Is it seriously almost 2018? Crazy, right? Here’s a list of fun things to do with the kids around Tacoma and the rest of the South Puget Sound this weekend. We also have family friendly ideas for New Year’s Eve and some suggestions for New Year’s Day, too!
Thank you for letting us be part of your 2017. We hope 2018 is your most fun year ever! As always, on holiday weekends, we encourage you to use the links we provided to double check event details.
Ongoing Holiday Events
It’s the last weekend for most of these fun events!
Fantasy Lights, Spanaway Nov. 23, 2017-Jan. 1, 2018
The largest holiday drive-through display in the Northwest, featuring nearly 300 elaborate displays and thousands of sparkling lights.
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo Nightly through January 1st
Ivar’s Clam Lights in Renton, Nightly through January 1st
Holiday with Lights at Wild Waves in Federal Way. December 31st is the last day for this one!
Visit the Gingerbread Showcase Through the 1st-It’s in the lobby area; no set hours
Ice Skate at Point Ruston Tacoma’s temporary outdoor rink has a new location at Point Ruston this year!
Model Train Festival continues at the Washington State History Museum.
Friday
Life-Size Board Games at the Key Center Library 11AM-12:30
Drop in and play life-size board games.
Thank You Cards and Cocoa at the Orting Library 2:30-3:30
Continue the season of giving! Have a cup of cocoa while making thank you cards for family and friends.
KaBOOM! Block Play at the Graham Library 2-4PM
KaBOOM! blocks combine all of the benefits of block play on a larger-than-life size scale that encourages kids to play together in groups and have more fun. Free, drop in event
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. It’s The Story of Ferdinand at most stores.
South King County
Winter Wildland at NW Trek December 29-31. Watch animals enjoy special themed enrichment treats and activities; included with admission. NW Trek is spendy but a very full day of fun; SFM recommends investing in an annual pass if you’d go more than twice this year.
Family movie at the Muckleshoot Library
It’s Lego Batman 2-4PM light snacks provided; free, drop in events
Tacoma/South Tacoma/Parkland
Model Train Festival continues at the Washington State History Museum
runs through Monday, January 1, 10 AM to 5 PM (including January 1, New Years Day)
Lego Expo in Tacoma at Freighthouse Square 11-5 daily through the first, Super fun for your Lego lovers!
Lacey/Olympia/Yelm
The Hands-On Children’s Museum has fun activities included with admission all week.
New Year’s Eve at Noon at the LOTT Wet Science Center, Olympia
Bring the kids for playtime, New Year’s Eve crafts, face painting, hats, noisemakers, a silly photo booth, and more! 10-4; Free!
Sunday/New Year’s Eve
South King County
Also check ongoing events at the top!
Bullwinkle’s Family Fun Center Family Fun New Year’s Eve
Pay $25/person for unlimited use of select indoor attractions from 12:00pm-9:00pm, including bumper cars, laser x-treme, frog hopper, kidopolis, and bowling. Add 5.00 to get unlimited go-karts. Advance purchase suggested.
Can’t stay up until midnight? Come celebrate the new year in a kid-friendly way! Crafts, treats and a big countdown to Noon!
Tacoma/Pierce County
Also check ongoing events at the top!
Tiffany’s Skate Inn hosts a New Year’s Eve event perfect for your teen set. They also have an earlier daytime, public skating session.
Glow bowling sessions all day at our favorite Proctor area bowling spot! Pre payment required.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Museum of Glass Tacoma
Make a conehead hat and noisemaker to celebrate the New Year! I *believe* this is free with the purchase of a First Night button (see below) or You could also try to get a library pass to go for free.
Noon Year’s Jump at Pump it Up Tacoma
Several Noon Year’s Eve themed jump sessions today, or take your kids to the parents’ night out session!
First Night in Tacoma – December 31. A family-friendly, arts-centered, alcohol free celebration of New Year’s Eve that takes place throughout the Downtown Tacoma theater district. Purchase buttons for admission to activities. Just some of the kid friendly options
Gig Harbor
Noon Year’s Eve Family Dance Party at MarKee in Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor MarKee 2nd Annual NOON YEARS EVE party. December 31st from 11am – 2pm hosted by Paige Schulte, Realtor, Rainier Family Medicine and MarKee.
Your ticket includes a magic show, lunch / snacks, a dance party, Noon ball drop & sparkling cider toast and activities. The art table, LEGO table, photo booth and cookie decorating table will be available throughout the event.
Admission price: $17 per person (1 to 199 years old)
Olympia
Noon Year’s Eve Party at the Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia
Regular admission applies.
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Join us this Sunday!
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Dec. 31, 2017, 9am-6pm
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Celebrate Noon Year’s “Aussie Style”
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New Year’s Day
Polar Bear Plunge In Tacoma FREE. If you’re daring, take a plunge in the Puget Sound on New Year’s Day at the Pt Defiance Marina boat launch. There will be heaters and free hot drinks following the plunge.
There is also a Polar Bear Plunge in Lacey at Long Lake and one at Gene Coulon Park on Lake Washington
Get outdoors and enjoy an easy guided hike at a nearby state park. Admission is free today-no Discover WA pass required. The closest organized event is at Saltwater State Park, but you can certainly do a DIY outdoor adventure! We have a great list of easy, lowland hikes here. Or how about trying the gnome trail.
Note that regular fees apply to all areas besides state parks.
If none of those ideas float your boat, check out our post on the 14 Best Ideas for Winter Break Fun in the South Sound!
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