This is a great weekend if you’re looking for things to do with kids that are FUN and FREE! Boy, do we have a lot of them. We’ve also found some low cost ideas and a few splurge worthy options. Read on for all of them!
Friday
Free walking tours at Point Defiance Park
Join park staff every weekend for free drop-in walking tours. Explore areas of the park and get a new perspective on Tacoma’s crown jewel. No registration necessary. Tours held every weekend through September 3
- 1-2 pm – Ranger-led Nature Walk; Meet at the Rhododendron Garden Pavilion
- 2:30-3 pm – Garden Tour; Meet at the Point Defiance Visitors Center
There are a bunch of special library events today. Here are some favorites. Check your library for story times and other activities we did not have space to list:
- Seattle Reptile Guy is at the Moore Library at 2:30 Meet between 40 and 50 different animals, such as snakes, lizards, exotic insects and more! Kids get to touch and hold many animals and learn all about the cool things that these critters can do.
- KaBOOM! Imagination Playground™ at the Graham Library 1-4PM It’s a moveable playground at the library!
- Tacoma Nature Center – Habitat Is Where It’s At at the Parkland/Spanaway Library 2-3PM What does wildlife need to survive? Take part in a survey on habitat types. Ages 5-11
Low tide beach walk at Kopachuck State Park with Harbor WildWatch 12-1:30
Low tide beach walk at Penrose with Harbor WildWatch 12-1:30
Low tide events are free; you will need a Discover WA Pass for these locations.
Seattle Aquarium naturalists will be on hand for low tides at area beaches Friday and Saturday. South Sound locations this weekend are Saltwater State Park and Seahurst 11AM-1:30
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 Tarzan.
Kids over 48″ inches may join for free to watch the movie; they just can’t play on the equipment. Great way to watch a movie as a family!
All Weekend/Ongoing
Picha, Duris, and Scholz Farms are all offering U-pick strawberries. ****Do check their fb pages for updates before you go as this obviously depends on how many berries are on the vines at the end of the day! You might also want to check our Berry Guide or Picha Farms Review for more scoop if you’re new to u-pick!
Need to cool off? Our spray ground, pool, fountain, and splash pad guide is updated!
Saturday
All Over
Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00 or 5.00 per child for ages 3-8. Sessions are 30 minutes. It’s camp themed crafts today. There is also a red, white, and blue event from 1-3; purchase your choice of, “Base,” and the other supplies are free. You may also want to ask about their summer kids’ activities.
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 Pete the Kitty and the Groovy Playdate today.
Hit your farmer’s market! Just about every area has a seasonal market open now.
South King County
Seattle Aquarium naturalists will be on hand for low tides at area beaches Friday and Saturday. South Sound locations this weekend are Saltwater State Park and Seahurst 11:45am-1:45pm
Meet Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol at Learning Express Toys in Renton
PAW Patrol is back! This time CHASE and MARSHALL are crashing the party in an all-out PAWathon! On break from filming their hit TV show, they’re meeting up with Ryder at the toy store! Get airbrushed paw tattoos and pictures with the pups! It’s totally free! 1-5
Neely Mansion Summer Saturday Tour
With summer’s arrival, the lovingly restored historic Neely Mansion is ready to receive guests for a docent tour. Get a glimpse of Auburn’s pioneer legacy at this beautiful home that holds a glimpse of Auburn’s history. 1-4 Admission: $3 adults; $1 children.
Visit the Mary Olson Farm in Auburn Tour the farm house, meet the animals! Nice, low-key, unplugged outing
Free and open to the public on summer Saturdays and Sundays (donations are suggested). June 23 – August 26, Noon – 5pm.
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 Ask about their weekday evening open times during the summer! Free
Edgewood/Puyallup/Graham/Sumner
Washington State Toy and Geek Fest
It’s here! A super fun event for young and old fans of comic books, video games, movies, celebrities, and anything pop culture together under one roof for a fun weekend in Pierce County. June 30 – July 1, 2018!
Tent Sale at the Old Cannery FREE hot dogs & soda June 30th, July 1st, 4th, 7th & 8th from 12-3! That’s right, all you can eat hotdogs on us! Prize wheel, balloon animals, face painting, and other fun.
Rockin’ the Renaissance With Song and Dance at the South Hill Library 10:30 This is an educational, participatory program for all ages, with singing, dancing, and storytelling to give an experience of how the common folk entertained themselves throughout most of history. Registration required; Kids 8 and younger should bring a grown up.
Food Truck Frenzy at Bradley Lake Park
A variety of local food trucks, plus entertainment from local artists, including a reptile show from 12-1. Bring your blankets, chairs and appetite!
Read with a dog at the Puyallup Public Library Kids can drop in and practice their reading skills with a patient, canine listener.
Summer Swap and free movie at The Edge
Buy Nothing Event 5:30-7:30 pm
Refreshments 7:00-8:00 pm
Outdoor Movie 8:00-10:00 pm
The Edge has invited Buy Nothing groups from Edgewood, Milton, Fife and the community to 3 evening events this Summer! The event includes the outdoor showing of an animated family movie following the gifting portion. There will be free hotdogs, drinks, popcorn, as well as activities for the children. The public is welcome! The movie is The Incredibles
Tacoma-including Lakewood and University Place
Free walking tours at Point Defiance Park
Join park staff every weekend for free drop-in walking tours. Explore areas of the park and get a new perspective on Tacoma’s crown jewel. No registration necessary. Tours held every weekend through September 3
- 11-11:30 am – Walking History Tour; Meet at the Point Defiance Visitors Center
- 1-2 pm – Ranger-led Nature Walk; Meet at the Rhododendron Garden Pavilion
- 2:30-3 pm – Urban Wildlife Walk; Meet at the Point Defiance Visitors Center
Rock Out at the Mottet Library
Libraries ROCK! So come to your library and paint a rock. This is a ticketed event, and may choose from one of two available 30 minute sessions. Pick-up your free ticket at the branch the day of the event for one of the two available sessions: 3:30 or 4:15.
Jeff Evans Reading Magic Show at the Main Branch of the Tacoma Public Library 10:30-11:30 also at Kobetich at 2:30
Free family activities at Bass Pro Shops
Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays through July 22nd beginning at noon. Try out games, make a craft, and enjoy more fun.
Lacey/Olympia area
Explore low tide at Meet the Beach with volunteers from the South Sound Estuary Association West Bay1-4PM or Woodard Bay 1-4
Free tours of the tugboat, Sandman, at Percival Landing. Open to the public most weekends.
Visit the South Sound Estuarium open 11-4 weekends Get up close and personal with all kinds of sea critters. Admission is just 5.00 for the whole family.
Berry Harvest Celebration at the Olympia Farmers Market
The Olympia Farmers Market is pleased to announce its annual Berry Harvest Celebration will occur on Saturday, June 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Market.
Learn about Washington’s Wilderness Coast at the WET Science Center
Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of Olympic National Park’s rugged coastline! Learn about the ecology and natural history of this wild place in a 2 pm presentation. Beach-themed arts and crafts all day. The center and its activities are free.
OFS Kids Club Free movie for kids 12 and under It’s The Cat Returns today.
“Family Camp” event at Cabela’s Also Sunday- games, crafts, and other fun. Same event as offered at Bass Pro.
Gig Harbor
Wings and Wheels Air and Car Show at the Tacoma Narrows Airport
Back again for the 8th year, the Gig Harbor Wings and Wheels Air Show and Car Show will be back at the Tacoma Narrows Airport on June 30th and July 1st, 2018. This event will feature many different aspects to include – multiple live aerobatic performances and fly-overs, dozens of planes on static display, a 200+ count car show on Sunday only, vendors, delicious food, a beer garden, and activities for the kids. The event will run from 4:00pm until 9:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am to 4:30pm on Sunday.
You can purchase parking for 10.00 in advance or park off site and use their shuttle for free.
The Music Man is at Paradise Theater.
Sunday
South King County
Meow Fest at the Covington Library
Celebrate the awesomeness of cats! Catch a showing of cat videos on the big screen, build a cardboard cat castle, adopt or learn about fostering a new best friend through Regional Animal Services of King County(RASKC) and South County Cats (SCC), and join in other fun activities. 1-4
Visit the Mary Olson Farm in Auburn Tour the farm house, meet the animals! Nice, low-key, unplugged outing
Free and open to the public on summer Saturdays and Sundays (donations are suggested). June 23 – August 26, Noon – 5pm.
Puyallup
Washington State Toy and Geek Fest
It’s here! A super fun event for young and old fans of comic books, video games, movies, celebrities, and anything pop culture together under one roof for a fun weekend in Pierce County. June 30 – July 1, 2018!
Tent Sale at the Old Cannery FREE hot dogs & soda June 30th, July 1st, 4th, 7th & 8th from 12-3! That’s right, all you can eat hotdogs on us! Prize wheel, balloon animals, face painting, and other fun.
Tacoma
Free walking tours at Point Defiance Park
Join park staff every weekend for free drop-in walking tours. Explore areas of the park and get a new perspective on Tacoma’s crown jewel. No registration necessary. Tours held every weekend through September 3
- 11-11:30 am – Urban Wildlife Walk; Meet at the Point Defiance Visitors Center
- 1-2 pm – Ranger-led Nature Walk; Meet at the Rhododendron Garden Pavilion
- 2:30-3 pm – Garden Tour; Meet at the Point Defiance Visitors Center
Historic Fort Steilacoom is now open for Sunday tours 1-4PM I believe this is a free; donations welcome type thing. Summer Sundays until Labor Day
1-3PM Parents can enjoy some brews; the kids can sing some tunes!
Beauty and the Beast Behind the Curtain with the cast of Beauty and the Beast at TMP
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how our costumes, makeup, set, music and rehearsal hours all come together to create our newest production. This is a FREE event. Note from SFM: This would be a great way to preview this show with your kiddos. It does NOT include a performance (you should think about getting tickets to an upcoming show; it looks great)!
Free family activities at Bass Pro Shops
Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays through July 22nd beginning at noon. Try out games, make a craft, and enjoy more fun.
Gig Harbor
Wings and Wheels Air and Car Show at the Tacoma Narrows Airport
Back again for the 8th year, the Gig Harbor Wings and Wheels Air Show and Car Show will be back at the Tacoma Narrows Airport on June 30th and July 1st, 2018. This event will feature many different aspects to include – multiple live aerobatic performances and fly-overs, dozens of planes on static display, a 200+ count car show on Sunday only, vendors, delicious food, a beer garden, and activities for the kids. The event will run from 4:00pm until 9:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am to 4:30pm on Sunday.
You can purchase parking for 10.00 in advance or park off site and use their shuttle for free.
Olympia
Explore low tide at Meet the Beach with volunteers from the South Sound Estuary Association West Bay 2-5PM today or Priest Point These are free events, but you do need a Discover WA pass for state park locations.
Visit the South Sound Estuarium open 11-4 weekends Get up close and personal with all kinds of sea critters. Admission is just 5.00 for the whole family.
“Family Camp” event at Cabela’s games, crafts, and other fun. Same event as offered at Bass Pro.
Planning your 4th? Head here for our link to 4th of July Events! Note that some family friendly 4th fun starts on the 3rd. Be sure to check it out so you don’t miss out!
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