Need something to do with the kids in Tacoma this weekend?
I’ve got you covered! It’s also a great weekend for free family fun in Lacey and for those of you near greater JBLM.
If your family is elsewhere in the South Sound, not to worry! We’ve rounded up a great list of ideas for kids and families all over 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!
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.
Kids’ takeover at WiggleWorks at the South Hill Mall! Superhero theme. Safe, supervised play, and they even feed ’em! 5-9PM I think there are still spots, but don’t wait! Be sure to ask about the summer season pass, too. It’s a deal!
Saturday
All Over
Kids’ club at Michael’s stores 10AM-12; 2.00 for half hour crafting sessions. It’s friendship bracelets today. Probably best for little-bit-bigger kids.
Ballet Cat 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
MOPS sale at Riverview Community Church This is a good one, bargain hunters.
Touch a Truck in Federal Way Got a little vehicle lover? Don’t miss this one!
Free pancakes and stable tour at Emerald Downs before the Preakness
Petapalooza in Auburn Fun for pets and pet lovers! Petting zoo, Farmyard follies, and lots of other fun for kids. Free event.
Block Play at the Buckley Library 1PM
Tacoma/South Tacoma/Greater Pierce
Don’t stop now-“Read More,” for DOZENS of events in Tacoma and beyond!
Kidical Mass Family Friendly Bike Ride in the Hilltop Neighborhood Meet at 10:30 at People’s Park. Ride is short with snacks and stops and ends with a concert from local kindie rockers, Pig Snout. Free but a 5.00 donation is invited.
Cinderella at Tacoma City Ballet
Free movie at the Grand in Tacoma Free family movie presented by Click 10AM ; doors open 9:30; free to first 100 It’s Looney Tunes today.
Queen Victoria’s Birthday at Fort Nisqually Party 1800s style with costumed actors, old fashioned games, and tea and cookies. Admission is 5-8.00.
Last weekend to see the special exhibit on area volcanoes, “Living in the Shadows,” at the Washington State History Museum volcano scavenger hunt today. If you plan ahead, you might be able to get a pass and go for free.
Free kids’ crafts and fishing pond at Bass Pro Shop Also Sunday outdoor themed activities and free photo op. *I’m not totally clear on whether the fishing is at all locations. Let me know if you go and find out!
Family STEM Day at the LeMay Museum Make your own electric car! Included with admission. Admission is a little spendy. Here is a post on the kids’ zone at the museum, and a few tips on how to make the most of your visit. Keri is going to update this next week!
Dragon Boat Festival on the Foss Waterway in Tacoma Dragon boat racing. Free to watch!
Read with a dog at the Puyallup Public Library 3PM Kids can drop in and practice reading with Clover, the dalmatian.
Block Play at the Parkland/Spanaway Library 10AM
Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration at the Tillicum Library 2PM cultural exhibits, dance, storytelling Free, all ages event. Children must have a grown up.
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
Armed Forces Day-a JBLM Open House event vehicle displays, carnival rides, demonstrations, roving entertainment, and more! Open to the public-civilians should take I-5 Exit 119. Much more detail at the link
Lacey Spring Fun Fair Two day festival including the popular, FREE kids’ zone
Olympia Family Theater presents Pinocchio
Visit the South Sound Estuarium open 11-4 weekends
Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center Center is always free and open to the public on Saturdays.
Beyond
Bear Camp and More at Northwest Trek Learn about making your campground bear safe and enjoy other bear themed activities. Free with admission. Trek admission is spendy. Consider investing in an annual pass (one can be added to an existing zoo membership) if you’d go two or more times this year.
Gig Harbor
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.
Lego building madness at the library 10AM
Sunday
Northwest Native Celebration at the Tacoma Art Museum FREE and open to the public song, dance, and activities celebrating Native American culture. Note from SFM: The TAM now has a very nice art space on the main floor that kids can use-no museum admission required. My kids also really enjoy the new western art wing.
Tiptoe through the tidepools at Titlow Park Free, family event. Join naturalists to see creatures revealed by some of the first low tides of the season. I have more on diy tidepool exploration here.
Seasonal opening of the Foss Waterway Seaport Free clam chowder, family friendly activities, see the Tacoma fireboat. Included with admission. We always have a great time here. I will warn you that some of the exhibits are not meant to be touched, and they are mixed in with others that Are. Yeah-it’s confusing, and my kids get scolded every time we come here. Just roll with it.
Lacey Spring Fun Fair Two day festival including the popular, FREE kids’ zone
Olympia Family Theater presents Pinocchio
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