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
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
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.
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