Updated for 2018!
February in Western Washington can be a gloomy time of year! We suggest getting some fun things to do with the kids on the calendar to fight off those winter blahs! Here’s this month’s, “Hot list.”
1. Put your dancing shoes on!
Do you have a little girl who would enjoy a special evening with dad? There are still a few daddy/daughter dances left. See our list here and scroll down as they’re organized by date!
3. Visit Point Defiance for free!
February 22nd is a free day at the zoo for City of Tacoma residents. You can see the list of all the free days for 2018 here.
On Thursday and Fridays, you can also catch the Critter Club for an additional fee. The Critter Club is an hour long special treat for preschool age kids where they get to learn about biofacts, hear a story, do a craft, participate in an activity, and visit with a live animal! This month kiddos can attend Fur & Feathers on February 22nd or 23rd.
4. Visit NW Trek for Kids ‘n’ Critters Weekend
NW Trek is running a special for Kids ‘n’ Critters Weekend where up to four children are admitted free with each paying adult, Get all the details on FREE Kids Admission to NW Trek.
5. Catch a FREE Movie at the Grand Cinema
Did you know that every 3rd Saturday of the month, the Grand Cinema offers a FREE Family Flick? The doors open at 9:30am for the 10:00am showing. Seating is first-come, first-served and is limited to the first 100 in attendance. All children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. This month’s pick is Paddington on February 17th.
6. Visit a Local Museum for FREE
Most museums hosts a FREE day at least once a month. Check out our post Free and Cheap Museum Going Around the South Sound. for a round up of free days, plus info. on how you can go free any day with a library pass! It’s a great winter activity.
7. Hunt for Monkeyshines
Chinese New Year is February 16th this year. Traditionally that’s the time to start hunting for monkeyshines!
No clue what I’m talking about? Head here!
8. Take a Family Nature Walk
Tacoma Nature Center staff lead families on free naturalist-led walks through Tacoma Parks, where you can discover amazing plants and animals of the northwest. Pre-registration is required, but the walks are FREE. Sign up for McKinley Park on Saturday, February 17th. Link also has info. on their other programs for young children and families. All are excellent and tend to fill fast. Want to find your own adventure?
10. Introduce Your Child to Live Theater
Several of our favorite area theaters have new shows for kids this month. Olympia Family Theater is showing 3 Impossible Questions, plus their youth theater has two special performances of The Three Little Pigs.
TMP is showing Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical
Little bit older kids might enjoy the classic Oliver at Sumner ManeStage
Pinocchio is playing in Auburn
This time of year a lot of schools also have productions. This is a great way to introduce your kiddos to live theater for less! Call your area middle or high school to see if they’re doing something family friendly.
11. Meet Up with Friends at Wiggle Works
There is always something fun going on at WiggleWorks. Think about joining them on the 16th for their rock painting party-a great way to get in on this fun trend without covering your own house in paint.
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Here are some other ideas to help you plan for fun in February:
South Sound Places to Play in the Snow