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Archives for March 2018

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun and Things To Do March 30th, 31st, and April 1st

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Here’s your weekend list! As you’d guess there are lots of egg hunts and Easter events this weekend. But we also found new kids’ theater, nature walks, and even a circus! Note that while we have included some egg hunts in this list you can find many more here in our master guide!

 

Ongoing

Want to go sledding or play in the snow? Here’s our guide! Note: Do confirm details before you head up; I haven’t checked the snow reports in a bit.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane  at Olympia Family Theater Recommended for all ages – Best enjoyed by those 6 & up Last weekend!

Saturday Click for the full list! 

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Spring Fair Deals

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I found some nice deals to the Spring Fair in Puyallup you might want to check out if you’d like a discount or deal to the Spring Fair (aka the Washington State Spring Fair).

I actually prefer the Spring Fair to the big one in the fall. It has a more old-fashioned fair vibe, and I love all the free things, like watching the pig races. I think it’s an especially nice fair to do with littles.

This year’s fair runs April 19th-April 22nd from 10AM-10PM (2PM-10 opening day and 10AM-8 closing day).

Photo credit Patrick Hagerty

Regular Admission Prices  

Regular admission for adults is 12.00 at the gate or 10.00 if you buy online before the 18th. Students 6-18 are 10.00 or 8.00 with advance purchase. They sometimes come home from school with a coupon for a few dollars off. There kit also sometimes a good one in that blue Val-Pak envelope you get in the mail. Kids 5 and under are always free.

As I mentioned, I did find some deals that are definitely worth a look (note that these are all my affiliate links).

Groupon Deals on Admission and Rides or Admission and Slamfest or Monster Truck entry

First, I found this Groupon deal good for admission and rides. You can get a single day admission for four with a 250 ticket ride fun card good for April 19th-the 22nd for 121.00 This is 30% off the regular price. Or you can get a single day admission for two with a 150 ticket ride fun card for 69.00.  I think this is worth considering if you know the kids are going to want to do quite a few rides. You can go here to check out this Groupon deal.

And Groupon is also offering deals on admission combined with tickets to the Slamfest Demolition Derby or the Monster Truck Show. 

Admission Deal from Goldstar

If you just want admission you also might want to take a look at this offer on Goldstar.

It gets you an adult admission for 6.50 or a student admission for 5.00.   There is a 3.00 fee that gets tacked on, but it’s still a good deal, especially if you just need a deal on admission.  I also didn’t see any restrictions, so if you wanted to do something like get discounted adult tickets and then go on opening day and get the kids in free with a food donation, I don’t see why you couldn’t do that.

Goldstar is a ticket reseller, and I’ve used them myself with no problems.

Other Deals

Before you get in on any of the deals above, you may want to check the fair site for other offers.

Two to consider if you just want admission

Kids Free Gate Admission/ Opening Day at the Fair Food Drive – Thursday, April 19

Kids ages 6-18 get in free Thursday, with a suggested non-perishable food donation to benefit the Puyallup Food Bank. Kids ages 5 and under are always free.

Military Appreciation Day – Friday, April 20

Free gate admission will be offered to active, retired and reserve military and their dependents, plus disabled veterans – with valid military ID. Media partners: 570 AM KVI and KOMO Newsradio AM 1000 / 97.7 FM.

What to Do

We’ll have more details on what’s new at the Washington State Spring Fair in a future post. Definitely make sure to check out the new Aussie Kingdom where you can see and interact with kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, and other Australian wildlife. It’s free. Kangaroos!

Also be sure to check out the StoryBook Village. Imagine a children’s museum with a storybook theme, and you’ll get the idea. Returning favorites include the Creative Kids, pig racing, the diving dogs, and all kinds of baby animals.

Meet Thrive Adventure Day Camp

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Are you looking for an awesome, full day summer day camp for your kids near Puyallup, Orting, or Tacoma this summer?

We’re thrilled to tell you about Thrive Adventure Day Camp from our new sponsors at Cascade Christian.

Thrive Adventure Day Camp is open to all campers in grades 1-6, and every week features a super fun theme, weekly adventure field trips, and more! Plus, campers enjoy STEM activities, nutritious snacks, and swimming.  Thrive also offers other exciting summer options including kindergarten prep, sports camps, and enrichment classes.

You can get more information about Adventure Day Camp here.

You can get more information about all the Thrive summer programs here.

I think your kids are going to call it the best summer ever!

Thrive programs are offered at three awesome locations-Puyallup, Frederickson (Tacoma), and McAlder.

Camp runs from 6AM (6:30 at McAlder) to 6PM. There really aren’t a lot of options in this area for full day camps, so this is definitely one to consider if you need a safe and fun place for your kids to be during a full work day.

Sessions are offered beginning June 20th and running until August 24th, and they’re very reasonably priced, especially since your fee covers all materials, snacks, a camp shirt, And swimming and field trips. Woot!

You can get more information about Thrive Adventure Day Camp here at their site, but don’t wait long to sign up. Some popular programs are already filling, and you can save 75.00 off your registration fee if you sign up before March 31st.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I would be super grateful if you mentioned Sounds Fun Mom when you signed up for camp!

Family Fun for Sunday March 25th

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Need something to do with the kids today? Here’s a quick round up of ideas around the South Sound including bunny fun and more.

Sunday

South King County

Bunny Patch at Thomasson Family Farm Enumclaw 10:00 am to 3:00 pm March 24th, 25th, and 31st

Ongoing egg hunt, playground activities, tractor train rides, Easter bunny, face painting, farm animals and crafts (while supplies last)!!! This is a ticketed event. See link for details.

Lego Easter event at Westfield SouthcenterThe hunt is over – we’ve got the best Easter fun in town! Join us for our Build A LEGO Easter Party with a LEGO “Brick Expert” on Sunday, March 25th, at 4PM. Limited tickets available.Each $15 ticket includes:
Build your own LEGO Easter set
Moment to Take a Photo with the Easter Bunny
A kid-friendly swag bag
Fun Crafts
Delicious spring snacks
All proceeds support St.Jude’s Children Research HospitalThis event is located on Level 1 at the Easter set, near the Children’s Play Space. Hop to it!

Kid X Eggstravaganza at the Outlet Collection Eye spy an egg hunt! Celebrate the Easter season by making a new memory with the kids. This event will have Easter crafts, a Magic Show! Caricature Drawings & extra special balloons, activities, refreshments, and treats! All for free! Later on, you can hop to participating retailer’s to search for Easter eggs filled with goodies. *Special Photo Packages will be handed out to KIDX members If you’re not a member you can sign up.
Tiger and the Dried Persimmon Puppet Show  at the Renton Highlands Library 2-3PM
A young tiger believes he’s the fiercest creature in Korea, until he travels down a mountainside, sees a dried persimmon and is terrified. Enjoy his misadventures with animals, totems and a thief, revealing the rich culture and traditions of Korea. Presented by Thistle Theater

Free Easter Bunny Picture at Heaven Sent Children’s Consignment Federal Way

Tacoma/Pierce County/Gig Harbor 

Easter Bunny at the Bass Pro Shop, Tacoma

Free photos, crafts, and an egg hunt event. See link for times and details.

Easter Bunny at the Old Cannery in Sumner

March 24th, 25th, and 31st 11:00am-4:00pm
Come down to The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse to celebrate Easter with your family! Complimentary Easter Bunny Photos and a petting zoo will keep your children busy for hours!

Kids Yoga Class Prana Hot Yoga & Body Sculpt · Puyallup

Kids Yoga -Grades K-4 -Last Sunday of every month 10:30-11:30a -$10/kid; additional kids from the same family are half off -Parents can take Hatha or sit in the lobby. Parents need to remain at the studio during their kids’ yoga class.

Daffodil Court at the South Hill Mall

Meet a new friend; kids’ activities; food available for purchase
Come meet our bunnies, get creative with games and crafts for kids, win chocolate bunnies and prizes, enjoy live music and shelter tours, and learn how to care for house rabbits! 1-4. Note from SFM: I’m not sure if you need tickets or can drop in, but you may want to check before you go. How cute is this?

Olympia

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

New here? Welcome! You can see this list a whole day earlier when you subscribe to our weekly email. Or consider keeping up with us on Instagram or Facebook. You can also find us on Twitter and Pinterest.

Planning your Easter fun?

Our big list of Easter egg hunts is here.

Our list of bunny photo ops, breakfasts, and other fun is here.

As always, if you need a hand, or know something fun we should add, get in touch! We also super appreciate when you mention Sounds Fun Mom to your favorite local businesses and groups. We exist because of awesome sponsors and readers!

Spring Mini Sessions With Stacey Mitchell Photography

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Update-Stacey is a military wife, and she and her family have moved on to other adventures out of state.

 

Are you looking to do spring mini sessions with your cute kiddos in their Easter best? Or maybe it’s time for a family pic or senior pictures?

I’m super excited to tell you that Stacey Mitchell is again offering great spring mini sessions. Readers loved working with her over the holidays, and seriously-what a value! Check our her super reasonable pricing!

Children’s Spring Mini
$50
15 minutes
1-2 children
5+ digital downloads
Spring or Easter theme
Powderworks Park in Dupont
*March 21th, March 24th, April 7th*
Family Spring Mini
$85
25 minutes
1 location
10+ digital downloads
Senior Grad Special
$100
30 minutes
1 location
15+ digital downloads

 

Visit the North Pacific Aquarium Before It Closes

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Tacoma friends, make plans soon to visit the North Pacific section of the Point Defiance Aquarium before it closes.

You’ve probably been following the construction of the new aquarium at the zoo and wondering when it will be open.

As of now, we don’t have a specific date, but we can tell you that the new Pacific Seas Aquarium is scheduled to open in the summer of 2018.

In preparation for the big change the old North Pacific Aquarium will be closing permanently at the end of this month, so go now if you want to say goodbye! Note that the rest of the aquarium and the zoo are still open as usual! Also note that this closing is in preparation for the NEW aquarium’s eventual opening.

There will also be special closing weekend events this Saturday, the 24th. You can read more about those here or below! Note that only the North Pacific Aquarium is closing. The South Pacific Aquarium, which is the part where you can touch stingrays and see tropical fish and sharks, will still be open.

Activities This Weekend:
  • 10am – 3pm both days: Write your NPA memories on a sticky-note bubble on our Memory Wall (upper level)
  • All day: Watch our looping video (upper level)
  • 11am – 3pm both days: Touch sea stars, urchins and more in the Marine Discovery Center (upper level)
  • 11 am Sat: Watch divers splash in the central exhibit
  • 2 pm Sat: Octopus enrichment with Oswald the octopus (lower level)
  • 1pm both days: Meet Siesta the sloth (upper level)
  • And come at 11 am Monday March 26th for a community feed.

Photos provided by our friends at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Not to be used without permission.

Free Cone Day At Dairy Queen

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What are you doing Wednesday? Getting free ice cream, of course!

It’s free cone day at Dairy Queen. Dairy Queen does this free ice cream cone day every year to celebrate spring. It’s one, free small vanilla cone per person at participating non-mall location.

 

As always, you may want to call your store to confirm they’re participating before you head out. Yum.

 

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun and Things to Do March 16th, 17th, and 18th

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What a great weekend for family fun around the South Sound! We’ve found kid friendly plays, St. Patrick’s Day crafts, stories with princesses, and much more! Be sure to fit in the JBF sale and the Mini Maestros event on Sunday.

South Sound Kid's Calendar

Friday

Rock Painting Party at WiggleWorks

Get in on this fun craze without making a mess at your house! You can paint while your kiddos play, or they can paint with you. Included with admission. Siblings who are too tall for the play area are welcome to come along and paint! 12-2

Friends of the Lakewood Library used book sale 10AM-4:30

Books, magazines, DVDs and much more! We encourage you to bring your own bags. Blue book bags free for new members. Donations gladly accepted after the sale.

Leprechaun Trap Craft at the Graham Library 4-5PM

Join us to cut, glue, color and create a leprechaun craft just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

Building Madness at the Sumner Library 4:30-5:30

Use LEGOs, Straws and Connectors, blocks and more to construct fabulous contraptions. Creative fun for the whole family! DUPLOs and other blocks available for the little ones.

Emma! A Pop Musical in Auburn 7-8:30

Based on Jane Austen’s classic novel, this sparkling new musical features the hit songs of legendary girl groups and iconic female singers from The Supremes to Katy Perry. Girl power has never sounded so good!

Tickets are available at the door: $10 general admission, $5 students with ID. Also Saturday Note from SFM: I’m guessing good for tweens and up?

You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown from Auburn High School Performing Arts 7-8:30  Charles Schulz’s beloved comic comes to life in Clark Gesner’s classic musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

Tickets available at the door, $10 General admission, $5 Children under 12, Seniors & Veterans

Kentlake High School presents The Little Mermaid also Saturday and next weekend

Ongoing

Want to go sledding or play in the snow? Here’s our guide! Note: Do confirm details before you head up; I haven’t checked the snow reports in a bit.

All Weekend

JBF Tacoma sale at the Fairgrounds in Puyallup BIG kids’ consignment event. Save on clothing, gear, equipment and more. Show the coupon here for free entry Friday and Saturday. Sunday is free with many items half-off.

Saturday

All Over

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for ages 3-8. Sessions are 30 minutes. It’s an Easter chick and bunny craft today. There is also a slightly different version at the same time for ages 6+ for  5.00 and a Make-Break event for the family from 1-3; that one is a clay pot with a yarn bunny. Buy the pot and the rest of the supplies are free.

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. The Gingerbread Man and the Leprechaun Loose at School is the story today.

South King County

Super Hero Cape Party at the Kent Library 10:30

Ages 3 and older with adult. Registration and a grown-up required (you should only register your kiddo).

Be your own super hero! Create a no-sew cape from a recycled tee-shirt, design a mask, and then take pictures wearing your awesome costumes. Bring your own shirt, or use one we supply.

Meet Daniel Tiger at Learning Express Toys in Renton

Free event and photo op. Yes, I think you can expect lots of company. 1-4

A Cinderella Celebration! at the Federal Way Library 11AM

Celebrate the timeless story of Cinderella! Listen to the story of Cinderella while participating in movement activities, led by the ballet dancers of Tacoma City Ballet. Dance with them to the beautiful Cinderella score. Make your own Fairy Godmother wand to take home.

Ballet costumes, princess/prince and fairy tale attire are encouraged, but not required. Also more here

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/Orting/Greater Pierce

Easter Bunny arrival at the South Hill Mall

Drop in all day on St. Patrick’s Day to make your own leprechaun glasses! These specially decorated spectacles might improve your chances of see a leprechaun…and maybe finding his gold? This event is all ages, and no registration is required.

Block Play at the Bonney Lake Library 11AM Build and play! Also at Buckley at 1:30 today.

Free Family Movie Matinee at the Eatonville Library 2PM

Enjoy a family-friendly film and snacks.

Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland

Spring Fling Event at the Tacoma Mall

 1:00-2:30PM in the JCPenney Court as we welcome spring with crafts, activities, a balloon artist, and an opportunity to purchase professional photos with the Easter Bunny.

This event is free for all members of the Tacoma Family Club.  Join the club for free at Simon Guest Services or at any event and receive a free balloon each visit to the mall, special discounts, spin wheel prizes, and more.

Free family flick at The Grand It’s The Last Starfighter

The third Saturday of each month, The Grand Cinema courtesy of Columbia Bank welcomes guests of all ages to a family-friendly movie for free! Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and movies start at 10:00 a.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. All children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

St. Patrick’s Day at the Zoo

Watch animals enjoy “lucky” green treats in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The zoo does get spendy fast; SFM recommends investing in an annual pass unless you can take advantage of monthly free days for City of Tacoma residents.

Slug Celebration Walk at Pt. Defiance Park 11:30-12:30

Celebrate these slimy creatures and what makes them more special than you might think. Note: This requires registration and is full, but there is a wait list.

Central Pierce Fire and Rescue Open House

11-1 speakers and refreshments; I’m not sure if this will be super interesting to kids, but it does say, “Kid friendly,” and they should get to see trucks or at least meet firefighters, I’d think.

Read with a Princess! The Daffodil Princesses will be at Tacoma libraries to read stories. These are free events, and the Princesses are great role models. Bring your cameras!  Kobetich, Moore, and Swasey at 10:30 Fern Hill, South Tacoma, Mottet at 2.

Family STEAM Day – Bridging the Gap LeMay – America’s Car Museum ·
Use simple materials to design and build our own bridges. Special family activities free with admission the 3rd Saturday of every month. Note from SFM: This is kind of a spendy museum. We think it’s a good outing with grandparents. Don’t miss the kids’ zone if you go.

Roominate at the Tacoma Public Library Open ended, snap together building system uses electricity and motors to teach use of circuits that create moving parts and lights. Required: Registration and accompanying adult 10:30 at Fern Hill and 2:30 at Wheelock  Note from SFM: There are also several TPL events for tweens/teens today. We didn’t list them all due to space, but you may want to browse the listings for today at their site if you have big kids.

Knuffle Bunny at the Tacoma Musical Playhouse 11AM or 2PM today; 2PM Sunday

Based on the beloved Caldecott Honor-winning picture book, KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL is filled with adventure, drama, and singing and dancing laundry! PS  If you can mention you saw it on SFM I’d sure appreciate it!

at Pump It Up 7:30PM
Playtime in both inflatable arenas including the glow room, a treasure hunt for gold coins. Feel the luck of the Irish with our “Lucky Lottery”. A drawing at the end. Don’t forget to wear green and get $1 OFF.Signed waiver and socks required.NO PUNCH CARDS ARE ACCEPTED

The Science Dome is back open! Go see a low cost children’s show at the area’s only indoor planetarium. It’s so cool!!

FRIENDS of Lakewood Library Used Book Sale

Books, magazines, DVDs and much more! We encourage you to bring your own bags. Blue book bags free for new members. Donations gladly accepted after the sale.

Check out all the cool camps being offered by various organizations through Pierce County Parks and Rec. Soccer, lego, and more.

Lacey/Olympia 

Builders and Tinkerers art the Yelm Library

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at Olympia Family Theater March 16- April 1, 2018

Tossed overboard, stuck in a traveler’s knapsack, used as a scarecrow, renamed and reinvented, you will fall in love with our rabbit doll named Edward as he undertakes a life changing 20-year journey.

Arbor Day event  Help improve habitats, take nature walks, get a free tree at LBA woods open space

Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center and learn about the Wonderland Trail at Mt. Rainier  today,  

It takes 93 miles to get around Mount Rainier on the Wonderland Trail, but we’ll take you around in less than an hour! Learn about the flora, fauna, and wonders of hiking this beautiful route in a presentation at 2 pm. Mountain-themed art and activities available all day. The center is free!

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

Awakening the Dragon Ceremony:  The Gig Harbor Dragons, dragon boat club, will celebrate the arrival from China of two new Champion 10 person dragon boats. The celebration will take place at Skansie Brothers Park in Gig Harbor, beginning at 10 am.

March Mini Makers Workshop at AR Workshop

Easter/Spring themed mini block signs. Perfect for ages 7 and up. Registration and fees required.

Any weekend fun: Your Michael’s does do the crafts (see All Over above). Check out the touch tanks at the Skansie Visitors’ Center; visit the Harbor History Museum (it’s free!); walk your downtown; see what’s going on at Discovery Village or the YMCA or visit one of your great parks or trails. If you know something I missed, do let me know!

Sunday

South King County

Easter Egg Hunt, Enumclaw Hosted by Summit Church

Read with Rover at the Covington Library Drop in and practice reading skills with a patient, canine listener!

Sunday Family Movie at the Auburn Library  It’s Cars 3 2-4PM

Build a Puppet Stage Workshop at the Federal Way Library

Designed for parents and kids to do together. You do need to register!

Tacoma/Pierce County 

Featured: Mini Maestros at UPS

Blast off! The Symphony Tacoma Brass Quintet is headed into outer space and they are taking you with them! Come and learn all about the brass family and enjoy a space-themed musical adventure that is out of this world. On this musical voyage, we will continue to explore elements of music such as pulse, dynamics, and range with songs inspired by space, stars, and more.

NOTE: The instrument petting zoo begins at 1:30pm. Be sure to get there early so your kids can try out the instruments! The concert begins at 2:30pm and is 45 minutes long.

Don’t miss this one! These special concerts are designed just for young audiences. A perfect way to introduce kids to classical music and instruments. Tickets here! 

Knuffle Bunny at the Tacoma Musical Playhouse 2PM today; also next weekend

Based on the beloved Caldecott Honor-winning picture book, KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL is filled with adventure, drama, and singing and dancing laundry! PS  If you can mention you saw it on SFM I’d sure appreciate it!

Last Day of the JBF sale at the fairgrounds in Puyallup. Free admission today; most items half off.

Olympia

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

New here? Welcome! You can see this list a whole day earlier when you subscribe to our weekly email. Or consider keeping up with us on Instagram or Facebook. You can also find us on Twitter and Pinterest.

Planning your Easter fun?

Our big list of Easter egg hunts is here.

Our list of bunny photo ops, breakfasts, and other fun is here.

As always, if you need a hand, or know something fun we should add, get in touch! We also super appreciate when you mention Sounds Fun Mom to your favorite local businesses and groups. We exist because of awesome sponsors and readers!

 

 

Free Entry Coupon For Just Between Friends

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A quick reminder that the JBF sale at the fairgrounds in Puyallup starts today!

This is the BIG one, with floors and floors of gently used kids’ clothing, merchandise, and gear. It can be a little overwhelming your first time. Never fear! If you’re a newbie, we’ve got a great guide here with JBF shopping tips. It’s even got a chart to show you when the busiest times are.

Whether you’re an old pro at this kids’ consignment event or a first timer, you can get in Free when you show the pic with this post on your phone. Happy shopping! We can’t wait to hear about your finds.