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Archives for July 2011

What Sounds Fun This Week! South Sound Fun for Kids for August 1st-5th

July 31, 2011 by Maegen Blue

If you haven’t started grabbing those back to school supplies, you might want to think about it. You won’t get a cheaper box of crayons all year.

There is still plenty of time to get in summer fun, too. Here are my picks for fun for kids around the South Sound this week:

Ongoing Summer Activities

Free summer reading programs at all area libraries. Kids keep track of time spent reading (or being read to) and earn prizes! All libraries offer tons of free events in conjunction with these programs. I include some of these in my weekly list, but not all of them due to space restrictions. If you have a teen, there are several good ones I didn’t have room for this week. Check the calendar for the library near you (give me a shout if you need a hand)!

Spraygrounds in many areas are open.

Free Playground Programs and lunch

The fun squad is back in Puyallup.

Free Bowling and Cheap movies

Monday

Movies at Main It’s Gnomeo and Juliet at the main branch of the TPL.  1PM, doors open t 12:45. Just come on in.

Get Your Feet Wet Program with naturalists at Kopachuck State Park in Gig Harbor

Kids’ Club at Cedarview Park Bonney Lake park presents free kids’ concerts Monday evenings and Tuesday mornings.  6:30PM Free

Tuesday

Wild Tales  story and special encounter with an animal from the Pt. Defiance Zoo. in Fife at the Chateau Rainier Apartments at 12:15 and in the back parking lot of the high school at 2. Pierce County Library calendar. If you’re one of my Fife readers, don’t forget there is a free playground program and free lunch served at Colburn Park by the pool most days.

The 6th avenue Farmer’s Market Get your fresh on every Tuesday!

Car seat safety checks Free weekly check at Mary Bridge in Tacoma. Link has contact info. for fire stations and other sites for seat inspections.

It’s 1.00 day at the Starplex in Federal Way (tickets are just 2.00 other days). See link at the top of this post for more 1.00 movies.

Kids’ Club at Cedarview Park in Bonney Lake Performances every Tuesday at 11AM

Mom and baby class at Good Samaritan Two class times for moms and babies 0-12

Live Paint   Theater and art performance at 3:00 at the Moore Library or 111 at Main Register for the Moore performance

Readers’ Theater at the Swasey Library at 5:30  Got a dramatic tween? Kids in grades 3-5 get a script, props, and rehearsal time. Then family is invited back to watch the show. Registration required

Summer Sounds at Skansie Concerts by the water in Gig Harbor every Tuesday evening. Not geared towards children but family friendly Before the concert enjoy Touch Tanks at the Pier at 6PM

Wednesday

Hooked on History Wednesdays at 10:30 before the kids’ shows, the White River Valley Museum presents stories and crafts that will give kids a hands-on taste of the area’s rich history. Free  The museum is right next to Les Gove park.

Lego building club at the Mottet Library at 1PM  Drop-in progam

Auburn Kids’ Summer Stage Free Wednesday kids’ concerts at noon through August 10th. Les Gove Park  Be prepared for your kiddos to want to play on the playground and in the sprayground-you may want suits.

Wednesday’s for Kids Every Wednesday enjoy free kids’ entertainment at Town Square plaza in Kent 12-1  There are fountains kids may want to get wet in. . Top children’s entertainers all summer! The carousel is now open!

Live Paint   Theater and art performance at 3:30 at Kobetich Library or 12:30 at Wheelock Register

Whoopee! It’s Wednesday Program for kids 7-10 at the Foss Maritime Museum  Today’s theme is salmon.  12.00 for one adult and up to three children; register; limited to 20 children  12-2

Kids and Families Game Drop in Drop in at the South Hill Library between 1-3 for fun and games. Library calendar.

Cultural treasures  Learn songs and stories from Africa at the Eatonville Library at 2  For kids six and up; free; no registration required. Don’t forget to make sure your kids finish up summer reading program sheets this month and get them turned in by the deadlines (usually the end of the month) to claim their prizes! Library calendar

Juice and Jammies Wednesday at Barnes and Noble in Olympia 7PM Also at the Kitsap Barnes and Noble

Get Your Feet Wet Touch tank program at the Skansie Farmer’s Market in Gig Harbor with naturalists from Harbor Wild Watch

Thursday

Many noises; one voice  Entertaining performance by Charlie the Noise Guy at the Gig harbor Library  10:30  Free, all ages event, but come early to claim your free tickets. Library calendar.

Story Hour at the Seymour Conservatory 11 AM You can also read more in my post.

Read with a doggie friend Kids can drop-in anytime between 2-3 to practice their reading skills with a patient canine pal. Up today is mixed breed, Dan.

Get the season’s best every Thursday at the Broadway Farmer’s Market. The Olympia Farmer’s Market is also now open Thursdays-Sundays!

It’s story and craft day  at most Tacoma Public Library branches.  Hear stories from around the world and make nesting dolls inspired by Russia .  You need to register. From this list select your branch/time and fill out the easy form to hold your spot.

Free Market Play Day at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma Enjoy free admission every Thursday all summer!

Magician Jeff Evans performs for all ages at Tacoma Public Library branches today and Friday. Registration required at Most branches. Check the calendar for yours.

Say, Yes to Drums! Durm along with a professional musician Fife Chateau Rainier Apartment Complex at 6PM  For kids 6 and up; part of the library’s world cultures themed summer reading program.

Pierce County Fair begins today in Graham  Smaller fair with old-fashioned fun. Special prices and ticket deals through this link.

Friday

PenMet Family Theater presents the Wizard of Oz at Sehmel Homestead Park.

Pierce County Fair continues in Graham

Summer Sounds and Cinema begin in Auburn

Play Tacoma Free Family play nights at Tacoma Parks from 5-8PM

As always, I’ll have much more for your weekend on Friday, and I have loads of fun and frugal posts planned for all the days in between this week.

Know something great I missed? Need help finding something? Just let me know!

We also share quick ideas and tips over at the Sounds Fun Mom Facebook page . Come on over and join a growing community of fun loving South Sound families. If you’re new here, you might also think about subscribing to my feed or reader with those handy little buttons on the top right.

The Weekend List: South Sound Fun for Kids and Families for July 29th-31st

July 29, 2011 by Maegen Blue

Wondering what to do with kids around the South Puget Sound this weekend? Here’s your big list!

If you’re headed north or south, you’ll want to  check out the list over at ThriftyNWmom compiled by super bargain sleuth Sia of Centsible in Seattle.   If you’d rather stick to family and kids’ events around the South Puget Sound, I’ve got a whole list of them right here.

Saturday

Read with a dog Drop in at the Puyallup Library between 1:00-2:00 and practice your skills with friendly lab, Coach.

Visit your area farmers’ market!

Low Tide Event at Priest Point Near Olympia

Tiptoe Through the Tidepools Low tide event at Titlow Beach from 10-1  Free Naturalists on hand

Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games Also on Sunday at the Expo Center in Enumclaw Tickets start at 11.00 for children over 5  and parking is another 5.00. You can get half-price event tickets after 4:00; military discount  Get your kilt on!

Ethnic Fest at Wright Park 12-7 today and Sunday  Music, dance, and food from around the world; kids’ zone

Michael’s Passport to Fun Crafts inspired by Brazil 11AM-2PM Mask and snake

HC MAST water weekends at Redondo-The center is open again every Saturday from 10-2. Kids can touch sea critter in the tanks and learn about other aquatic animals. See the new octopus!  Free  Redondo

Story time at Kitsap Barnes and Noble Also in Olympia Find your store and check for details and call to confirm  Free

Outdoor Cinema in Puyallup Bring your blankets to Bradley Lake Park and enjoy a showing of Legends of the Guardian Returns at dusk; Free-concessions available

Outdoor Cinema in Lacey Saturdays at dusk; concerts before the show start at 7:00. Bring your own snacks or buy concessions Tonight’s show is The Karate Kid  PG  Huntamer Park

Click! Mobile cinema Enjoy Megamind outdoors at Wright Park at the conclusion of Ethnic Fest. Free; show starts at dusk

Touch a Truck South Sound Center in Lacey 10:00am to 6:00pm; Kids can explore a variety of trucks and meet the pros who drive them! $5.00 admission and free for kids under 5.

If you’re a member of the military, don’t forget about the Blue Star Museum program, which gives you and your family free entry to many area museums all summer.

Sunday

Low tide events at Burfoot Park and Tolmie near Olympia Free

Explore the Shore Low tide event at Owens Beach from 10:30-1:30  Free; Naturalists on hand

Salmon Bake in Steilacoom 12-4 at Sunnyside Beach  Tickets 14.00  Kids’ hot dog meal is 6.00. Entertainers on hand

Emerald Downs Sunday family fun days. Auburn   pony rides, face painting, KidsNClay

Waller Road Grange Community Fair and Chicken Barbecue  Old-fashioned games, pet judging, horseshoes, and more. 9AM-4PM  Waller Road Grange 2708 64th St. E  Tacoma  They don’t have a website that I can find, but if you’re in the area, you’ve probably seen signage.

Kaleb’s Groovin’ Dance Party 3PM Rainier View Park  Join 8 year old Kaleb and other fun loving Sumner kiddos for a little dance fun in the park.

Several of Saturday’s events also continue today.

If you love my list of family and kids’ events for the South Sound, I do hope you’ll take a minute to share the SFM love with a pal or two. I have a list just like this every weekend, plus weekday ideas every Sunday, and something new and fun every day in between!

I’d love to have you  join us on our Facebook page or subscribe using one of those handy buttons in the top right.

Know something great I missed? Don’t be shy: Let me know! You can use that contact link at the top or email me directly at soundsfunmom@hotmail.com

Playground Report: Discovery Playground and Rotary Sprayground at Les Gove

July 28, 2011 by Maegen Blue

Updated March, 2017

First, if you’re not on the SFM Facebook page, a quick heads-up that this should be the day Target discounts toys to 75% off. It’s a twice a year event and a great time to nab some goodies for Christmas. If you miss out, no worries…..another bargain is always round the corner. Moving on…..

Edit: One important note. My kiddos had such a blast here last time, that we returned today. Still fun, but my kid had a nasty fall on the sprayground. Reader CoreyAnn left a note on the Facebook page that they resurfaced it without the texture stuff. Not good! I still love the place, but I don’t want your kiddos or mine to take any spills. My suggestion, especially if you happen to live in the City of Auburn, is to contact someone on the council.

Honestly, I don’t know that this playground/sprayground needs a review. It’s a super popular place, which means there is a good chance you already know about it. Plus, it made the SFM Top 5 Playground List.

But….I’m going to go ahead and blab a little more about it, because it’s such a worthy destination for a summer day. I wish I had some pictures that captured the size of the place, but I don’t want to take pics of kids I don’t know, and I really don’t want to be the creep at the playground….kwim?

Les Gove Park is right in the heart of downtown Auburn, and it’s home to the truly amazing Discovery Playground and a super fun sprayground as well. If that’s not enough, you also have the White River Valley Museum and the Auburn library. Plus, in the summer months, you can score a free lunch. That’s a lot of fun in one stop.

Tip #1: If you have other stops planned, do the one with the sandbox Last!

The playground is a unique, barrier free playground full of things that appeal to all 5 senses. It’s designed to be friendly for kids with special needs, and I don’t think there is a kid around who would haven’t a ball on it.  It has way better than average equipment, including a big, ‘ol sandbox, a merry go round flush with the ground, and some saucer swings that really go. Best of all, it’s got that cushy rubber stuff under the whole thing-no pea gravel, no wood chips, no scraped knees…..yippee!

It does get very busy, but because of its size you never feel too hemmed in. Your kids Will have to share the popular equipment, so keep that in mind. It’s an open space, which I liked because I could see my big kid on the other side of the playground while I stood with Henry by the sandbox.

Now, if you have little ones, you might not appreciate the open setting, and you should also know that some of the equipment may not be suited for a little one when there are lots of other kids using it. Seriously-that merry go round is on the ground, but it can really move! You should also know that parking is even trickier than usual because of library renovations.

Tip #2: If you’re going anywhere near a sprayground, you need swimsuits-no matter what your kids say before you go!

The sprayground next to the park is also better than average. There are fountains to run through and under, as well as things kids can try to spray each other with. It’s bright and clean and very much has a waterpark look. Your kids will love it.

If the crowd at either spot is overwhelming, there is an old-school wooden jungle gym that no one really uses, or you can head into the museum, which is one of the area’s most kid friendly and a total bargain. There are also free museum programs and concerts on summer Wednesdays that I include in my weekly lists.

If you haven’t hit this spot yet, pack a picnic and get an early start. It’s got plenty of fun for a whole afternoon. If it’s not in your area, I think it’s worth up to a 30 minute drive-maybe even 45. If you’d have to trek longer, I think your best bets for comparable big fun are Wright Park in Tacoma and Sehmel in Gig Harbor, though the latter doesn’t have water features.

By the way, on our way home, we passed Terminal Park, a little neighborhood park with brand new playground equipment. One block away and totally empty. Not nearly the, “Wow,” factor you’ll get at Les Gove, but if you or the kids have enough of the crowds, it’s your Plan B!

Have you been to this hot spot? What did you think?

Daycation Idea #1: A Visit to Mysterious Mima Mounds

July 27, 2011 by Maegen Blue

A quick welcome to readers from The Coupon Project. I’m not a frugal blogger, but I can help you save money on family fun if you live in the South Puget Sound.

With summer here, I know many of you are planning vacations-or wishing you could afford one. With that in mind, in the coming weeks I plan on doing a few posts on day trips that will take you out of the usual SFM territory without breaking the bank. Think of them as daycations, if you want.

Don’t worry: If your budget can’t handle an extra tank of gas, I’ll continue to post local, South Sound fun daily.

My first idea takes you to the other-worldy landscape of the Mima Mounds, an odd area with weirdly symetrical mounds as far as the eye can see. It’s also one of the last areas of prairie left in the state. Mima Mounds is actually a generic term for these formations-there are a handful of similar places scattered around the country. Right now, the mounds are covered with grass and wildflowers, and you’ll see butterflies flitting about too.

There are easy, flat trails that lead around the mounds, as well as a small center (station?) that explains some of the theories about their formation. Theories have ranged from gophers to permafrost to native burial mounds. Part of the fun of a visit is that there still isn’t a firm consensus. See what your kids vote for.

A small brochure tells you about some of the wildflowers you’ll see, and you can head out to a viewing tower if you want

To get there, you exit I-5 at Littlerock just past Olympia. It took us about an hour from Puyallup on the way down and much longer on the way back due to the always slow traffic between Olympia and Lacey (Why does everyone stop there? I don’t know!!).

It’s a state DNR property, so you’ll need a new Discover Pass.

A couple words of warning: There is a large sportsman’s club nearby, so while you’re walking, you’ll hear gunfire. You’re not in any danger; it’s just odd. After a while, it sort of fades in the background, but if your kids are freaked out on the 4th of July, this isn’t the outing for them.

Also, keep in mind you’re in open prarie, so on a sunny day you’ll get hot fast. Wear your sunscreen or channel your inner Laura Ingalls and sport a bonnet.

If the mounds don’t fill your afternoon, you’re right by Capitol Forest and just down the street from Millersylvania Park. You could also detour to Wolf Haven (not a bargain but a unique family outing worth considering- there is a howl-in coming up) or any number of fun family stops in Olympia.

If you go to the mounds, make sure to slow your speed as you go through Littlerock, and follow the signs that say Mima Mounds NAP. You’ll see signage going the opposite way for Mima Falls, which is a short hike in the forest, but not one that will go to the mounds.

Photo by Patrick Rodriguez Used under a creative commons agreement

My boys were looking super cute on this hike with their junior ranger hats, but my camera wasn’t charged. I so need an assistant.

Have you got a unique idea for a day trip? Let me know!

If you’re new here,  I write just about events and ideas for our area, and I have new ones every day! If you enjoy this post, I hope you’ll also explore the site a bit, scroll down for some fun tips from earlier this week, or maybe check out my weekly list for an idea of what you’ll find here. I’d also love to have you connect with us on Facebook or subscribe to my feed or reader with one of those handy buttons in the top right.

Bus Tours at the Port of Tacoma

July 26, 2011 by Maegen Blue

Updated March 2017

Edit: Well, the bus tour is full, but the nice folks from the Port of Tacoma left scoop on upcoming bus (and boat!) tours at the Sounds Fun Mom Facebook page.

You can read about them here.

If you’ve got a transportation lover at your house, or a kid with an interest in global commerce (o.k. that one seems unlikely….) you’ll want to sign up for the free bus tour from the Port of Tacoma. It’s this Friday at 10:30, and you’ll want to reserve your spot via the contact info. in the link.

During the 90 minute bus tour you’ll  learn how goods move around the world via the Port right here in our backyard. Kids need to be 6 or older, and those 17 or up will need to show photo i.d.  If your kids are too young, but they’d be fascinated by rail cars and big ships, take them to the observation tower at the admin building where they can look out at the Port traffic. There are also a variety of free educational materials.

Brown’s Point Lighthouse Beach and Tours

July 26, 2011 by Maegen Blue

 

I’ve blabbed all about Brown’s Point Lighthouse Park before, but with summer almost (sort of, kind of) here, I thought I’d remind you about this great outing. You can play at the lovely beach and tour the keeper’s cottage!

Mapquest does a good job of getting you to this little gem. You’ll feel like you’re lost since you have to wind through a serious of small, neighborhood streets. I promise you’re not. The park itself is at the end of Tulalip St, after the dead end sign.

It offers gorgeous, rolling lawns with picnic tables and a prime slice of waterfront for beach combing.

I’ve never been there and found more than a handful of other visitors, usually folks from the neighborhood. It might be because there are maybe six parking spots-that’s it. There is a big, empty parking lot right next door, but it’s private property, and they don’t want to share. I honestly don’t know what to tell you to do if the spots are full, because the streets are way too small to park on. I think maybe you could drive up to the playground, park, and walk down, but it would sure be a trek. I honestly think if it’s full, you might be better off getting back on Marine Drive and heading to Redondo.

During the summer months, you can also tour the lighthouse keeper’s cottage, the history museum, the boathouse, and ring the bell. Tours run until November from 1-4 on Saturdays.  It really is charming, and there is plenty that kids are allowed to touch.  Tours are free.

You can also rent the lighthouse keeper’s quarters for 800.00 a week. Now, that’s a little out of our staycation budget, but it’s a pretty screaming deal for a week at a waterfront house (it’s got cable and wifi, too). Hey, hasn’t your mother in law always wanted to be a lighthouse keeper??? You can get much more information on the history of the lighthouse, rentals, and more from the Points Northeast Historical Society.

Want to spill the beans on your family’s favorite little beach outing? I’d love to hear about it!

 

Have You Finished Your Half-Price Reading Log?

July 25, 2011 by Maegen Blue

With the morning looking like curl up with a book weather, I thought I’d remind you about my favorite retail reading program.

It’s the one at Half Price Books, and your kiddos have just until the end of the month to complete their reading log (they can totally pull this off if you turn off the Wii).**

Most bookstores have summer reading programs, but in my opinion, this is really the only one worth doing. Instead of choosing from a handful of free books, your kiddos get 5.00 in Back to School Bucks to use on basically anything in the store! Now that’s a deal!

You can also still sign up for your library’s sumer reading program. If you somehow missed the scoop on those, you can read my post here.

Can’t get enough of bargains? The blogosphere is hopping with rumors that the Target toy clearance will start this week. Frankly, there is so much buzz on this one that I think you’ll have to be there when the doors open. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I’ll send you over to Thrifty and Thriving, where Christy has everything you need to know about the Target toy clearance.

Speaking of frugal fun, if you’re just getting here today, don’t forget to check What Sounds Fun This Week. I also have an upcoming post on a totally unique and free tour your transportation loving kids will really dig.

** In case you’re worried I’m getting all preachy, let me assure you I’m talking to myself here!

What Sounds Fun This Week: South Sound Fun for Kids and Families for July 25th-29th

July 24, 2011 by Maegen Blue

August? Holy, cow! My kids will tell you I’m turning into a bit of a nut job, hollering things like, “Stop playing and grab your shoes; we have to go have fun NOW!” I know….

Ongoing Summer Activities

Free summer reading programs at all area libraries. Kids keep track of time spent reading (or being read to) and earn prizes! All libraries offer tons of free events in conjunction with these programs. I include some of these in my weekly list, but not all of them due to space restrictions. If you have a teen, there are several good ones I didn’t have room for this week. Check the calendar for the library near you (give me a shout if you need a hand)!

Spraygrounds in many areas are open.

Free Playground Programs and lunch

The fun squad is back in Puyallup.

Free Bowling and Cheap movies

Monday

Kids’ Club at Cedarview Park Bonney Lake park presents free kids’ concerts Monday evenings and Tuesday mornings. This evening’s show is Brian Vogan and his Good Buddies 6:30PM Free

Tuesday

The 6th avenue Farmer’s Market Get your fresh on every Tuesday!

Make it; Take it Event at Michael’s It’s craft inspired by  today-part of their Passport to Fun program  11AM-2PM Free for ages 3 and up

Car seat safety checks Free weekly check at Mary Bridge in Tacoma. Link has contact info. for fire stations and other sites for seat inspections.

It’s 1.00 day at the Starplex in Federal Way (tickets are just 2.00 other days). See link at the top of this post for more 1.00 movies.

Kids’ Club at Cedarview Park in Bonney Lake Performances every Tuesday at 11AM  It’s musician  today.

Mom and baby class at Good Samaritan Two class times for moms and babies 0-12 months 3.00

Summer Sounds at Skansie Concerts by the water in Gig Harbor every Tuesday evening. Not geared towards children but family friendly

Wednesday

Get Your Feet Wet Beach programs with naturalists from Harbor Wild Watch at Penrose and Kopachuck Also on Thursday and Friday  Free begins at 9:00 W, 9:30 T, 10 AM  F

Hooked on History Wednesdays at 10:30 before the kids’ shows, the White River Valley Museum presents stories and crafts that will give kids a hands-on taste of the area’s rich history. Free  The museum is right next to Les Gove park.

Auburn Kids’ Summer Stage Free Wednesday kids’ concerts at noon through August 10th. Les Gove Park  Be prepared for your kiddos to want to play on the playground and in the sprayground-you may want suits. It’s

Wednesday’s for Kids Every Wednesday enjoy free kids’ entertainment at Town Square plaza in Kent 12-1  There are fountains kids may want to get wet in. . Top children’s entertainers all summer! The carousel is now open!

Whoopee! It’s Wednesday Program for kids 7-10 at the Foss Maritime Museum  Today’s theme is ships in a bottle 12.00 for one adult and up to three children; register; limited to 20 children  12-2

Juice and Jammies Wednesday at Barnes and Noble in Olympia 7PM Also at the Kitsap Barnes and Noble

Thursday

Get Your Feet Wet Beach programs with naturalists from Harbor Wild Watch at Penrose and Kopachuck Also on Thursday and Friday  Free begins at 9:00 W, 9:30 T, 10 AM  F

Story Hour at the Seymour Conservatory 11 AM You can also read more in my post.

Get the season’s best every Thursday at the Broadway Farmer’s Market. The Olympia Farmer’s Market is also now open Thursdays-Sundays!

Passport to Fun Make it Take it Event at Michael’s It’s an Olympic torch and other crafts inspired by   Part of their Passport to Fun program; free for ages 3 and up 11-2

It’s story and craft day  at most Tacoma Public Library branches.  Hear stories from around the world and make .  You need to register. From the calendar select your branch/time and fill out the easy form to hold your spot. It’s not too late to sign your kids up for the summer reading program. Hint: TPL has one for grown-ups, too!

Free Market Play Day at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma Enjoy free admission every Thursday in June, July, and August

Friday

Get Your Feet Wet Beach programs with naturalists from Harbor Wild Watch at Penrose and Kopachuck Also on Thursday and Friday  Free begins at 9:00 W, 9:30 T, 10 AM  F

Play Tacoma Free Family play nights at Tacoma Parks from 5-8PM

As always, I’ll have much more for your weekend on Friday, and I have loads of fun an frugal posts planned for all the days in between this week.

Know something great I missed? Need help finding something? Just let me know!

We also share quick ideas and tips over at the Sounds Fun Mom Facebook page . Come on over and join a growing community of fun loving South Sound families. If you’re new here, you might also think about subscribing to my feed or reader with those handy little buttons on the top right.

South Sound Sunday Fun for July 24th

July 24, 2011 by Maegen Blue

With so many events continuing today, I thought I’d condense them all in one post for you.

I’ll be back this evening with your list of fun for Monday-Friday

Peter Pan in Sumner Shows through the 24th  Tickets are 10.00-16.00 Photos available with Pan, Tinkerbell and Wendy following every show. Bring your camera!  Sumner

Hotrods galore at the Goodguys show at the Puyallup Fairgrounds General admission will set you back 18.00; kids over 6 are 6.00; younger children are free.

Auburn Avenue Kids presents The Jungle Book Tickets just 6.00  Matinee show

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Production by All Saints in Puyallup  My friend Jeanne says all ages would enjoy this production. Tickets start at 10.00

Pacific NW Mushroom Festival in Lacey Food, children’s activities, and all kinds of fungi fun (I made that up-I’m a little punchy; it’s late).

Renton River Days Tons of free entertainment for kids and families, including stilt walkers, a parade, the dizzy bus, a petting zoo, and more.  Here is a pdf of all of Renton’s summer activities. Scroll down for River Days details.

Pvt.Dogue Climbs Mt.Rainier 2PM  Reenactor at historic Ft.Steilacoom recounts his climb up Mt.Rainier

Low tide events at Burfoot Park near Olympia Free

Emerald Downs Sunday family fun days. Auburn   pony rides, face painting

Kaleb’s Groovin’ Dance Party 3PM Rainier View Park  Join 8 year old Kaleb and other fun loving Sumner kiddos for a little dance fun in the park

New here? I write just about fun for the South Sound, and I have new ideas for you every day! I hope you’ll consider coming back or subscribing with one of those handy buttons in the top right! Need help finding something? Just give me a shout-I’ll be glad to help.

The Weekend List: South Sound Fun for Kids and Families for July 22nd-24th

July 22, 2011 by Maegen Blue

Wondering what to do with kids around the South Puget Sound this weekend? Here’s your big list!

If you’re headed north or south, you’ll want to  check out the list over at ThriftyNWmom compiled by super bargain sleuth Sia of Centsible in Seattle.   If you’d rather stick to family and kids’ events around the South Puget Sound, I’ve got a whole list of them right here.

It's always a good day for a little beach time!

All Weekend

Hotrods galore at the Goodguys show at the Puyallup Fairgrounds General admission will set you back 18.00; kids over 6 are 6.00; younger children are free.

Auburn Avenue Kids presents The Jungle Book Tickets just 6.00  7PM Friday; matinee shows Saturday and Sunday

Renton River Days Tons of free entertainment for kids and families, including stilt walkers, a parade, the dizzy bus, a petting zoo, and more.  Here is a pdf of all of Renton’s summer activities. Scroll down for River Days details.

Ongoing

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Production by All Saints in Puyallup  My friend Jeanne says all ages would enjoy this production. Tickets start at 10.00

Peter Pan in Sumner Shows through the 24th  Tickets are 10.00-16.00 Photos available with Pan, Tinkerbell and Wendy following every show. Bring your camera!  Sumner

Want to visit the mountain? The Sunrise Visitor’s Center is finally open, but do know that you will still encounter snow. Take extra precautions with Any hiking this season-tricky stuff lingers thanks to our miserable spring.

Saturday

Visit your area farmers’ market!

Lowes Build and Grow It’s binoculars! Register in advance for this popular, free program 10AM

Pump it Up! Event The kids can Celebrate National hot dog day at this drop-off event. 10.00 Admission includes jumping, hot dog, and soda. Mention that you’ve liked them on Facebook and save 2.00.  11:30-1:30 for ages 4-10.

Enumclaw Street Fair vendors, carnival rides, games  9AM-8PM

Master Gardener Children’s Program in Puyallup  Free gardening program for kids  Learn all about worms and composting today! In the children’s garden at the WSU demonstration garden where Fruitland meets Pioneer.

Celebrate Amelia Earhart’s Birthday in Gig Harbor 3PM  Artifact display, discussion, film showing

Michael’s Passport to Fun Crafts inspired by Mexico 11AM-2PM Sun and tissue paper flowers

HC MAST water weekends at Redondo-The center is open again every Saturday from 10-2. Kids can touch sea critter in the tanks and learn about other aquatic animals. See the new octopus!  Free  Redondo

Story time at Kitsap Barnes and Noble Also in Olympia Find your store and check for details and call to confirm  Free

Wiener Dog Races at Emerald Downs

Bon Odori Festival at the White River Buddhist Temple  Bon Odori is a festival where Buddhists celebrate the lives of their ancestors. The public is invited to enjoy a variety of food for sale and watch dancing and drum performances.

Pacific NW Mushroom Festival 10AM-6PM  Food, children’s activities, and all kinds of fungi fun (I made that up-I’m a little punchy; it’s late).  Also Sunday You can purchase a $5 festival button at participating stores good for admission both days.  Thanks very much to Centsible in Seattle for that hot tip.

Outdoor Cinema in Puyallup Bring your blankets to Bradley Lake Park and enjoy a showing of Nanny McPhee Returns at dusk; Free-concessions availabl

Outdoor movie in Gig Harbor Free showing of Goonies at Skansie Brothers Park  Begins at dusk. There is a date night show for grown-ups on Fridays at Donkey Creek.

Outdoor Cinema in Lacey Saturdays at dusk; concerts before the show start at 7:00. Bring your own snacks or buy concessions Tonight’s show is Grease, the sing-along version  PG  Huntamer Park

If you’re a member of the military, don’t forget about the Blue Star Museum program, which gives you and your family free entry to many area museums all summer.

Sunday

Pvt.Dogue Climbs Mt.Rainier 2PM  Reenactor at historic Ft.Steilacoom recounts his climb up Mt.Rainier

Low tide events at Burfoot Park near Olympia Free

Emerald Downs Sunday family fun days. Auburn   pony rides, face painting

Kaleb’s Groovin’ Dance Party 3PM Rainier View Park  Join 8 year old Kaleb and other fun loving Sumner kiddos for a little dance fun in the park.

Several of Saturday’s events also continue today.

If you love my list of family and kids’ events for the South Sound, I do hope you’ll take a minute to share the SFM love with a pal or two. I have a list just like this every weekend, plus weekday ideas every Sunday, and something new and fun every day in between!

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Know something great I missed? Don’t be shy: Let me know! You can use that contact link at the top or email me directly at soundsfunmom@hotmail.com

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