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Archives for May 2012

Mother/Child Sports Day and Parent/Child Pirate Lunch!

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A few of you have asked about mother/child events that are a little less-‘um…. princess-y.

Here are a couple coming up to consider:

Lacey has their annual mother/child sports day coming up on June 9th (Link opens large pdf file-event is on pg 17) . It’s from 1-4, and moms and kiddos 4 and older can come and go as they please, trying out a variety of cool activities like rock climbing, archery, and boffer sword fighting. Light refreshments will also be served. It’s 25.00 for each pair plus 10.00 for each, “Extra,” child. Registration is going on now. To sign up, call 360 491 0857  You don’t need to live in Lacey to sign up, and you won’t even pay extra if you live elsewhere!

Photo Credit

Another choice is the Pirate Lunch in Puyallup. This is also a grown-up and child event and features lots of swashbuckling fun and a lunch. It’s coming up June 2nd, and preregistration is required. As of this writing, I’m told there are plenty of spots. It’s 12.00 for grown ups and 10.00 for their mateys. To sign up, call 253 841 5457

If neither of these suits you, don’t worry! I’ll keep bringing you fun ideas for the whole family every day. If you didn’t get here yesterday, you might want to check out my post on  a free reading event with the Rainiers (This may be full; I haven’t checked this morning).

Free Kids’ Reading Event with the Rainiers: Reserve Your Spot Now!

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Hot ticket alert! If you’ve got a baseball fan at your house, you’ll want to reserve your spot at a special Family Reading Event at Cheney Stadium with the Rainiers.

The event is Saturday, June 9th from 11:30-1:00 Players and Rhubarb will be on hand to do reading activities with the kids and enjoy some light refreshments. The event is open to kiddos in 2nd-6th grades. There is no childcare, so don’t bring little brothers and sisters. Parents do need to accompany their rookie readers.

Best thing? It’s Free! What’s the catch? As of this posting, there are just 15 spots left. Eeep! Call 253 597 8791 if you want one of them, and Jim from Newspapers in Education will get you all set up.

For more family fun, head down to What Sounds Fun This Week, your guide to weekday fun in the South Puget Sound!

Tacoma’s Spraygrounds Are Open For Business!

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If you’re looking for something to do today, you might want to consider a little day trip to one of Tacoma’s Spraygrounds. They’re all free, and they’re all open!

The sprayground in Auburn by the Discovery Playground at Les Gove Park is scheduled to open Memorial Day. I’m still working on tracking down open dates for other splash spots, but you’ll have to wait a bit on most of them.

For other ideas for this weekend, including Memorial Day links, see my Weekend List just one post down.

The Weekend List: South Sound Fun for Kids and Families for May 25th-28th

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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.

If you’re one of my Kitsap area readers, you’ll enjoy the Kitsap Macaroni Kid. You can sign up for Diane’s newsletter to get the scoop on all kinds of events around you!

All Weekend

Mountain View Funeral Home hosts a variety of Memorial Day tributes and services several days this weekend that are open to the public.

Fun at the Old Cannery in Sumner. Free hot dogs and soda, old-time photos, and Glitterbug the clown. Hint: If you buy a couch, this will be slightly less frugal. Trust me….

Ongoing

Happy Days, the Musical at Tacoma Musical Playhouse 20.oo-27.00 Approved for 4 and up; I’d probably take tweens teens with real interest. Last weekend: You may want to like TMP on Facebook. They were offering a special deal for Facebook likers.

Olympia Family Theater production of Goodnight Moon

Friday

Chalk the walk at Frost Park in Tacoma noon

Read with a Dog at the Puyallup Library Kids can drop in between 3:30-4:30 to practice reading with patient listener.

Mirror Lake Elementary School in Federal Way invites the public to their Cultural Celebration Night

Saturday

Most Farmer’s Markets are open. Get your fresh on!

Lowes Build and Grow Advance registration required for these popular, free programs

Water Weekends at HCC Mast at Redondo Every Saturday you can get up close with critters in the touch tanks and learn about sea life. Free

Hydro Fever 2012  Free admission and open house at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent Model races for the kids. Lunch for sale; auction items 10AM-4

Gig Harbor Street Scramble Grab the family and see how many of 30 locations you can get to! Check in begins at 8:30

Free Tours of Pt.Defiance Park Celebrate the grand opening of the new visitor center by learning about the history of the park and gardens. I’d say this is suitable for older, interested children.

Crafts from the Past at Ft.Nisqually  Each weekend, a different 19th century craft will be demonstrated. Included with regular admission.

Kids’ Club at the Steilacoom Historical Museum  It’s a wagon theme 1-3 Call for details

Kitsap Harbor Festival Activities in Bremerton and Port Orchard with a foot ferry running in between. Vehicle displays, food and craft vendors, pancake breakfast Saturday morning.

South Sound Spectacular Spring Show in Olympia Event featuring Etsy artists selling candles, soaps, art, jewelry and more. Make and takes for kids, face painting, and entertainment. 11AM-5 PM (Link opens a pdf file).

Sunday

Kitsap Harbor Festival Activities in Bremerton and Port Orchard with a foot ferry running in between. Vehicle displays, food and craft vendors, seagull calling contest today

Crafts from the Past at Ft.Nisqually  Each weekend, a different 19th century craft will be demonstrated. Included with regular admission.

Monday

It’s Memorial Day. Libraries, schools, banks, and government offices are closed.

Memorial Day Service at War Memorial Park in Tacoma

Puyallup Memorial Day Observance 1-2 PM at Pioneer Park Pavillion. Be aware that there will be a 21 gun salute. You will likely hear it through out the valley, whether or not you attend.

Here is a link to other area observances.

If you’d like to do something significant with your kiddos, but you aren’t sure how they’d handle a service, reader CoreyAnn found this  some thoughtful suggestions for things to do with kids on Memorial Day over at Interest-Led Learning.

It looks to be a beautiful weekend. You may enjoy my playground list or my post on finding family hikes.

Phew! That’s a lot of weekend fun! Don’t forget I have posts about South Sound family fun all the rest of the week, too! If you haven’t already done so, I hope you’ll consider subscribing to my emails or joining me on Facebook. If you’d like to support this site (Hey, thanks!) I appreciate you telling your friends about it, and telling my sponsors you found them on Sounds Fun Mom!

Brown’s Point Lighthouse Tour and Beach

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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 any day, and if you go on a Saturday afternoon, you can take a tour of the Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage.

Mapquest does a good job of getting you to this little gem in NE Tacoma. You’ll feel like you’re lost since you have to wind through a series 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.

The one downside to this lovely spot? Parking is very, very limited. There is a big, empty parking lot right next door, but it’s private property, and they don’t want to share, so don’t try it. 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 be a trek. I honestly think if it’s full, you might be better off getting back on Marine Drive and heading to Redondo. If anyone has a better idea, leave a comment!

During the summer months, you can also tour the lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Your kids just may get to ring the bell.  How great is that?

Tours run until October 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 950.00 a week in July and August, and less other months. 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!

 

Free and Cheap Kids’ Movies

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Looking for cheap, 1.00 kids’ movies in the South Sound this summer?

Here’s your scoop!

  • Regal has a program called  the Summer Movie Express. Shows are at 10AM select Tuesdays and Wednesdays for a dollar. There are just too many Regal theaters around here for me to list out the schedules, but you can use the link above to find best bets at yours. I’m excited to see Chimpanzee on the list.
  • If you live in Federal Way or Olympia, there is a similar program through Cinemark.You can see this post for  the Cinemark schedule.
  • You can also see movies for just 2.00 (or 1.00 on Tuesdays) at the Starplex in Federal Way all year round. The Blue Mouse in Tacoma has cheap flicks on Mondays, though they’re only rarely kids’ shows. The Grand in Tacoma has occasional free shows thanks to Click!
  • You’ll also want to be on the lookout for free movies from your park’s department this Summer. Most all areas have regular movies in the park (I’ll list as many as I can).
  • AMC no longer offers discounted summer kids’ movies, but they do have a program that lets you bring baby along

Know another great place to catch a flick for cheap this Summer? Let me know! Have a review of one playing this Summer? Leave a comment and give us your thumbs up or thumbs down!

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse: Federal Way or Olympia

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Today, I’m continuing with some previews of fun coming your way this summer. First up,the  Summer Movie Clubhouse from Cinemark. Tickets are just 1.00 per show at the box office, or you can buy tickets to all ten in advance for 5.00. All shows start at 10AM.

Here’s the schedule for Olympia:

  • June 19 Rio,
  •  June 26 Kung Fun Panda II,
  •  July 3 Despicable Me
  •  July 10 Diary of a Wimpy Kid II
  • July 17 Dolphin Tale
  •  July 24 Puss in Boots
  • July 31st Winnie the Pooh
  •  August 7 Yogi Bear
  •  August 14 Dolphin Tale
  •  August 21 Charlotte’s Web

Here’s the Schedule for the Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark Federal Way:

  • June 19 Rio
  • June 26 Kung Fu Panda II
  • July  3 Despicable Me
  • July 10 Diary of a Wimpy Kid II
  • July 17 Dolphin Tale
  • July 24 Puss in Boots
  • July 31 Winnie the Pooh
  • August 7 Yogi Bear
  • August 14 Charlotte’s Web
  • August 21 Clifford

All movies are G or PG. I do not think young children would enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but the others seem like good bets to me! Cinemark isn’t the only area chain offering bargain movie going. I’ll have more choices later today!

What Sounds Fun This Week: South Sound Fun for Kids and Families for May 21st-25th

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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.

Story time links:

Ongoing

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

 

Monday

Well, the rain is back. Might be a good day to check the bounce house list.

Tuesday

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

Read with a Dog at the Puyallup Library Kids can drop in between 3:30-4:30 to practice reading with patient listener.

Creative Movement Dance for Kids at 9:30 with Zumba for parents next door in Lakewood with Aimee and Darlene and Studio 138. Kids class at their neighbor, Freedom Dance Center

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. 5.00 Arrive between 10 and 11; drop ins welcome if space is available.

It’s 1.00 day at the Starplex in Federal Way (tickets are just 2.00 other days)

It’s Family Game Night at the Dupont Library 6-7:30

Read to a Dog at the Graham Library, where trained therapy dogs will be on hand between 6:30-7:30 for your canine loving readers.

Puppet Show at the Covington Library: The Italian Cinderella

Wednesday

It’s Free Slurpee Day! Stop in between 7 and 11 and get a free slurpee. This has been all over the frugal blogosphere. Expect company. Thanks, Thrifty and Thriving

Tot Time at Learning Sprout Toys in Tacoma 10:30AM Class in the upstairs room; just show up and sign in on the clipboard!

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

Wacky Wednesdays at the South Hill Library School age kids can drop in and enjoy Lego time today from 2-4

Read to a Dog Kids can drop in and practice their reading skills in Sumner or Summit from 4-5 today. Dogs are great listeners!

Pirates Poetry Party Show at the Federal Way Library 7PM

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

Thursday

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

New “Tween Time,” at the Orting Library Kids 8-12 are invited to drop in and do some Lego between 3:30-5

Yoga for Kids at Waves Studio in Olympia 4PM  for kids 4-11 with instructor, Lisa. 10.00 per child or 15.00 for parent plus child.

Today is Thrifty Thursday at Olympia Family Theater. Discount to their new production of Goodnight Moon

Friday

Friday is looking a little spare, but only because it’s Memorial Day weekend. I’ll have a special edition of my weekend guide up for you early this week!

As always, I’ll have loads more fun up Friday in the weekend list, and lots of fun every other day of the week, too-including some more sneak peeks at summer events and activities.

If you’re new here, I hope you’ll consider subscribing to my emails, joining us on Facebook, or following me on Twitter!  You’re also always welcome to drop me a line if you know something great I missed, or just want to give me a tip.

Sunday South Sound Fun

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Spring Fun Fair in Lacey Free admission, Kids’ World activities, entertainment and more.

Olympia Family Theater production of Goodnight Want to go cheap? Next Thursday will be their Thrifty Thursday show.

Tiny Soles Warehouse Sale in Yelm Good deals on designer kids’ shoes.

Tacoma City Ballet presents StoryBook Theater Lower cost ballet for younger audiences. 3PM Dances portray popular nursery rhymes stories. Audience members are welcome to come costumed as favorite characters.

Pachamama at Pantages Carnival style show with music, dancers, and acrobats. 3PM Tickets 15.00-29.00

The Weekend List: South Sound Fun For Kids and Families For May 18th-20th

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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.

If you’re one of my Kitsap area readers, you’ll enjoy the Kitsap Macaroni Kid. You can sign up for Diane’s newsletter to get the scoop on all kinds of events around you!

Ongoing

Footloose the musical at Tacoma Little Theater (Best for older tweens and up) Tickets 17.00-27.00

Happy Days, the Musical at Tacoma Musical Playhouse 20.oo-27.00 Approved for 4 and up; I’d probably take tweens teens with real interest.

Friday

 

Chalk the walk at Frost Park in Tacoma noon

 

Read with a Dog at the Puyallup Library Kids can drop in between 3:30-4:30 to practice reading with patient listener.

Play in Peace Day at McCarver Park in Tacoma

Olympia Family Theater production of Goodnight Moon begins Want to go cheap? Next Thursday will be their Thrifty Thursday show.

Parents’ Night Out at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma 25.00/10.00 for siblings; call to register.

Saturday

Most Farmer’s Markets are open. Get your fresh on!

Water Weekends at HCC Mast at Redondo Every Saturday you can get up close with critters in the touch tanks and learn about sea life. Free

Big Lakeland Hills Garage Sale Thanks, The Coupon Project for this reminder. Know another one worth including? Let me know!

Family Train Day at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn Check out the current rails to sails exhibit and then enjoy special train themed activities with admission (1.00/2.00) 1-4PM

Petapalooza in Auburn Free event with entertainment for pets and pet lovers including agility courses, frisbee dog shows, and more. Lots of vendors with pet products for sale, too.

Kids’ Fish-in at American Lake in Lakewood I wrote about this one before, as the preregistration deadline was May 6. You may still be able to go depending on how many have signed up, but call first!

Grand Opening of the new STAR center in South Tacoma Special activities and a chance to check out this great, new community resource.

Family Nature Walks with Metro Parks Tacoma 10AM At Oak Tree Park

Click! Family Flick at the Grand Cinema Free showing of The Princess Bride Door sopen at 9:30; show starts at 10AM. Free to first 100.

Mo knows! A Pigeon and Friends Party at the Wheelock Library 11AM

Preschool Open House at Discovery Village in Gig Harbor 10AM-12

Queen Victoria’s Birthday at Ft. Nisqually Actors will recreate the celebration of Queen Victoria;s birthday with musket firing and more.  11AM-5PM Admission is 4.00-6.00

Tacoma City Ballet presents StoryBook Theater Lower cost ballet for younger audiences. Performances at 1, 3, and 5. 5.00 tickets. Dances portray popular nursery rhymes stories. Audience members are welcome to come costumed as favorite characters.

Movies at Wheelock Free Showing of Happy Feet 2 at 2PM

Learning Sprout Toys Fancy Nancy Tea Party Pre-payment and registration is required if you and your little miss would like to go have some fancy fun.

Free kids gardening class with the master gardeners at the WSU extension in Puyallup. Today’s is a greenhouse theme! 1PM Click on, “Children’s Programs,” for a pdf schedule.

Armed Forces Day at JBLM Free, public event with military displays, vehicles, bounce house and more. Vendors on site with food and crafts for sale. 10AM-6PM Be sure to follow directions through the link for public entry.

Spring Fun Fair in Lacey 10AM-6PM Free admission, Kids’ World activities, entertainment and more.

Visit the LOTT WET Center in Olympia Every Saturday the center is open with free, science and environmental education activities

Mother/Son Dance with the Boys and Girls Club in Gig Harbor 30.00/pair

Sunday

Spring Fun Fair in Lacey Free admission, Kids’ World activities, entertainment and more.

Tacoma City Ballet presents StoryBook Theater Lower cost ballet for younger audiences. 3PM Dances portray popular nursery rhymes stories. Audience members are welcome to come costumed as favorite characters.

Pachamama at Pantages Carnival style show with music, dancers, and acrobats. 3PM Tickets 15.00-29.00

Check the, “All weekend,” choices at the top, too!

Phew! That’s a lot of weekend fun! Don’t forget I have posts about South Sound family fun all the rest of the week, too! If you haven’t already done so, I hope you’ll consider subscribing to my emails or joining me on Facebook. If you’d like to support this site (Hey, thanks!) I appreciate you telling your friends about it, and telling my sponsors you found them on Sounds Fun Mom!