Archives for April 2017

Wowza! Don’t look now but we’ve found dozens (and dozens)! of great things to do with your family in Tacoma, Olympia, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, and just about everywhere else around the South Sound this weekend. It’s going to be hard to choose!

Saturday (Scroll down for Sunday)

All Over

Low tide exploration  The first really low tides of the season are this weekend. There is an organized event in Tacoma (see below), but this is an easy event to do on your own. See our post  for details and our beach recommendations!

YMCA Healthy Kids Day All area YMCAs are participating in this annual day with kids’ activities, community info, open swim, and more fun. Check your Y for details. Open to the public! I believe all activities are free.

“The Wonderful Things You’ll Be,”  storytime at most Barnes and Noble stores. We do suggest calling your location to confirm, as we have found participation to be inconsistent. 11AM at most locations

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for 30 minute sessions 10-12 It’s a Spring Canvas theme today. There is also a slime bar event at 1PM. Also note they have information on their summer activities for kids out, plus next week there is a whole series of classes where kids can make gifts for mom. If you’re mom, pass this tip on to someone else!

South King County

Big Just Between Friends kids’ consignment sale in Federal Way New location! Bargains galore!

Kelsey Creek Farm Sheep Shearing-o.k. this is in Bellevue, but several of you have asked about animal events, so I decided to include it.

Kent Math Fest A free celebration for kids 3-11 and their families with math games and fun galore. Sponsored by the non profit math group, Zeno.

Ladies and ‘Lil Gents Dance in Auburn  Mother/Son event. You do need to register and pay in advance. Call or go in to do that.

Meet a superhero at Learning Express toys in Renton. Free, costumed character appearance. Bring your camera!

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

Mother’s Day craft at Krafter’s Corner in Edgewood 15.00 includes tiles for coaster craft; for ages 5 and up. Call to reserve a spot.

Puyallup/Greater Pierce County

Pierce County 4-H fun raiser  in Graham Check out 4-H exhibits and trials featuring horses, dogs, and cats and learn about 4-H programs.

April Pool’s Day at the Gordon Family YMCA water safety with East Pierce Fire and Rescue followed by an open swim. Free and open to the public; part of the Healthy Kids Day event (see listing above).

Open house at Metro Animal Services  Adoption specials, vendors, and more.

Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland

WayzGoose Festival at King’s Books a celebration of letterpress and book arts. Steamroller printing and more fun, plus meet artists and buy some of their stuff. You really should if you can swing it. Also Sunday

STAR Center fitness and wellness conference Try out one of 18 fitness classes, see a cooking demo. and more. While not a kids’ event, this is FREE, and there is FREE childcare available for the first 80 registrants.

Music Makers Introductory Workshop at Charles Wright FREE workshop from the Tacoma Youth Chorus for kids entering kindergarten or first grade in the fall of 2017. 9-10:15AM rhythm, singing, and games! Pre-registration recommended.

Bag sale at Blooming Kids Consignment 10.00 a bag! Score some goodies at this beloved area kids consignment store.

Play and Grow Storytime at the Wheelock Library Stories, rhymes, and fun for families with young children.

Tacoma Giants Part One: Trees of Pt. Defiance Park 9-10AM “Meet,” some of the tallest trees in the park with the ranger. Very little walking; suitable for children and folks with limited mobility. There is a small fee and you do need to register.

Tacoma Giants Part Two: Immersion Tree Walk 11AM 8.00 per person; walk with the ranger (about a mile of walking). Note from SFM: I believe you can attend either walk; you don’t need to do both or to have done one previously to do this one. The link to register isn’t working for me right now, so you’ll need to call.

Tiptoe through the tide pools at Titlow Beach 1-4PM volunteer naturalists help kids identify sea creatures revealed by one of the first really low tides of the year. You can also do this outing DIY style. See, “All over,” at the top of the page for more info. on that.

Family nature walk at the Tacoma Nature Center 1PM Free walks for families with volunteer naturalists. Not suitable for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up. You do need to register.

Norwegian Heritage Festival at PLU Entertainment, a Viking village, and other fun. Free admission but you’ll want to bring cash to buy food.

Tacoma City Ballet presents Pinocchio 

Wooden Plane Workshop in University Place with Jordan Moll Events space available in the 10AM-12 session; email for a spot. This is 85.00/child, so steep…but they are getting tools, instruction, and a tool kit with work apron, and they go home with a real, wooden plane (we’re not talking popsicle sticks here). 🙂

Xakary the Magician: A Cat in the Hat and Elephant Too Magic Show at the Tillicum Library 11:15
Xakary is known as one of the best family entertainment specialists in the Puget Sound. Families will be delighted by his amazing magic show combined with a celebration of Dr. Seuss. Free, drop in event

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-If you haven’t gone yet, what are you waiting for?

Olympia area

13th Anniversary Open House at the Dupont Library 1-3PM
Join us for a special program featuring Xakary the Magician, “A Cat and a Hat and an Elephant Too!” Stick around for a balloon twisting workshop with Xakary after the show. Refreshments will be served. Free, drop in event

Arts Walk in Olympia Friday and Saturday event in conjunction with the, “Only in Olympia,” Procession of the Species. The Arts Walk link will take you to a page with links to a complete events schedule and participating venues so you can hit the most kid friendly ones.

Dragon Boat festival at Port Plaza I’m not sure if there is anything other than the races, but I think they’d be fun for your kids to see.

Sheep dog trials at Fido’s Farm Spectators welcome! Also Sunday

It looks sunny (at least right now)! The stream at the East Bay Plaza is on for your water play!

Gig Harbor/Kitsap

Also see, “All Over,” at the top for more! 

Celebrate Arbor Day free trees, booths, awards, and more fun!

Family Story Time at the Key Center Library 11:00 AM Stories, rhymes, and fun for families with young children

Visit the Gig Harbor Farmer’s Market veggies, artisan crafts, and much more!

Sunday

Kids can plant a seed at Windmill Gardens in Sumner today.

Paw Patrol Party at Discovery Playtown in Maple Valley Adopt a (toy) pup, enjoy snacks, and watch an episode with other fans. There is a fee, and you do need to register. Spaces are going fast! 3-5PM

Community Day at Black Diamond Camp in Auburn Come try out camp life!

Last day of the JBF sale in Federal Way Many items half-off today, plus free admission!

Puyallup Watershed and Ice Cream Social event at the Pioneer Park Pavillion  Learn about the efforts of the Puyallup Watershed and have some of the tastiest ice cream around.

Featured Sponsor: Mini Maestros show at UPS. Don’t miss this one! The theme is percussion, and this is the last of these classical music concerts just for young children with an instrument petting zoo. so fun!

WayzGoose Festival at King’s Books a celebration of letterpress and book arts. Steamroller printing and more fun, plus meet artists and buy some of their stuff. You really should if you can swing it

Bird mobile building at Tinkertopia 15.00/participant Bring the whole family and make a kinetic sculpture with the help of Miss Darcy 3-5PM

Tacoma City Ballet presents Pinocchio. 10.00 tickets. Also  next weekend.

ShellFest at Penrose State Park Guided beach walks, community booths, children’s activities, and more!

Special morning of play at the Hands-On Children’s Museum Special rate and time for families with children with autism and other special needs.

Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business? Just let me know! Things are starting to really *hop* around the South Sound with summer (and hopefully more sun!) around the corner. Make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, so you don’t miss a thing. We also have a weekly e-newsletter that comes out on Thursdays. It’s a sneak peek of this list, and it’s perfect if you like to plan your weekend a little further ahead of time.

Several readers have asked about mother and son dances or other mommy and me events for moms of boys in the Tacoma area. There aren’t a lot of these events, but we did find several fun, upcoming events for moms and sons in Puyallup, Auburn, and Gig Harbor.

Read on for that round up!

[Read more…]

Auburn area friends, a quick reminder that the annual mother son dance is coming right up on Saturday! Ladies & Lil’ Gents is an evening for moms or mother figures and their little boys. It includes dinner, live entertainment, an activity, and a photo. Pirate dress is encouraged!

This event is Saturday, April 29th from 6-8:30. The cost is 35.00 per couple/12.00 for additional siblings. Non residents are welcome for a few dollars more.

For tickets, call 253-931-3043 or visit the Parks, Arts & Recreation Department at 910 9th ST SE. I am doing a short round up of other mother/son options in the area. Look for that later today! PS If you need gear for boys OR girls, be sure to go one post down. The JBF Seattle sale is now in Federal Way! It’s this weekend, and we’ve got an amazing giveaway for you to enter! 

Dress in your best attire and come to The Tacoma Musical Playhouse to join a performance (that’s fancy for show) of laughter, fun music, and lessons of friendship and positive thinking.

Based on the series by Jane O’Connor, FANCY NANCY THE MUSICAL follows Fancy Nancy and her friends as they prepare for their school performance of Deep Sea Dances.

Fancy Nancy believes she is so fancy she will land the dance role of her dreams. But with the help of her friends and imagination, she learns there is more to being fancy than glitter and brilliant (that means smart) words.

When we arrived, my four year old said, “Look at all the princesses!” So many little girls (and boys) were dressed in their fanciest outfits. Luckily TMP was prepared for the unprepared and had a table of tiaras for sale.

After flipping our flops and filling our tummies, we enjoyed a 40 minute performance of dancing, sports, rapping sharks, and tea parties.

Both my two and four year old enjoyed the colorful set, songs, and actors. The frequent scene changes were perfectly timed to kept their interest.

After the show we got to meet Fancy Nancy!
Thanks for a great afternoon, Tacoma Musical Playhouse.

If you’d like to see Fancy Nancy, there is one performance left with tickets available. Don’t wait long to grab them, because it will sell out, too.

April 22 – April 30, 2017
Saturday, April 22, 11am & 2pm – SOLD OUT
Sunday, April 23, 2pm – SOLD OUT
Saturday, April 29, 11am – SOLD OUT
Saturday, April 29, 2pm – TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
Sunday, April 30, 2pm – SOLD OUT

You may also want to get your tickets to this summer’s performance of Little Mermaid now! 

Review by Becca Skramstad

Our writers are provided with tickets to facilitate their reviews.  We were not otherwise compensated. Opinions are those of the author.  We would love you to mention you heard about TMP shows on Sounds Fun Mom! Thanks!

 

Friday

Featured Sponsor: Who needs a date night? You do! It’s a Kids’ Takeover at WiggleWorks tonight.   Drop the kids off and have some grown up time from 5-9PM! Kids will get to play, make crafts, and watch the movie Sing! The caring WiggleWorks staff are first aid trained, and they’ll even provide dinner. What a deal!   Register here

Auburn Avenue Kids presents James and the Giant Peach 10.00 tickets; afternoon and evening shows the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd

Auburn Outlet Spring Fling April 20th-23rd. I believe this is one of those carnival rides in the parking lot type events.

Saturday

All Over

Parks appreciation day  Parks all over are hosting volunteer efforts to celebrate Earth Day/Parks Appreciation Day. If you don’t see an event at this link, you might just contact your parks department and ask if there is one going on, and if children can participate. Word of advice: Go early. It sounds odd, but all the, “Good,” jobs tend to get taken early, and you don’t want your junior volunteers to be disappointed if they’re just standing around.

Celebrate National Parks week! Get free entry to National Parks Saturday and Sunday

You can also get free entry to state parks (No Discover WA pass needed) on Saturday!

“We are the dinosaurs,”  storytime at most Barnes and Noble stores. We do suggest calling your location to confirm, as we have found participation to be inconsistent. 11AM at most locations

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for 30 minute sessions 10-12 It’s an Earth Day theme today. There is also a Family tie-dye event at 1PM. All the supplies for that are free when you purchase the t shirt.

South King County 

Federal Way Parks Appreciation Day Lots of chances to pitch in and help at your favorite park!

Auburn Avenue Kids presents James and the Giant Peach 10.00 tickets; afternoon and evening shows the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd

Auburn Outlet Spring Fling April 20th-23rd. I believe this is one of those carnival rides in the parking lot type events.

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

Bookmarks and Landmarks Jr. – Mary Olson Farm 10:30-11:30
White River Valley Museum and the Auburn Library will host a discussion of the book Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer Holm. Read the book, then come to Mary Olson Farm to find out what life on the farm would have been like back in May Amelia’s day. Do activities like learning to care for the Farm’s animals and making one of May Amelia’s favorite foods, then discuss the book in the Mary Olson Barn! Please come dressed for the weather and ready to participate in some Farm chores. Go here to register for this event. Recommended for ages 10-14

Puyallup/Greater Pierce County

It’s Spring Fair time! Our post has all you need to know!

Earth Day concert with Tim Noah at the Puyallup Farmer’s Market stories and eco-music on the main stage from 9-2

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

Note from SFM: Between the Farmer’s Market and the Spring Fair, downtown will be very busy. Plan accordingly.

Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland

It’s Junior Daffodil Parade time! The biggest little parade around!

Grand opening of the, “Washed ashore,” exhibit at the Point Defiance Zoo. See larger than life sculptures made with plastic trash from the ocean. Included with admission. Note from SFM: Zoo admission gets spendy fast. We recommend investing in an annual pass unless you can take advantage of monthly free days for City of Tacoma residents.

Delight In Flight Earth Day Celebration with Tinkertopia at Feast Art Center Look at and listen to birds and make bird inspired art projects. Free!

Earth Day extravaganza at the Tacoma Nature Center 12-4 Learn about the Earth and things we can do to keep it healthy! The trails around Snake Lake and the Discovery Playground are also always fun. Hot tip: Did you know they have summer camps and birthday party packages here? They’re a new sponsor, and I’d LOVE for you to ask about either of those and mention SFM. Thank you for doing that!

Earth Day weekend celebration at the conservatory in Wright Park plant seeds, learn about pollinators, and more. There are also some fee based workshops for grown ups in the afternoon.

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-If you haven’t gone yet, what are you waiting for?

Rhythm of the Rocks at the Lakewood Library 2PM Join us for a musical journey around the world as we celebrate El Dia de los Ninos (Children’s Day) and El Dia de los Libros (Book Day) with award-winning musician Nancy Stewart. Free, drop in event

Bilingual Block Play at the Parkland/Spanaway Library 10AM
Building with blocks develops a child’s math and science skills and provides lots of fun. Session in English and Mandarin. Free, drop in event

Free ballet performance from Dance Theater Northwest in Lakewood. Would be a nice opportunity if you have a little one thinking about ballet.

Olympia area

Parks appreciation day in Dupont

Earth Day event at Wonderwood Park in Lacey  * See, “All Over,” at the top for more opportunities.

It looks sunny (at least right now)! The stream at the East Bay Plaza is on for your water play! 

Earth Day extravaganza at the LOTT Wet Science Center  projects, resource fair, seed planting, and more free fun all day!

Earth Day event at Priest Point Online registration has ended, but I think you could call or just show up if you’d like to help out. or just enjoy the park! It’s got a fun playground and great trails.

Moms club of Lacey garage sale

Gig Harbor/Kitsap

Be sure to check, “All over,” above and also don’t miss the toy boat building event under Sunday, below!

Egg Engineers: Save an Egg from Disaster at the Gig Harbor Library 10:30-12
Kids in fourth through eighth grades will learn about the important role of inventors as they engineer safe landings for eggs dropped from an alarming height.

Family Story Time at the Key Center Library 11:00 AM Stories, rhymes, and fun for families with young children

Visit the Gig Harbor Farmer’s Market veggies, artisan crafts, and much more!

Sunday

Auburn Avenue Kids presents James and the Giant Peach 10.00 tickets; afternoon and evening shows the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd

Auburn Outlet Spring Fling April 20th-23rd. I believe this is one of those carnival rides in the parking lot type events.

Park Rx Day at Point Defiance Park. Get your, “Nature prescription,” filled at Point Defiance Park. Activities include ranger lead walks, forest mindfulness programs, and more. Ongoing from 10AM-4PM and drops in are o.k.

Family yoga at the conservatory at Wright Park 11-2 Earth Day celebration continues with a fun, themed yoga session on the hour. Make nature wands after. Suggested donation of 3.00/person

Total mansion tour at the Meeker Mansion  Once a year chance to see the mansion from cellar to attic. 12-4; there is an admission charge. Probably best for slightly older kids, though one of my kiddos went on a field trip in 4th or 5th grade and enjoyed it.

Boat shop adventures at the Eddon Boat Yard  Kids build a toy boat and learn how to use all kinds of tools! We have heard rave reviews about this activity! You do need to register in advance.

Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business? Just let me know! Things are starting to really *hop* around the South Sound with summer (and hopefully more sun!) around the corner. Make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, so you don’t miss a thing. We also have a weekly e-newsletter that comes out on Thursdays. It’s a sneak peek of this list, and it’s perfect if you like to plan your weekend a little further ahead of time.

Do you need an egg hunt happening on Easter Sunday?

Here’s a round up of Tacoma, Puyallup, Olympia, and Covington area Easter egg hunts happening on Sunday. We have provided links so you can confirm details for yourself. We rely on community information for these round ups, so we do suggest you double check before you head out.  Have a Happy Easter!  We’ve also included a link to our regular weekend list with some non holiday options at the bottom of this post! 

Featured Listing: Easter at the Edge Foursquare Church Edgewood