• Home
  • About
  • Advertise With Us-Contact Us!
  • Deals
Facebook Twitter RSS Email
  • Outdoor Adventures
    • The Best Playground List
    • Hikes
    • Parks
    • Playgrounds
  • Places to Go
  • Rainy Day Play
    • Bounce Houses
    • Indoor Playgrounds
  • Coming Events
    • Calendar
  • Preschools
  • South Sound Summer Camp Guide
    • Full Day Camps
    • Sports Camps
    • Fine Arts Camps
    • Nature Camps
    • Specialty Camps
    • Camps for Kids With Special Needs

Archives for November 2014

Never Pay Shipping Again!

November 30, 2014 by Maegen Blue


If you’re getting ready to do some online shopping this Cyber Monday, you’ll want to check out FreeShipping.com first!

Free Shipping.com is a cash back site with a bonus-free shipping!

Free Shipping Final One

You just go to the site, find one of thousands of retailers you’d like to shop with, and the site will redirect you AND automatically reward you 10% back! Plus, if you didn’t find a free shipping offer at the site, you can get your shipping costs refunded.

Yep-you may never pay shipping again. Oh, and in addition to your free shipping and 10% cash back every day, you also get free returns and price protection. Plus, through Monday, you can score an awesome  20% off at five amazing stores every day.

This year, I’ll be skipping the mall mob and shopping from my couch (It’s nice here)!

My favorite thing about FreeShipping.com is that you can stack your cash back and shipping benefits with other available deals and discounts.

My older son has been desperate for a Russell Wilson jersey for a while now. I was able to find one on sale at Kohl’s. Plus, Kohl’s was already offering free shipping with a 25.00 purchase and an extra 20% off. Remember-You can use those deals along with your FreeShipping.com perks!

Wilson jersey

I was able to get the jersey for 30.00, and with my FreeShipping.com membership, I’ll get an additional 10% back, so it’s like I got it for 27.00-which is a great price for this item.

Kohls Order

Right now, you can sign up for a 30 month free trial of FreeShipping.com for FREE. Just enter the Clever Girls coupon code HOLIDAY2014 . After your trial period, you can also get a special discounted membership rate of 9.95 a month (If you shop online as much as I do you know how quickly that will pay for itself).

Honestly, since a trial is free right now you’ve got nothing to lose, unless you really enjoy paying for shipping and don’t like getting cash back! But that doesn’t sound like you!

Will you be shopping online this year? I’d love hear about the deals You score. There should totally be victory dances for cyber shopping wins!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

 

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun And Things To Do November 28th-30th

November 28, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Looking for something kid friendly to do this weekend?

Here’s our weekly guide to South Sound area fun with activities for Tacoma, Puyallup, Olympia, and Your South Sound home!

You’ll find a list just like this-just for the South Sound-every Friday morning!

Headed elsewhere? There is always lots more to explore  at ThriftyNWmom  thanks to frugal fun finder, Annaliese, of Grays Harbor Deals!

You can say hello to the reindeer at Watson's Nursery. Santa will also be on hand select days. No Photo courtesy of Watson's Nursery

You can say hello to the reindeer at Watson’s Nursery. Santa will also be on hand select days. Photo courtesy of Watson’s Nursery

Ongoing Holiday Events

Reindeer at Watson’s nursery, holiday events at The Old Cannery, Santa at the fairgrounds, Skating at the Polar Plaza in downtown Tacoma-See our holiday events guides for all the details.

Fantasy Lights at Lake Spanaway

Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo

Friday

Kids’ Night Out at Pump It Up in Tacoma  Every Friday  Registration and fees required-kids enjoy jumping and pizza, while you get some grown-up time!  They also have a drop n shop event this afternoon.

 Got Princesses? Tree lighting, stories, and special guests at A Simple Wish in Puyallup Tickets $20/person. Call for reservations. Also enjoy “Christmas with Belle” on December 14th. Events sell out, so get tickets in advance if this is a must do for your princess! 

Tree Lighting in Edgewood-Santa and more!

Bridge Lighting and holiday fun at The Old Cannery in Sumner

“Let it snow,” event at the Conservatory in Wright Park   The glass walled conservatory is transformed into a snow globe!  [Read more…]

It’s Our Season of Giveaways! Win Tickets to A Christmas Carol at Sumner ManeStage!

November 25, 2014 by Maegen Blue

It’s the holiday season, and that means it’s time for Sounds Fun Mom’s annual season of giveaways!

That’s right-If you’re new here, every year about this time, I give away tickets to one fabulous South Sound event each week. Just because I love you, and I love the businesses and groups who work with us.

Christmas Carol

I know…….it’s kind of mushy! At any rate, if you’re not already following the site somehow, I’d encourage you to become an email subscriber, follow me on Twitter, like the site on Facebook. OR just make sure that you make Sounds Fun Mom an everyday habit!

With that out of the way…….

I’m giving away a family 4 pack of tickets to A Christmas Carol with our friends at ManeStage Theatre Company in Sumner.

It’s the heartwarming, Dicken’s story you know with Scrooge, the ghosts of Christmas past, Tiny Tim, and its enduring message about what really matters. It would be a great one to share with the whole family. I think elementary aged children and up would probably enjoy it the most.

If you haven’t yet discovered ManeStage Theater, you really should. They’re committed to producing quality, family friendly productions that showcase their actors and enhance the community. In other words, they’re the kind of group worth supporting!

The show runs November 29th-December 20th right in Sumner (You know we LOVE local)!  Our winner gets to PICK the show to attend! Woot!

 

and, on to the contest….

  • For a first, required entry, just leave a comment telling us why you’d like to win. You might want to check out the ManeStage website to see some of their other upcoming shows.
  • For a second, optional entry, like Sumner Manestage on Facebook and then come back and leave a comment here that you did so.
  • For a third, optional entry, share this post somehow-share it on Facebook, Tweet it, or just tell your pals at pick up time. Then, leave a comment telling me you did so and what you did.
  • All entries must be left as comments on this post, and you should leave each as a separate comment to improve your odds!

If you’ve never commented before, yours will go to moderation first, but I promise I’ll get them approved just as fast as I can.

I’ll draw a winner Friday morning, and you’ll have 24 hours to respond. Puh-leze leave an email you check and check back for the announcement of the winner. Good Luck!

Where To Get Santa Photos For Free

November 23, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Looking for somewhere to get a FREE photo with Santa near Tacoma, Puyallup, or beyond? Here’s our annual guide for 2018!

We’ve added new free Santas we found in Auburn, Sumner, and Gig Harbor this year. There seem to be more of these every season (somewhere there is a shop sold out of red suits)!

If you know of a good one we should add, just let me know! Most of these are, “No catch,” offers, though some are collecting canned goods or other items. I do think if you attend one hosted by a private company it’s reasonable to take a business card. 🙂

Do note we’ve provided links so YOU can confirm details before you go. Thanks for doing that. 

In a few cases, the venue is actually providing a professional photographer, but in most cases, this is a DIY opportunity, so bring your phone or your camera and be prepared to snap your own pic!

Read on for More Kringle for Less Jingle! If you find this list helpful, I hope you’ll consider sharing it!

Updated for 2018

 

Where to get free photos with Santa in the South Sound?

Bass Pro Shops, Tacoma

Bass Pro Shops Tacoma free santa photo

Bass Pro Shop has an entire Santa Wonderland. Photo is 1, free studio quality 4 x 6. Additional photos are available for purchase. Photo is free with a free, “Bass pass.” Those are limited in number, so go earlier in the day.

Farelli’s Pizza

Places to get free photos with Santa in Tacoma

 

Santa will be stopping by at Farelli’s locations around the Sound from 5 pm – 7 pm. You’re welcome to get a pic with both him and Mrs. Claus.

Image may contain: text

Friends of the Covington Library Santa Night

Santa will be at the Covington Library on Wednesday, December 12, 5:30 – 7 pm. Bring your own camera and take a photo – or purchase one from the Friends. There will also be a door prize drawing for parents!

Kent East Hill Nursery

Pictures on Saturdays and Sundays December 1st – 9th

Pfaff’s Christmas Tree Farm Auburn

Free visits with Santa on the weekends after you get your tree! Follow the link and call ahead to check Santa’s schedule.

Open from the day after Thanksgiving all through to Christmas Eve: weekends between 9:00 am & 6:30 pm or weekdays between 10:00 am 6:30 pm.

Heaven Sent Children’s Resale Federal Way

Details TBA

1200 S 324th St Federal Way

Covington Creek Nursery Auburn

If you missed out on Santa Clause Photos this weekend don’t fret! Santa will be back Saturday Dec. 1st and Sunday Dec. 9th from 11 am to 4 pm  🎁🎄🎅

Tree Lighting in Fife

On Tuesday, December 4, from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm Santa arrives on fire truck at Fife City Hall! There will be a tree lighting and free photos with Santa, cookies and hot cocoa!

Molen Orthodontics Sumner

Free photos with Santa December 9th!

Come meet Santa! Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and make your special someone a Holiday card!

What: Free Photo with Santa

When: Saturday, December 8th, 11 am – 2 pm

Where: 16209 64th Street E Suite 101 Sumner, WA 98390

Milton Tree Lighting

On Saturday, December 8th, Santa and his elves arrive in Milton! Festivities include crafts, treats, the tree lighting, and photos.

The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse

November 23-25: Photos from 11-4

December 1-2: Photos from 11-4

December 8th: Photos from 11-4

December 9: Photos from 11-4
Reindeer on site!

December 15-16: Photos from 11-4
Horse drawn carriage rides

December 22-23: Photos from 11-4
Horse drawn carriage rides

Free photos with Santa and other holiday fun weekends November 23rd – December 23rd.  Note that Santa photos here are very popular, and the line can get LONG; they may also cut the line off as early as 1 pm.

Santa Open House, Station 60, Puyallup

December 8th at Station 60 17520 22nd Ave E from 5 – 8 pm Santa will be there for photos.

Beach Basket Gig Harbor – SLOTS FULL for 2018!

Beach Basket Gig Harbor has posted some alternate Santa photo opportunities in the area here!

Note from SFM: Bring your own camera. The photo part is DIY.

Northwest Santa

Northwest Santa comes to your home (select areas) December 21-23, and it’s free! He will take a photo, hear children’s Christmas wishes, and even give a gift. As of this writing there are spots left for zip codes listed below.  You can contact them about the wait list for other days and zip codes.

Dec 21 98371 – 98373 – 98375
Dec 22 98391 – 98321 – 98372
Dec 23 98360 – 98374 – 98338

Old Town Tacoma

On Saturday, December 8, from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm, meet Santa and his reindeer at the little Job Carr Museum, the birthplace of Tacoma. There will be a make and take craft for kids, live music from local holiday choirs, refreshments and photos with Santa. Canned food donations are encouraged; photo is a professional digital download available within one week of the event.

Watson’s Nursey Puyallup/Tacoma

November 30 11 am -4 pm

December 7th 11 am -4 pm

December 14th 11 am – 4 pm

Santa will be making his Friday visits to the store soon! Visiting Santa is free of charge. Note from SFM: I believe this is a DIY, bring your own camera event. You can also see the reindeer.

Kiddo Karaoke Odd Otter Brewing Tacoma

Details TBA

Harkness Furniture Tacoma   

Santa’s here! Visit Santa all weekend long…Friday, Saturday & Sunday and every Saturday until Christmas from Noon-3pm (Santa will Not be in the store Saturday, 12/23) Bring your smart phone or camera and take a few pictures. No Long Lines, No Stress, No Hassle. See you soon.

Santa scheduled for Friday, Saturday & Sunday after Thanksgiving, from 12 pm – 3 pm and every Saturday through Christmas, 12 pm – 3 pm.

Harley Davidson Stores

Got a biker in the family? All area Harley Davidson stores seem to have at least one, “Biker Santa,” day planned.

Kumon North Tacoma

A free party and Santa photos are planned for December 8th, 3 pm – 5 pm

Keller Williams Gig Harbor 

2018 details TBA

Santa Event hosted by Marisa Merritt Realtor, Windermere at Markee Gig Harbor

Saturday, December 1st 9 am – 11 am at Markee Gig Harbor

That’s right folks, Santa Claus is coming to town Dec 1! RSVP today to come have a lil’ breaky and get a professional photo with Santa 🎅🏼 Kick off the Christmas season with live music, mimosas, and merriment from 9 – 11 am. Grab the kid(s), pets, significant other, whoever is special in your life and come join the festive fun 🎄

Hosted By: Marisa Merritt – Realtor, Windermere Professional Partners

Cabelas in Lacey

Free Santa photos now through December 24th! You get a free 4 x 6 and a frame and a coupon for a free kids’ meal in the deli with adult purchase! Navigate to the calendar at the bottom of the page for details.

Other options:

Of course, you can find Santa at your mall (look for fast pass options!)

Or, (sponsor alert!) for one on one time without the line, check out Tacoma photographer Angie D’s very affordable mini sessions with Santa! So cute, right?

We are also big fans of Santa at the North Pole. There are a variety of affordable packages, and you get to play at the North Pole (Full disclosure-this is, “Our,” Santa, and they are longtime site friends).

We also have a list of Santa Breakfasts here. While not free, these all include some face time with the big guy! The ones with the fire departments are also serious bargains!

If you know of other free Santas, or a St.Nick worth splurging on, send an email to soundsfunmom@gmail.com, or leave a comment on this post!

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun And Things To Do November 21st-23rd!

November 21, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Looking for something kid friendly to do this weekend?

Here’s our weekly guide to South Sound area fun with activities for Tacoma, Puyallup, Olympia, and Your South Sound home!

You’ll find a list just like this-just for the South Sound-every Friday morning!

Headed elsewhere? There is always lots more to explore  at ThriftyNWmom  thanks to frugal fun finder, Annaliese, of Grays Harbor Deals!

Friday night is family science night at the Science Dome at Pierce College, or go Saturday for one of their regular, weekly films on the science dome screen.

Friday night is family science night at the Science Dome at Pierce College, or go Saturday for one of their regular, weekly films on the science dome screen.

Friday

 Dynamic Earth with Hands-On Activities at the Science Dome  Hands-on science stations beginning at 6PM (one pg. says 5:30-you might want to split the difference and try 5:45)!  followed by a half hour astronomy presentation and a 25 minute movie on the domed screen. The movie is 3.00, and you’ll want to get tickets in advance. The activities are free, drop-ins. Events here are always Great! If you have a child with an interest in science, you should go!

Kids’ Night Out at Pump It Up in Tacoma  Every Friday  Registration and fees required-kids enjoy jumping and pizza, while you get some grown-up time!

Saturday

All Over

Booksgiving Day At Half-Price Books  Free storytime at 1PM and every child who attends gets a free book.

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Michael’s offers 30 minute craft sessions for kids for 2.00 from 10-12:oo.  It’s a DIY felt stocking today.

South King County

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

 Tree Lighting at the Landing in Renton

[Read more…]

Northwest Santa: The Santa That Comes To You!

November 20, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Updated for 2018

NW Santa

Have you heard of the Santa that will come to your house for FREE? I know it sounds too good to be true, but I promise it isn’t! Northwest Santa has been visiting over 4,000 children around the South Sound since 2009.

He arrives with his elves to hear your children’s Christmas wishes, pose for photos, and then he’ll be on his merry way!

Details

  • Santa will visit a home with children under 10 or children of any age with special needs
  • This year Santa will be making stops on the dates below in the zip codes indicated. Please do not try to sign up if your zip code isn’t listed. Please do not sign up for a different date than the one for your zip code. Remember this is an ALL VOLUNTEER effort.
  • Santa visits are absolutely FREE, but he will gladly accept donations for the food bank.
  • Registration begins on Black Friday. There are a limited number of spots, and they’re already going quickly.

 

Here are the much awaited dates and zip codes. Visit times run from 4pm-9:30ish.

Friday Dec 21 – 98373, 98371, 98375
Saturday Dec 22 – 98391, 98321, 98372
Sunday Dec 23 – 98360, 98374, 98338

Over those 3 nights, Santa will visit over 1,000 kids!

Can you imagine what a thrill this would be for your little one? I think it’s a particularly great opportunity if you have a child with special needs or sensory issues who can’t handle the chaos of a traditional Santa visit. However, it is open to absolutely any child on Santa’s route, and I can’t think of any child who wouldn’t be thrilled! You can get much more information and answers to any questions you might have about the Santa visits right here.

If you would like to help bring this magic to more children, this is an all volunteer group, and yes, they would love the help!  They need drivers, folks to wrap gifts, donations of toys, money, and time! Get all that information on their Facebook page.

Reader Olive has had Santa to her home several years and tipped me off to this great program originally. If you had Santa come to your house last year, leave a comment. I’d love to read your reviews!

For more questions, see the link above.

To sign up, head here.

I’m not Santa, so please don’t leave sign up requests here!

 

Keep Your Pets Healthy And Happy With Royal Canin

November 20, 2014 by Maegen Blue

 

I thought it was about time I introduced you to the baby of the family!

Cisco for post

I know……isn’t he the most handsome thing ever?

Now, I know this is a site about kids’ activities, but I also know that many of you consider your four-legged friends every bit a member of the family. As you can tell, we do here. Henry is the dog’s favorite playmate-here they are heading home from one of our adventures.

Henry and Cisco

Like all young boys, our dog has gotten into his share of mischief, especially as a puppy. Naturally, when Royal Canin explained they were looking for dog owners whose pets had had tummy upsets, we raised our paws hands.

You see, our handsome boy came to us as a rescue. He was well cared for by his previous owners, but they just didn’t have time to keep up with the demands of an energetic, young field lab. He had learned some bad habits while he was, “Entertaining,” himself, including standing up on his tall back legs (He’s kind of like a lab on stilts) and getting everything he could off the counter top and tables.

DSCN0638

 

I’m happy to report he’s now a very well mannered dog, but during the first months he was home, I lost track of the number of times I found myself frantically Googling something he had ingested. [Read more…]

Tickets On Sale For Santa Breakfasts-Plus A Sneak Peek At Our Holiday Events Guide!

November 18, 2014 by Maegen Blue

A quick note to let you know that we’ve updated our list of

Breakfast with Santa around the South Sound

Santa Breakfasts, and (drumroll, please….)

our great, big list of South Sound holiday events. There are still a few happenings we’re working on adding, but there is definitely plenty to look over and mark on your calendar!

If you do want in on one of the breakfasts, those are all on sale now, and many of them sell out, so don’t wait long.

Personally, I’m a big believer in making choices and creating memories this time of year. If you try to do it all, you’ll just go crazy, but if you select a manageable number of  special outings you’ll have time to really enjoy yourself!

What area events are must-dos for your family?

Free Jumping, Pizza, and Birthday Cake When You Help Film A New Ad Tuesday At Pump It Up!

November 17, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Tacoma Bounce House Place

 

Hey, Tacoma area friends-looking for something to do tomorrow? Our fabulous sponsors at, Pump It Up  are filming a new commercial on Tuesday November 18th from 12:45-2:45,  and if you’re willing to have your kiddos be in it, they can jump for FREE and have FREE pizza and birthday cake!

Sounds like a ton of fun to me!

If you’d like in, call the staff to RSVP. Let them know your names, how many of you to expect, and, of course, feel free to say you saw it on Sounds Fun Mom!  The front desk is (253) 254-7971. 

 

South Sound Nutcracker Performances

November 16, 2014 by Maegen Blue

2019 Update in Progress 

Here is my round up of South Sound Nutcracker Performances for 2019

This is a complete list, whether you’re looking for a fancy, big city production, or a more affordable show.

Feel free to share this list with all the little ballet lovers you know, and do let me know if you hear of a show I missed, or want to weigh in on your fav!

 

Dancers from the Tacoma City Ballet’s Nutcracker

[Read more…]

Next Page »

Keep in touch!

Search to find more fun!

What Sounds Fun This Month

Thank Our Sponsors

Recent Posts

  • SnowPlay Area for Sledding and Snow Fun With Kids Open at Mt. Rainier 2021
  • New LeMay Lights Drive Thru Christmas Light Show Near Tacoma
  • Where to Buy Hot Chocolate Bombs Near Tacoma and the South Sound
  • Tacoma Museums Reopening
  • The History Museum in Tacoma is Reopening
Sounds Fun Mom is fun for kids in Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Edgewood, Fife, Lakewood, Auburn, Lacey, Olympia, Gig Harbor, Graham, Orting, Eatonville, Enumclaw, Bonney Lake, Federal Way, Kent, Dupont, Port Orchard, and Your South Sound home.

Copyright © 2020 Sounds Fun Mom ~ All Rights Reserved