The sun is coming back, and I’ve got a great big list of ideas for your South Sound family-fun in Tacoma; runs in Gig Harbor; tugs in Olympia, and plenty of other ideas all over!
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!

Get out and seize the summer while you can! This is Henry on a hike to Sheep Lake. Bring your bug spray!
Saturday
All Over
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
Play with our sponsors at Trampoline Nation!
Story Time at Southcenter Barnes and Noble 11AM Every Saturday- 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
Tacoma/Greater Pierce
The spraygrounds are On in Tacoma! Free, open 10AM-8PM
Love/Talk/Play Party at the Bonney Lake Library 10AM special, free concert for children 0-4 and a caregiver with the beloved children’s entertainer. Special play time follows
Tent sale time at The Old Cannery Free hot dogs and pop and furniture deals. If you buy a couch this is no longer a frugal activity. You knew that, right?
Tiffany’s Skate Inn in Puyallup is offering free skating for military and immediate families with id all weekend. Small charge for rentals
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!
Stadium Faire Craft market in the Stadium District; variety of handmade goods; children’s booth
Love/Talk/Play Party at the Steilacoom Library 1 PM special, free concert for children 0-4 and a caregiver with the beloved children’s entertainer. Special play time follows
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 Owens Beach at Point Defiance Metro Parks has opened up the beach to camping! Not cheap, but might be worth it if you’ve been promising to camp this summer. Snacks, activities, breakfast (and bathrooms!) included! The registration deadline has passed, but I’m guessing you can still get a spot if you call.
Get Out of the Rut weekend at Northwest Trek variety of special, themed activities and trailside encounters included with admission. Admission to Trek is pricey. If you’d go more than once this year, you may want to invest in a membership. You might be able to use kids get in free coupons you earned from the summer library reading program, but I’m not 100% sure on this. Also Sunday and Monday.
Roy Pioneer Rodeo Also Sunday variety of roping/riding events 10.00 adults/4.00 kids; cash only
Lacey/Olympia/
Harbor Days in Olympia entertainment, food, and lots of working and vintage tug boats to check out. Also Sunday
Saturday storytime at the Olympia Barnes and Noble 1PM Every Saturday
Gig Harbor/Kitsap
Recess Monkey Concert at the Gig Harbor Library Woot! Rock out with the popular kindie rock group at 10:30-crafts following!
Over the Narrows Run 30.00 charity fun run over the Narrows Bridge! 10K, 5K, and kids’ dash options.
Maybe get some Menchies and then ride the trolley down to the waterfront…..just because!
Leapfrog Dinosaur Event at the Kitsap Barnes and Noble 11AM Reading, writing, and dinosaurs with the Leapster. There may be extra pressure to purchase at this one.
Play with our sponsors at Jump! Gig Harbor
Up for a little drive? It’s Blackberry Festival time in Bremerton!
Kitsap area readers may also like to get the free newsletter from Macaroni Kid Kitsap
Sunday
Harbor Days in Olympia entertainment, food, and lots of working and vintage tug boats to check out
Visit our sponsors at City Goat Farm and Zoo! They’ve got a zebra now, plus loads of other cuteness!
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
Get Out of the Rut weekend at Northwest Trek variety of special, themed activities and trailside encounters included with admission. Admission to Trek is pricey. If you’d go more than once this year, you may want to invest in a membership. You might be able to use kids get in free coupons you earned from the summer library reading program, but I’m not 100% sure on this. Also Monday.
Roy Pioneer Rodeo variety of roping/riding events 10.00 adults/4.00 kids; cash only
Monday/Labor Day!
Not going anywhere? Hey, me neither! I’m planning a special post with another day trip idea and a round up of the others we’ve done this year. If there is anything left on your summer bucket list, you should probably get to it! There is lots to explore in the menu bar and the archives, if you need inspiration. Give me a holler if I can help!
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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