Need something to do with the kids around Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, or your part of the South Sound? We’ve found fun and free things to do with the kids all around the 253 this Memorial Day weekend. We’ve also linked to a short round up of Memorial Day events and observances at the bottom of this post.
Friday
Amusements carnival at the Outlet Collection Friday 3:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday, Sunday 12:00pm -9:00pm Wristband $25 – Unlimited Rides! 1 Ticket $3.50 10 Tickets $30 Note from SFM: This looks to be one of those traveling carnivals. It does indicate hours are subject to change, so I’d check the fb page before you head out, especially if it’s rainy.
Auburn Community Players present Shrek the Musical
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….”
Pre-sale Tickets: $16/$13 ($21/$18 at the door). Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation at 253-931-3043 or order online for Auburn Community Players: Shrek The Musical print-at-home tickets. All tickets subject to $0.75 processing fee. Also Saturday at 7 and Sunday at 2
First Friday night at the HOCM Pay What You Can admission from 5-9PM on the first Friday of every month; a donation of 5.00 per family is suggested. Emergency and Safety Preparedness theme today.See what it takes to be a police officer or fire fighter!
Cinder Edna at Olympia Family Theater
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
Saturday
All Over
Free day at Washington State Parks in honor of National Trails Day; Fees are also waived at forest managed sites today (Fees still apply at National Parks and other sites).
Advance registration is now required for these popular, free building workshops for kids. It’s a car today. Find the store nearest you to sign up. 9AM-12
Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for ages 3-8. Sessions are 30 minutes. It’s sloth 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; that one is, “Superhero slime,” and the supplies are provided.
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 Oh, The Places You’ll Go at most stores today.
South King County
Our Festival is a celebration of the cultural diversity represented in the Kent community and South King County. Enjoy ethnic dance, musical performances, spectacular native attire, cultural booths and delicious authentic cuisine. Our festival is held on one day every year on the first Saturday after Memorial Day weekend.
Hooked on Fishing in Federal Way
Annual fishing derby for kids ages 2-12. Event runs from 7am to noon, slots run in 20 minutes increments. Kids guaranteed to catch fish; all equipment provided. Pre-Registration required – 253-835-6900 or 253-835-6916 $4 pre-registration $5 day-of (longer wait times)
Duvall Days Small town, festival fun!
Free first Saturday Kids Art Project at Rusty Raven in Kent It’s vinyl sticker making today. 10AM-1
Summer Reading Kick Off: African Music and Dance at the Federal Way 320th Library
A talented group of musicians and dancers will entertain with contemporary and traditional West African dance, drumming and songs. 1-2PM-see link for ticket info. There is also a summer reading Kick off program at this location from 2:30-4
Family Fun Fest at Green River 9-12 Note from SFM: This one is new-to-us, but it’s free!
Amusements carnival at the Outlet Collection
Saturday, Sunday 12:00pm -9:00pm Wristband $25 – Unlimited Rides! 1 Ticket $3.50 10 Tickets $30 Note from SFM: This looks to be one of those traveling carnivals. It does indicate hours are subject to change, so I’d check the fb page before you head out, especially if it’s rainy.
MOPS Community Baby Shower in Enumclaw
Join us for a Community Baby Shower hosted by the Mount Rainier Christian Center MOPS group. The event will feature lots of giveaway’s, goodie baskets, a diaper walk and more! 9AM-12
Auburn Community Players present Shrek the Musical
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….”
Pre-sale Tickets: $16/$13 ($21/$18 at the door). Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation at 253-931-3043 or order online for Auburn Community Players: Shrek The Musical print-at-home tickets. All tickets subject to $0.75 processing fee. 7PM today; 2 Sunday
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
Lakeland Hills Kids Safety Event Meet local police officers and fire fighters. Learn about water safety and bike safety, plus Free Kids ID cards made onsite! Come see Boom, from the Seattle Seahawks at noon!Hosted by Life On Lake Tapps, which is a local realtors’ venture, but it looks to be open to the public. 11-2
Puyallup/Bonney Lake
Kids get to be in the “driver’s seat” to allow them to interact with real heavy construction equipment, fire engines, ambulances and police cars! Children also have the opportunity to meet and interact with real professionals in these industries. Also Sunday 11-4 Check link for ticket prices. Readers said this was great last year! I do believe you want to get tickets in advance.
Carnival and wellness fair in Bonney Lake
Hosted by Sound Family Medicine This FREE event is guaranteed fun for the entire family! From carnival games, bounce house, food, and fun.
Beyond
It’s Pioneer Rodeo time in Roy Also Sunday
Tacoma-including Lakewood and University Place
Summer Reading Kick Off at Tacoma Public Libraries
Join us for the Summer Reading Club Kick-Off event. Design a blank canvas bag to carry all your summer reading. We supply all the materials, you supply the imagination. All ages welcome. Drop in anytime between 1:00 pm. and 3:00 p.m.
EggBot at the Main Branch of the Tacoma Public Library 10:30
EggBot is an art robot that draws on spherical or egg-shaped objects. Ping pong balls provided. People may bring and experiment with eggs, light bulbs, and holiday ornaments. Ages 6 – 18 (manufacturer recommended age 10 and up) Required: Registration and assisting adult
Spring Fling Vendor Fair at Fawcett Elementary
World Ocean Weekend at the Point Defiance Zoo
Dive in to experience the magic of ocean life as we celebrate World Ocean Weekend. Watch marine animals receive special enrichment treats and discover how you can help the ocean and its glorious creatures. Watch a giant sand sculpture being built, and play in the sand! Included with admission. SFM recommends investing in an annual pass unless you can take advantage of monthly free days for City of Tacoma residents.
Cardboard Boat Regatta in the Kandle Pool Assemble a team, build a boat, and see how seaworthy your vessel really is! Teams of at least one adult (age 18+) and one student (age 8-14) will build a boat entirely out of cardboard and duct tape and bring it to Kandle Pool to test its seaworthiness. Note from SFM: Online registration has closed; give them a call to see if you can still get in on this.
Birds, Art, and Trails at Oak Tree Park Kick off June by attending a free family friendly celebration of birds, art and trails among native Garry Oak trees at Oak Tree Park. This Green Event will have food, games, activities and community informational booths all day with themed walks through the park at scheduled times.
This celebration will start with an optional bike ride hosted by Kidical Mass. *See below for more on that.
Kidical Mass Tacoma Ride is a monthly bike ride for kids and their families. We ride in the street and follow the Rules of the Road, stopping to regroup so no one gets lost or left behind. Helmets and adult supervision are required.
On Saturday June 2 we’ll ride a 2 mile route from STAR Center to Oak Tree Park where the Tahoma Audubon Society will be celebrating Birds, Arts, and Trails. We’ll see new art installations as we pedal along the Flume Line Trail; take part in activities promoting healthy native bird habitat; and have a chance to hike the trails in Oak Tree Park. Pedal 2 miles back to STAR Center with us afterward (that’s 4 miles roundtrip) or plan your own afternoon family adventure.
Kids Day at the Proctor Farmers Market
Model Railroad Show at Freighthouse Square
NW Entertainment Presents the Freighthouse Square Train Show and Swap Meet . Vendors and displays. Entry is $6 and kids 12 and under get in free. The show times are Saturday June 2 – 9am- 6pm and Sunday June 3- 11am -3 pm.
See a show at the Science Dome. It’s the area’s only indoor planetarium, and it’s great!
Duck Daze in University Place-parade, car show, and fun with the fire department
Fun, food and CARS! It’s all a part of the upcoming University Place Duck Daze on Saturday, June 2 at 10 a.m. After the annual Duck Daze Parade along Bridgeport Way, (27th to 37th St) head to Windmill Village for a tour of cool cars at the bigger than ever UPTown Cruisin’ car show!
Fire Station 31 will be open to visitors and will be grilling up some of their famous hotdogs, hosting a watermelon eating contest and have life jacket and helmet fittings!
Lacey/Olympia area
Open Farm Day at Nature Nurture Farm
Visit beautiful Nature Nurtures Farm and groom horses, collect chicken eggs, meet alpacas, pet rabbits, feed pigeons and goats, relax under shade trees, and make new friends. Open Farm Days are the first Saturdays of each month (April through September) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We respectfully ask for a $5 donation per person to help feed and care for the animals and to support our Youth Mentoring program.
t’s the 2018 Olympia Comics Festival, the Northwest’s longest-running alternative comics event!
Come meet and greet and be dazzled by many talented folks eager to show you their contributions to the sequential art form! Note from SFM: I don’t know how kid friendly this is. If you do, let us know!
Friends of the Lacey Library used book sale;there is also a friends book sale at Yelm today
Children’s story time at the Olympia Library 11AM
Cinder Edna at Olympia Family Theater
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. 2PM Saturday and Sunday Buy Tickets
Visit the Puget Sound Estuarium and learn about sea critters! 5.00 family admission
Gig Harbor/Kitsap
Maritime Gig Festival parade, booths, vendors, and more fun! Continues Sunday, though the most kid friendly happenings look to be today.
You might want to take the trolley to get there!
Sunday
South King County
Auburn Community Players present Shrek the Musical
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….”
Pre-sale Tickets: $16/$13 ($21/$18 at the door). Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation at 253-931-3043 or order online for Auburn Community Players: Shrek The Musical print-at-home tickets. All tickets subject to $0.75 processing fee. 2PM today
Amusements carnival at the Outlet Collection
Saturday, Sunday 12:00pm -9:00pm Wristband $25 – Unlimited Rides! 1 Ticket $3.50 10 Tickets $30 Note from SFM: This looks to be one of those traveling carnivals. It does indicate hours are subject to change, so I’d check the fb page before you head out, especially if it’s rainy.
Friends of the Covington Library Book Sale continues
Puyallup/Bonney Lake
Kids get to be in the “driver’s seat” to allow them to interact with real heavy construction equipment, fire engines, ambulances and police cars! Children also have the opportunity to meet and interact with real professionals in these industries. Also Sunday 11-4 Check link for ticket prices. Readers said this was great last year! I do believe you want to get tickets in advance.
The Puyallup Valley Gem and Mineral Club is doing a show at Swiss Park in Bonney Lake. A kids area and hands on activities are advertised.
Tacoma
World Ocean Weekend at the Point Defiance Zoo
Dive in to experience the magic of ocean life as we celebrate World Ocean Weekend. Watch marine animals receive special enrichment treats and discover how you can help the ocean and its glorious creatures. Watch a giant sand sculpture being built, and play in the sand!
Model Railroad Show at Freighthouse Square
NW Entertainment Presents the Freighthouse Square Train Show and Swap Meet . There will be Model Railroad Clubs from all over the Westcoast brining their layouts, Z Scale, N Scale, HO Scale, Lionel and 0 Gauge. There will be vendors selling model trains and accessories, also there will be vendors selling womens apparel and other types of merchandise. This will be the largest show in 2018 in the Puget Sound and its at the Freighthouse Square, the famous Lanmark built in 1909 for the Milwaukee Railroad. Entry is $6 and kid 12 and under get in free. The show times are Saturday June 2 – 9am- 6pm and Sunday June 3- 11am -3 pm.
Gig Harbor
Day two of the Maritime Gig Festival
Olympia
Cinder Edna at Olympia Family Theater
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. Last show 2PM today Buy Tickets
New here? I’d love to have you use the buttons at the top to join us on the Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or subscribe to our emails so you don’t miss a thing! You can also find us on Instagram or subscribe to our weekly newsletter-it’s the best picks from this list, and it comes out on Thursdays, so you get to start planning your weekend a whole day early!
Know something we missed? Let us know! Want new customers for your local, family friendly business? Ask us about advertising!
Speak Your Mind