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
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