Do you need something to do with the kids this weekend? We’ve found some great, fun and free things to do around Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Auburn, and Your part of the South Sound. Do be sure to also check the, “All over,” section this week. Have a great one!
Friday
Free Friday night at the Hands-on Children’s Museum
Saturday
All Over
Free pancake breakfast at McClendon stores Annual breakfast at all area McClendon hardware stores with free flapjacks and fixings
Kids’ workshops at Home Depot It’s a flower pot project today. Advance registration is now required for these popular, free kids’ workshops.
Free Lego mini build at Toys R Us from 12-2 It’s a mini figure sized Leia
Free Comic Book Day Most comic book stores and some libraries participate in this free annual event where kids get free comics! Some locations also have character appearances and other fun. Link will take you to our post with more detail.
Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for 30 minute sessions 10-12 It’s a Mother’s Day project today. There is also a family coaster making project for mom at 1PM, free with coaster purchase. 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. Check with your store for specifics. If you’re mom, pass this tip on to someone else!
Storytime at Barnes and Noble stores Dragons Love Tacos at most stores; author appearance at Lakewood. We do suggest confirming events with your store as participation has been inconsistent in the past.
South King County
Free youth fishing derby in Auburn at Mill Pond Park
Free kids’ art project at the Rusty Raven art studio in Kent Monthly free event for kids. Have you been here? We’d love your review!
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 There is also a special poem writing activity at 12 today.
Open house at Mountain Lodge Farm in Eatonville Meet an animal friend!
Puyallup/Greater Pierce County
Mini Comic-Con and author event at the Puyallup Public Library. Get your free comics, too!
Friends of South Hill Library Used Book Sale
Friends members-only presale at 9-10 a.m. The $5 bag sale at 2-4 p.m.
Farm season kick off at Mother Earth Farm 10-2 farm tour; activities; refreshments
Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland
Not wet enough for you? In case the sun come back, you’ll be glad to know that Tacoma’s free spray grounds are open on weekends beginning this weekend. 10-8; daily openings begin May 27th.
Coloring and cookies at the Swasey Library Drop in and color!
Spring Fairy Festival on 6th Avenue vendors, artists, workshops, and more fairy fun
Family nature walk at Wapato Hills 10AM Not appropriate for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up. These are free but advance registration is now required.
Pinocchio at Tacoma City Ballet Also Sunday; tickets are 10.00.
Free Comic Book Day at Atomic Comics Storm troopers and Darth Vader will be on hand! Plus giveaways and more fun. See, “All over,” at the top of this page for more Free Comic Day options.
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?
Upcycled Books with Lisa Lee at the UP Library 11AM
Upcycle a used book into a fabulous new journal. Register for this one. Ages 6 and up are welcome; kids should bring a grown up.
Family Movie Matinee at the Tillicum Library 1PM
Watch a newly released movie. Free popcorn and drinks will be served.
Free Comic Book Day at the Lakewood Library 10AM
Celebrate free comic book day. We have free comic books for children, teens, and adults, while supplies last. Note from SFM: See “All over,” at the top of the post for more Free Comic Day options.
Grab the Groupon and visit Jozee Rooz Indoor Petting Zoo!
Benson Shum book signing at King’s Books Hear about the first book from Disney Studio animator, Benson Shum. Get your copy of Holly’s Day at the Pool signed.
Olympia area
Lacey Spring Fun Fair! Great free, fun for our Lacey readers. Don’t miss it! Also Sunday
Olympia Family Theater presents The Tortoise and the Hare 5.00 per person/cash or check at the door. These are short plays just for young children.
Learn about caves at the LOTT Wet Science Center presentation at 2PM Cave themed activities available all day. Free!
PS Be sure you’re saving the date for the Lacey STEM Fair May 20th
Gig Harbor/Kitsap
Livable community fair in Key Center Booths, concessions, and a mini touch a truck!
Visit the Gig Harbor Farmer’s Market veggies, artisan crafts, and much more!
Mother’s Day Craft with the Key Center Library Meet us at the Livable Community Fair at the Vaughn Civic Center for a Mother’s Day craft and visit the PCLS Bookmobile. Register here
Sunday
Family fun day at Emerald Downs horse racing, bounce houses, pony rides for kids, and other fun. Affiliate link-
There is a Groupon for admission, a program, and food. I think it’s a good deal for grown ups if you’d get food. I believe kids are free/cheaper without it.
Youth fishing derby in Wilkeson Hosted by Sunset Lake Bible camp; open to the public. Derby is free, with a small charge for renting gear. For kids 15 and under; We haven’t heard of this one before. If you go, let us know how it is!
Pinocchio at Tacoma City Ballet Also Sunday; tickets are 10.00.
Seymour Sunday at Camp Seymour in Gig Harbor Enjoy camp activities, a tour, and a camp meal! Thanks, Chrystal for the recommendation!
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.
Saturday (today): Cinco de Mayo celebration at Enchanted Village. Kids under 48″ get in free, get adult tickets online to save money.
Sunday:
Family Day at Emerald Downs – bounce house, pony rides! Check out Groupon for a nice deal.
Seymour Sunday at YMCA’s Camp Seymour in Gig Harbor. We went to the last one and it was SO MUCH FUN! They had rock wall climbing, archery, touch tanks, and canoeing/kyaking… followed by a fantastic camp meal. Free!
Thanks, Chrystal!