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Archives for May 2016

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Things To Do and Family Fun for May 27th-30th!

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South Sound Kid's Calendar

Friday

Family nature walk at Point Defiance Park 4:30 not suitable for strollers; perfect for 3 and up. Free, but space is limited, so registration is appreciated.

Saturday

All Over

 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. Activities follow

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores  2.00/child for 30 minute sessions 10-12 It’s a patriotic banner today (Red, white, and blue felt stars).

South King County

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

Puyallup/South Hill/Sumner/Greater Pierce

It’s tent sale time at The Old Cannery all weekend  balloon animals, old-time photos, free hot dogs, and fun

Yes, the sprayground by the library will be on! The Farmer’s Market is always fun, too.

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

Great Camps For Creative Kids From Bricks 4 Kidz!

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Sometimes I feel like my kids are purposefully coming up with impossible challenges for me.

Like the year my older son wanted a giant squid themed birthday party. Don’t bother looking for that one at the party store!

I always feel a sense of, “Mom triumph,” when I solve one of these challenges.

Just the other day, Henry said, “I want to go to a summer camp to make stop action movies.”

Was I phased? Nope. I knew our friends at Brickz for Kids would have something like that.

Bam! Check it out! I bet he thought he was going to stump me!

Stop action movie making camp in Tacoma

Other fun themes include MineCraft, robotics, superheroes, and many more! There is a cool camp for every Lego lover! Henry has done several Bricks 4 Kidz camps, and he has had a great time at every one. We’ve always found the instructors to be fun and caring, and he loves learning new techniques and getting to build, build, build! It’s much more than just playing with Lego (although he’d be fine with that)!  You can check out all their camp choices right here!   I think you’ll love them as much as we do.

Mojang © 2009-2013. “Minecraft” is a trademark of Notch Development AB which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse these programs. This is a sponsored post. The opinions are my own. I would love for you to mention Sounds Fun Mom when you check out any of the businesses who help us bring you this site! 

Puyallup Sprayground Opens!

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Hey, Puyallup, wondering when your sprayground will open?

The sprayground-splash pad has had periodic openings already, but it will officially open for the season on May 26th with a summer kick off party at 5PM.

After that, it will have daily hours beginning May 27th!

Puyallup sprayground

The sprayground is right by the downtown library (Get your books first because wet kiddos and books don’t mix)!

There is also a fun playground with Big slides at Pioneer Park, and on weekends there is one of the area’s best farmer’s markets, which means this place is hopping!

The sprayground isn’t huge, but it’s plenty of fun. My son and his pal had a ball there on one of those really hot days a couple of weeks ago. There are fountain things for little ones to walk by and over, and there are some interactive, overhead features that can dump a Lot of water when kids get them going.

All the kids I saw were having a ball! Tomorrow’s event will also include vendors and other kick-off style fun!

Tomorrow’s event will go on rain or shine unless there is an outright downpour, in which case it will be canceled.

Check the parks Facebook page for updates.

If you’re wondering where to park on a busy day, I suggest the parking garage at city hall, which has ample, underused public parking. You can also find street parking. Parking by the spray park itself will be next to impossible. I don’t recommend changing at the library for various reasons, so my suggestion is you do all your dry play first, then enjoy the spray park, and bring dry stuff they can easily throw over their suits in the car or whatever….If  you’ve got a better routine, let me know!

Thanks to Puyallup dad and city councilman, Tom Swanson for the photos!

South Sound Vacation Bible Schools

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2018 South Sound Vacation Bible School List *2019 update is in progress*

Need something fun for your kids to do this summer? Consider finding them one or more weeks of VBS with our South Sound Vacation Bible School guide! This year we have organized our Vacation Bible School list by area-South King County; Puyallup; Tacoma; Gig Harbor and Olympia.

A few notes about this guide:

  • We have provided links so you can confirm details. While we strive for 100% accuracy, in lists of this size mistakes can happen. Many churches use the same online registration site, so please make sure you’re registering for the one you want!
  • While there are still some free Vacation Bible Schools, most now ask for a small fee but also offer scholarships.
  • Register for any VBS you’re interested in soon. Preschool groups, in particular, tend to fill fast.
  • Know a VBS we should add? Instructions for how to do that are at the bottom of this list!

South King County Vacation Bible Schools- Includes Vacation Bible Schoosl in Federal Way, Renton, and Auburn

Calvary Lutheran Church, Federal Way  God’s Gardeners Theme

Dates: August 5th-8th 9AM-12pm

Cost: There is a suggested donation of $10 per camper, or $20 per family, that will be collected during VBS.

Ages: K-5th

Fairwood Community UMC + Kent United Methodist Roar theme

Dates: July 8th-12th 9AM-12:15
Cost: 35. one child/50.00 two children/60.00 three or more

Ages: Preschool-5th grade *at least 3 and potty trained

Messiah Lutheran, Auburn Your Adventure Awaits!

Dates:  July 8th-July 11th 5-8pm
Cost: Registration Fee is $20 per child or $50 for entire family. Scholarships are available. Payments can be made the first day of VBS.
Ages: Entering preschool-6th in the fall

Our Savior’s Baptist, Federal Way

Dates: 
Cost: 
Ages:

St.Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Renton Roar theme

Dates: July 8-12, 9:00am-12:00pm
Cost:  $25/child; inquire if you need scholarship assistance
Ages: 4 years old through 6th grade

New Life Church, RentonJungle Camp theme

Dates:July 23rd-26th 9AM-12

Cost:50.00

Ages: 3 years to 6th grade *all participants must be potty trained

Christ’s Church, Federal Way Comic Quest

Dates: July 8th-12th 9AM-12

Cost: I believe this one is free.

Ages: Kids 5 to entering 6th grade

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Federal Way

St. Luke’s now offers multiple, themed camps different weeks. Really cool-check it out!

Puyallup Vacation Bible Schools-Also includes Sumner Vacation Bible Schools and Graham Vacation Bible Schools

New Horizon Church Fife Nitro Kids Camp

Dates: June 24th-27th

Cost: $25

Puyallup Nazarene Church Camp Extreme

Dates: June 25-28 9AM-12:30

Bethany Baptist Church, Puyallup Roar theme

Dates: July 8-12 (AM) or July 8-11 (PM) Choose from morning or evening 9-12 or 6:30-8:30
Cost: Cost is $25 per child.  Family of 3 or more total $70

Ages:4 years-6th grade

Sunrise Baptist Church, Puyallup

JULY 15-19 | 9 AM-12 PM | AGES 5-12 | $25

SOCCER | CHEER | BASKETBALL

We would love to have your child join us for a fun week of sports instruction, songs, Bible stories and object lessons. They will have great instruction on their chosen sport and learn how to have a rock solid foundation.

Registration Fee, of $25 per child, includes a T-Shirt, snacks, Sports Instruction and fun!

REGISTER HERE:
SUNRISE CHURCH SPORTS CAMP REGISTRATION

For More Information:
Director, Buzz Dailey
buzzdailey@comcast.net

or call the Church Office
253-848-8910

 

Join us for a four-day expedition! The days are full of crafts, music, games (water games included), snacks, an interactive story time, and LOTS OF FUN!

Two Sessions:
• 9am to noon & 2pm to 5pm
• Ages 4 years old – 5th grade
(based on the current 2018/2019 school year)
•Cost: $40 per child
(scholarships available)

First Session Pre-K/Kinder/first Groups FULL!

July 16th-19th; opening day event on the 15th 

Celebration Lutheran, Puyallup

Hours by Grade entering Fall 2019:
Pre-K (4 by 8/31/19): 9:00 – 12:00 noon Mon-Thurs (no Friday)Kindergarten: 9:00 – 12:00 noon Mon-Thurs (no Friday)Grades 1-6: 9:00 – 12:00 noon Mon-Fri

8-11 (12), 2019

Registration

Puyallup Foursquare

We are so excited for our BOOM CAMP this year.  We can’t wait to have your child join us for a fun-filled day camp where they will experience God, participate in engaging services, have outdoor activities and so much more!  Sign up now to reserve your spot!

This event is for children entering kindergarten in the fall – 5th grade. Our camp runs 9:00am – 1:00pm. Doors will open on the first day of camp at 8:00am for check in!

Join us for our “Grande Finale” of camp on Wednesday night for a Family Service with food, bounce houses, games and more!

“Treasured”

July 15th-17th “Under the Sea” South Hill

July 29th-31st :Into the Jungle”  Puyallup

Graham Emmanuel Baptist Church The Amazing Race

Dates: July 29-August 2nd 6-8:30pm

kindergarten through 5th grade; free

Tacoma Vacation Bible Schools-also includes Vacation Bible Schools in Lakewood, UP, and Fircrest

Marine View Presbyterian Church, NE Tacoma

VBS 2019 ROAR!

Save the dates ROAR VBS is coming late July 22-26! Students will be grabbing their safari hats as we head to the African savanna to learn that even though life is wild, God is good. We have limited spaces this year and expect to sell out, so make sure to register early. Open registration for campers and student leaders begins on May 8th, 2019.  Register NOW! Tuition is as follows:

  • First Child Camper (k – 5th grade): $30

  • Additional Campers (k-5th Grade): $25

Roar! VBS 2019 – July 29-Aug. 2 6:00-8:30 pm
Tacoma Christian Reformed Community Church

Our Savior Lutheran Church, Tacoma

VBS 2019 – Roar! Life is Wild, God is Good!

July 8-12, 2019Free
Note from SFM: This one is almost full. Sign up now if you want in.

University Place Presbyterian Church

Roar! Summer Day Camp

Monday July 8-Friday July 12, 2019 | 9:30AM-12:30PM
Kids will explore God’s goodness through Bible stories, music, games, and crafts! Registration is open  until June 30 for attendees, Roar! Stay & Play camp, SOS, and volunteers.

Christ Lutheran Church, Lakewood

Vacation Bible School

July 15-19

At “Roar” kids will explore God’s goodness and celebrate a ferious faith that powers them through this wild life!  Online registration is now open. Click hereto register.

Skyline Presbyterian, Tacoma

ACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

July 21-25 5:30 – 8:00PM Dinner is included REGISTRATION Deadline July

At Miraculous Mission VBS there is something for everyone! Dinner and program, songs, learning and games will be for preschoolers through middle school. An adult class is offered simultaneously making our VBS something for working adults, the whole family and retired individuals as well.. High School.

 

Gig Harbor Vacation Bible Schools

Intrepid Kids is excited to invite all kids, ages 4 – 5th grade (entering Fall 2019) to Power Up!

This 4-day Vacation Bible School from July 15 – 18 will help kids to raise their game because knowing God and trusting in Jesus fills each of us with the Fruit of the Spirit! Here’s more info about Power Up and how to register:

When: Monday July 15th – Thursday July 18th

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm each day

Where: Intrepid Christian Church: 5775 Soundview Dr. #E-103, Gig Harbor

Cost: $30.00 per child, $20.00 per sibling

Ages: 4 years – 5th grade (entering Fall 2019)

Please note: Due to popular demand, we have a waitlist for the 5 year/Kindergarten group. If your child is 5 years old or in Kindergarten in the Fall, please register them, but DO NOT pay. You will be contacted if they are moved from the waitlist to active registration.

To register for Power Up, click here.

To pay for your registration, click here.

To print and fill out the Activity Participation Agreement, click here. You’ll need to bring this to the first day of VBS.

For questions about Power Up or registration, email us.

Memory Verse: “God’s power has given us everything we need to live a godly life.”  2 Peter 1:3a, NIrV

Harbor Covenant Church, Gig Harbor

Our Kids’ Camp is four days filled with outside games, learning stations, snacks, bible stories, singing, and more.

Olympia Vacation Bible School

Living Water Foursquare Church, Olympia

July 8th-12, 2019

9am – Noon

Registration $50

Sports Available:

Soccer, basketball, cheerleading, martial arts or flag football

Have your kiddos been to VBS at one of the churches listed? We’d love for you to leave a comment with a review!

Do you know a VBS we should add? Here’s what to do:

-If you are a person who is an authorized representative for your church VBS, just leave a comment with the information! We need to know the ages, dates, cost, and how to register. You MUST leave a link.
-Should you have questions or want paid advertising to make a big splash for your VBS, send an email to soundsfunmom@gmail.com

 

Get Ready For Summer With Our Summer Camp Guide!

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Thank you to MyIR for presenting this post! We know planning your kids’ summer can be stressful, but One thing you DON”T have to worry about is scrambling around for your kids’ shot records, IF you use MyIR!-a totally FREE and secure way to make sure you always have them when you need them! 

MyIR track your shot records washington state

Are you ready for summer? Are your kids?

Tacoma, Federal Way, Puyallup, Bonney Lake, Lakewood Area Summer Camps for Kids

If either of those questions just made your gulp a little, you need our Summer Camp Guide!

Whether you need a safe and fun place for your kids every day, or you just have a couple weeks when you’d like the kids to be somewhere else (We get it!), our guide can help!

You’ll again find our camps organized by themes and specialty. You can see the whole camp guide by clicking on the graphic in the sidebar or in the menu bar. If you hover over, “Summer Camps,” in the menu bar you can also go straight to the category that interests you most!

And, don’t forget to sign up NOW for MyIR to make registering for all your activities this summer and fall much easier! What’s MyIR? It’s a new site for Washington State families. It’s a completely secure and easy way to keep track of your family’s immunization records. You can even download and print them whenever you need to!

No more frantic searches through your records or waiting for the doctor’s office to open. No more missing out on a preschool spot because you didn’t have your forms ready! Bam!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. The opinions are all my own. We hope you love our summer camp guide, and I do hope you’ll  check out MyIR and register right here at  WA.MyIR.net (It’s free)!

MyIR track your shot records washington state

Playground Report: The Discovery Pond at the Tacoma Nature Center

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If you’re not already  a fan of the Discovery Pond Playground at the Tacoma Nature Center, you need to go! Like today!

We first wrote about this fun place for Tacoma area kids when it opened years ago. It’s still just as fun, and not typically crowded.

Tree house on the playground at the Tacoma Nature Center

It’s a nature themed playground that also incorporates natural elements like water and rocks as part of the play. One note: There is a scary sign by the water that indicates it’s not fit for human consumption. Basically, this means that it’s not up to drinking water standards, but I promise if your kids accidentally get wet, they won’t turn green or anything.

water play at the Discovery Pond at the Tacoma Nature Center

That water itself is just a crick, so it’s totally possible to play here without getting wet and dirty, but when my boys were small they were always drawn straight to the water pump, so you may want at least a change of socks.

Other highlights include a tree house and a surprisingly quick slide in a, “Tree trunk.” Note that it can get hot in the summer. My boys still love to play here, and it’s a playground that’s a good fit for all ages, which is always a challenge!

Nature Center

The inside of the nature center is small but definitely worth a stop. There are some interesting exhibits and a corner with puppets and costumes. It’s all totally free, although you can leave a donation.

Just behind the nature center you’ll find a system of mostly flat trails that are great for young hikers.

The playground is available for rent for parties, and every once in a while you may run into a school group. On a typical day, we’ve never found it too crowded at all. The party rental allows for exclusive access to the playground for an hour, so if you arrive during one, just go look at the inside exhibits or do a little hike first.

The Tacoma Nature Center IS right down from Foss High School, so you might avoid the times of day when school is letting out. I’ve never had a hard time finding parking here, but the staff does encourage car pooling as it’s a bit tighter than other Metro Parks Tacoma properties.

If you love it, you’ll also want to check out the nature themed playground at Northwest Trek. You do have to pay Trek admission to get in, but our reviewer thought it was worth it-especially when you add in all other Trek fun! There is also a smaller playground with a nature vibe at Tehaleh in Bonney Lake. Those are open to the public and free!

Meet Kent-Meridian Co-op Preschool

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We’ve been talking a lot of preschool here lately, and today I’m delighted to welcome Kent Meridian Co-Op back to our sponsorship team.

Cooperative Preschool Kent

If you’re looking for a school in the greater Kent area, they do still have spots for next year!

In addition to their preschool classes, they also offer mommy and me classes for babies and toddlers-the only parent and child classes I know of in the South King County, Kent area. What a great way for your little one to have fun and gain social skills while you make friends, too!

Toddler Class in Kent WA

At Kent-Meridian, loving, experienced teachers create a safe and warm environment where children learn through play and exploration.

Parents get to part of the learning, too, through classes taught by parent educators and time spent in the classroom. If you’re a long time reader, you might remember that I did co-op with each of my boys and loved it. They had a great time, and I made lifelong friends.

You can check out the school’s detailed listing in our preschool directory, or visit their website for much more information.  You can find registration forms on their website or contact their friendly registrar at : 253-951-1115  or via Email:registrar@kmcoop.org  You can also like KM Co-Op  on Facebook and see some of the fun stuff they do! Pro tip: If you join now, you can go to their organized playdates in the summer, so your kiddo can make friends with her future playmates. It’s GREAT to have activities and playdates to look forward to in the summer months. Hint, Hint! 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I would LOVE for you to mention Sounds Fun Mom when you contact any of our great advertisers. They’re what keeps this site up (literally)!

 

 

Let’s Hike With the Kids: Pinnacle Peak

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We know you can’t get enough of kid friendly hikes! Today, our writer, Julie Collins, takes us up Pinnacle Peak  (or is it Mt Pete, or Mt. Peak??). Whatever you call it, we think you’ll be glad to know about this gem.

Update-One note: As I think Julie makes clear in this review this is a steep, challenging hike. It’s not one for first timers. For more reviews and other recommendations, you can check out the convo. on our Facebook page! 

“The mountains are calling, and I must go”—John Muir

I’ll admit that I don’t know a whole lot about the personal life of John Muir, but I can pretty safely guess that he didn’t have a preschooler in tow and a first grader getting off the bus at 3:20. All that’s to say that when the mountains call to me during the week, I need one that’s not too far away. So when a friend recently introduced me to Pinnacle Peak (also known as Mt. Peak, Mt. Pete, and the Cal Magnusson Trail) I was delighted.

Pinnacle Peak One

Pinnacle Peak Park is in Enumclaw. It’s a volcanic cone that makes a dramatic rise from the surrounding farmlands.

There are two main ways up to the top of the peak. The first is via the Cal Magnusson tail. It’s a 1000 feet up in one mile via a very well traveled and maintained trail. That type of elevation gain in just a mile is sure to get your heart pumping, but it’s also short enough to keep motivated.

On the south side of Pinnacle Peak there is a gravel road that eventually leads into the woods and meets up with the Cal Magnusson trail for the final .2 miles to the top. This route is longer, but the road has a gentler grade that is easier on the legs. Once you reach the top, there are benches made from the foundations of an old fire tower! But don’t expect a grand view, there are too many trees! (There are some nice views on the road on the way up)

Pinnacle Peak Two

I’ve hiked both routes with my 5-year-old son, and we enjoyed both. This is not a stroller friendly hike, but it would be great for moms with little kiddos in a pack (I used to love hiking with my hikes in an Ergo, and later in a frame pack!). I would recommend the less-steep gravel road route for those who have kids just getting into hiking. It’s also a great conditioning hike for little legs getting prepared for longer hikes further afield. Do note that it is a hike and the elevation gain is pretty serious, pretty fast. Make sure you and the kiddos are fit enough to tackle it.

A few other helpful things to know:

  •  Expect to see lots of dogs on the trail. Everyone we saw (people and dogs) was very friendly, and most kept their dogs on leashes. There are plastic bags at both trailheads for picking up after your dog.
  •  Even though it’s a relatively short hike, don’t forget water! The road side has a lot of sun exposure.
  • I have only been to Pinnacle Peak during the week, and had plenty of company. I can only guess its very crowded on weekends. As with most things, I recommend you go early!

Directions:
Pinnacle Peak is one mile southeast of downtown Enumclaw. From SR-410, head south on 284th Avenue SE. Go west on SE 456th Street, then south on 276th Avenue SE. The Cal Magnusson Trailhead is at the corner of 276th Avenue SE and SE 472nd Street, with a small parking lot and road shoulder parking. Typing in Pinnacle Peak Park into my phone GPS takes me here.
The southern trailhead is on SE Mud Mountain Rd at SE 481st Street. Road shoulder parking.  You can print off a pdf trail mail here! 

As always, we suggest you bring the Ten Essentials and check trip reports at WTA.org before you go on any adventure.

Julie Collins

If you can’t get enough of our kid friendly hikes, be sure to check out our guide to great hikes for kids near Mt. Rainier! It’s a big hit right now! 

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun and Things To Do With Kids May 20th-22nd!

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South Sound Kid's Calendar

 

Saturday

All Over

 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. Activities follow

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores  2.00/child for 30 minute sessions 10-12 Make a framed yarn art picture today.

Petsmart aquatics event   A tie-in with Finding Dory. Coloring for kids and a free fish bowl for the first 25. Free movie tickets are also advertised, though that may require a minimum aquatics purchase.

South King County

Petpalooza in Auburn  great day for pets and pet lovers! Free fun with agility demos, flying dog demos, pet parade, pony rides, petting zoo, and more! There will be vendors.

Kid X Event at the Outlet Collection  Launch of their new kids’ club. Pirate/treasure theme today with lots of free activities for the kids 11-1

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

Puyallup/South Hill/Sumner/Greater Pierce

Free kids’ gardening class in Puyallup with the master gardeners. It’s composting critters today!

Yes, the sprayground by the library should be on if it’s warm. The Farmer’s Market is always fun, too.

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

Free Science Dome Shows Saturday!

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Earlier this week we reminded you about Maker Fest in Lakewood Saturday, a great, free event for the whole family!

I wanted to make sure you also noticed that you can see a FREE show in the Science Dome while you’re there.

The Science Dome is the area’s only planetarium. Movies are digitally projected on a domed screen overhead while you sit in a plush theater seat. It’s really so cool.

SpaceSchoolWebPoster-209x300

Free shows will play through out Maker Fest at 12 pm, 12:45 pm, 1:30pm, 2:15 pm, 3 pm, 3:45 pm, and 4:30 pm.

The show is Space School, which shows how astronauts train underwater! It’s suitable for all ages, but is probably best for school age kids with an interest in the subject.

If it sounds like a little too much for your crew, do enjoy Maker Fest but wait until another weekend for the Science Dome, and go to one of the special children’s shows. The Science Dome shows all ages and children’s programs every Saturday, and while they aren’t normally free, regular tickets are just a few bucks! It’s a great deal, and such a fun outing. I’ve taken Henry to the children’s shows, and I’d recommend them for the preschool and primary aged crowd in particular. They’re interactive and a bit shorter than the others.

For more information on Saturday’s FREE shows, you can go here.   For the regular schedule of public shows and more information on the Science Dome, you can go here.

Disclosure-The Science Dome is a long time sponsor of the site, but they did not ask me to do this post or pay me extra for it. I just think it’s one of the coolest things around to do with your science minded kiddos! Do mention Sounds Fun Mom when you visit if you have a chance!