Looking for things to do with the family in Tacoma, Olympia, or Gig Harbor this weekend?
Welcome to our guide to free and affordable family fun in the South Puget Sound for December 26th-28th! We have one just like it up every Friday! Headed elsewhere? There is always lots more to explore at ThriftyNWmom thanks to frugal fun finder, Annaliese, of Grays Harbor Deals!
All Weekend
Monster Jam at the Tacoma Dome Kids’ tickets are as little as 10.00 when you buy in advance (Ticketmaster will add about 9.00 in fees-you might be able to avoid these by going to the box office at the Tacoma Dome. Anybody know?) Catch Grave Digger and other big rigs as they, “Rock the Dome!” Note: Parking in dome lots is 20.00, cash only. We’ve been able to find free street parking on the street that runs parallel to the Best Western. Just don’t leave any valuables in the car. More info. about the show here at the Tacoma Dome site and here at the Monster Jam site. Ticketmaster here.
Friday
Seahawks rally in Renton It’s a Blue Friday! Join former Seahawks, Sea Gals, and friends for a flag raising and rally at city hall 11:30
Indoor Park at Pen-Met Indoor Soccer Center in Gig Harbor Every Friday from 11:15-12:30; toys usually left up longer 2.00/child Thanks, Gig Harbor Macaroni Kid
Play all day with our friends at WiggleWorks at the South Hill Mall 7.00 come and go admission every weekday!
Parent’s Night Out at Pump It Up in Tacoma Mention SFM when you call to sign up! It’s a pajama party tonight!
Princess Party with Pierce County Parks and Rec CALL to see if you can still get in.
Ongoing
The Fransiscan Polar Plaza is open for skating. Free skate rental for, “Customer appreciation,” through the 11th.
Keep Reading for complete listings for Saturday and Sunday by area
Saturday
All Over
Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for 30 minute sessions It’s a stiched felt bag today.
South King County
Please Mr. Panda story time at Federal Way Barnes and Noble and Southcenter Barnes and Noble 11AM Children’s storybook about a manners and special activities. Note that the FW store has been inconsistent with participation in these events; you may want to call first.
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 Back open!
Tacoma and Greater Pierce County
Play and Grow Family Storytime at the Wheelock Library 10:30 stories, play, and art for families with children 5 and under
Dog show at the Puyallup fairgrounds (all weekend)
Family nature walk at Swan Creek Park Join volunteer naturalists for a free, guided walk 10AM Pre-registration is encouraged. Perfect for ages 3 and up; not suitable for strollers Note from SFM: parking is really tight at this spot-try to carpool if you go.
Lego club at the Puyallup Library drop in Lego building fun 11AM
Winter Market at Windmill Gardens in Sumner
Lego Mindstorms event at the University Place Library Learn to program a robot! 2PM ages 8 and up; drop-in at this location 2PM
Block Party at the Parkland/Spanaway Library 10AM Block play! Special session for Spanish speaking families
Crocheted bookmark at the Tillicum Library Free craft event for families with children 8 and up 2PM
Children and all ages shows at the Pierce College Science Dome/planetarium The children’s show is amazing aurora ; all ages is undiscovered worlds. Children’s show at 12:30 or 2PM; all ages at 3:15. The children’s show is shorter and interactive. Henry LOVED it. Seriously-this is a Great outing. Go! You do want to buy tickets in advance or bring cash. No cards are accepted at the door.
Please Mr. Panda story time at Lakewood Barnes and Noble 11AM Children’s storybook about a manners and special activities
Olympia area
Storytime at Barnes and Noble Please, Mr.Panda event today 11AM
Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location. You may want to call to confirm hours before you go.
DNA Event at the LOTT Wet Science Center Virtual presentation on DNA at 2PM, followed by experiments. FREE; this is probably better for older children, though there should be activities in the center for younger sibs Note that the link opens a detailed pdf
Gig Harbor/Kitsap
You may have to come over the bridge for organized fun this weekend! Let me know if you spot something I missed!
Please Mr. Panda story time at Kitsap Barnes and Noble 11AM Children’s storybook about a manners.
Open Play at Discovery Village variety of activities included with admission 10AM-4PM
Kitsap area readers may also like to get the free newsletter from Macaroni Kid Kitsap
Sunday
The Fransiscan Polar Plaza is open for skating.Free skate rental for customer appreciation through the 11th.
It looks like a day for do-it-yourself style fun, and there are tons of ideas to explore on the site! I’ll see if I can round up anything else for you, too!
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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