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!
It’s the weekend! Here is a full list of fun ideas. Don’t see something you love? I hear the berries are ripe at Charlotte’s Blueberry Park!
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 giraffe bookmark today.
Farmer’s Markets are open everywhere! 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
Autism Day at Jubilee Farm in Carnation
Tukwila Kids’ Festival 12-4 Cascade View Park Free entertainment, arts, resource fair
Auburn Days car shows, kids’ activities, vendors Grand Parade Use tabs at the top and bottom of the page to find times and details for events of interest
Student production of Beauty and the Beast at Kentridge High School various show times through August 10th all tickets are 5.00
Play with our sponsors at Trampoline Nation!
Story Time with Clifford at Southcenter Barnes and Noble 11AM costumed character appearance; bring your camera!
Touch tanks at HCC Mast at Redondo Free and open to the public every Saturday from 10-2 Kids can touch a variety of sea critters
Puyallup/Bonney Lake/Graham/Fife/Greater Pierce
Mega Brands Back to school sale in Fife
Get Fit Health Expo in Bonney Lake Fun run (fees), free inflatables and vendor booths, Zumbathaon
Renaissance Faire in Bonney Lake
Pierce County Fair continues in Graham 5.00 admission and parking at Frontier Park in Graham Small, more community/agricultural fair than the, “Big one.” Visit the 4-H kids!
Free Children’s Gardening Program with the Master Gardeners at the WSU extension in Puyallup
Drop in and read with yellow lab, Coach at the Puyallup Library 1-2
Free outdoor concert and movie at Bradley Lake in Puyallup bring your own seating; concessions for sale concert at 7:30 (Bobbie Sox and the Jukebox) Movie Hotel Transylvania at dusk. This is the community camp out night. You do have to register for that in advance, and it might be sold out, but if you want to overnight at Bradley Lake give ’em a call and see.
Free outdoor movie on South Hill It’s Little Big League Heritage Rec Center show starts at dusk
Tacoma/Greater Pierce
The spraygrounds are On in Tacoma! Free, open 10AM-8PM
Comic Book/ SuperHero Micro Con at the Tacoma Public Library Free, all ages, drop-in event. Read a comic book and help set a record! Draw with professional comic artists, crafts, costume contest, and more!
Music and Art at Wright Park in Tacoma Thanks reader, Katrina
Family Nature Walks with Metro Parks 10AM at Titlow 1PM at McKinley Free, but you’re asked to register family friendly walks perfect for ages 3 and up; not suitable for strollers
Fircrest Fun Days 10AM-9PM parade at 10 activities; entertainment; vendor booths; fireworks at 9:45
Visit a Farmer’s Market! Check here for one near you!
Brigade Encampment at Fort Nisqually 11AM-5PM Also Sunday journey back to life in the 1800s hands-on presentations, costumed actors recreating 1800s fort life. Admission is charged
Get Geeky at the Lakewood Library Cool engineering/science crafts for kids 7 and up to do with mom or dad. Bubble theme today. Registration required 1-3PM
Lacey/Olympia/
Olympic Air Show at the Olympic Flight Museum Air shows, aircraft displays, kids’ activities, beer garden, and more Not a bargain, but a great event for plane lovers. Also Sunday
Heritage Day at the Lacey Farmer’s Market
Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center Guided nature walks at 1:30 and 2:30; kids can decorate their own nature journals through out the day
Drop in, Minecraft crafting at the Olympia Library
Saturday storytime at the Olympia Barnes and Noble 1PM Every Saturday
Parent’s Night Out at the Hands-on Children’s Museum Registration and fees required
Gig Harbor/Kitsap
Maybe get some Menchies and then ride the trolley down to the waterfront…..just because!
Fox Island Community Fair 11AM-4PM crafts, games, and more
CHEW dog rescue will be at Mud Bay if you’re looking to adopt a four legged friend
cars, trucks, and trains story time at the Kitsap Barnes and Noble 11AM
Play with our sponsors at Jump! Gig Harbor
Blue Willow Lavender Farm Open every Saturday; free admission; many lavender items for sale. They’ve begun harvesting, so if you’ve been meaning to get in some lavender time, act fast!
PenMet Family Theater Presents Snow White under the stars at Sehmel Park Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 7PM through the 18th Tickets are 5.00; light concessions available; families are invited to bring seating and a picnic.
Kitsap area readers may also like to get the free newsletter from Macaroni Kid Kitsap
Sunday
Many areas now have farmer’s markets open on Sundays. Find one a new favorite here.
Free Barbie on Tour event at the Southcenter Mall
Pierce County Fair continues in Graham 5.00 admission and parking at Frontier Park in Graham Small, more community/agricultural fair than the, “Big one.” Visit the 4-H kids! Last Day
Auburn Days car shows, kids’ activities, vendors Use the tabs at the bottom and top to explore events of interest
Brigade Encampment at Fort Nisqually 11AM-5PM Also Sunday journey back to life in the 1800s hands-on presentations, costumed actors recreating 1800s fort life. Admission is charged
Olympic Air Show at the Olympic Flight Museum Air shows, aircraft displays, kids’ activities, beer garden, and more Not a bargain, but a great event for plane lovers.
Open trails at the Morse Preserve in Graham
Family Day at Emerald Downs Sundays, beginning at 1PM pony rides, face painting free with admission; weather dependent
PenMet Family Theater Presents Snow White under the stars at Sehmel Park Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 7PM through the 18th Tickets are 5.00; light concessions available; families are invited to bring seating and a picnic.
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Last weekend for the musical comedy “Annie Get Your Gun” at Thomas Jefferson High School. Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. Rosebud Children’s Theatre Conservatory.