Archives for July 2013

I wanted to highlight an upcoming family activity from Tacoma’s Metro Parks that I’m excited about.

I think you might be, too!

It’s a special pier peer event this Saturday  on the Foss Waterfront with the chance to start the evening with a row in a dragon boat!

I’ve written about Pier Peer events before. These are night time events where children can see sea critters drawn by the lights of the dock, and divers often bring up other critters from below! Our oldest has gone with his dad, and they both enjoyed it, though there was wave action, and they didn’t see much (they got cocoa, so it was all good)!

This weekend’s event is even more special because you have the opportunity to ride in a dragon boat! I know-how cool is that??

There will also be touch tanks dock side and “Watershed,” sundae making! We are so in!

Kids do need to be 8 and up, and this is a night time activity that may be past your bedtime. Each child needs an adult, and there are some specific requirements about footwear and gear.  You don’t need to be a City of Tacoma resident, but you do need to register in advance (If you’ve never done this before, you’ll have to create an account. It’s a bit of a pain at first, but not too bad. You could probably also just call). The cost is 15.00 per person. While not the most frugal outing ever, I think it’s a pretty good deal for an evening full of wow!

Not your area? Gig Harbor readers can enjoy all kinds of aquatic fun with Harbor Wild Watch. Olympia area readers should plan on visiting the estuarium and checking out other outings with the South Sound Estuary Association, Or attending a marine creature Monday at the Boston Harbor Marina. If you’re near Redondo, the HCC Mast folks have a very cool, free event coming up Saturday.

Learn more about the Saturday, August 3rd Pier Peer event and sign up online right here. When you go to sign up, make sure to select the right date and time.

Thanks to Fellowes for sponsoring this post!

I don’t really want to be thinking about Back to School yet, but the truth is it will be here before we know it, and this year (for once!) I’d like to make the transition easier.

I was super excited to get to try out the Fellowes Saturn2 95 laminator because I just knew it would be a great tool for creating learning activities for Henry And getting some of our household issues under control!

Laminating is  great for preserving all those important  back to school papers like calendars and class lists. It’s also an easy way to create fun learning activities. I laminated some supplemental stories for Henry so he can underline words as he reads them. I also laminated a personalized handwriting sheet to help him practice wiring his name (that darn Y).

I’m probably most excite about our new chore chart.

Here’s what I did if you’d like to try it:

• My husband and I brainstormed a list of simple tasks.
• I wrote each task on an index card, using different colors for each of the boys.
• On the back of each card I wrote, “Done.”
• I laminated the cards so we can use them over and over. It also gives them just enough sturdiness to keep them in our organizer.
• I put each card in one pocket of a shoe organizer. Each boy has one row in the organizer. I’m going to use the extras for bonus jobs.
• As the boys complete each job, they turn the card to the side that says, “Done.” It’s their job, at the end of the day, to show us their cards have all been flipped and have us approve their work.
• I think this would be even better with clear pockets, but this was the one I found, and I was in get ‘er done mode!

We’ve only been using this system for a little while now, but so far it’s worked much better than anything we’ve tried before, mainly because we’ve taken the weak links (that would be me and my husband) out of the equation. That’s just the start of the fun we’ve been having here. I have to warn you-laminating is a little addictive! You can find still more ideas on the Fellowes Facebook page  and their Idea Center

The laminator was also super simple to use. You simply put your paper between the sheets, feed it in, and tah-da!  It features Advanced Temperature Control, an Easy Release Lever, and (my favorite feature) HeatGuard Technology, which means the outside stays cool, so it’s safe to have around the kiddos!

Fellowes also wants me to tell you about their Celebration of Superstar Teachers Contest. I’m very proud to have many teacher readers, and I’d love to have you nominate your favorite educator! He or she could win one of 25 awesome prize packages! Be sure to come back and tell us if your teacher wins!

But, wait……there’s more! I think this handy tool is an investment you’re going to appreciate for years down the road, and you can get one for yourself at Staples or Staples.com.   You also have a chance to win one right here. Woot!

Ready to win one of these babies for yourself? Of course you are! Here’s what to do:

•  For a first, required entry, leave a comment telling me how you’d use your Fellowes Saturn2 95 laminator.
•  For a second, optional entry, follow the Sounds Fun Mom Back to School board on Pinterest. There are lots of clever projects you can make with the laminator, and it includes a pin to the site where I found the reading stories I used in this post. You can also check out  the Fellowes Classroom Creativity Board while you’re there or follow my other fun boards. Come back and tell me you did so.

Leave a separate comment for each entry, and Good Luck!  Remember: Only comments left on this post count as entries. If you’re reading this via feed, email, or carrier pigeon, please come to the site to enter! Yay!

Disclosure: I was selected for this post as part of The Motherhood. It is a sponsored post written on behalf of Fellowes. The opinions are all my own!

First, I’m going to Try hard not to use too much Smurfy talk in this Smurftastic post about this Smurfy new video game, but it’s going to be hard!

My boys play a lot of video games. I’m not bragging here-just keeping it real. Like most parents we know, my husband and I are picky about what we let them play, and finding family friendly games we all can enjoy is a challenge.

Henry enjoying the new Smurfs 2 Video Game-maybe his favorite blog, “Assignment,” yet!

Naturally, I jumped at the chance to review the new Smurfs 2 game from Ubisoft. As you might have guessed from the beginning of this post, I’m a Smurfs fan from way back, and bringing this into the house felt like welcoming old friends (o.k……old, little, blue friends, but still…..)

It’s rated E for everyone, and as I’d hoped, the game is totally family friendly. There wasn’t a single moment that made me cringe. Yay! Players get to choose different characters, and each has special abilities. Jokey Smurf, for example, can get away from bad guys by tossing presents at them, and Clumsy smurf stumbles past obstacles! How cute is that? The animation is fun and bright, and the storyline will be familiar to any Smurf fan. My expert reviewer said the graphics were, “Pretty good.” I know that doesn’t sound like a rave, but trust me-that’s the most enthusiasm you’ll get out of him these days!

The game play was fun for all of us as well.  Henry was able to advance through the levels quite quickly, which was nice because he didn’t end up frustrated, or having to ask for help. At the same time, the picky 10 year old found it challenging enough that it’s become his new favorite.

We tried the Wii version, but it’s available for all platforms. If you’d like to add a fun and family friendly title to your game collection, I definitely recommend it.

If you’d like to pick it up, You can find  The Smurfs 2 at Amazon (my affiliate), or at Game Stop!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

A quick reminder that today is the last day for the Free, kids’ cooking classes for ages 8 and up from our friends at the Garfield Book Company.

I actually get a lot of questions about kids’ cooking classes, so I’m definitely going to do a round-up of options for a future post.

It’s also one of two 1.00 movie days around the South Sound.

Have you seen any this year? I’d love to hear your reports on the crowd size at your theater and which flicks I should plan on renting!

Bonney Lake friends have a free show this morning, and UP area readers will want to cruise to the library for a free puppet show.

Oh, and Lacey-don’t forget you’ve got a free Recess Monkey show tonight. Pack a picnic and get your kindie rock on!

If those ideas don’t suit you, there are tons more ideas in the calendar.

I’m working on several more posts for today, including a giveaway I’m crazy excited about. I think you will be, too-so don’t forget to check back!

I’m so excited to help spread the word about Autism Day 2013 at Jubilee Farm in Carnation. This year’s event is on August 10th, from 11AM-4PM

This special, Free day will feature tons of activities for the kids including hay rides, a sprinkler station, Star Wars character appearances, and much more. There will also be a variety of booths with information on area activities and support. Meet farm animals and enjoy a picnic on the beautiful grounds!

Most of all, relax knowing that you’re in a judgement free zone full of other families who truly, “Get it. ” There are also quiet, soothing areas set aside for any guests who get overloaded by all the fun. This is really an event you won’t want to miss, and I do hope you’ll take a minute to share  it with any families you know who might enjoy it.

You’ll find much more information over at the Autism Day WA web site.

Disclosure: Sounds Fun Mom is proud to be a media sponsor of this event. I was not compensated in any way, but I did receive promotional consideration. I’d love for you to tell the Awesome organizers you’re a reader. I think they rock!

Phew! It’s another week jam-packed with summer fun around the South Sound (trust me-I just gone done updating the calendar)!

Gig Harbor friends will want to head to the library today for a magic/stunt/comedy show with Louie Foxx. The boys and I saw him and really had fun.

Puppet shows are back at several area libraries this week. Note that they recommend these for 6 and up, but I confirmed with the folks at PCL that this is just a suggestion and younger children who would enjoy it are welcome.

Charlie the Noise guy will be at Bonney Lake and Buckley Libraries Wednesday. His wacky show is not to be missed!

Reader favorite, Recess Monkey is playing in Lacey tomorrow night.

The Thurston County Fair, a more low-key, family oriented fair than the, “Big One,” opens Wednesday.

And, speaking of Wednesdays….they continue to be the biggest around here, with excellent story times at the Job Carr Museum in Old Town Tacoma and the Conservatory at Wright Park, as well as a full day of free fun for Auburn readers-with Hooked on History Story Time at the White River Valley Museum right before free lunch and free concerts in the park!

This weekend is also shaping up to be another great one. I’ll be previewing some events this week. Plus, I’ll have another day trip idea (Have you sent in yours yet?), an Awesome giveaway, and much more!

To check out all the events this week head here to the calendar (Note that what you see in the sidebar is just a snippet! You knew that, right?)  Make it a great one!

You can now sign up for the next Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic on August 10th or 11th. This one is a Planes movie tie-in, and it does look super cute.

These kids’ building programs are free, but advance registration is required, and they do fill fast. Right now, there are spaces at all stores (Yay!) but don’t wait long if you want in. Have you done any this summer? I’d love to hear if your kids have had a favorite!

Looking for fun things to do today? If you’re near Tacoma, bring your appetite! You can head to Cheney Stadium for a food tuck event, or Steilacoom for the salmon bake.

Area festivals also continue, including River Days in Renton and the Ethnic Fest at Wright Park. Read on for more on all of those!

Sunday Area Family Events

Movable Feast Food Truck Festival at Tacoma’s Cheney Stadium  Big festival featuring many local restaurants and food trucks. Local food critic, Adrienne, of Tacoma Foodie,  has a very helpful post here that’s a must read if you’d like to go.

Good Guys Car show at the Puyallup Fairgrounds  See hot rods, custom cars, muscle cars, and more! Adult admission is 18.00; kids are 6.00; free for 6 and under

Steilacoom Salmon Bake  at Sunnyside Beach (shuttle available) 14.00 for the salmon meal; 6.00 for a hot dog meal, includes drinks and desserts. Note: You will have to pay to park in the Sunnyside Beach parking lot, and you need cash  Event is about midway down the page from my link

Many areas now have farmer’s markets open on Sundays. Find  a new favorite here.

 Crafts of the Past at Fort Nisqually Each weekend, artisans demonstrate a craft that would been used in the 1880s. While not a total bargain, a trip to the Fort is fun for most children.

Pacific Northwest Mushroom Festival  Kids’ Zone and all kinds of ‘shroom fun. Appearance by Sounders women’s team on Sunday

Ethnic Fest continues at Wright Park  multi cultural celebration in Tacoma’s Wright Park with booths, entertainment, and food vendors. If the clouds burn off, the kids may want swimsuits for the sprayground.

Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business?  Just let me know!

New here? I’d love to have you use the buttons at the top to join us on the Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or subscribe to my emails so you don’t miss a thing!

In the mood for free fun? If you’re in Tacoma, Fife, Puyallup, Olympia, Lacey, Gig Harbor, or some other Sound Spot, I’ve got a Giant list of free and cheap fun things to do with the kids this weekend.

As always, there are also plenty of South Sound adventures to be had by exploring the menu bar up above!

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!

Saturday

All Over

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores  2.00/child  half-hour sessions while you shop in-store   10-12, sessions on the half hour    It’s a frog stick puppet

Lego Chima event at ToysRUs stores  12-2  Kids can build and take home a small Chima figure

Free Kids’ Sized smoothies for kids at Jamba Juice  11-4

Most Farmer’s Markets are open  Find one here

Every area sprayground, pool, and wading pool, is open. Click on the graphic in the sidebar to your right for all of those!

South King County

Powell’s Wood Storytelling Festival  Master storytellers tell tales for kids and grown-ups at the beautiful Powell’s Wood gardens. Ice cream and beverages available for purchase.

Student production of Beauty and the Beast at Kentridge High School   various show times through August 10th  all tickets are 5.00

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  Lots of scuba divers today

 Saturday Story Time at Southcenter Barnes and Noble  11AM  Every Saturday; perfect for ages 3-7  There is also a Lego architecture event at this location, but it says it’s for teens and adults. If you have one interested in that, give them a call to register.

Tacoma/Greater Pierce

The spraygrounds are On in Tacoma! Free, open 10AM-8PM

Visit a Farmer’s Market!  Check here for one near you!

Splashtacular Event at Lake Tapps with East Pierce Fire and Rescue   Kids’ activities, water safety tips, meet firefighters, life jackets available for purchase   Note: I think you’ll have to pay to park in the lot here

Safe and Healthy Family Fair at the Tacoma Mall  Booths, kids’ activities, mascot appearances, fire truck   Free, but you will be encouraged to get a 5.00 a year Simon Kidigit membership 10AM-5PM

Good Guys Car show at the Puyallup Fairgrounds  See hot rods, custom cars, muscle cars, and more! Adult admission is 18.00; kids are 6.00; free for 6 and under  Sunday

Children’s Gardening Program with the Master Gardeners  It’s Slug University today  1PM

Dinosaur Dig program at the main branch of the Tacoma Library  Free but registration is required 10:30

Family Nature Walk with Metro Parks Staff  free walks, but you are asked to register. Perfect for 3 and up. Not suitable for strollers 10AM Wapato Hills today

Ethnic Fest in Tacoma  A two day cultural celebration with music, booths and activities for kids, food vendors, and movie at dusk Saturday. at Wright Park. Come prepared for the sprayground!

 Crafts of the Past at Fort Nisqually Each weekend, artisans demonstrate a craft that would been used in the 1880s. While not a total bargain, a trip to the Fort is a lot of fun.  Also Sunday

Free movie at the Wheelock Library  2PM  It’s Holes

University Place Library used book sale

Dig Into Composting at the Parkland/Spanaway Library  Kids 6 and up can learn about worms and other compost fun. Free but registration is required.  1PM

Looking into gold at the Graham Library  Learn what gold is and where it comes from. For ages 6 and up. Contact the library to register  2PM

Visit the new EStuarium

Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center    Wetlands today. Presentations at 1 and 2:30 with themed crafting all day

Saturday storytime at the Olympia Barnes and Noble  1PM  Every Saturday This one is a Nook scavenger hunt with a Cloudy With Meatballs theme. This may make your kids want to buy things.

Outdoor movie at Huntamer Park It’s Wreck it Ralph

Pacific Northwest Mushroom Festival  Kids’ Zone and all kinds of ‘shroom fun. Appearance by Sounders women’s team on Sunday

Gig Harbor/Kitsap

The farmer’s market at Uptown is open! From 9-10 every Saturday there is free entertainment for kids.

Maybe get some Menchies and then ride the trolley down to the waterfront…..just because!

whale themed story time at the Kitsap Barnes and Noble   11AM

Blue Willow Lavender Farm-Life on a colonial farml  Every Saturday, you can hear talks about what life was like on a colonial era lavender farm as well as demonstrations. Free-many items available for purchase

Kitsap area readers may also like to get the free newsletter from Macaroni Kid Kitsap

Sunday

Movable Feast Food Truck Festival at Tacoma’s Cheney Stadium

Good Guys Car show at the Puyallup Fairgrounds  See hot rods, custom cars, muscle cars, and more! Adult admission is 18.00; kids are 6.00; free for 6 and under

Steilacoom Salmon Bake  at Sunnyside Beach (shuttle available) 14.00 for the salmon meal; 6.00 for a hot dog meal, includes drinks and desserts. Note: You will have to pay to park in the Sunnyside Beach parking lot, and you need cash

Many areas now have farmer’s markets open on Sundays. Find one a new favorite here.

 Crafts of the Past at Fort Nisqually Each weekend, artisans demonstrate a craft that would been used in the 1880s. While not a total bargain, a trip to the Fort is fun for most children and a good resource if you have one doing some kind of report. .  Also Sunday

Family Day at Emerald Downs  Sundays, beginning at 1PM  pony rides, face painting  free with admission; weather dependent  Today is also food truck day! Come with some cash to enjoy a variety of Meals on Wheels!

Ethnic Fest continues at Wright Park

Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business?  Just let me know!

New here? I’d love to have you use the buttons at the top to join us on the Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or subscribe to my emails so you don’t miss a thing!

Even if you’re not a racing fan, you’re probably familiar with the name Mario Andretti (If nothing else, maybe from the CARS movie)?

He’ll be appearing at the Sunrise Firestone in Puyallup tomorrow morning from 10-12.

I have no idea how crowded it will be, or how interested your kiddos are in meeting racing legends, but I thought I’d mention it in case (like me) you have someone in your house who considers him a personal hero.

You can find the details on the Firestone Puyallup web page.  

I also took a snip of some of their other activities you can see up above.