Looking for fun things to do with the kids this weekend?
We’ve got amazing ideas for family fun in Tacoma, Auburn, Renton, Puyallup, Lacey, and every other part of the South Sound. Just need to keep cool? The, “Beat the Heat,” guide is one post down!
There are more than 70 family events this weekend (not kidding!) so if you’re reading this from the home page, you’ll need to do one more click. I promise it’s worth it!
All Weekend
Renton River Days– Friday-Sunday, July 27-29. An annual multi-day family festival featuring events and activities for kids, arts and crafts, reception, food, and live entertainment.
Neverland Theater presents Dorothy in Wonderland Student production; 7.00 tickets
The Good Guys car show is at the fairgrounds in Puyallup
Hot rods, customs, trick trucks and Muscle Cars through 1987 on display, plus vendor exhibits, a swap meet, cars for sale corral, brush bash, entertainment, award car show and much more. Adults – $20, Kids (7-12) – $6, Kids 6 and under – FREE Note from SFM: If you don’t want to attend the show, you might just have your kids keep their eyes open about town!
Saturday
All Over
Blueberry picking Many area u-pick farms are now open for blueberry picking. Link takes you to a list of ALL of them; you’ll need to use the links to check on openings. Thanks for doing that.
Story time at Barnes and Noble It’s Doll-E at most stores at 11AM. We do suggest calling to confirm, as participation in these is inconsistent. There is also a, “Kids’ Book Hangout,” event at most stores today that looks fun. Thanks, The Coupon Project
Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores Kids craft sessions from 10-12 2.00 or 5.00 for 30 minute sessions. Make, “Campfire,” themed crafts today. There is also a crayon transfer t-shirt decorating project today from 1-3; buy the t shirt, and the supplies to decorate it are free.
South King County
Enumclaw Street Fair – Friday/Saturday, July 27,28 10:00am-7:00pm. This street fair includes a family fun zone with rides and games, live music, craft vendors, family activities, basketball tournament, farmer’s market, and more!
Highland Games, Enumclaw – Get your kilt on at this celebration of all things Scottish. More here.
Touch a Truck at Westfield Mall
Kids (and adults) can climb into and onto buses, fire trucks, heavy-duty big rigs, bouncers, and more. Families, caregivers, and individuals will leave ready to prepare for emergency situations.
Grand Opening of We Rock the Spectrum in Federal Way
Join us for the Grand Opening of We Rock the Spectrum – Federal Way! A day of fun with our trampoline, zip line, fun swings, face-painting, Raffle prizes and wonderful food from local neighborhood businesses. Meet the owners, learn about our programs and just have fun! Admission charged.
Bon Odori Festival at the White River Buddhist Temple in Auburn Food booths, children’s lantern parade, dancing, and entertainment
The Seattle Aquarium has naturalists on hand for low tide at select South King County area beaches. These are free events, but you will need a Discover WA Pass for any state park locations.
The Geology Rocks Show at the Maple Valley Library
Meet geologist by day, rock star by night, Slate Mudstone who really knows how to throw a party! 1-2PM For ages 5-12
Reading Magic Show with Jeff Evans free show-part of Renton River Days (see All Weekend listing above)
At The Ridge Theater presents The Little Mermaid at Kentridge High School
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
Movies in the Park Federal Way
Free movies at Town Square Park. There is a new playground here and water features. Movies play at dusk. It’s Coco
Free showing of The Incredibles at CoalField Park in Renton
Free outdoor movie at Coalfield Park! Hosted by King County Parks.
Puyallup/Edgewood/Greater Pierce County
Pierce County Trails Day-A variety of walks, rides, and volunteer opportunities today; we have highlighted some in this list, but you can check the link for still more
Puyallup Loop Trail Ribbon Cutting
Please join the City of Puyallup – Government, Forterra NW and Pierce Conservation District at Clark’s Creek Park South trailhead on Saturday, July 28th at 10:00 a.m. for a Pierce County Trails Day ribbon-cutting ceremony as we celebrate the completion of Puyallup Loop Trail. Trail walk after.
Summer Garden Fair at Ed Hume Seeds Come enjoy this beautiful Northwest summer with us! Enjoy tours of our garden and warehouse.
There will be a raffle, a book signing, and games and activities for kid
Children’s program with the Master Gardeners in Puyallup
Summer Swap and Movie at The Edge Foursquare Church in Edgewood
Due to intense heat Saturday 7/28, the Free Swap & Movie Night will be indoors with air conditioning. Come enjoy a break from the heat and build community. The movie will be Cars 3. Buy Nothing Event 5:30-7:30 pm
Refreshments 7:00-8:00 pm Movie 8:00-10:00 pm Free food and kids’ activities, too.
Tacoma
Featured: Tacoma Maritime Fest Two big days of fun on the Foss Waterway
free admission to the Seaport; kids’ activities; boat tours; pirates and more! Also Sunday
Pierce County Trails Day-A variety of walks, rides, and volunteer opportunities today; we have highlighted some in this list, but you can check the link for still more
Ethnic Fest in Wright Park kid friendly festival Saturday and Sunday in lovely Wright Park.Includes Kids’ Zone , entertainment stages, vendors, arts and crafts, and the movie Moana at dusk Saturday.
World Tiger Day at the Point Defiance Zoo special activities included with admission
Tacoma Giants Part 1: Trees of Point Defiance Park 9AM short walk to learn about one of the park’s biggest trees, which is right by Ft. Nisqually 4.00/person To Register:Sign Up Online or call (253) 305-1022 Check out more Park Ranger programs here
Come hang out on our patio! Bring your kid, bring your grandma! Music, games, kid’s zone, drinks, contests and merriment for all. Make sure you get here by 7:00pm to participate in a water balloon toss contest for a chance to win a gift certificate to Honey. Free!
Kids get into the Tacoma Art Museum for free every Saturday
Community Chalk Art part of the Live Loud Music and Arts Festival
Live Loud Music and Arts Festival
A one day festival full of strong, gritty Tacoma vibes. Featuring live music, live art, latte competition, and a merchant market with over 50 local makers and creatives. Fun for all!
Saturday morning cartoons at Fern Hill Library 10AM
Can you imagine life before cars, phones or lightbulbs? Step back in time to find out what it was like to be a kid when the city of Tacoma was just starting. Enjoy stories, toys, games and crafts from the Oregon Trail. Presented by the Job Carr Cabin Museum. For ages 3-7.
Afternoon Movie at Swasey Library 2-4:30 It’s Mary Poppins
Play and Grow storytime at Wheelock 10:30 Note preschool time at Moore is canceled for this week.
South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland-Spanaway/Tillicum/Steilacoom
Paws in the Park at Ft. Steilacoom Join thousands of animal advocates and their furry friends for the Society’s 28th annual Paws in the Park featuring the Dog-A-Thon (name changed to be more inclusive of all animals)! Held at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood, this fun, family event has something for everyone:
Children’s shows at the Pierce College Planetarium Great, low cost shows at the area’s only indoor planetarium. Definitely go at least once this summer!
Lacey/Olympia
Free community event! Meet police officers and check out their cars. Bounce houses, food, child id kits, and more. At the police department 11AM-3
Plants, People, and Place at the WET Science Center
Join staff from the Nisqually Reach Nature Center for a brief interactive presentation at 2 pm on plant culture of the Pacific Northwest. Come investigate our relationship with native species through wild-crafting, an outdoor plant walk, and exploration through movement! A native plant weaving workshop is available throughout the day.
OFS Kids Club Free movie for kids 12 and underIt’s Lu Over the Wall today, an anime.
Enjoy a concert at 7:00pm followed by a movie at dusk at Lacey in Tune Movies at Dusk. Bring your own chairs and snacks. Concessions will also be available.July 28 British Export-Beattles Tribute followed by The Incredibles
Gig Harbor
Returning Saturday, June 9 and running most Saturdays are the popular Waterfront Walking Tours. Held throughout the summer, these fun tours appeal to both visitors and residents alike.
Science Saturday with Harbor WildWatch
Join Harbor WildWatch for a fun Science Saturday activity at the Skansie Visitor and Interpretive Center.
We will walk over to Jerisich Dock to learn about the unique creatures that call Gig Harbor home, and conduct a plankton tow off the dock. After the plankton tow, we will bring a sample inside to look at under the microscopes where kids (and adults!) can expect to see diatoms, plankton, and sometimes worms or other cool creatures.
Suitable for kids of all ages.
Kids’ Art Jam at the Key Peninsula Civic Center
4-6 pm: Kids’ Art Jam at the Key Peninsula Civic Center! For kids 9-15 yrs old.
This months Kids’ Art Jam is about music and pets. We will have a couple of guitars and a drum to draw and for music making after class! You are also welcome to bring another instrument to draw or paint. Will have canvases and drawing paper on site. Bring a favorite pet photo. Kids can draw their favorite pet instead. It’s always about having fun with art! And this time, maybe a little jam session too. Supplies included in fee. Snacks provided by Calloway cupcake kitchen. Register here.
Sunday
Also see, “All Weekend Listings,” above
South King County
Highland Games, Enumclaw – Get your kilt on at this celebration of all things Scottish. More here.
The perfect summer day! Auburn’s Summer Bash will feature local food trucks, music, face painting, dunk tank, kid games, raffles and prizes and much more *I believe this is a fundraiser for area youth sports teams.
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.
Family Fun Day at Emerald Downs
Tacoma
Featured: Tacoma Maritime Fest Two big days of fun on the Foss Waterway
free admission to the Seaport; kids’ activities; boat tours; pirates and more!
Ethnic Fest in Wright Park kid friendly festival Saturday and Sunday in lovely Wright Park.Includes Kids’ Zone , entertainment stages, vendors, arts and crafts, and the movie Moana at dusk Saturday.
Salmon bake at Sunnyside Beach in Steilacoom hot dog meal also available 15.00 salmon/6.00 for the kids’ meal, includes a dessert and beverage. You’re encouraged to park in town and take the shuttle.
Harvest Pierce County and Metro Parks Tacoma, and Charlotte’s Blueberry Park Action Group are hosting our third Annual Blueberries & Blues celebration! There will be games and a lawn concert with live music – and Celebrity Cake Studio’s Cake Mobile Food Truck will be back with delicious blueberry themed treats for sale!
Glass Fest Northwest at the Museum of Glass
Glass Fest Northwest, a celebration of glass and the artists of the PNW, returns to the plaza at MOG!
In collaboration with Tacoma Art Museum, this all-day event puts glass art center stage by bringing together local artists and artisans, live glassmaking demonstrations, food, drinks, music, and hands on activities. Visitors will also find jewelry, printmaking, ceramics, and more.
This event is free to the public. Each visitor that provides a receipt from a purchase made with one of the vendors receives free admission to MOG and TAM on July 29.
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
Olympia/Lacey area
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe at Olympia Family Theater
Riveropolis is at the HOCM 30 ft. waterway with lots of room for water play and tinkering. Included with admission.
Olympia Symphony FREE Concert at the Capitol @ Olympia Capitol Campus lawn 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
As always, if you know something we missed or you’d like publicity or advertising for your group, get in touch! You can email me at soundsfunmom@gmail.com or use one of the icons up top to find us on your favorite social media.
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