Need something to do with the kids this weekend? We’ve found fun and free events around Tacoma and all over the South Sound. Celebrate Lunar New Year, introduce the kids to classical music, or find your boots and get outside! Read on for our whole weekend list.
Friday
Fridays are a big day for library story times. We don’t list them all due to space, but you may want to check a library near you!
This morning *should* be the day to look for Monkeyshines around Tacoma. What’s that? Read our Moneyshines post here.
Little Bits Workshop at the University Place Library 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
LittleBits are easy-to-use, snap-together electronic building blocks for creating inventions by putting circuits together, bit by bit. No electronics experience needed. Ages 9 and up; under 9 with an adult.
Olympia Family Theater presents Three Impossible Questions Based on folktales from Islamic cultures near and far; 7PM tonight or 2 Saturday or Sunday
Ongoing
Want to go sledding or play in the snow? Here’s our guide! Note: Do check weather this weekend. It’s been warm and wet.
All Weekend
Kids n Critters-Kids get in to Northwest Trek free the 17th, 18th, and 19th with a full paying adult
It’s Backyard Bid Count time. Be a citizen scientist from your backyard-or anywhere- by counting birds and submitting your results.
Saturday
All Over
Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for 30 minute sessions It’s kindness crafts today 10AM-12. There is also a Make Break kindness canvas art event from 1-3PM
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. Lakewood has a special event with Corduroy Bear today.
South King County
Birdfest in Burien. educational activities, bird counting and more 10-2 at the Burien Community Center
Build big or small with LEGO and DUPLO bricks, straws and connectors, and other construction sets. Bring your friends and create around a theme, or build what you like. All building materials provided.
Come to the library for an unstructured, creative play open-house. Stay for the entire event or pop in for a few minutes. We supply the bricks, you supply the imagination! Other building supplies will also be provided.
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!
Pinocchio at Auburn Avenue Theater
Auburn Avenue Kids presents the classic story of the wooden puppet who wants to be a boy. 2-4PM Tickets are 10.00
Greater Pierce County
Free Family Movie Matinee at the Eatonville Library 2:00 PM Enjoy a family-friendly film and snacks.
Sumner Manestage presents Oliver 2PM or 7PM today; 2PM tomorrow.
Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland
Note from SFM: All TPL branches are closed today.
Family nature walk at McKinley Park 10AM Not suitable for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up. Advance registration is now required for these free guided walks.
Free Family Flick at the Grand presented by Colombia Bank It’s Paddington today!
Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in Tacoma
Join us for the Presidents Cup Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. Adult and youth teams will compete throughout the weekend for the Cup! FREE ADMISSION for spectators! Come & support your local wheelchair basketball team Tacoma Titans! Held at the Boys & Girls Club, 3875 South 66th Street, Tacoma; Also Sunday
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical at Tacoma Musical Playhouse
Polkadots follows 8-year-old Lily Polkadot who just moved to the “Squares Only” small town of Rockaway. As the first Polkadot in an all Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her peers. Inspired by Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, Polkadots reminds us that our differences make us awesome, not outcasts.11AM today or 7PM tomorrow. Last shows! Tickets
Western Fest Free Community Art Festival at the Tacoma Art Museum
Dust off your cowboy boots and mosey on down to TAM’s Western Fest for an all-ages, fun-filled day inspired by the Haub Family Collection of Western American Art. Explore five NEW exhibitions, create western-themed art, hear authentic cowboy poetry, take in western music, food, and more! 12-4
Moon Moan Exhibit – Family Saturday 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
In Moon Moan, Juarez and Tail show their recent paintings, drawings, and mixed media works using the moon as an aesthetic and conceptual framework. Both artists draw on the myriad meanings associated with the celestial body to explore themes of womanhood, and the lunar influence in all of us. Free with activities for kids today.
Family Movie at the Tillicum Library 1:00 PM Enjoy a newly-released movie. Free popcorn and drinks will be served.
Ever wanted to meet a really big snake? I mean-really big? One is visiting Debbie Dolittle’s Indoor Petting Zoo this weekend.
Olympia area
Olympia Family Theater presents Three Impossible Questions Based on folktales from Islamic cultures near and far; one show today and one tomorrow
Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center and learn about Backyard Wildlife and Bug Hotels today, The center and activities are free! Presentation at 2PM; themed activities should be available all day.
Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.
Free tours of the Tugboat Sandman most days at Percival Landing
Gig Harbor/Kitsap
STEM Saturday: The Human Body at the Key Center Library 11AM for ages 5-8 Explore the human body and meet Cal, the PCLS skeleton. Register here
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
Tacoma/Pierce County
Mini Maestros Special concerts introduce children 2-8 to classical music; be sure to go early for the instrument petting zoo!
At today’s concert you’re invited to join the Symphony Tacoma String Quintet for a fantasy-filled introduction to the string family. Listeners will be taken to a land far, far away to explore the contrasts of high/low, slow/fast, and loud/soft while learning all of the ins and outs of what makes the string family truly unique. The music featured in this concert will be a balance between popular classical pieces, music from the movies, and children’s tunes that the whole family will enjoy…and everyone lives happily ever after! at UPS Tickets here or available at the door
Lincoln International District Lunar New Year Celebration
Enjoy world-class global cuisine while taking in performances from lion dancers and other cultural groups. Plus vending booths, food and games, fire crackers, live performances and kids’ games. Join us! 10AM-4
Sumner Manestage presents Oliver Ongoing shows on weekends through the 18th.
Olympia
Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.
Olympia Family Theater presents Three Impossible Questions Based on folktales from Islamic cultures near and far; shows on weekends through the 18th.
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