Archives for May 2018

 South Puget Sound Area Baseball and Softball Camps With the Seattle Mariners Grand Slam Camps

We’re so pleased to have Mariners Grand Slam Camps as part of our sponsorship team again this summer. 

Baseball and Fastpitch Softball Camps in Puyallup, Sumner, Lacey, Federal Way, and other convenient locations!

The Seattle Mariners have officially partnered with Grand Slam Camps to provide baseball and fastpitch softball camps for kids around the Puget Sound.

Now officially called Mariners Grand Slam Camps, these are not your ordinary baseball camps. If you’re used to camps that offer drills and a few games, you will be pleasantly surprised by the true, Seattle Mariners experience your child will get to enjoy with Mariners Grand Slam Camps.

Camp is about building skills but also teaching a true love of the game. Kids will enjoy a week of surprises, top-flight instruction, and lots of old-fashioned fun, whether they’re beginners or all-stars.

Our older son did camp with the original Grand Slam several years ago, and he had a great time. I was very impressed with the skill level of the staff and how they made sure that every child was learning and feeling excited about baseball. It was his very first experience with baseball, and I was amazed at how much he learned and so pleased with how positive he felt after every session.

There are three camps offerings with convenient locations around the South Sound.

• The Complete Camp runs from 9:00 AM-12:30 PM from Monday through Thursday.  Instructional sessions are held at the top of each hour with a general focus on situational game play and instruction about a variety of different skills of the game.  Each field has two coaches – typically current college players – who are constantly teaching the finer points to players as the games are played.  This is where the real learning occurs.
• The Skills Camp runs from 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Monday through Thursday and is instructionally based.  All receive hitting instruction, but also select a defensive position of emphasis; pitcher, catcher or infield.
• The Camp Bundle offers Complete + Skills Camps at a discount plus one-hour of lunch supervision at no added cost. It runs from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  In most locations, a separate fastpitch softball camp is offered as well as baseball.

Each camp is lead and coordinated by certified teachers who have deep knowledge of the game so parents can count on a safe, upbeat, and professional environment.  Add in many surprises and the constant influence of the Seattle Mariners, and you have a camp like no other.  To top it all off, all campers are invited to an additional camp session in August at Safeco Field.  This is part of the camp experience and is included at no additional cost. Note from SFM: These are very well priced camps already!

For more information you can visit  their website here.

To register just head here! 

Questions? Email info@marinerscamps.org or call, text or leave voicemail at: 360-802-2232

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. The folks at Mariners Grand Slam Camps were some of this site’s earliest sponsors. We’d love for you to mention Sounds Fun Mom when you register if you have a chance. Thanks for doing that!

It’s a great weekend if you’re looking for fun things to do with your family around here. There are dozens of don’t miss events, including many that are FREE. The only hard part will be choosing! Read on to get started!

Saturday

All Over

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for ages 3-8. Sessions are 30 minutes. It’s pineapple themed crafts 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 activity; this one is a splatter canvas. Supplies for that are free when you purchase the canvas.

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 a special Fancy Nancy event in honor of the royal wedding.

South King County

Meet Poppy the Troll at Learning Express Toys in Renton Free photo op. Yes, you can expect company! 1-4

Auburn YMCA Water Safety Event

Stpp by the Auburn Valley YMCA Aquatics Center from 12:30 – 4:00 pm to learn about boat and lifejacket safety for National Wear It Day. Lifejackets will be available for all participants. Following the event, we’ll have a family movie sing-a-long from 4:00 – 6:00 pm, with Moana making an appearance. Registration is required. Note from SFM: There is a non member ticket, so I believe this is open to the public, but you may want to double check.

Blue Poppy Day at the Rhododendron Garden Federal Way

FREE and Open to the Public! Experience the world-renowned blue poppy meadow, shop at an art market featuring local craftspeople, and enjoy a day of performances! Visit RhodyGarden.org for more information about our 22-acre garden. Note from SFM: You may have to pay regular garden admission. While not super exciting for kids, it’s a nice stroll for them and lovely this time of year. Good outing with grandma! 

Touch a Truck in Federal Way

A free, fun, family event to get up close and personal with the vehicles and equipment that build, serve and protect our community with pride. This event will put your child’s imagination in hear as they honk, toot and climb aboard their favorite vehicles. RAIN OR SHINE!

Located at the former Target parking lot, next to the future Performing Arts & Events Center. Event is from 11am-2pm, no horns 11am-Noon no horns for sensory-sensitive children. Note from SFM: Readers love this one!

Petapalooza in Auburn

PETPALOOZA is a FREE event for pet lovers and a special day for your four-legged family member or other furry friend. Petpalooza is kicked off with a Dog Trot 3K/5K Fun Run.  The event features an animal-related entertainment stage, flydog and agility demos, pony rides, Mud Bay’s Northwest Pet Contest, an agility area, over 150 vendor booths, adoptions, low-cost animal services, giveaways and lots of activities to keep both humans and pets entertained.

Puyallup/Orting/South Hill/ Greater Pierce

Kids’ Fishing Derby at Bradley Lake Park Sponsored by the Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club and open to the public; free event for kids 14 and under with poles and bait provided. 7AM-12; I think I’d go on the earlier side.

Children’s Gardening Class With the Master Gardeners at the WSU demonstration garden off Pioneer. These are free and great! Register at 9:45AM; class begins at 10AM

The Prospectors Club will be at Sportsman’s Warehouse. While not exactly an, “Event,” I bet your kids would get a kick out of learning about panning for gold.

Foothills Trail Ribbon Cutting

The three-mile section of the Foothills Trail between Buckley and South Prairie was recently completed; a ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate this connection on Saturday, May 19th.

If you would like to join Puyallup Mayor John Palmer and the Tacoma Washington Bicycle Club to ride out to the ribbon-cutting, meet at the East Puyallup trailhead (13810 80th Street) at 9 am on the 19th. The ride out to South Prairie and back will measure approximately 30 miles round trip. Note from SFM: If this event isn’t your speed, do put a section of this trail on your list if you like stroller or bike friendly trails. It’s a great choice!

Tacoma

Spring Fairy Festival on 6th Avenue Entertainment, workshops, and other fun for fairy folk of all ages.

Happy Market Day Join us at The Traveling Happy Market for food, friends and kid-friendly fun! We will feature activities like face painting, business card crafting and more! Anthem coffee by the UW Tacoma

Queen Victoria’s Birthday

A merry mood permeates the Fort on this occasion. At noon, bagpipes announce the start of the traditional tributes to the queen. The pipes are followed by a musket volley, toasts to the queen, and a cannon salute. Many of the Fort’s ladies and gentlemen will be dressed in their finest, 1850s fashion. Throughout the day, guests can visit with our historical interpreters, join in a game of croquet, and enjoy performances. Refreshments while supplies last. Event admission is $8-$10, children 3 and younger are free. For more information visit fortnisqually.org or call (253) 404-3970.

Tiptoe through the Tidepools

Bring your family to explore the beach, learn about tide pool life and have lots of fun during some of the lowest tides of the year. A naturalist will guide low-tide beach exploration. Free! 1-4 today at Titlow Beach.

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! It’s The Last Unicorn today.

Ranger Lead Nature Walk at Point Defiance Park 1PM

Meet the Park Ranger at the Rhododendron Garden Pavilion for an exploration of the plants and animals in the special old-growth forest of Point Defiance Park. Not suitable for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up.

Afternoon movie at the Swasey Library  It’s Wonder 2-4PM

Rainier Dragon Boat Festival

The public is invited to watch the dragon boat races from Thea’s Park. Free! Note: I do believe this is just watching the races, but I bet it would be fun.

See a children’s show at the Science Dome. The area’s only indoor planetarium! This is a great, low cost outing for your science lovers. Definitely put it on your list!

Lacey/Olympia/Dupont 

JBLM Armed Forces Day

Experience the Armed Forces Day at JBLM-McChord Field Saturday, May 19 at Heritage Hill. While a Volksmarch begins at 9 a.m., the rest of the festivities begin at 10. Explore military static displays and on-board vehicle visits, living history displays, carnival rides, bounce houses, petting zoo, a climbing wall and roving entertainers. Plus, enjoy your favorite fair foods and check out vendor booths. This is open to the public and a great event, but do be sure to read in advance about how to get on base and other rules. For more information, visit JBLMArmedForcesDay.com.

Kids to Parks Day in Olympia

Join staff from the Outdoor Adventure and Park Stewardship program for this fun day at West Bay Park. Start the morning by helping remove invasive plants from the park and then learn the basics of kayaking on Budd Inlet. Don’t miss this event! All necessary equipment provided Registration required for kayaking portion. Note from SFM: I think there is a minimum age for this event. Double check when you sign up.

Lacey Spring Fun Fair

Two big days of FREE fun! Rides, games, a giant slide, and so much more! You will likely want money for food vendors, but there is seriously a ton here for FREE. It’s a great event!

LMNOP Kids Consignment Sale 

Its that time again! Come join us for another great consignment sale. If you are looking for anything related to children (clothes, equipment, toys, maternity items, ect.) then come shop and sale and save some money while supporting local families.

Mommy and Me Fairy Garden Party at Schilter Farm As of this writing tickets are available to the 4-6 time slot.

Marshall Middle School presents Beauty and the Beast jr.Friday, May 18 at 7pm Saturday, May 19 at 2pm & 7pm at Capital High School Theatre Tickets are $7/person

Capital City Marathon Kids’ Run

Free 1.2 mile kids run

Cinder Edna at Olympia Family Theater

Opening night-7PM! Cinderella’s fairy godmother and glass slippers may seem ideal, but you will fall in love with our Edna whose  trip to the palace means a bus ride, comfortable loafers, and a very different happily ever after. 7PM tonight; 2PM Saturday and Sunday Buy Tickets

Visit the South Sound Estuarium Open `11-4 weekends; 5.00 family admission

Gig Harbor

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

South King County

Exotic bird and animal show at the fairgrounds in Puyallup

Buy, Sell, Trade and Market. Birds, cages, seeds, small animals, supplies, parrots and so much more! 10AM-3PM 10.00; children 5-10 are 5.00; cash only at the gate

Puyallup Pet Adoption Event at the Sunrise Village PetSmart Over 100 pets with 10 agencies available for adoption – puppies, kittens, dogs & cats.  Trainers, shelter staff and volunteers on site to answers questions

Tacoma/Gig Harbor

Kids Karaoke at Puget Sound Pizza Sundays in May 1:30-4

Tales at the BoatShop 1-2PM

Lacey/Olympia

Lacey Spring Fun Fair

Two big days of FREE fun! Rides, games, a giant slide, and so much more! You will likely want money for food vendors, but there is seriously a ton here for FREE. It’s a great event!

LMNOP Kids Consignment Sale 

Last day!

Cinder Edna at Olympia Family Theater

Opening night-7PM! Cinderella’s fairy godmother and glass slippers may seem ideal, but you will fall in love with our Edna whose  trip to the palace means a bus ride, comfortable loafers, and a very different happily ever after. 7PM tonight; 2PM Saturday and Sunday Buy Tickets

Visit the South Sound Estuarium Open `11-4 weekends; 5.00 family admission

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PS Don’t forget to scroll down if you haven’t been here in a while! We’re giving away a week of Art Camp, and we have the scoop on an exclusive screening of Solo: A Star Wars Story!

Art Day Camp In Puyallup

Are you looking for a great art day camp near Puyallup? If your kids love art, you have to check out the amazing art camps from Fred’s Creative Kids at the Fred Oldfield Center at the fairgrounds. This is an undiscovered treasure you need to know about. It’s right inside the red gate at the fairgrounds, and they offer low cost art classes for all ages taught by real artists all year.  Their camps are super fun and have a different theme for every weekly session!

And today we’re giving away a week of camp!!! Woot!! How crazy awesome is this?? My older son did camps here and absolutely loved them. Here is a little more scoop, but make sure not to miss the giveaway at the bottom! PS Even if you don’t win, I’d think about signing up for at least one. Their camps are a seriously good deal! 

Offering 8 Fun Art Camps!Now including Fridays!

• Monday – Friday from 9:30 am-12:30 pm
• $100 for each summer art camp ($90 early bird pricing before June 26)
• Camp is open to grades k-12
• A snack will be provided each day
• Art can stain, so please wear appropriate clothing
• Exciting, challenging & rewarding!
• A different masterpiece each day

Summer Art Camps Overview

July
9-13 –American Indian Camp
16-20 – Dirty Hands & Messy Faces Camp
23-27 – Paint, Paint Paint Camp
30-Aug 3 – Recycle Camp

August
6-10 – Mystery Camp
6-10 – Fantasy, Abstract, Impressionism Camp (ages 12 & up)
13-17 – Fun With Art
13-17 – Creative Drawing Camp (ages 12 & up)

Enter To Win!

*Important: By entering to win you agree that we can share your email with Fred’s Creative Kids so they can tell you about other fun classes and camps periodically.

• For a first, required entry simply leave a comment and tell us why you’d like to win a week of camp! You can read more about their camps here if you’d like.
• For a second, optional entry visit the Fred’s Creative Kids fb page. Come back and tell us you did so! Liking the page is totally optional and not required for entry.
• For a third, optional entry, share this contest! Come back and leave a comment telling us what you did!

All entries should be left as comments on this post. Leave them as separate comments to improve your odds. Please make sure you leave an email you check, so you don’t miss out if you are the lucky winner. 

Legal stuff/Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I would LOVE for you to mention Sounds Fun Mom when you check out classes or camps at Fred’s Creative Kids. By entering this giveaway you affirm your eligibility and assume all responsibility. Facebook is not in any way involved in or responsible for this contest. Good luck!

You’re invited to a private screening of Solo: A Star Wars Story in Puyallup May 26th. Tickets still available!

Oh, hey, Star Wars fans! Want to blow your kids’ minds? Or maybe just have the geekiest date night ever (Geekery is totally cool these days)?

Come with us to a very special screening of Solo: A Star Wars Story right in Puyallup.

There will be Stormtroopers and Siths in the audience. If you or someone you know is a Star Wars fan, you do not want to miss this! Plus,  all proceeds will go directly to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.

Your event ticket includes raffle tickets with a chance to win some great items. It does not include concessions, which will be available for purchase if you want them. Costumes are welcome, but masks should be easy to remove, and weapons may be peace bonded at the door. Lightsabers are fun, but not in a dark movie theater!

Date:

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Times:

Screening begins at: 7:00 PM

Seating begins immediately at: 6:30 PM

Introductions and Opening remarks begin at 6:45 PM

Price:

All Tickets – $15.00
includes one movie admission ticket and 5 raffle tickets for prizes.

I’ll be there, too! I have no idea if that’s interesting to you, but do find me and say, “Hi!”

The screening is brought to you by the folks behind the huge, immensely expanded Toy and Geek Festival, which is going to be the don’t miss event of the summer for comic book, sci-fi, and superhero fans.

To get your tickets to Solo head here! They are going fast, so don’t wait long, o.k.? And may The Force, well-you know!

Disclosure: This is not a compensated post in any way, but SFM is friends with the Toy and Geek Festival folks. They are total Jedis.

Would you like to gets some sweet, spring pics of the kids without spending a fortune?

The very talented Lora Parks of Parks Photography is offering some mini sessions to jump on!

Lora is based on Tacoma, but shoots at outdoor locations around the South Sound. Photos will be taken at a fun, mutually agreed upon spot around here-check out this recent farm cuteness for an example of her work.

Mini sessions are just 50.00. Woot!! She currently has slots open on May 21st and 28th.

You can check out the event page for her sessions here or get in touch via her contact info. below!

Wondering which Tacoma area spray grounds are on?

Great news!

Metro Parks Tacoma has announced an early opening for some of their splash pads. You can visit the spray grounds at Franklin Park, Jefferson Park, and the STAR center today, May 14th, until 8PM, or tomorrow, Tuesday, May 15th, from 10AM-8PM. They are all free! After Tuesday, they will be open on weekends only through May 26th, when they will start having daily open times. If they have any other early open days I will let you know!

You should also find the spray grounds on at Point Ruston and Pioneer Park/Downtown Puyallup.

The stream by the Hands On Children’s Museum at the East Bay Plaza in Olympia is also on, as is the fountain in Olympia. I *think* the water features in Kent may be on, but I have not had a chance to check on those yet. Let me know if you know about any others that are on already!

Other area spray grounds and splash pads typically open Memorial Day. We will have a whole guide to all of them right here!

Need some summer inspiration? I know a lot of you are already making summer plans and lists of summer must-dos with your kiddos. We will have a Giant summer guide here, as usual, but it’s still a work in progress as of this writing.

If you’d like to get a jump on planning summer fun with your South Sound family, you might like one of our Summer Bingo Boards!

I made this back when bucket lists were all the rage.

It’s sort of like that, but it’s a bingo board instead-so if you only get to five things this summer you can still be a winner. Clever, right?

If you’d like the bingo board, you can just click the link below to download the pdf. If another format would work better, send me an email, and I’ll see what I can do! Note that there are two versions of this board that are just slightly different. If you’d like one for a different area, let me know, and I’ll put it on my (kind of long) to-do list.

Get the Tacoma area Summer Bingo board

Get the Auburn area Summer Bingo Board