Archives for March 2011

Today I’m very proud to tell you about a group of South Sound moms as sweet as their cause.

Free Cakes for Kids South Sound, is an all volunteer group of local baking moms whose simple mission is to make sure that no child in need goes without a special cake on his/her birthday. This is a national organization, and the local chapter was started by Mischell Devine-Nunner, who found an article about the group while flipping through a magazine on an airplane. Mischell has her own business, Cupcakes etc., and she is currently using the profits from that business to fund Free Cakes. The chapter began in 2008 with four volunteers, and has grown into a volunteer army of 100 bakers who turned out 607 cakes in 2010. Autumn Coolbaugh, the group’s marketing director, says they are on track to double that number in 2011. Wow!

The group gets requests from organizations that work with needy children as well as from individuals. Their bakers are all volunteers, and their cakes are made entirely through donated goods, often paid for out of the volunteers’ own pockets.

There is a lot to love about this group, but I think what touches me about it most is that it is such a simple but powerful idea. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get so discouraged about all the world’s problems that I just want to turn off the news and cover my ears. I love that these women have found a meaningful way to make a difference, as Autumn says, “One birthday at a time.” Finally, as a mom, I know that getting that first look at the cake (or first finger of frosting) is always such a, “Wow!” moment for my boys. No child should miss out on that.

How can you help South Sound Free Cakes for Kids? If you’re interested in applying to be a volunteer baker, you can contact Mischell.  You can also help by donating money or non perishable baking supplies. The group will also be at the big, indoor garage sale in Lewis County this Saturday.

You’ll also find information on their site about how to nominate children if you know a boy or girl in need whose special day would be made a little brighter with a special cake.

I was so excited to see a note from Kids Bowl Free in my inbox. This is a popular program, but if you’re not familiar with it, it works just like it sounds-you register your kids, and they get two totally free games of bowling every day, all summer long! Different centers have different policies-at ours we did have to pay for the cost of shoes, but  that was only about 2.00. Even better, many lanes start their program in the Spring. If you’re one of my Olympia readers, your kids can start getting free bowling April 11th!  There is also a family pass for 25.00, that lets grown-ups get in the fun, too.

To get in on the action, just go to the Kids Bowl Free site and find a center near you. You’ll either get the go ahead to register, or you’ll be invited to sign up for an email alert that will let you know when your center is registering. I know this sounds too good to be true, but we’ve done this three years in a row, and it’s been a great, go-to Summer option.

Updated March  2017

Have you been to the Harbor History Museum yet? Seriously, what are you waiting for? I mention the museum’s special events in my weekly lists, but it’s a great outing any day of the week with tons of interactive exhibits that invite your kids to touch and explore. You’ll want to make a point of going before the end of May so you can catch the current special exhibit, An Excellent Little Bay.

The museum is in downtown Gig Harbor. You’ll have to wind through the harbor to get to it (go 25). There is plenty of free parking right above. Hooray! After you get your tickets, go up and to the right, and you’ll end up exploring both galleries. As you might expect, exhibits tell about the history of the harbor, including the contributions of Native Americans, the first European settlers, and plenty about fishing, which was the area’s chief commerce for many generations.  What I love, love, love, about this place is that there are bright, yellow symbols indicating when exhibits are meant to be touched, and we found one on almost every second exhibit. On our last visit, Henry got to row a boat through a virtual tour, examine eggs, man a fishing boat, and pull in a skein of stuffed salmon.

The special exhibit, An Excellent Little Bay, tells about the first explorers to visit Gig Harbor as well as tons about early exploration, in general. Even if you’ve only visited the Harbor a couple of times in your life, it’s an excellent exhibit with plenty of appeal for all. Here kid friendly exhibits are marked with bright sails, and again, there are tons of them. Henry enjoyed hoisting symbol flags, trying on costumes from the steamer trunk, and fishing plastic bugs out of barrels of rice and beans (it was tough stuff, living at sea for years). Outside of the museum is an area where you can check out boats and get in the museum’s sailboat. To the left, is one of the area’s original one room schoolhouses. Don’t forget to check it out! It’s been lovingly furnished, and your kids will enjoy finding out about how boys and girls learned in the old days.

Even if you have to pay the bridge toll, the admission is a very reasonable 7.00 for adults, 6.00 for students/military/seniors and 5.00 for kids 6-17. Kids under 5 are Free, and group discounts are available. I think most kids 4 and up would Love it, and you and your older kids won’t be bored, either.  It’s open Tuesday and Sunday from 10-5.

Have you dropped anchor at the museum yet? Weigh in with your thoughts and tips! For more seaworthy fun, check out my post on the Working Waterfront Museum at the Foss Waterway Seaport. It’s also a very fun and affordable destination.

Quite frankly, Spring Break is getting off to a shaky start here at the SFM house. Henry has a fever and has been sleeping/watching Star Wars all day. I don’t know what is going to melt his brain first. His brother went to play with the older boys next door and came back with a scratch and a black eye from a fight with a blackberry bramble. Not sure why he got chosen for the bush whacking job…..

If you’re likewise in need of something to perk up your staycation, you might want to consider this deal from the Ideal Network, a new deal site that donates part of your purchase to charity (that’s right, I’m getting nada from this one….it’s o.k.).  The deal is a ticket for one adult and one child to the Seattle Bug Safari, for sure one of the city’s most unique attractions, for just 7.00-or half off. I actually bought this deal when it was offered through a different site, and my bug and science loving boys are so excited about it. You have until September to use your vouchers, and you can buy two. As always, read the fine print and make sure it works for your family. Keep in mind Seattle parking is going to cost you. Here’s the Bug Safari home page, if you want to check it out first. If you want to stick to South Sound fun, just scroll on down for a whole bunch of ideas! Tomorrow I’ll have a post on the one museum you Have to go to this month.

As promised, here’s your update on Tacoma Reads Together events. If you missed my first post, this year’s book is The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, a remarkable true story. It would be a great read with your older kids. I think it has important and inspiring lessons for all ages, but it does have some parts with tough subject matter, so keep that in mind. Here is a link to all events planned in conjunction with the book. Here is general information about the program and the book.

There are plenty of copies available for check out, but if you want to own your own copy, here’s a link to the book at Amazon,The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope (P.S.)

and your purchase does support this site-hey, thanks! If you’re reading this book, I’d love to know what you think!

Here’s your weekend list!  Headed to Seattle or one of our other neighbors? Check out the big list over at ThriftyNWmom compiled by super bargain sleuth Sia of Centsible in Seattle.   If you prefer to stay local, read on for the best of South Sound fun.

Ongoing

Note: HC Mast at Redondo is Closed Again this weekend for repair.

Heavier than Air Theater presents Tom Sawyer Tickets are 10.00 Recommended for kids 8 and up. Various show times this weekend and next.

State Fair at the Sumner Mane Stage (last weekend).

Norman Rockwell exhibit at the Tacoma Art Museum. On a budget? Wait until a 3rd Thursday  to go for free or try to score an Art Access pass from your library.

It’s the Last Weekend for sledding and snow shoeing at Paradise.

Friday

Story times at Puyallup Public Library. Preschool time at 10:00; Toddlers at 11:15

Nature Yoga at the Tacoma Nature Center for kids up to 6 and their grown ups. 10:30

Free Caspar Babypants concert at the library connection at the Southcenter Mall 10:30 ThriftyNWmom has some suggestions about how to make the most of this outing.

Kidz Kaboodle Sale Bargains on bargains! The popular 6th avenue kids’ consignment sale sells clearance items for just .25 cents. Read more here.  Thanks, The Coupon Project

.25 Admission to the Children’s Museum of Tacoma Celebrate the museum’s birthday on the 25th of each month with entry for a quarter and special birthday activities.

Read to a dog at the Puyallup Public Library Kids can drop in anytime between 3:30-4:30 and practice their skills with a canine friend. Scarlett the French mastiff is up toda

Saturday

The Farmer’s Market is open again in Proctor 9AM-2PM

Lowes Build and Grow It’s a Fortune Teller 10AM   Register in advance for these popular, free kids’ building events.

Spring Break Tropical Party at the Pt.Defiance Zoo Watch the sharks and fish devour special treats and participate in other activities around the zoo. The highlight is the chance to put your kid in a sea star costume (bring your camera). Included with admission. Also on Sunday

Stellaluna Puppetry performance in Tacoma; Tickets are really pricey, but nearly sold out. I’ll let you decide if it’s worth it.

Sumner Library Used Book Sale 10-4   Bag a bargain and help the library.

Graham-Frontier Park Yard Sale  9-3 It’s the start of bargain hunting season! The Magnificent Mutt Show starts at 10:00. Daffodil Princesses will be on hand during the mutt show.

Lego Racers Event at select Borders 2PM Check your store to verify participation. The store locator is a tiny, maroon link at the top of the page.

The Wet Science Center in Olympia offers free family activities every Saturday. This week’s theme is, “Stop the Drip.” Kids play a game to learn about water conservation and get to take home a book cover, stickers, and shower timer. This link is to a large pdf file. The home page is here.

Father/Daughter night at the Hands on Children’s Museum in Olympia Call to register and get more information. 35.00 per father/daughter pair

Pier Peer at the Boston Harbor Marina in Olympia 8PM  10.00 for adults; kids are free  A special chance to see sea critters at night. Register in advance. Read more here.

Sunday

Spring Break Tropical Party at the Pt.Defiance Zoo Watch the sharks and fish devour special treats and participate in other activities around the zoo. The highlight is the chance to put your kid in a sea star costume (bring your camera). Included with admission. Sunday only, the Daffodil Princesses will be on hand at the zoo entrance and also helping with activities.

The Knack free family event at Michael’s stores. Bottle cap creations. 1-3 or while supplies last (I’d go early).

Guided walk at Adriana Hess in University Place 4-5

Know something I missed, or have an event you’d like to see listed? Just drop me a line! Need advice quick? Head on over to the Facebook page. I’m very proud to have the most detailed list of family activities for the South Puget Sound. If you love it too, I hope you’ll take a minute to tell a friend about Sounds Fun Mom!

A quick note that you can score a subscription to Parents magazine for just 1.00 today through Barnes and Noble. Simply go to the site and add the mag. Then, use coupon code K4M8W9D to bring your price down to a buck. It has some cute ideas in it, but I get it mainly for the coupons. Hey, for 1.00, you can probably swing it! If you wouldn’t read it, you might gift it to a friend with young ones.

I’m excited to tell my Thurston County readers about the upcoming LMNOP kids consignment event at the Thurston County Fairgrounds.

LMNOP Consignment is looking for people that want to sell their gently used baby and kids clothing, furniture, toys, games, books, & gear like strollers, swings, etc.  Please visit www.LMNOPconsignment.com for more information about their sale or to register as a consignor.  You can also join their mailing list, volunteer to work a shift at the sale and shop early, or get more information about being a vendor at the sale with your family related business.

That’s right…a Shakespeare reference here on Sounds Fun Mom. This is not your average blog, friends.

Have you ever made your own bubble solution? It’s not an original idea by any means, but until recently I’d never tried it. Considering you can get vats of it at the dollar store, it just seemed kind of crazy, and all the recipes I found used glycerin, which is expensive and requires a special trip (you can get it at most pharmacies, and I suspect, Michaels).

Well, I found some recipes that use corn syrup (like Karo) instead! Who knows why I have corn syrup, but I do, so no extra trip or expense was required. Now, I think the glycerin would have given them a bit of that extra bounce, but we had great fun anyway. Here is a big list of recipes courtesy of the bubbly folks at bubbleblowers.com.

We used Anne’s from the middle of the page. It doesn’t matter how much you make, as long as you keep the ratios the same. We used Joy dish soap, and we made a giant casserole dish full for the cost of the small bottle of Joy and maybe 1/4 of the bottle of Karo syrup.

As you can see, the bubbles were Awesome! We’ve definitely never gotten results like this from the standard stuff. Do note that when I first published this post, at least one reader mentioned that the sweetness of the Karo might attract bees. Yipes! While this wasn’t my experience, if you have a kiddo with an allergy, please consider yourself warned and proceed with caution!

If you’ve got your own recipe for bubbles, or a favorite way to create them or play with them, leave a comment or drop me a line!

If you make your own bubbles, I’d love to hear what you think! Check back later for more fun, and think about joining a growing group of fun loving parents on our Facebook page!

Updated March 2017

It’s Spring, friends. Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and the mini golf places are opening back up.  Can you guess which of these things my boys are most excited about? Mini golf actually gives kids great practice with small and large motor skills, and they can practice math with the score sheet. We also allow rampant cheating if frustration is setting in-temper tantrums are supposed to be for the real golfers! Here’s a rundown of our favorite area putt putt places.

The Putting Zoo, Puyallup-You see this one from 167. The owner has had a long running feud with city officials, which he displays on colorful roadside banners. Don’t be put off by this; it’s a fun and friendly place. It’s a little tricky to find because you have to loop down a little back road sort of past the Cannery. There are two golf courses to choose from, both of which are pleasingly retro, complete with windmills, water features, and fading paint. It’s 6.00 for anyone over 48″ Those under 48″ but over 40″ are 3.00. The smaller set are free. There is also a bogo coupon in the Entertainment Book. They take cash only, and if you have to use their ATM it has a 3.00 fee. There are also go-karts and batting cages for an additional cost. You should also know that if you choose the water course, the river on hole 10 is part of the course-no need to try to fish your ball out and go for a slimy swim like Henry did-twice.

Parkland Putters This spot is a long time favorite that will have you feeling nostalgic. It’s closed for winter November-February.  They ask that you call for hours of operation 253 588 2977  They do close up if the weather is bad, so call before you head out….you probably won’t get a person, but they update their recording.

Tower Lanes Entertainment Center A newer course that came in with a major renovation and ownership change a while back-this used to just be a bowling alley, for those of you who grew up around here.

Performance Golf Center in Gig Harbor-This is a full service golf center with a mini golf course. It’s just after the bridge, and a game will cost you 5.00 for adults and 4.00 for kids-one of the more reasonably priced places if you don’t have to pay that pesky bridge toll.

For affordable, family fun head to Cascade Mini Golf in Yelm Adults are 5.00; kids are 4.00; under 5s are 3.00, and they offer a 1.00 off for members of the military. Opens in April. The course doesn’t have the, “Wow!” features of some or the retro feel of others, but it’s a clean and bright outdoor venue, and they offer special night golfing and impromptu parties-how many places do you know that encourage you to have a pizza delivered?

Shankz Glow Golf Olympia   3-D; black light; mini golf    Sounds like a spring break destination to me! There might be a coupon in the Entertainment Book. I can’t seem to find mine at the moment, but it would be worth a look because the prices are going to make yours eye pop-even before you put on the glasses (ahem…that will be 1.50 extra)!

Did I leave out your preferred putt putt place? Leave a comment. I’d love to hear about it!

Budget tight? My oldest spent the better part of several afternoons last summer making his own course with some old junk from the garage. It was great fun, though I’m pretty sure the neighbors were less than thrilled.