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Archives for July 2014

Blueberry Picking at Charlotte’s Blueberry Park in Tacoma

July 31, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Did you know you can pick FREE blueberries, grown without pesticides, right off the bushes in Tacoma? It’s true! If you haven’t discovered this not-quite-secret treasure in Tacoma, you’ll want to add it to your bucket list. It’s a great activity to do with the kids. Note-We have a few thoughts on safety concerns at the bottom of this post.

Tacoma U pick Blueberroes

What’s better than fresh blueberries? How about fresh and free blueberries?

Charlotte’s Blueberry Park in Tacoma is a Metro Parks Tacoma property, and thanks to the efforts of volunteers, like its namesake, the late Charlotte Valbert, it’s full of thriving blueberry bushes, and the picking is free! Plus, they grow naturally-no pesticides or other gunk.

The pictures in this post are from my family’s outing last August. The picking season typically runs July-September.

There are thousands of berries at Blueberry Park, including some on bushes right next to a nice, paved path. The only bushes we saw that had really been picked over were a few right by the path.

 

The bushes are tall and dense. The hubs says to tell you to keep your kids right by you, if you don’t want to loose ’em in the shrubbery!

We found tons of berries-ripe and still green. I’m guessing you will, too!

We picked around half a gallon in about an hour. We probably could have gotten more if we hadn’t brought the rescue lab to help.

The boys had fun, although Henry got crabby once he realized he was working hard. When I wrote about strawberrry picking last year, my brilliant friend Traci suggested bringing some small cars to let kids play with between the bushes. Great idea, huh? We also saw lots of kids riding bikes on the path and generally running around yelling. If you’re fine with having yours out of your sight, that’s an option. Do bring sunscreen, hats, and water,if you go on one of the upcoming sunny days. There is a nice, shaded area for a picnic, but you’ll get plenty warm picking.

Several readers have suggested going to this spot Early to beat the neighborhood competition. Honestly, we found plenty mid day by going back in the middle and looking high and low. This time of year there may be fewer ripe, so an early start is probably smart (and it will be cooler).

Is It Safe?

One final note-In July of 2015 there was a shooting near this park, and more recently some readers say they have seen evidence of drug use and paraphernalia here.

Updated 2019-I haven’t been here in quite a while. I do know some neighbors of the park were just recently at the council speaking about ongoing safety concerns. A friend on Twitter let me know that she saw the impression of a handgun in the snow there this winter. I know-YIPES.

On the other hand, I know there is an active Friends group here, and MetroParks has added some new features, and safety, at the end of the day, is such a personal issue. If you have been here recently, I’d love to hear what you think!

I do have a list of other options at more traditional U Pick farms below if this isn’t a spot where you feel safe with your kiddos. If you’ve been here recently, I’d also love your input on this issue and how you felt here. I know there is a, “Friends,” group that works hard here.

Here’s a  full round of places  to pick blueberries in the South Sound.

U Pick Blueberries Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Enumclaw

South Puget Sound School Supply Donation Drives And Give Aways

July 30, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Note-This is an old post. 

I have an updated list for 2018 here, or simply click on the graphic below! Thank you for doing that!

Register For MakerFest! A Great Free Event For Creative Families!

July 29, 2014 by Maegen Blue

I’m so excited to tell you about a great way to celebrate creativity and imagination.

Maker Fest in Lakewood
It’s the 2nd annual MakerFest coming to Lakewood, August 9th!

It’s a FREE, all ages event, and it would be a super fun activity to do as a family. Register and show off your creation!

What can you make? Suggested categories include alternative energy, art, data collection, electronics & technology, gaming, mechanical things, photo, practical ideas, robotics, sewing, sculpture and video, but the only limit is your imagination. I think this would be a super fun excuse to get your homeschool group or Scout pals together this summer, too! 

You can also just attend the event as a visitor.  Meet the makers, be inspired by their inventions, and catch the making bug. There will be kids’ activities and maker presentations, including a 3D printing demonstration courtesy of Gig Harbor Library, which has the system’s only 3D printers. Also, the college’s science dome will be open.

It’s all happening the 9th at Pierce College from 1-5PM. You can get more information and register your project here! 

Maker Fest is brought to you by our friends at the Pierce College Library system, who also proudly sponsored this post.

 

Register Now For The Next Lowe’s Build And Grow

July 28, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Registration just opened for the next Lowes Build and Grow!

These popular, free kids’ building events do require registration, and they fill fast.

This one is a Monsters vs. Aliens trolley on August 9th, , and as of now there are spots at all South Puget Sound area stores. Go here to sign up! 

monsters vs aliens Lowes Build and Grow

South Sound Sunday Family Events And Activities

July 27, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Looking for something to do with kids around Puyallup, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Olympia, or Renton today? You’re in luck!

I’ve got a whole list of family events below.

If your priority is keeping cool, I can help with that, too! Head here for my Beat the Heat round-up, with lists of swimming lakes, shady parks, sandy beaches, places for ice cream, and much more!

Sunday

South King County Area

Renton River Days  Community Festival  at Liberty Park with arts and crafts, entertainment, and more

Sumner/ Puyallup Area 

Free Old time photos at The Old Cannery in Sumner

Meet Olympic Gold Medal snowboarder Sage Kotsenburg at the South Hill Mall 1-4PM

 GoodGuys vintage car show at the fairgrounds cars, kids’ activities, entertainment  Buy online to save on admission; be sure to get the military discount if you qualify for it; adult tickets are 17.00 kids are  6.00 6 and under are free

Tacoma Area

Ethnic Fest at Wright Park  Two big days of live entertainment from cultures around the world, kids’ zone,  Last day

Steilacoom Historical Association Salmon Bake 12-4  Salmon meal for 15.00/ kids’ hot dog meal for 6.00.  Steel drum band entertainment.

Crafts From the Past at Fort Nisqually  by Point Defiance, Tacoma Local artisans demonstrate different crafts each weekend through September 3rd.  Included with admission. I think demos. will probably only interest older children, but kids of most ages enjoy exploring the fort. It’s banjo making. Included with admission

Historic Fort Steilacoom is now open for Sunday tours 1-4PM through Labor Day

Lacy/Olympia Area

Children’s Theater Day at Huntamer Park in Lacey  Hosted by Apple Tree Productions

The South Sound Estuarium has reoopened at its new location 11-4 weekends

Meet us at the beach events  low tide exploration with volunteer naturalists *Note these are Not very low tides today. If you want a real sand and sea creature experience, plan on doing this the weekend of August 9th, the last truly minus tides of the summer.

Pacific Northwest Mushroom Festival Kids’ zone, Sounders women appearances, Radio Disney on Sunday, lots of mushroom cooking and fun

Gig Harbor Area

Gig Harbor Sunday Farmer’s Market at Skansie Brothers Park  Take a Trolly?  The STAR Center in S Tacoma also has their Sunday market now (it’s next to the new playground and sprayground).

Follow That Rabbit!  Family musical outdoors at Sehmel Park in Gig Harbor  Ticket sales start at 6PM; show at 7  Families are invited to bring blankets, chairs, and picnics. Light concessions available. Also Saturday and Sundays through the 27th

If you’ve been super busy like we have, you might have missed the roll out of this year’s great, big South Sound Summer Guide!  It’s all your favorite things for summer with the kids in one, great place!  

I also have a great list of summer camps in the menu bar, a round up of savings on family fun on the deal page, and much, much more! It’s a lot to take in-you might want to become a subscriber and tackle a little bit a day. We have lots of ways to subscribe via those cute buttons at the top, but I recommend the daily emails!

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun And Things To Do July 25th-27th

July 25, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Free festivals, free movies-it’s a weekend full of South Sound area family fun at my favorite price!

New here? I hope you’ll be back. I have lists like this each weekend and lots of great stuff in between-all just for the South Sound. You might want to get my daily emails so you don’t miss a thing!

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! She’s found some good ones this week!

Saturday

All Over

Lowes Build and Grow -All stores are full. This is a reminder if you signed up already. Missed it? Sign ups open for the next one Monday!

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Michael’s offers 30 minute craft sessions for kids for 2.00 from 10-11:30. It’s a canvas flower painting.  You may also want to read about their Passport to Imagination summer program-open for registration now.

Visit your farmer’s market!

Head here for the list of South Sound wading pools, fountains, splash pads, and spraygrounds.

More than two dozen events around the South Sound continue below the fold. Just click, “Continue Reading.”
[Read more…]

A Kid Friendly Guide To Mt.Rainier

July 24, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Thinking of taking kids on a day trip to Mt.Rainier? I’m here to help, with family friendly hikes and know-before-you-go tips if it’s your first time taking the family to Mt.Rainier.

First, because I get a lot of folks here at SFM who are new to the area (Weclcome!) , I’m going to help you talk like a local. Ready? If it’s a clear, sunny day, we say, “The mountain is out.” Fun, huh?

Moving on….Whether you’re entertaining out of town guests or just looking to wow your kiddos, it’s hard to beat a real life mountain (and a volcano at that), for a daycation destination.

Child Friendly Activities At Mt.Rainier

There are several possible routes to Rainier. We typically head to Sunrise, going through Enumclaw and Greenwater on 410, just as if you were headed to Crystal Mountain.

You might also consider heading to Paradise first, via Elbe. VisitRainier.com has good options and directions.  VisitRainier.com also has a great round up of  ideas for family fun at Mt.Rainier.

Here are my other top tips. Let me know if I missed your favorite! [Read more…]

Rainy Day Round UP-A Dozen Fun Ideas For Today!

July 23, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Well, this looks like a cozy kind of day!

If you didn’t make it to a 1.00 movie, here are a few other fun indoor, play options for kids today.

Job Carr story time

There is a special story and craft time at the Job Carr Museum in Old Town Tacoma today and every Wednesday. It’s a 1PM and features a “Nature in Your Neighborhood,” theme and bookmark making!

You can also head to a special story and craft event at the Seymour Conservatory in Wright Park, and it’s always tropical there! 

That one is at 11AM, and the book is the Tale of Benjamin Bunny today-one of my favorites! [Read more…]

Rhythm and Stomp Workshop With Allegro Dance!

July 21, 2014 by Maegen Blue

A quick reminder about a fun event for your dancers tomorrow with our sponsors at Allegro Performing Arts Academy.

stomp

Phenomenal tap dancer & teacher, Mark Mendonca, is teaching a one time workshop about making rhythms with our bodies, our feet and other items!  

It’s one in a series of Tuesday workshops, and it’s just 15.00 for the 7:30-9PM class.

Allegro also still has spaces in their great summer classes and camps for all ages, and their fall schedule is up, too! As always, instruction is available in every kind of dance, from top notch professionals committed to helping kids Dance, Thrive, and Grow with Allegro! Their studio is on Central in Kent, just down the road from Auburn, and convenient to the greater South Sound.

For more information on all  their current offerings you can head here  or call 253 813 9630(D

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I do hope you mention Sounds Fun Mom when you call. Thanks for doing that!

DiDD

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun And Things To Do July 18th-20th!

July 18, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Free festivals, free movies-it’s a weekend full of South Sound area family fun at my favorite price!

New here? I hope you’ll be back. I have lists like this each weekend and lots of great stuff in between-all just for the South Sound. You might want to get my daily emails so you don’t miss a thing!

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! She’s found some good ones this week!

Henry playing some old fashioned games at Fort Nisqually's family fun night last year. Look-No wifi!

Henry playing some old fashioned games at Fort Nisqually’s family fun night last year. Look-No wifi!

 

Saturday

All Over

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Michael’s offers 30 minute craft sessions for kids for 2.00 from 10-11:30. It’s a ,”Bug display mount”-real bugs not involved. You may also want to read about their Passport to Imagination summer program-open for registration now.

Visit your farmer’s market!

More than two dozen events around the South Sound continue below the fold. Just click, “Continue Reading.” [Read more…]

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