Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend in Tacoma, Auburn, Lakewood, Olmypia, or another South Sound spot? You’ve come to the right spot for a whole list of affordable South Sound fun for kids and families this weekend.
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
Taste of Tacoma at Pt.Defiance New this year is Rock the Bowl from Metro Parks, featuring a zip line, climbing wall and more. Admission to the event is free. There is a cost for food items and rock the bowl activities, though there will also be free, live entertainment on stage. You are encouraged to park at TCC and take the shuttle. This is a busy event. I wouldn’t navigate it with a stroller, but I’m chicken like that….feel free to leave your Taste Tips in the comments!
Shrine Circus at the Puyallup Fairgrounds I haven’t noticed any, but there are typically coupons for free kids’ admission at local stores, so you may want to look around.
Friday
Low Tide Events near Olympia at Burfoot from 10-1 with the South Sound Estuary Association *Link will take you to the schedule for the whole summer.
Summer Stories and crafts for kids 3-6 and their parents at 10:30 at Bonney Lake, Parkland/Spanaway, Summit, and Gig Harbor
Dream On! Magician Jeff Evans performs at the Sumner Library at 11 or Milton Edgewood at 1:30
Sing Along with Harmonica Pocket The kindie entertainers will celebrate Woody Guthrie (This Land is Your Land…) with a sing along for kids 2-8 at the Graham Library at 2PM
Taste of Tacoma and Rock the Bowl begin at Pt.Defiance
Fancy Nancy Pajama-Rama at the Puyallup Public Library 3-4PM Wear your jammies, enjoy a craft, and plenty of other fancy fun. Summer preschool story times also begin today.
It’s Movie Night in Frederickson Free outdoor movie at the Sound Life Church on 176th. Bouncy houses and fun for the kids, too. Food available for purchase. Movie starts at dusk.
Saturday
Hit your farmer’s market!
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.
Safety and Fun event at the Federal Way Home Depot 10-2 Face painting and fun safety themed activities for the kids. Community partners on hand. I will try to call around to see if this is at other area Home Depots. I’m pretty sure last year the Fire Department was at ours.
Families can visit the restored Mary Olson farm in Auburn for free on Saturdays and Sundays all summer Today, kids can make and race a veggie car from 1-4.
Planispheres at the Summit Library 11AM Make star charts with members of the Tacoma Astronomical Society for kindergaren and up
Summerfest in Lakewood Free community festival with a variety of entertainment, kids’ zone for 5.00, food vendors, movie at dusk
Samoa Cultural Day Presented by the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Lakewood Traditional games,dance, and song. Vendors with food and crafts
Urban Art Festival in Tacoma Celebration of art, music, and dance at Dock St. I don’t see much for kids, but I was assured on Twitter there would be kids’ activities including a video game tent from Dorky’s Arcade, skateboarding demos. and other things of interest. Let me know what you think if you go.
Crafts from the Past at Ft.Nisqually Each weekend, a different 19th century craft will be demonstrated. Included with regular admission.
Woody’s Dream at the Fife Library Sing-along to the scongs of Woody Guthrie (This Land is Your Land) and children’s entertainers, Harmonica Pocket for ages 2-8 2PM
Passport to Imagination Craft at Michael’s moose crafts with a Canadian theme; 1-4PM
Star Wars events at the main branch of the Tacoma Public Library All ages photo ops. with characters at 1PM; Jedi Training for ages 9 and up at 1 (Registration recommended). Interactive screening of Star Wars for the whole family at 3PM props while supplies last
Kids’ Club at the Steilacoom Historical Museum patriotic paper crafts today
Life on a Colonial Lavender farm The Blue Willow Lavender farm on the Key Peninsula welcomes visitors every Saturday through August with costumed actors recreating life on a colonial lavender farm. Free admission; variety of lavender goodies available for purchase.
Fathoms ‘O Fun in Port Orchard Parade and a full day of street festivities
Jingle Bell Extravaganza Llama Show at the Thurston County Fairgrounds Also Sunday
Visit the LOTT WET Center in Olympia Every Saturday the center is open with free, science and environmental education activities
Today is the day for the first SFM reader event! Whoo-Hoo!! If you bought tickets, I will be sending driving directions and other scoop to the email you used when you bought your tickets. Tickets are sold out, but if you were really meaning to come and you forgot, send an email to soundsfunmom@gmail.com, and we’ll see what we can do! If you have your tickets, don’t forget to come. I can’t wait to meet you!
Sunday
Be sure to also check the all weekend listings at the top!
Wings and Wheels at the Tacoma Narrows Airport Air and car show at the airport in Gig Harbor. Displays, fly-overs, entertainment, beer garden. Admission is 12.00 for adults/5.00 for kids. Only those who purchase online in advance will be able to park on site. Day-of purchasers should ride the shuttle from Uptown. There are also bomber rides available if you have several hundred spare dollars.
Jingle Bell Extravaganza Llama Show at the Thurston County Fairgrounds Also Sunday
As always, if you know something great I missed, do let me know. Later this weekend, I’ll have your July 4th guide up. Check back for that!
If you use SFM to plan your family’s weekend adventures (Hey, thanks!) I hope you’ll consider supporting the site by telling businesses and vendors you read about them here!