There is a special family time at the Harbor History Museum on Tuesday. Photo property of the museum.
Wow! March already? Before you plan your week be sure to scroll just one down to read how you might be able to get a year of Family Fun magazine for free. I’ll also be announcing my cookbook winners in just a bit. A quick welcome to TNT readers. I write about affordable family outings just for the South Sound. Explore a bit and you’ll find tons of places to go and things to do with your family-no trip to Seattle or draining the bank required!
Got a tip, or need help with something you couldn’t find by searching or using the menu? Just drop me a line at soundsfunmom@hotmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Ongoing Events
Open playtimes at area Bounce House facilities; Playtime at area gyms; bubble time and art exploration at The Children’s Museum of Tacoma. Open playtime at Discovery Village
All Week
Story times have resumed at Pierce County Libraries. Every library has multiple story time events this week. Select the date you want on the calendar and find a story session at a library near you! Note that other PCL library links in this post are pdf flyers. Story times are also back in session at Tacoma Public Libraries. Scroll down to find the date of interest. I don’t list these separately due to space issues.
The Pt.Defiance Zoo is back on its regular schedule and open every day. Can you believe it’s March this week???
Monday
Budding Scientists (Scroll down) at Adriana Hess in University Place Two different times: 10:15-12:00 or 3:15-4:15 For home schooled children and other interested 5-7 year olds. This requires two day advance registration-call to see if you can still get in. If not, consider signing up for the next session mid month.
Tuesday
It’s National Pancake Day! Head to ThriftyNWmom to find out where to get a free short stack, or just make breakfast for dinner. Let everyone eat in their jammies, and you’ll be that much closer to bedtime!
Wee Ones Weekly 9:30-11:00-Special program for toddlers and preschoolers at The Children’s Museum of Tacoma. 7.00 per child plus museum admission (get the play pass from your library to score free admission). This event is also on Wednesdays.
Luna Moms Playgroup Moms of babies and toddlers and their little ones. Organized by Codi of Stroller Strides, but open to any mom. Free; This week’s group meets at the South Hill Mall play area for a special Tuesday session. Tell Codi I sent you! Want to see your playgroup listed? Just let me know!
Family Time at the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor 3:45-5:00 Every first Tuesday the museum hosts a special story time and craft for the whole family. This month’s theme is portholes. Regular admission + 1.00.
It’s 1.00 day at the Starplex in Federal Way. Catch Harry Potter, Mega Mind, Narnia, Gulliver’s Travels, or Tron. I haven’t seen any of these. If you have any thoughts on them, feel free to leave a comment.
Spanish/English storytime at the Puyallup Public Library at 6:30
Wednesday
Wee Ones Weekly 9:30-11:00-Special program for toddlers and preschoolers at The Children’s Museum of Tacoma. 7.00 per child plus museum admission (get the play pass from your library to score free admission).
Story Time with Leroy at the Tacoma Art Museum 11:00AM included with admission. Try to get an Art Access Pass from your library to go for free. Leroy is the name of the big dog sculpture in the lobby, in case you’re wondering.
It’s Read Across America Day and the birthday of Dr.Seuss. I haven’t been able to find local, public events yet, but you can take the pledge to spend part of your day reading with your child. I’m also devoting the Facebook page to all things reading Wednesday. Stop on by for a list of readers’ favorite read alouds and more! If you’re one of my South King County readers, consider stopping by your library to get a Ready, Set, Read form. After your child completes it by recording his/her minutes spent reading, it can be redeemed for a free book. A similar program for teens is called Read Three; Get One Free. Ask your librarian.
Thursday
Critter Club at the Point Defiance Zoo 11:00 Program for 3 and 4 year olds includes a story, craft, and animal encounter. 6.00/8.00 per child. 10.00 without preregistration. Obviously, you want to register! Got older kids? Check back later for a post on upcoming offerings at the zoo for school age kids and tweens and teens.
Beginning Science for 8-10 year olds at the Tacoma Nature Center. Morning and afternoon sessions available. Register in advance.
Gig Harbor Library Chess Club 6PM Kids in grades K-6 enjoy 20 minutes of instruction and half an hour of game play.
Friday
It’s a Free First Friday at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma
Nature Discovery Hour at the Tacoma Nature Center Special time for kids 2-7 to explore the Discovery Pond play area with a guide and special tools. 3.00 per child/2.50 for members
N is for Nutcracker 1:30 Story time at the nature center for preschoolers (scroll down for this event). 6.00 per child; reservations required; adults should stay with children 4 and under.
Read With a Dog at the Puyallup Public Library Drop in anytime between 3:30-4:30
Story times at Puyallup Public Library. Preschool time at 10:00; Toddlers at 11:15
Need a quick suggestion from parents near you? Head on over to our Facebook page!
RE: Starplex in FW movies:
Although Naria is a great movie, I don’t know that I would recommend it for young children. There is a scary seamonster like creature that even I, as an adult, found disturbing. It just depends on your child’s experience with this kind of thing. Otherwise, it far surpassed my expectations and definitely be worth your $1 to go see it in a theatre!
Thanks, Keri,
I actually found some of the first Narnia disturbing, even though I knew the story and the symbolism and loved the books!
I have a feeling it would be too intense for my kiddos, but I’m looking forward to starting the books with them.