Archives for September 2011

Kalli wrote in to tell me about an upcoming Caspar Babypants performance my Gig Harbor area readers won’t want to miss. Those of you who are Caspar superfans will want to make the trip, too-you know who you are!

Caspar-aka Chris Ballew of the Presidents of the United States of America-is kindie rock that grown-ups enjoy as much as their little ones. If you really can’t listen to Wheels on the Bus one more time, lose that one in the car somewhere and check out Caspar Babypants.

The concert will be next Friday, October 7th, on Fox Island. Tickets are 6.00 each, and all of the money raised goes towards the Nichols Center Playground. You can get all the information, buy tickets via Paypal, and check out Caspar’s stuff over at the Fox Island Community and Recreation blog.

Want to see your group’s event on SFM? Just drop me a line!

Speaking of playgrounds, I’m hoping to have a report on the area’s newest one later this afternoon. If you’ve had a busy week like we have, make sure you’ve also read my posts on Apple Picking at Terry’s Berries, and checked out the 2011 Pumpkin Patch List. If you’re a fan of Thomasson in Enumclaw they have a 2 for 1 combo pass on Deal Saver today. Do read all the fine print-Deal Saver doesn’t offer refunds, and I don’t know enough about Thomasson to know how great this deal is-I know many of you love it, though.

I really can’t believe it, but this Saturday is the first of October!

Since there’s not holding off fall, I decided I better unveil my great big list of South Puget Sound Pumpkin Patches.

You’ll also find it in the menu bar above. I’ve again organized the list by, “Pumpkin Personality,” so you can find the spot right for the kind of fun you’re after. I hope you’ll check it out, leave a comment about your favorite, and forward it to all the boys and ghouls you know!  🙂

Edit: If you’re a fan of Thomasson in Enumclaw, it’s today’s offer on Deal Saver. I do think we’re going to see quite a few of these places pop up on the various deal sites. I’ll keep you posted!

If you’re in the, “Any weather is ice cream weather,” camp, this is your reminder that tomorrow evening from 5-8, you can score a free 30z., “Sprinkled With Wishes,” creation at Cold Stone.

It’s served in the, “Like it,” size cups. You can get a waffle cone or additional mix ins for an extra charge. The event is an annual fundraiser for Make a Wish, and you’re encouraged, though not required, to make a donation while you enjoy your free treats. I haven’t done this one before, so I’m not sure how much company you’ll have. My guess is plenty, but they should be prepared.

Well, the rain clouds have rolled on in, but there are still fun activities around the sound today. Grab that hoodie and get on out there!

If the weather has you thinking it’s time to curl up with a good book, you’ll be glad to know that the main branch of the Tacoma Library is now open on Sundays from 1-5!

It’s the Last Weekend for the Puyallup fair.   Read my post here for a great deal on parking. Everyone can get the kids’ admission price if you sign up for emails and print out the coupon.

It’s Alpaca Days at the Firwood Farm in the Puyallup Valley

Hudson Bay Day and Salmon Barbecue Reenactments of life in the 1800s, kids’ activities. 11:30-4  The event is free; There is also a salmon dinner available for 12.00 for adults and 6.00 for kids.

Family Walk at Adriana Hess Park in University Place  4PM    Free, family program with a guided walking tour.

I’ll have your weekday list up later today. Come on back and bring a friend, won’t you?

Here’s a quick update if you’re thinking about doing some volunteering in honor of National Public Lands Day Saturday.

Speaking from experience, most volunteer coordinators would really like to know in advance how many folks to expect, so I thought I’d give you at least a day and a half to plan (o.k….I admit planning ahead isn’t my strong suit)!

If you missed my earlier post, Saturday is National Public Lands Day, and anyone can get free admission to Mt.Rainier National Park and other cool places, including the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, where a special celebration is planned.

If you’d like to spend part of this day helping out, you have plenty of options:

Go to the National Public Lands Day site and find a project near you. There are tons all over.

Go to this link for projects at Mt.Rainier. You’ll need to scroll one down. If you volunteer on National Public Lands Day, you’ll get a coupon for free entry at a later date.

Go to the Green Tacoma site for volunteer projects in the greater Tacoma area.

Go to your local parks’ department site to see if something is planned. I know there are some events at Puyallup parks.

Please do Read a bit about the project you’re considering, and get in touch with the coordinator if one is listed. Some events welcome all ages, but many want only older children. Also pay attention to any special instructions about parking, clothing, and so forth. Finally, as I mentioned before, go to the event you’ve chosen early, especially if you’re taking along Scouts or a school group. Show up late, and all the “good,” dirty jobs will be done.

There are Tons of events coming up this weekend. If you want to look at all your options before you commit, be sure to check the weekend list. As usual, I’ll have that for you tomorrow morning.

Here’s a quick heads-up on two great deals to family friendly theater.

First, Auburn Avenue Kids is back with a new production. The Ugliest Duckling shows this weekend. As always, tickets are just 6.00 each. While I get that that adds up if you take the whole family, it’s still cheaper than a movie, and a great value for professional, live theater. The story is based on the Hans Christian Anderson tale and has the same positive message. This production is set in Australia, and features a platypus as the hero.

Another upcoming option is at the Olympia Family Theater. Their newest production is Bunnicula. If you’ve never read this one, it’s a clever story about a “vampire,” rabbit. It’s got a little bit of mystery but shouldn’t scare even your youngest bunnies. I do think most live shows are probably best for kindergarteners and up, as there is some sitting still required!

Regular tickets start at 9.00, but OFT always has one “rush,” performance on the first Thursday of each run. Tickets to these special Thrifty Thursday shows are just 5.00. The only catch is that they can only be purchased at the box office, one hour before showtime with cash or check. Bunnicula starts on September 30th, so the Thrifty Thursday show will be on October 6th. Mark your calendar, and I’ll try to remember to put it in the weekly list.

If you’ve got older kids, read my post on Teen Tix, an outstanding, free program that admits teenagers to a whole variety of Seattle based entertainment for free! This is an older post, but the info. on Teen Tix and the links are still good.

If you have a budding actor on your hands, you’ll also want to read my post on acting classes and workshops for kids in Tacoma and Lakewood.

Know another great deal for pint sized culture vultures? Let me know!

I wanted to tell you about a new area kids’ night out option. It’s at SFM favorite, Pump it Up in Tacoma.

It’s a regular Thursday event, and you do need to register if you want in on it. What’s the scoop? For 15.00 your kids get 3 hours of jumping, plus two slices of pizza and a drink, crafts, and stories. You get some adult conversation And a free appetizer from Cheers with entree purchase. It runs between 5:30-8:30 and kids 4-10 are welcome.

The downside, of course, is that it’s on a Thursday-probably not your usual date night, and I don’t personally like to have my kids up past 8.  On the other hand,  if you can’t remember the last time you had a meal that didn’t involve 20 rounds of, “SIT on your bottom!” and “I mean BIG BOY bites,” it may be worth it. I definitely think the price is right, considering the kiddos are getting fed.

I’ll have future posts rounding up more area kids’ night out options.

If you weren’t here yesterday, be sure to read how your kiddos can get 5 free books a month from Once Sold Tales in Kent.  Speaking of books, I’ve also updated the Deal of the Day page today. It’s an offer for kids’ books from National Geographic you might consider if you have kiddos into weird, freaky, and odd stuff-is it just mine, or are they all?