Archives for October 2012

Arrived by Google? This is an old post.

All our 2020 Halloween posts are here. 

Want something to do that’s Not spooky? I have our complete guide to fun for the weekend on the home page right here.  Need more help? Email me at soundsfunmom@gmail.com or pop over to our Facebook page or other social channels, and I’d be glad to help-really!

My blogging pal Annie, of Cummings Local, the go-to site for families in Cummings and Forsyth County, Georgia, found these chains offering deals. If you know of local restaurants offering something, do let me know! You can also check my regular kids’ eat free or cheap guide for more options. As always, I do recommend calling first to confirm your location is participating.

Outback Steakhouse:  Receive a FREE Kid’s Meal with the purchase of an adult entree.  And be sure to check out details for their “Find a Treat” hunt while you’re there too … you could win a free steak dinner to use on your next visit.

Dickey’s Barbecue:  In this press release, Dickey’s, the world’s largest barbecue franchise, offers free kid’s meals to children in costumes at all of its 260 locations nationwide. SFM Note: The only one around here is in Bonney Lake.

Olive Garden- Free Kids Meal with adult entree purchase when child is in costume on Halloween. Plus take home an entree when you purchase 1 of 5 entrees for $12.95. Link will take you to details from ThriftyNorthWest Mom.

Jen and her team also found these fun offers

Krispy Kreme Free Halloween or pumpkin spice donut when you dress in costume. Cuz….you needed a little more sugar…..

Chipotle Come in costume between 4- close and get a burrito, bowl, salad, or order of tacos for 2.00.

Old Country Buffet – Kids in costume will eat FREE on Halloween night + the first 50 kids that night will receive a FREE Goosebumps book Looks like the book offer continues on November 1st, and every Thursday is family night where kids eat for .99.

Sonic-.50 corn dogs 5PM-10PM

For more Halloween related deals, be sure to check ThriftyNorthwest Mom for all kinds of spooktacular savings.

And here’s My Round-up of  South Sound Trick or Treating, Halloween Festivals, Carnivals, and Trick or Treat Alternatives

You could also still totally pull off one of these easy, Halloween crafts-a nice idea for kids too young to enjoy much door to door!

Looking for South Sound family fun? Kids’ activities in Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, or your neck of the woods?

You’ve come to the right place! Here’s my list of fun and affordable things to do with the kids in and around the South Sound this week!

Monday

Story time is back at  all area libraries! Every day this week, there are multiple events for all ages. Here is the link for Pierce County (change the date in the calendar on the left). Here is the link for the Tacoma Public Library (change the date in the calendar on the left). If you’re one of my Thurston County readers, here is the link to Timberland regional library. Use the calendar to the left to look for kids’ story times. Here is the link for my Kitsap readers, and here is the link to the King County Library System (You can search by individual library).

**Main Branch of the Tacoma Public Library scheduled to reopen at 2PM today. They’ve been dealing with unexpected delays implementing the new card catalog. I’d double check before you go!

Rain got you down? I have lists of bounce house places, indoor playgrounds, and malls with soft play sections. Make a play date and grab a little pumpkin latte, why don’t you?

Tuesday

Free day for Tacoma city residents at the Pt.Defiance Zoo Proof of in city residence, such as a utility bill, and photo i.d. required.

All ages drop-in time at Jump! in Gig Harbor 3:30-5:30

Spooky Story Time at the Summit Library  4-5 Gentle Halloween stories for preschool, plus a craft and snack. Costumes welcome

Wednesday

Community Helper Story Time at the University Place Library 10:30 Meet and greet with firefighters and their big trucks!

It’s Halloween! Head here for my ever-growing list of carnivals, festivals, and trick or treat events.

Thursday

Finger Play and Rhyme Extravaganza at the Federal Way Library

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

Westfield Family Fun Day for Little Kids at Southcenter Mall 10AM 2nd level near New Hope Church; free Thanksgiving (!) themed craft and stories today

Get your fingers ready! The next free, PBS Sparks event at the Children’s Museum is November 9th. This one is Fetch themed, and it’s for children 6-10 and their families. Today is registration day-online only-beginning at noon.  These have filled in Minutes, so if you want in, make a plan!

Critter Club at the Pt.Defiance Zoo Animal themed crafts, stories, and special visitors for 3 and 4 year olds. 8.00 members/ 10.00 non members. Fee does not include zoo admission. Preregister to hold your spot. 11AM  Also on Friday Super Sharks this week

Read with a Dog at the Puyallup Public Library Kids can drop in and practice reading to a patient, canine listener 3:30-4:30

Chess Club is back at the Gig Harbor Library Kids in kindergarten and up are invited to drop in each week for 20 minutes of instruction and 40 minutes of game play 6-7 PM

Friday

Nature Alphabet At the Tacoma Nature Center 10:30 Nature themed story time for preschoolers  V is for volcanoes today; registration and fees required

Day of the Dead Celebration at the Sumner Library Learn about this Mexican tradition, decorate a sugar skull cookie and enjoy hot chocolate. Requires registration.

As always, I’ll have much more for your weekend up Friday morning.

Know something I missed? Want publicity for your group’s plans for the fall? Just 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 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.

Don’t forget to check my list of pumpkin patches and corn mazes, and my list of Halloween events and trick or treat alternatives for still more Fall Fun!

All Weekend

Willy Wonka performances in Auburn  Tickets 15.00/17.00; save a few bucks by buying in advance

Terror on the Trail in Puyallup  Tour haunted trails at Bradley Lake Park 10/25, 10/26, and 10/27  There is one daytime session on the last day for those scared of the dark, but regardless, this event is designed to be frightening and not recommended for children under 7.

Old Time Harvest Fest at Miracle Ranch in Port Orchard

Saturday

All Over

Lego Bricktober event at Toys R Us  Free small set of Monster City mini figures; I do suggest calling your store to confirm they’re participating.

Cupcake decorating (you buy the cake; decorations free) at Fred Meyer, free cookies for kids in costume at 2 (costume winner gets a 25.00 gift card); first 100 kids to drop off coloring contest entries get a free trick or treat bag

South King County

Cedar River Salmon Migration  Read my post here for more area salmon spotting options.

StoryTime at Southcenter/Tukwila Barnes and Noble 11AM Every Saturday in the children’s section; call first to confirm

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

Halloween Harvest Festival in Auburn  Washington Elementary 3-5  Games; face painting and more. Trick or treating at downtown merchants. Wear your costume and bring a food donation-toy weapons checked at the door

Tacoma/Greater Pierce County

Sunset Festival of Bands in Sumner Marching band performances, Blue Thunder General admission 8.00/family discount kids under 5 are free

 U-pick Apple Picking and Cider making at Terry’s Berries on River Road in Tacoma/Puyallup  ***Please call first. Last Sunday they did close to pickers.

Lego! my Library at the Puyallup Public Library 11AM Build creations inspired by stories. New club. No registration required; for kids 3-8

Family Nature Walk at Titlow Park

Halloween Bash with the East Pierce Volunteer Fire Department in South Prairie 1-3 free  carnival games and Halloween fun

Thriller Dance at Pioneer Park in Puyallup by students from Elite Dance    1:30 plus pet costume contest at noon, glass pumpkin patch on display in the pavillion 9-4

Summit Library 20th Anniversary Celebration Variety of retro fun, including rap performances of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, a 1992 era car show. Light refreshments

Spooky Stories for the Family at the Bonney Lake Library at 2

The Reptile Man is at the Lakewood Library at 2

Fall Safety Day at West Pierce Fire and Rescue bounce house; free pumpkins; low-cost, custom fit helmets (cash only)  Thanks, reader J.J. for sending in this one and several others. 10AM-1

Celtic Faire at St.Andrew’s Episcopal Church  Tea, entertainment, some children’s activities; items available for purchase

University Place Presbyterian Hosts a Harvest Fest 2-4:30  games, treats, costumes

Truck and Tractor Day in Lakewood 3-6 PM Moonlit hayrides from 6-9:30   Climb through truck and tractors; decorate pumpkins and take a hay ride around the park. Moonlit hayrides around the lake also available for 1.00

LeMay Museum Trunk or Treat Kids get to go from vintage car to vintage car getting treats from trunks! Free 2-4 Note this is at the events center, not the Tacoma Dome museum

University Place Presbyterian Hosts a Harvest Fest 2-4:30  games, treats, costumes

Trunk or Treat at Narrows Co-operative Preschool Decorate your trunk from 5-6; trick or treating from 6- Public is welcome, and they’ve reserved the hall in case of rain (They’re so smart).

Who Goes Bump in the Night?  Tacoma Nature center event. Nature walk and crafting.  5-8PM  2.50 per child/adults free Registration not required, but requested

Black Cat Fun Run Choose 2.5 or 5 mile course around 5 mile drive at Pt.Defiance  35.00 includes long sleeve t, glow sticks, and beverages. Walkers, kids, and dogs are welcome. This is an evening run, and the course is Dark-be sure to read the info.  7PM

Hoot n Howl at Northwest Trek Special Friday and Saturday event at NW trek with night time tram rides and treats and activities.  We’ve done this before. Honestly? The boys loved it, but I thought it was a little pricey. I do see that they’re offering a discount for advance purchase. The tram ride is pretty cool, just do keep in mind that you’re not going to see a lot of creatures because, well, it’s Dark! You’re welcome to weigh in if you think differently.

Bonfires, Beaver Pelts, and Boogeymen Night time story telling event at Ft.Nisqually; Buy tickets online in advance. Also Saturday

Gentle Hallows Eve at the Tacoma Waldorf School 5-8:30 Child centered celebration for kids under 9; puppet show, treats. 5.00; free for children under 3. Some activities take additional 1.00 tickets.

Gig Harbor/Kitsap/Beyond

Fall Movies at Galaxy Uptown in Gig Harbor 2.00 movies benefit Jaycox Benevolence fund Doors open at 9:30  It’s ET today.

Old Time Harvest Fest at Miracle Ranch in Port Orchard Also Friday and Sunday

Story time at the Kitsap Mall Barnes and Noble 11AM It’s

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

Lacey/Olympia

Autumn Leaf Art at the  LOTT Wet Center  Every Saturday the center is open with free, themed activities for the family designed to educate about science and the environment.

Saturday Story time at the Olympia Barnes and Noble 1PM  Ongoing event

Apple Festival at Lattin’s Cider Mill  (Ongoing event).

All Hallows Eve Night Walk The Olympia Community School presents is annual night time walk with harvest games, entertainment, and cider. Dinner and baked goods available for purchase. Night walk tickets are 6.00/5.00 in advance. In Lacey, at Grinwold Lodge

Sunday

A Night at the Movies Concert The Tacoma Youth Symphony will wear costumes and present music from popular movies including UP! and Star Wars. Family four packs available for 40.00 Two Show times 

Trick or Treating at the Landing in Renton 1-3  Dora the Explorer will be available for photos at the Union Bank

Boo Bash at Discovery Village in Gig Harbor 11-2 games, activities, cookie decorating, and more! 12.00/child; 3.00 for members Perfect for little pumpkins; no scary costumes or toy weapons please

Apple Festival at Lattin’s Cider Mill  (Ongoing event).

Fall Festival at Olympia Christian School

Harvest Party at Prairie Ridge Rec Hall Co-sponsored by the Lake Tapps Christian Church and the Prairie Ride Community Coalition. Carnival games, old-fashioned fun and treats  Thanks to reader, Monica for leaving this one on the SFM Facebook page. 5-7PM

Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat at the United Methodist Church in Puyallup

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.

If you want to check all your options, I have a complete list of South Sound Nutcrackers here.Be sure to check out the comments left by readers.

If your little ballet lover just can’t wait, or if you’re a little freaked out that I’m writing about the Nutcracker-good news! You can catch the very cool, very affordable Haunted Theater by the Tacoma City Ballet this weekend, which includes short dances and a behind the scenes tour. Tickets are just 5.00 but some performances are already sold out. You’ll find links in my South Sound Halloween events list.

Ever wished you could have a preschool created just for your child? You can at Concordia Bonney Lake!

What’s the scoop? Concordia offers a quality preschool experience, including a unique program just for toddlers called, “Terrific Two’s” on Wednesdays from 12:30-2.They need a few more little learners to launch that class this year, so if you rounded up some pals, you could truly have a first school experience, with a highly trained teacher, designed just around your kiddo and her best buds. How cool would that be?

Tuition in the 2s class is paid month to month, so it isn’t a long term commitment, and children are NOT required to be potty trained.

If you can’t find anyone to go with you, go ahead and sign up anyway, and they’ll give you a call just as soon as there are enough eager kiddos to run the class.

They do also have limited spots in their preschool and pre-k programs. Classes focus on kindergarten readiness skills while still allowing plenty of time for play.  The classrooms are warm and inviting spaces (check out that puppet corner-so cute), and their experienced teachers are dedicated to nurturing the whole child.

If you’ve been looking for a quality, Christian preschool in Bonney Lake, Auburn, or Sumner, their friendly staff would be glad to answer any questions you may have. You can call Lynette Neumiller at (253) 229-6782 or send emails to  Director.CLSBL@gmail.com. You can also visit the Bonney Lake campus page on Concordia Lutheran Tacoma’s website.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, but the opinions are entirely my own. Sponsors help me pay for the costs associated with running the site. If you love Sounds Fun Mom, I hope you’ll consider thanking them with your business.

If you’ve been considering adding a family pet of the swimming persuasion (smart call), you might want to enter the aquarium contest coming up at the American Family Pet Expo at the Puyallup fairgrounds, November 3rd and 4th.

It’s a decorating contest for kids 5-16, and All entrants receive the tank and equipment as a thank-you gift for participating! There is a 5.00 entry fee, and you do have to supply your own decorations, which can be purchased items like Disney figures, or repurposed ones, like Legos held in place with some silicone glue.  One of Henry’s best buddies did this last year, and his dad told me they were Blown Away by the whole set-up they got to walk out with. The contest is recommended for school age kids 5 and up, and you can get all the rest of the scoop you need here.

If you prefer pets of the 4 legged variety, there will be lots to interest you at the expo, too. There will, of course, be tons of vendors to sell every pet product under the sun, but there is also loads of entertainment, from weiner dog races and jumping dogs to lizard exhibits and a parrot show. If your kids are animal lovers I think this would be a great event. Adult admission is 12.00, though you can save 2.00 by purchasing online. Kids 6-12 are 6.00, and kids entering the aquarium contest are free with a paying adult. Those 5 and under are Free, as are active military.

If you enjoyed this post, you might want to revisit my post on a trip to Wild Side Pet Store. My big kid also really enjoys the fish store in Sumner. You say you already feel like you need gills? Check out my list of indoor playgrounds and bounce house places and stay dry!

Just in time for trick or treating, I’ve got a post from our sponsor, Dr. Sakai at Just for Kids Dentistry, guaranteed to freak you out!

No, seriously-Dr.Sakai is an expert on pediatric dentistry, and I’ve asked him to break down some common issues with kids’ teeth in not-so-scary language. Whether your child needs preventative care (The Best!) or treatment, Dr. Sakai and his friendly staff will be glad to talk to you. He has special training working with first time patients and children with special needs, too!

Q: What is a pulpotomy  (nerve treatment)-(Child’s Root Canal)? 

A: The pulp of the tooth is the hollow inner core of the tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue, and reparative cells. The purpose of pulp therapy in pediatric dentistry is to maintain the integrity of the affected tooth, so that your child’s tooth is not lost, until his/her permanent tooth is ready to erupt.

Dental caries (cavities) and traumatic injury are the two main reasons for your child’s tooth to require pulp therapy. Pulp therapy is often referred to as a “nerve treatment,” “baby or children’s root canal,” “pulpotomy.

A pulpotomy is a dental procedure that is performed when the decay in a child’s tooth reaches into the pulp (nerve) tissue. The infected part of the nerve tissue within the crown portion of the tooth is removed to prevent further inflammation and spread of disease (caries). Next, a sedative material is placed within the tooth to prevent bacterial growth and to calm the remaining nerve tissue.

After the pulpotomy is finished, your child’s tooth is restored with a stainless steel crown (SSC) on the back molar teeth to re-establish normal chewing function and to continue to hold the space until the permanent tooth can take its place. On the upper front teeth, either a regular stainless steel crown or a white esthetic stainless steel crown can be placed. This is performed in one visit and causes no more discomfort than placing a routine filling.

Got more questions? Make sure you’ve also read Dr.Sakai’s tips on helping kids’ brush and clean their teeth, and his fun toothy trivia! As always, he also invites you to contact his office for a tour or an appointment. You can also fill out their online form, and someone from the office team will get right back to you.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. If there is a question you’d like Dr.Sakai to answer here, just let me know!

I’ve got some insider scoop on another unique, seasonal event coming this weekend. It’s Bonfires, Beaver Pelts and Bogeymen at Ft. Nisqually. This is a special evening of old-fashioned ghost stories told around a campfire. The events begin with gentler stories, and there is a cookie break before the more intense tales begin. A volunteer will come out and invite children to, “Go home if you think your grown-ups might be too scared.” How cute is that?

I spoke with storyteller, Jerry, and he assured me that while the stories are intended to be scary, they aren’t bloody or gory. He thinks 2nd grade and up is probably the target age. He also asked me to remind you to dress warmly as this is an outside event, and he said a seat cushion is a good idea, too!

You can buy tickets online (they’re 3.00-5.00 or 4.00-6.00 at the event). There is usually quite a line-up to get in, so I can’t suggest this strongly enough. When you get there, you can skip the line.  Just head on up to the front, waving your receipt prominently so no one thinks you’re cutting! Jerry also warned me that parking is even scarcer this year, due to some landscaping changes,AND Saturday night, the Pearl street entrance will be closed due to the Black Cat fun run.  So0000…. even if you have your tickets in hand, I’d plan on arriving early to secure your spot. Otherwise, the next closest is probably at the dog park, but that’s going to mean an uphill walk on a sort of scary road in the dark. Seating starts at 6:30 and the stories begin at 7.

If you have other questions, just give the friendly folks at Ft.Nisqually a call at (253) 591-5339.

If you’ve been to this event before, I’d love to have you tell us about it! If this doesn’t sound quite right for your gang, you might consider one of the two events for younger children at the nature center this weekend, Or check out my complete (and still growing!) list of South Sound Halloween events and trick or treating spots.

Looking for South Sound family fun? Kids’ activities in Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, or your neck of the woods?

You’ve come to the right place! Here’s my list of fun and affordable things to do with the kids in and around the South Sound this week!

Monday

Story time is back at  all area libraries! Every day this week, there are multiple events for all ages. Here is the link for Pierce County (change the date in the calendar on the left). Here is the link for the Tacoma Public Library (change the date in the calendar on the left). If you’re one of my Thurston County readers, here is the link to Timberland regional library. Use the calendar to the left to look for kids’ story times. Here is the link for my Kitsap readers, and here is the link to the King County Library System (You can search by individual library).

Head to Olympia to see salmon returning at Tumwater Falls  (More on this in an upcoming post)

Tuesday

All ages drop-in time at Jump! in Gig Harbor 3:30-5:30

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

Family Game Night at the Dupont Library 6PM

Wednesday

Tot Time at Learning Sprout Toys  Weekly fun at this Tacoma toy store for the 2-4 set. You can double check on their fb page, before you head out. Juice and cookies provided.

Fetch With Ruff Ruffman at the South Hill Library 2-3  Science based club for kids in grades 3-5 based on the popular PBS series. Registration required A different session is from 4-5. Also requires registration

Fetch With Ruff Ruffman at the University Place Library 6:30  Science based club for kids in grades 3-5 based on the popular PBS series. No registration at this location only.

Juice and Jammies Story Time at the Olympia Barnes and Noble 7PM Three stories and a little juice. Every Wednesday

Spooky Stories at the Spanaway Library 7PM Free evening event for the family. Storytellers and treats. Recommended for 5 and up.

Thursday

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

Totally Awesome Thursdays at the Orting Library Today’s event is a book club discussion for kids in grades 3-5 on How to Train your Dragon Registration required

Chess Club is back at the Gig Harbor Library Kids in kindergarten and up are invited to drop in each week for 20 minutes of instruction and 40 minutes of game play 6-7 PM

Performances of Go, Dog, Go! by Olympic Family Theater begin. This *might be thrifty Thursday; I have to call to check.

Friday

Safety Tips and Super Stories  A special preschool story time at the Puyallup Public Library with police offers giving safety tips in time for Halloween 10AM

Nature Numbers At the STAR Center in South Tacoma 10:30 Nature themed math literacy fun for preschoolers 3-6. Registration and fees required.

Scary Halloween Stories at the Lakewood Library  Free family event with the fireside story telling league 7PM

As always, I’ll have much more for your weekend up Friday morning.

Know something I missed? Want publicity for your group’s plans for the fall? Just 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 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.

Don’t forget to check my list of pumpkin patches and corn mazes, and my list of Halloween events and trick or treat alternatives for still more Fall Fun!

All Weekend

Just Between Friends Consignment event at the Puyallup fair grounds. Even bigger than previous sales, with multiple floors!

Friday

Read with a dog at the Puyallup Public Library  Kids can drop in and practice their reading with a patient, canine listener 3:30

Harvest Festival at the Center at Norpoint Activities from 5-7; movie 7-9  Event rotates around Tacoma community centers this month

Parents’ Night Out at the Children’s Museum in Tacoma  Registration and fees required. See this post for more South Sound kids’ night out options.

Saturday

South King County

Ice Skating/Skate America in Kent at Showare

Cedar River Salmon Migration  More on salmon watching coming in a post next week!

StoryTime at Southcenter/Tukwila Barnes and Noble 11AM Every Saturday in the children’s section

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

Tacoma/Greater Pierce County

Sumner Library Used Book Sale

 U-pick Apple Picking and Cider making at Terry’s Berries on River Road in Tacoma/Puyallup 

Pumpkin Jubilee at Watson’s Nursery in Puyallup also Sunday  in the past, this has included crafts and face painting.

Pumpkin Giveaway at Coldwell Banker Bain in Puyallup  free pumpkins, popcorn and treats

Lego! my Library at the Puyallup Public Library 11AM Build creations inspired by stories. New club. No registration required; for kids 3-8

Pirate Pumpkin Party at the Graham Library at 2 Requires registration at the library (no online option) pumpkin decorating, and pirate games

Holiday Food and Gift Show continues at the Tacoma Dome Kids 12 and under are free. Adults are 13.50; dollar off coupon at the web site. Yes, Santa will be there.

Free Click! Family flick at the Grand in Tacoma It’s the Adams Family Doors open at 9:30; movie at 10  Free to first 100

Pirate Party at Learning Sprout Toys   Register

Green Tacoma Day  Tree climbing (see below), presentation of cherry trees, volunteer opportunities

The glass pumpkin patch is by the pagoda at Pt.Defiance Free admission

Fall Tree Festival at Pt. Defiance Park (new location this year)! Art projects, scavenger hunt, and harnessed tree climbing supervised by arborists. SFM note: This runs 10Am-3, but if your kids want to tree climb they should go closer to 10, as only one child climbs at a time, and it isn’t quick. The sign up closed to new climbers well before the end of the event last year.

Zoo Boo at Pt.Defiance Watch animals enjoy pumpkins and other Halloween themed activities. Free with admission-save 2.00 by coming in costume. SFM note: Even with a discount, zoo admission is pricey. SFM suggests investing in an annual pass, unless you can take advantage of monthly free days for City of Tacoma residents. 10AM-3; Also Sunday

Day of the Dead Celebration at Tillicum Library at 2

Gig Harbor/Kitsap/Beyond

Pumpkin Give Away at Coldwell Banker Bain 10-12

Story time at the Kitsap Mall Barnes and Noble 11AM It’s the new Jamie Lee Curtis Book

Date Night at Discovery Village 30.00 child/discount for siblings  Includes supervision, activities, and snacks! Call to register

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

Lacey/Olympia

Autumn Leaf Art at the  LOTT Wet Center  Every Saturday the center is open with free, themed activities for the family designed to educate about science and the environment.

Special bookfair with Marissa Meyers and the Elma School District 11AM-3PM

Saturday Story time at the Olympia Barnes and Noble 1PM  Ongoing event

Apple Festival at Lattin’s Cider Mill  (Ongoing event).

Harvest Festival at the organic farm at the Evergreen State College

Sunday

Short Stack Kids’ Fest in Gig Harbor Part of the Gig Harbor Film Festival 6.00 per child/accompanying adults free  Kids are invited to enjoy a short stack of pancakes at the Green House Restaurant between 11 and 12:45  before seeing special features selected for children at 1PM. Grown-ups get croissant and coffee, but no free cakes. I would buy tickets in advance and call about more info. on the movies if you’re interested

Apple Festival at Lattin’s Cider Mill  (Ongoing event).

Zoo Boo at Pt.Defiance Watch animals enjoy pumpkins and other Halloween themed activities. Free with admission-save 2.00 by coming in costume. SFM note: Even with a discount, zoo admission is pricey. SFM suggests investing in an annual pass, unless you can take advantage of monthly free days for City of Tacoma residents. 10AM-3; Also Sunday

Last day for the Just Between Friends Consignment event at the Puyallup fair grounds. Even bigger than previous sales, with multiple floors! Free admission today; most items half-off.

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.