Zoo Boo is one of Dozens of fun seasonal happenings this weekend!
Multiple Days
Just Between Friends Sale at the fairgrounds in Puyallup. This is the BIG one! Be sure to use the link to get your free admission pass!
Friday
Friday is a big day for storytimes. We don’t list them all due to space, but check your library if you need something to do today.
Celebrate fall at the Center at Norpoint! Admission is FREE. Enjoy hands-on arts and crafts, carnival-style games, pumpkin fun, and live entertainment. 5:30pm-7:00pm-festivities end with a trunk or treat from 7-7:30 (weather permitting).
Movie Night at Portland Avenue Community Center Free showing of Beauty and the Beast! Popcorn provided!
Owl Prowl at the Shadow Lake Nature Preserve * Late night event!* Learn about owls and then try to entice one to call back to you!
Featured Sponsor: It’s Family Movie and Glow Play Night at WiggleWorks Family Movie and Glow Play Night is Friday, October 13th, from 6pm-8pm. Movie starts at 6:00 pm. You are welcome to come in at any time to get in on the fun! This month we are watching “The Emoji Movie”!
We will be selling pizza for $2.00 per slice and giving FREE glow bracelets to every child that attends. FREE for members or with $7.50 all day admission. SFM tip: Older siblings too big for the playground are welcome to come along for free!
Saturday
All Over
Storytime at Barnes and Noble stores Most area stores do a free, weekly storytime at 11AM; however, we do suggest calling yours to confirm first, as we have found participation to be inconsistent. Story is After the Fall today.
Kids’ Club at Michael’s Craft Stores It’s a tie-in to the Disney movie, Vampirina today. Looks like a mobile. 10AM-12 2.00 per half hour session; there is also a family craft from 1-4; this one is t-shirt decorating, and supplies are provided when you purchase the t-shirt.
South King County
Fright Fest at Wild Waves. Includes 20+ amusement park rides, two haunted houses, a scare free area for kids under 12, and live entertainment. Be sure to check the website for the varying times. Weekends from September 29-October 29
Auburn Community Players present Annie 2 or 7 today; tickets start at 13.00
Salmon spotting on the Cedar River Trained naturalists will help kids spot salmon returning to spawn Every weekend in October at four locations-link takes you to a detailed post.
Visit the HCC Mast Center at Redondo Touch tanks with sea critters free and open to the public Saturdays from 10AM-2
Meet Mickey Mouse at Learning Express Toys in Renton! 12-4; Free character photo op! Yes, these usually have a crowd.
Puyallup/Orting/Graham/Greater Pierce County
Reptile and Exotic Animal Show at the fairgrounds in Puyallup Sat, 10am – 5pm, Sun, 10am – 4pm Admission: Adults – $10.00 (one day), Two-Day Pass – $15.00, Kids 10 & under – FREE All kinds of scaly and exotic creatures for sale plus vendors and information. Gold gate
Dare2BeExceptional Walk with Exceptional Families Network and Special Families of Puget Sound at the South Hill Mall
Fundraiser walk to raise awareness about the problem of bullying. I believe anyone can show up to check out the resource fair and activities.
Featured Sponsor: SmileFest at Molen Orthodontics in Sumner
Celebrate their new offices with the Sumner drum line, Seahawks’ mascot Blitz, a magic show, and much more, AND Sierra Lauren will be performing her Billboard hit single Nightmares! Check the link for times. Do be sure to tour the new building and ask about a special offer for new patients! Disclosure: Molen is a lovely site sponsor. I will be there for at least part of the fun, and I’d love to meet you and talk to you about how much our family loves Molen!
It’s Cider Squeeze Time at the Meeker Mansion 10:00am-4:00pm. Squeeze apples for some fresh cider, pick out a carving pumpkin, visit a favorite vendor, or munch on apple treats from the snack shack.
Orting Pumpkin Fest Games, a bouncy house, activities for kids, Act 1 Theatre productions, Point Defiance pirates, and a free bus tour of local farms. There will also be a Little Pumpkin Pals parade for kiddos in pumpkin themed costumes. 10:00AM-5:00PM
Read with Clover the Dog at the Puyallup Public Library 2PM; Kids can drop in and practice reading to Clover. She’s a good listener!
Lego storytime at the Puyallup Library 11AM Free, drop in program. Hear short stories and enjoy building time.
Pumpkin Jubilee at Watson’s Nursery Giant pumpkin will be carved; photo ops There is also a doggie costume contest, but you need to register for that! I think this is a really fun nursery to browse. Do be aware there are a lot of delicate gift items on display, somewhat close together as well.
Beyond
Ride the Peanuts Great Pumpkin Patch Express
Join Snoopy and Charlie Brown aboard The Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Passengers will ride the train and read the book It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on their journey to the Pumpkin Patch. Every child gets to choose their very own pumpkin to take home, play PEANUTS™ themed games and activities, and meet Charlie Brown and Snoopy. These are spendy tickets, but it’s a super fun ride for a train fan. Check out the website for the various times this weekend and next.
Tacoma/ South Tacoma/Lakewood
Tacoma artists’ studio tours. Free tours of the working studios of 70 local artists! Demonstrations or activities at each spot; opportunities to purchase original art. Saturday and Sunday 11AM-5PM
Go to the Studio Tour page at www.TacomaArtsMonth.com for all the details including an interactive map so you can plot your own custom tour course according to what spots sound best for your kiddos and their interests. Self guided!
Bag sale at Blooming Kids 10-2; Head to Proctor and fill a bag for 10.00!
PBS Playdate at the CMOT. Monthly playdate with a PBS show theme. It’s Curious George today. These are first come; first served. Included with your pay-as-you-will admission
Zoo Boo at the Point Defiance Zoo
Watch the animals enjoy special Halloween and pumpkin themed enrichment activities. Free with admission (Zoo admission is spendy; SFM recommends investing in an annual pass.) Get $3 off general admission if you come in costume.Saturday and Sunday, October 14-15, 10:00am-4:00pm
Storytime at Wheelock or Swasey
Families with young children can head to their neighborhood library for stories and fun. 10:30 at both branches; it’s Play and Grow at Wheelock and PlayBlocks at Swasey.
Family nature walks with Metro Parks Tacoma Join volunteer naturalists on a free nature walk Not suitable for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up. It’s Swan Creek Park at 1PM today. You are now required to pre-register for these programs.
Volunteer at one of more than a dozen urban green spaces around the area. This would be a good option if you have a tween or teen who needs service hours, and a nice way to discover some of these hidden gems with others.
Gravel Pit Trail Grand Opening
In conjunction with Green Tacoma Day (see above), families are invited to the grand opening of this new 1/2 mile trail around the 80th street stormwater pond. Cocoa, donuts, rock painting, and Scoopy Doo! They would like you to RSVP. *Scoopy is a mascot who encourages dog owners to pick up after their dogs! Love it!
Fall Into Pink Workshop at the Tacoma Mall 1-2PM
Join popular lifestyle blogger Portia Smith of Obsessed by Portia for a pink-inspired floral wreath-making workshop benefitting Susan G. Komen®. 20.00 ticket includes wreath making, a lunch, and a swag bag! That’s a deal! Children can attend, and the project will be scaled for them. They do need a ticket.
Children and all ages shows at the Science Dome presentations and shows on the overhead dome at the area’s only indoor, digital planetarium. Great, low cost, indoor activity-we really recommend the children’s version!
The 11th Annual Truck and Tractor Day in Lakewood at Fort Steilacoom Park is not to be missed! Free hard hats and free pumpkins (while supplies last!) As if that wasn’t enough, you also get to climb on dozens of trucks and tractors! FREE admission! You can save time in line by filling out waivers in advance-links in the pdf here. 12:00PM-3:00PM
Olympia/Lacey/Beyond
Tumwater Marching Band Festival Inspire your young musician!
Olympia Family Theater presents The Cat in the Hat at 2PM today and Sunday. We’ve heard this is especially cute for younger audiences!
Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center The center is free and hosts special activities every Saturday. Art inspired by the Puget Sound today; treatment plant tour at 1PM for participants 10 and up-closed toe shoes required.
Visit the South Sound Estuarium open 11-4 weekends
It’s apple festival time at Lattin’s
Gig Harbor
Second Saturday: Pumpkin Decorating at the Key Center Library 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Decorate your very own pumpkin to take home. Small pumpkin and decorations provided. * This event requires registration.
Any weekend fun: Visit the Farmer’s Market or the Harbor History Museum; walk your waterfront; check out what’s happening at Discovery Village or the YMCA; see the touch tanks at the Skansie Visitor’s Center; find a new park or trail…..
Sunday
All Over
Lego Bricktober Build and Play Event at Toys R Us
It’s a superhero theme, and you do need to register for these free events now. I’m not sure if this includes a make it and take it; if you find out, let us know! 1PM
South King County
Fright Fest at Wild Waves. Includes 20+ amusement park rides, two haunted houses, a scare free area for kids under 12, and live entertainment. Booville is a scare-FREE zone for kids under 12 that includes a giant inflatable slide, an inflatable obstacle course and other fun. Be sure to check the website for the varying times. Weekends from September 29-October 29
Salmon spotting on the Cedar River Trained naturalists will help kids spot salmon returning to spawn Every weekend in October at four locations-link takes you to a detailed post.
Puyallup/Sumner
Reptile and Exotic Animal Show at the fairgrounds in Puyallup Sat, 10am – 5pm, Sun, 10am – 4pm Admission: Adults – $10.00 (one day), Two-Day Pass – $15.00, Kids 10 & under – FREE All kinds of scaly and exotic creatures for sale plus vendors and information. Gold gate
Kids pumpkin painting at Urban Timber in Sumner
11-1 Please join us for some ghoulish pumpkin painting, freaky fun & frightenly fabulous treats. Hope your little boys & ghouls will come dressed in their #Halloween costumes… for this SPOOK-tacular affair!
We invite children 12 & under to paint pumpkins (don’t worry, we’ll provide all the art supplies, brushes & pumpkins.) Space is limited, so we do suggest you arrive early!
Backpack Kids Brunch at the Hungry Goose 20.00 ticket covers your brunch (drinks available for purchase) and helps support this group that provides food to children in the Puyallup School District on weekends and during school breaks. There will also be a ton of amazing auction items. Come out for brunch and support the kids! Kids’ tickets are just 10.00! No tickets needed but RSVP requested 10AM-3
Just Between Friends Sale at the fairgrounds in Puyallup. This is the BIG one! Many items half off today!
Tacoma
Tacoma artists’ studio tours. Free tours of the working studios of 70 local artists! Demonstrations or activities at each spot; opportunities to purchase original art. Saturday and Sunday 11AM-5PM
Go to the Studio Tour page at www.TacomaArtsMonth.com for all the details including an interactive map so you can plot your own custom tour course according to what spots sound best for your kiddos and their interests. Self guided!
Zoo Boo at the Point Defiance Zoo
Watch the animals enjoy special Halloween and pumpkin themed enrichment activities. Free with admission (Zoo admission is spendy; SFM recommends investing in an annual pass.) Get $3 off general admission if you come in costume.Saturday and Sunday, October 14-15, 10:00am-4:00pm
Olympia
Olympia Family Theater presents The Cat in the Hat
Visit the South Sound Estuarium open 11-4 weekends
Want to visit a pumpkin patch or a corn maze? Here’s our master list!
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.
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Want to head out to a corn maze or pumpkin patch today? Go here for that guide!
Want to plan ahead a bit? Check out our, “Monster List,” of family friendly Halloween events and alternatives!
It’s “Scoopy” Doo at the Green Tacoma event. 🙂 Cute huh? He’s there to encourage people to pick up after their pets.
Thank you for the correction!
That is hilarious-and awesome.
Can Scoopy head to the Nathan Chapman Memorial Trail next? Folks there seem to need a lot of help!