It’s a monster sized list of things to do around here this weekend, including tons of free options. Yes, we’ve got indoor trick or treating and Halloween fun in Tacoma, Puyallup, and your neck of the woods!
But, we’ve also got tons of other fun things to do, including some ideas for those of you who would like a Halloween alternative or just need a break from all things Boo! We get it!
This list has events happening on Saturday and Sunday. If you’re looking strictly for trick or treating events on Halloween, I have a link to those at the bottom of this post.
Saturday
All Over
Lego Bricktober Event at Toys R Us 12-2 Free make and take event; build a mini figure Frankenstein. We suggest going on the earlier side of these popular events.
Storytime at Barnes and Noble stores Most area stores do a free, weekly storytime at 11AM; however, we do suggest calling yours to confirm first, as we have found participation to be inconsistent. It’s If You Give A Mouse A Brownie today. There is also a mini maker faire that may be of interest to older children.
Monster Bash at Michael’s Kids can make a trick or treat bag and families can make t-shirts (free with purchase of shirts and wiggly eyes). There is free face painting for the kids and a parade every 30 minutes. Both Saturday and Sunday 10AM-3
Spooktacular event at Target stores goody bags and giveaways; kids are encouraged to wear costumes
Halloween Comic Fest Many area stores are giving away free Halloween themed comics today. Some are hosting other fun in conjunction. Link will help you find a store near you!
South King County
Fear on the Pier, MaST Aquarium, Redondo Check out marine mammal skeletons and other creepy sea creatures. Watch underwater pumpkin carving via live dive cams Free! 10-2
Halloween Harvest Festial and Trunk or Treat at Les Gove Park in Auburn
Tricks and Treats Funfest, Federal Way
Costume contest, games, and candy, prizes and a haunted hallway at the Federal Way Community Center. Tickets are $10 for kids ($8 in advance); adults are free. They have separate sessions for age groups, which is nice for the littles!
Howl & Prowl at Reber Ranch. Dress up your pet and enjoy hay rides, games, a parade and more fun 10-2
Halloween at the Haunted Peat Bog 1-5PM Shadow Lake Nature Preserve crafts, games, and fun at the bog! Not a scary event. You are asked to register and there is a suggested donation of 5-10 dollars per child.
Spooky Swims at the Covington Aquatic Center 5-6:30 and 6:30-8 Swim with the lights out and a glowing pool!
Pumpkin Chomp and Stomp at Northwest Trek Watch animals enjoy pumpkin enrichments; included with admission. Trek does get pricey fast, though it’s a full day of fun. You may want to invest in a membership if you’d go more than twice a year; one can be added to a zoo membership.
Thanks to Dana of ILoveKent for her help with this section. If you live near Kent or Covington, you should follow her site!
Puyallup/Greater Pierce County
Lego My Library Story Time weekly Lego building and story time
DIY Fest at Pierce College Puyallup Don’t miss this Free event with kids’ activities and tons of information on all things DIY!
Discover Our Story event at the Sumner Library 1-2:30 Potlatch style giveaway of Native American books, plus crafts, pizza snacks, storytelling 1-2:30
Halloween Trunk or Treat and Haunted Hallway, Celebration Lutheran ChurchThis is a great all ages event, with trunk or treat for the littles and a Haunted Hallway for the big kiddos. “Trunks,” will be table stations inside. Nice option for young children who can’t walk far and need a cozier style event 6-8:30
Monster Mash with High Pointe Church Emerald Ridge HS 5-7:30 games, food, music, and prizes for best costumes (family event so no scary costumes, please).
Kidz Code Club at the Main Branch of the Tacoma Public Library Ongoing program for kids 7-17 (Must be with a grown-up). Bring your own computer, or call to reserve one (limited number). Learn coding, work with programs like Scratch, Minecraft, and more
Cat in the Hat at Tacoma Musical Playhouse Ongoing through November 6th
Family nature walk at Wapato Hills Park Join volunteer naturalists on a free nature walk. Not suitable for strollers; perfect for 3 and up. 10AM
HowlOWeen for Red Wolves Learn about red wolves, do a craft, and watch them enjoy pumpkin enrichment. Included with zoo admission. The zoo does get spendy; here at SFM we encourage you to invest in an annual pass unlesss you can take advantage of monthly free days for City of Tacoma residents.
Haunted Theater at Tacoma Ballet Backstage tour and short, themed dances. Magical not spooky! Ongoing event with various dates and times, but tickets go fast.
Halloween photos and fun at Bass Pro Shops. Free Peanuts photo and crafts; trick or treating and costume parade on Sunday
Play and Grow storytime at the Wheelock Library 10:30 weekly stories and fun for young children and their caregivers
Bug storytime at the Moore Library Stories with bugs and bug puppets, too! 2:30
Monster Buffet Craft at the Fern Hill Branch of the Tacoma Public Library 3-4:30 All ages and invited to drop in and craft a monster or fall themed craft
Make a Plate event at Learning Sprout Toys Cost includes shipping, and they’ll call when your plate is in.
A Night At the Movies Costume Concert at Urban Grace Church costumed youth performers play music you’ll recognize from popular movies; audience costumes are also welcome
LeMay Family Collection Trunk or Treat
Kids get to go from vintage car to vintage car getting treats from trunks! This event is FREE! All visitors dressed in costume will receive half-off admission to see the indoor museum collection at Marymount. This event is at the Marymount Events Center, not the museum by the Dome. It’s FREE and open to all costumed children 12 and under with a favorite grown up. Dress for the weather!
Cultural Celebration of Halloween at the Tillicum Library 2PM learn how other cultures celebrate Halloween; crafts and food
Lakewood
Haunted Cookie Houses at the Lakewood Library Get free tickets at 1:30 for this 2PM event. Make and decorate a Halloween cookie house. Costumes encouraged.
Truck and Tractor Day in Lakewood Rescheduled! Pumpkins, hay rides, and all kinds of trucks to explore. A don’t miss family event!
Children and all ages shows at the Science Dome presentations and shows on the overhead dome at the area’s only indoor, digital planetarium. Great, low cost, indoor activity-we really recommend the children’s version! Bring cash-no cards can be accepted at the venue. 6.00 as of this writing for kids, free for grown ups You can also reserve tickets online. It’s a “Haunted Night Sky,” theme for the kid’s shows today-interactive and fun-not spooky unless your child is afraid of the dark. You may want tickets today.
Olympia/Lacey/Beyond
St. Martin’s University Halloween in the Halls Kids trick or treat in the safe and dry residents’ halls at St.Martins 1-3
Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center *Link opens lengthy pdf Free and open every weekend with environmental information and activities. Learn about, “Spooky,” creatures of the deep and make anglerfish hats.
Visit the Kennedy Creek Salmon trail and see salmon returning to spawn wear your boots!
Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.
Healthy Family Event at the Capital Mall
Boo Bash at the Hands-On Children’s Museum Bugs, bats, and blacklights! All kinds of fun for young children
Gig Harbor/Kitsap
Trick or treat at the Indoor Farmer’s Market 9-2 Trick or treating, carnival games, and other fun. The market is indoors and heated. Woot!
Kitsap Steamsers Ghost Train
All aboard the Ghost Train through the Haunted Park! Tickets are $5 and benefit the Kitsap Foster Care Association of Kistap County. 5-9PM
Sunday
Sunrise Village Trunk Or Treat
“Lights Out,” event at Christ Church in Federal Way free event with black lights, trick or treating, hot dogs, and more!
Halloween photos and fun at Bass Pro Shops. Free Peanuts photo and crafts; trick or treating and costume parade on Sunday
Cat in the Hat at Tacoma Musical Playhouse Ongoing through November 6th
Monster Bash at Michael’s Kids can make a trick or treat bag and families can make t-shirts (free with purchase of shirts and wiggly eyes). There is free face painting for the kids and a parade every 30 minutes. Both Saturday and Sunday 10AM-3
Haunted Theater at Tacoma Ballet Backstage tour and short, themed dances. Magical not spooky! Last Chance!
Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.
Want to visit a pumpkin patch or a corn maze? Here’s our master list! Planning your Halloween? Here’s our trick or treating guide.
As always, if you know something we missed or you’d like publicity or advertising for your group, get in touch! If your community group is hosting a free event open to the public that you’d like us to include on this list, the easiest thing to do is leave a comment on this post. For calendar submissions and paid advertising, email soundsfunmom@gmail.com.
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