A Dozen Ideas for things to do in the South Sound this Spring Break

Don’t look now, but Spring Break for most South Puget Sound school districts is right around the corner. Even if you don’t have big kids it’s good to keep in mind, as many popular spots are likely to be more crowded than usual.

I’ll continue to do my regular weekly lists, but I thought I’d put together a bonus list of suggestions in case you’re getting a little panic-y! These are primarily ideas for the week of April 2-6th. I’ll do another post next week for those of you off the 2nd week. So far, Peninsula is the only district I can find off the 3rd week. My Gig Harbor readers may just want to drive down to Kitsap or cross the bridge to beat the crowds those days!

Camps:

• Pump it Up in Tacoma still has spots in their camps. They run 9:30-2:30 and include jumping, art, and snack.They’re 25.00 a day, and you can do the whole week, or individual days. Campers can be 4-12
• Metro Parks Tacoma also still has spots in their spring break camps. Their camp runs 7AM-6PM at various sites and includes art and games. It’s 140.00 for the week or 35.00 for a day, with a discount for residents. **Many, many other parks departments also offer camps. The easiest thing to do is to call yours and ask! Remember that you can register at a neighboring city’s camp. You’ll just pay a bit more. Note that most of these are for school age children.

Active Fun:

• Special extended hours at the super cool pool at the Federal Way Community Center
• Get the jiggles out at Jump! Gig Harbor. They take reservations and limit the number of jumpers, so make yours now, and even on a spring break day it won’t be too crazy.

Shows and Entertainment:

• Spring Break at Ikea! Kids eat free Tuesday the 3rd, and they can decorate a picture frame. Other activities later in the week, too. Use link and scroll down.
• Join Jeff Evans for a show of science and magic at the Puyallup Public Library April 5th Free event for kids 5 and up; no registration required. Not your area? Check out a similar event in Maple Valley on the 3rd (pick up free tickets in advance).
• Watch the Muppets! April 3rd at the main branch of the Tacoma Public Library Not near you? Take in a cheap flick at Starplex in Federal Way
• Be a fan: April 6th, Rainiers mascot, Rhubarb will be part of a special story time in Tacoma at the Fern Hill Library
• It’s kids’ Day at the Prairie House Museum in Spanaway Wednesday the 4th from 1-3 At this free, anuual event kids can churn butter, spin wool, and meet farm animals. Parents and grandparents welcome. 🙂

Adventures:

• The Pt.Defiance Zoo is back on regular hours and open daily. See the new clouded leopard cubs, and the new Sumatran tiger! Zoo admission gets spendy. I suggest getting an annual pass. It pays for itself in just a couple of visits.
• Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center in Olympia; Open daily, it’s free and has interactive activities to help kids learn about science and the environment.
• Cross the bridge! As I mentioned above, my readers in Gig Harbor have to wait until the 3rd week of April for their break. Pay the bridge toll and check out the Harbor History Museum, Discovery Village, or Jump! Gig Harbor. The downtown is also walkable (readers recommend Spiros for lunch), and Sehmel Park is fantastic if the weather cooperates.
• Head to the Hands-on Children’s Museum in Olympia for special activities and animal presentations all week, included with admission (it’s not a bargain-but hey, it’s cheaper than that vacation you’re not on, right?)

Other Good Bets:

• Get a free museum pass to one of a number of great museums in Tacoma, Seattle and in between.
• Check my 100 Places to Go list and pick a destination! I suggest making a quick call before you head out as some spots will likely have special Spring Break hours.