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
Families can visit the restored Mary Olson farm in Auburn for free on Saturdays and Sundays all summer While not a huge outing, it’s fun and neat for the kids to see.
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 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
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
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Rosebud Children’s Theatre Conservatory is putting on the musical “Wonderland” at Thomas Jefferson High School’s Little Theater. 7pm tonight and Sunday at 2pm, Tickets at the door are 10.00, 8.00 for kids, seniors and military. Next weekend is “Annie Get Your Gun”.