Wondering what to do for family fun in Puyallup, Tacoma, Auburn, Gig Harbor, or Olympia this weekend?
Need an affordable South Sound family adventure? You’ve come to the right place! I have a whole list of ideas every weekend-and lots of fun all the days in between. Every bit of it just for South Sound families!
Headed elsewhere? For Seattle or Portland area fun you’ll want to check out the fantastic list over at ThriftyNWmom compiled by the newest member of their frugal finding team, Annaliese of Grays Harbor Deals!
Indoor Play Options See My Lists of
Friday
Critter Club at the Point Defiance Zoo Program for preschoolers with stories, crafts, and animal encounters. Fees required; does not include zoo admission. Advance sign up holds your place and saves you 2.00. 8.00 member child/10.00 non-members/12.00 day of registration Henry and I did a few of these, and they were excellent. 11AM
Special Ready! Set Read story time at the Children’s Museum in Tacoma
Scholastic Book Fair Continues at Bates Technical College in Tacoma Clifford appearances! Evening class on brain development for parents follows
Special Day Time Showing of The Princess and the Pea at Olympia Family Theater
A series of low tides begins today
Pier Into the Night event with Harbor Wild Watch in Gig Harbor
Olympia Art Walk Use the link to find family friendly events, including free evening admission to the HOCM and lots of crafting and entertainment.
Luminary Procession of the Species in downtown Olympia 9:30 Evening celebration precedes tomorrow’s big, daytime event
Saturday
All Over
Kids’ Club at Michael’s stores. It’s a Mother’s Day frame. 2.00 per child sessions on the half hour from 10AM-11:30; you’re invited to shop while they craft.
Free Weekend at Washington State Parks!
Low tides at South Sound area beaches
South King County
Water Weekends with HCC Mast at Redondo Every Saturday visit the center for free from 10-2 and get up close with sea critters in their touch tanks
Dr.Seuss Story Time at the Federal Way Barnes and Noble 11AM
Saturday Story Time at Southcenter Barnes and Noble 11AM
Puyallup/Tacoma/ Greater Pierce County
Families in Motion Day on Puyallup’s Riverwalk trail Free community event encouraging walking on this underused trail. Activities, booths
Healthy Kids’ Day at area YMCAs Free community event with variety of health and fitness activities for kids. Find your branch for specifics.
Read With a Princess Last opportunity to join girls from the 2013 Daffodil court for a special story time at 11 or 1 (check your library for the time). Also at TPL branches
Tiptoe Through the Tidepools Join Nature Center staff at Titlow Beach for one of this year’s lowest tides 11AM-2PM Free For more on low tides this weekend, see my post here.
Daffodil Arabian Horse Show at the Puyallup Fairgrounds
Sewing to Sowing Living History Day at Fort Nisqually Actors in period costumes recreate 1800s fort life. Visitors will be able to try their hands at butter churning and more. Adults 7.50; kids 4-17 5.00 Under 4 free; 1.00 discount for students and members of the military
Scholastic Book Fair Continues at Bates Technical College in Tacoma Clifford appearances!
Proctor Farmer’s Market is open again! Many other markets are opening too! Is yours? Check here.
Kids’ Club at the Steilacoom Historical Museum 1-3 PM Wood crafting; suitable for ages 5-12 Free, hands-on events Donations welcome
Pierce College Science Dome Shows Special shows for children every Saturday at 2PM in the amazing new dome theater at their Lakewood campus. Tickets just 3.00; adults free! Link also has info. on other public shows.
Lacey/Olympia
Hands on Learning with Leapfrog at the Olympia Barnes and Noble 12 Human body theme You’re asked to sign up. Honestly? Sounds sort of like a product promotion to me, so you may want to call for more detail. For kids 4-8 with parents
Big Just Between Friends Olympia Kids’ Consignment Event continues in Lacey
Saturday storytime at the Olympia Barnes and Noble 1PM Every Saturday
Under the Sea Crafts at the LOTT Wet Science CenterThe center is open 10-4 and always free, with special, themed activities on Saturdays. Link opens a large pdf. You can also check their Facebook page. This week, you’re invited to make sea animal crafts to take along to the Procession of the Species.
Dragon Boat Festival Dragon boat races, plus lion dances and other entertainment Budd Inlet
Olympia Art Walk In conjunction with Procession of the species events many area vendors have special activities, some child friendly Olympia Art Walk Use the link to find events. Make sure to choose, “Saturday.” You can click on each for more detail, times, and location
Procession of the Species Huge, unique parade event that pays tribute to the earth and living creatures. Link has info. on the route and photos from previous years.
Gig Harbor
Arbor Day event at Peninsula High School children’s activities; free trees!
Check out the new Savage Seas exhibit at the Harbor History Museum
Peace on Earth Concert and Environmental Fair at the United Church of Christ on Fox Island
The farmer’s market at Uptown is open!
Meet Arthur at the Kitsap Barnes and Noble Bring your camera for a special story time event! 11AM
American Girl Book and Craft Club at the Kitsap Barnes and Noble 3PM
Date Night at Discovery Village Register your littles and enjoy some, “You time!” Tell ’em I sent you!
Kitsap area readers may also like to get the free newsletter from Macaroni Kid Kitsap
Sunday
Open Play at Discovery Village in Gig Harbor Be sure to ask about their, “Spring Sampler,” special and summer camps and preschools. Tell ’em SFM sent you!
Farmer’s Market at South Tacoma’s STAR Center
LetterPress Event at Kings Books in Tacoma
Last Day for the Olympia Just Between Friends Sales at the Faith Community Center in Lacey Free admission; half-off most items
Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business? Just let me know!
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