Need things to do with the kids this weekend? We’ve got a whole round up! This list includes events for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. If you’re looking for family friendly 4th of July events or kid friendly activities for Independence Day, we have a quick link to our guide to those at the bottom of this post. But….we think you should read this list, too! There are lots of great happenings over this weekend, including some awesome FREE entertainment at area libraries.
Make it a great one!
Friday
There are a Bunch of awesome library programs at PCL branches today. Navigate to them on the library calendar for more details. Here are our favs:
- Garden with Lisa: Beehive Jive at the Key Center Library 1:30-2:30
Dance like bees with Urban Farmer Lisa Taylor and her Garden Critter Academy puppets as we take a music-and-movement-filled adventure in a beehive. - Museum of Flight: Flying Gizmo Show at the Orting Library 1-2PM
This fun assembly-style program is designed to help participants discover the science and history of flight through the use of flying toys and models. Our toy collection includes a flapping-winged bird, kites, parachutes, gliders, stomp rockets and many others. Please register at the Orting Library or call 253-548-3312. - Summer Stories for Preschoolers at Orting Farmer’s Market 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Ages 3-6 with an adult. Includes stories and crafts!
Sprout smart workshop at the Seymour Conservatory in Tacoma. Kids decorate and plant a mini garden. This one is 15.00 and you need to register. There are some lower cost workshops here later in the summer as well as story times.
Swan Creek Camp Fire program Evening program for families at Swan Creek park. Free but space is limited, so you are asked to register. Be sure to look at the driving/parking directions.
Featured Sponsor: Rock painting party at WiggleWorks
Get in on all the rock painting fun without the mess at your house! Included with admission! Note: You are welcome to bring bigger siblings; they just can’t play on the playground (no charge for their admission). 5-7PM Clean rocks and painting supplies included! The littles can paint with you or play while you paint!
Outdoor concert at Rainier View Park in Sumner All-American music tonight at 6:30. Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Saturday
All Over
The kids want to get wet? All area pools and spray grounds are open. Our list of those is here!
Visit your Farmer’s Market! Most every area has one. Maybe you’ll get your kiddos to try a new vegetable!
Speaking of that….Strawberry picking season is going by fast. Make sure to check in with the berry spots near you before this sweet season ends.
Home Depot Kids’ Build It’s a an bug house! Advance registration is now required for these popular, free kids’ building events
Story time at Barnes and Noble 11AM. We suggest finding your store and calling directly to confirm as participation is inconsistent; we’ve heard good things about the FW location. Lakewood has an author appearance/signing at 10AM. Other stores have author events or a Be Quiet story time at 11. Free
Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for 30 minute sessions 10-12 It’s a slime jar today. There is also a paint splatter t event today at 1PM. That is free when you buy the t shirt or any apparel item. Might be a plan if you all need matching outfits for a parade or something?

Photo property HC Mast/ Touch sea critters every Saturday at Mast at Redondo
South King County
Monthly Kids’ Art Project at Rusty Raven Studios in Kent 10AM-1PM. FREE!
Heavier Than Air theater presents Jack & The Giant A musical twist on the classic fairy tale. Green River College, Main Campus Performing Arts Building (12401 SE 320th St., Auburn, WA)
2 PM – 4 PM Tickets are 8.00 in advance or 10.00 at the door
Open hours at Mary Olson Farm in Auburn
FREE on summer weekends; tour the farm and meet some animal friends. Nice, low-key, unplugged kind of outing. They do suggest you donate 5.00 per adult/2.00 per child
Touch tanks at HCC Mast at Redondo Free and open to the public every Saturday from 10-2
Meow Fest at the Covington Library Celebration of all things cat with adoptable cats on hand. You’ve been warned!
Puyallup/Bonney Lake/Greater Pierce
Free hot dogs and pop at the Old Cannery in Sumner
Tent sale at this fun furniture store with free hot dogs and pop while supplies last 12-3 July 1st-4th. Pro tip: If you buy a couch this is not longer a frugal outing.
Tacoma
Jeff Evans Magic Show at the Kobetich Library at 10:30 or Moore at 2:30 Free, drop in program He’s terrific! See our review and a list of all his summer shows here!
Louie Foxx at the main branch of the Tacoma Library at 10:30 Free, drop in program with the magician/stunt guy. My boys loved his show!
Ozobots 10:30 at Mottet Library Program mini robots using color! This is a free program, but you do need to register
Sharks at the Point Defiance Zoo Shark themed fun and activities included with admission. Note from SFM: The zoo does get spendy fast. We suggest investing in an annual pass unless you can take advantage of free days for City of Tacoma residents. Also Sunday
Bag sale at Blooming Kids consignment Head to this Proctor area favorite and load up on bargains for just 10.00 bag.
Military appreciation weekend at Old McDebbies and Jim’s U-Fish in Spanaway
Military families (I *think* it’s the whole family) get free admission this weekend with id. You do have to pay 6.00 for the fish if you want to do that, and pony rides are extra. This is one of those spots where the add ons can sneak up on you, but I’ll tell you honestly that we have only heard good things about them from readers. Here’s their site.
Family nature walk at Swan Creek Park These are free walks with naturalists from Metro Parks. You do now have to Register in Advance. 10AM. Ask about parking when you call. Not suitable for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up.
Crafts from the Past at Ft.Nisqually Each weekend artisans demonstrate crafts and trades from the 1800s. It’s scrimshaw today. Included with admission. We think this is most of interest to school age children, though little ones will have fun climbing up the towers. The volunteers are great and in period costumes. Yes, they may talk your ear off, but everyone will learn a lot!
Featured Sponsor: See a show at the Science Dome. It’s the area’s only indoor planetarium. Children’s shows are interactive and great for ages 3-12. New theme: Our sun is a star. Seriously-This needs to be on your summer bucket list if you’ve never been. You won’t believe how cool it is!
Lacey/Olympia/Yelm
Free tours of the tugboat, Sandman, at Percival Landing. Open to the public most weekends.
Fireworks show at the South Sound speedway Pretty spendy, but maybe worth it if your kiddos and you also enjoy cars and racing? I wouldn’t go just for the fireworks, but I’ll let you decide.
Nature nurture farm open farm day-You may want to call and confirm before you go today. Meet, groom, and pet the animals! A 5.00/person donation is requested.
Visit the South Sound Estuarium open 11-4 weekends Get up close and personal with all kinds of sea critters. Admission is just 5.00 for the whole family.
Gig Harbor
Learn about the Sharks of Fox Island at the Fox Island Historical Museum with Harbor WildWatch
Activities, face painting, stories, and more fun. 1-4PM.
Have you taken a ride on the trolley yet this summer?
Sunday
Open hours at Mary Olson Farm in Auburn
FREE on summer weekends; tour the farm and meet some animal friends. Nice, low-key, unplugged kind of outing. They do suggest you donate 5.00 per adult/2.00 per child
Family day at Emerald Downs rock wall, inflatables, pony rides, and more!
Free hot dogs and pop at the Old Cannery in Sumner
Tent sale at this fun furniture store with free hot dogs and pop while supplies last 12-3 July 1st-4th. Pro tip: If you buy a couch this is not longer a frugal outing.
Sharks at the Point Defiance Zoo Shark themed fun and activities included with admission. Note from SFM: The zoo does get spendy fast. We suggest investing in an annual pass unless you can take advantage of free days for City of Tacoma residents.
Crafts from the Past at Ft.Nisqually Each weekend artisans demonstrate crafts and trades from the 1800s. It’s scrimshaw today. Included with admission. We think this is most of interest to school age children, though little ones will have fun climbing up the towers. The volunteers are great and in period costumes. Yes, they may talk your ear off, but everyone will learn a lot!
Wings and Wheels car and airplane show at the Tacoma Narrows Airport in Gig Harbor
aerobatic performances, static displays, kids’ activities, and more. Not cheap but sure to be memorable. Be sure to read parking and transport directions.
Kiddo Karoke at Odd Otter Brewing Company in Tacoma
1-4. Kids eat pizza and sing. You drink beer and watch them. Like your living room-but cooler.
Historic Fort Steilacoom is now open for Sunday tours 1-4PM I believe this is a free; donations welcome type thing. Summer Sundays until Labor Day
Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.
Monday
Fireworks show at Emerald Downs
City of Lacey fireworks and fun!
Lacey’s Independence Day event is on the 3rd at Rainier Vista Park. Live music, food vendors, and an evening fireworks display. Pack a picnic and bring your frisbee!
Eatonville Fireworks and Independence Day celebration
Eatonville also starts the family fun early on the 3rd! The festivities begin on the 3rd at 5pm at Eatonville Elementary School with food, vendors, and entertainment. The fireworks display starts at dusk! They have a parade on the 4th (See link below for our complete round up).
Free hot dogs and pop at the Old Cannery in Sumner
Tent sale at this fun furniture store with free hot dogs and pop while supplies last 12-3 July 1st-4th. Pro tip: If you buy a couch this is not longer a frugal outing.
Tuesday/Independence Day/4th of July!
Head here for area fireworks shows and 4th of July events!
As always, if you know something we missed or you’d like publicity or advertising for your group, get in touch! You can email me at soundsfunmom@gmail.com or use one of the icons up top to find us on your favorite social media.
Want the whole summer guide? It’s here!
Need it cheap? Here’s our 50 Free (or Cheap) Things To Do This Summer!
Too hot? Here’s the Beat the Heat guide!
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