Looking for something fun and free to do with the kids this weekend? We’ve got you covered with fun for kids in Tacoma, Kent, Olympia, Gig Harbor, and all over the South Sound! Make it a great one!
All weekend
Diary of Anne Frank at Sumner Manestage Theater These productions are always well done; this would be an option for older, mature kids due to the subject matter.
Olympia Family Theater presents Alice in Wonderland various showtimes through April 2nd.
Saturday
All Over
The Monster at the End of this Book storytime at most Barnes and Noble stores. We do suggest calling your location to confirm, as we have found participation to be inconsistent.
Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for 30 minute sessions It’s a watercolor frame today. If you’re the plan ahead type, this would be a cute Mother’s Day gift for someone.
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
Community Days at Black Diamond Camp in Auburn Try out the rock wall, indoor pool, and other camp fun. Activities are free; lunch is 5.00-see links for details.
World Water Day at Shadow Lake Preserve in Renton Learn about wetlands, use a microscope, and more! I’m not sure on pricing. Usually it’s a, “Suggested donation,” of 10.00 per person.
Centerstage theater in Federal Way presents Squatch! the musical Recommended for ages 8 and up; It’s a humorous musical about a boy and Sasquatch. Adult tickets are Really spendy, but there is a deal right now where you can get a free kid’s ticket with purchase of an adult ticket. Read about that here. -look for the post with the video.
We also recommend ILoveKent.net from my pal Dana for our Kent area readers.
Puyallup/Greater Pierce County
Lego My Library at the Puyallup Public Library Weekly stories and Lego building time 11AM
Exotic bird and animal expo at the Puyallup fairgrounds I’m not sure how kid friendly this is, but there should be lots of interesting animals to see. 10.00 admission/5.00 for kids 5-10; 9-3 Saturday and Sunday-CASH only at the door.
Featured Sponsor: There is always fun to be had at WiggleWorks! Pick up a gift card for your little one’s Easter Basket!
The Kalles Junior High Drama Department presents Cinderella
Mar 23-April 1 Thurs, Fri, Sat 7pm Understudy Matinee April 1 at 2pm
Tickets
$5 with ASB and elementary
$7 without ASB and adult-light up Star Wands will be on sale for 5.00
Note from SFM: Many area schools have productions this time of year. You might check in with yours to see if they’re doing something your kids would enjoy.
Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland
Storytime With A Princess. Join the Daffodil Princesses at Tacoma libraries. Free, drop in events. Bring your camera!
South Sound Summer Camp Fair at the STAR Center One stop shopping for summer camp from our friends at Parent Map. Kids get free use of the TreeTops playground!
Rainiers Pre-Season Party free admission and open to the public; food and drink specials, Ms game on the big screen, and other fun. Obviously, you’re welcome to pick out seats for season tickets, but that’s not required!
Swan Creek Mud Run two mile, family friendly race through obstacles and plenty of sloppy, wet mud! 40.00 day of registration fee (a few bucks cheaper in advance). Spendy but the photo ops and memories should be priceless if this is your kind of thing!
Tacoma Giants: Part 1 Trees of Point Defiance Park 9AM
See one of the tallest trees in the park! The event will include activities around the Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter and the Beanstalk nearby. Less than 500′ of walking required to participate. 4.00 per person/12.00 per family of four. Sign up online or call for the family price-253 305 1022 Also offered in April if you can’t make this one
Tacoma Giants: Part 2 Immersion Tree Walk. 11AM-1PM
Immerse yourself into the world of living natural history and fall in love with the infinite shades of green in this in-depth look into the biology and history of the trees of Point Defiance.
Meet the instructor at the Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as this program will take place outside and require about 1 mile of walking. 8.00 per person/sign up online. Note from SFM: I don’t believe you have to do Part I to participate in Part II, though I don’t know for sure. It is also offered in April if you can’t make this one.
Lego Mindstorms event at Tacoma Libraries Kids build and program a simple robot. You do need to register; three spots left at South Tacoma and five left at Main as of this writing. Go fast!
Kitten shower at the Tacoma Humane Society Bring a donation item, enjoy light refreshments, and learn about their foster program. Note-not an adoption event; plan another visit if you want to take home a furry friend.
Teen Night at the Tacoma Art Museum photo booth, button making, collaborative murals, and more! These are FREE for area kids with a hs student id.
Lakewood/Parkland/Spanaway
Featured Sponsor: Children and all ages shows at the Pierce College Science Dome/planetarium Children’s show at 12:30 or 2PM; all ages at 3:15. The children’s show is shorter and interactive and now suitable for ages 3-12! Do bring cash or get your tickets in advance. This is a Great outing-especially on a rainy day, as it’s all indoors!
AMC Sensory Friendly film day with Exceptional Families Network AMC theaters offer sensory friendly showings of family movies with the lights up, the sound low, and kids free to be themselves. Attend this showing and meet other parents of kids with special needs from the EFN. Not near you? Most AMC theaters participate in this program select Saturdays. Call yours to check. You *Should* check out EFN if you are parenting a child with special needs. They do all kinds of great things for kids and grown ups!
Bilingual Block Play at the Parkland/Spanaway Library 10-11:30
Today’s session is in Mandarin and English. Open to all; building enforces key math and literacy skills.
Museum of Flight: Flying Gizmo Show at the Lakewood Library 2PM
Discover the science and history of flight through flying toys and models. Seattle’s Museum of Flight brings kites, parachutes, gliders, stomp rockets and other fabulous flyers. No registration required. The library’s used book sale is also going on today from 10AM-4:30. Bring your own bag or buy one for a buck.
Unicorn rides at Jozee Rooz Indoor Petting Zoo. Petting zoo admission, photos, etc…is separate. Yes, it all kind of adds up, but it is Adorable, your animal lovers will have a ball, and it’s indoors! No, it’s not a real unicorn. 🙂
Olympia area
Arbor Day at Priest Point Park kids’ scavenger hunt, guided walks, stewardship opportunities, and more
OFS Kids Club Free showing of Fantastic Mr. Fox for kids 12 and under. General admission is 8.00/5.00 for members
Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center and learn about kite flying today. Make a, “Frustration free flyer.” Free
Gig Harbor/Kitsap
Family Story Time at the Key Center Library 11AM stories, rhymes, singing, and finger play for families with young children
Any weekend fun: Your Michaels does usually do the craft. You can check out the touch tanks at the Skansie Visitor’s Center, see what’s going on at Discovery Village, or visit one of your great parks or trails.
Sunday
Meet the Daffodil Court at the South Hill Mall Join the princesses for stories, crafts, posters, and fun! Look for them near the center court/play area
“Caring Bunny,” at the Tacoma Mall Special Easter Bunny time for children with sensory issues and other special needs. You do need to register for your time in advance
Caspar Babypants at Tumwater High School 5.00 tickets to see the popular kindie rocker!
Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business? Just let me know!
Are you on Spring Break? If you’re staying local and need some staycation ideas, never fear! We’ll have a great, big Spring Break guide for you later this week. We also have a Just Between Friends giveaway coming up. Make sure you’re following the site so you don’t miss any of it!