Archives for July 2012

If you’ve got a fan of PBS’ Dinosaur Train (loud music-don’t open at work), you’ll want to free up some time in your schedule tomorrow morning.

The Children’s Museum of Tacoma and PBS are partnering to present a special  Dinosaur Train SPARKS on August 11th. Sparks programs are Saturday morning programs with a special theme. The PBS ones are FREE, and they’re crazy popular. In fact, the last one filled up while I was on the phone with the gal from the station.

Registration opens tomorrow, the first, at 10AM. You can email or call. If you love your children’s museum, and you love your Dinosaur Train-consider this your heads-up!

Not your turf? Head to What Sounds Fun This Week for fun all-over, including a heads-up on the last free night at the hands-on museum in Olympia before it moves to new digs!

PS If you register for the Sparks program, tell ’em you saw it on Sounds Fun Mom, won’t you? Thanks!

UPDATE

If you’re looking for information about the possible halfway house in Puyallup on Shaw Road, there is a follow up meeting at the Pioneer Park Pavillion Tonight, September 29th at 6:30.  It is a public meeting, and if you feel strongly about this issue, the best thing you can do is attend.

Need a short summary of what is going on?

The house in question has a new owner who has indicated he wants to use it as a halfway house. He’s apparently given different versions of his plans to different folks. Most recently he has said that his goal is to help veterans, but he has apparently only spoken to people from the Department of Corrections, and he did acknowledge at the public meeting that residents would be recently released felons, and that they could include Level 1 and Level 2 sex offenders.

Many residents are opposed to this project, fearing the house is too close to neighborhoods with young children and schools and bus stops. Others have pointed out that it is not near public transportation or shops or businesses, so residents would have a long walk for basic services.  At the first meeting, a temporary moratorium of six months was established on the building of any such facility. Tonight’s meeting could extend that or make it permanent. Several elected officials have also been working on the issue.

The group who first brought this issue to public attention is the Facebook page, Shaw ComeTogether, and they have been updating regularly.

If you want to sign the petition opposing the placement of this house, you can go here.

By the way, if you’re new to the site-welcome! I live in Puyallup, but I write about the whole South Sound, and most of the time my focus is on fun and affordable outings for your family.

If you’ve got kiddos, and you love to do things around the South Sound with your family, I do hope you’ll consider coming back for some of the good stuff! You can also subscribe with any of those buttons at the top, or feel free to check out the About page for me about me and the site.

*Note: I am not a news person, and I’ve done my best to give what I think is an accurate summary of events, as well as the information you need at this point. If you want to weigh in with additional thoughts, you’re welcome to leave a comment, as long as it’s a family friendly one.

Here are my favorite finds for the week ahead! Don’t forget to explore the menu bar for still more summer fun! Just hover over, “Summer Fun”, and you’ll see drop-down links to all the best of free or cheap summer family fun in the South Sound, including free bowling, free skating, cheap movies, free concerts, and so much more.

Read on for my picks of the week!

Monday

Summer Playground programs and free lunch have begun in all areas.

Scared Silly Storytelling with the Auburn Library at 2 For ages 3 and up in the mp room at Les Gove

Science on Wheels in Bonney Lake at 6:30 PM at CedarView Park

Tuesday

Explore the Shore at 9AM at Owen Beach at Pt.Defiance Join naturalists to see critters revealed by low tides

Summer Stories and Crafts at South Hill Library at 1o For children 3-6 and their grownups 10AM, 11:30AM, and 6:30PM

Cap N Arr at Alan Yorke Park in Bonney Lake at 11AM

Raccoon Tunes and Possum Tales Music and fun with Eric Ode at the Buckley library at 11 or Bonney Lake at 2

1.00 Summer Movies at Regal Cinemas  Looks like Kung Fu Panda II or Rango. In Puyallup? Don’t forget to pick up your free mini cupcake at Jubilee. Tell Patti you saw it on Sounds Fun Mom!

1.00 Showing of Winnie the Pooh at Cinemarks in Federal Way and Olympia

Not so Scary Monster Show at the Federal Way Library

Pajamarama Preschool Dance Party 1PM at Moore

Puppet Presents: 3 Billy Goats Gruff and Other Classics  Parkland Spanaway at 11 or Lakewood at 2:30 For ages 6 and up

The Moon at Milton/Edgewood Library at 2PM Learn about the moon and make moon crafts. Free, summer reading program for k and up

Magician Jeff Evans at the Swasey Library at 3

Read with a Dogie Friend at the Puyallup Public Library 3:30 Drop in and practice with patient listener, Pepper.

Roberto the Magnificent in Lacey 6:30 PM

Wednesday

Get Your Feet Wet! Meet naturalists from Harbor Wild Watch by the big blue tent and explore critters revealed by low tides.  12 at Kopachuck or 10 at Joemma

Summer Stories and Crafts crafts and stories for preschoolers and grown-ups Gig Harbor, Lakewood, University Place, or Milton Edgewood at 10:30

Hooked on History at the White River Museum in Auburn weekly event before kids’ shows at Les Gove park. Themed history activities and crafts from 10:30-11:30  Free

Eric Herman performs in Auburn at noon at Les Gove  You may want to bring a suit for the sprayground

1.00 Summer Movies at Regal Cinemas

Story Time and Craft Stories of Princes and Princesses and crown making at TPL branches 10:30 at Main,1:30 at Mottet

Roberto the Magnificent at TPL branches  Kobetich at 12 or 3 at South Tacoma

Puppet Presents: 3 Billy Goats Gruff and Other Stories at the Tillicum Library at 10:30 or Orting at 2:30

Dream On! Magician Jeff Evans performs in Eatonville at 11 or Graham at 2

Imagination Circus-Magician/Stunt man Alex Zerbe at the South Hill Library at 2PM

 Caspar Babypants in Kent at the town plaza. Noon

Science Show at the Enumclaw Library “Mad Science,” for ages 4 and up

The Thurston County Fair begins

Thursday

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

Get Your Feet Wet! Meet naturalists from Harbor Wild Watch by the big blue tent and explore critters revealed by low tides.  10:30 at Kopachuck or Penrose

Charles the Clown in Olympia 

Puppet Show in Yelm at 11

Story Time and Craft Stories of Princes and Princesses and crown making at TPL branches  11:30 at Fern Hill, 2 South Tacoma, 4 at Moore

Puppet Presents: 3 Billy Goats Gruff and Other Stories at the Gig Harbor Library at 11

Story Hour at the Conservatory Science and nature themed stories and crafts at the conservatory in Wright Park. 5.00 suggested donation. You might want to plan on playing at the playground/sprayground after. 11AM

August Family Fun Day for Little Kids at SouthCenter Mall  Stories and make and take crafts

King County Fair begins in Enumclaw

Friday

Get Your Feet Wet! Meet naturalists from Harbor Wild Watch by the big blue tent and explore critters revealed by low tides.  111:00 at Kopachuck or Penrose

Summer Stories and Crafts Crafts and fun for preschoolers and their grown-ups at 10:30 Bonney Lake, Parkland, Sumit

Noon Tunes! It’s Rodney Raccoon at the STAR center in South Tacoma

Graffiti Lettering at the Puyallup Library 3PM Learn graffiti style lettering. An art activity recommended for grades 3 and up.

Outdoor Movie in Gig Harbor at Donkey Creek Park

Free Friday Night at the HOCM in Olympia  Last free Friday at this location. Steam train ride and other special activities

As always, I’ll have much more for the weekend up Friday morning!

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.

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!

Friday

Stuffed animal sleepover drop-off at Wheelock

Magician Jeff Evans at the UP library at 11 or Dupont at 2

Zambini Brothers Junkyard Puppet Show 11 at Swasey 3PM at Kobetich

Magician, stuntman Alex Zerbe performs at Sumner at 10:30 or Lakewood at 2

Puppet Presents! Billy Goats Gruff and other classics for ages 6 and up South Hill at 1 or 2:30

Dancing Pajamas Preschool dance party with musician  Nancy Stewart at the Puyallup Public Library

Renton River Days begin Entertainment, kids’ zone, low cost circus performances

Movie at Meridian Habitat Park South Hill. It’s The Muppets Meridian Habitat Center 7PM ; Free

Oz the musical. All ages performance based on the Wizard of Oz at the Little Theater in Auburn. Various show times all weekend.

Saturday

All Over

Lowe’s Build and Grow  Kung Fu Panda activity. Advance registration required for these popular, free programs

Michael’s Passport to Imagination  world traveler crafts at Michael’s;

Hit your farmer’s market!

South King County

Renton River Days

Bon Odori Festival at the White River Buddhist Temple Traditional Buddhist event celebrating ancestors. Food for sale. Dancing and entertainment open to the public.

Page is a pdf that also  has links to other area festivals.

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.

Puyallup/Sumner/Bonney Lake

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

Shakespeare in the Park Bonney Lake Last Leaf Productions performs an abbreviated version of Julius Caesar at Allan Yorke Park at 3:30  Probably best for older kids. Spoiler alert: This is the one where Caesar gets stabbed. You knew that, right?

Free outdoor movie in Puyallup Bradley Lake at dusk. Free; concessions for sale. It’s the NEW version of Footloose.

Tacoma/Greater Pierce County

Magician Jeff Evans performs at Tacoma Libraries. Moore at 11 or Kobetich at 3

Ethnic Fest at Wright Park Entertainment, arts activities, food for sale, movie at dusk. Also on Sunday

Planispheres at the University Place Library

Kite Festival at Chamber’s Creek  Free 11AM-4PM  Kite flying, face painting, and more. Free kite making for the first 200 kids.

Family Nature Walks in Tacoma parks with Nature Center staff. 10-11 Wapato Hills 1-2 at Oak Tree Park. Free, but you need to sign up. Not suitable for strollers.

Louie Fest at the LeMay museum 10AM-dusk; also Sunday Performances by classic rock bands, kids’ activities. Tickets are on the pricey side, but they do include admission to the museum.

Free showing of Journey to the Mysterious Island at Wheelock at 2PM

Crafts from the Past at Ft.Nisqually Each weekend, a different 19th century craft will be demonstrated. Included with regular admission. Also on Sunday Native American basketry this weekend

Kids’ Club at the Steilacoom Historical Museum

Gig Harbor

 Harbor Wild Watch at Jerisich Dock at 10

Life on a Colonial Lavender Farm at Blue Willow Farm on the Key Peninsula Every Saturday through August the farm is open with costumed actors recreating life during the colonial era. Free but lavender and items available for purchase. **Call to check before you go, as I’m hearing mixed reports about whether this is a go or not.

Lacey/Olympia/Thurston

Touch a Truck Event Kids can touch and explore helicopters, rescue vehicles, and more

5.00/child; free for 2 and under Sponsored by the Junior League; proceeds benefit charities.

Pacific Northwest Mushroom Festival

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

Free outdoor movie in Lacey Dusk at Huntamer Park. It’s Rio

Enumclaw

The Highland Games  Get your kilt on! Also on Sunday

Sunday

Many of this weeekend’s big festivals continue today including the Highland Games in Enumclaw, Ethnic Fest at Wright Park, and Renton River Days

Food Truck Festival at Cheney Stadium 12-7; Vendors from a variety of local food trucks. Kids’ zone. Bring cash!

Family Fun Days at Emerald Downs in Auburn

Salmon Bake at Sunnyside Beach 12-4

Families can visit the restored Mary Olson farm in Auburn for free on Saturdays and Sundays all summer

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

Naturalists on hand at beaches at Frye Cove and Priest Point near Olympia; check out sea critters revealed by low tides

As always, if you know something great I missed, do let me know.

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!

If you’re new here, I hope you’ll consider subscribing to my emails, joining us on Facebook, or following me on Twitter!  I write just about fun for South Sound families, and I have new ideas every day!

 

 

Soooo…..wasn’t it supposed to be 80 degrees today?

Maybe this cloud thing will burn off.

Anyway, while I was sitting here pouting about how it didn’t look like a beach day, I happened to check the Charlie’s Safari website, and guess what?

They’re renewed their super generous bogo offer! Just bring in 3 cans of food for the Thurston County Food Bank and get 2 for 1 admission to the Bounce and play area!

If you’re not familiar with Charlie’s Safari, it’s an indoor play place in Lacey with a truly giant climbing structure and an assortment of bouncers. You can read all about it in my post here.

If you’ve been procrastinating in Puyallup, I’ve got good news!

Celebration Friends preschool has openings in their pre-k classes.

Celebration Friends was recently voted the best Christian Preschool in the South Sound, and their teachers have decades (!) of experience educating Puyallup area kiddos.

It’s a traditional, drop-off program, which makes it a good choice for those of you who can’t, or don’t want, to do a co-op.

Tuition is affordable, and kids get to enjoy a fun play-centered curriculum with center time, art, outdoor play, field trips, and a weekly chapel time. Plus, the teachers are among the area’s most experienced, and they’ll make sure your little ones are learning the skills they need for kindergarten. The school director told me they’ve heard from area teachers that they are able to pick out which kids have gone to Celebration Friends because they hit the ground running!

Tuition is affordable, and it includes everything-no sneaky fees in the middle of the year, and you’ll never be asked to do fundraisers.

Other classes are full, with waiting lists, so if you’re interested in these remaining pre-k spots, get in touch with the friendly CF staff soon! You can check out the site or give them a call at 253 848 1098. Feel free to say you saw them on SFM.

Disclosure: The preschool is affiliated with Celebration Lutheran Church, of which I am a member. I was not compensated for this post,  and the opinions are my own.

Here’s a unique opportunity to visit an island in the middle of the sound and enjoy a full day of summer fun on the water.

It’s a public excursion with the folks at the Foss Waterway Seaport. I’ve written about the museum here before. It’s small, but very affordable and great for kids. It’s currently closed for renovation, but the seaport is continuing to offer a variety of family programming including an upcoming Sail to Blake Island.

What’s the scoop? On August 15th, kiddos 6 and up and their favorite grown-ups can take a cruise from the Foss Seaport to Blake Island on the research boat, My Girl. On board, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about marine and environmental science and participate in hands-on experiments.

Once on the island, you can walk the beach, do a craft, or hike one of the island’s trails.

It’s 45.00 for one adult and one child, and 10.00 for each additional child. This is more than events I typically write about, but I think it’s a pretty screaming deal considering you’re getting an entire day of activity and a boat ride.

Blake Island is North of Vashon, and it’s best known as the home of Tillicum Village, where you can attend an excellent (but very pricey) salmon bake.

There are also a few camp sites on Blake Island and folks sometimes kayak there, or get transportation from Argosy. Those really are the only ways to get here, which makes this outing from the maritime museum a good deal and a unique opportunity!

The excursion will leave the Foss Waterway at 9:15 and return at 4PM. You can get all the details here (you’ll also see a link to a pdf flyer). Spaces are limited, so if you decide it sounds like a fun staycation/daycation for your gang, you’ll want to give them a call. It’s 253.272.2750, ext. 100, and you can tell Vickie I said she’d help you out!

Do keep in mind kiddos need to be 6 and up. I know it’s sometimes tempting to sneak younger siblings in, but this isn’t an adventure where you want to bend the rules.

For an all ages land based adventure, you can check out my Deal of the Day page for info. on discounted rides on the Mt.Rainier Scenic Railroad. Another option is to do a walk on ferry ride. The run from Pt. Defiance to Vashon is a good choice. Got another favorite adventure for kids who love to, “Go?” I’d love to hear about it!

 

Here are my favorite finds for the week ahead! Don’t forget to explore the menu bar for still more summer fun! Just hover over, “Summer Fun”, and you’ll see drop-down links to all the best of free or cheap summer family fun in the South Sound, including free bowling, free skating, cheap movies, free concerts, and so much more.

Or, soak up summer at one of our favorite South Sound playgrounds or beaches with sand.

Read on for my picks of the week!

Monday

Summer Playground programs and free lunch have begun in all areas.

Aesop’s Fables in Bonney Lake at 6:30 PM at CedarView Park

Tuesday

Comedy Stunt Show with Matt Baker  at Alan Yorke Park in Bonney Lake at 11AM

Raccon Tunes and Possum Tales at the Lakewood Library Songs and fun with musician Eric Ode 11AM

Puppet Theater Presents Sumner at 11AM or Fife at 3 For kids 6 and up; Three Billy Goats Gruff and other classics

1.00 Summer Movies at Regal Cinemas  Looks like Adventures of Tin Tin or Puss in Boots In Puyallup? Don’t forget to pick up your free mini cupcake at Jubilee. Tell Patti you saw it on Sounds Fun Mom!

1.00 Showing of Puss in Boots at Cinemarks in Federal Way and Olympia

Passport to Imagination at Michael’s stores Travel themed craft program . Tuesdays-Thursdays 1-4 mask crafts inspired by Brazil today

Preschool Dance Party at the Fern Hill Library at 1

Roberto the Magnificent in Lacey 6:30 PM

Wednesday

Dreaming Tree Folktale Based play at the Bonney Lake Library at 11

Naturalists from Harbor Wild Watch will have touch tanks at the Skansie Farmer’s Market in Gig Harbor 12-

Puppet Theater Presents Summit at 10:30 or Steilacoom at 2:30 For kids 6 and up; Three Billy Goats Gruff and other classics

Hooked on History at the White River Museum in Auburn weekly event before kids’ shows at Les Gove park. Themed history activities and crafts from 10:30-11:30  Free

Eric Ode performs in Auburn at noon at Les Gove  You may want to bring a suit for the sprayground

1.00 Summer Movies at Regal Cinemas

Roberto the Magnificent  in Kent at the town plaza. Noon

Tales of the Nocturnal at the Eatonville Library at 2  animal guest from the Pt.Defiance Zoo!

Magician/stunt man Alex Zerbe performs at South Tacoma Library at 3

Lego Madness at South Hill Kids 6 and up can drop in and do some Lego between 2-4

Thursday

Imagination Circus at the Gig Harbor Library 10:30 jugggling and stunts with the amazing Alex Zerbe

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

Story Hour at the Conservatory Science and nature themed stories and crafts at the conservatory in Wright Park. 5.00 suggested donation. You might want to plan on playing at the playground/sprayground after. 11AM The Giving Tree theme today.

Puppet Theater Presents Graham at 10:30 or UP at 2:30 For kids 6 and up; Three Billy Goats Gruff and other classics

Dream On! Magician Jeff Evans in Orting at 11 or Summit at 1:30

Passport to Imagination at Michael’s stores Travel themed craft program . Tuesdays-Thursdays 1-4 Free events suitable for kids 3 and up. Morroco today

Spaceship stories and crafts at all TPL branches. Find your location and reigster (required).

Friday

Stuffed animal sleepover drop-off at Wheelock

Magician Jeff Evans at the UP library at 11 or Dupont at 2

Zambini Brothers Junkyard Puppet Show 11 at Swasey 3PM at Kobetich

Magician, stuntman Alex Zerbe performs at Sumner at 10:30 or Lakewood at 2

Puppet Presents! Billy Goats Gruff and other classics for ages 6 and up South Hill at 1 or 2:30

Dancing Pajamas Preschool dance party with magician Nancy Stewart at the Puyallup Public Library at 3

As always, I’ll have much more for the weekend up Friday morning!

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.

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!

Saturday

All Over

Michael’s Passport to Imagination crafts at Michael’s; this one inspired by Chile 1-4

Hit your farmer’s market!

South King County

Covington Days in Convington

Leapfrog Tag Geography Relay at the Federal Way Barnes and Noble  Call to register; Thanks, Elise!

Classic car and wooden boat show in Des Moines; waterland parade at 6 (children’s starts at 5:45)

Kids’ Late play date at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn Free, evening event with extended hours and special activities

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.

Tacoma/Greater Pierce County

Click! Family flick at the Grand in Tacoma  Free showing of Nanny McPhee to the first 100 people Doors open at 9:30; show at 10

The Not-Its! perform in Tacoma The popular kindie rock band puts on a free show for the preschool set at 11 at Wheelock or 3 at Moore

Pioneer Festival at the Job Carr Museum in Old Town Tacoma 11:30-4:30 Free family festival. Kids can try their hand at old fashioned clothes washing, panning for gold, and more

Crafts from the Past at Ft.Nisqually Each weekend, a different 19th century craft will be demonstrated. Included with regular admission. Also on Sunday Native American basketry this weekend

Fundraiser/Garage Sale in University Place at The Gathering (Neighborhood) Church 2802 Bridgeport Way W. University Place 7AM-7PM lemoade and car wash, too! A benefit for a local mom needing treatment for a rare and chronic illness.

Free Movie in the park in Fife-Dacca Park. It’s The Muppets!

Gig Harbor

Chalk the Walk in Gig Harbor  Prior to the Arts Festival, a free, all ages invitation to help beautify the sidewalk with chalk drawings or vote for your favorite.

Gig Harbor Summer Arts Festival 10-5  art, vendors, art activities for kids  Also on Sunday;  shuttle available

Robot Garage at the Gig Harbor library Engineering program for kids in grades 3-9 with volunteers from the Museum of Flight

Life on a Colonial Lavender Farm at Blue Willow Farm on the Key Peninsula Every Saturday through August the farm is open with costumed actors recreating life during the colonial era. Free but lavender and items available for purchase. **Call to check before you go, as I’m hearing mixed reports about whether this is a go or not.

Cinema Gig-Free showing of Lady and the Tramp at dusk at Skansie Brothers

Lacey/Olympia/Thurston

JBLM Air Expo  See the Thunderbirds and others. Free and open to the public, but check instructions on parking and check in. Also on Sunday

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

Capital Lakefair continues in Olympia

Enumclaw

Wilkeson Handcar Races Parade followed by races , plus kids’ zone, entertainment, and vendors  Complete schedule for Saturday

Enumclaw Street Fair Continues

Sunday

Many of the events above continue through Sunday, including Lakefair and the JBLM air show. I’ll update the page later this weekend.

Family Fun Days at Emerald Downs in Auburn

Families can visit the restored Mary Olson farm in Auburn for free on Saturdays and Sundays all summer

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

As always, if you know something great I missed, do let me know.

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!