Archives for August 2015

If you’ve been reading for a while, you know that Henry’s two great loves are LEGO and Star Wars.

The only thing better as far as he’s concerned is Lego Star Wars. As evidence….

Naturally, he was pretty thrilled to hear that his latest, “Assignment,” for Sounds Fun Mom was to put together a LEGO model! It arrived on a sick day (hence the pajamas), and it really did save what had otherwise been a bummer of a week for him. LEGO never lets us down!

I always love watching him put LEGO sets together. He has to work really hard at reading and writing, but he shines with anything hands-on. He follows the instruction booklet, and he always gets it together in no time flat. I love how proud he is when he finishes a model or creates something of his own.

We also got to watch an episode of LEGO® Star Wars™: Droid Tales  Turns out, Henry had already set the DVR to record all the episodes, so yeah-he was way ahead of me. Keep reading for our review!  [Read more…]

Did the rain and wind cancel your plans yesterday?

Here are some fun things you can go and do with the family Today! Have a great idea to add? Just leave a comment!

Sunday

Crafts of the Past at Ft. Nisqually  1800s era crafts and trades are demonstrated each weekend. Included with fort admission. We think the fort is of most interest to school age children, but kiddos of all ages will love exploring the towers. It’s tintypes today from 11AM-5PM  Also Sunday

Feeding Frenzy at Northwest Trek  continues  Special themed activities included with admission. Admission is pricey, but it does include your tram ride, and is a full day of fun (Did your kids get passes from a summer reading program?). You may also add a Trek membership to an existing zoo membership-worth it if you’d go more than twice a year.

Just Between Friends kids’ consignment event  Last day-many items are half off 8-2 Bring reusable shopping bags!

Chehalis Garlic Festival continues

Family Day at Emerald Downs-Pony rides, face painting, and bounce houses along with your horse racing. I believe these start at 1PM. Some activities are weather dependent. It’s also Italian Day-various food and drink specials.

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! The Auburn Farmer’s Market is another great choice.

Historic Fort Steilacoom is now open for Sunday tours 1-4PM

Visit the South Sound Estuarium   open 11-4 weekends

Working on your bucket list for the rest of the summer? Check out our 10 Must-Do adventures! 

Need something great to do this weekend? Send summer off with a blast with our weekend list of awesome free events for kids and families in Tacoma, Olympia, and everywhere in between.

We have an awesome list just like this every Friday, just for South Sound families, and tons of other fun ideas every other day of the week!

Saturday

All Over

The last true low tide of the summer is this morning around 11:30. Find a beach near you to explore! 

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Craft Stores  It’s a bookmark from 10AM-12  2.00 per half hour session

South King County

Open hours at Mary Olson Farm in Auburn Drop in and visited the preserved farm in the summer. Donations welcome. Farmhouse tours at 1 and 3. This is a quieter outing but really neat for kids-reader Becca said her family ended up with a private tour last weekend! Last weekend!

Visit the HCC Mast Center at Redondo   Touch tanks with sea critters free and open to the public Saturdays from 10AM-2

Feeding Frenzy at Northwest Trek   Special themed activities included with admission. Admission is pricey, but it does include your tram ride, and is a full day of fun (Did your kids get passes from a summer reading program?). You may also add a Trek membership to an existing zoo membership-worth it if you’d go more than twice a year.

Puyallup

Go Green Games at Meridian Habitat Park  bounce houses, garbage truck demonstrations, games, and mascots including Rhubarb and Blitz. 1-4 PM FREE

Update-we’re hearing that the Go Green Games have been canceled due to the windstorm. 

Tacoma/South Tacoma/ Parkland

FREE kids’ clothing and gear swap at King’s Books in Tacoma from 12-2

Tour the lighthouse keeper’s cottage and museum at Brown’s Point Lighthouse Park 1-4PM   Much more fun continues below! Keep reading!  [Read more…]

I ran into reader, Katie, while we were out and about.

I was watching Henry do ill-advised, “Surfing,” on a spinning ring thing, and she was handing out information about FREE (Yes, free) preschool programs in NE Tacoma.

The Tacoma School District offers ECEAP and Head Start preschool at several locations. It’s free if you qualify based on your income.

Children 3-5 attend half day classes four days a week.  A variety of family support opportunities are provided, in addition to a traditional preschool program with nutritious meals and snacks.

The slots at the North East Tacoma location are newer, and Katie says they’re working on getting the word out to families who might qualify. In the past, families have had to trek to Federal Way, so Katie thinks there are some neighborhood families who would probably like to enroll if they knew about it!

If you’re interested in the ECEAP Program at Northeast Tacoma Elementary School, you can call 252 571 6986. If you’re interested in another Tacoma area ECEAP or Head Start program, call 253 571 1049. If you live in a different part of the South Sound, the easiest thing to do is to call your school district office. Ask to speak to someone with the early learning department if the first person you get isn’t sure.

Families who may qualify include those with limited income, those experiencing homelessness, those caring for children in foster care, families receiving TANF or SSI, and children with a disability or an IEP.

For other options, be sure to check our preschool guide in the menu bar!

Hey, Tacoma, have you got some kids’ clothes, toys, books, or gear you don’t use any more?

Want to see it go to a new home, but you don’t have time to deal with consigning it or having a garage sale? Or maybe you could use some, “Stuff,” yourself?

Have I got your solution! Reader Allison is organizing a 2nd free swap for Tacoma area parents at King’s Books this Saturday, the 29th, from 12-2.

Just bring any clothes, books, or gear you don’t love and use any more. Take what you need; leave what you don’t! Simple, right?

Now, you should know that this is a swap, and it’s about community. You will not make any money at this event. You will also not buy anything at this event! It is possible that you’ll bring some cool stuff to donate and leave empty handed because there just isn’t anything right for you. If any of that would bug you, this is not the event for you. And that’s o.k.! I just want you to have a clear picture before hand. There aren’t rules, and Allison wants to keep it fun and casual in the spirit of making friends, reducing waste, and helping fellow parents. Any leftover items will be donated.

If you’re interested, please do go here to the Facebook page about the event and read the pinned posts. Allison could also use some help, so let her know if you’re available. King’s Books, btw, is a super cool store if you’re a book lover. You will need to supervise your kiddos if you bring them along. There are children’s books, but it is a book store. There is also a comic book store next door. Again, you would need to supervise them here, as it’s small, and not suitable for unsupervised little ones.

I’ll remind you about this event in our weekend list, but I knew some of you would want to plan for it now.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the end of summer, might I suggest Cobbler? Mmmm…..cobbler.

O.k. first you’re going to have to pick a few blackberries. I have some tips on doing that, or just scroll on down for the recipe!

Now, let me acknowledge that I had originally planned this post to run last week, but then there was that crazy rain. And then, today, I see it’s kind of wet out. Could this post be cursed? Maybe! I’m running it anyway. I think you can dodge a few raindrops for cobbler-amIright?  Yes, the picking was better a couple weeks ago, we still found plenty on our trip yesterday-even if we did have to look a little higher and lower.

The kind you see most around here are Himalayan blackberries. These are the big, fat berries growing on bushes with thick, thorny stalks.  The slightly smaller ones are called Evergreen blackberries. They have the more delicate, lacy looking leaves. You can see pictures of both here.

Neither type is native, but they’ve thrived around here like gangbusters. Left to their own devices, they’ll take over your yard in no time.

There is also a trailing blackberry that grows very close to the ground. It’s actually a native plant, but much less common. The kind you see at the store are probably cultivated, thornless blackberries-but really, you’re not going to pay for blackberries this time of year, are you?

It’s not hard to find a good picking spot. We try to find an area away from the heaviest traffic that hasn’t been chemically sprayed. Do keep in mind that berries will stain and blackberry thorns can be serious business-especially around eyes and your kiddos delicate skin, so do be cautious. We picked ours on the section of the Foothills Trail between Puyallup and Orting. Quite frankly, my husband picked about 95% of them. I kept searching for the perfect spot, and both boys lost interest in about five minutes. Luckily the oldest had brought his skateboard. My friend Tracy always has her youngest bring small toys when she goes berry picking, like cars he can run in the dirt. I think that’s a pretty great idea.

Now, I’m really not trying to add a lot of drama here, but if you’re new to the area, you should know that every once in a while, you will find poison oak mixed in with blackberry-especially near the water or on bluffs. The rule is, “Leaves of three; leave them be.” Just take a look at your blackberry spot before you start picking, and if you see another bush/tree mixed in with the berry vines, make sure you’re not looking at this (scroll down for the one on the left that says, “Summertime Flowering,”) and you’ll be fine. They tend to be shiny, but the unique grouping of 3 is your best bet for steering clear.

Blackberries are delicious right off the vine, or in freezer jam, but our favorite way to enjoy them is in cobbler. It took some doing (mainly because she doesn’t use a recipe), but I got my mom to share her cobbler recipe. She says to tell you she’s not responsible for failures, but really-can you go wrong here? I don’t think so!

My Mom’s Cobbler Recipe

Got a favorite picking spot or recipe to share? Or are blackberries just a thorn in your side? Either way, I love to hear your comments!

Photo Credit: Stock xchng

Sunday

Get adult admission to Wild Waves for half-off or 19.99 with a donation of new school supplies

Family Day at Emerald Downs-Pony rides, face painting, and bounce houses along with your horse racing. I believe these start at 1PM. Some activities are weather dependent.

America’s Cup Tour at the Foss Waterway Seaport  walk aboard tours and sails on the replica of the schooner America  Tours are free with admission to the museum, which is reasonable, or 5.00 alone. 2-3 hour sails on the ship are 75.00 and do include museum admission.  The museum is lots of fun for kids, though I personally think it’s tricky to tell what is o.k. to touch, and my kids have been scolded here on multiple visits. No biggie-just prepping you.

Sand in the City continues-Grandparents’ Day today

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! The Auburn Farmer’s Market is another great choice.

Historic Fort Steilacoom is now open for Sunday tours 1-4PM

Visit the South Sound Estuarium   open 11-4 weekends

Working on your bucket list for the rest of the summer? Check out our 10 Must-Do adventures! 

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.

Need something great to do this weekend? Send summer off with a blast with our weekend list of awesome free events for kids and families in Tacoma, Olympia, and everywhere in between.

We have an awesome list just like this every Friday, just for South Sound families, and tons of other fun ideas every other day of the week!

Friday

Learn about blubber with Harbor WildWatch at the Key Center Library for kids in K-3  2:30

Wow! It’s a big evening for outdoor movies! Most are free and include family activities before the outdoor showings at dusk. Use the links provided for more details.

• Cinema under the stars at Volunteer Park Key Peninsula
• Family outdoor movie in Tukwila
• Summer Bash and Movie at Norpoint Park  All kinds of free family fun followed by movie at dusk
• Family Night at the Drive-In  Outdoor movie at the White River Amphitheater  It’s UP
• Screen on the Green in Tumwater It’s Paddington
• Movie at Sprinker Rec Center  It’s Paddington

Pier Peer at Boston Harbor Marina-Olympia  Come see sea critters by dock light!

Popsicle anyone? Watch animals cool off with ice treats Saturday at the Point Defiance Zoo. Included with admission.

Saturday

All Over

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Craft Stores  It’s a pencil topper from 10AM-12  2.00 per half hour session

South King County

Open hours at Mary Olson Farm in Auburn Drop in and visited the preserved farm in the summer. Donations welcome. Farmhouse tours at 1 and 3. This is a quieter outing but really neat for kids-reader Becca said her family ended up with a private tour last weekend!

Fun run/walk in Auburn to benefit Avery Huffman

Health Fair in Auburn  vendors, demos, kids’ bike rodeo, appearance by Seahawk mascot, Blitz, and more

Visit the HCC Mast Center at Redondo   Touch tanks with sea critters free and open to the public Saturdays from 10AM-2

Movie in the park in Fife It’s Cinderella (I believe it’s the older one)

Back to School Giveaway and Carnival at Mountain View Community Center in Edgewood  Free school supplies, backpacks, haircuts, dental screenings, and carnival fun for kids 10-2

Auction to Benefit Avery Huffman

Puyallup

Free children’s activities with the master gardeners in Puyallup  It’s a pirate theme today; at the WSU demonstration garden. Last program of the summer!

Outdoor movie at Bradley Lake in Puyallup   Concert before hand; community camp out after, but you must have pre-registered for this. The music and the movie are free and open to all  Looks like the movie is Big Hero 6-I got some of this info. muddled with last night’s movie. Sorry for anyone we confused!

Tacoma/South Tacoma/ Parkland

America’s Cup Tour at the Foss Waterway Seaport  walk aboard tours and sails on the replica of the schooner America  Tours are free with admission to the museum, which is reasonable, or 5.00 alone. 2-3 hour sails on the ship are 75.00 and do include museum admission.  The museum is lots of fun for kids, though I personally think it’s tricky to tell what is o.k. to touch, and my kids have been scolded here on multiple visits. No biggie-just prepping you.

Arctic Blast at Point Defiance Zoo  Watch animals enjoyed special ice treats. Included with admission. Note from SFM: The zoo gets spendy fast. We suggest investing in an annual pass unless you can take advantage of monthly free days for City of Tacoma residents.

Family nature walk at McKinley Park   Volunteer naturalists lead family friendly walks. Not suitable for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up.

Hilltop Street Fair  Live entertainment, kids’ activities, book giveaway, vendors, and more!

Storm drain marking event with Citizens for a Healthy Bay at Wapato Park  Call to pre register

Mobile Food Fest at Sprinker Rec Center 12-7  Free admission; bring money for tastes from a variety of food trucks

Children and all ages shows at the Science Dome presentations and shows on the overhead dome at the area’s only indoor, digital planetarium. Great, low cost, indoor activity-we really recommend the children’s version! Bring cash-no cards can be accepted at the venue. 3.00 as of this writing Children’s show is Pluto today; all ages is moons.

Olympia/Lacey/Beyond

Sand in the City!   It’s a beach party right in the city! Big fun with sand sculpting, kids’ activities, discounted admission to the HOCM, and more.

Back to School event with South Sound Church  School supply and backpack giveaway, free haircuts, hot dogs, and more

American Tall Tales at Olympia Family Theater  5.00 tickets  45 minute show with Paul Bunyan and other familiar stories. Doors open at 10AM; show at 10:30

Pie in the Library  Community pie contest in Lacey

Rainier Round-Up Days parade, vendors, small town fun!

TugBoat tours  Free tours of historic tugboat, The Sandman at Percival Landing most weekends

Play at the LOTT Wet Science Center  Free and open 10AM-4PM Saturday and Sunday-special hours in conjunction with the big Sand in the City weekend.

Visit the South Sound Estuarium   open 11-4 weekends

Gig Harbor 

Superhero training camp at the Gig Harbor Library  Activities, superhero costume design and more super fun!

Your trolley is back!   Ride it before the summer ends!

Sunday

Get adult admission to Wild Waves for half-off or 19.99 with a donation of new school supplies

Family Day at Emerald Downs-Pony rides, face painting, and bounce houses along with your horse racing. I believe these start at 1PM. Some activities are weather dependent.

America’s Cup Tour at the Foss Waterway Seaport  walk aboard tours and sails on the replica of the schooner America  Tours are free with admission to the museum, which is reasonable, or 5.00 alone. 2-3 hour sails on the ship are 75.00 and do include museum admission.  The museum is lots of fun for kids, though I personally think it’s tricky to tell what is o.k. to touch, and my kids have been scolded here on multiple visits. No biggie-just prepping you.

Sand in the City continues-Grandparents’ Day today

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! The Auburn Farmer’s Market is another great choice.

Historic Fort Steilacoom is now open for Sunday tours 1-4PM

Visit the South Sound Estuarium   open 11-4 weekends

Working on your bucket list for the rest of the summer? Check out our 10 Must-Do adventures! 

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.

A quick note to email subscribers (and others) that the weekend list is on the way!

It should be live on the site by noon. We hope to see you here!

We are actively working on adding staff to keep up with our growth (and all the fun)! Let us know if you’d like to be part of our team.