Archives for January 2020

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun and Things to Do January 18th and 19th

January 17, 2020 by Maegen Blue Leave a Comment

Here’s our weekend list full of family fun!

Who needs something to do with the kids this weekend? We’ve got you covered! Don’t miss out on free lion dances, free movies, story time at the boatyard, and much more!

Saturday

South King County

Kids’ Cedar toolbox project at McClendon Hardware

Korean American Day Celebration at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center

Tickets are FREE and open to the general public but seats are limited to the first 700. Please arrive early for best seating. Event includes hands on experiences, music, and more.

Have you had the opportunity to explore fun tech gadgets? We’ll have Cubelets, Ozobits, Ozo Evo, and Squishy Circuits for you to try during this hands-on program. Get introduced or reacquaint yourself with these amazing tools!

Join us in the Room of Requirements (the Kent Llibrary Meeting Room) for some Harry Potterish fun. We will have Harry Potter-themed board games, puzzles, card games and trivia. Earn house points and make a house badge. A World of Wizardry Awaits at Your Library! Look for more events, parties and clubs with keywords Wizardry or Harry Potter.

Visit the Highline MAST Aquarium at Redondo Small center with cool touch tanks. Learn all about sea critters during one of their Discovery Days-for free!

Greater Pierce County

Ozobots and Bee-Bots – Create with Technology at the Bonney Lake Library 2-3PM Saturday, January 18: 2:00pm – 3:00pm Code and create little robots.

Great Train Show at the fairgrounds in Puyallup

The Great Train Show is the nation’s only coast-to-coast model train show. The show features hundres of tables of train and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids, and much more. This show is perfect for modelers, hobbyists, families, and the just plain curious! Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Location: Mattress Firm ShowPlex Admission: Adults – $11 Kids Under 12 www.trainshow.com

Reptile Showat the fairgrounds

The largest reptile and exotic animal show in the Pacific NW. Hundreds of vendors with reptiles, amphibians, and other unique exotics, as well as all the equipment required for their care. In addition there are interactive educational exhibits. Hours: Saturday, 10am – 5pm & Sunday, 10am – 4pm Location: Pavilion (Enter at Gold Gate) Admission: $10 Adults, $5 Children 6-10, Children 5 and under free

Something’s Happening Saturdays at the Graham Library 10:00am – 5:00pm Something’s going on all day at the Graham Library! Will it be games? Crafts? Building? Drop by and find out!

Pigeon Wants a Party at the South Hill Library 10:30am -12 Saturday Celebrate Mo Willems’ one and only Pigeon! Crafts, stories and Pigeon fun for everyone!

Molly of Denali Family and Community Learning Workshop – KBTC Series 11:30am – 2:00pm at the Fife Library Join KBTC and the Pierce County Library for the “Molly of Denali” Family and Community Learning workshop. This workshop series is meant for children ages 4-8 and their families. Lunch provided!

Parent Night Out Sumner Y Rock wall tonight. Open to members and the community but registration and fees are required.

Tacoma

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 am and movies start at 10:00 am. Seating is first-come, first-served. All children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. It’s the march of the Penguins today!

Family STEAM Day at LeMay

Kids Day at Soap and Clay make bath bombs! Registration and fees required.

Children’s program at the Science Dome “Motions and Patterns.” Great, low cost option for kids. Educational and indoors! More here

3D Lanterns Craft – Celebrate Chinese New Year!at the Parkland/Spanaway Library 1-2:30

Learn how to cut and assemble a 3D red paper lantern. Chinese symbol templates will be available to decorate the lantern with black and gold Sharpies.

Spanish/English Story Time at the Tillicum Library 12-1pm

Enjoy stories, rhymes, singing and fingerplays for the whole family. Story times are offered in Spanish and English.

Gig Harbor

PenMet Parks Kids Night Out

Kids Night Out (Parents night OFF!): Mad Scientists! Enjoy a night out and leave the kids to us! We will play games, conduct experiments, watch a movie, and enjoy dinner/popcorn. Make sure to bring a sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow to get cozy for the movie. The movie this month is Smallfoot! 35.00; for kids 5-12 Register Here: https://bit.ly/2SBtOWy

Olympia/Dupont/Lacey

Read to a Dog at the Dupont Library 1-2PM

Family story time visits Orca Books

Music, movement, books and activities for the whole family. All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. 11am Join Timberland Regional Library at Orca Books for a special storytime-on-the-road visiting local booksellers. Take time to explore the bookshop before or after storytime.

Have an Arctic Adventure today at the LOTT WET Science Center

Chills and thrills await at a family-friendly 2 pm presentation about the animals living in the coldest parts of the world. Why do they live there? How do they endure the icy conditions? Warm up with cozy crafts all day.

Oly on Ice, Olympia’s temporary ice skating rink, runs through January 20th.

Sunday

South King County

Lion Dance at Renton Uwajimaya

Ring in the Lunar New Year with an exciting, family friendly traditional lion dance performance by Mak Fai Washington Kung Fu Club Lion Dance Team. The lion dance is a celebration to bring good luck and happiness in the coming year. Join us for this free event! 2PM

The library provides the LEGO® bricks, you provide the fun! Build, create and share your masterpiece with fellow builders.

Tacoma/Puyallup/Gig Harbor/Greater Pierce County

Great Train Show at the fairgrounds in Puyallup

Note from SFM: When I went to this with my boys it was more about looking than doing, but it sounds like some more things may have been added. Let us know if you go!

Reptile Showat the fairgrounds

Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor BoatShop’s Tales at the BoatShop 3-4pm

Storytelling at the boatyard! Join the Gig Harbor BoatShop for an exciting story and activity time for children to learn about what water critters do in the PNW during the winter. Tales at the BoatShop includes stories, science, crafts, songs and snacks. This family program is geared to children ages 4-8 who are accompanied by an adult (younger siblings are welcome)!

Sunday, January 19 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. No cost Open to children ages four and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is preferred. Drop-ins are welcome as space permits. Call (253) 857-9344 or email info@gigharborboatshop.org to register.

Olympia

Oly on Ice, Olympia’s temporary ice skating rink, runs through January 20th.

Know something great we should add? Have a tip or a review? Get in touch!

I also super appreciate you mentioning Sounds Fun Mom to the places and businesses you visit!

South Sound Weekend Kids Calendar: Family Fun and Things to Do January 11th and 12th

January 11, 2020 by Maegen Blue Leave a Comment

Here’s our weekend list full of family fun!

Thank you for using the provided links to confirm event details before you head out! This weekend you may also want to check for weather related changes! Have a great one!

All Weekend

Monster Jam is at the Tacoma Dome with shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!

Saturday

All Over

Lowe’s Build and Grow Register for these popular kids’ building events! It’s a police car today. Note from SFM: Choose your store location to sign up.

South King County

Visit the Highline MAST Aquarium at Redondo Small center with cool touch tanks. Learn all about sea critters during one of their Discovery Days-for free!

Free kids’ art project at Rusty Raven in Kent

Greater Pierce County

Saturday art with Elisa at Fred’s Creative Kids

paid event; open to ages 8 and up. Looks fun!

Something’s going on all day at the Graham Library! Will it be games? Crafts? Building? Drop by and find out!

The Western Washington Cluster Dog Show is at the fairgrounds the 11th-13th While not specifically a kids’ event, when my animal lovers were small they loved going to watch all the dogs, and owners will often let you pet them (do ask first and use good dog manners).

Tacoma

Free Kids’ Clothing and Gear Swap at King’s Books

Open to all! This is a great, volunteer run community event. You do not need to have donations to participate, but I would encourage you to go with a spirit of community. Please consider volunteering to help, especially with take down and clean up. While not a kids’ event, you are welcome to bring yours if they’re supervised.

Family story time at Wheelock 10:30

Family story time at Moore10:30

followed by Baby Time at 11:30

S.T.E.A.M. Saturday at Mottet

Join Ms. Elizabeth for some hands on S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) programming. In these weekly hands on programs kids will explore, build, and create fun and imaginative projects. All ages.

Eastside Nature Hour at the Eastside Community Center

Ever wonder how wild animals survive the cold without heated houses, grocery stores or warm winter jackets? Find out at Nature Hour! $1 per person per program 2PM

Hal: Coding for Kids and Teens at the main branch of the TPL ages 8-12; register for this one; 9 seats left! There are also 5 spots left in an Eggbot event as of this writing.

Monster Jam is at the Tacoma Dome with shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!

Frozen Day of Art and Science at Curious Bear Toy and Bookstore; hosted by Tacoma Children’s School

“Queen Elsa,” and, “Princess Anna,” invite you to join them for a magical day of exploration and creation! Kids will create a snowflake bead ornament, discover the magic of dry ice, try their hand at ice painting, and explore Frozen games and play-scapes. $65 per ticket. Programming is designed for ages 3 – 8 years old. Each ticket grants entry to 1 child and 1 adult. Every child must have a parent or guardian on the premises during the event. No refunds available.

Children’s program at the Science Dome “Motions and Patterns.” Great, low cost option for kids. Educational and indoors!

Family movie matinee at the Tillicum Library

Free Astronomy Event with the Tacoma Astronomical Society

The Tacoma Astronomical Society hosts free public viewing sessions each month at Pierce College near Fort Steilacoom. Indoor lectures, demonstrations, and workshops are available at public nights regardless of the weather. On nights with clear skies, TAS volunteers provide telescopic observations of the Moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, double stars and more. Free event; donations accepted

Gig Harbor

Explore Your World at the Key Center LibraryBounce light to hit a target, and create characters for a shadow play and learn about the science of how shadows are formed. All ages welcome; under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. 2:30-3:30

Be a citizen volunteer and join a beach monitoring event with Harbor WildWatch

Olympia/Dupont/Lacey

Family story time visits Browser’s Bookstore

Music, movement, books and activities for the whole family. All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. 11am Join Timberland Regional Library at Browsers Bookshop for a special storytime-on-the-road visiting local booksellers. Take time to explore the bookshop before or after storytime.

Let’s Play: Daytime Shows at Olympia Family Theater

Let’s Play are short 25-minute interactive shows and are perfect for the very youngest of audience members— ages 0-5. Giggles guaranteed! Always just $5 per person. Under 24 months old are free! Snowman magic at 10AM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Airbound Arts Second Saturday Spectacular

Airbound Arts hosts a monthly variety show, the Second Saturday Spectacular! Each month consists of a unique lineup that may consist of aerial, accordion, contortion, singing, dancing, and more. 10.00 adults/5.00 kids; Doors open at 6:30PM

It’s Silly Scientists at the LOTT WET Science Center

Science happens all around us! Use common items found in our homes to create mini science experiments, then design and test your hypotheses.

Oly on Ice, Olympia’s temporary ice skating rink, runs through January 20th.

Sunday

Tacoma/Puyallup/Gig Harbor/Greater Pierce County

Mini Maestros at UPS

Mini Maestros is back! These are special concerts with Symphony Tacoma designed just for kids 2-8 and their families, and our readers have Loved them! Kids will learn about different instruments and musical concepts while singing, dancing, marching, and clapping their hands with Symphony Tacoma musicians. There is also an, “Instrument petting zoo” one hour before the first three performances. How great is that?! Today’s theme is, “Fiddler on the Hoof,” featuring the strings family and catchy western tunes you’ll recognize. Come dressed in your best western gear!

All concerts are held on Sundays at the University of Puget Sound’s Schneebeck Concert Hall at 2:30 pm, with the instrument petting zoo beginning at 1:30 pm. Tickets to individual concerts are $7 for children and $10 for adults, plus box office fees. A pass to the whole series is available with a discount! Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. Tickets here and More information here Want to share with your friends? The Fb event post here!

Monster Jam is at the Tacoma Dome with shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!

Olympia

Oly on Ice, Olympia’s temporary ice skating rink, runs through January 20th.

Let’s Play: Daytime Shows at Olympia Family Theater

Know something great we should add? Have a tip or a review? Get in touch!

I also super appreciate you mentioning Sounds Fun Mom to the places and businesses you visit!

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun and Things to Do January 4th and 5th!

January 3, 2020 by Maegen Blue Leave a Comment

Need something fun to do with the kids this weekend? Start the New Year off with a weekend full of family fun!

Thank you for using the provided links to confirm event details before you head out! Have a great one!

Ongoing Holiday Events

(Events specific to this Saturday and Sunday continue below this section)

These events are ongoing during the holiday season; check links for specific days and hours.

Zoolights at Point Defiance ZooRuns through January 5th

Ice Skate at Point RustonTacoma’s temporary outdoor rink is back! Runs through January 5th

Oly on Ice, Olympia’s temporary ice skating rink, runs through January 20th.

Saturday

All Over

Home Depot Kids club

Build a mini hockey game. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron and a commemorative pin while supplies last. 9AM-12 Note from SFM: Advance registration is now required for these popular, free kids’ workshops. Readers recommend arriving on the earlier side.

South King County

Visit the Highline MAST Aquarium at Redondo Small center with cool touch tanks. Learn all about sea critters during one of their Discovery Days-for free!

Festival of Trees at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn

November 20 – January 5

Your new holiday tradition! Catch the spirit of the season with a festive display of trees at the Museum. Each tree is decorated by regional ethnic heritage groups with ornaments and décor that represent their cultural traditions. You will see trees as diverse as our community with traditions from China, Poland, Norway, Italy, Iran, the Marshall Islands and beyond!

Read With Rover at Federal Way 320th 11am-12 Kids can drop in and practice their reading with a patient, canine listener.

Greater Pierce County

Something’s going on all day at the Graham Library! Will it be games? Crafts? Building? Drop by and find out!

Tacoma

Family nature walk at Swan Creek Park 10AM Advance registration is now required for these free walks lead by volunteer naturalists. Perfect for ages 3 and up; not suitable for strollers.

Resolution Reboot at the Eastside Community Center.

Kick start your New Years Resolution at this conference-style event featuring everything from fitness to cooking classes. Free to the public, and lots to enjoy- from demos on fitness classes, to sampling some new healthy recipes in our kitchen! 9:30-1 Note from SFM: While not a kids’ event, I thought it might be of interest.

Frozen kids break camp performance

Young actors from one of TMP’s winter break camps put on a show.

Play, Grow, and Discover story time at Wheelock10:30

Join us the 1st Saturday of the month for a themed sensory experience for toddlers and preschoolers.

Family story time at Moore 10:30

f ollowed by Baby Time at 11:30

S.T.E.A.M. Saturday at Motte t

Join Ms. Elizabeth for some hands on S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) programming. In these weekly hands on programs we will explore, build, and create fun and imaginative projects. All ages.

Children’s program at the Science Dome “Motions and Patterns.” Great, low cost option for kids. Educational and indoors! Two show times.

Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor Night Market

Let’s start the new year with a bang! Come join us for at 7 Seas Brewery for a night full of shopping, music, food, beer, art, and community. This event is free and open to all ages!

Pier Into the Night with Harbor WildWatch

Take an underwater journey of Gig Harbor Bay without getting wet (or needing special certification) through the Pier Into the Night experience! While you stay warm and dry on the dock, our divers use an underwater video camera to live stream exactly what they encounter below the surface. Staff biologists and trained volunteers identify the plants and animals that appear on the 10 ft. screen.

This program takes place on Jerisich Public Dock in Downtown Gig Harbor on the first Saturday of the month from October-March and runs approximately an hour. This program is FREE* with no RSVP required. Look for the staff and volunteers in blue, and the blue Harbor WildWatch tent!

Olympia/Dupont/Lacey

Friends of the Yelm Library book sale

Family story time visits Orca Books

Music, movement, books and activities for the whole family. All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Join TRL at Orca Books for a special storytime-on-the road visiting local booksellers.

Block Play at the DuPont Library 11am-12:30

Building with blocks is not only fun, it develops early math and science skills. All you need is imagination! All ages; under 6 with an adult.

Learn about pollinator friendly landscapes at the LOTT WET Science Center

Pollinators are essential to all life around the world. Join Stream Team and guest speaker Mary Dessel as we look at the life history of bees, reasons for their decline, and how we can each do our part to help. You can even make a bee house to take home! Register for this 10 am workshop at www.streamteam.info. Pollinator activities throughout the day.

Sunday

South King County

A Messy Winter Afternoon at the Kent Library

Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Prepare to get sticky, your hands covered in goo and sprinkled with bird seed as we create winter crafts. 2PM

Festival of Trees at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn

November 20 – January 5

Tacoma/Puyallup/Gig Harbor/Greater Pierce County

Film Focus: The Goonies!

Tacoma Arts Live presents a very special chance for you to introduce your kids to this classic on the big screen! 3PM; 7.00 tickets; shows at Theater on the Square

Peter Pan Winter Break Camp performance

Kids from winter break camp put on a show.

As always, if you know something fun I missed, or you need a hand, get in touch!

I also super appreciate you mentioning Sounds Fun Mom to the places and businesses you visit!