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Archives for April 2018

Park Report: Lake Wilderness Park in Maple Valley

April 30, 2018 by Tiffany Guerzon

Tiffany has the scoop on a fun new park for kids near South King County!

Lake Wilderness Park in Maple Valley recently installed new play equipment and I took my son and his friend to check it out. This 117-acre park already has so much to offer; the new play area is the icing on the cake.

From the main parking lot, take the paved path on the right (if facing the rear of the lot). This path takes you over a bubbling creek and past a baseball field and then you will see the playground right in front of you.

There play area is enclosed by a curb and covered in bark mulch.  The smaller play structure has two shorter slides for the littles plus a “tent” with a climbing wall and space to crawl inside.

The larger structure offers two bigger slides plus lots of places to balance and climb.

A separate swing set has a glider, regular swings, baby swings and even an oversized baby swing. The biggest hit seemed to be the spinner, all of the kids were on it going around and around at one point!

In addition to the play equipment, there are paved paths for bikes or scooters, picnic tables, BBQ’s, large grassy areas, bathrooms, faucets for watering your dog and dog waste bag stations.

The lake is just a few steps away and there are tables and benches to sit and watch the ducks, geese and even the occasional bald eagle–but please don’t feed the waterfowl! Picnic shelters and picnic sites near the lake are available for rent. The lake has a roped off swimming area with seasonal lifeguards (check website for dates and times) as well as concessions and boat rentals.

Lake Wilderness Park is open from 7 a.m. ’till dusk. Bring a picnic and spend the day!

Check the website for driving directions and other info!

Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun and Things To Do April 27th, 28th, and 29th

April 27, 2018 by Maegen Blue

It’s a great weekend if you’re looking for free things to do with the kids in Tacoma, Puyallup, Olympia, or Gig Harbor! If you’re elsewhere in the South Sound don’t worry-we’ve got you covered, too!

[Read more…]

You’re Invited To A Free Event With The Tooth Fairy!

April 24, 2018 by Maegen Blue

I’m so excited to have a brand new event to invite you to!

Our friends at Molen Orthodontics are hosting an event just for you.  Kids will learn how to keep their teeth sparkly clean, get goodies, play games, and create crafts all in one place! Plus, we’ll have Mrs. Sparkle, aka the tooth fairy, on hand! I’ll be there, too! I don’t know if that’s exciting for you, but I’m excited to meet you!

Did I mention it’s free?

I know you might not think that tooth talk can be fun, but nobody knows how to make tooth care more engaging than our friends at Molen. I pretty much have to drag Henry out after every appointment. I promise it’s going to be a super cute morning of fun.

Tickets are limited, so get yours now!

Here are more details

This fun event is Saturday, June 23, 2018 from  10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT at the Molen Orthodontics Office in Sumner. That address is 16209 64th St. E. Sumner, WA

Get Your Tickets!

I know June seems like a ways off still, but it will be here before you know it, and we do have a limited number of spots to this event. Please reserve a seat for everyone in your group including yourself-so, you and two kids equals three!

 Grab your free tickets now! 

Our Summer Camp Guide Is Up!

April 23, 2018 by Maegen Blue

Does this sunshine have you thinking summer? If your summer plans will include camps, you’ll want to check out our summer camp guide!

I’m pleased to announce it’s in our menu bar, or you can access it by clicking the cute pic or link above! From the landing page we have camps organized by category. You’ll find a perfect camp no matter what kind of campers you have!

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun and Things to Do April 20th, 21st, and 22nd!

April 20, 2018 by Maegen Blue

Here’s your weekend list, and we’ve got sunshine! Get out and enjoy free nature activities with the kids in Tacoma, awesome library events all over, and much more!

All Weekend

It’s Spring Fair time in Puyallup. See our post here for all the fair going tips you need.

Friday

Spring Break Staycation at ACM-America’s Car Museum

Through April 20, youth 12 and under get complimentary admission to ACM with a paying adult. Be sure to check out the kids’ zone and the slot car races. There aren’t a lot of deals to this spot, so this is a really good opportunity if you’ve been wanting to go. This is the one by the Tacoma Dome.

Children’s Author Visit at the Wheelock Library

Join children’s author Kevin John Scott as he talks about his new book. “Frederik Sandwich and the Earthquake That Couldn’t Possibly Be” is the first book in a new middle-grade mystery series that will keep you guessing and laughing all along the way.

Kids can meet the author and attempt to build an earthquake-proof structure out of toothpicks and marshmallows. Books will be available for sale and signing courtesy of King’s Books 4-5:30

Jumanji at the Fern Hill Library This is the new one. It’s PG-13 3:30-5:30

Auburn Community Players present Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.

April 20 & 21, 2018, 7:00 PM and April 21 & 22, 2018, 2:00 PM; Tickets are 10.00 plus a slight fee

Parents’ Night Out at WiggleWorks

Reclaim date night the drama free way! Your kids will love an evening just for them at WiggleWorks. Reservations and fees required; don’t wait as they do fill!

Sumner High School Thespians Presents the classic musical The Wizard of Oz at the  Sumner High School Performing Arts Center,
1701 W Main St. Sumner, WA 98390.  Show times:
April 19 – 20 at 7:00 p.m. and  April 21 and 28 st 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students, senior citizens, and members of the military.

Saturday

All Over

Parks appreciation day  Parks all over are hosting volunteer efforts to celebrate Earth Day/Parks Appreciation Day. If you don’t see an event at this link, you might just contact your parks department and ask if there is one going on, and if children can participate. Word of advice: Go early. It sounds odd, but all the, “Good,” jobs tend to get taken early, and you don’t want your junior volunteers to be disappointed if they’re just standing around.

Celebrate National Parks week! Get free entry to National Parks Saturday and Sunday, April 21st and 22nd

YMCA Healthy Kids’ Day  Free event open to the public, typically with activities, sample classes, and joining specials. Find the Y nearest you for more details.

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for ages 3-8. Sessions are 30 minutes. It’s an Earth Day themed craft today. There is also a slightly different version at the same time for ages 6+ for  5.00.  And from 1-3 there is a Make-Break tie dye t event for all.

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 Here We Are: Notes For Living On Planet Earth today.

Some Farmers’ Markets are already open. Get your fresh on!

South King County

Auburn Community Players present Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.

April 20 & 21, 2018, 7:00 PM and April 21 & 22, 2018, 2:00 PM; Tickets are 10.00 plus a slight fee

Meet Rubble and Skye at Learning Express Toys in Renton

Free, photo op. event

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!

STEM Saturdays at the Federal Way Library  12-1:30

Hands-on STEM activities will spark and inspire curious minds. Who knew science could be so fun? Prizes and snacks, too! Ages 8 and up.

Puyallup/Bonney Lake/Greater Pierce

Note from SFM-The Spring Fair continues today and tomorrow. The Farmer’s Market is also opening today, And there is an ongoing closure on Shaw Rd. that will have a lot of traffic rerouting. Plan a little extra time for your adventures today!

Read with a Daffodil Princess
at Pierce County Library branches
Eatonville Library 11-12 or Sumner 11-12 or Graham 2-3  Free, drop in events with the wonderful young women from the Daffodil Court. Stories, time for photo ops. and more fun!

Marvel’s Avengers Meet and Greet at the South Hill Mall

Be sure to read all the details at the link for info. on when to show up and how to get your Avenger face time!

Spring Astronomy Day The Moon at the Orting Library

Learn about our nearest neighbor and create lunar craters. All ages. Presented by Tacoma Astronomical Society. Registration required. 11-12   8 spots left as of this writing!

Free Family Movie Matinee at the Eatonville Library 2-4PM Family friendly film; snacks provided

Spring Astronomy Day Comets at the South Hill Library 3-4 You do need to register

Sumner High School Thespians Presents the classic musical The Wizard of Oz at the  Sumner High School Performing Arts Center,
1701 W Main St. Sumner, WA 98390.  Show times:
April 19 – 20 at 7:00 p.m. and  April 21 and 28 st 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students, senior citizens, and members of the military.

Tacoma

Help out at a Tacoma area park for Parks Appreciation Day

Free Family Flick at the Grand

The third Saturday of each month, The Grand Cinema 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.

Special thanks to our partners at Columbia Bank for helping us present these films free to all! April 21: Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole

Kids Hour at Apple Stores
 In this Kids Hour, we’ll be reading Also an Octopus on iBooks. We’ll celebrate the magic of storytelling through creativity and play. Kids will get hands-on with drawing characters and scenes, creating their own book cover, and more using iPad Pro and Apple Pencil. They can bring their iPad or we’ll provide one. Recommended for ages 4-10. Link has registration info. 10AM

Slug Celebration Walk at the Pt. Defiance Rhody Garden

Join us to celebrate these slimy creatures and what makes them more special than you might think. Meet at the Rhododendron Garden
Free Reserve your spot online 11:30-12:30

Earth Day Migration Celebration at the Tacoma Nature Center. Crafts, bird house building, stories and more! 12-4

Drop in any time during the event to explore your creative side as you learn about the Earth and things that we can do to keep it healthy. Make sure you give yourself enough time to do it all! Free event. Recommended for ages 4 and up; carpooling encouraged! This is a FREE event, but you may also choose to sign up for a bird walk.

PlayBlocks Story Time at the Swasey Library
Young children are invited to come build from 10:30-11 Free, drop in event. or head to Play and Grow at Wheelock at 10:30 Stories, rhymes, and fun for families with young children.
Read with a Daffodil Princess at the Steilacoom Library 11-12
Story time with a Daffodil Festival princess.

Lakewood/Parkland/Spanaway/Tillicum 

Read with a Daffodil Princess
at the Parkland/Spanaway Library 11AM or Read with a Daffodil Princess at Tillicum at 2 or  Read with a Daffodil Princess
at Lakewood at 2

Peter and the Starcatcher at Lakewood Playhouse

March 30th-April 22nd
​A wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s best-selling novels.  From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair… and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.

Japanese Kites at the Parkland/Spanaway Library 2-3PM
 Build and watercolor your own koinobori fish kites in honor of Children’s Day on May 5. All supplies provided.

Lacey/Olympia/Dupont 

Lacey Family Fish In

This day of fun encourages fishing as a family activity. Volunteers are on-site to help both beginner and experienced young anglers. Each participant will get a rod and reel to keep! Cost: $7 per youth (ages 5-14), includes rod and reel; Pre-registration required.

For more information, contact Lacey Parks & Recreation Department at (360) 491-0857 or visit ci.lacey.wa.us/Events.

Earth Day Stewardship Event at Priest Point
Family friendly, but they would like you to register. Pitch in for your parks!
Read with a Daffodil Princess at the DuPont Library 2-3PM
Story time with a Daffodil Festival princess. Bring your camera!
Norway Day at the Thurston County Fairgrounds
baked goods, vendors, cultural displays

Seussical at Capital High School

Celebrate Earth Day at the LOTT Wet Science Center

Celebrate this wonderful world by creating art from recycled materials, then make a mini herb garden to take home and grow. Seeds, soil, and planters provided.

Gig Harbor

Paddler’s Cup weekend at Skansie Brothers Park downtown

The Gig Harbor Paddlers Cup is the premiere event for Pacific Northwest canoe, kayak, paddleboard and outrigger athletes and enthusiasts of all ages and levels. This  annual community event features paddle racing for kayaks, canoes, stand up and prone paddleboards, outriggers and para-canoes, and dragon boat races.

Adventures of Tom Sawyer at Paradise Theater

Friday and Saturday shows through May 5th

Healthy Kids’ Day at the Tom Taylor YMCA

Visit the touch tanks and display tanks at Harbor WildWatch new hours!

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

Sunday

All Over

Free day at Washington State Parks-no Discover WA pass needed today in honor of Earth Day.

South King County

Auburn Community Players present Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.

April 20 & 21, 2018, 7:00 PM and April 21 & 22, 2018, 2:00 PM; Tickets are 10.00 plus a slight fee

Plant an egg carton seed for Earth Day at Learning Express Toys in Renton 1-3

Super Hero Party at the Federal Way Library Ages 7 and older.

Celebrate your favorite super heroes with cake, food, fun activities, crafts and prizes 2-4

Tacoma/Pierce County

Meeker Mansion Cellar to Attic Tour

Once a year the Meeker Mansion in Puyallup is Open to the public for a total tour through the Cellar and up to the Attic! (Free to Members).A small fee will be charged at the door to help with the Mansion’s restoration. 12-4.

Last day of the Spring Fair (See, “All Weekend,” at the top of the page).

Caspar BabyPants at Top Pot Donuts in UP

1:30 set time; go early as space is limited. More here

Kids Day Workshop at Soap and Clay

It’s fun, it’s making, it’s SCIENCE! Head to the soap shop with your favorite littles and get ready to make a mess. In this workshop, class participants will make their own custom bath fizzies completely from scratch. Choose your scents, choose your colors, and have some fun! The finer points: Class price is $30 per parent/child pair and includes instruction, take home packet, and all materials needed to make a full batch of bath bombs! Class size is limited, so be sure to contact Mrs. Soap & Clay to reserve your seat.

Paddler’s Cup weekend at Skansie Brothers Park downtown

The Gig Harbor Paddlers Cup is the premiere event for Pacific Northwest canoe, kayak, paddleboard and outrigger athletes and enthusiasts of all ages and levels. This annual community event features paddle racing for kayaks, canoes, stand up and prone paddleboards, outriggers and para-canoes, and dragon boat races. Note from SFM: I believe this is the dragon boat race day.

As always, if you know something great we missed, or if we can give you a hand, get in touch! Thank you for mentioning Sounds Fun Mom to your friends, family, and the businesses you visit.

Want to see this list sooner? I send it out on Thursdays as an email. If you’d like to subscribe, head here to sign up! 

You can also keep up with Sounds Fun Mom on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or just check back here regularly. I’m about to publish the summer camp guide, AND we have some amazing giveaways this coming week you won’t want to miss.

Kids Get In Free At The Spring Fair Today

April 19, 2018 by Maegen Blue

A quick reminder that kids get into the Spring Fair for FREE today, Thursday, April 19th, from 2-10PM  with a donation of non-perishable food for the Puyallup Food Bank. No coupon needed.

Kids 5 & under are always free! 

There is also a nice ride offer for opening day-get 6 rides or games for $18, today only. Note that this excludes the classic coaster and the Extreme Scream, although you can do the Extreme Scream for just 10.00 today if that’s your cup of tea!

 

For other available deals and all our Spring Fair tips, including what’s new this year, see our Spring Fair tips post here or one post down if you’re on the home page. Not for you? Our giant list of weekend fun is coming out Friday morning just like always. Want it today? We send it out on Thursdays to email subscribers!

Meet iD Tech Camps

April 16, 2018 by Maegen Blue

If you’re looking for a camp for a tween or teen who loves video games, Minecraft, or computers, you’ll want to learn about our new sponsors, iD Tech. We invited them to tell us all about their cool, Tacoma area technology camps. Be sure you don’t miss the savings code just for our readers.

About iD Tech:

At iD Tech camps students ages 7-18 learn to code, design video games, mod Minecraft, create with Roblox, engineer robots, print 3D characters, work with AI, build laptops, learn about cybersecurity, and more! Camps are held at 150+ prestigious locations nationwide, including the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma.

This summer, your child can explore a beautiful college campus, make friends as they master new tech skills, and join a community of 350,000 alumni. With world-class instructors and customized learning, our programs instill in-demand skills that embolden students to shape the future. Class size is kept at a maximum of ten students! 

Programs include:

iD Tech Camps:

For ages 7-17, iD Tech Camps is our flagship program offering courses for every interest—coding, game development, robotics, and design. Weeklong camps, with day and overnight options.

iD Coding & Engineering Academy:

For ages 13-18, iD Coding & Engineering Academy is an immersive, teen-only experience. Students choose from intensive courses in machine learning, cryptography, game programming with C++, robotics engineering, and more. 2-week, overnight sessions.

iD Game Design & Development Academy

For ages 13-18, iD Game Design & Development Academy offers an immersive, teen-only experience. Students take on the role of a 3D modeler, gameplay programmer, or level designer, learn the full cycle of game production, and discover how to turn a love of gaming into a lucrative career. 2-week, overnight sessions.

Alexa Café:

An all-girls program for ages 10-15. Alexa Café offers a unique blend of tech, entrepreneurship, and social activism—all set in a stylish setting! Code an app for charity, design a mobile game, engineer wearable electronics, and more. Weeklong camps with day and overnight sessions.  

Why iD Tech?

For 20 years, iD Tech has paved the way in STEM education. They offer a commitment to purpose driven, cutting-edge courses taught by students from top universities at amazing campuses around the country.

iD Tech is proud of their partnerships with some of the biggest names in tech and of their commitment to providing opportunities for all.

iD Tech alumni have gone on to launch startups, nonprofits, and land dream jobs at places like Google and Facebook. What an amazing opportunity to launch your young tech lover towards his dream career!

There is also plenty of traditional camp fun and lots of time for kids to make new, lifelong friends.

Sign Up and Save

Courses do sell-out quickly, so get started today at www.idtech.com or call (888) 709-8324 for personalized course recommendations. Be sure to mention SOUNDSFUN18 before 5/31/18 to save 75.00! 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Be sure to use our exclusive code to save when you register!

Regal Cinemas 2018 Summer Movie Express

April 13, 2018 by Maegen Blue

Note to regular readers-Your weekend list is just one post down from this one! I just couldn’t wait to tell you this news!

We’re so excited to see that Regal has announced the line up for the 2018 Summer Movie Express.

Read on for how you can see kids’ movies in the theater for just 1.00 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this summer.

We’ll definitely include these in our summer guide, but we thought you’d want to put some favorites on your calendar and make some playdates now.

Theaters run this great program to bring families in during the summer months, and it’s a great way to entertain the kids and beat the heat.

Movie choices are  second run films, but you still get the big screen experience. And, if your kids are anything like mine, seeing a movie they love over and over again is one of their favorite things to do. Read on for the whole schedule of 1.00 movies at Regal for the summer. [Read more…]

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun and Things to Do April 13th, 14th, and 15th

April 13, 2018 by Maegen Blue

Here’s your weekend list! We’ve found tons of amazing things to do with kids in Tacoma and all over the rest of the South Sound this weekend, and lots of them are free! Woot!

Friday

Humpty-Dumpty at Olympia Family Theater

Let’s Play performances are shorter and just right for young audiences. Tickets are 5.00 cash or check at the door; 10 or 11:30AM today; also Saturday at 10AM

Many Michael’s stores are doing a customized slime craft today. This varies by store, so do check yours for participation.

Adventures of Tom Sawyer opens at Paradise Theater Gig Harbor; Friday and Saturday shows through May 5th

Family Movie and Glow Play Night at WiggleWorks

We’re turning down the lights and up the FUN! Kids love this event with FREE glow bracelets for each child. We will be watching the newly released, Jumanji!! Included with all day, come and go admission.
Kids over 48″ inches may join for free to watch the movie; they just can’t play on the equipment. 6-8PM

Saturday

If you’re reading on the home page one more click will give you the whole list. I promise it’s worth it! 

[Read more…]

Daffodil Princess Tea Tickets Now On Sale

April 12, 2018 by Maegen Blue

Hot ticket alert!

Tickets to the Daffodil Princess Teas are now on sale.

These do sell out every year, so don’t wait long if this is something you’re wanting to do this year.

As you know, we’re big fans of The Daffodil Festival, and I think if someone at your house is a princess fan introducing her to real princesses who are models of scholarship, volunteer service, poise, and smarts is the way to go! Queen Allie is a soccer star and ASB President among other things!

This year’s event is May 6th, and there are three times.

Everyone at the event will enjoy a real tea party with food, princess training, dancing, and favors, including a real tiara, posters, and a pin for each child attending. Do not forget your camera!

Tickets must be pre-purchased and seating is limited. Note that this year there is a slightly different menu for each time. Everybody in a seat will need a ticket.

You can get more info. on the fb event page.

Head here to purchase tickets.

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