Archives for August 2012

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend in Tacoma, Auburn, Lakewood, Olympia, 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. There is a little something called Bumbershoot, among other things! *I don’t see it up yet, but I’m sure it’s in progress.

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

Chalk the Walk at Frost Park in Tacoma at 12

Registration opens at 12 for the next free Sparks program at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma (It’s Sid the Science Kid).

Summer Bash at the Peoples Center on MLK in Tacoma 5PM Free community celebration with games, entertainment and movies at dusk-It’s Puss in Boots tonight.

Kids’ Overnight at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn  Special overnight for kids 7 and up. Registration required.

Harbor Days begins in Olympia

Saturday

All Over

Home Depot Kids Workshop 9AM-12 It’s a goal post. Arrive early for these popular, free workshops. Thanks, ThriftyNWMom for the reminder. Anyone else forgetting it’s a whole new month?? Crazy….

South King County

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 from 10-2 Here’s their Facebook page

Last weekend for the sand sculpting festival in Federal Way Thanks, ThriftyNWMom

Tacoma/Greater Pierce County

Tent Sale Weekend at the Old Cannery in Sumner Free hotdogs and pop, watch a sand sculptor in action. Standard SFM warning: If you purchase a new couch, this will no longer be a frugal activity.

Back to School Fair at Our Savior Lutheran Free school supplies and clothing for kids in need

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

Gig Harbor/Kitsap/Beyond

Over the Narrows Run in Gig Harbor Fundraiser for local kids’ charities includes chip timed 10k option, or leisurely 5k run/walk over the Narrows Bridge for families. Kids’ Dash available too. 15.00 for ages 12 and older (One of the more reasonably priced runs I’ve seen recently).

Bremerton Blackberry Festival Free admission; 2nd annual celebration of all things blackberry. Runs the 1st-3rd Children’s entertainment, car show, vendors   You’re encouraged to take the shuttle for 2.00 from Olympic College

Lacey/Olympia

Last day for Whales in our Midst at the State Capital Museum

Harbor Days Continues in Olympia tugboat tours, kids’ activities, and more. Free admission  Also on Sunday

Elsewhere

Out of the Rut Weekend at Northwest Trek Also on Sunday and Monday

Special themed activities included with park admission (Zipline fees are separate). Park admission is pricey. Your kids might have a free coupon if they did a summer reading program, and September is half-off senior’s month, if you think grandma would like to come (You won’t be able to combine the free coupon and the senior discount). If you’d go two or more times, investing in a membership is probably a good idea.

Roy Pioneer Rodeo Variety of roping and riding competitions. Also on Sunday Tickets 4.00 for kids 6 and up; 10.00 for adults

Sunday

Family Fun Days at Emerald Downs in Auburn From 1:30-5:30 kids can get free pony rides; face painters on hand until 4:30; bouncers, too. Races start at 2. Also on Monday (Labor Day) this weekend.

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

Bremerton Blackberry Festival Free admission; 2nd annual celebration of all things blackberry. Runs the 1st-3rd Children’s entertainment, car show, vendors   You’re encouraged to take the shuttle for 2.00 from Olympic College

Harbor Days Continues in Olympia tugboat tours, kids’ activities, and more. Free admission

Out of the Rut Weekend at Northwest Trek

Special themed activities included with park admission (Zipline fees are separate). Park admission is pricey. Your kids might have a free coupon if they did a summer reading program, and September is half-off senior’s month, if you think grandma would like to come (You won’t be able to combine the free coupon and the senior discount). If you’d go two or more times, investing in a membership is probably a good idea.

Roy Pioneer Rodeo Variety of roping and riding competitions. Also on Sunday Tickets 4.00 for kids 6 and up; 10.00 for adults

Monday/Labor Day

Schools, libraries, and government offices will be closed for the holiday. Many of this weekend’s events continue, including

Family Fun Days at Emerald Downs in Auburn From 1:30-5:30 kids can get free pony rides; face painters on hand until 4:30; bouncers, too. Races start at 2.

Out of the Rut Weekend at Northwest Trek

Special themed activities included with park admission (Zipline fees are separate). Park admission is pricey. Your kids might have a free coupon if they did a summer reading program, and September is half-off senior’s month, if you think grandma would like to come (You won’t be able to combine the free coupon and the senior discount). If you’d go two or more times, investing in a membership is probably a good idea.

Bremerton Blackberry Festival Free admission; 2nd annual celebration of all things blackberry. Children’s entertainment, car show, vendors   You’re encouraged to take the shuttle for 2.00 from Olympic College

If nothing in the list suits your fancy, it’s officially bucket list time! Many pools will be closing, so you might want to take a swim. Or, it should be a great weekend for a nearby hike, a visit to a great beach, or a ride on the Great Wheel!

Over here, we’ve got a bunch of deal site vouchers to use up, so it may be funapalooza weekend. Wish us luck!

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 for South Sound families, and I have new ideas every day!  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.

There are exciting changes coming to the kids’ menus at some of our favorite spots.

The Washington Restaurant Association is rolling out new, healthier items with kid appeal as part of their initiative, Healthy Meals, Happy Kids. The selections are the result of collaborations between the talented students in the Lakes High School culinary program, the restaurant association, and advisers from the Multicare Health System.

The program kick off is tonight, Thursday, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at each of the participating Lakewood-area restaurants: The Ram, Farrelli’s Wood Fire Pizza, Burs Restaurant and Carr’s Restaurant & Bar.  Each restaurant will feature a special sampling table for all children visiting the restaurant, allowing each of them to try the new menu, which includes more nutritious versions of favorites like pizza and chicken nuggets. This is an informal, drop-in event, and you shouldn’t expect to get a full, free meal. It does sound like a fun chance to let your kids be taste testers! You can also enter to win a 25.00 gift card to the participating restaurants through a News Tribune Sweepstakes.

Did you catch Olympic fever at your house?

If so, you might be interested in this free opportunity to hang out with local gold medal winner Megan Jendrik (You might remember her as Megan Quann).
Megan won two gold medals at the Sydney games, and set all kinds of records along the way. You can read more about her at her blog. She’ll be doing a special Meet and Greet at the Fife Pool September 15th, and the event is free to pool patrons. I didn’t have a chance to ask, but I have a feeling they won’t be too fussy about who is considered a patron. If you find out otherwise, let me know.

Megan will be doing some stroke demonstrations, giving an inspirational talk, and posing for pictures with her medal. Pretty awesome, huh?

The event itself is free, and if you bring 3 cans of food for the food bank, you can get a free autographed card, too!

As you’d imagine, there will also be souvenir items and pictures for sale. Most of those are in the 10.00-20.00 range. If you want your kiddo posed with Megan and her gold medal, that will run you 20.00, but it comes with an autograph.

We’ve really been trying to encourage our oldest to set some goals for himself this year (In anything, really), and I’m hoping this will give him some inspiration.

While the event is free, it is limited to the building capacity, so you need to get tickets. Just swing by the pool for them. Do note, they’ll be closed Labor Day and have limited afternoon hours next week. If it’s out of your way, I’d call first to make sure someone is in to help you. Btw, I Love the instruction at the Fife Pool with big, fluffy pink hearts. I know there are many great programs in the area, but if you’re near Fife, I can’t say enough good things about it, even though it took Henry an absolute age to get off torpedo.

The pool is at 54120 20th St. E in Fife, and the meet and greet event runs from 10am-12, with check-in beginning at 9:15.

Our friends at Narrows Cooperative Preschool let me know they’ve had some unexpected spots open up in their pre-k class for 4 and 5 year olds.

Recently selected by Patch readers as the best preschool in University Place, it features an enriched, play centered curriculum with drama, science, music, and more! Co-op parents help out in the classroom and with school functions. It’s a great way for both parents and kids to make new friends, plus it means lower tuition and an excellent adult to child ratio.  You’ll find much more information and an email link at their website.   You can also leave a message at 253-564-4655, and one of their friendly volunteers will call you right back.  Their other classes are full or close, so don’t wait too long if you’re interested in a pre-K spot.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. We love our co-op sponsors here at SFM. Tell ’em you saw this post here when you check them out.

Last week, I asked the intrepid team of readers at the SFM Facebook page if they knew of any other places offering free school supplies for kids in need.

Reader Erin mentioned an event coming up at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Tacoma. It’s September 1st from 9-12.  Kiddos will be able to get basic school supplies as well as clothing.

Reader Olive reminded me about Lions for Kids in Bonney Lake which provides a variety of services for kids in need with a referral from your counselor or principal.

Many of the other annual supply giveaways have already taken place, but if you’re in need of a hand, I’d try contacting your district or your building principal. If you know of another group helping with these expenses, leave a note. I’d love to share 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.

Read on for my picks of the week!

Monday

Have your kids participated in a summer reading program this summer? Most have wrapped up, but  your kiddos may still be able to claim their prizes! Call to check.

Don’t forget at the Puyallup Public Library, you can trade food for fines!

Have you been loving bowling for free? Our friends at Chalet Bowl in Tacoma have a fun kids’ program you might want to check out for the fall. 8.00 a week for an 8 week club, and kids get a free bowling ball. Tell ’em you saw if on SFM if you check it out!

Museo Monday at the history museum in Tacoma Check out a family kit and have a friendly Bingo style competition hunting for artifacts in the museum.

Scholastic Books Warehouse Sale continues in Auburn

Touch a Truck  in Bonney Lake at 6:30 PM at Allan Yorke Park *All BL shows are now at Allan Yorke; sorry for this late correction Kids can climb in and explore some of the city’s biggest rigs!

Tuesday

Meet us at the Beach  Join naturalists from the South Sound Estuary Association at Burfoot Park near Olympia to check out sea critters revealed by low tides. This is a Kids to the Beach Day-if you know a youngster who needs transportation to visit the beach there is a number to contact. 10-1

Touch a Truck at Allan Yorke Park in Bonney Lake at 11AM Kids can climb in and explore some of the city’s biggest rigs!

1.00 Summer Movies at Regal Cinemas  Looks like Alvin and the Chipmunks:Chipwrecked and Mr.Popper’s Penguins. In Puyallup? Don’t forget to pick up your free mini cupcake at Jubilee. Tell Patti you saw it on Sounds Fun Mom!

Touch tanks and naturalists from Harbor Wild Watch on hand during Summer Sounds at Skansie in Gig Harbor

Read with a Dog at the Puyallup Public Library  Kids can drop in and practice their skills with patient listener, Pepper. 3:30-4:30

Family Game Night at the Dupont Library  Drop in and play favorite board games and other family favorites 6-7:30

Movie Night at the University Place Library 7PM  Call the library for details; you’re invited to bring snacks.

Wednesday

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

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

Family camp at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma 11-12  Bring a sack lunch to enjoy after special themed activities for the family. It’s a Gold Rush theme today. Free with admission (You could try and score a pass from the library).

1.00 Summer Movies at Regal Cinemas

Thursday

Open House at Concordia Preschool Bonney Lake 9 -10 am Preschool
10-11 am PreK; 11 -11:30 am  Terrific 2′s  Looking for a quality, Christian preschool near Sumner or Bonney Lake? Come check out the classrooms and meet staff.

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

It’s the Search for Seattle’s Funniest Kid at the Southcenter Mall  followed by a mini performance from Barnum & Bailey Circus 1st floor near the Disney Store. Talent search from 1:30-2:30 Circus performances from 3-5

Open House at Evergreen City Ballet in Renton from 4-7  Drop in for refreshments, meet the teachers, and check out their beautiful studios. I’d love you to let them know SFM sent ‘ya!

Friday

Summer Bash at the Peoples Center on MLK in Tacoma 5PM Free community celebration with games, entertainment and movies at dusk-It’s Puss in Boots tonight.

Kids’ Overnight at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn  Special overnight for kids 7 and up. Registration required.

As always, I’ll have much more for your weekend up Friday morning. Go Seize the Summer, friends!

Know something I missed? Have a group planning an end of the summer bash, or recruiting members for (Gulp!) the fall? Give me a holler!

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 to do today? Here is a list of ideas for fun with the family in Tacoma, Olympia, Auburn, and around the South Sound.

Sunday

Bring a school supply donation for half-off admission to Wild Waves! Thanks, ThriftyNWMom for the reminder.

Maritime Fest! in Tacoma Free kids’ activities, entertainment, and boat tours! Go early, use the shuttle, and bring your patience and a couple of grown-ups.

*We went yesterday and found we were able to find parking in one of the public lots on Dock St. There is some close by, for 10.00, or go most of the way down the street to the Republic Lot and park for 4.00. You need ones, though. It’s the stuff through the slot kind, and you can’t get change or use plastic. If you’re going later in the day, I’d park at the Tacoma Dome station and take the shuttle. The highlight today is the free boat tours. You will want to arrive early to get in on one, and do be prepared to have to wait. There are a variety of vendor booths, including touch tanks from Harbor Wild Watch, kids’ activities, and pirate games. You may want to bring some money to buy food or a 1.00 pirate map.

Lowe’s Build and Grow  Advance registration required for these popular, free projects. It’s Shrek’s onion carriage.

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

Sand in the City in Olympia Today is grandparent’s day. Free admission (5.00 per family suggested donation). All kinds of kids’ activities, plus giant sand boxes and the chance to vote for your favorite sand sculpture. Special activities for kids and their grandparents today.

Clay Pot, Make it-Take it at Michael’s for ages 3 and up 1-3  I’d call to confirm at your store before heading out.

Family Fun Days at Emerald Downs in Auburn From 1:30-5:30 kids can get free pony rides and face painting

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

Kitsap County Fair continues in Bremerton Today is family day. 21.00 admits two adults and two children. Don’t forget to check Macaroni Kid Kitsap for more fun in this area.

None of those suit your fancy? Maybe you’d like to try one of the spots on my list of favorite beaches, or best playgrounds. Most all spraygrounds are also still open, though some wading pools have closed.

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 for South Sound families, and I have new ideas every day!  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. It is Seafair Weekend, so if you’re headed towards Seattle, be aware you’ll need to work around Seafair traffic.

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

Noon Tunes Concert with Nancy Stewart at the new STAR center in South Tacoma

Summer Bash at the Norpoint Community Center in Tacoma 5PM Free community celebration with games, entertainment and movies at dusk

Children’s Art: Exploring Whales and Water at the capital museum in Olympia from 1-3 For children 6-12; 2.00 per person Art activities inspired by the current whale exhibit, plus special tour and hands-on activities

Outdoor Family Movie Night in Frederickson at the Sound Life Church. It’s the Wizard of Oz. Community booth and fun and games beginning at 6:30. Movie at dusk.

Free Outdoor Movie in Kent. It’s Men in Black

Friday Night Flick in Bonney Lake  It’s Soul Surfer

Saturday

All Over

Lowe’s Build and Grow  Advance Registration required for these popular, free programs. It’s Shrek’s onion carriage.

South King County

Scholastic Books Warehouse Sale in Auburn

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.

Fife/Puyallup/Sumner/Bonney Lake/Orting

Back to School Barbecue and Health Fair at the Mountain View Community Center in Edgewood Free school supplies, health screenings, and more. Pass this on to pals who could use a hand with back to school expenses this year. 10-2

All-American Salute to the Troops at the Old Cannery in Sumner face painting, bouncy house, and more. The 2nd Styker Brigade will be on hand. Thanks to ThriftyNWMom for the reminder.

Hounds on the Hill at Pierce College Charity dog walk and street fair

Puyallup Library 10th anniversary celebration

Kids’ Gardening Class with the Master Gardeners in Puyallup Free classes start at 1 at the WSU extension on Pioneer. It’s backyard birds/feeder making today. Click on “Children’s programs.” I’ve written more about these programs here.

Arts in the Park at Pioneer Park  Valley Arts United presents this free event in conjunction with the farmer’s market. Native American dance performance at 10:30, art projects with TAM, and chalk-the walk in front of the library

Tacoma/Greater Pierce County

Maritime Fest! Free kids’ activities, entertainment, and boat tours! Go early, use the shuttle, and bring your patience and a couple of grown-ups. Also Sunday

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

Big Miracle shows at the Wheelock Library

Family Fun Day with Life Center South in Lakewood 11AM-5PM at Clover Park High School music, games, first 150 kids get a free backpack.

Kids’ Club at the Steilacoom Historical Museum It’s ice cream making today.

Gig Harbor/Kitsap

Life on a Colonial Lavender Farm at Blue Willow Farm on the Key Peninsula Every Saturday through August 25th the farm is open with costumed actors recreating life during the colonial era. Free but lavender and items available for purchase.

Kitsap County Fair

Lacey/Olympia

Sand in the City Huge community event in Olympia, with art activities, entertainment, and giant sand boxes for kids to play in. All free, though a 5.00 per family donation is suggested.

Visit the LOTT WET Center in Olympia Every Saturday the center is open with free, science and environmental education activities This weekend the center is open from 10-4 both Saturday and Sunday with a variety of art activities in conjunction with Sand in the City Link is a large-ish pdf

Maytown Family Festival  Free entertainment, roast pig dinner and more. Fun for the whole family. Click on the purple hyperlink in the right hand side for a pdf.

Sunday

Many of the events above continue today, including Sand in the City in Olympia, Maritime Fest in Tacoma, and the Kitsap County Fair.

Lowe’s Build and Grow  Advance registration required for these popular, free projects. It’s Shrek’s onion carriage.

Clay Pot, Make it-Take it at Michael’s for ages 3 and up 1-3  I’d call to confirm at your store before heading out.

Family Fun Days at Emerald Downs in Auburn From 1:30-5:30 kids can get free pony rides and face painting

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

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 for South Sound families, and I have new ideas every day!  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.