• 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 April 2015

Kid Friendly Camping Near the South Sound

April 30, 2015 by Keri Welch

KidFriendlyCamping

Are you ready to pitch your tent somewhere other than your backyard this summer?

These kid friendly Puget Sound area campgrounds are all open and taking reservations for the summer of 2020! They also all had at least some availability on the dates I checked at random.

Note that I did not check on the status of amenities like showers, and you will want to read Covid safety updates. Please also keep in mind that closings and openings can change, so use our links to confirm details. These spots do all charge fees of around 35.00 bucks give or take a few.

Dash Point State Park, Federal Way

If it’s your first camping adventure, try the nearby Dash Point State Park in Federal Way. You’re only 15 minutes away from the nearest Target, but it feels so much farther! The campground is separated from the state park beach grounds, which boasts pictureseque views of the Sound and the Olympics.  You can drive across the way or take a short hike along the trail from the campground to the beach.  With 3300’ of saltwater shoreline, you can take a dip in the water or let the kids muck around in the creek that empties from the hills above into the beach.   This spot can get crowded on sunny days, when the locals come out to BBQ and enjoy a day at the beach. So, if you’re looking to camp with few neighbors, another spot may be more ideal.  Sounds Fun Mom loves this beach, and we’ve also included it in our list of Best Sandy Beaches! After you’ve enjoyed a full day in the water, be sure to take time to explore the multiple hiking paths.

Photo: Washington State Parks

Photo: Washington State Parks

Location:  5700 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way, Washington 98023
Reservations: https://washington.goingtocamp.com
Bathrooms: 4 restrooms and 6 coin operated showers

Mayfield Lake, Mossyrock

Looking to get away from urban sprawl? Mayfield Lake is a serene spot that is perfect for littles and their parents.  You can reserve campsites directly along the shoreline of the lake, which allows the kids to safely dip their toes in the water, throw rocks, and even fish for trout, bass and coho salmon.  There is a playground and park on site, along with sandy beach access all within a short walk from the campsites.  If you’re lucky enough to have a boat, this site includes a boat launch.

Photo taken right outside our tent

Photo taken right outside our tent

Location: 180 Beach Rd, Mossyrock, WA 98564
Reservations:  https://washington.goingtocamp.com/MayfieldLake-TacomaPowerPark
Bathrooms: Large, clean bathroom facilites and coin operated showers

Lake Easton, North Bend

Your drive northeast to Lake Easton in the Cascade foothills is picturesuqe in its own right. Set up camp at flat, roomy sites with plenty of restrooms nearby. Have the kids bring bikes and scooters, as there is lots of paved area along campsites to go back and forth. Some campers report that the traffic noise from I-90 kills the outdoorsy vibe. But, the beautifully landscaped park along the sandy shoreline of the lake is a perfect place to spend the day.  There are also plenty of hiking and biking trails to be explored! Because you are so close to North Bend, the locals often come out to play, too.  If you can manage, escape without the kids to the nearby outlet mall!

IMG_0867

Location:  150 Lake Easton State Park Road, Easton, WA 98925
Reservations: https://washington.goingtocamp.com
Bathrooms: Bathrooms and coin operated showers

Penrose Point, Gig Harbor

Just past Gig Harbor on the Key Peninsula, sits Penrose Point. A mere 45 minutes from the Tacoma area, the park encompasses Carr Inlet with waterfront area for kiddos to explore including lots of creatures like small crabs, moon snails, sea stars, sand dollars. The tide pools offer hours of exploration!  All of the campsites are shaded or partly shaded. The park also includes 2.5 miles of hiking and biking trails! Reader favorite!

penrosepoint

Photo: Washington State Parks

Location: 321 158th Ave KPS, Lakebay, WA 98349
Reservations: http://www.parks.wa.gov/564/Penrose-Point?hc_location=ufi
Bathrooms: 3 restrooms, 2 with coin operated shower facilities

Salt Creek Recreation Area, Port Angeles

Salt Creek has everything you are looking for in a Pacific Northwest camping adventure! From tidepools, to hiking, to water views and mountain views! All, while sleeping under the stars with the waves crashing against the rocks to lull you to sleep.  Just a little over 2 hours away from Tacoma, Salt Creek has a large amount of campsites that you can reserve ahead of time or arrive first come, first serve.  There are even bunkers your history buffs will love! Bring your water shoes for safe exploration and read up on their reservation system before you book. You can read our full review here.

camp review salt creek recreational area salt creek campground

Location: 3506 Camp Hayden Road, Port Angeles, WA 98363
Reservations:  Note from SFM: This spot has a unique reservation system, so make sure you read up on that before you snag your spot. It’s worth it! https://apm.activecommunities.com/clallamcountyparks/Reserve_Options
Bathrooms: Bathrooms and coin operated showers

Tolt McDonald Park & Campground, Carnation

Journey east of Seattle to the town of Carnation, where you will camp amidst beautiful views of the Cascade foothills, and the confluence of the Snoqualmie and Tolt Rivers. The really cool thing about Tolt McDonald is that if you don’t have a tent or you just want an entirely different kind of camping experience, you can reserve a yurt or a refurbished shipping container! These sites are offered year round and are fully heated and include electricity.  To add to the adventure, the container and yurt sites are inaccessible by car. You journey across a 500 foot suspension bridge using a wagon to haul your gear! SO MUCH FUN!  There are also tent and RV campsites avaible.  Depending on the time of year, take a dip in the river, explore the walking trails, and even see salmon spawning!

Location:  31020 Northeast 40th Street, Carnation, WA
Reservations: Contact regional scheduling for reservations after July 1st.
Bathrooms: Near the yurts, the bathrooms are only pit toilets and water spigots. Walk over to the RV space for flush toilets and warm showers.

Grayland Beach State Park

Looking for an ocean view with your camping experience? Head to the beach and stay in a yurt! Fly a kite, go for long walks on the beach, or just build a sand castle. This sounds like my kinda camping trip in that minimal adventure is involved, but you get an amazing experience.  You can also camp in a tent here, but keep in mind that it gets pretty chilly on the Washington Coast. Don’t forget the sand toys, frisbee and soccer ball.

Photo: Washington State Parks

Photo: Washington State Parks

Location:  925 Cranberry Beach Road, Grayland, WA 98547
Reservations:  https://washington.goingtocamp.com
Bathrooms: 4 restrooms and 8 showers

::

Do be sure to check the comments for more awesome suggestions from readers. We’d love to hear your favorites, too!  

Causes We Love: Support The March Of Dimes Because Every Baby Is Born To Be Great!

April 30, 2015 by Maegen Blue

Our older son is almost a teenager.

O.K….technically he has about a year to go, but he already seems impossibly old, especially when I can close my eyes and still feel the weight of his little body curled up on me as an infant, and his hand slipping out of mine as he opened the door to kindergarten.

Bloggers Flier Mother's Day FINAL (1)-0

Impossible, I tell you!

Here’s a secret, though: While I miss those baby years, it’s also an amazing thing to watch your kids turning into the people they were always meant to be-even if you have to spend a few days tiptoeing around a surly stranger between peeks.

The March of Dimes believes all babies are born to be great, and I am thrilled to be helping promote their #imbornto campaign.

For more than 75 years, the March of Dimes has helped babies be strong and healthy through research that has lead to vaccines, education, and breakthroughs. In fact, if you’re 75 or younger, you can consider yourself and your children March of Dimes babies, too!

Currently, the March of Dimes is working on preventing premature birth. I was startled to learn that one in nine babies in this country is born prematurely. As I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, premature birth comes with the potential for all kinds of complications, and sadly, many of those little babies won’t make it to their first birthdays.

I am so proud to be one of 39 bloggers (39 weeks is the length of a full term pregnancy, of course), helping spread the word about the #imbornto campaign.

You can help, too!  From Mother’s Day until Father’s Day, look for opportunities to shop, donate, or take part in promotions with great retail partners who have created products to help support the March of Dimes.

cbd14sdbrg_2

I love the Alex and Ani Special Delivery Bangle (these would be perfect gifts if you know a mom-to-be), or tuck Kmart’s adorable puppy ornament into your mom’s Mother’s Day gift. There are tons of fun and adorable options from a variety of great retailers, and you can see them all here. 

spin_prod_1261136612

I really do love when I can shop for a great cause, don’t you? I’ll be sharing more about this campaign in the coming weeks and inviting you (Yes, you!) to join me at a reader get together to learn more. Do be on the lookout for that announcement.

In the meantime, I do hope you’ll consider making some purchases that will benefit the March of Dimes when you’re shopping for Mother’s or Father’s Day gifts, baby showers, or just a little, “Thank you,” for someone special.

You can also read more about the #imbornto campaign here. 

I’d love to hear what you think your baby was born to do! I’d especially love to hear from those of you who have had preemies and have been touched by the important work of the March of Dimes. I’d be honored if you’d share your story with us.

Disclosure: I am thrilled to be one of the 39 bloggers working on the #imbornto campaign as a member of the #MoDSquad This is a sponsored campaign. It includes messaging provided by the client, but the opinions, as always, are my own.

 

Register Now For Michael’s Passport to Imagination

April 29, 2015 by Maegen Blue

Looking for free or low cost fun for the kids this summer?

Michael’s has opened registration for their popular kids’ craft classes, Passport to Imagination.

Passport to Imagination

Sessions are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 10AM-12. You can sign up for one or all of them. They begin the week of June 14th and run through the week of July 26th.

Each is 5.00 per session or 12.00 for three, which is a pretty good deal for a kids’ program that includes supplies and instruction.

There are weekly themes this year. I’ll be honest; I preferred the cool cultural themes they’ve had in the past, but there are still some cute crafts planned for this summer. I love the Duck Tape bracelet.

monday-project

You can see all the projects and dates here. 

To sign up, you can go into your store or register online. To register online you’ll want to click, “Sign up now,” then, “Kids’ Programs.” Then, you’ll want to input your zip code to find your store, select it, and choose, “Passport to Imagination,” from the pull down. That last bit is the only tricky thing, because otherwise you won’t see them.

My store had spots for each session, but they are limited to around 8 kids a piece, so as you can imagine, they go fast.  Now, I haven’t done these with the boys, so if you have, please do leave a comment. I think the craft takes less than the two hours, but there is some extra time for the kids to just draw or use the materials provided. My impression is that parents usually stick around rather than dropping off, but two hours would be a long time to hang out in Michael’s (at least for me….) so I could be wrong. I’ll work on finding out for sure, but do leave a comment if you know!

For more ideas for crafty campers, you can check, Specialty Camps or Fine Arts Camps  in our Summer Camp Guide. I’ll also have tons of free and low cost summer fun all season long. The, “Official,” summer guide will launch the first week of May. I know! We’re pretty excited about it, too!

Scholastic Books Sale Event at Bates in South Tacoma!

April 28, 2015 by Maegen Blue

The only thing better than a bargain is a bargain on a book!

It’s time for another  Scholastic Book Fair at Bates Technical College in Tacoma , a great chance to score books for your kids’ summer reading at a great price. It’s also a great opportunity for teachers and homeschoolers looking to build up a classroom library.

cawse_landing_promo

The prices are up to 80% off, and there are some coupons available if you really want to do a lot of shopping.  Plus, they’ll have kids’ activities available and Clifford the Big Red Dog will be on hand. Now, the language on these events is a little odd, because it makes them sound, “Exclusive,” to teachers and book fair volunteers. I can tell you that I’ve been to lots and lots of these, both as a teacher, and as, “Just,” a mom and never once has anyone asked me for any i.d. or anything else. If you feel nervous about it, the flyer now clearly includes, “Homeschool Personnel,” and I think you all fall under that category!

You can get more information about the event or register for your coupon here at the Scholastic site.   You can get more information about this particular sale at Bates, right here!  If you go on the 30th, you might want to stay for one of their Brain Series lectures. This one is on young children and screen time.

If these dates don’t work for you, there are Scholastic Warehouse sales fairly regularly, including an upcoming event in Tumwater mid May and one in Auburn mid June.

I know a lot of you are regulars at these book sales. I’d love for you to leave a comment with your best tips!

 

 

Free Family Event At the Slater Museum at UPS

April 27, 2015 by Maegen Blue

Tacoma! Thursday, March 22nd, is another chance to take your family to a FREE family evening at the Slater Museum of Natural History at UPS.

The Slater Museum is a smallish museum at the University of Puget Sound devoted to natural history-think cases of bugs and lots and lots of stuffed, dead things.

It’s a great, hidden gem for your budding scientists and naturalists-assuming they’re not squeamish about stuffed, dead animals.

Critter Kinetics is the theme. Here’s more about the activities straight from the museum folks.

How do plants and animals get from one place to another? Which structures and forces are in play? During this interactive Night at the Museum, visitors will learn about different modes of locomotion and experience the intersections between physics and biology. Whether they’re running, leaping, climbing, flying, swimming, or something else entirely, swing on by to explore how plants and animals move!
  • Specimen preparation- As always, our Collections Manager and skinners will be turning dead animals into museum specimens. Ask questions and get hands-on with his dissections and preparations! Note that our skinners will now be stationed in room 297 instead of the prep lab.
  • Live animals- Get up close and personal with some special guests from the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium!
  • Guest speaker- Explore how children and new walkers develop their gait with Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Julia Looper!
  • Flight demonstrations- Watch and learn about how birds fly with parrots from Flight Club Foundation!
  • Kid’s craft- Create your own hopping origami frog! Note that the kid’s craft has been relocated to room 283.
This is a free, family-friendly, drop-in event!
Join us March 22nd, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the University of Puget Sound Campus (located at 1500 N Warner St, Tacoma, WA 98416) in Thompson Hall room 295.​ More information about Nights at the Museum can be found here.

 

The museum is located on the University of Puget Sound Campus (located at 1500 N Warner St, Tacoma, WA 98416) in Thompson Hall room 295.
Find more information about Nights at the Museum at their website here! 

If you go, we’d love to hear a review!   If  you’d like to go another time it’s normally open on Wednesday-Friday from 11-2 or by appointment. It would be a great place to arrange a private visit for your homeschool group.

The museum does depend on student volunteers, so you do need to go during the school year. You can get more scoop on the museum and contact info. at their website here.

 

Get Ready To Register For The Next Lowe’s Build And Grow

April 26, 2015 by Maegen Blue

Registration for the next Lowe’s Build and Grow, kids’ building event, opens April 27th-that’s Monday!

Lowes big

These popular, free activities for kids do require advance registration, and they seem to fill faster and faster every time!

This one is a Mother’s Day Planter, and the event is on Saturday, May 9th. Speaking of Mother’s Day…..yes, we will have a complete guide to Mother’s Day events coming soon! If you want to register for the Lowe’s event, just head here when sign up opens. 

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun And Things To Do April 24th-26th!

April 24, 2015 by Maegen Blue

Ever wished you could find free things to do with the kids right around Tacoma, Olympia, or your South Sound home?

Have I got a list for you! Hint, hint! Just keep on reading for scoop on family fun all around the South Puget Sound.

Friday

Bounce Play in Gig Harbor  free inflatable time and conversation for moms and preschoolers and tots  Missed it this week? Follow them on Fb and preregister to hold your spot for next time.

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

It’s always kids’ night out at Pump It Up on Fridays. Call for details and to hold your spot.

Many libraries have story times and fun on Fridays. Here is the Puyallup Public Library site, and here is the PCL site.

Saturday

All Over

Parks Appreciation Day Most communities are hosting clean up and beautification efforts at area parks. To get in on one, call your local parks department.

Area YMCAs are hosting Healthy Kids Day.   Free day of activities for all. If you have an area Y, it is likely participating, but do check with yours at first. I’ve confirmed Auburn and Puyallup-Mel Korum.

Michael’s Kids Club 2.00 for half hour sessions

South King County

Touch tanks at HCC Mast at Redondo  Free and open to the public every Saturday from 10-2  Did you see my post on their amazing, nearly free summer camps for 4th-6th graders??

Sing along Sound of Music in Auburn  might be fun for older children; my sister and my mom and I did this one year. It was a hoot.

Puyallup

Lego my Library   Lego story time at the Puyallup Public Library 11AM

Dia De Los Ninos/Day Of The Children at the Puyallup Public Library 2-4PM  crafts, food, character appearance from the Llama in Pajamas, bicycle helmet fitting and giveaway while supplies last, free bilingual book for each child

Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood

Baby Bump Expo at the Tacoma Convention Center

Visit the Job Carr Cabin Museum in Old Town from 1-4 small, but free (donations accepted) and interesting

Family nature walk at the Tacoma Nature Center   Volunteer naturalists lead family friendly walks. Free but you’re asked to sign up. Not suitable for strollers. Perfect for ages 3 and up. 1PM

Norwegian Heritage Festival at PLU  food, entertainment, demonstrations 11AM-3PM

Family movie matinee at the Tillicum Library 1PM

Children’s Day and Day of the Books  at the Lakewood Library at 2PM music, storytelling, free books, and fun. Open to all with a special invitation to Spanish speaking families.

Children and all ages shows at the Pierce College Science Dome/planetarium CASH only at the door

Olympia

Procession of the species   An only in Olympia style parade with costumed performers, giant puppets, and an array of fanciful creations celebrating animals and the Earth

Spring Arts Walk in Downtown Olympia   In conjunction with the Procession of the Species, many downtown businesses and galleries will host open house events and family friendly activities  You can get a printable map or an app to your phone with locations.

The Magic of Ink Art at the Olympia Library   An art walk event-watch a comic book artist in action!  1PM

St. Martin’s dragon boat festival at the Port Plaza in Olympia  ceremonies, performances, and dragon boat races!

Visit the new South Sound Estuarium  10AM-3PM

Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center  Free and open to the public every weekend. Special hours in conjunction with arts walk this weekend- Spring Arts Walk and the Procession of the Species are here! We’re open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on April 25, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 26. We’ll have a variety of family art activities to enjoy, and local art and photography on display.

Hint: If you are thinking you should allow extra time for navigating your way around Olympia this weekend, I think you’re right!

Gig Harbor

The Gig Harbor Farmer’s Market is now open!

Arbor Day Celebration

It’s Healthy Kids day at your YMCA!

Sunday

Ugandan kids’ choir performances in Lacey and Olympia today

Golf Bug Craft at the South Hill Library 2PM

Do check back later today, as I have still more listing to add-some days there are too many fun things and only one me! As always, I’d also love to hear from you if you know something great we need to include.

New here? I do hope you’ll use your favorite social media button up top to keep it touch!

Free Day At Washington State Parks!

April 21, 2015 by Maegen Blue

A quick note that Wednesday the 22nd is a FREE day for Washington State Parks-no Discover Pass required.

Washington state parks

It’s in honor of Earth Day if you’re curious why it’s on a somewhat, random weekday.

Monte Cisto Hike and Jon fishing 042

Where to go? Dash Point and Saltwater are fabulous choices not too far from most of you.

Tolmie is fantastic if you’re near Olympia. I’ve never been, but I’ve heard Millersylvania has really nice walks that are stroller friendly.

If you’re up for a teensy bit of a jaunt, I’ve personally been meaning to get to Federation Forest and do the Hobbit Trail for ages.

You can see all our awesome parks alphabetically or by region, right here! 

If you can’t get out today, I do think the Discover Pass is well worth the 30.00 investment. Or, you can head here for the list of upcoming free days-the next one is May 10th.

Note that Mt.Rainier National Park and other federal sites are not included in this free day. You can see free days for National Parks here. You’ll have to wait a while on these.

Don’t forget you can always find more outdoor adventure via our menu bar up top!

Disclosure: That’s our dog on a hike. No, it wasn’t in a state park. I’m kind of pooped tonight, and I needed a picture quickly. Isn’t he handsome? I promise he wasn’t that tired either. He likes to hang his tongue out like that to be dramatic.

 

Tonight! Expert Behind, “Mean Girls,”- Rosalind Wiseman- Lectures At Annie Wright

April 21, 2015 by Maegen Blue

Tacoma! Here’s a great opportunity to see nationally recognized author Rosalind Wiseman, right at Annie Wright.

Wiseman is the author of the bestseller, Queen Bees and Wannabes, the serious inspiration for the funny movie, Mean Girls.

If you have a tween or teenage girl, you’ve no doubt worried about how to guide her through peer pressure, bullying, and cliques. I have friends who have told me they have seen this kind of behavior even in kindergarten!

queen bees

Yikes, right?

In her lecture, Wiseman will help you understand what’s really going on between adolescent boys and girls today, and how social group dynamics influence their interactions.

She will speak on how to

  • Teach young people to treat each other with dignity
  • Help tweens and teens navigate mean girl cliques and the new rules of the boy world
  • Know when to stand up for your kid and when to step aside
 I know this is a bit last minute, but if you can carve out some time this evening, I know you won’t regret it. This is really a wonderful opportunity to hear a nationally regarded expert right here. The lecture is brought to you by Annie Wright, one of our partners here at Sounds Fun Mom, as well as the team at Parent Map. They put on truly outstanding events every time.
If you’d like to attend, I do have a discount code for you! Just head here  for more information and ticket purchase and use code FF2015 for 5.00 off.

 

Save The Date For the Puyallup Spray Park Opening!

April 21, 2015 by Maegen Blue

Wondering when Puyallup’s sprayground will finally open? Big news!

The new spray park at Pioneer Park by the Puyallup Library will have its official opening on Thursday, May 21st from 5-7PM. Be among the first to splash and enjoy music, food, games, bounce houses, and more! Activities start at 5PM with the ribbon cutting and first splashing beginning at 6PM.

Regular Spray Park Hours will be Open 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily beginning Friday, May 22nd – Monday, September 7th.

I’m so excited that Puyallup kids will finally have their own splash pad. Now, do I think parking will be a mess? Yes, yes, I do….but we can make it work people! Live elsewhere? I have a whole kind to area spraygrounds and splashy places that will be up early to mid May. If you’re one of my Olympia area readers, the stream at the East Bay Plaza will be on this weekend!  The Puyallup Parks and Rec Facebook page is a good way to keep up with Puyallup area happenings. If this post has you thinking summer, do make sure to check our summer camp guide. You’ll find it over there in the sidebar or via the menu bar!

11146445_10152877225622831_7731751979466705109_o

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