Archives for January 2012

If you’ve got a fan of all things Fancy, you might want to check out the new Evergreen City Ballet’s production of Fancy Nancy. It’s based on the book Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly, and there are performances in Bellevue, Renton, and Auburn beginning this month. You can meet the  illustrator at the Bellevue shows, only.  Adults are 19.00 and students and kids 2-18 are 12.00 .  Frankly, that could add up to a pretty fancy chunk of change, so I’d just take your biggest fans.

Now, you have a while until the Renton and Auburn shows, which are both in March, but I’m telling you about this now because last year every show sold out-in fact, some of them sold out before I even had the post up, which made me feel bad! You can buy tickets to all shows online.

Not your thing? I’ll try to have some less fancy posts up later. Make sure to scroll one down to read about the great new playground at Kandle Park!

Well, shoot.

Here I am all excited to tell you about a new playground, and the forecast has nothing but rain clouds. Let’s make a deal: I’ll give you the scoop now, and you promise to head here just as soon as we get some sunshine!

Kandle Park is in Tacoma’s West End. If you’re directionally challenged (raises hand), think of it as the area between the zoo and 6th avenue. The street address is 2323 N Shirley, which worked fine for me with Mapquest. Eventually, it will be home to a new pool and sprayground. For now, there is still some uninviting looking construction under way, but the playground is huge, bright, and open for business.

As you can see, it features a super sized climbing structure (Watch that 2nd story-it’s a head bonker for anyone over 8), as well as a smaller version for the preschool set. There are also some really cool pieces of equipment that are sort of updated versions of merry-go-rounds and teeter totters, as well as a set of swings and and a small climbing apparatus. That awesome rubber matting surface is under all of it. It’s designed to be accessible for children with physical disabilities, and I also saw a variety of sensory activities.

Both the boys had a great time here. There was plenty to keep my big kid entertained, and the little kids I saw were having a ball, too. While there was some familiar equipment, there were also some pieces that I hadn’t seen before. If you do the playground circuit as often as we do, you get to appreciate variety!

You should know that the playground is basically open. There is fencing around the areas currently under construction, and I’m sure there will continue to be fencing between the playground and the pool area and the skate park. However, you could certainly lose sight of a fast runner here, especially on a busy day. My advice is to go with a buddy, and do it now before it gets popular. It’s right next to an elementary school, so I’d suggest a morning outing. My final word of caution-it’s in a neighborhood right next to a police substation and that school I mentioned, so watch your speed!

Overall, we thought this was a super fun outing, and it’s a much needed addition to this area of T-town. I’m betting when the pool area opens, it becomes a major destination.

Got another favorites play spot I should check out? Let me know!

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like some of my other playground reports:

The new playground at Chambers Creek

The playground at Fort Steilacoom

Rainier View Park in Sumner

The Center at Norpoint

or check out my favs and see if I have yours…Here’s my Top Five South Sound Playgrounds List, and here’s my list of oh, so fun runners-up. I may have to redo both of these to reflect some of the area’s new additions.

Too chilly? You can always check the indoor playground list in the menu bar. Don’t forget to scroll one down for What Sounds Fun This Week!

Here are my favorite finds for the week ahead!

The bouncy house list and the indoor playground list are all updated. You can find both, plus South Sound malls with play areas, under Rainy Day Play. For library story times, see the list below.

One note: NW Trek remains closed as they repair wind damage. I’ll keep you posted.

Story time links:

• Pierce County.
• Tacoma Public Library
• Timberland regional library (Thurston County)
• Kitsap Regional Library
• King County Library System
• Puyallup Public Library

Ongoing

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

Valentines for Vets at the Tacoma Public Library Through out the month of January, drop in and create Valentines that will be distributed to area veterans at retirement homes and hospitals. Groups are welcome to make valentines and drop them off. Available at all branches of the library.

Monday

New Going Places exhibit at the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor is open to the public

Spanish/English storytime at the Puyallup Public Library See links above for many other story times.

Tuesday

Car seat checks at Mary Bridge Link has info on other dates and locations.

Mommy and Me Crafts at the Ben Franklin in Bonney Lake Moms and preschool age (and younger) children are invited for crafts and social time. Some cost depending on the craft.

It’s 1.00 day at the Starplex in Federal Way (tickets are just 2.00 other days). I see Happy Feet, Dolphin Tale, and Puss in Boots. I also noticed Happy Feet at the Blue Mouse in Tacoma.

How to Make a Rainbow Fish at the Summit Library 4-6PM Craft event; upcycle cds/dvds into a rainbow fish. Family event; younger children will need adult helpers.

Read to a Dog at the Graham Library at 6:30

Read to a Dog at the Puyallup Public Library at 3:30

Wednesday

Tot Time at Learning Sprout Toys in Tacoma call or check their fb page for details

Mommy and Me Fitness Class at Elev8te Fitness in Tacoma I haven’t been here or tried this, but reader Corey sent in a note that she takes her whole crew weekly and has a blast

Book Clubs for kids and tweens at the South Hill Library. Registration required; you may want to find out the title for the next meeting if you can’t manage this on short notice. To register go here to the calendar, scroll down to the event and click on, “Register.”

Art After School in Steilacoom 4PM School age kids; supplies provided

Read to a Dog at the Summit Library at 4PM

Juice and Jammies Wednesday at Barnes and Noble in Olympia 7PM

Thursday

It’s Groundhog Day. Here’s my round-up of ideas if you want to celebrate.

Arctic Adventures Critter Club at the Pt.Defiance Zoo Animal themed stories and crafts for 3 and 4 year olds. Read for details on registration and pricing. 11AM Also on Friday

Creation Station at Learning Sprout Toys in Tacoma Call or check their fb page to confirm

Friday

D is for Duck Nature storytime for preschoolers at the Tacoma Nature Center 6.00/Registration required; Scroll down to find this event.

Read to a Dog in Sumner 4PM

Free First Friday at the Hands on Children’s Museum in Olympia

I’ll have lots more fun coming your way this week, including a whole list of weekend events up Friday morning. As always, you’re welcome to let me know anything fun I missed. If you’re new here, I hope you’ll consider subscribing to my emails, joining us on Facebook, or following me on Twitter! You can use those handy, little buttons above to do all three!

Skate at the newly opened Sprinker Ice Rink.. Scroll to the bottom for a grid with Sunday hours and pricing.

Northwest Native Community Celebration at the Tacoma Art Museum Free museum admission and performances and crafts celebrating Northwest Native Americans. 10-4

The Frog Prince by StoryBook Theater at Carco in Renton Shows at 11AM or 1PM Lively, 55 minute show with audience participation designed just for kids 3-10

Peninsula Youth Orchestra presents their winter concert in the Peninsula High School Auditorium. 3PM Free Link opens a pdf; slow loading

The Sportsman’s Show Continues at the Puyallup Fairgrounds Dock dog performances and free trout fishing for kids. 12.00 for adults; 5.00 for kids 6 and up See the site for 2.00 discount coupons. The Tacoma Home and Garden Show is also this weekend, but I don’t see anything at it for the kids.

Not my usual territory or super frugal, but I feel I must mention Mariner’s Fan Fest A must for your M’s fans.

I’m working on your best bets for the coming week right now.If you haven’t already done so, make sure you’ve picked up tickets if your little girls are wanting to attend a daddy/daughter dance next month.

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

If you’re headed north or south, you’ll want to check out the fantastic list over at ThriftyNWmom compiled by super bargain sleuth Sia of Centsible in Seattle. She has the scoop on all kinds of Seattle fun, including Chinese New Year Celebrations.

All Weekend

The Sportsman’s Show Continues at the Puyallup Fairgrounds Dock dog performances and free trout fishing for kids. 12.00 for adults; 5.00 for kids 6 and up See the site for 2.00 discount coupons. The Tacoma Home and Garden Show is also this weekend, but I don’t see anything at it for the kids.

Not my usual territory or super frugal, but I feel I must mention Mariner’s Fan Fest A must for your M’s fans.

Friday

Read to a Dog at the Puyallup Public Library 1:00-2:00 Drop in and practice your skills with patient listener, Robbie.

How to Train Your Dragon Free showing and crafts at the Summit Library 3:30

Saturday

Lowes Build and Grow It’s a build-a-saurus. Advance registration required for these popular, free programs.

The Frog Prince by StoryBook Theater at Carco in Renton Shows at 11AM or 1PM Lively, 55 minute show with audience participation designed just for kids 3-10

Grand re-opening of the Sprinker Ice Rink. Ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a public, cheapskate session. Mascots will be on hand to meet the kids. Public viewing begins at 9AM. The skating session is at 11:45. 5.50 includes admission and skates

Nature Walks with Metro Parks and Tahoma Audubon at Wapato Hills today Not recommended for children under 3 or strollers; free

Free day for City of Tacoma residents at the Point Defiance Zoo. You’ll need proof of residency and photo i.d.

Free showing of CarsII at the Wheelock Library in Tacoma 2PM

Gollyology in Auburn A combination of science and circus arts. 2PM Tickets are 6.00.

Big Mini Golf at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia 10-4  Saturday is family day. Admission includes a round of mini golf, face painting, and a hot dog. I believe it’s 5.00 per child, but I haven’t been able to reach the box office, so call before you go. I’ll update this when I confirm pricing.

Visit the LOTT Wet science center in Olympia play, “The Drip Stops Here,” and take home water conservation goodies; free

Pier Peer at the Pt.Defiance Marina For children 8 and up; Registration required. Learn more in my post here.

Sunday

The Sportsman’s Show Continues at the Puyallup Fairgrounds Dock dog performances and free trout fishing for kids. 12.00 for adults; 5.00 for kids 6 and up See the site for 2.00 discount coupons. The Tacoma Home and Garden Show is also this weekend, but I don’t see anything at it for the kids.

Not my usual territory or super frugal, but I feel I must mention Mariner’s Fan Fest A must for your M’s fans.

Northwest Native Community Celebration at the Tacoma Art Museum  Free museum admission and performances and crafts celebrating Northwest Native Americans. 10-4

The Frog Prince by StoryBook Theater at Carco in Renton Shows at 11AM or 1PM Lively, 55 minute show with audience participation designed just for kids 3-10

Peninsula Youth Orchestra presents their winter concert in the Peninsula High School Auditorium.  3PM  Free Link opens a pdf; slow loading

If you haven’t already done so,  make sure you’ve picked up tickets if your little girls are wanting to attend a daddy/daughter dance next month.

Know something great I missed? Just let me know!

We have a Winner! This contest is over, so please don’t enter!

It was a popular one, so I will definitely try to work with StoryBook in the future. Thanks to everyone who entered, and thanks to all of you for reading and sharing Sounds Fun Mom. As this site continues to grow, I can bring you more and more great offers from local businesss and organizations. How fun is that?!

I’m crazy excited about this giveaway, and it’s going to be a quick one, so hop on it!

What have I got? It’s a family pack of 4 tickets to The Frog Prince this Saturday or Sunday at the Carco theater in Renton thanks to the generous folks at the StoryBook Theater. This is a family friendly production suitable for any kiddo over 3, and honestly, it just looks like it would be so much fun.

If you’re not familiar with StoryBookTheater, you should be. They produce fun, family fare all year round and have shows at locations around Puget Sound. Their shows are designed just for 3-10 year old theater goers and their grown-ups, and each of the 55 minute productions is a lively musical with audience participation, fun sets and costumes, and life lessons. Plus, their ticket prices are reasonable enough that you could take in a show with a group instead of your usual playdate. If you have Seattle area friends looking for acting classes and workshops, you should also direct them to StudioEast, in Kirkland, the team behind these shows.

Ready to enter? We’re keeping this quick and simple!

For one entry, just leave a comment!

For a 2nd entry, “Like,” StoryBook Theater on fb and come back and leave a comment letting me know that you did.

Please make sure these are separate comments, as I’ll be using a random number generator to pick the winner.

Because these shows are this weekend, this contest is going to be a quick one. I’ll be choosing the winner at noon tomorrow, and I need to be able to reach you, so be sure to use an email you check often. If I don’t hear from the winner by 1PM tomorrow, I’ll have to choose someone else.

Do note that only comments left on this site are valid entries. Fb wall comments won’t count, and I also can’t count emails. If you’re reading this via email, RSS feed, etc. please come to the site to enter.

I’m excited to tell you about two upcoming classes for parents of babies and young children. Now, I know many of you are old pros at this parenting thing, but wouldn’t this be a nice post to tell a friend about? The first event is on Tuesday, March 8th, at Foothills Elementary in Buckley. It’s free, and it’s based on the teachings of Dr. Harvey Karp. He’s been on all kinds of shows; you’ve probably seen him take a crying baby from the audience and turn her into a cooing cuddle bug in minutes.  This class is open to expectant parents and to families with infants up to 3 months. Class participants go home with a free cd and dvd.

The 2nd class on March 15th is called Transition to Parenting, and it’s designed to help couples improve communication skills and become effective co-parents (You know, instead of good cop; bad cop….). This one is open to expectant parents as well as to parents of babies and toddlers. Childcare is provided at both events. Because they’re free, these programs do tend to fill.   To register for either one call 253.845.9177 Not in your area? I have future posts planned about other area resources.

How cute is that?? If you enjoyed my post on Chinese New Year, you’ll have fun making this dancing dragon craft from Enchanted Learning. This pic is courtesy of reader, Gramma E, who loves doing projects with grandson, Cormac. The middle is just paper folded fan style, so I think even your littlest crafters could handle this with just a bit of help. The decorating is the fun part, of course!

If You’ve got a fun craft or activity to share, I’d love to feature it here on Sounds Fun Mom!

Just Updated for 2013

 

Tuesday is the annual  Star Party at the Puyallup Library. Members of the Tacoma Astronomical Society will be on hand to help the kids make stomp rockets. Telescopes will be available for star viewing, weather permitting.

We’ve done this event twice. Both times it was way too cloudy for any star gazing, which was a bummer, but the kids loved making the stomp rockets. There is usually cocoa, too. This is an all ages event, though I do think it’s better if your kids are old enough to follow directions on their own. The first year we attended, my oldest was a kindergartener, and while he was just fine, I had my hands full chasing Henry around the crowded meeting room and trying to keep him from dumping hot cocoa. If his brother had needed help, there would have been some serious Star Wars.

The event runs from 5:30-7:30. The last year we went they were doing the stomp rockets in shifts, so if you can’t make it right at 5:30, it should work out. You won’t need to stay the whole time, unless you want to.

The TAS hosts regular free, public lectures and star viewings at Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom. Most of these would be best suited for older children (for one thing, you’re up sort of late). The next one is this Saturday.

PS Amazon sells this very cool Ultra Stomp RocketWe had crazy fun with one of these at my nephew’s birthday. Totally worth the ten or so bucks.

Disclosure: Kids can learn all kinds of cool science concepts at these events. I just think they’re fun. The Amazon link is my affiliate. Any Amazon shopping you start at this site helps SFM. Hey, thanks!

I really am working on the South Sound kids eat free list (at least I’m thinking about it really hard….)

In the meantime, I want to tell you about a great offer available for a limited time.

Right now at Dickey’s Barbecue Bit in Bonney Lake kids eat free All Day; Every Day with an adult purchase. They do need to be under 12 and order from the kids’ menu and it’s good for dine-in only. Still a deal I’d consider pretty smokin’ (barbecue pun).

The offer is valid through February 29th. Bonney Lake is the only location in the area, but there is one opening soon at the Supermall (I’ll let you know if it opens in time to take advantage of this deal)!

If you know of a place offering deals for junior diners-or even a pricier spot with kid friendly meals and service, let me know! This tip came courtesy of reader Bree who used the handy little contact button on the Facebook page. Love it. Thanks so much, Bree!