Archives for June 2017

Hey, Tacoma, Did you know our lovely sponsor, Annie Wright Schools,  has a preschool program?

It’s true! In fact, they have full-day and half-day options starting at age three!

That means you don’t have to wait to enroll your little scholar in one of the very best private schools in the area.

I think you can see in this little video what makes Early Childhood Education at Annie Wright so special, but just in case you missed it, here are a few highlights!

First, class size is limited to 16 students with TWO teachers.

Second, the curriculum offers much more than a typical preschool.

Preschoolers at Annie Wright receive instruction in traditional kindergarten readiness skills like math, letters, and writing, and every child also gets to learn Spanish, swimming, lab science, art, library, and PE as part of the curriculum-each with a separate teacher who specializes in those subjects. Amazing, right?

I promise this is not a program you’ll find just anywhere!

Kids also get plenty of time for good, old-fashioned play.

Early Childhood tuition is for an entire year of coverage-that means your tuition includes the totally awesome Summer@Annie Wright offerings, Plus programming over school breaks, And before and after school care!

There aren’t many decisions more important than your child’s education. If you’re looking for the very best for your bright, young student, make sure you put Annie Wright on your list of go-sees!

And, speaking of that-the very best way to choose a school for your child is to speak with the people there in person.

If you’d like to learn more, contact their super friendly Lower School admissions director Joy Phelps at joy_phelps@aw.org or 253.284.8602

You can also learn more at their site here! 

Disclosure: We are super proud to be sponsored by Annie Wright Schools.  We’d LOVE for you to mention Sounds Fun Mom when you check out their preschool program!

Sun, glorious sun! What more could you want? How about a whole ton of free things to do with the kids in Tacoma this weekend? We’ve got ’em! Don’t worry if you live elsewhere. It’s also looking good for frugal family fun in South King County, Puyallup, and just about everywhere else!

We’ve also included a few splurge worthy options-Olympia area readers  will definitely want to take the kids to the HOCM if you have a fire truck lover. Just want to keep cool or find the sprayground list? I have a quick link to the, “Beat the Heat,” guide at the bottom of this post!  Do use the links we’ve provided to double check event details before you head out. This time of year gets a little crazy over here!! And now, let’s plan your weekend! 

 

 

 

All Weekend

Yelm Prairie Days Thursday-Saturday food, carnival games, a small town parade and more family friendly fun!

Taste of Tacoma at Pt.Defiance  Friday 11:00am-9:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-9:00pm Sunday, 11:00am-8:00pm. FREE admission to this popular festival with lots of tasty treats. Have a picnic on the grass with the family, enjoy live entertainment, and check out the Funtastic Carnival with loads of rides and games just for kids! Free “Taste Express” transportation will be provided by Pierce Transit from Tacoma Community College. Not going to lie-the shuttle had some issues last year, but I know they were working on them. And it still beat trying to find a parking space!

Saturday

All Over

 Story Time at most Barnes and Noble stores. 11AM   We do suggest calling your location to confirm, as we have found participation to be inconsistent. Activities follow It’s Rainbow Fish today.

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores  2.00/child for 30 minute sessions 10-12 It’s a fish craft today. You may also want to check out their summer kids’ program, Camp Creativity. Flyers are in stores.

Berry Picking U pick berry spots have opened in Puyallup and Kent, and there are also quite a few stands open with fresh berries. You will want to check first as this is weather and crop dependent.

Almost every library is kicking off their summer reading program. Be sure to sign up at yours! It’s all free, and most have fun and prizes for all ages.

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 Ask about their weekday evening open times during the summer! Free

Slug Fest at Northwest Trek slug crafts, slug races, and more slug fun! Included with admission. Trek does get spendy, so we suggest investing in an annual pass if you’d go more than twice. You can add one to a zoo membership. Be sure to do the tram ride and allow plenty of time for the new playground. 9:30-5 Saturday and Sunday

Visit the Mary Olson Farm in Auburn Tour the farm house, meet the animals

Free and open to the public on summer Saturdays and Sundays (donations are suggested).

Summer Splashtacular at the Covington Aquatic Center (18230 SE 240th St., Covington, WA 98042)
1 PM – 3 PM free swimming, water safety activities, and fun!

Puyallup/South Hill/Sumner/Greater Pierce

Try archery day at the Skookum Archery Range 

Try archery for free! Instruction provided! They’d like you to sign up, but you can also drop in.  There is no minimum age, though they recommend 6 and up as littler kids will have a hard time holding the bow.

Young eagles rally at Thun Field Free airplane rides for kids 8-17! Here’s the catch: As of now, there are just 3 spots left at 3:30. Otherwise, you can get on the waiting list. If this doesn’t work for you, try to get on their email list or like their Facebook page or so on so you’ll make it next year. This is a super cool, free event that fills like lightning every year.

Tacoma Highland Games at Frontier Park in Graham Celtic games, entertainment, food vendors, and more. Get your kilt out!

Food Truck Frenzy at Bradley Lake Park  Food trucks and live music. Not specifically a kids’ event but should be family friendly.

South Hill Mall block party  music, prizes, and other fun. I’m not sure how interesting this would be for kids, but there are swag bags for the first 100, so I thought I’d go ahead and include it. Let us know how it is if you go!

Seattle Tacoma Pet Con at the Puyallup Fairgrounds

Free admission; demonstrations, vendors, and a parade of adoptable rescue pets, among other highlights. If you come home with a new animal friend, that is on you!

Eric Ode: How to Build the World’s Most Amazing Dog House at the Sumner Library

Benjamin D. Dog wants to build a new dog house—the world’s most amazing dog house! With the help of the Tele-Traveling-Transportamatic (Or is it really just a cardboard box?), Benjamin zips across the globe in search of inspiration. Free, drop in library event

Tacoma

Rain Gardens with Kids  at the Kobetich Branch of the Tacoma Public Library 10:30

Want to drink dirty water? Neither do we! Let’s make a rain garden. WSU Master Gardener Lorrie Hutt will show us how rain gardens help keep our water clean and how we can create one. Free, drop in program

Roberto the Insect Architect Storytime at the Moore Branch of the Tacoma Public Library 11:30
Enjoy a story about a termite that follows his dreams to build a better community and other animal tales.  Free, drop in program

Seattle Reptile Guy at the Wheelock Branch of the Tacoma Public Library 2-3PM Free, drop in event

Seattle Reptile Guy will bring between 25 and 30 different animals, such as snakes, lizards, tortoises, giant geckos, giant tree skinks, bearded dragons and other cool animals to Tacoma Public Library. Kids get to touch the animals and learn all about the amazing things that these critters can do. Don’t forget your camera!

Ozobots – Program Miniature Robots Using Color! at the South Tacoma Library 2:30-4:30
Have fun with Ozobots that move in patterns, play games and dance! Using different color markers to draw, these mini robots can be programmed to follow commands. Registration and a grown up are required. 18 spots as of this writing.

Atomic Comicon continues at the main branch of the Tacoma Public Library

panels, Lego area, vendors, cosplay workshops, and more comic fun. Probably of most interest to teens or older tweens, but younger kids (and grown ups) with an interest may have fun, too. There is a, “Classic story time,” for toddlers and young children at 1. I’d suspect a superhero theme? It’s all Free!

Plough to Plate at Ft. Nisqually 11-5
Churn butter, haul water, or try your hand at an egg and spoon race. Chefs will be cooking 1800s dishes with traditional techniques and cookware. Included with admission; enter from Mildred St. to avoid (some of) the Taste of Tacoma traffic.

Featured Sponsor: See a show at the Science Dome. It’s the area’s only indoor planetarium, and it’s a super, affordable family outing. Really! Family shows at 12:30 or 2; 6.00 for ages 3-12 and Free for everyone else. Planetary Explorers is the theme. More here.

 

Olympia area

Take a free tour of the tugboat, Sandman

Meet the Beach! Join volunteer naturalists from the South Sound Estuary Association and explore area beaches at low tide. They’ll be at Tolmie and Frye Cove today and back at Tolmie tomorrow. Free events, though you need a Discover Pass for state parks.

Fire Rescue Spectacular at the Hands On Children’s Museum 11AM-3

firefighters, fire trucks, Sparky, and much more! It’s a must for your firefighter fan! Activities in the street are free; those inside are included with museum admission.

Learn about Puget Sound Sharks at the LOTT Wet Center Presentation at 2PM; shark fun and activities all day.  The center is always Free!

Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location on Saturdays and Sundays. 5.00 admission for the family!

Gig Harbor/Kitsap

Visit your farmer’s market!

Beach walks with Harbor WildWatch at Penrose or Olalla

Join volunteers to explore beaches at low tide. Free events, but you need a Discover WA pass for Penrose.

Your trolley is back! Take a ride for just .50! 

We like the idea of getting a treat at Uptown and then walking your fun downtown (new splash pad at Skansie Park!) before your return trip.

Sunday

All Over

It’s a slime Sunday at Michael’s. Get in on the slime craze!

South King County/Beyond

Visit the Mary Olson Farm in Auburn Tour the farm house, meet the animals

Free and open to the public on summer Saturdays and Sundays (donations are suggested).

Slug Fest continues at Northwest Trek slug crafts, slug races, and more slug fun! Included with admission. Trek does get spendy, so we suggest investing in an annual pass if you’d go more than twice. You can add one to a zoo membership. Be sure to do the tram ride and allow plenty of time for the new playground. 9:30-5 Saturday and Sunday

Tacoma/Pierce County

See, “All weekend,” at the top for info. on the Taste of Tacoma

Seattle Tacoma Pet Con continues at the Puyallup Fairgrounds

Free admission; demonstrations, vendors, and a parade of adoptable rescue pets, among other highlights. If you come home with a new animal friend, that is on you!

Tiptoe through the tide pools at Titlow Beach in Tacoma 11AM-2PM

Join volunteer naturalists to explore this great beach at low tide. Free!

Behind the curtain with the Little Mermaid Get a preview of the newest family production from the Tacoma Musical Playhouse!

Lacey/Olympia

Visit the South Sound Estuarium in Olympia interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.

Meet the Beach! Join volunteer naturalists from the South Sound Estuary Association and explore area beaches at low tide. Tolmie today. Free, but you’ll need a Discover Pass.

Did you just scroll down because you want the sprayground list? It’s o.k.! It’s here along with shady parks, ice cream stops, and other fun in our Beat the Heat list. 

We are also thrilled to announce our 2017 Summer Guide! It’s all our best stuff for summer in one handy place! 

New here? I’d love to have you use the buttons at the top to join us on the Facebook page, follow me on Twitter or Instagram, or  subscribe to our weekly emails so you don’t miss a thing!

Know something we missed? Let us know! Want new customers for your local, family friendly business? Ask us about advertising! You won’t believe what a great deal it is! 

Lucky you! The two very fun, outdoor pools in Tacoma have opened, just in time for the heat we’re supposed to get this weekend.

There are two public, outdoor pools run by Metro Parks Tacoma. You don’t have to live in Tacoma to use them.

One is at Kandle Park. It’s actually a wave pool. I know-how cool is that? There is also a sprayground area and tot pool here as well as a fun playground.

As you can tell, it does get crowded at times, but we’ve heard nothing but good reviews from readers. Tip: They keep the water nice and warm, so you might want to go on a cloudy or cooler day to have less company! It has a beach style entry which is nice for younger kids or middle aged ladies who don’t like to be suddenly underwater (ahem….).

Admission is 6.00 kids/8.00 adults for a half session. Kids 4 and under are free.

Hours and the rest of the rules are here!  

Another option is the outdoor pool at Stewart Heights. [Read more…]

Guys!  KidsDay from Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation is coming up Friday, and you do not want to miss this full day of FREE fun just for kids! It’s totally worth the trip for families anywhere nearby!

It all happens at Les Gove Park, 910 Ninth Street SE on Friday, June 23rd, from 11AM-4PM.

There will be  inflatable rides, children’s activities, live stage entertainment, mini golf, free museum admission, hundreds of cool vendors (Like US!)  and much, much more. Admission is FREE and so are most of the activities!

Do bring a little cash if you want to do attractions like the swings or get some eats from a food vendor.

Parking is available in and around the park, with overflow parking at Grace Community Church and street parking surrounding the park.

My boys and I have gone to this event several times and always had fun. The lines for the inflatables get long, so you might want to encourage your kiddos to check out other stuff because there is so much to do.

We also like to go early or late in the day for even more fun with lighter crowds, but I’ll leave that part up to you.

For additional event information, parking information, a festival map or entertainment schedule, you can check out the event page on Facebook.

or at the city website here! 

And, oh, yeah-We’ll be there! Do be sure to stop by the Sounds Fun Mom booth to say, “Hi!” and chat about summer activities. I’d love to meet you.

PS This event is always the Friday after Auburn schools get out. I know some of you in neighboring districts are still in school for what seems like forever. I’m tempted to suggest your kids could probably miss a couple hours that day, but I shouldn’t do that…….luckily,  we do have another list of summer events going on all summer for you to check out. And Auburn, in particular, is absolutely rocking it with all their family offerings!

Disclosure: We are proud to be a media partner with the City of Auburn Parks Department. They’ve been super cool partners of ours since way back when. If you have a chance to say you heard about their events on Sounds Fun Mom, I’d really appreciate it!

 

Woot! Go NOW!  Apple Stores have just announced their annual, FREE technology day camps for kids 8-12. This year kids can choose from making stop motion movies, coding, and other topics.

These are three day camps, and the South Sound stores I checked are offering them on select Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in July from 10:15-12:30 or 1:45-4PM

As of now there were openings in all camps at the Tacoma Mall and Southcenter locations, but these do fill lightning fast, so don’t wait if you want in!

 

From the link, you’ll want to choose your state and then select your store, topic, and session.

The only downside? Your kiddos will probably be wanting some very expensive, “Toys,” at the end of their session-something to think about before you sign up! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Been before? We’d love your reviews! For more traditional camps on all kinds of topics, be sure to check our summer camp guide. 

Friday

Family story time at the community center in Pacific

Free show with Recess Monkey at Charles Wright 6PM The public is welcome to this free show with the popular kindie rockers. No tickets needed, but they’d love you to register for planning.

Featured Sponsor: Family game night at WiggleWorks

6-7:30 WiggleWorks kids Puyallup is excited to announce our partnership with PLAYlive Nation! Enjoy playing board games with your little ones and getting the wiggles out on our playground, while older siblings get to play games on our BIG SCREEN TV, brought in by @PLAYlive Nation! Free with paid admission. Tip: You don’t have to pay for kids who are too big for the playground! Bring the whole family!

 

All Weekend

It’s Meeker Days in Puyallup! Three big days of fun with vendors, kids’ activities, entertainment and more. The Farmer’s Market is also fun. Note from SFM: This is always fun, but it does seem to get spendier every year. Bring some cash. Note that even if you’re not going, there are street closures around the event, so plan ahead.

The Festival of Sail is in Tacoma the 15th-18th. See and tour tall ships! We have a more detailed breakdown of this event below under, “Tacoma.”

Saturday

All Over

 Story Time at most Barnes and Noble stores. 11AM   We do suggest calling your location to confirm, as we have found participation to be inconsistent. Activities follow It’s a Father’s Day theme today.

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores  2.00/child for 30 minute sessions 10-12 Make a Father’s Day frame today. There is also a canvas painting activity at 1PM, free with purchase of the canvas.

Berry Picking U pick berry spots have opened in Puyallup and Kent, and there are also quite a few stands open with fresh berries. You will want to check first as this is weather dependent and fields close if there is too much rain.

South King County

Burien strawberry festival Saturday and Sunday at Town Square Park Hands on art, Touch-a-Truck, inflatables, and more!! Free; You will probably want some cash for vendors and food

Teddy bear clinic at the fire station in Covington 10-2 firefighters and EMTs will, “Treat,” a favorite teddy or stuffed animal.

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 Ask about their weekday evening open times during the summer! Free

Dad and me paint party at Artsy Fartsy studio in Kent 30.00 includes lessons, supplies, and treats for one child and dad 5.00 extra kiddos  4-6PM

Puyallup/South Hill/Sumner/Greater Pierce

Swimjitsu at the Fife Aquatic Center Registration is 25.00 or 30.00  Kids race through inflatable obstacle courses in the water! They can go as many times as they want with their paid registration. More info.here Open to ages 5 and up; non swimmers must wear lifejackets

It’s Meeker Days time in Puyallup! See our listing under, “All weekend,” above.

Whitewater church is hosting a root beer tasting  rom 1-3 Open to the public; 6 tastes for $5 13 tastes for $10; 30 tastes for $20 (Note from SFM-I’ll let you decide how much root beer is a good idea)!

Tacoma

Festival of Sail-This is this weekend’s big event with events the 15th-18th. See and tour tall ships on the waterfront. There will also be live entertainment, the world’s largest rubber duck for your selfie taking, and lots of roving pirate folks. Highlights for kids include the children’s pirate ship. This is quite a spendy outing, but the ships are pretty amazing, especially if you have a fan of pirates and so forth.  You can buy tickets just to the festival grounds, but I think you want to buy the ones that allow you to board the boats for tours. Those are 12.00 for a one day pass; there are also some multi day options and options that combine admission with other area attractions like NW Trek. All the ticketing info. is here. Note that kids 4 and under are FREE-except for on the actual day sailing trips. If you want to actually go sailing those tickets are more-like a lot more. Parking will be very tight here. We suggest you use one of the shuttle options You should be able to find somewhere to see the duck without going on to the festival grounds, but I’m not sure where to tell you. If you come up with a good idea, let us know!

 

Tacky tie two mile run at Jefferson Park Fun run with dad! Day of registration is kind of spendy, but it is chip timed. If you’d like to do fun runs in the future they have a whole series planned, and registration in advance is quite a bit cheaper.

Job Carr Cabin Craft Saturday   Drop in and make a craft at this little museum in Old Town. Pay as you will. It’s toy boat building today. Note-They will also have expanded hours during the festival.

Ozobots at the library: Program miniature robots using color! Event at Fern Hill Library at 2:30-4:30 and Moore 10:30-12. You do need to register in advance; openings at both locations as of this writing.   For ages 5-14; manufacturer recommends 10 and up; if you have a bright, younger child who enjoys science and engineering, I think he or she will do fine.

Roger Fernandes at Tacoma Public Library branches- Wheelock at 11 and Mottet at 2PM Roger Fernandes is a Lower Elwha Band of the S’Klallam Indians Storyteller who incorporates song and dance in his tales of wolves and ravens, heroes and villains.

Go skate Tacoma at Tollefson Plaza Alchemy Skateboarding hosts this free event. There will be learn to skate sessions and competitions to join in or watch. Ask about summer skateboarding camp!

Crafts of the past at Ft.Nisqually Artisans demonstrate crafts and trades from the 1800s during summer weekends.

It’s tatting today. That’s a kind of knotted lace (Yes, I looked it up). Included with admission. We think the Fort is of most interest to school age kids with an interest in history, but younger children will enjoy running around the grounds and climbing the towers. Volunteers in period costumes are on hand (and will sometimes talk your ear off).

Family STEAM day at the LeMay Visit with local race car drivers in the NAPA Auto Care Center at ACM who will showcase their vehicles and equipment. Plus family scavenger hunts and other fun. There are similar activities on the third Saturday of each month. Included with admission. Note from SFM: I personally. think admission here is spendy, but if you have a serious car lover in the family it’s easily a full day. They’re also selling a BBQ lunch for Father’s Day. both Saturday and Sunday. *More Father’s Day options below under, “Sunday.”

Free Family flick at the Grand Cinema presented by Colombia Bank Free showing of The Water Horse. Limited to first 100; doors open at 9:30/show at 10.

Donuts with Dad painting at Art Studio 27 in University Place 50.00 covers instruction and supplies for one dad and one kiddo  We’ve heard nice things about this place.

Green Thumb Explorers children’s workshop for ages 7-12; pre-registration required 10:30-12 at Lakewold Gardens. I believe these are free, but we need to confirm.

Featured Sponsor: See a show at the Science Dome. It’s the area’s only indoor planetarium, and it’s a super, affordable family outing. Really! Family shows at 12:30 or 2; 6.00 for ages 3-12 and Free for everyone else. Planetary Explorers is the theme. More here.

Family Movie at the Tillicum Library 1PM

All ages are welcome; kids under 6 should bring a grown up. Titles are newer to DVD releases. Free popcorn and drinks!

Olympia area

Berry harvest celebration at the Olympia Farmer’s market  Event is free; your food is not (proceeds benefit charity).

Rain Garden Challenge at the LOTT Wet Center Make a miniature rain garden and see whose holds the most water. Presentation and activity at 1PM; other fun all day. The center is always Free!

Olympic Air Show at the Olympic Flight Museum  Also Sunday 12.00 online; 15.00 at the door. Kids 6 and under are Free. Aerobatic performances and air craft and lots of planes to look at.

OFS Kids Club presents Sing!  at Capitol Theater  Free for kids 12 and under; 8.00 general admission; doors open at 10:30

Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location on Saturdays and Sundays. 5.00 admission for the family!

Gig Harbor/Kitsap

Visit your farmer’s market!

Food Truck Feast at Sehmel Park  food trucks, beer, live music! Admission is free-your eats are not. 🙂

Your trolley is back! Take a ride for just .50!

Sunday

See this post  for events and deals for dads for Father’s Day

Read on for general interest family events…

Be sure to also check, “All weekend,” listings above.

Historical medieval martial arts at the Kent Library Free demonstration from the Knights of Veritas at 2PM; my kids and I have seen them in action. It’s actually very interesting. Will your kids want to make everything they see into swords for hours after? Quite possibly…..

Family Day at the Meeker Mansion in Puyallup 11-3 Children and students are FREE
Crafts, activities, Mansion tours (adults $4 / seniors $3)

Learn about rail safety at Steamers Cafe  at Titlow Beach in Tacoma. Free informational event hosted by Washington Operation Lifesaver. Hint: There are usually freebies for your train lovers at these (think coloring pages, hats, etc…) and afterwards you can watch the trains (safely, of course!) go by.You can also get one free scoop of ice cream.  The fish n chips here are a bit of a splurge but tasty.

Sunday family movie at the Auburn Library 2PM It’s The Lego Movie Free

Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.

Olympic Air Show continues at the Olympic Flight Museum

We are also thrilled to announce our 2017 Summer Guide! It’s all our best stuff for summer in one handy place! 

New here? I’d love to have you use the buttons at the top to join us on the Facebook page, follow me on Twitter or Instagram, or  subscribe to our weekly emails so you don’t miss a thing!

Know something we missed? Let us know! Want new customers for your local, family friendly business? Ask us about advertising! You won’t believe what a great deal it is! 

Here’s our 2017 round up of family friendly places to take the kids to see fireworks or enjoy other old-fashioned fun on the 4th of July around here. Most big South Sound celebrations include fun and free things to do with the kids during the day on the 4th as well as fireworks shows if you’re going to stay up that late. If you appreciate this guide, we would LOVE it if you shared it.

We have provided links so you can double check details. You can expect crowds and traffic at all these events, so plan accordingly!

Family Fourth at the Fort, Fort Dent Park, Tukwila

This is an all day event, the park opens to the public at 9am and event activities go from 4pm to 10pm! Lots of fun for the family including bouncy houses, slides, and entertainment. Parking is limited so be sure to get there early!

Renton’s Fabulous Fourth, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park

Enjoy free KidZone activities including Orbitron Spin, Giant Inflatable Slide, Obstacle Course, Ball Pond, and face-painting from 12pm-8pm. Professional fireworks display at 10pm. Many other activities!

4th of July Splash: Lake Meridian Park

Enjoy a variety of games, family activities and art projects from 12pm-5pm. Fireworks finale over Lake Meridian at 10PM. You’re encouraged to park at one of the off-site locations and take a shuttle bus as parking at Lake Meridian will be by permit only.  If you haven’t been to Lake Meridian before, check out our full review of this awesome park. It’s also on our list of Great Lakes for Swimming in the South Sound.

Fireworks over Des Moines

All day the Fishing Pier will be closed for public use and at 5pm the food trucks open for business. The fireworks begin at 10:20pm! Please sure to check out the list of no’s for the festival.

4th of July Festival, Auburn, Les Gove Park

This event runs from 11am-4pm. Free activities include the kids’ bike parade at noon, bocce, White River Valley Museum entry, face painting, spray park, the Discovery Playground and a 5 & Under Indoor Playground. You can also purchase $5 wristbands for additional rides and activities.

Red, White, and Blues Festival, Federal Way

The event starts at 4:00pm, but parking is free so it’s recommended to get there early. This year’s festival features musical entertainment, food vendors, face painting, inflatables, and more! The fireworks display begins at 10:15pm.

4th of July Parade, Enumclaw

Come to downtown Enumclaw and enjoy the 4th of July parade from 12pm-1:30pm. The parade route includes Cole St, from Battersby to Monroe.

Fireworks in Enumclaw

We are working on getting info. from the city. Last we heard from the Chamber of Commerce, organized fireworks were not happening due to the proximity of eagles’ nests to the fireworks area. We will let you know if we get more information.

Puyallup

There are no public fireworks displays scheduled in Puyallup this year so far. But, you can always look up from wherever you are in Puyallup and see what your friends and neighbors are doing!  You can enjoy daytime fun at the Meeker Mansion downtown (see below).

Meeker Mansion, Puyallup

Family Social & Puyallup Community Band Concert on the 4th from 2pm-5pm (concert begins at 3pm). Enjoy family games plus strawberry treats!

Tacoma’s Freedom Fair

Spend the day at Ruston Way for Freedom Fair, featuring 4th of July activities, airshows, great food, vendors, exhibits, rides, and events. Northwest’s biggest firework show over Puget Sound at 10:10pm.  Consider using the Pierce Transit shuttle option rather than trying to park near Ruston Way. Details about the shuttle are here, and this page actually has some good details about the event as well. If your kids like heroes and princesses, be sure to visit our friends from Emerald Kingdom parties. 

JBLM Freedom Fest

Freedom Fest offers entertainment for the whole family!  This event is split into two days. The first day is Monday, July 3, 12pm-7pm and is only open to DOD ID Cardholders and their sponsored guests. The second day is July 4, 11am-10:30pm and is open to the public!

DuPont July 4th: A Hometown Celebration

Pancake breakfast, parade, kids’ activities including pony rides and more! Fireworks begin at dusk at Patriots’ Landing.

City of Lacey

Lacey does a super fun, family friendly event, but it’s on the 3rd at Rainier Vista Park. Live music, food vendors, and an evening fireworks display. Pack a picnic and bring your frisbee!

Independence Day in Steilacoom

Parade, vendors, and a fireworks display. A full day of community fun!

Eatonville Fireworks + Parade

Eatonville 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! Then on the 4th the parade begins at noon!

Independence Day Parade, Tumwater

City of Tumwater hosts its annual parade beginning at 11am! The pre-parade activities begin at 10:45am. Later that night after the parade the Thunder Valley Fireworks show kicks off! The event gates open at 6:00pm and the fireworks show begins at 10:15pm. The event is free, but parking is $10/car.

Gig Harbor

No organized displays that I know about, but (pro tip from someone who grew up there…..) try to get yourself invited to a party overlooking a smallish bay or other body of water, and you should have a good show!

4th of July Sinclair Inlet Fireworks Show, Port Orchard/Bremerton

Drawing crowds of 60,000 or more, the show is visible to Bremerton, the Naval Shipyard, and Port Orchard areas. Show begins at 10:30pm.

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So many options! Which one will you and your family choose? Whatever you do, stay safe and have fun celebrating freedom! After all of that, be sure to check out more summer fun in our guide.

 

Hike Report: Roegner Park Trails

601 Oravetz Road SE, Auburn

Roegner Park is a 21 acre community park located along the bank of the White River in Auburn.  The park itself features a picnic pavilion, playground, public art, and trails. Although the playground is currently under renovation, there are great stroller-friendly walking trails and lots of grass for play stops. Bring the family dog along and Fido can enjoy the off-leash dog park as well.

There is plenty of parking, but when I was there  the restrooms were locked. (There was a port o potty.) I am assuming the restrooms will be open when the playground is completed

From the parking lot, you can access the White River Trail. Turn right and follow the paved path or the narrower dirt trail. (The two paths will take you to the same place.) The paved path is perfect for strollers, scooters, and kids because it is wide and pretty flat. There are benches and tables along the way.

 

You will not only stroll through grassy areas, but get some great views of the White River.

The trail continues 2.5 miles, ending at Game Farm Wilderness Park.  You can also park at Game Farm Wilderness Park and start from there.

For a shorter stroll, start at Roegner Park parking lot and take the path on the left. This trail is about a half mile round trip. Once you pass a daycare center on your left, you can turn around there, or go a bit further. The path continues until you reach a metal sculpture.

The sculpture is cool, but there isn’t much more to see except for a bridge with lots of graffiti. Note from SFM: I tagged along on this outing. Tiffany and I thought the park was clean and pleasant and noticed several other groups out walking. We did notice what looked like some camps under the bridge. If that would concern you, we suggest taking the other route described here or turning around at the day care center/preschool.

Once the playground is finished, this park should make for a great place to meet for a play date and get a little exercise for parents, kids and even the dog!