Archives for January 2014

If you like the idea of a Super Bowl party, but your kids are too antsy, or your invites are to “Adults only,” bashes, here are some alternatives!

Tiffany’s Skate Inn SuperBowl party

Our friends at Tiffany’s are hosting a Super Bowl party that’s a great deal!

The game will be on from 1PM-6:30, and you get admission to the entire, extended session for just 1.00! If you want to skate, you will have to pay a few bucks for rentals.  You can get more information here.

Pierce County Parks and Recreation Super Bowl Party

Do you like the idea of watching the game on a really BIG screen? Pierce County Parks and Rec will be showing the game on the big screen at the environmental services building out at Chambers Creek in University Place.  You do have to register for this event, and it’s 30.00 for a family of 4, but that price includes snacks and games! Call to register call (253) 798-4177

You say you and the kids just aren’t (GASP!) football fans? Believe it or not, there will be other family friendly activities going on around the South Sound, and as always, I’ll have a list of them right here!

If you know of others, please share! Quite frankly, I don’t know if I can stand to go to one….I got so nervous watching the championship I had to leave the room! Anyone else?

I promised in yesterday’s post on the new Daffodil Festival Kids’ Club that I’d bring you updates on Daffodil festival events just as soon as I had them.

Well, that was fast!

The festival just announced their first story time dates. Saturday, February 15th, the princesses will be reading to area boys and girls at Pierce County Libraries, and the Puyallup Public Library (there will be additional sessions, including times at Tacoma Public Libraries in March).

These are free events, and you’re welcome to bring your camera for photo ops! Be sure to scroll down to read about the new Daffodil Festival kids’ club if you missed that royal news!  Not into princesses? One post down I have the scoop on this year’s Monkeyshines event. A real-life treasure hunt all over Tacoma perfect for any adventurous kiddo!

Updated for 2021

Yes, Tacoma, it’s almost time for Monkeyshines! Maybe? We think?

When Are Monkeyshines Out in Tacoma and Where Should You Look for Monkeyshines?

Are you ready to hunt Monkeyshines? Every year there seem to be more monkeys than ever getting in on the act with their own fun treasures for you to find, and we are crossing our fingers for lots more finds in 2021. No clue what I’m talking about? Keep reading!

Monkeyshines are beautiful, handblown glass balls  hidden around town in honor of the Lunar New Year and community and art and all things joyful. Ben shared the one above via Twitter two years ago. Pretty, huh? They’re created and hidden by a secret group of local artists, which is pretty much everything that is cool about Tacoma right there, don’t you think?

Where to look?

Last year, Monkeyshines were found all around T-town, including spots at Fireman’s Park, Hoyt Playground, intersections in Proctor, on Ruston Way, and in Wright Park, but they could be anywhere! Ben says parks and downtown spots are your best bets, and he doesn’t think it matters when you hunt.

You can look for the #monkeyshines hashtag on Twitter and other social media to see where they’ve been found so far, or check the official Monkeyshines fb page. 

That page also has info. on how to support this effort, and I think arts movements are worth supporting now more than ever!

If you’d just like some more back story on Monkeyshines, Grit City Magazine has a lovely article. 

When to go looking?

Traditionally, Ms. Monkey has begun hiding around the Lunar New Year, which is February 12th this year. Of course, only Ms. Monkey knows if she’s sticking to that calendar!

In years past more have gone out in the following weeks. And thanks to, “Rogue monkeys,” hiding other creations of their own, your odds of finding a special treasure are probably better than ever! Some are also so well hidden that they’re found months later!

Keep in mind that part of the magic of this is no one can say for sure except Ms. Monkey and her secret band of helpers! Following the Monkeyshines Fb page is probably your best bet if you need to know for absolute certain before you start your hunt.

If you find one, it’s yours to keep (Do only keep one if you’re lucky enough to come across two).  As always, use sensible precautions, and obey private property laws. Ms. Monkey wouldn’t put any in dangerous spots or places where you could get in trouble, so don’t look there! Please also be careful today in places that are icy and cold (so pretty much everywhere, right)?

If you’re hunting with your kiddos, remind them that the fun is in the hunt and manage their expectations. We’ve had a great time tromping around Tacoma looking for them even though we’ve yet to find one. Maybe this will be our year!

We’ve shared some pics here of some finds from previous years below.

Naturally, I hope you’ll let us know if you get lucky. Leave a comment (and a pic, pretty please!) here or on our Facebook page.  You’re also welcome to Tweet at me!   Thanks to one of our Twitter pals, M Sands, for the fun pics above.

And, remember, even if you don’t find one, you’ll be out exploring one of the South Sound’s greatest cities, and you’ll likely see other hunters to make pals with, too. Have a great time!

Do you have little ones who love princesses?

Over the last several years, the real-life royal misses from the Daffodil Festival have been out in the community serving as wonderful role models for our kids.

I’m very excited to let you know that they will be expanding these programs with a new Daffodil Festival Kids Club. [Read more…]

If you’re one of my military readers, I want you to be sure to sign up for this Amazing, FREE party.

It’s February 16th at Pierce College in Lakewood, and it includes a Free princess party, Free planetarium shows, bouncy houses, a video game truck, arts and crafts, and much, much more.

It’s all to salute the special sacrifices made by military kids.

To sign up just go here to Northwest Military.com (a great resource you should know) and follow the links.

I know I can count on you to pass this on!

Our friends at our local PBS station, KBTC, asked me to remind your young writers to enter the PBS Kids Go! Young Writers Contest.

This annual event is just for junior literati in kindergarten-3rd grade, and even if they don’t end up the big winners, it’s a great experience.

I know several readers did this with their creative kiddos last year and thought it was a lot of fun.

You’ll want to check out all the rules and lots more here. The deadline is March 31st.

If you did this last year, I’d love you to hear what you thought!

Oh, and if you have teens (or know some) the Pierce County Library System is currently running their contest for students in grades 7-12. This one has cash prizes!