Oh, Tacoma-so much free fun for you this weekend! Don’t worry if you live elsewhere- there is plenty for you, too!
Here’s a great list of fun ideas for your family this weekend, with kid friendly activities and places to go all over-including free festivals and fun in Lacey, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, and just about everywhere in between!
Headed elsewhere? There is always lots more to explore at ThriftyNWmom thanks to frugal fun finder, Annaliese, of Grays Harbor Deals!
Need a bargain for baby? Be sure to stop by the Mega Multiples sale this weekend.
Friday
Date Night! Kids’ Night Out Every Friday with our sponsors at Pump it Up in Tacoma – a great chance for kids to bounce and play while you get out! Tell ’em you saw it on SFM when you call for your spot!
Kidz Night Out at Meridian Habitat in South Hill with Brickz for Kidz Call to check on spaces
Saturday
All Over
Free admission to Washington State Parks, National Parks, and Federally managed lands as part of National Public Lands Day.
Free admission to many area museums via Smithsonian Free Museum day.
Kids’ Club at Michael’s Michael’s offers 30 minute craft sessions for kids for 2.00 from 10-12:oo. It’s a foam leaves on canvas painting project today. The flyer at my store advertised free face painting with any kids’ club this month, but I wouldn’t count on that.
Visit your farmer’s market! Get your fresh on while you can!
Elf On The Shelf Birthday Celebration Story time at Barnes and Noble We have found participation in these free, special storytimes to vary wildly, with some stores not putting anything on even when the site indicates participation. Sooooo…..if this sounds cute to you, please call your local store to confirm before you go. Also, don’t blame me if you’re now dealing with this darn Elf twice a year! We are an Elf free zone.
Lowes Build And Grow Most all stores are full, so this is mainly a reminder (Lacey-yours has room). You may want to sign up for the next event now, or follow SFM so you don’t miss registration for these popular, free kids’ building events.
South King County
Duvall Heritage Festival cider making, Pioneer era job/craft demonstrations
Author and musician Justin Roberts at the Auburn Library
Ladies and “Lil Gents,” in Auburn Mother/Son “Date night,” event. Call to check for ticket availability before you go. I have a post with more detail on this event here.
Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus is at the Showare Center in Kent
Visit the HCC Mast Center at Redondo The center and its touch tanks of sea critters are free and open to the public every Saturday from 10-2
Family movie matinee at the Eatonville Library
Tacoma/Greater Pierce
Harvest Day at Tehaleh wagon rides, face painting, food trucks
East Pierce Fire and Rescue Open House 1-4 at the headquarters in Bonney Lake. Meet firefighters and check out the trucks; safety demonstrations; low cost helmets available for purchase and more! 1-4 Be sure to check link for parking details
All Bethel Community Day at Graham-Kapowsin High School Free community event wagon rides, animals, Captain America appearance, information on community resources
Mega Multiples Sale from Tacoma Parents of Multiples Don’t miss this chance to score a bargain on duds and gear for babies and kids! You can see my post here if you need more info. They’re a sponsor this month-Let them know you saw their sale on SFM!
play and grow family story time at the Wheelock Library
Fall garden festival at Point Defiance. Kids’ activities are mentioned, though I don’t see a lot of detail.
Crafts From the Past at Fort Nisqually Local artisans demonstrate different crafts each weekend. Included with admission. I think demos. will probably only interest older children, but kids of most ages enjoy exploring the fort. It’s garden crafts today. Included with admission. You can get two free admissions to Fort Nisqually today via Smithsonian Free Museum day-you will need to register and print your passes. Info. on that here.
Free block party for Fern Hill area families Hosted by Freedom Church carnival games, free food, the Fern Hill Booster Club will have hot chocolate and sweatshirts for sale.
Classic car and truck show at Sprinker
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 Planetary Explorers. These are interactive and shorter. Henry went to this one with me and loved it. The all ages program is longer and has a question/answer session, but nothing hands on. It’s Back to the Moon for Good today. Tickets are free-6.00. Buy in advance of pay cash at the door. No cards can be accepted at the venue.
Lacey/Olympia
Nisqually Watershed Festival Free family festival at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge walking tours, entertainment, salmon print t-shirts (bring your own t-shirt). Off-site parking encouraged.
Olympia Family Theater presents BusyTown Join the Lowly the Worm, Huckle the Cat, and friends! This looks adorable for young ones. Various shows and times.
Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center Free and open every weekend with environmental information and activities. It’s salmon Saturday today! Fish prints, button making, and all kind of fishy fun.
Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.
Gig Harbor/Kitsap
It’s Date Night at Discovery Village Call for details and reservations
Paradise Theater presents The Adams Family I think this should be fine for older kids, but I’ll try to check for you. Various show times.
The glass pumpkin patch is at Uptown If this doesn’t terrify you (Your kids around pricey glass pumpkins!) it would be a cute photo op.
Farmer’s Markets continue in Gig Harbor
Kitsap area readers may also like to get the free newsletter from Macaroni Kid Kitsap
Sunday
Family Fun Day at the Meeker Mansion in Puyallup 10.00/family Dress up in Pioneer clothes; play games; take a tour of the mansion *This is NOT the cider squeeze-that’s next month.
Downtown to Defiance Bike, run, or walk from Point Defiance to downtown and back. There will also be food trucks on hand, live entertainment, and low cost helmet fittings. Free event on a mostly flat, scenic course suitable for families.
Sensational Sea Otters at Point Defiance special activities included with admission. Zoo admission gets spendy fast. SFM recommends investing in an annual pass unless you can take advantage of monthly free days for City of Tacoma residents.
Crafts From the Past at Fort Nisqually Local artisans demonstrate different crafts each weekend. Included with admission. I think demos. will probably only interest older children, but kids of most ages enjoy exploring the fort. It’s garden crafts today. Included with admission. You might want to visit on Saturday to take advantage of Smithsonian Free Museum Day (see listing above for more info.).
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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