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Archives for November 2015

Kids Get In Free At Northwest Trek In December!

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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.

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

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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.

Northwest Kids Gift Guide

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Do you have a kiddo who is into all things Pacific Northwest? Or what about a child who you want to send a distinctly northwest gift? Here are some ideas we came up with for kids of all ages, even the adult sized ones.

NW Kids Gift Guide

For the Northwest Adventurer

NW Experience Gift Guide for Kids

Discover Pass 

Get your loved one access to all Washington state parks for all of 2016 for only $33, transferable between 2 vehicles. This is a great gift for an outdoor loving family, especially one new to the area. Passes give you admission to state parks and other state lands all year round and all the adventure you can squeeze into 2016.

NW Kids Gift Guide

All Weather Notebook

Did you know there was such a thing? My kiddo found this one day and desperately wanted it. I made a mental note to put it in his Christmas stocking. Water beads off of this paper that soldiers rave about. Beware, you do need to buy the special pen for best performance.

http://amzn.to/1IfyDGf

Toy Swiss Army Knife

This is a kids’ version of the real thing. For the older kids, you could get them the real deal!

NW Kids Gift Guide

Hydroflask

The double wall vacuum insulated seal on this water bottle is incredible. Keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours. It’s stainless steel, so no icky chemicals to worry about. Awesome for all your northwest adventures, no matter what the season. And, you can get one in different colors for each member of your family.  Coming to you from an Oregon based company, with a lifetime warranty.

NW Kids Gift Guide

Hand Powered Flashlight

This is more than a flashlight! It’s also a weather radio and a phone charger! You can hand crank it or get solar power. When the power goes out at your house, put your kids to work. Or, they can use this when they create a fort in your living room.

NW Kids Gift Guide

Slackline

Tie this rope to two trees and learn how to walk across while balancing. This is a game that is fun for the whole family.

For the Northwest Sports Fanatic

 

Seahawks Youth Licensed Uniform Set

Seahawks Licensed Uniform Set 

My oldest had this on his Christmas list a few years ago, and I am still surprised at how much usage he gets out of it. The helmet itself is worth the price!

Seahawks Pillow Pet

Seahawks Pillow Pet

I didn’t even know this existed, but it is so cute!

Mini Sounders Players

Mini Sounders Players

Highly detailed Sounders players that you can play with!

NW Kids Gift Guide

Mariner’s Knit Hat

Remember when everyone and their mom were wearing hats just like this for the Hawks? Now you can don one with M’s flair!

Safeco Field Tour

Take your baseball fan to tour behind the scences at Safeco Field, to areas such as the press box, luxury suits, and the dugouts. Now only $7 on Groupon if you tour between Tuesday-Friday until December 31.

 

Strideline Seattle Socks for Girls

Strideline Socks

Did you know they make them in cute colors for girls, too?

NW Kids Gift Guide

FIFA 16 Soccer Video Game

If you have a kid in the northwest, chances are they have played soccer. And, chances are they will love a soccer video game.

For the Northwest Animal Lover

Nw Kids Gift Guide

Ranger Rick Magazine

This magazine put out by the National Wildlife Federation is sure to be a hit month after month with your little conservationist.

NW Kids Gift Guide

Stuffed Orca

Give your little one an orca to snuggle with and teach her to love these beautiful creatures of the Pacific Northwest.

NW Gift Guide for Kids

Plush Forest Animal House

Brown Bear, Black Bear, Moose, Frog, Fox all share a home that littles can tote around the house. 

NW Kids Gift Guide

Lego Duplo Forest Fishing Trip

Want your little one to reenact the scene of when you caught the BIG ONE? You’ll need to be sure this set is under the tree!

NW Kids Gift Guide

Where do I sleep? A Pacific Northwest Lullaby 

This delightful book tells the story of where all many native northwest animals spend their nights. At the end of the book, we learn where northwest kids lay their heads to sleep.
NW Kids Gift Guide

S is for Salmon

This beautiful book has striking drawings that even the littlest of kids will appreciate. A modern and uniquely northwest take on an alphabet book.

NW Kids Experience Gift Guide for Kids

Northwest Trek Membership

Membership to NW Trek includes unlimited admission, discounts to Trek programs, and a 20% discount to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. A family membership includes 2 named adults and legal dependents ages (3-18) for $115. 

NW Kids Experience Gift Guide

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Membership

Pet sharks in the aquarium, giggle at the walruses, and explore beautiful marine life of the northwest and beyond all year round. A family membership includes 2 named adults and legal dependents ages (3-18) for $115.NW Kids Experience Gift Guide for Kids

Seattle Aquarium Membership

If you haven’t made the trek up to the Aquarium, you won’t be disappointed by the 9th largest aquarium by attendance in the U.S.  There are lots of touch tanks, a 120,000 gallon aquarium, and all kinds of marine life to ooh and ahh over.

For the Northwest Fun Lover

NW Kids Experience and Gift Guide

Hands On Children’s Museum, Olympia

This award winning museum is  where curiosity, creativity and learning are encouraged through fun and interactive exhibits. Membership includes benefits for 2 named adults, all dependent children in the household through age 17, PLUS 2 additional guests per visit AND three one-time guest passes. You’ll also receive a $15 coupon toward a birthday party and discounted family admission to participating museums around the country.

NW Experience and Gift Guide for Kids

Wild Waves, Federal Way

Get your kiddo a 2016 season pass to Wild Waves for only $49.99 through Tuesday, December 1, 11:59pm. This isn’t just for summer fun! The pass is good year round, with unlimited entrance on all regular operating days from May 2016 – December 2016. That includes access to the water park and amusement park during during Summer, Fright Fest, AND Holiday with Lights. This offer is available online only.

NW Kids Experience and Gift Guide for Kids

Pacific Science Center, Seattle

This museum is packed with fun things for all ages. There’s the Butterfly House, Insect Village, the water play area for the preschool ages, and even a touch tank, not to mention the Planetarium, Imax, and more. Get 10% off membership for Cyber Monday through November 30, 11:59pm.

Tickets to Local Events and Productions

Check Seattle Groupon for local attractions and events:

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If none of those sounds right for your northwest kiddo, what about a gift Certificate to local places kids love, such as Wiggle Works Puyallup, Trampoline Nation in Federal Way, Laser Quest, or a froyo date at Menchie’s. Do you have any ideas to add?

This post contains affiliate links. When you click them, you support this site, but it doesn’t cost you any extra.

Get At Least 40.00 Worth Of Gently Used Kids’ Clothing FREE!

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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!

Schoola picSo, 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

Pacific Northwest Ballet Presents The Nutcracker!

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Are you planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker this season?

There are many Nutcrackers to choose from, but this Seattle performance by the Pacific Northwest Ballet  is the most recognized of them all.  This year is the first presentation of the George Balanchine production of The Nutcracker, including new set designs by illustrator Ian Falconer (of Olivia the Pig fame).

If you want to attend this Nutcracker, be sure to sign up here for  special email offers.  You’ll also be glad to know you can get tickets for as little as 25.00 to some performances-just check their home page for those special dates-no promo codes required.

You may also want to look for  discount tickets to the Nutcracker on ticket discounter Goldstar. Link takes you to last year’s, but this year’s shows will be right below it and in the sidebar. You’ll want to compare these deals to the deals you can get on the PNB site with the links in the ads at the top and bottom of this post.

 

And, just for fun, you’ll also want to share some Nutcracker fun facts with your aspiring ballerinas and young culture vultures! Read on for these super fun details sent over from our PNB friends. Sharing them before you go will make seeing the show in person even more magical!

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ by the Numbers

Mother Ginger

The Costumes

  • There are 174 velvet diamonds and 322 jewels on the Harlequin costume.
  • 640:     Black pompoms on the eight Polichinelle costumes. 
  • 697:     Petals on the Waltz of the Flowers costumes. 
  • 10 feet and 60 pounds: The width and weight of Mother Ginger’s skirt.
  • 175:     Number of snaps on the Mother Ginger costume.
  • 4,000:  Holes cut by hand to create the lace “doily” tutus and headpieces for the Marzipan costumes.
  • 300:     Jewels hand-sewn on the two Arabian (peacock) headpieces.
  • 500:     Yards of tubular horsehair used for the Party Mothers’ hairpieces.
  • 1,428:  Cabochons sewn onto the Spanish women’s costumes. 
  • 2,568:  Appliques machine-sewn on the seven Spanish dresses.

1. Drosselmeier, Clara and Nutcracker sketch by Ian Falconer 2014

The Scenery

  • There are 22 painted drops. 
  • 3,000 square yards of fabric were used in the creation of the scenery.
  • 343 gallons of paint were used in the painting of the scenery.
  • The corridor scrim at the top of the show depicts Nutcracker historical figures Alexander Dumas, E.T.A. Hoffman, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov, George Balanchine, and Lincoln Kirstein.
  • An actual walnut was used to model the construction and painting of the Nut Boat.
  • It took 400 hours to build the Christmas tree.  At its full height it stands 40 feet.  There are 450 lights on it.
  • 30 cubic feet of “snow” will be deployed during the Act I Snow scene, per performance.

Mice

The Mice

  • 98 yards of “fur” have been used to create the mice. They have a total of 230 whiskers. Each adult tail consists of 25 segments. Each ear is made up of six pieces.
  • Laid end-to-end, the mice’s upper lips total 782 inches.

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South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun And Things To Do November 27th-29th!

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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. No Photo courtesy of Watson's Nursery

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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Fantasy Lights

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Here’s all the information on Fantasy Lights for 2018, including how to get this year’s Fantasy Lights coupon and the half off nights this year.

If you’re new to the area, you may not know about this Lakewood area light display, so here’s all the scoop!

Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Lake is a drive-thru light show that is one of the Tacoma area’s favorite family holiday traditions.

This year it runs Nov. 22, 2018-Jan. 1, 2019 from 5:30-9:00 p.m.

It’s the only light display in the area you can drive-thru, and if you have young children, I can’t say enough about how nice it is to ooh and aah from the comfort of your cozy car!

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Top 13 Ideas for #OptOutside Black Friday with Kids

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Have you heard about REI’s campaign for folks to #OptOutside on Black Friday?

We love this idea, and are sure many of our readers will love it, too. So, we’ve gathered some of our best posts for things you might want to do on Black Friday OTHER than shopping with the masses.

In all likelihood, you’ll have to brave some wind and rain to attempt any of these adventures. But, we are sure you tough Northwest folk can do it!   Bundle up, grab some hand warmers, pack some hot cocoa in a thermos, and head out for some adventure!
#OptOutside13

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The BEST Apps For Kids!

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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.

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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!

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun And Things To Do November 20th-22nd!

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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.

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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Victorian Country Christmas On Groupon: Plus, See The Extreme Scream “Tree,” Lighting!

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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.

Victorian County Christmas

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

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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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