We may be in the last weeks of summer, but this weekend is one of the biggest for free family fun!
Tacoma’s Maritime Fest and a huge military parade are happening this weekend! Olympia’s amazing Sand in the City event is on, plus free back to school events in Edgewood and Lacey/Olympia, outdoor movies, farm fun, and much more all over your part of the South Sound!
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!
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Come show your appreciation for members of our military at the big parade in Tacoma Saturday evening! Just one of many great, family events this weekend!
Saturday
All Over
Lowes Build and Grow Kids can build a plane from the Planes movie. Advance registration required for these popular, free programs. I see just a couple spots in some stores. Looks like there are more openings on Sunday.
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 Duct Tape bookcover today.
Cra-z-Loom Bracelet making event at Toys R Us Free bracelet make and take event Every Saturday August 24th-October 26th 10AM-12 Always a good idea to call your local store to confirm. There is a good chance your kiddos will want to buy this bracelet making thing-which looks pretty cool!
Farmer’s Markets are open everywhere! Find one here
Every area sprayground, pool, and wading pool, is open, but the outdoor pools will be closing in just a couple of weeks. You might want to go soon! . Click on the graphic in the sidebar to your right for all of those!
South King County
Auburn Communities in Schools is collecting school supplies in the parking lot of the Fred Meyer at 801 Auburn Way from 9-2.. Reader Lena says they’re hoping to, “Fill the bus,” and that at this point they’re needing miracles. Here’s your chance to be part of that! Know another school supply drive in need of donations? You’re welcome to leave a comment. Note that there are also three events in the calendar if you’re in need of help yourself this year. Read on for those.
Apple Festival at the Federal Way Farmer’s Market fun run (fees and registration), apple goodies, kids’ zone
Visit the Mary Olson Farm in Auburn Free and open to the public on weekends Restored farmhouse and grounds Not a huge outing but interesting
Play with our sponsors at Trampoline Nation!
Dr. Seuss ABC Story Time at Southcenter Barnes and Noble 11AM Special Seuss themed back-to-school fun perfect for 3-7 year olds
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
Milton/Edgewood/ Puyallup/Bonney Lake/Graham/Fife/Greater Pierce
Mountain View Community Center Back to School BBQ Free event, but families are asked to register. Free school supplies, haircuts, dental check-ups, bbq, and entertainment for the kids. Please pass this on to friends you know who could use a hand with back-to-school expenses!
Meet Eliza Jane Meeker Storyteller Karen Haas portrays Puyallup’s first librarian and tells tales of the Oregon trail. Free, all ages, drop-in event 2PM
Free Children’s Gardening Program with the Master Gardeners at the WSU extension in Puyallup. It’s vegetables today. Program starts at 1PM. Free!
Free, outdoor movie and concert in Puyallup at Bradley Lake Park Concert begins at 6, movie follows Performer is M-80s Movie is Oz the Great and Powerful
Tacoma/Greater Pierce
It’s Maritime Fest Weekend of activities celebrating Tacoma’s working waterfront. . Admission is free-there are vendors. If you want a free boat or train ride, you need to go early.
Military Appreciation Parade Huge, evening parade with tons of military units and vehicles. Goes right down 6th! Let’s have a great turn out for this one!
Convoy of Hope event at Mt. Tahoma High School 10AM kids’ haircuts, shoes, school supplies Also job fair, breast health screenings, family portraits, kids’ zone, and more. No id required, rain or shine, while supplies last. Pass it on!
The spraygrounds are On in Tacoma! Free, open 10AM-8PM
Free Summer Movie at the Wheelock Library It’s The Goonies at 2PM
Rollin’ 253 Block Party 3.00 admission and skate rentals, plus food and other fun and games
Crafts of the Past at Fort Nisqually Artisans demonstrate different crafts from the 1800s each week. Included with fort admission.
Visit a Farmer’s Market! Check here for one near you!
Visit our sponsors at City Goat Farm and Zoo! You can now ride a zebra or a camel!! plus loads of other cuteness! More details in my post here
Campout at Owen Beach Metro Parks staff have opened up Owen Beach at Point Defiance for camping! tent space, activities, and hot breakfast included. Registration and fees required (lots of spots right now). While not a bargain, this might be a nice idea if your kids have been wanting to camp, but you’re a beginner-or you just like the idea of an outing close to home (not to mention bathrooms)!
Dupont Museum Open House and Ice Cream Social
LadyBug festival at Jim’s U-Fish in Spanaway kids who wear red get in free. Adults are 10.00 fundraiser for brain cancer research in memory of a young U-Fish friend. pony rides, face painting. I think there is probably an extra charge to fish, but I don’t know.
Free Outdoor movie at Chambers Creek in University Place It’s Oz the Great and Powerful
Lacey/Olympia/
Sand in the City in Olympia! It’s Beach Party Day! Huge community festival with free entertainment, giant sand boxes, more than 40 hands-on activities, and much more!
Visit the new EStuarium a new marine life discovery center open 10-4 saltwater aquarium, hands-on activities; suggested admission 1.00/2.00 or free for under 6! Scroll down to the second post. Our friends from the estuarium suggest you park there for free and enjoy a visit (save on the 1.00/hour parking charge for Sand in the City by walking over).
Olympia-Lacey Church of God sponsors a free community block party with school supplies, backpacks, and haircuts for kids-plus, inflatables, pony rides, fire truck, and more! . 11AM-2PM I hope you’ll pass this on to friends who might need a hand with back-to-school expenses this year.
Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center Free and open to visitors through out the day-Saturday and Sunday this week for Sand in the City weekend. Create ocean themed art.
Saturday storytime at the Olympia Barnes and Noble 1PM Every Saturday This one is a special Reading, Writing, and Dinosaurs event for kids 3-7. It mentions Leap Reader-there may be a push to purchase one.
Gig Harbor/Kitsap
Maybe get some Menchies and then ride the trolley down to the waterfront…..just because!
Meet Corduruy Bear at the Kitsap Barnes and Noble 11AM costumed character appearance-bring your camera!
Kitsap County Fair-all weekend
Play with our sponsors at Jump! Gig Harbor Don’t forget to register for next week’s date night!
Date Night at Discovery Village in Gig Harbor Call to register and pay fees Mention SFM, won’t you?
Kitsap area readers may also like to get the free newsletter from Macaroni Kid Kitsap
Sunday
Lowes Build and Grow Kids can build a plane from the Planes movie. Advance registration required for these popular, free programs. I see just a couple spots in some stores
Free Day at National Parks. Might be a good day for that hike at Mt.Rainier! Just expect lots of company!
Hudson Bay Day and Salmon Bake in Dupont 12-4 costumed actor, tours to historic town site, kids’ activities, salmon bbq 15.00 kids’ hot dog meal also available
Visit our sponsors at City Goat Farm and Zoo! They’ve got a zebra now, plus loads of other cuteness!
Maritime Fest continues in Tacoma
Sand in the City continues in Olympia Vote for your favorite sand sculpture, enjoy free entertainment, play in the giant sandboxes, and more!
Crafts of the Past at Fort Nisqually Artisans demonstrate different crafts from the 1800s each week. Included with fort admission.
Family Day at Emerald Downs Sundays, beginning at 1PM pony rides, face painting free with admission; weather dependent free admission and special deals for anyone over 55 today. You might want to bring grandma and grandpa!
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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