Need something to do around the South Sound this weekend? Boy, have I got you covered! 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!
Saturday
All Over
Pete the Cat story time and other fun events at Barnes and Noble stores Many area stores are offering a special Pete the Cat story time or other fun, including a bookfair event in Lakewood. We have found that participation in these events varies a great deal, even when they are advertised. We suggest calling your store to confirm the activities before you go.
Need to keep cool? Head here for my list of every sprayground, wading pool, fountain, and water feature in the South Puget Sound!
Trying to plan for next week? Head to the, “Summer,” tab in my menu bar for quick info. on summer camps, VBS, free kids’ activities, and much, much more!
Kids’ Club at Michael’s Michael’s offers 30 minute craft sessions for kids for 2.00 from 10-11:30. It’s a Back to School treasure pocket today.
More than two dozen events around the South Sound continue below the fold. Just click, “Continue Reading.”
South King County
Polynesian Festival at the Renton Uwajimaya also Sunday food trucks and vendors, dancing and music
Visit the HCC Mast Center at Redondo The center and its touch tanks are free and open to the public every Saturday from 10-2
Open Hours at the Mary Olson Farm in Auburn free and open for families to explore every Saturday and Sunday Donations are welcome
Milton Days-Community festival with parade, games, and all kinds of old-fashioned fun. I have the complete schedule for you here, or look for one of the free community newspapers around town (I got mine at the Fife pool, but they’re all over).
Greater Pierce County- Puyallup/Sumner/Orting/Graham/Fife/Bonney Lake
Bonney Lake Days entertainment, vendors, chalk art, kids’ zone, and more! Say, “Hi,” to our friends at Concordia Preschool Bonney Lake! If you’re looking for a preschool or Pre-K program they have some special things just for you!
Renaissance Fair in Bonney Lake Game of thrones, anyone? I haven’t ever been to this. If you have, and you can tell us how family friendly it is, I’d love for you to leave a comment! There was a brief deal on Amazon Local, but I can’t find anything current.
Lise and Faith Memorial Fun Run/Walk Annual fundraiser in memory of Lise Palmer and her baby, Faith.
Peter Pan Jr. performances by summer camp students at Sumner ManeStage
Tacoma
Family Nature Walk at Wapato Hills Park Volunteer naturalists lead free nature walks Not suitable for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up. 10AM
Music and Art in Wright Park free, family friendly *There is a sprayground at Wright Park; you may want to bring a change of clothes.
Visit the Job Carr Cabin Museum in Old Town Open 1-4 Wednesdays-Saturdays Small, cabin replica A quick outing, but fun for children and free (donations welcome). Ask about weekly Wednesday story times.
Crafts From the Past at Fort Nisqually 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 basket weaving today. Included with admission
McKinley Hill Street Fair kids’ activities, backpack giveaway and back to school health screenings, Daffodil Princesses, and more. Head down for the parade after!
Celebrating Military Service Parade Awesome, military parade right down the streets of downtown Tacoma. Great fun for your vehicle lovers and a don’t-miss opportunity to salute real life heroes. We went last year and parked at the transit center and took the link the short distance to downtown-super easy! There was lots of good seating, though if you want to know what or whom you’re looking at, you’ll want to get a spot near one of the announcing stands. Parade starts at 6PM. The Daffodil Princesses will at at the Children’s Museum to play with kiddos before hand. from 3-6 There is also an outdoor expo going on on Ruston Way and other community fun all day.
The Princess and the Goblin Pay as you will performances from the summer camp kids at Tacoma Youth Theater 7PM Friday; 2PM Saturday and Sunday
University Place/South Tacoma/Lakewood
Flying Disc Dogs Regional Championship at Cirque Park
Block Play at the Parkland/Spanaway Library at 10AM Drop in and build!
Family movie matinee at the Tillicum Library 1PM free popcorn and snacks. Title is a newer release.
South Tacoma Business District Car Show Other family fun is mentioned, though I can’t tell what it is. Warning: This site opens with very loud music.
Garfield Street Fair in Parkland
Children and all ages shows at the Science Dome presentations and shows on the overhead dome at the area’s only indoor, digital planetarium. Children’s shows at 12:30 and 2; all ages at 3:15 Children’s show is on meteors, asteroids, and comets. These are interactive and shorter. Henry went to one with me and loved it. The all ages program is longer and has a question/answer session, but nothing hands on. It is on undiscovered worlds today. Tickets are free-6.00. Buy in advance of pay cash at the door. No cards can be accepted at the venue.
It’s Pet Parade time in Olympia no registration needed; line up begins at 8. Parade your 4 legged friend and enjoy ice cream and goody bags afterward.
Grand reopening event at the South Sound Estuarium
Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center The center is free and open to the public every weekend. Presentation on how area Native Americans used native plants at 2PM. Weaving project sand plant identification all day.
Southwest Washington Fair in Chehalis
Getting a bit out of my territory….but you may also want to check out the new aquatic center in Chehalis if you’re close or up for a bit of a road trip.
Gig Harbor Area
Key Peninsula Logging Show And Festival at Gateway Park games, demonstrations, food vendors-it’s a benefit for the senior center and the food bank. free admission and parking
Lego Building Madness at the library kids can drop in for some Lego time. 10AM
The trolley is back! .50, free for kids 5 and under.
Gig Harbor Farmer’s Market is now open! Kids music is on the calendar for 9AM, though there aren’t any other details on that.
If you’re in the area, check out your new playground at Crescent Creek Park!
Craft at Michaels The Gig Harbor store does a craft for children every weekend. Call for details.
Kitsap readers may also enjoy Macaroni Kid Kitsap
Sunday
South King County
Pony rides, face painting, and bounce houses at Emerald Downs I believe these activities start at 1PM, but I’m not sure, so you may want to call and check.
Open Hours at the Mary Olson Farm in Auburn free and open for families to explore every Saturday and Sunday Donations are welcome
Free summer carnival at Auburn United Methodist
Milton Days-Community festival with parade, games, and all kinds of old-fashioned fun. The best way to get a hold of a schedule is to get one the free community newspaper. I happen to know they have them at the Fife pool, but they’re all over. I’ll try to write a post up with the events and times as well. Check back for that
Greater Pierce County/Tacoma
Renaissance Fair in Bonney Lake Game of thrones, anyone? I haven’t ever been to this. If you have, and you can tell us how family friendly it is, I’d love for you to leave a comment! There was a brief deal on Amazon Local, but I can’t find anything current
Historic Fort Steilacoom is now open for Sunday tours 1-4PM through Labor Day
All Over
Need to keep cool? Head here for my list of every sprayground, wading pool, fountain, and water feature in the South Puget Sound!
Check for a Sunday Farmer’s market! Two good ones are in Fife and South Tacoma.
Gig Harbor
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).
Thurston County
The South Sound Estuarium has reoopened at its new location 11-4 weekends
Don’t forget you can always check this year’s great, big South Sound Summer Guide! It’s all your favorite things for summer with the kids in one, great place!
Trying to plan for next week? Head to the, “Summer,” tab in my menu bar for quick info. on summer camps, VBS, free kids’ activities, and much, much more!
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!
Photo via North Charleston on Flickr used under a creative commons license
Speak Your Mind