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Archives for September 2011

The Weekend List: South Sound Fun for Kids and Families for September 30th-October 2nd!

September 30, 2011 by Maegen Blue

Here it is….a great big list of weekend fun for kids in Puyallup, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Lacey, Olympia, Auburn, Sumner, Fife, and Your area of the South Puget Sound!

There are lots of fun events to choose from this weekend. If you’ve had a busy week, I’d also like to invite you to scroll down for some of this week’s previous posts. There have been some good ones!

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 Sound, I’ve got your list right here.

Saturday

Most area pumpkin patches are open.Find a new favorite in my list of South Sound Pumpkin Patches.

Terry’s Berries in Puyallup has u-pick apples and cider making. Read more in my post here. Expect a crowd, as it’s Harvest Fest (more about that below).

Is your favorite Farmer’s Market still open? Many are, for a few more weeks. Get your fresh on while you can!

Friends of the Parkland/Spanaway Library Book Sale Score some bargain books! Also on Saturday  Have you read my post on how your kids can get 5 free books a month at Once Sold Tales in Kent? My friend Barb went last week and said it was easy-peasy.

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

Kids’ Workshop at Home Depot It’s a rescue helicopter!  Arrive early for these popular, free programs

Story time at Cabela’s 10:30-11 Stop by the outdoor retailer to hear stories in the big walled tent. Parents and grandparents are asked to stay.

Fife Harvest Festival 11AM-8:30  Dacca Park  Free community festival. Bouncers, train rides, live entertainment, and more. Concessions available for purchase

Family Day at the Karshner Museum in Puyallup  3.00 person/max of 10.00 per family  Unique museum full of treasures from around the world that kids can Touch. Today’s theme is the Science of Sound. Note: The website still reflects 2009 events, but I promise this is going on today. It’s the first Saturday of every month, and they do have flyers around town.  10AM-2PM

Caffeine and Gasoline at Griot’s Garage Check out vintage race cars and hot rods the first Saturday of every month. Not specifically a kids’ event, and they can Not touch, but if you have kids old enough to appreciate cool rides, it’s a fun, free option.

Children’s Day in Lacey 11AM-2PM

Pierce County Harvest Fest Area farms are open for tours and other activities.  Read my post on Harvest Fest for more scoop.

Key Peninsula Farm Tour Free family activities at farms around the Peninsula

2.00 Family Movies at the Galaxy Theater in Gig Harbor A partnership between the theater and Police Department benevolence programs. Money goes towards the holiday helper program. Today’s show is Kung Fu Panda. Doors open at 9:30; show at 10:00.

Symphony on Wheels Kids 4 and up can learn about and play musical instruments. Eatonville library at 2PM  This is a collaboration between the symphony and the library system, and the event is rotating around area libraries.

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

Sunday

Steilacoom Apple Squeeze 10AM-4PM  downtown  street fair, pony rides, and apple presses for making cider

Seattle Mandolin Orchestra at the main branch of the Tacoma Public Library-The Italian Concert  2PM  Free concert showcasing instruments from the mandolin family

It’s the Feast of St.Francis this weekend, and several area churches are hosting, “Blessing of the Pets,” events that are open to the public. Do make sure your pet is friendly and controlled-you knew that, right? Participating churches include:

  • St.Andrew’s Episcopal 253-564 -4402  Tacoma
  • First United Methodist Tacoma  253 627-0129
  • Celebration Lutheran Puyallup  253  848-1098

I would call and give them a heads-up if you plan to attend, so they know how many extra folks to expect. There is a similar community event in Port Orchard
If you use this list to find family fun in Gig Harbor, stuff to do with kids in Tacoma, or an outing for the whole gang in Your part of the South Sound, I do hope you’ll take a minute to tell a friend about the site.

As always, you’re also invited to subscribe to my feed or reader or join the SFM Facebook community. It’s a great way to get quick scoop and tips from parents in your community!

Caspar Babypants on Fox Island

September 29, 2011 by Maegen Blue

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.

It’s the Great Pumpkin Patch List!

September 28, 2011 by Maegen Blue

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.

Fun pumpkin patch in the Puyallup, Orting, Tacoma, Sumner area

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!

Free Ice Cream Creation at Cold Stone Tomorrow

September 26, 2011 by Maegen Blue

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.

What Sounds Fun This Week: South Sound Fun for September 26th-30th

September 25, 2011 by Maegen Blue

Here are a few highlights for the week ahead!

I’ll also be working on making sure the bounce house list and indoor playground list are all up to date, because it looks like a weather change is headed our way!

Remember: These are just highlights, but I’m always happy to list your family friendly event! Just drop me a line!

Ongoing

Story time is back at all area libraries! Every day this week, there are multiple events for all ages. Here is the link for Pierce County (change the date in the calendar on the left). Here is the link for the Tacoma Public Library (change the date in the calendar on the left). If you’re one of my Thurston County readers, here is the link to Timberland regional library. Use the calendar to the left to look for kids’ story times. Here is the link for my Kitsap readers, and here is the link to the King County Library System.

Science Classes for Home Schoolers and other children resume at the Nature Center at Snake Lake

Monday

Tuesday

The 6th avenue Farmer’s Market It’s the Last Day!  Many area markets remain open through October. Find yours.

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). Kung Fu Panda and Mr.Popper’s Penguins look like your best bets right now.

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

Read With a Dog Every Tuesday at the Graham Library, kids can practice their reading skills with a patient canine listener. Drop in program; 6:30-7:45

Wednesday

Lego Madness at the South Hill Mall  Drop in between 3-5 and do some Lego

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

Read With a Dog Every Wednesday at the Summit Library, kids can practice their reading skills with a patient canine listener. Drop in program; 6:30-7:45

Thursday

Reading With a Doggie Friend Practice reading skills with a patient canine listener. Drop in anytime between 3:30-4:30 at the Puyallup Public Library. It’s mixed breed, Dan today.

Friday

Nature Alphabet at the Tacoma Nature Center at Snake Lake  Nature themed stories and crafts for preschoolers. Registration required.

As always, I’ll have much more for your weekend on Friday, and more fun all the days in between. This is a great time of year to squeeze in last minute summer fun, or just enjoy the days with your preschoolers. If you’re new here, this is the very nicest time of year!

Know something great I missed? Need help finding something? Just let me know!Whether you’re looking for things do with kids in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, or whatever part of the South Sound you call home, I’d love to help. Just give me a holler.

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.

South Sound Family Fun for Sunday, September 25th

September 25, 2011 by Maegen Blue

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?

The Weekend List: South Puget Sound Fun for Kids and Families for September 23rd-25th

September 23, 2011 by Maegen Blue

Wondering what to do with kids around the South Puget Sound this weekend? Here’s your big list! If you’ve had a busy week, I’d like to invite you to scroll down for some of this week’s previous posts. There have been some good ones!

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 Sound, I’ve got your list right here.

Saturday

All Over

American Girl Make it; Take it event at Michaels For girls (and their dolls) 3 and up  Free

Is your favorite Farmer’s Market still open? Many are, for a few more weeks. Get your fresh on while you can!

It’s National Public Lands Day! Free admission to Mt.Rainier. It’s also Green Tacoma Day. If you’re interested in volunteering today, see this post for my links or scroll one down.

It’s Smithsonian Free Museum Day! Free admission to dozens of area museums with the required, printable coupon. I’d suggest hitting one that doesn’t participate in the library pass program or other free days, but there are lots of good ones to choose from!

South King County

Auburn Avenue Kids presents The Ugliest Duckling 2PM  Tickets 6.00  Not in you area? Read about an upcoming deal to Bunnicula in Olympia.

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

Hops and Crops in Auburn Festival at the historic Mary Olson farm. Tours, live entertainment, and kids’ activities. Beer and rootbeer gardens. 5.00 for adults; kids 13 and under are free. Additional charge if you want to partake of the beer tastings. We went to this last year and had a great time. Despite the beer garden in the middle, the atmosphere was very much old-fashioned, family fun.

Celebrate Bilbo Baggin’s Birthday with free tea and a performance by the Knights of Veritas at Once Sold Tales in Kent.

Touch a Truck event in Tukwila Kids can explore the city’s big rigs and learn about safety. Free community event  Thanks, South Puget Sound Macaroni Kid

King County Harvest Fest Self guided tours and farm fun. Pierce County/Key Peninsula tours are next weekend.

Pierce County

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.

2.00 Family Movies at the Galaxy Theater in Gig Harbor A partnership between the theater and Police Department benevolence programs. Money goes towards the holiday helper program. Today’s show is Robots.  Doors open at 9:30; show at 10:00.

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

Tacoma Mothers of Multiples Sale at Bates Technical College Score bargains on gently used kids’ gear and clothes up to 5T. Bring cash and a laundry basket Read more in my post.

Lakewood International Festival Free celebration of area cultures at Clover Park Technical College beginning at 11:30

The Glass Pumpkin Patch is back. Artists have created a beautiful display of glass pumpkins that will travel around Puget Sound. This weekend, it’s in Gig Harbor at the Uptown Center from 9-4.   Free.   I’m guessing this is mostly an ogle and photo type thing….I’d love to check them out, but there is no way I’m taking my kids around Glass Pumpkins!  Let me know if you go.

Symphony on Wheels Kids 4 and up can learn about and play musical instruments. At the Tillicum Libary at 1PM  This event is rotating around area libraries.

Pier Into the Night event in Gig Harbor Join Harbor Wild Watch in checking out sea critters by dock light at Jersich Park. You can read more about the event here.

Classic Car and Truck Show at Sprinker 20.00 to enter but free for spectators. All kinds of rides to check out; vote for your favorite. Food available for purchase.

Saturday Movies at Wheelock branch of the Tacoma library  It’s Shrek 3; Doors open at 1:45  Movie at 2;  Shrek Forever plays at 4.  That’s a lot of Shrek. There area also some story time sessions at Tacoma libraries.  Link will take you to everything on the calendar for Saturday.

Kitsap/Thurston Yes, I know….they’re totally different areas….I’m kind of pooped.

Fall at the Mall in Kitsap Kitsap Mall and the library team up to host free Saturday events. Today is a preschool dance party with Nancy Stewart.

Nisqually Wildlife Festival at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge  Free admission, tours, and more. Free off site parking and shuttle. Food available for purchase from vendors.

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

Sunday

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.

I’ll add additional ideas for Sunday today.

If you use this list to find family fun in Gig Harbor, stuff to do with kids in Tacoma, or an outing for the whole gang in Your part of the South Sound, I do hope you’ll take a minute to tell a friend about the site.

As always, you’re also invited to subscribe to my feed or reader or join the SFM Facebook community. It’s a great way to get quick scoop and tips from parents in your community!

Volunteer Options Around the Sound for National Public Lands Day

September 22, 2011 by Maegen Blue

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.

Two Great Kids’ Theater Productions for 5.00 or 6.00!

September 22, 2011 by Maegen Blue

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!

New Kids’ Night Out Program in Tacoma at Pump it Up

September 21, 2011 by Maegen Blue

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?

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