Need something to do with the kids this weekend in Tacoma, Olympia, or Puyallup? Here’s our weekly list of family events with plenty to keep the kids busy before your barbecue or fireworks. Looking for somewhere to watch fireworks with the kids or for a family friendly fireworks show? Head here for our list of South Puget Sound family friendly fireworks shows and 4th of July fun!
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. Just trying to figure out how to keep cool? Head to my round-up here-it’s got places to swim, splash, play, and relax in water, shade, or sweet, sweet ac!
Friday
Play with our friends at WiggleWorks at the South Hill Mall. Yes, they have ac!
Beach walks with Harbor WildWatch in Gig Harbor Volunteer naturalists will be on hand all weekend at various times/beaches to help kids learn about creatures revealed by low tide. Free events; you will need a Discover WA pass for state parks.
SuperHero Training Camp at the Swasey Branch of the Tacoma Public Library 2PM
Campfire night at Shadow Wetlands Preserve in Renton smore fixings provided!
Free Friday night at the Hands-On Children’s Museum Olympia
I’ll be at this enormous parade Saturday! Not headed to one? We have all kinds of fun weekend events in the list, plus I’ve linked to our guide to 4th of July fun!
Saturday
All Over
Head here for area fireworks shows and 4th of July events
Home Depot Kids’ Build It’s a Minnions’ Scooter. Arrive close to 9AM for these popular, free kids’ building workshops. They do now ask you to register.
Dinosaur in the Dark story time at Barnes and Noble 10AM. We suggest finding your store and calling directly to confirm. Special activities and fun. Tie-in to Magic Tree House Dinosaurs title.
South King County
Head here for area fireworks shows and 4th of July events
Northwest Vintage Races in Kent Hundreds of vintage cars on display and racing. Adult tickets are a little spendy, but may be worth it if you’re interested in vintage cars, or have a kiddo into things that go!
Open hours at Mary Olson Farm in Auburn
Touch tanks at HCC Mast at Redondo Free and open to the public every Saturday from 10-2 You may want to confirm before you go today.
Puyallup/Bonney Lake/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. I suggest you park at the surface lot behind City Hall (the building with the Subway).
Tacoma
Head here for area fireworks shows and 4th of July events
Free swimming at Kandle or Stewart Heights Pools today 12-5 Kandle has the wave pool and a cool playground; Stewart Heights has a lazy river and a waterslide.
Your Spraygrounds are open, Tacoma! Daily and free 10AM-8PM on weekends
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 It’s weaving today.
Lacey/Olympia/Yelm
Head here for area fireworks shows and 4th of July events including the parade in Tumwater!
Meet the Beach with the South Sound Estuary Association volunteer naturalists on hand at various parks to help kids learn about sea creatures revealed at low tide; various parks and times; free, though you need a Discover WA pass for state parks.
Visit the South Sound Estuarium open 11-4 weekends You may want to call and confirm this weekend
Gig Harbor
Beach walks with Harbor WildWatch in Gig Harbor Volunteer naturalists will be on hand all weekend at various times/beaches to help kids learn about creatures revealed by low tide. Free events; you will need a Discover WA pass for state parks.
Community Hot Dog Social at Volunteer Park Key Peninsula Bounce houses and more fun!
Seussical the Musical at Paradise Theater ongoing; various show times
Sunday
Beach walks with Harbor WildWatch in Gig Harbor Volunteer naturalists will be on hand all weekend at various times/beaches to help kids learn about creatures revealed by low tide. Free events; you will need a Discover WA pass for state parks.
Wheels and wings at the Tacoma Narrows Airport in Gig Harbor car show, kids’ zone, airplane fly-bys Be sure to follow directions for parking
Family Fun Day at the Meeker Mansion in Puyallup 10.00/family crafts, history, tours, and fun
Tiffany’s Skate Inn is offering free admission to members of the military and first responders during their afternoon skate (rental extra)
Sunday Farmer’s Market at STAR Center in South Tacoma and the Center at Norpoint Many other areas now have a Farmer’s Market open on Sundays. Get your fresh on!
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. It’s weaving today.
Meet the Beach with the South Sound Estuary Association near Olympia volunteer naturalists on hand at various parks to help kids sea creatures revealed at low tide; various parks and times; free, though you need a Discover WA pass for state parks.
Family Fun Day at Emerald Downs pony rides and bounce houses
Historic Fort Steilacoom is now open for Sunday tours
Visit the South Sound Estuarium open 11-4 weekends
Just looking to cool off? I hear ‘ya! Here’s our beat the heat round-up.
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 soundsfunmom@gmail.com or use one of the icons up top to find us on your favorite social media.
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