Archives for November 2015

Here’s an awesome deal to Northwest Trek! All December kids are FREE!

This is by far the longest and best deal I’ve seen on admission to Trek, and it’s always a fun outing.

You will want to bundle up because….Brrrr…..

Here’s a few more details sent over from our Trek friends. Note from SFM: Your visit always includes the indoor tram ride, which is AWESOME (and heated). Don’t miss it!

Up to four children ages 12 and younger will be admitted free with each paying adult. Northwest Trek is open Fridays through Sundays and daily betweenDec. 26 and Dec. 31.

Each visit includes a heated, 50-minute tram tour of the Free Roaming Area, where you can try to spot Willow, the 4-month-old moose calf, now growing taller and steadier every day alongside her mother Connie.

It’s a special time of year to see the park’s other moose, too, along with Roosevelt elk, American bison, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and deer in their heartier winter coats, venturing around a crisp meadow and forested hillsides.

Northwest Trek’s Main Gate is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 4th-6th, December 11th-13th, December 18th-20th, and December 26th-31st.

Make a plan to have some, “Wild,” fun this Winter Break!

PS Just getting here today? Be sure to go one post down for some great Northwest gifts and experiences for animal lovers. We’ve also got lots more holiday fun to explore. Just head to our menu bar for round-ups galore!

PSS Don’t forget to like us on your favorite social media channels for more great posts like this one! We’ve got lots of handy buttons up top to choose from.

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, bu sales like this definitely help!

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!

If you have more shopping to do for the holidays, be sure to check back. Keri is working on a great Northwest Gift Guide, with some, “Experience Gift,” options we think you’ll love.

Thanks to Hip2Save for the scoop on this deal

Looking for something kid friendly to do this weekend?

Here’s our weekly guide to South Sound area fun with activities for kids in Tacoma, Puyallup, Olympia, and Your South Sound home!

You’ll find a list just like this-just for the South Sound-every Friday morning!

You can say hello to the reindeer at Watson’s Nursery. Santa will also be on hand select days. Photo courtesy of Watson’s Nursery

Ongoing Holiday Events

Reindeer at Watson’s nursery, holiday events at The Old Cannery, Santa at the fairgrounds, Skating at the Polar Plaza in downtown Tacoma-See our holiday events guides for all the details.

Fantasy Lights at Lake Spanaway

Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo

Friday

 Got Princesses? Tree lighting, stories, and special guests at A Simple Wish in Puyallup Tickets $20/person. Call for reservations. Also enjoy “Christmas with Belle” on December 13th. Events sell out, so get tickets in advance if this is a must do for your princess! As of this posting, there are still tickets.

Tree Lighting in Edgewood-Santa and more!

Bridge Lighting and holiday fun at The Old Cannery in Sumner

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Need an activity for your little ones that’s safe, fun, warm, and educational?

There’s an app for that!

No, really….the Pierce County Library system has screened and hand selected the very best apps for kids. I know there are So Many; wading through them and trying to find something developmentally appropriate can be a serious chore.

Well, it’s a chore no more, because the trusted team at the Pierce County Library (one of the nation’s best library systems) has done it for you. They’ve found the ones that are truly educational and just right for your 2-6 year olds.

“Pigeon Presents Mo…on the Go!” and “Grow a reader” and “Minecraft pocket edition” are a few of the new apps recommended by Pierce County Library System. The library’s recommended app database features 64 apps for preschoolers and 18 apps for kindergarten through second grade. To be chosen, an app must support the five research-based early learning practices of talking, singing, reading, writing and playing. Both Android and Apple apps are reviewed. Many apps are free, and recommendations are updated several time a year! 

What are you waiting for? Find the full list of recommendations at the library’s Digital Kids page.

Bigger kids and grown-ups aren’t left out. The Pierce County Library has many digital offerings for kids and adults, including music, magazines, movies and TV shows as well as e-books and audiobooks. Download or stream to your electronic device of choice. All free with a Pierce County Library Card.

Be sure to pass this on. If you put together a newsletter for a class, homeschool group, or mom’s club, this would be a great tip to pass along!

Disclosure: We are proud to be sponsored by the Pierce County Library System. Thank them for their support of Sounds Fun Mom if you have a chance!

This weekend’s list is full of free fun for the kids in Tacoma, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, and your part of the South Sound!

Bundle up and have an adventure! Don’t forget to check our South Sound Holiday fun tab in the menu bar for TONS of great round-ups to help you plan for the holidays and beyond!

Sunday is your chance to walk through Fantasy Lights before it becomes a drive thru event.

Friday

CWU Family night at the Pierce College Science Dome  Free, hands-on science activities, followed by a show in the science dome. 5:30-7

Turkey bowling on ice at the Sprinker Rec Center  Free admission to public skate with a canned food donation; try turkey bowling!

Overnight at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn   Advance registration and fees required

Saturday

All Over

 The Little Kids’ Table Story Time at Barnes and Noble stores. Check your store for times. We do suggest calling your store to confirm details, as participation seems to vary, even when stores are listed as participating.

Babies First Christmas event at Babies R Us Stores  Story, giveaways, prizes 11AM

South King County

http://www.shopthecommonsmall.com/event/Santa-Photos/2145481160/

The Landing, Renton – Saturday, November 21, 4:00pm-7:00pm. Live reindeer, face painting, train rides, balloon artists, and holiday carolers. Tree lightning at 6:00pm.

Santa arrives in Renton (tree lighting)  and Federal Way  See this post and look under South King County for details

Battle of the Badges Turkey Bowl  Auburn firefighters and police officers square off. Free event, but you’re asked to bring a canned food donation.

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

Teen Night at Trampoline Nation

Beyond

Half-off at Northwest Trek with a canned food donation! 

Puyallup/Bonney Lake/Greater Pierce

Reindeer at Watson’s Nursery, Puyallup – November 14 and ongoing. Donner and Blitzen are spending their holiday vacation at Watson’s!

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop Tacoma – November 14-December 24 {Tacoma} Gather the family and come to experience the joy of a classic Christmas. Stay for FREE games, crafts and activities that celebrate the season.  And, don’t miss the FREE photo with Santa!!!

North Pole at the Fair, Puyallup – November 14-December 24.  Reserve a photo time with Santa and enjoy a full afternoon at the North Pole, with an entire village just for kids.

Polar Plaza, Downtown Tacoma – November 21-January 10. First day of ice skating in downtown Tacoma at the Franciscan Polar Plaza, continuing throughout the season. Visit their Facebook page for up to date info and their site for special events and advance ticket purchase.

Fantasy Lights, Spanaway – Thanksgiving, November 26-New Year’s Day, daily 5:30pm-9:00pm.  The largest holiday drive-through display in the Northwest, featuring nearly 300 elaborate displays and thousands of sparkling lights. The beautiful two-mile drive along Spanaway Lake has become a memorable lakeside tradition for the entire family.

See this post for more details on Santa stops: The North Pole at the Fair is open; the reindeer are at Watson’s nursery. Look under Tacoma/Greater Piere

Lego my Library at the Puyallup Library 11AM Free, drop in program. Hear a short story and enjoy building time..

International Games Day at the Library Drop in and play new and old favorites. 10-12 at Summit 10-5 at Sumner  Also 2-4 at Puyallup Public Library downtown

Play with our friends at WiggleWorks!  Always warm and dry; lot of fun specials.

Bonney Lake H.S. Is putting on Alice in Wonderland this weekend. Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. At the sumner performing arts center

Tacoma

Get your skate on! It’s opening day at the Franciscan Polar Plaza downtown

International Game Day Celebration at the main branch of the Tacoma Public Library  Drop in and play a variety of games. Separate sign-up for Pokemon DS tournament.

Santa Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops   See this post and look under Tacoma/Pierce County

Play and Grow Storytime at the Wheelock Library

Community block party at the Parkland/Spanaway Library 10AM  Drop in and build!

Thanksgiving craft at the Tillicum Library  Drop in and make a placemat! 2PM

Visit Jozee Rooz Indoor Petting Zoo

Keep reading-there’s so much more! 

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Note-Links to Groupons are always my affiliates! 

If you like to kick off the holiday season by getting your shop on, you’ll want to check out this Groupon to the Victorian County Christmas! Note that I’ve never been to this, and I didn’t take the time to read the fine print, but I know this is a favorite tradition for many of you, so I wanted to be sure you saw it, as you can get tickets for basically half-off.

And, if you time it right, you can also see the lighting of the Extreme Scream, “Christmas Tree,”

The Groupon is valid December 2nd-4th, but Not on Saturday and Sunday. If you go on the 2nd, you can see the Extreme Scream, “Christmas Tree,” lighting and enjoy some free refreshments and Santa’s arrival!  The tree lighting will be at 5:15, and you do need a ticket to the Victorian Country Christmas to see it up close.

You might also want to go to the North Pole at the Fair and get your kids’ Santa pics while you’re there. Note that these are separate events this year, so you’ll need tickets to each if you want to do them both. The North Pole At the Fair is here.

Head here to check out the Victorian County Christmas Groupon.  This did sell out last year, so don’t wait too long, but as always, do read the fine print!

For more fun deals, you can check our Deal of the Day page!

And, just for fun…..here are some Extreme Scream Tree facts from our friends at the fair!

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