Winter Blast art activities also available all day with admission.

Half off admission to Pt.Defiance Zoo with food donation. Special animal enrichment activities are also scheduled.

Special open play times at Jumpin Jack and Jill in Sumner Monday-Wednesday

Special holiday session at Jump! in Gig Harbor (best to check their FB page and make a reservation).

Monday

Special holiday themed activities at Northwest Trek *Trek is pricey. If you think you’d go even twice, you might want to apply the cost of your tickets to a membership-you can also get trek and zoo combo. memberships.

Model Train Expo continues at the history museum. Scroll one post down for all the info.

Johnny Keener concert at Discovery Village in Gig Harbor Requires registration; 16.00 per child

Tuesday

Snowflake making-All day event Kobetich branch of the Tacoma library  Also available Wednesday; If you want to make your own at home, read my post here.

It’s 1.00 day at the Starplex in Federal Way.

Wednesday

Winterfest at the Morse Wildlife Preserve in Graham  Yearly event includes a rare chance to explore the preserve, guided nature walks, and cocoa. 10AM-1PM

Not-Its perform at the Main Branch of the Tacoma Public library at 11:00 AM  Kindie rock group with danceable tunes for parents and kids alike.

Thursday

Not-Its performance at the Wheelock library at 11:00 AM and at the Moore library at 3:00

Mad Science at the Puyallup library. Free, fun science show for K-6th graders (I think interested preschoolers could also attend). 2-3PM; No registration needed

Gig Harbor Library Chess Club 6-7PM Weekly event for kids in kindergarten and up. Instruction and play

Lots more coming in the days ahead, including best bets for a kid friendly New Years Eve! Have you told a friend about Sounds Fun Mom today? You know she’ll thank-you!

When my boys were in the midst of their Thomas addictions the Model Train Expo at the history museum was an annual event for us.

The museum has a large train exhibit year round, but during this event every floor is devoted to all things choo-choo. Expect to find lots of model trains, some cool train safety freebies, and an area where kids can do train themed legoing (check out City Blocks if this sounds like the main attraction to you).

This is a popular event, so expect to have plenty of company. We’ve been at least three times, and the only section that seemed really too busy for fun was the Lego area. Your kids will definitely want to hang there anyway.  Just be prepared to help them share, and expect to drag them away under protest.

Admission to the museum is free for kids under 5; 6.00 for kids 6-17; 8.00 for adults; or you can get a family rate of 25.00 for two adults and up to 4 children. You can also use the bogo admission coupon in the Entertainment book. It’s on E27, and I don’t see anything excluding this event. Another option is to score the pass available at the library and go for free. You can get passes at Pierce County Library branches and King Couny Library branches. I thought they had them at Puyallup-but nope. Update: You all have been busy! I went tonight and all the PCL passes are checked out. If you’re willing to do a little extra work, you can get one from the King County Library System. If you do have to pay, it’s really not that bad!

When we go, we just pay to park in the lot next to the museum, but you can also try for street parking. Tacoma has recently installed meters, but parking is still free on Sundays. The rest of the week, bring some quarters, and read the signage as some spaces also have time limits.

Adriana Hess Park in University Place is a little urban treasure that is mostly undiscovered by folks outside of U.P.

It’s a two acre, wetland park with trails, a platform, a visitor center with nature displays and a small gift shop (seriously, can you go anywhere without having to navigate past a gift shop??)

Inside the visitor’s center you can find a library of bird themed resources, 20 bird nest displays, and bird specimens including hawks and owls. There are great volunteers on hand to answer birding questions.

It’s a nice, easy stop with kids, and you should find plenty of ducks and other waterfowl to check out.

Naturalists give guided tours on family nature walks, which is a regularly scheduled event designed just to introduce families to the park. What a nice opportunity to remind your kiddos that fun doesn’t have to involve batteries or a 30 minute hunt for parking!

The Audubon Center is open Monday-Friday from 10:00am to 1:00pm, based on volunteer availability, and by appointment. The park itself is open from dawn to dusk.

Looking to track Santa? All the scoop is just one post down!

First, I want to let you know that this is the only post I’m doing for the next two days. My family is going to trade me in if I’m on the computer on Christmas, and that would be a whole different blog! Don’t worry, though, I’ll be right back on the 26th with a post about a family walk at an urban wetland. If you need your Sounds Fun Mom fix before then, there is lots to explore in the archives, and you are welcome to post on the Facebook page. There are all kinds of fun area parents and grandparents there with tips on most anything South Sound!

If you need something to do with the kiddos today, why not bake an extra batch of cookies and take it to your nearest staffed fire station. First responders take turns spending holidays away from their families so we can all be safely home with ours.

If you’re out and about running last minute errands, remember to smile broadly and tip generously!

Thank you for all your support and enthusiasm for this site. Most of all, thank you for sharing it with your friends and family. As long as it keeps growing, I’ll keep on writing!