Get ready! Registration for the next Lowe’s Build And Grow opens June 1st. That’s tomorrow.
These popular, free kids’ building workshops now require registration, and they do seem to fill faster every time.
The next several workshops are Avengers tie-ins. This one is Iron Man’s Avenjet, and the event is June 13th at 10AM.
You can go here to register. It should be open for sign ups Monday at 9AM.
If you’re a regular at these, feel free to leave a comment with your best tips!
Need something to do with the kids this weekend in Tacoma, Olympia, or Puyallup?
I’ve got free and affordable family events and activities all around the 253 (and beyond) for May 29th-31st!
There is something great to do no matter where in the South Sound you call home.
New here? We have an amazing list just like this one up every Friday morning, and lots of fun all the days in between-just for the South Puget Sound.
Friday
It’s always kids’ night out at Pump It Up on Fridays. Call for details and to hold your spot. We’d love for you to mention Sounds Fun Mom!
Free Froyo at Menchie‘s in Gig Harbor hosted by Laurel from Steve and Kate’s camp 4-6PM Get some free froyo, and learn about the seriously super cool camps (day, multi-day, and every option you can think of) hosted at Charles Wright
The public is invited to a family friendly showing of Narnia put on by St.Patrick’s School and performed at Bellarmine. Shows also on Saturday
Science carnival at Evergreen State College in Olympia Hands-0n activities, performances, and more. Free admission and free parking (Tell the parking attendant you are there for this event). Also Saturday
Discover the Dinosaurs Event at the Puyallup fairgrounds Replica dinosaurs; inflatables; activities Here’s the scoop: I thought this was the same company as last year’s dino folks, but apparently it is different. It looks exactly the same in terms of activities, look, and even pricing (which is high). We did have fun at last year’s similar event, but you will want to go when it isn’t crowded-think late afternoon- and take the right age kid to get your money’s worth (one young enough to be excited but big enough for the rides and so on….). I will try to reach out to the company to see if there is more info/discounts for you. It’s here all weekend.
The new jellyfish exhibit opens this weekend at the Point Defiance Zoo. It’s just one of many great family events around the South Puget Sound this weekend.
Saturday
All Over
Kids’ club at Michael’s stores 10AM-12; 2.00 for half hour crafting sessions. It’s paper fans today.
Peanut Butter and Cupcake Story time at Barnes and Noble We suggest finding your store and calling directly to confirm. We have found participation in these fun, free events to be inconsistent-even when the store is listed as participating. If you have feedback on one, let us know!
South King County
Family Green Fest at the Federal Way Community Center 10AM-2PM “Touch a truck,” with a recycling truck, face painting and kids’ activities, document shredding
Touch tanks at HCC Mast at Redondo Free and open to the public every Saturday from 10-2 Reader Joanna wrote in to say they Were able to touch creatures in the touch tanks last week.
Puyallup/Bonney Lake/Greater Pierce
Discover the Dinosaurs Event at the Puyallup fairgrounds Replica dinosaurs; inflatables; activities Here’s the scoop: I thought this was the same company as last year’s dino folks, but apparently it is different. It looks exactly the same in terms of activities, look, and even pricing (which is high). We did have fun at last year’s similar event, but you will want to go when it isn’t crowded-think late afternoon- and take the right age kid to get your money’s worth (one young enough to be excited but big enough for the rides and so on….). I will try to reach out to the company to see if there is more info/discounts for you. It’s here all weekend.
Diono Warehouse Sale and Car Seat Check in Puyallup I honestly don’t know this brand, but they’re advertising up to 40% off retail. If you’ve been wanting one, this sounds worth checking out. It’s 10AM-3PM and part of the proceeds benefit charity, Mary’s Place. You can also get your car seat installation checked.
Friends of the Bonney Lake Library used book sale Score a bargain on a book!
Children’s Program with the Master Gardeners in Puyallup 1PM, “Fantasy Finds Your Garden,” Free Link takes you to details and full schedule for the summer.
Yes, Puyallup, your spray ground is now open! 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily beginning Friday, May 22nd – Monday, September 7th. It’s right by the downtown Puyallup library.
Tacoma
Puget Starts Here Family Fun Day environmental education, hands-on activities and more at the Foss Waterway Seaport. I believe it’s all Free!
Your Spraygrounds are open, Tacoma! Daily and free 10AM-8PM on weekends; note the location by the STAR center is closed for repair.
The public is invited to a family friendly showing of Narnia put on by St.Patrick’s School and performed at Bellarmine. Shows also on Saturday
Grand opening of the jellyfish exhibit at the Point Defiance Zoo special crafts and fun included with admission. Note from SFM: Zoo admission gets spendy. We suggest investing in an annual pass unless you can take advantage of monthly free days for city of Tacoma residents.
Spring Fairy Festival on 6th Avenue; Family activities and block party style fun on 6th avenue-I don’t know much about this one. Let us know if you do!
Tacoma Spring Fling Pre-Camp Party! Charles Wright Academy – Lower School Playground 12-2 Headed to Steve and Kate’s camps this summer, or thinking about them? Here’s a chance to check ’em out.
Crafts of the Past at Ft.Nisqually Traditional crafts are demonstrated Saturdays and Sundays through the fall. Included with fort admission. This outing is probably most interesting to school age children, though younger ones will enjoy running in and around the fort towers. Also Sunday
Children and all ages shows at the Pierce College Science Dome/planetarium CASH Only at the door-you can use charge cards if you buy tickets in advance.
Lacey/Olympia
Science carnival at Evergreen State College in Olympia Hands-0n activities, performances, and more. Free admission and free parking (Tell the parking attendant you are there for this event).
Visit the South Sound Estuarium open 11-4 weekends
Olympia Family Theater presents Pinocchio 2PM
Gig Harbor
Yes! Your farmer’s market is open!
Synchronized swim show at the Gig Harbor High School Pool 1PM
Sandcastle toys has been doing Saturday morning storytimes. I don’t see a listing today; you may want to call first. If you’re downtown, visit the Harbor WildWatch exhibit at the Skansie Visitor Center. It’s free and open to the public.
Sunday
Discover the Dinosaurs Event at the Puyallup fairgrounds Replica dinosaurs; inflatables; activities Here’s the scoop: I thought this was the same company as last year’s dino folks, but apparently it is different. It looks exactly the same in terms of activities, look, and even pricing (which is high). We did have fun at last year’s similar event, but you will want to go when it isn’t crowded-think late afternoon- and take the right age kid to get your money’s worth (one young enough to be excited but big enough for the rides and so on….). I will try to reach out to the company to see if there is more info/discounts for you. It’s here all weekend.
Historic Fort Steilacoom is now open for Sunday tours
Olympia Family Theater presents Pinocchio 2PM
Visit the South Sound Estuarium open 11-4 weekends
As always, if you know something we missed or you’d like publicity or advertising for your group, get in touch! You can email me at soundsfunom@gmail.com or use one of the icons up top to find us on your favorite social media.
If you’re new here-welcome! We’d love to have you join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to the daily emails, follow us on our NEW Instagram, or just make us your daily habit.
Oh, and do make sure you’ve entered our latest giveaway. We have FIVE prizes. So fun!
Hey, Puyallup, looking for an orthodontist the kids will want to go to?
No, I’m not crazy.
Dr. Larson and our friends at Smiles Orthodontics are launching a new program that lets your kids earn points to spend on Amazon. Yes, Amazon!
As you may remember, our older son is a patient at Smiles, and when I told him about this new program he forgot he was a surly tweenager for one full minute while he pumped his fist in the air and said, “Yes!” You might say he’s a fan.
How does it work? Kids earn points for a whole range of things, from taking good care of their teeth to volunteering in the community (love this)! They can also earn points for sharing the Smiles love by doing things like posting pics of their progress on social media and referring friends and family.
Points will be added to a hard, plastic card similar to a credit card. When your kiddo cashes ’em in, he’ll get a code to use on Amazon for ANYTHING-and is there anything Amazon doesn’t sell? I don’t think so.
If your child is already a patient, her current Smile Bucks can be easily converted to this new system. Points can be viewed online 24/7, and there will be options for young patients who aren’t quite ready for braces to earn points, too. Has your kiddo had her evaluation yet? Seven is the perfect age.
No other doctor in the area is offering anything like this rewards program, and if your kids are anything like mine, they are going to love it!
The point, of course, is to keep your kids motivated and feeling positive about their orthodontic treatment. Happy patients are going to take better care of their teeth, and they may even need less treatment time. Here at our house, having our son feel positive about his journey to straighter teeth has been a huge, huge blessing.
I also super love Dr.Larson and his team, and his genuine desire to be a part of this community. My kiddo bumps into one of his bffs almost every time we go in, which makes it easier, too! You can get more information about Smiles Orthodontics and Dr.Larson at their website. They also have fun updates on Facebook and your other favorite social media. If you are looking for an orthodontist, or wondering if you need one, just give them a call. The friendly staff will set you right up, and initial visits are always free. You can reach them at 253.848.4537. Please do say you saw ’em on Sounds Fun Mom. Thanks!
Update-Right now, if you’re a new patient, and you mention Sounds Fun Mom (or show the Smiles ad on your phone), you will get a free Waterpik at the start of treatment! We got one when our son started braces, and it has been Super helpful. This is also a really high dollar freebie-just remember to mention their ad at SFM to get it. Thanks so much!
Disclosure: We are proud to be sponsored by Smiles Orthodontics. All opinions are my own (or my kid’s).
Looking for a Tacoma, Puyallup, Olympia or Pierce or South King County Vacation Bible School?
This is our list from 2015. Just go here for a list for 2016!
Renton
St.Matthew’s Lutheran Church July 13th-19th 9:00-12 preschool-6th grade Mt.Everest theme 25.00/child 60.00 max/family
Fairwood Community UMC VBS June 29th-July 3rd “Get real: Find Yourself With Jesus” 9AM-3PM Mon-Thur, 9AM-12noon Friday 40/first child-30.00 additional siblings
Kent Vacation Bible School/VBS
Calvary Chapel Drive! VBS July 13th-17th 4year olds-5th grade (just completed) 9:30-12:30 10.00 per child suggested donation/30.00 max, per family. First time visitors free Mt.Kilimanjaro, “Epic Journey,” theme.
Federal Way
Auburn Vacation Bible School/VBS
Messiah Lutheran August 3rd-7th Evening 5:30-7:30 Everest theme
Bonney Lake Vacation Bible School/VBS
Submit your listing in the comments!
Sumner Vacation Bible School/VBS
Calvary Community Church June 23rd-26th- 4yrs-5th grade; two times-9-12:30 or 3-6:30; 40.00/child (scholarships available) Wild/jungle theme; Registration is open now
Puyallup Vacation Bible School/VBS
Celebration Lutheran TBA *Note-their popular preschool is now registering; some classes are full, so do call soon
Bethany Baptist July 13th-17th SonTreasure Island theme 9AM-12; 20.00/child or 50.00/3 4yr olds-6th grade
Pilgrim Lutheran July 13-16 9AM-12 , plus a Thursday evening event Climbing Everest theme preschool-5th grade
South Hill Christian June 22nd-26th South Hill runs an annual sports camp with a Christian theme Evenings 5-8:15 Many friends have told me these are great for sporty kids.
Immanuel Lutheran Immanuel has always hosted VBS, but I don’t see the announcement yet.
Nazarene Church I can’t find an announcement yet, but they’ve hosted one in the past.
Puyallup United Methodist I don’t see an announcement yet, but they have hosted one in the past
Graham Vacation Bible School/VBS
Graham Emmaunel August 3rd-5th Contact church to register/for more info.
Tacoma Vacation Bible School/VBS
*See Federal Way for NE Tacoma listings
Sound Life Church (Fredrickson area)
Destiny City Church July 13th-17th 9-12 10.00/child Kids’ Camp, “Seek and Find,” theme
Our Savior Lutheran Church July 13-17 3yrs-6th grade more info tba
Skyline Presbyterian Church July 26th-30th Evening program; Everest theme
Submit your listing in the comments!
Lakewood Vacation Bible School/VBS
Submit your listing in the comments!
University Place Vacation Bible School/VBS
University Place Presbyterian July 13-17th Everest theme 9:30-12:30 25.00 per child 4yrs-5th grade Register by June 7th
Harbor Covenant August 10th-14th Basecamp theme 50.00/child for ages 3-3rd grade-mornings 125.00/child for 4th and 5th grade full day M-Th;AM Friday Lots of info. at the link
Fox Island Vacation Bible School/VBS
Submit your listing in the comments!
Lacey Vacation Bible Schools/VBS
Sacred Heart Catholic contact info. at the link. I don’t see anything else right now.
Yelm Vacation Bible School/VBS
Olympia Vacation Bible Schools/VBS
Mega Sports Camp, Breaking Free – Church of Living Water – July 6th-10th, 9-12noon. Ages 4 thru 5th graders. Cost: $50/child.
Want to include your VBS? You can just leave a comment with all the details! Please include: Dates/Price/Ages/Theme/Cost Most importantly? Please leave a link! Thanks so much! Oh, and listings are always free. Of course, if your church wants to talk to me about low cost, paid advertising, including above the fold sponsorship of this guide, I’d be glad to chat! Email me at soundsfunmom@gmail.com
Did you know communities around the South Sound host big name kids’ entertainers all summer long For FREE? It’s true! I’ll have these in your calendar, but I know some of you like to plan ahead, so grab your calendar, call some pals, and make plans for a picnic play date with a free show!
Virtually every city hosts free concerts during the summer months. We’ve highlighted the concerts geared specifically towards kids and families. If you’re a music lover, check out the sites linked below for more offerings.
The complete list continues by city below [Read more…]
Need some cheap eats with the kids today? It’s .50 corn dog day at Sonic to celebrate National End of School Day. Yes, I know your kids still have school, and no, I don’t know what the crowds will be like. I just know I like a cheap corn dog. If you go, feel free to leave a report here or on our fb page!
We typically stick to deals on local family events and outings, but every once in a while we make an exception for something we think will be of interest to you. This is one of those times! Note that the link in this post is mine-I have the scoop on how you can get one, too!
Schoola, a site that lets you sell gently used kids’ clothing to raise money for your school, is offering up a 15.00 credit now 20.00! for new accounts. Plus, right now you can get free shipping on any order, PLUS half-off when you use code DELIGHTED!
So, basically…..free stuff. You like free, right? Me, too!
You’ll get the 20.00 new customer credit automatically when you sign up. You may also see a pop up inviting you to make a, “Collection.” This takes about 30 seconds, and if you do it, you may get another 10.00. Woot-more free stuff! PLUS, when you use DELIGHTED you’ll get half-off and the free shipping. So, at a minimum, you’ll get 40.00 worth of gently used kids’ gear shipped to your door for FREE. Not bad, right?
We’ve ordered from them several times now. I think the descriptions are very accurate, and my boys have been happy with what they’ve received. I do think the prices are really high for thrifted/used merch. Of course, you are getting it shipped right to your door! Personally, I check the site out when they’re having a sale or fs code, or if I have, “Credit,” to spend. Yee-haw! I usually filter by size and then by brand. That way I know the fit, and it’s a lot easier to look at 10 pairs of boys’ jeans in a size 12 then it is to look at 3,000 pieces of random, “Boy clothing.”
You can check out Schoola here (yes, this is my affiliate link, and it will automatically credit you 20.00 you’ll see applied at checkout) Oh, and when you’re finished, you can get your own link and earn 20.00 in credit when your pals use it! Cool, right? It’s also worth checking out if you need a new fundraiser for your school. While it would definitely take some effort, I think it beats the heck out of selling butter braids and wrapping paper!
I don’t know how long the offer will be this generous, so if you want in, head here to check it out sooner rather than later. The DELIGHTED code works through the 30th. Don’t forget it!
Thanks to Hip2Save for the scoop on this deal
Need something to do with the kids in Tacoma this weekend? I’ve got a list of free and affordable outings for May 22nd-24th, and yes, we’re working on Memorial Day events, too.
From free crafts in Tacoma, cheap shows in Olympia, and fairs and festivals in Kitsap-it’s another great weekend in the South Sound.
New here? We have an amazing list just like this one up every Friday morning, and lots of fun all the days in between!
Saturday
All Over
Kids’ club at Michael’s stores 10AM-12; 2.00 for half hour crafting sessions. It’s a craft stick flag
Dragons Love Tacos Story time at Barnes and Noble We suggest finding your store and calling directly to confirm. We have found participation in these fun, free events to be inconsistent-even when the store is listed as participating. Olympia and Lakewood seem to be consistently good.
South King County
Engineering Rocks event at Westfield Southcenter Hands-on activities and demonstrations presented by the society of civil engineers 12-4 in the children’s wing near Crazy 8
Touch tanks at HCC Mast at Redondo Free and open to the public every Saturday from 10-2 Reader Joanna wrote in to say they Were able to touch creatures in the touch tanks last week.
Tacoma/South Tacoma/Greater Pierce
Yes, Puyallup, your spray ground is now open! 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily beginning Friday, May 22nd – Monday, September 7th. It’s right by the downtown Puyallup library.
Yours are open, too, Tacoma! Daily and free 10AM-8PM on weekends; note the location by the STAR center is closed for repair.
Free BBQ at the Old Cannery in Sumner Free all beef hot dog and pop Saturday, Sunday, and Monday Pro Tip: If you buy a couch this will no longer be a free outing!
Craft Saturday at the Job Carr Cabin Museum in Old Town 1-4 Paint a clay pot and plant seeds! Perfect for children 3-8 and their families. Small but fun museum is a replica of the cabin of early settler, Job Carr.
Crafts of the Past at Ft.Nisqually Traditional crafts are demonstrated Saturdays and Sundays through the fall. Included with fort admission. This outing is probably most interesting to school age children, though younger ones will enjoy running in and around the fort towers. Today’s craft is basketry. Also Sunday
Barnes and Noble Book Fair in Lakewood with princess appearance A fundraiser for Cherrydale primary school. A princess who looks a lot like Elsa will be there for crafts and story time. 4-6PM.
Children and all ages shows at the Pierce College Science Dome/planetarium CASH Only at the door-you can use charge cards if you buy tickets in advance.
Electric Run in Puyallup at the fair grounds Evening event Entry fees are pricey, but it does look fun!
Lacey/Olympia
Visit the South Sound Estuarium open 11-4 weekends
Olympia Family Theater All About Sound Science Show 5.00 per person/cash or check at the door Interactive science shows with experiments and audience participation. Approximately 45 minutes. These look really great! 10:30AM
Community fun Day at Colombus Park Call or email to get the kids a fishing spot
Olympia Family Theater presents Pinocchio 2PM
Gig Harbor
It’s time for the Street Scramble! Solve clues and see how many checkpoints you can find. Walk, run, or bike and choose your distance. Free but advance registration is recommended.
Yes! Your farmer’s market is open!
Sandcastle toys has been doing Saturday morning storytimes. I don’t see a listing today; you may want to call first. If you’re downtown, visit the Harbor WildWatch exhibit at the Skansie Visitor Center. It’s free and open to the public.
Kitsap Harbor Festival and Harbor Days booths, kids’ zone, vessel tours, and more.
Sunday
Historic Fort Steilacoom is now open for Sunday tours ** I think? Someone pointed out that it says Sundays, beginning Memorial Day. So….I’m not sure whether it opens today or next week. Let me knwo if you find out.
Valve Cover Races at the LeMay Family Auto Museum (This is NOT the one in Tacoma). Build a racer out of an engine valve cover! Free, just for fun event for all ages. You should email to register if you want to create and race.
Kitsap Harbor Festival and Harbor Days booths, kids’ zone, vessel tours, and more.
Olympia Family Theater presents Pinocchio 2PM
Visit the South Sound Estuarium open 11-4 weekends
Monday/Memorial Day
Go here for a post with a list of Memorial Day observances and Memorial Day events
As always, if you know something we missed or you’d like publicity or advertising for your group, get in touch! You can email me at soundsfunom@gmail.com or use one of the icons up top to find us on your favorite social media.
If you’re new here-welcome! We’d love to have you join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to the daily emails, follow us on our NEW Instagram, or just make us your daily habit.
Oh, and do make sure you’ve entered our latest giveaway. We have FIVE prizes. So fun!
I stopped into the Twin Lakes Federal Way Fred Meyer this morning and was giddy with childhood delight at this sight:
THE WIENERMOBILE!
I have fond memories of seeing the Wienermobile as a kid. It’s not like I took a road trip in it or anything, but it’s one of those American rites of passage that every kid should have the opportunity to do.
Sadly, you can’t board the hot dog on wheels, but you can take a peak inside and snap as many pics as you want. The lovely attendants were also handing out stickers and wiener whistles. I wish the wiener whistles had a mute button.
Tomorrow, the Wienermobile will be in Auburn! Here are the details:
Friday, May 22
11:00am-4:00pm
Auburn Fred Meyer
801 Auburn Way North
Snap a selfie and post it the Sounds Fun Mom Facebook wall!
Here’s a fun way to save on a night with the Mariners from our friends with the Guaranteed Education Tuition program, or GET.
May 29th is national 529 College Savings Day, and our friends with GET will be hosting GET College Savings Night at Safeco Field. It’s a partnership with the Mariners and Parent Map, and yes, you’re invited! Families can get discounted tickets that include a souvenir t-shirt, plus it’s a fireworks night. Fun, right?
We went to a game recently, and it was a great family day. Even when the M’s don’t win (though that would sure be nice!) Safeco Field is a great ballpark.
Speaking of savings, don’t forget, the current enrollment deadline for new GET families is approaching FAST.
If just thinking about paying for college stresses you out, I really do urge you to be proactive now.
While you obviously need to make your own financial decisions, I can tell you that we have had GET accounts for our boys since they were babies, and in looking at the rate of return on our other investments, we realized it has been by FAR the best one we’ve made. We are thrilled that our boys will be able to go off to college with their tuition paid for, and we are especially thrilled that they will be able to graduate without a pile of loans and debt.
We’ve done it by starting early and putting aside a modest amount every month. It really is a case where time is on your side.
You can get more information about saving for your child’s college with GET right here at their site, or you might like a post we did with answers to some of your frequently asked questions here!
You can also call or email the GET Contact Center at 800.955.2318 or GETInfo@wsac.wa.gov. If you’re ready to enroll, simply Click “Start a GET Account” on the GET homepage to enroll online between (November 1 – May 31). The on-screen instructions will guide you through the process.
Head here if you’re interested in the Mariners game!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. The opinions are my own-financial decisions for your family are yours! We were a GET family long before GET sponsored Sounds Fun Mom, and we are very proud to have their support. I would love for you to mention the site if you contact them or enroll!