Looking for things to do with the kids this weekend? It’s a great weekend if you’re looking for free and fun things to do with the kids in Tacoma or Puyallup, but we’ve got great stuff all over the South Sound! Read on for all of it!
Ongoing
All Tacoma Public Libraries invite the public to drop in and make Valentines for Vets this month.
Want to go sledding or play in the snow? Here’s our guide!
Friday
Quarter sale at Kidz Kaboodle Score a bargain!
Roominate at the Buckley Library 4:30-5:30 PM
Explore science, technology, engineering and math with Roominate, the building set that uses electricity. For ages 6 and up.
Featured Sponsor: Family movie and glow play night at WiggleWorks
We’re turning down the lights and turning up the fun!
Family Movie and Glow Play Night is Friday, January 19, from 6pm-8pm. Movie starts at 6:00 pm; come whenever you’d like. It’s the My Little Pony 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.
Saturday
All Over
Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for 30 minute sessions; it’s pony bead snowflake making today. Note from SFM: These look like little beads, so keep that in mind.
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.
South King County
Steve the Pretty Good Magician in Auburn This energetic show mixes magic, music and lots of audience interaction that everyone will enjoy! Join us to experience magical theater at its freshest, funniest, family-friendly best! Tickets are 10.00
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 Back open!
Puyallup/South Hill/Bonney Lake
Come paint with us! One Saturday a month we do an art project at the Fred Oldfield Western Heritage and Art Center at the Puyallup fairgrounds. Classes geared for 8-14 years of age, no experience necessary. $25 per class. Note from SFM: Ask about their regular kids’ art classes. They’re great!
Culture & Arts Festival: Rhythms and Dance of West Africa at the Karshner Museum and Center for Culture & Arts 12-5 Gansango Music & Dance will present traditional dance and music from West Africa.
This free family festival will feature performances, a dance workshop, mask-making, adinkra, mud cloth and batik art projects. Note from SFM: Karshner Museum events are always well done. Well worth going!
Roominate at the Bonney Lake Library 2-3PM Explore science, technology, engineering and math with Roominate, the building set that uses electricity. Free, drop in program for children ages 6 and up.
The Great Train Show at the Puyallup Fairgrounds 10am-4pm at the fairgrounds in Puyallup. Adults’ tickets are 11.00 on Saturday and are good on both days. You can save 1.00 if you purchase online. Kids 11 and under are free. Note that on site admission is CASH only. Also Sunday Note from SFM: There is tons at these to Look at and Some to do. Be aware there is also a lot to buy, so manage expectations with your train lover before you go!
Free Family Movie Matinee at the Eatonville Library 2PM Enjoy a family friendly film and snacks. Movies are family friendly, new to DVD titles
Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland
Tacoma Giants: Part 1 Trees of Point Defiance Park 9:00 am Learn about some of the park’s biggest trees with certified arborist, Mik! Very little walking required! 4.00 per person/register in advance. If you want a longer hike, there is also a Part II option.
Join Give and Grow for a lesson in fire safety. The kids (and adults) will be able to go inside the truck, try on gear and learn straight from the fire fighters about fire prevention and fire safety. **Please bring a donation of hats, gloves, scarves or handwarmers for the Nativity House. Note from SFM: This is a great group to get involved with if you’d like to introduce your kids to volunteering, and meet other like minded families. I would RSVP first to help them plan. They’re also on Instagram (so is Sounds Fun Mom)!
Family Nature Walk at Wapato Park 10:00 am
Explore Tacoma’s Parks during this free naturalist-led walk. Discover amazing plants and animals and how they adapt to the seasons. Walks are organized and led by Tacoma Nature Center staff. Not suitable for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up. Advance registration is now required for these free walks.
Free Kids Clothing and Toy Swap 12-1:30 at King’s Books Bring clothing, books, or gear you don’t need and find something you do! This is a free, community minded event. Can you help? Get in touch with the organizer!
Bag Sale at Blooming Kids Bag a bargain! 10AM-3 $10/bag; bag provided. Cash only please. Bag must close upon exit.
Excludes merchandise in our regular retail space. Sale will begin at 10am and end at 3pm or when inventory is gone. We have a lot of clothing: newborn-6T, toys, books, shoes, accessories (sheets, nursing covers, carseat covers, bottles), some maternity wear, stuffed animals, games and more. Kids welcome; come early for best selection.
Free Family Flick at The Grand free movie presented by Colombia Bank; it’s My Neighbor Totoro today. Doors open at 9:30AM; Seating is first-come, first-served. The 10AM screening is in English. There is also a 12PM screening in Japanese with English subtitles today.
Tacoma Musical Playhouse presents Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play” Saturdays and Sundays through the 21st.
Design, assemble, and test out your own pinewood derby car before racing against other Museum visitors on ACM’s full-length Pinewood Derby track located in the Family Zone. Learn insider tips (and a bit about physics) as you work to make your pinewood car as fast as possible by increasing potential energy and reducing friction. Included with admission. 11-4 Note from SFM: grown-up admission here is spendy. If you’re not personally into cars, we think this is a nice outing for the kids to do with the grands!
Pier Peer in Tacoma – Jelly Jubilee 7:30 pm
Bring your family to the Point Defiance Marina to join us for an aquatic night-time adventure. We’ll explore hundreds of mysterious life forms below the docks with experienced naturalists! Cocoa after! 10.00/person; for ages 8 and up. Advance registration required.
Olympia area
Join us for Operation Baby Shower, Saturday, January 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at American Lake Conference Center. Enjoy educational and pampering products, vendors, refreshments, baby shower games, a baby/maternity clothing swap and entertainment! Free! Call 253-982-0718 or 982-6726/6721 for more information. Parents and expectant parents, both moms and dads, are welcome! Note from SFM: I believe this event is exclusively for military families.
Free Recess Monkey concert at South Puget Sound Community College-Lacey Campus Annual event from Parenting Tools; free concert at 10AM; activities at 11
Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location. You may want to call to confirm hours before you go.
Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center
Learn about myths of the Pacific Northwest today! Is Bigfoot out there roaming the forests? Come hear about local legends like the Pacific Tree Octopus, Sasquatch, and many more! This mythical presentation starts at 2 pm. Related crafts and activities all day. The center is free.
Nature Play Activities at the Hands-On Children’s Museum Included with admission
Gig Harbor/Kitsap
You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown at the Paradise Theater; Ongoing show times on Fridays and Saturdays. Note from SFM: No shows on Sundays for this one. Call the box office if you have trouble with ticketing; the site isn’t loading for me right now.
Did you know the Harbor History Museum is now offering free admission through 2018? It’s true! This is a really great museum, with quite a bit that kids can touch and do.
Sunday
The Great Train Show at the Puyallup Fairgrounds 10am-4pm at the fairgrounds in Puyallup. Kids 11 and under are free. Adults are 10.00 today. Note that on site admission is CASH only.
Tacoma Musical Playhouse presents Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play” Saturdays and Sundays through the 21st
Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location. You may want to call to confirm hours before you go.
Know something great I missed? Want publicity for your group or advertising for your family friendly business? Just let me know!
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