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Archives for March 2016

Best Summer Road Trips Within 3 Hours of the South Sound

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Note from SFM: Many of these day trips are great all year, but some are best reserved for the summer, so do a bit of research before you gas up the car!

Are you looking to take a day trip with your kiddos this summer? We’ve rounded up some favorite road trips within 3 hours or so of Tacoma and the greater South Sound. Many are do-able as day trips, though others would be better as overnights. Even if you splurge on a hotel room for an evening it’s cheaper than airfare, right? We’d love to hear about your favorite kid friendly day trips and road trips from the South Sound, too!

Best Summer Roadtrips from Tacoma

1. Mt St Helens

Best Summer roadtrips from Tacoma

Photo courtesy of USDA Forest Service

If your kiddos are as mesmerized by volcanos as mine are, take them to a real, live one! Summer is the ideal time to head to Mt. St. Helens as the roads are more accessible. A great place to start with kiddos in tow is the Forest Learning Center, where admission is FREE. There’s a play area, elk viewing area, virtual helicopter tour, amazing views of the mountain, trailheads and more! If you want to hike the Ape Caves be sure to read our post on that! 

2. Vashon or Bainbridge by Ferry

Roadtrips with kids Seattle

Take a definitively northwest excursion by getting on a boat!  Take a ferry to Vashon from Pt. Defiance. Explore the island and be sure to check out the lighthouse on Maury Island or find the bike that’s growing out of a tree. Or, drive to Seattle and take the ferry to Bainbridge. On the island, Battle Point Park boasts over 90 acres of outdoor playspace with jogging trails, ponds, wide open spaces, and an awesome playground. If your kiddos are into military history, Fort Ward Park offers easy to traverse walking trails that lead to World War II era bunkers and military grounds. For the preschool set, check out the KiDiMu-Kids Discovery Musuem, which is free on the first Thursday of each month from 10:00am-4:00pm.

3. Bremerton

Drive south around the Sound to Bremerton, where kids will enjoy the excitement of climbing aboard the USS Turner Joy, a real live naval destroyer. The Undersea Naval Museum and The Bug Museum are also great, and there are fun parks and a fountain to play in on the waterfront.

4. Fox Hollow Farm in Issaquah

Visit Fox Hollow Farm with your young animal lovers. There are animals to pet, a creek to play in, plus inflatables for bouncing and much more. It’s great for little kids. Remlinger Farms in Carnation offers similar down home fun great for young children. Neither spot its a total bargain, but you can have a very full day of fun at these farms.  I guarantee the kids will get plenty tired out! We have a complete review of Fox Hollow Farm here. It’s an older post but will still give you a good idea of what to expect.

5.  Jetty Island

Best Summer Roadtrips from Tacoma

Jetty Island Foot Ferry

Jetty Island in Everett  is a beautiful, two mile long island that has a massive, man-made sandbar great for playing and exploring. The adventure is made even more fun by a 2 minute foot ferry ride! The kids can spend hours playing, digging, building and exploring on the sandbar and shallow water. Read our full review of a trip to Jetty Island-it’s an older post but will still give you a good idea of what to expect.

6. Downtown Seattle

The kids will get a kick out of the simple pleasures such as exploring Pike Place Market, the Gum Wall, and the Olympic Sculpture Park. Pack up your bikes and take a waterside ride through Myrtle Edwards Park. Top it all off with a trip to iconic Dick’s Burgers for cheap burgers and milkshakes. If you want to head to the Seattle Center, you can take the monorail which brings you straight to the amazing new playground, Artists at Play. The big kids won’t be able to resist climbing this huge structure that allows kids to safely push their limits. The salmon will be swimming and are so fun to watch as they climb up the fish ladder. And, a child of any age will love watching the boats passing through the locks.

If you’re still looking for more to do in the city , visit all kinds of museum for FREE the first Thursday of each month:

My kiddos are very fond of the MOHAI!

Our pal Angela at The Coupon Project also has a Massive list of frugal things to do in Seattle that would be perfect for your staycation!

Spring break road trips from Tacoma Seattle

7. Port Townsend

Take a drive to Port Townsend, where Victorian buildings and a maritime atmosphere transport you back in time. Explore all of the quirky shops in the downtown area and grab a bite to eat before heading to Fort Worden. This 433 acre state park was originally the location of a United States Army installation, and much of the history is preserved. Explore the abandoned bunkers, Officer’s Row, the Point Wilson lighthouse and the Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum.

8. Snoqualmie

Spring break road trips from Tacoma Seattle

Whenever I have visitors in town, I take them to Snoqualmie Falls, along with 1.5 million other visitors every year. The observation deck is recently renovated and includes a 0.7 mile trail to the bottom of the Falls. The trail is kid and pet friendly and includes lots of interpretative plaques about native plants. If you want to make more of the drive, head to the Northwest Railway Musuem where you can visit a Victorian train depot. You can also take a ride on the train on the weekends. We’re working on a post on visiting the falls now. One thing to know: The hike to the bottom is super cool and kid friendly, IF you and the kids are in reasonably o.k. shape. It’s short but the way back is all uphill. I made it just fine, but I was a bit of a sweaty mess by the top. I’m working on getting back into shape……More detailed post coming soon.

 9. Leavenworth

If Canada doesn’t feel like you’ve really left the country, try the Bavarian village of Leavenworth. There is lots to do with kids including an 18 hole Bavarian themed mini golf, a nutcracker museum, and Rocky Reach Dam. You can also take a family friendly hike through Icicle Gorge. If your kids want to take a peak at a real live operating candy factory, visit Washington’s own Liberty Orchards in Cashmere on the way there to see where Aplets and Cotlets are made! And, yes, there are samples.

10.  The Coast

Spring break road trips from Tacoma Seattle

While a tropical beach may out of reach for your family this summer, you can still visit the Pacific Ocean! Ocean Shores has lots of small town charm and views of the ocean for days. While the water is a little on the chilly side, my kids don’t seem to mind at all!

11. Portland

Hop on southbound I-5 and take in all the weirdness that Portland has to offer. A trip to the incredible science museum, OMSI (only $2 on the first Sunday of each month) capped off with a visit to Voodoo Doughnuts is more than worth the drive. If you are really feeling like an adventure, hop on board an Amtrak train rather than driving yourself.

12.  Crystal Mountain

Best Summer Roadtrips from Tacoma

Catch breathtaking views of the mountain and blooming wildflowers while riding a gondola up Crystal Mountain! This unique experience is perfect for visiting friends who want an up close view of Rainier! Read our full review of the Crystal Mountain Gondola.

13. The San Juan Islands

One of the most picturesque locales in the PNW are the San Juan Islands. You’ll have to take a ferry there, but that’s half the fun! San Juan Island offers the most amenities with the historic seaport of Friday Harbor, where there are lots of little restaurants, art galleries, and quaint shops. Travel farther inland and explore former military outposts and hikes with breathtaking views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Best of all? Summer is an awesome time for whale watching as pods feed on salmon. This is best as a multi day trip during mid week if you can swing it.

14. The Olympic Peninsula

If you’re looking to explore the area’s natural beauty, you can’t go wrong with Olympic National Park. Stop in at the Visitor’s Center which has lots of to discover just for kids. Then, make a drive into the park to explore 360 degree picturesque views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. There are a variety of easy hikes from the Visitor’s Center at Hurricane Ridge that provide views that are worth the trek. Sequim and The Olympic Game Farm (A drive thru animal tour) could be done in a day. Port Angeles is a good place for an overnight if you want to take in Hurricane Ridge and area attractions. If you want to do the Whole Olympic Peninsula and go out to the rainforest, a three day loop is a good plan.

 15. Hovender Homestead Park in Ferndale

Drive north to Ferndale for a day at the Hovander Homestead Park in Whatcom County.  This picturesque park boasts all kinds of opportunities to explore the history of pioneer farming, as well as the beauty of the surroundings. With nearly 350 miles and over a mile of river frontage, you can explore trails, antique farming equipment, live farm animals, a playground with a farming theme, and much more!

Need to keep it local? You can also find much more to explore around the 253 in our South Sound summer guide! 

Just Between Friends Spring Sale!

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It’s almost time for the HUGE spring Just Between Friends sale at the Puyallup fairgrounds!

This is the big kids’ consignment event from the Tacoma JBF, and it happens right down at the fairgrounds in Puyallup, where they fill two floors full of gently used clothing, gear, toys, books, and more!

Shopping Just Between Friends Sale Tacoma Puyallup

If you need to save on duds and equipment for the kids, you don’t want to miss it!

Never shopped this one before? Here’s a post with tips and pics to help you out. Need a ticket to get in FREE? Just head here for those, plus more info. on hours and times. 

The sale runs March 31st -April 3rd. Happy shopping!

Thursday (3/31) Noon-8pm
Friday (4/1) 11am-7pm
Saturday (4/2) 9am-5pm
Sunday (4/3) 8am-2pm
Most Items 50% Off on Sunday!

Washington State Fair Events Center
110 9th Ave SW
Puyallup, WA 98371

FREE parking in the Gold Lot

Half Off, Free Credit On Kids’ Clothes At Schoola

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Need some inexpensive play clothes for your adventures? Schoola, a site that lets you sell gently used kids’ clothing to raise money for schools, is currently offering up to 60% off all their gently used merch. And, if you haven’t shopped with them before, you can get a 20.00 credit!

You may also be offered the opportunity to create a custom collection for another 10.00 in credit (This takes about a minute to do)!  So, that’s up to 30.00 in free credit, and you get to plug in your half off code BEFORE you apply it .

So, add 40.00 worth of clothes to your cart, put in your half off code, and use your credit….. you’re getting at least 40.00 worth of clothes shipped to your door for free. You like free, right? Me, too!

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You’ll get the 20.00 new customer credit automatically when you sign up.   To get half off and free shipping use code HIP2SAVE50. If you want to load up, buy 60.00 worth and get a whopping 60% off and free shipping with the code TAKE60.

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 high for thrifted merch, but you do get to skip the thrift store!

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)  Don’t forget to use HIP2SAVE50 to save 50% off and get free shipping, or TAKE60 to get 60% off and get free shipping! Woot! 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?  This offer has come and gone a few times now. I do think they’re likely to scale back the amount of credit you can earn at some point, so if you like this deal, you may want to get on it. If you’re in charge of school fundraising next year, you may want to look into Schoola. I think it would be a lot easier to get folks to donate clothes than it is to get ’em to sell butter braids!

 

Thanks to Hip2Save for the scoop on this deal

 

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun And Things To Do!

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Happy Friday! Welcome to Sounds Fun Mom, where you’ll find an amazing list of things to do with kids in Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Olympia, and Your South Sound home!

We also have tons to explore when you’re done planning your weekend. Consider using our outdoor adventures tab to take advantage of the sunshine, or you might want to visit our Easter Egg Hunt guide to make your game plan for the big day.

Need something to do with Spring Breakers? We’re here to help, with a whole guide to Spring Break adventures right here! 

South Sound Kid's Calendar

Friday

Bounce Play in Gig Harbor  free inflatable time and conversation for moms and preschoolers and tots  Missed it this week? Follow them on Fb and preregister to hold your spot for next time.

Indoor Park at Pen-Met Indoor Soccer Center in Gig Harbor  Every Friday from 11:15-12:30; toys usually left up longer  2.00/child

Many libraries have story times and fun on Fridays. Here is the Puyallup Public Library site, and here is the PCL site.

Evening, “Pay As You Can,” performance of Peter Rabbit and Me at Olympia Family Theater

Saturday

All Over

There are many Egg Hunts and Easter events today. Please head here to our list if you’re looking for one of those! Yes, it is updated for 2016

When Spring Comes Story Time at most Barnes and Noble stores. 11AM   We do suggest calling your location to confirm, as we have found participation to be inconsistent. There is also a Batman Vs Superman event with activities and giveaways. It’s at 1PM at most stores, but check yours. Also note that some stores are having separate events for children and adults.

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores  2.00/child for 30 minute sessions  It’s tissue paper egg decorating today. There is also a family craft time today at 1PM.

It’s a free Spring Saturday at Washington State Parks! No DiscoverWA pass required.

Keep reading for a whole list of Saturday options organized by area!  [Read more…]

Great Deals On Brick By Brick Lego Event, The Spring Fair, and More Spring Fun!

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I found some great deals on spring fun for you (all the links are our affiliates-thanks for using them if the offers work for you).

First: Big news! The Brick By Brick event is coming back to Freighthouse Square in Tacoma. This is a super fun event featuring a room full of Lego models from master builder Dan Parker and his team at City Blocks, plus all the Lego building your kids can handle.

Lego expo in Tacoma

Right now you can get a deal on admission to this fun Lego event by  heading here to get the Brick By Brick admission deal at Groupon.

Not sure if it’s for you? Head here to our post and review on the last Brick By Brick event. We have lots of pictures, too, to give you an idea of what to expect.

Not fancy enough for you? I also found a great deal  on tickets to Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet from Evergreen City Ballet. This looks so cute! It did sell out last year, so don’t wait long if you want in on that one.

Olympia Hands on Children's Museum

Got littles? There is also a great Groupon to the Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia.  This would be a super spring break destination. If you’re really watching your pennies this break (Hey, we get that!) you’ll want to check out our post on free museum going.

Images from the WA State Fair in Puyallup, Wash. (Photos by Patrick Hagerty) This year's fair opens Friday!

Images from the WA State Fair in Puyallup, Wash. (Photos by Patrick Hagerty) This year’s fair opens Friday!

And, finally, we also found you a Groupon offer to the Spring Fair. This one is definitely worth checking out if your kids like to do lots of rides or games. We’ll also be giving away some admission tickets next week (Hint, Hint), so don’t forget to check back!

As always, with all Groupons and deal site offers, make sure to read the fine print and only get in on deals that work for you!

We also have a whole Spring Break Guide with many more ideas just one post down! You got this!

Spring Break in the South Sound

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Updated for 2018

Sticking around the South Sound for Spring Break?  Sounds Fun Mom is here to make sure you don’t go crazy trying to figure out what to do with your Spring Breakers for an entire week!

Scroll down for enough fun ideas to get you through a week and then some whether you have little or big kids!

We have ideas by day and then some fun that works anytime!

Spring Break fun with Kids Tacoma

All Week/Multiple Days

Learning Express Toys in Renton has some activities planned including mixing, “Thinking putty,” “Frost a Sweetling,” and an LOL Trading Party.

The White River Valley Museum in Auburn is offering free admission to Auburn School District students this week. Out of district? Their regular admission is very reasonable, and this little museum has a ton for kids to look at and do. They’re open Wed – Sun from Noon – 4pm. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday there will also be pop-up storytimes and crafts.

The stream at the  East Bay Public Plaza by the Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia is open in case your kids want to splash in something besides puddles. Do check their fb page for updates before you head out. Scheduled hours are 10AM-6PM

Kids paint free at The Makery this week

Kids Paint Free Spring Break Special! NO RESERVATION NEEDED. This is first come, first served during our Open Paint Weekday Hours. 🙂 One Free Kids sign with Adult Sign purchase. Additional may be purchased at a discounted price. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10-2

The Parrot Lady will be visiting Debbie Dolittle’s Indoor Petting Zoo the 10th, and 12th.  Her show is included with your regular admission. Check their site for details. You may also want to read our review of this fun spot here. It has a new name and slightly different hours/rates now, but the pictures and info. will give you a good idea of what to expect otherwise.

Pump It Up has morning open jump times Mondays-Thursdays

Tiffany’s Skate Inn has specials all week.

Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm in Olympia is having, “Customer Appreciation,” all April.

Monday, April 9th

The Tacoma Rainiers are playing tonight.

Tuesday, April 10th

STEM at the library. PCL branches are doing some really cool, drop in activities this week. If you have questions or want to confirm times, call your branch directly, as their calendar is currently off line for updates.

  • Explore Your World: Density Towers at the Eatonville Library 3:30-4:30 for kids ages 8 and up

Explore STEM at your library! Discover the densities of different liquids by creating a density tower and explore the density of everyday objects.

  • Explore Your World: Microscopes at the Dupont Library 4-5PM all ages; under 6 should bring a grown up

Explore STEM at your library! Get a peek of the microscopic world using our scopes and slides.

Pretzels and Puzzles at the Kent Library 

2-4PM Please pass the pretzels! Pop in with your pals for a pleasant afternoon spent puzzling over a plethora of puzzles for young and old. Pretzels, brain teasers and jigsaw puzzles provided. Prepare to be perplexed!

Building Club at the Auburn Library 2-3 Drop in and build with Legos and other fun building tools.

Wednesday, April 11th

Free day for City of Tacoma residents at the Point Defiance Zoo

Visitors who live within the city limits of Tacoma will be admitted free! Please bring proof of City of Tacoma residency (current driver’s license or photo ID and utility bill)

Story Hour at the Seymour Conservatory at Wright Park 11-12

Join Bonnie Beaudoin in the tropical atmosphere of the Conservatory for storytelling along with a short hands-on art project.

This month featuring Flower Gardens: Miss Lady Bird’s Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America by Kathi Appelt
Art: Flower Bookmark; Suggested donation: $3 Photo courtesy of Metro Parks Tacoma

STEM at the library. PCL branches are doing some really cool, drop in activities this week. If you have questions or want to confirm times, call your branch directly, as their calendar is currently off line for updates.

  • Explore Your World: Microscopes at the Parkland/Spanaway Library

Explore STEM at your library! Look at the microscopic world using magnifying glasses and microscopes.

Explore Your World: Egg Engineers at the Summit Library 11-12 Kids under 8 should bring a grown up.

Explore STEM at your library! Learn about the important role of inventors as you engineer safe landings for eggs
dropped from an alarming height.

  • Explore Your World: Stream Table at the UP Library 2:30-3:30

Explore STEM at your library. What happens when water meets land? Find out with our hands-on stream table!

Science Magic with Jeff Evans at the Summit Library 3-4PM

Magic tricks can be explained by science and Jeff has been fascinated with science experiments and demonstrations since he was a child. He brings science and magic together to spread amazement and the desire to learn to youth. Note from SFM: Jeff is great! Highly recommended! The PCL calendar is currently off line; contact the library directly with questions or to confirm the time.

KING FM’s Instrument Petting Zoo at the Kent Library 11AM-1PM; all ages are welcome!

Curious what it’s like to hold a violin bow or try a clarinet? Now you and your family can find out! Through this hands-on program you can touch, hear and play many instruments and be introduced to the world of music!

Ozobots – Program Miniature Robots Using Color

at the Swasey Library 4-6PM Registration required.

Thursday, April 12th

Minecraft Young Builders at the Puyallup Public Library

Make sure to call first to see if there are still spots.

Spring Break Crafternoon at the Summit Library 1-3PM

Choose your own crafting adventure! Try sewing, paper circuits, Perler beads, duct tape and more.

Math and Marbles Madness at the South Hill Library 6:30-8:30

Have fun learning about math and motion with the library’s tangram blocks, marble ramp and more!

We’ll have ideas for Friday up in our regular weekend list. That goes up on our home page Friday mid-morning. Or get it sooner as an email newsletter. Those go out on Thursdays.

Read on for more fun ideas for your spring break staycation or anytime!

Any Week Destinations and Ideas

We’ve also rounded up some favorite ideas that are fun for the whole family any week!

Cool Pools

Pools in Tacoma, Federal Way, Auburn, Eatonville

Indoor Play

Indoor playgrounds tacoma

Bargain Flicks

where to see kid's movies on the cheap tacoma

 

Outside Adventures

Here are some of our favorite posts for opting outside:

 Get Cultured At A Museum For FREE!

how to go to museums for free seattle and tacoma

Check out a free museum pass from your local library! Yep, just use your card and get in free to popular choices like the Washington State History Museum.  Or head to the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, which is always pay as you will.

The Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia is well worth the trip from anywhere (and aren’t you lucky if you’re close by!). They have special activities planned for all area spring break weeks including science demonstrations and live animal visits. This spot is free to EBT card holders (this post has info. on other discounts as well).

Plan a Playdate

Plan a meet up with your pals at a local park or your favorite indoor spot. Create a Facebook event and invite anyone who can show up at a specific day/time. This is a fun way to see lots of folks at once, and it’s a built in play date for the kids. One suggestion? Our lovely sponsor WiggleWorks offers discounts when you come with friends on Mondays, or call for a group rate if you want to get the whole gang together another time. They even have a room where you could hold your book club  or whatever….

Sip and Play

Kid Friendly Coffee Shops Tacoma

If you need an escape from the house and want to drink some strong coffee while doing that, check out one of our favorite Five Kid Friendly Coffee Shops in the South Sound.

 

Visit Mommy or Daddy at work for lunch

Let your kiddos see what the grown ups in their lives do when they’re not at home! It’s a fun way to break up the work day for mom or dad and fun for kids to see somewhere different for lunch and exploration.

 Take a Day Trip

We have 15 fun trips within 3 hours of Tacoma in this post. Many would also make for good overnights. We did originally write this post for the summer, so check the links carefully as some of them may not be, “In season,” yet-save those for your summer adventures!

And, as always we’ll also have lots more fun here at the site including our huge weekend events lists each Friday. You might also want to explore our 100 Places To Go In the South Sound round up. Our contributor, Tiffany, has been working hard on this, and it’s all spiffed up and better than ever. New here? I hope you’ll think about  subscribing to our emails, joining us on Facebook, or following Sounds Fun Mom on Twitter or Instagram.

 

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun And Things To Do March 18th-20th!

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Looking for an egg hunt or Easter happening with the kids this weekend? Or maybe you just want to get out and enjoy the sunshine? We have a complete list of events right here! Want just bunny business? Here is our Easter Guide. For more family friendly events around Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Olympia, and wherever you call home in the South Sound…..read on!

 

South Sound Kid's Calendar

Ongoing

Want to go sledding or play in the snow? Here’s our guide!   As of this writing,  the snow play area at Paradise is open until the 27th of March, but we suggest you double check weather and road conditions before heading to any of these spots.

Friday

Indoor Park at Pen-Met Indoor Soccer Center in Gig Harbor  Every Friday from 11:15-12:30; toys usually left up longer  2.00/child They also have a time on Tuesday mornings-9:45, I believe. For ages 2-5

Bounce Play in Gig Harbor  Free inflatable time for preschoolers and social time for parents hosted by Harbor Christian Church Missed it this week? You can reserve for next time-details on their fb page.

Kids’ Takeover at Wiggleworks  Supervised play and fun for your kids! Plus pizza! Registration and fees required.

Saturday

All Over

When Spring Comes Story Time at most Barnes and Noble stores. 11AM   We do suggest calling your location to confirm, as we have found participation to be inconsistent. There is also a Batman Vs Superman event with activities and giveaways. It’s at 1PM at most stores, but check yours. Also note that some stores are having separate events for children and adults.

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores  2.00/child for 30 minute sessions  It’s tissue paper egg decorating today. There is also a family craft time today at 1PM.

It’s a free day at Washington State Parks!   Thanks to our pals at ThriftyNorthwestMom for the reminder!

South King County

Easter photos with bunnies at A Place for Pets in Burien

Visit the HCC Mast Center  at Redondo   The center and its touch tanks of sea critters are free and open to the public every Saturday from 10-2

Egg Palooza at the Federal Way Community Center egg hunt, pictures, fun and games. Sponsored by Keller Williams Realty.

“Splash Into Spring,” event at Highline Athletic Club in Burien with (sponsors!) British Swim School: Family swim from 12-1:30;Watch swim lessons from 9-12;Special promotions at the club;Free admission for guests all day  More information at 425-318-7390 or email goswimseattle@britishswimschool.com  Mention SFM and get free bonus classes when you sign up for lessons! We’ve heard about kids progressing here faster than they did in months of lessons elsewhere. Awesome!

 

Puyallup/South Hill/Sumner/Greater Pierce

A Gathering of Families event at the Karshner Museum in Puyallup  a celebration of indigenous cultures with performances, activities, and more. Frybread food truck will be on hand with items for sale.

Block Play at the Graham Library at 10AM

Lego My Library at the Puyallup Public Library  Stories and Lego building time 11AM

Open house at Puyallup South Cooperative Preschool 10-12 tour the school; meet teacher, Miss Rachel

Keep reading for Tacoma listings and MORE! [Read more…]

Contests for Kids at the Spring Fair!

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I don’t know if I’m allowed to say this, but I actually prefer the Spring Fair to the big one in the fall. It’s got that down home, old-fashioned feel, with all the things I love best about the fair-like baby animals and hobby displays-and less of the things I can do without-like crazy crowds and manic noise. I also love all the free things the Spring Fair offers for kids and families.

Egg Drop Contest

If you’re a Spring fair fan too, you might want to see if your kids would be interested in entering one of the Creative Kids contests. Admit it: Haven’t you been coveting one of those big, fluffy ribbons for years?

Many school groups enter, but any child age 6-15 can enter as an individual, and there is a huge variety of categories from crafting to baking to egg dropping! You can read all the categories and rules here, and you can enter online here. Know some homeschoolers or kids who need a project for Spring Break? Pass it on! 

Photo property of The Fair. Provided by our friends with The Fair for this post, but not to be used without permission elsewhere.

 

 

Meet a Mom Around the Sound: Stacy in Tumwater

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We are so grateful for all of the amazing Moms who are dedicated readers of Sounds Fun Mom!  In our new feature, Moms Around the Sound, we will be highlighting some of these women and sharing their lives with you.

First up is Stacy from Tumwater. She tells us about the unique name her family has come up with to describe their ethnicity, her thoughts on helicopter parenting, and her family’s favorite spots in the Olympia area.
Moms around
Tell Us About Your Family
We are a family of three living in Tumwater, Washington.  We are a tri-racial family and we affectionately say that our 4-year old is “Euro-black-anese”.  Daddy manages a family-owned business in Olympia and Mommy is a full time mom and part-time veterinarian.
Moms Around the Sound
Tell us about yourself. What Are Your Passions, dreams or goals?
I am passionate about women and children having access to safe and enriching environments and excellent educational opportunities to allow them to reach their potential.  For this reason, I am involved with empowerment and STEM (science, technology, education and math) activities for girls, I serve of the board of Junior League of Olympia that focuses on prevention of child abuse and the development of the potential of women, and I organized a preschool Spanish language class.  As a child, someone saw potential in me and helped to cultivate it.  I hope to do that for my daughter and other children in our community.  If there are other parents in the South Sound who have similar passions, I would be happy to get you plugged in!
Moms Around the Sound
How Would You Describe Your Parenting Style? What parts of parenting have been most rewarding, surprising, or challenging for you? 

On the inside, I would consider myself one of those “helicopter” parents always policing and preventing injury.  I try hard to subdue this maternal instinct and provide my daughter freedom to explore and falter.  I encourage my daughter to be empathetic while also expressing her opinion.  As a family, we strive to respect her opinions and encourage her emotional intelligence.  But, no parent is perfect, right?

My daughter can be spirited, energetic and ready to spontaneously sing and dance.  This was challenging for me when I wanted her to be still and quiet.  I now accept her “rock and roll” attitude and let her perform in restaurants, at concerts, and at family functions.  She’s unstoppable and I embrace her captivating personality.  So if you see a curly haired preschooler belting out Disney tunes in public, please come laugh and clap with with me.
Moms Around the Sound
Tell us about your community. What about your town do you love? 

I love the fact that there are plenty of family-friendly activities.  It’s a great place to raise a family and the non-profit community is strong. The hipster coffee-loving culture also helps me feel guilt-free when I go out to brunch in a disheveled pony tail wearing yesterday’s jeans with our library picture books and board game to order a latte and gluten free breakfast.  It’s all good in Olympia!

Tell us about your favorite South Sound things. What are the go-to spots for your family? 
We love to dine at La Gitana where my daughter dances along with the flamenco dancers.  The Hands On Childrens Museum houses endless activities and fun!  We also love to take a summer walking tour of downtown Olympia visiting the farmers market, Percival Landing Park, the “spray fountain”, Captain Little toy store and of course, Grandpa’s ice cream parlor.  In the winter we like to grab a meal at Ramblin Jacks (great kids menu) and catch a show at Olympia Family Theater.  Our favorite musician is Caspar Baby Pants and we love to travel around the area to see his concerts.  Year round on Thursday mornings, we participate in the Habla Canta y Juega Preschool Spanish Class.  The weekly play-based class is hosted at the non-profit CIELO and is taught by a charismatic native Spanish speaking teacher.

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We hope you were inspired by Stacy and her family. If you live in the Olympia and are interested in registering your child for Habla Canta y Juega Preschool Spanish Class, they have room for more friends! Email Stacy at stacy.johnson.dvm@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more

And, if you know of some great moms around the Sound that have things to share, send us an email at soundsfunmom@gmail.com. We are on the lookout to highlight more of our awesome readers in the area.

If you’re interested in checking out some of the awesome happenings that Stacy mentioned, be sure to connect with Sounds Fun Mom on Facebook, or get our posts delivered straight to your inbox. We post about activities around the Sound, including the free concerts from Caspar Babypants, the awesome shows at Olympia Family Theater, and you can discover how to get into the Hands on Children’s Museum for FREE.

*This interview was edited for length.

Open A Munny Bunny Account For Your Young Savers At WSECU

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Are your kids spenders or savers?

Henry tends to spends money just as soon as he gets it, so I was excited to learn about Munny Bunny accounts from our friends at WSECU-the cutest way I know to teach your kids about the power of saving!

Munny Bunny accounts are just for kids from birth to age 12.

When your child opens one, she’ll get a special plush Munny Bunny toy and journal. Seriously-How cute is that??

MunnyBunny_pic new

Use the journal to track all kinds of firsts, and help your child see how quickly a little money can add up with regular deposits. If you want to help out, you can set up regular deposits and transfers.

Your child gets to open the account in his own name, with his own social security number. Besides helping your kids develop an important life skill, it’s an easy vehicle to save for your child’s future. Or ask Grandma and Grandpa to add to it instead of giving them one more toy destined to be forgotten.

Because this is a special account just for young savers, there is a super low opening deposit and minimum balance of just 5.00. Oh, and there are no monthly fees. It’s never too soon to start becoming a saver!

Henry is so proud to have his own account, and for the first time he is more interested in seeing his savings grow than figuring out how fast he can spend his money. If your kids don’t have their own savings accounts yet, I’d really encourage you to give it a try.

To help your child open a Munny Bunny savings account of her very own, just stop by any WSECU branch (there’s one near you!), or call 800 562 0999 for more information. I promise it’s super easy!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. We can’t bring you the site without our awesome community partners. If you get the chance to mention Sounds Fun Mom, we’d appreciate it!