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Archives for October 2013

Happy Halloween! Where to Trick or Treat, Plus Halloween Alternatives, Fall Carnivals, and More!

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Arrived here by Google? This is an old list, but don’t worry! I have a guide to trick or treating for 2017 right here.

Want something to do that’s Not spooky? I have our complete guide to fun for the weekend on the home page right here.  Need more help? Email me at soundsfunmom@gmail.com or pop over to our Facebook page or other social channels, and I’d be glad to help-really!

 

 

Welcome to my 2013 list of South Sound trick or treating spots, Halloween carnivals, and Halloween alternatives!  Looking to trick or treat at the South Hill Mall? Wondering if there is a church carnival in Puyallup, a neighborhood event in Tacoma,  or a good place to trick or treat in Gig Harbor? If you live somewhere in the South Sound, I’ve got you covered! New here? I hope you’ll think about joining us on Facebook or subscribing to my emails!

I write just for South Sound families, and I have new stuff every day, and a huge family events guide every Friday morning!

 

Did I start this blog to share old baby pictures? Quite possibly.....Here is a big list of indoor trick or treating and other fun to enjoy with Your pumpkins tonight!

Did I start this blog to share old baby pictures? Quite possibly…..Here is a big list of indoor trick or treating and other fun to enjoy with Your pumpkins tonight!

Day Time Halloween Events and Activities-Trick or Treat Alternatives/Activities for young children

 

Halloween Open House at the Wright Park Conservatory story time, crafts, and jelly bean tasting! Non spooky, children’s event 3.00/free for under 11  3:30-7  

Places to Trick or Treat on Halloween-Safe, Indoor Options and Carnivals and Harvest Festivals

South King County

Faith and Victory Church in Auburn hosts a harvest party 6:30PM  games and candy; costumes encouraged

Trick or Treat So Others May Eat Trick or treating at the Supermall in Auburn; Bring donations for the Auburn food bank.  Good for kids 12 and under; Stop by customer service for a good bag. Select merchants will be passing on treats and goodies.  No details for 2014  yet

Kent Station Trick or Treating 4-6:30  treats from select merchants; costume contest  No details for 2014 yet

Harvest Festival at the Foursquare Church Federal Way 6-9PM carnival games, magician, dunk tank, 1.00 hot dogs and rootbeer, and tons of candy 6-9PM

Greater Pierce-Puyallup/Sumner/Bonney Lake/Fife

Pumpkin Patch Bash Bonney Lake  East Pointe Church hosts at Bonney Lake High School 6-9PM candy, games, inflatables, and more!  Calendar date for this year, but not a lot of details yet.

Calvary Community Church Sumner  Ghost bustin’ blowout  games, petting zoo, inflatables 5-8PM  No listing for 2014 yet

Lighthouse Christian Fall Festival games, juggler, potato bar  No info. for 2014 yet. This is traditionally a Halloween alternative.

Halloween Carnival in Fife –  5-7  Come in costume for fun and games. Bring a can of food to donate as admission.  No info. for 2014 yet

Halloween Street of Treats 5-7 PM downtown Sumner   merchants will have treats in a safe environment.  It’s on the calendar-no other details yet.

Trick or Treat Booyallup and Halloween fun at the Pioneer Park Pavillion Trick or treat at downtown Puyallup merchants from 3-6PM; other fun on the rotary  stage

South Hill Mall  6-7:30PM at participating stores

Trick or Treat in Downtown Enumclaw (old link) Cole st. has traditionally shut down for trick or treating between 4-6. I haven’t been able to confirm this, so please make a call before you head out.

Tacoma/Fircrest/University Place/Steilacoom

Trick or Treat at the Tacoma Mall 5-7PM treats for kids 12 and under at select merchants  no toy weapons; masks on children only; costumes during event time only

Trick or Treat in the Proctor Business District 4-6PM

Youth Pumpkin Patch at the Fircrest Community Center 6-8 PM  for kids 10 and under games, costume contest, and more Link opens a pdf; event is on the 3rd page

Olympic View Baptist is having a harvest party on the 31st.  I don’t see a lot of detail yet, but in the past there have been games, candy, popcorn and lattes and more fun for the kids. 4470 Elwood Dr.  University Place, WA 98466565-3995

Bridgeport Assisted Living center (Bridgeport Place Assisted Living 5250 Bridgeport Way W 565-1960) has traditionally done trick or treating. I haven’t had a chance to confirm this yet, so please call first.
Trunk or Treating at Lakeview Community Church  sent in by reader, Lindsay
Our church also does Trunk or Treats including free chili, hot dogs, drinks and desserts! Food will be served starting at 6pm, it’s a chili cook off so there will be lots of variety! Trick or treating will begin around 6:45 in the parking lot. Lakeview Church of Christ 1709 S 112th St S in Tacoma 98444. Very close to JBLM, at Steele St and 112th

Lacey/Dupont/Olympia

Dupont Businesses Trick or Treating    3-5PM in the downtown business district; look for signs on participating merchants’ doors.

Downtown Olympia  Wind-up Toys and other merchants host an, “Eye-Spy” Halloween event downtown

Church of the Living Water hosts its annual Pumpkin Patch Bash at Charlie’s Safari in Lacey (hot dog combos for 2.00) and the Westfield Capital Mall in Olympia  candy, face painting, games and bounces houses 6-9PM  Bring a canned food donation

Westfield Capital Mall Olympia 4-7PM Spooktacular  candy, games, crafts, and more

First Baptist Church Tumwater sponsors Trick or Treat on Elm Street  6:30-8  safe, indoor trick or treating with “Doors,” to knock on, bounce house, and cider

Gig Harbor

Trick or Treat at Uptown Gig Harbor Halloween Treats and more from 4-6PM

Trick or Treat in Downtown Gig Harbor Trick or treat along the Gig Harbor waterfront; 3-6PM treats, a spooky surprise, photo ops, touch tanks, and more!

Kids Eat Free Deals on Halloween

For a list of Kids’ eat free options for Halloween you’ll want to see this post.

Halloween Candy Buy Back Events

For a list of Halloween candy buy back events at area dentists, head here!

If you know of another trick or treating spot, or you want to get your group’s event listed, just let me know!

Kids Eat Free on Halloween: Restaurant Freebies and Deals!

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There are a number of restaurant and dining deals on Halloween if you’re looking to get something in the kiddos besides sweets! As always with national offers, I do recommend calling to confirm participation before you head out.

Scary face pancake

 

IHOP Free Scary Face pancake from 7AM-10PM

Sonic .50 corn dogs all day

Chipotle  Come in costume from 4PM-close for a 3.00 burrito

Krispy Kreme  Get a free donut when you wear your costume to the store. Because you need more sugar, right?

Olive Garden From Oct. 28 – Oct. 31, free kids’ meal with the purchase of each adult entrée by signing up for Olive Garden’s email newsletter.  Link goes to sign-up. You’ll be emailed your coupon.

Red Lobster: From now through Nov. 10, free kids’ meal with the purchase of each adult dinner entrée by signing up for Red Lobster’s Fresh Catch Club or visiting the restaurant’s Facebook and Twitter pages. This offer is valid Monday – Thursday only and a printed coupon must be presented at time of purchase. The link will take you to fb, where you click on claim offer. Looks like it will then get sent to the email you have associated with your fb account.

Outback Steakhouse  Free kids’ meal with adult purchase on Halloween

For other Halloween deals and freebies, be sure to check the great round-ups over at ThriftyNorthwestMom and QueenBeeCoupons.

 

So Easy Halloween Crafts!

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You know when you see crafts on Sounds Fun Mom they’re going to be easy ones!  These totally do-able ideas come from some of my blogging friends around the country! I belong to a little group of gals who all write about very specific regions, and they’re some of my favorite cyber friends. I think you’ll agree these fun projects are super clever, and I love that they don’t require anything fancy (or expensive)!

 

First up, check out these mummified lanterns. I know this looks very Martha, but it’s basically, “bandages,” applied with a two-step paste. You can get all the directions over at Chambanamoms.com, where Laura Weisskopf Bleill and Amy Hatch write for moms in the Champaign-Urbana area of Illinois. This craft and the pic are from their contributor, Sarah Dexter.  The boys and I made these last year, and they looked pretty cool on our porch. I will say I couldn’t really figure out what to do with them after the big day, and eventually some slugs crawled in one, but I have a feeling that kind of thing is unique to the SFM house…….

Or how about these ghosts? The “Secret ingredients,” will cost you about a buck. If you have little ones who like to get messy (and you can tolerate it), you’ll love this. This one is courtesy of  Annie Tandy who writes Kids List Activities for Little Kids in the La Grange, Hinsdale, and Western Springs area of Illinois. Check out her site for the directions for this easy craft.

Finally, here’s a bite size caramel apple! If you’ve ever watched your kids try to eat a whole caramel apple, you’ll agree with me that this is genius. Pure genius. Want to make your own? You’ll find easy, peasy directions over at Kids on the Grand where Melody writes for families near the Grand Rapids area. If you have family or friends in any of these areas, I hope you’ll hook them up with these great resources.

If you enjoyed these, you might also like this post on how to make  Paper Strip Pumpkins. I won’t lie-these are a little harder, but they look super cute and could work for Thanksgiving. If you have a room mom who could cut all the paper strips, they’d be cute table decorations for your class feasts or celebrations!

Party and Play With Frog N Kiwi in University Place!

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With the air turning brisk and blustery, I just thought I’d remind you that our sponsors at Frog n Kiwi have a bright, clean play area just waiting for your kiddos!

 

Birthday parties at Frog n Kiwi

They’ve also introduced a whole new slate of options for parties! You can now just rent the space (I get asked about places that offer this a lot, and there really aren’t many), OR they’ve added tons of new menu options, if you’d like to just sit back and relax. You can read about all of them in this post!

To keep up with Frog n Kiwi, you’ll want to follow them on Facebook.

If you are interested in booking a party for the fall or winter, don’t wait long. Weekend times fill fast during rainy months.

Disclosure: We are proudly sponsored by Frog n Kiwi! Please let them know you’re a reader next time you call or stop in!

 

Free Day at the Point Defiance Zoo for Tacoma City Residents Tuesday!

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A quick reminder that tomorrow, October 29th,  City of Tacoma residents can head to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium for free!

zoo

 

You do need photo id. and proof of city residence for these monthly, free days.

Not one of my Tacoma readers? I’ve updated the calendar with all kinds of fun options.

There is also a little something happening Thursday…..you’ll find my complete list of South Sound Halloween events, carnivals, and indoor trick or treating destinations, up in the menu bar!

 

Sunday Calendar: South Sound Family Fun and Things to Do for October 27th!

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Looking for something fun to do today? Loads of special Halloween events in Renton, children’s theater all over, and other great fun family events from Tacoma to Olympia, and everywhere in between!

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!

Sunday

Get your pumpkin on! Here’s my list of South Sound pumpkin patches and corn mazes!

South King County-Renton

Halloween Event at the Museum of Flight  free admission for kids in costume; special Halloween flight themed activities (think broomsticks and bats)!

StoryBook Theater’s production of Chicken Little  continues at Renton’s Carco Theater  Shows at 1 and 3; tickets at the door half hour before show time

Cedar River Salmon Migration  Every weekend in October spot salmon returning with the help of volunteer naturalists  Various Renton area sites

Trick or Treating at the Landing in Renton  1-3PM  Dora will be there!

Pierce County-Tacoma, Puyallup, UP, Spanaway

You can make cider at Terry’s Berries on weekends, but sadly you can’t apple pick due to a poor crop. The cider is very pricey, but super delicious! Terry encourages you to go this weekend-lines are usually shorter on Sundays. I would call first, to make sure they have supplies.

Haunted Theater at the Tacoma City Ballet Special back stage tours of specially decorated rooms.  Costumed dancers and a performance. Children are invited to wear costumes. I have just a bit more detail about it in a post here!  Tickets are 5.00 and 6.00 and performances are at 1 and 3 today  Last chance!

Play area open with our sponsors at Frog n Kiwi in University Place from 8AM-1PM today and 8AM-10:30 Sunday  Book your rainy month parties soon!

Visit the petting zoo and pumpkin patch at City Goat Farm and Zoo in Spanaway They’ve got a pumpkin patch right now, and pumpkins are just 3.00! That’s a deal!

A Night at the Movies Concert The Tacoma Youth Symphony will wear costumes and present music from popular movies including UP! and Star Wars. Family four packs available for 40.00 Two Show times 

Thurston County-Lacey, Olympia

 Big LMNOP Kids Consignment Sale 11-2 Most items half-off; many for just 1.00!

Visit the new South Sound Estuarium  10AM-3PM

Olympia Family Theaters last showing of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

Kitsap-Port Orchard

Autumn Fest at the First Baptist Church, Port Orchard  Thanks, Macaroni Kid Kitsap

Harvest Fest at Miracle Ranch Port Orchard wagon rides and tons of free camp activities; additional pumpkin food for fees and food available for purchase  Thanks, Macaroni Kid Kitsap

Beyond

Ride the Pumpkin Express with Mt.Rainier Scenic Railroad   Rides    Kids get to pick a pumpkin at the end of the first stage. Tickets are a spendy 22.00-26.00 Pricey, but definitely fun for train lovers. You can read our review here. Be sure to read the comments for more input from readers.  Note that the MRSR does come up on deal sites frequently, though you can only use the paid value on special rides.  But, if you would just be in it for the train ride, and don’t care whether it’s a, “Pumpkin Express,” you may want to hold off for a future deal. KWIM?

Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business?  Just let me know! If you’re looking for Halloween options or indoor trick or treating, I have a whole list in the menu bar. 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!

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Halloween Fun and Things to Do for Kids and Families October 25th-27th!

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The South Sound is full of fun things to do with your family this weekend!

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

Get your pumpkin on! Here’s my list of South Sound pumpkin patches and corn mazes!

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores  2.00 per child for a 30 minute session. Sessions begin on the half hour starting at 10AM  treat bag making, plus candy and a parade today-costumes invited!

Free Monster 500 Trading Card at Toys R Us Stores  I have no idea what these are, but if your kids do, here you go!

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!

Many Farmer’s Markets are  still open for just a few more weeks!  Find one here Get your fresh on while you can!

South King County

StoryBook Theater’s production of Chicken Little at Renton’s Carco Theater

Cedar River Salmon Migration  Every weekend in October spot salmon returning with the help of volunteer naturalists  Various Renton area sites  More on salmon watching coming in a post next week!
Go Away Big Green Monster Halloween Story Time at Southcenter Barnes and Noble 11AM  stories, costume parade, and more fun! Perfect for kids 3-7  Also at Federal Way

Halloween Harvest Festival in Auburn Washington Elementary 2-5  Games; face painting and more. Trick or treating at downtown merchants. Wear your costume and bring a food donation-toy weapons checked at the door!  Louie Foxx magic show (tickets 8.oo) at the Auburn Avenue theater at 2PM same day

Pumpkin Walk in the Dark in Auburn  4-8PM  illuminated pumpkin walk, hay bale maze, and more! 5.00 person or 10.00 family  carved pumpkins needed for the walk! Family and pet friendly

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

Trick or treats funfest in Federal Way  (link opens a pdf)  smores, games, carnival, and more  6.00 pre registered; two times depending on child’s
East Pierce County-Bonney Lake, Puyallup, Graham, Sumner
Sunset Battle of the Bands in Sumner  marching band contest; drumline performance
Lego my Library at the Puyallup Public Library 11AM Stories followed by Lego building fun  drop-in  for kids 4-8
“Scary stories,” at the Tillicum Library  Curl up by a virtual campfire for not-too-scary stories from the fireside league. There will also be a craft and treat following. Free, all ages drop in event. 2PM
You can make cider at Terry’s Berries on weekends, but sadly you can’t apple pick due to a poor crop. The cider is very pricey, but super delicious! Terry encourages you to go this weekend-lines are usually shorter on Sundays. I would call first, to make sure they have supplies.
Tacoma
Family Nature Walks with Metro Parks at Wapato Hills Park 10AM  Naturalists lead free walks at area parks. Free but registration is required. Not recommended for kiddos under 3 and not suitable for strollers

Kiddigits Halloween event at the Tacoma Mall 

Make a Plate Event at Learning Sprout Toys    keepsake plate making   10.00 (This is a good deal if your kiddo doesn’t make ’em at school) 10AM-3

Celtic Faire at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Play area open with our sponsors at Frog n Kiwi in University Place from 8AM-1PM today and 8AM-10:30 Sunday  Book your rainy month parties soon!

University Place Presbyterian Hosts a Harvest Fest 2-4:30  games, treats, costumes

Bonfires, Beaver Pelts, and Boogeymen Night time story telling event at Ft.Nisqually  Buy tickets online in advance  I have more about this event here.

Visit the Lighthouse  Museum at Browns Point Lighthouse Park   Free and open 1-4 on Saturdays through November  Small, but super friendly folks and lots for the kids to touch and try!

Haunted Theater at the Tacoma City Ballet Special back stage tours of specially decorated rooms.  Costumed dancers and a performance. Children are invited to wear costumes. I have just a bit more detail about it in a post here!  Tickets are 5.00 and 6.00 and performances are select Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from the 19th-27th.

 NightHowl for Scouts at the Tacoma Nature Center Know a junior Girl Scout, Cub Scout, or Webelos? Have ’em check this event out. 12.00 Scout/pre-registration is required

South Tacoma/Lakewood

Visit the petting zoo and pumpkin patch at City Goat Farm and Zoo

Go Away Big Green Monster Halloween Story Time at Lakewood Barnes and Noble 11AM  stories, costume parade, and more fun! Perfect for kids 3-7

Children and all ages shows at the Pierce College Science Dome/planetarium2PM children’s show on Pluto; 3:15 all ages show on black holes

LeMay Museum Trunk or Treat Kids get to go from vintage car to vintage car getting treats from trunks! Free   Note this is at the events center, not the Tacoma Dome museum
Beyond
Hoot n Howl at Northwest Trek Special Friday and Saturday event at NW trek with night time tram rides and treats and activities.  We’ve done this before. Honestly? The boys loved it, but I thought it was a little pricey. I do see that they’re offering a discount for advance purchase. The tram ride is pretty cool, just do keep in mind that you’re not going to see a lot of creatures because, well, it’s Dark! 
Ride the Pumpkin Express with Mt.Rainier Scenic Railroad   Rides    Kids get to pick a pumpkin at the end of the first stage. Tickets are a spendy 22.00-26.00 Pricey, but definitely fun for train lovers. You can read our review here. Be sure to read the comments for more input from readers.  Note that the MRSR does come up on deal sites frequently, though you can only use the paid value on special rides.  But, if you would just be in it for the train ride, and don’t care whether it’s a, “Pumpkin Express,” you may want to hold off for a future deal. KWIM?
Lacey/Olympia
Boo Bash at the Hands-on Children’s Museum  (Scroll to Saturday and click on event for detailed listing_
Trick or Treat at St. Martin’s University 1-4PM   Student guides lead children trick or treating through residence halls, followed by cider and other fun

Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center  Free and open every weekend  with special projects; link opens lengthy pdf; find today’s date for more program info.

Visit the new South Sound Estuarium  10AM-3PM

Bogo ticket deal to Olympia Family Theater begins a run of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

Fall festival continues at Lattin’s Cider Mill

Gig Harbor/Kitsap

Haunted Gingerbread House Making at the Gig Harbor Library Make and take a, “Haunted,” gingerbread house. Free; supplies provided. Registration is required. 10, 11, or 11:30  Find time of your choice and click on, “Register,”

Indoor fall farmer’s market  (old Peninsula Gardens site)

Ghost Train Run with the Kitsap Live Steamers

Harvest Fest at Miracle Ranch Port Orchard wagon rides and tons of free camp activities; additional pumpkin food for fees and food available for purchase  Thanks, Macaroni Kid Kitsap

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

Sunday

Cedar River Salmon Migration  Every weekend in October spot salmon returning with the help of volunteer naturalists  Various Renton area sites  More on salmon watching coming in a post next week!

Visit the new South Sound Estuarium  10AM-3PM

Bogo ticket deal to Olympia Family Theaters last showing of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

A Night at the Movies Concert The Tacoma Youth Symphony will wear costumes and present music from popular movies including UP! and Star Wars. Family four packs available for 40.00 Two Show times October 27th

Trick or Treating at the Landing in Renton

Monster Mash Dash and Trick or Treat Bash with Pierce County Parks and Rec at Chambers Creek Community trick or treating event with vendors in the meadow from 12-2 followed by a non competitive 5K or 1mile Dash  Strollers and dogs welcome; come in costume! 

Halloween Event at the Museum of Flight  free admission for kids in costume; special Halloween flight themed activities (think broomsticks and bats)!

Autumn Fest at the First Baptist Church, Port Orchard  Thanks, Macaroni Kid Kitsap

Family Halloween Paddle

Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business?  Just let me know! Don’t forget you can find rainy day play options up in the menu bar! You know-just in case!

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!

Let’s Go Salmon Spotting: Where to Take the Kids to See Salmon Returning to Spawn

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For the 2015 version of this post, go here:
where to see salmon in Seattle and Tacoma

 

Here’s a frugal fall outing for the kids that has to be unique to the Northwest! Take the kids to one of many area parks or trails where they can spot salmon returning to spawn.

I’ve rounded up your best bets for viewing, but if you know of another good one, please let me know! Note-This post has been updated for 2014. Most, “Prime,” salmon spotting will be next month.

First, let’s be clear that when a salmon is returning to spawn, it’s returning to the place where it was born to deposit eggs. This is the end of its life, and a remarkable natural process. It also means that while you’re catching sight of the salmon heading to spawn, you might end up seeing a dead one. If this would alarm your children, choose another activity!

South King County/Eastside/ Seattle Every weekend beginning October 4th and running through October 26th, trained naturalists will be on hand to help you spot them at 5 sites along the Cedar River. You can get all the locations and details here from the Friends of the Cedar River Watershed.  These are all King County locations, beginning with the Renton library with spots all the way up to the Ballard Locks in Seattle. Here is a list of other spots in Seattle and on the Eastside. If you’re up for road tripping, the hatchery in Issaquah just might be the fanciest in America. They even host birthday parties!

Puyallup The fish in the tanks at the Puyallup hatchery are trout, but a small section of Clark’s Creek runs by, where you might be able to see winter run chum beginning in November or a few coho or chinook earlier. If you go straight behind the hatchery and to the left, you’ll find a trail, and the best viewing is from a little bridge over the creek. The boys and I found a lot on our trip last year, but we didn’t time it right, and they were Really, Really dead. Bleah! Naturally, the boys thought it was fantastic! The trout at the hatchery are interesting to look at, and there are a few, weathered informational signs. Our boys consider this the best of do-it-yourself fun! The hatchery is on the corner of an otherwise residential street, but you really can’t miss it. Here’s more information on the Puyallup hatchery and Clark’s Creek.

Update: The hatchery has a brand new educational center (I hope to have a post on that soon), and this year they’re hosting a salmon homecoming event on October 11th.   Looks super fun-feed fish at the hatchery, see salmon in the creek, and enjoy kids’ activities.

Thurston County/Olympia If you’re one of my Thurston County readers, you have a tremendous salmon watching resource in Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail. It doesn’t open until November 1st, but when it does, there will be weekend viewing with naturalists on hand. I can’t wait to check it out.

Another option is Tumwater Falls. I’ve somehow never been here, but it looks really cool. Jen, of ThriftyNWMom, did a review of this park.

Key Peninsula The Minter Creek hatchery on the Key Peninsula

*I haven’t had a chance to phone here this year, but this was info. I got around the end of October last year. You may just want to call and check open hours before you go. I’ll try to get a hold of them later today to update this.

You’ll see the creek with a ladder and a plunge pool where they pile up. Right now, the Coho run is dwindling, but Chum will be picking up soon. They’re a bit hard to spot right now due to rain muddying up the water, but it sounds like your odds are still pretty good.

Kitsap-The clever folks with the tourism department have created a whole list of spots on what they call the Salmon Run Loop. These are all wild spots, so it’s far from a sure thing, but it would be a fun afternoon adventure.

For a good, kid friendly explanation of the life cycle of salmon go here. For tips on how to watch salmon in the wild go here.

There is a very cool, downloadable book with coloring pictures here. This is a large, pdf file. Consider yourself warned.

Do wear boots for any of these adventures, because if your kiddos are anything like mine, they will Immediately step in the grossest puddles imaginable.

Do you have a great way to have outdoor fun this time of year? I’d love to hear about it!

Sorella Restyle: Women’s Consignment Event Coming to Puyallup Wednesday-Saturday

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I always try to keep you in the loop about great kids’ consignment events. How about one for mommas?

The Sorella Restyle event is coming up this week in Puyallup, right downtown at the Pierce County Firefighters Union Hall (aka The Manor) located at 427 N Meridian. It’s that all brick building-you really can’t miss it.

Sorella Restyle

The Sorella Restyle event is a chance to score gently used clothing, jewelry, purses, and shoes at consignment prices.

I’m a huge fan of consignment shopping, because it lets me update my wardrobe without breaking the bank, and pieces are often like new.  It’s also a great idea if you’re between sizes or expecting!  The Sorella gals tell me you’ll find brands from Gap to Nordstrom and sizes from o to plus! Here’s the schedule, so you can round up some pals and make your plans!

  • October 23 (Wed): 5pm-9pm Shopping open to consignors, plus teachers (Love it!), and weight management or gym members (the Sorella gals know going between sizes can be challenging and expensive!)
  • October 24 (Thurs): 9am-9pm Shopping open to public
  • October 25 (Fri): 9am-6pm Shopping open to public
  • October 25 (Fri): 6pm-9pm Shopping open to public with 1/2 price sale (selected items)
  • October 26 (Sat): 9am-2pm Shopping open to public with 1/2 price sale (selected items)

For more pics and other info, you can check out their website  They had some seriously cute stuff at the last event!

Admission is 2.00, or get in free when you like and share Sorella Restyle on Facebook.

 

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. The opinions are my own. If you check out this sale, let me know what you think, and thank the Sorella ladies for supporting Sounds Fun Mom!