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

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It’s a great weekend for big, free fun!

Don’t miss free (0r cheap) festivals and fun all over this weekend!

Saturday 

All Over

Many Farmer’s Markets are now open. Find your fresh here!

Michael’s Crafting Events 

Storytime at Barnes and Noble stores

South King County

Kent International Festival

“Rapunzel,” will be at Kid to Kid in Kent

Touch a Truck Federal Way

Fun, free event for your vehicle lovers!

Pet a Palooza in Auburn  Great fun for pets and their favorite humans.

Blue Poppy Day at the Rhody Garden in Federal Way

free event with entertainment, artists, and food trucks   While not specifically a kids’ event, the gardens should be lovely right now, and readers last year enjoyed this.

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

Puyallup/South Hill/Orting/Greater Pierce

SpringFree Trampoline NW Kids Fair at the fairgrounds in Puyallup

Entertainment, trampolines, bounce houses,  character appearances, and lots more. Ticket prices at the door: 12.00 adults/7.00 kids 3-12; children 2 and under are free; 2.00 discount for military and seniors

Kickball with Cops in Orting

Bear tracks at NW Trek

Meet the grizzly cubs! Special activities included with admission.

Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland

Spring Fairy Festival at Crescent Moon Gifts

Free family event around 6th avenue. Lots of entertainment and fun. Dress up encouraged!

Queen Victoria’s Birthday at Fort Nisqually

Rainier Dragon Boat Festival

The public is invited to watch the races at Thea’s Park. This is a free community event!

Best of Boat Racing at America’s Car Museum

Free Art Museum Admission

Fircrest Color Run

Whittier Elementary has partnered with the City of Fircrest for the 1st annual Color Run 5K and Kids Dash. Open to the public-I’m not sure about the procedure for walk-ups.

Armed Forces day at JBLM

Ray Evans Fishing Event at American Lake

Register online: tinyurl.com/KidsFishing2019 Note from SFM-I’m not sure if this is still open to new registrants.

See a children’s show at the Science Dome-the area’s only indoor planetarium. So fun!

Lacey/Olympia/Dupont 

Lacey Spring Fun Fair

Go, Dog, Go at Olympia Family Theater various shows and times through June 2nd

Mystical Enchanted Garden Festival 

Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center and make Mother’s Day crafts today .

Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.

Gig Harbor

Pierce County Library Storywalk Grand Opening at Sehmel Park 10am

Kids Night Out Event

Outdoor Workshop- Creating Habitat In Your Backyard at Kopachuck State Park 11am  (253) 265-3606 Inviting wildlife into your backyard has several benefits to your family and our ecosystem. In this 45-minute Outdoor Workshop, you’ll learn how you can create a welcoming environment to wildlife and how your yard can become recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by The National Wildlife Federation! Participants will also make their very own Toad House to get their backyard habitat started.

Sunday

South King County

Golden Dragon Acrobats perform in Auburn

Pierce County

Tiptoe through the tide pools

Bike Ride With Kidical Mass10:30am – 12pm
Starts/Ends at the Eastside Community Center (1721 E 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98404)

Join Kidical Mass for a 3.6-mile bike ride on the Salishan neighborhood streets and the newly paved Pipeline Trail. This route has some rolling hills, but the event is open to riders of all ages and abilities. Helmets required; kid pace; group ride

Foss Free Summer Concert

Olympia

Go, Dog, Go at Olympia Family Theater various shows and times through June 2nd

As always, if you need a hand, or know something fun we should add, get in touch! We also super appreciate when you mention Sounds Fun Mom to your favorite local businesses and groups. We exist because of awesome sponsors and readers!

Mom Reviewed: Defy Tacoma, New Trampoline and Indoor Play Space in Tacoma

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Are you wondering about the new indoor play and trampoline place in Tacoma?

It’s called Defy Tacoma, and now that the rain is back you may be wanting to check out this new place full of ball pits, launching decks, trampolines, and other way-cool things.

Defy Tacoma includes 35 trampolines and much more in a 30,000 square foot space.

Other fun things to do include Wipe Out, Battle Beam, Zipline, and a whole lot more.

Long time reader and site friend, Liberty, checked it out with her cool kids and graciously sent a report and these pics.

If you’ve been to similar area spots, she says it is much bigger. Her kids played for an hour, but she says she wished they had planned on an hour and a half or two hours because there was so much to do.  Ready to try it yourself? Here are some other tips:

Defy Tacoma Tips

  • You need special Defy Grip Socks. They’re 3.00, and you get to keep them. If you have the special socks with the rubber grippy thing from a similar place you might be able to use those, but I haven’t confirmed that.
  • There is a waiver form. You can speed things along by filling it out in advance.
  • You are asked to show up 30 minutes in advance of your time. Walk ups are welcome, but you may want to purchase tickets in advance.
  • There are open jump times (they call them, “Flights,”) every day.

This isn’t a cheap activity, but I think for the fun you’re getting for your money, it’s not bad, and yes, it’s in line with what I’d expect. I do want to alert you to a special offer for little ones that is a nice deal!

Defy Tacoma Pricing and Deals

If you have preschool or so age kids, I want to make sure you know about KidJump. 

If you have kids 6 and under you’ll want to check out this time from 9am-10am that is exclusively for littles and their fav grown ups. Kids get a discounted price, and one accompanying adult jumps free (one parent per paid child for the same hour).

Family Night also seems like a good deal, especially if you think about the cost of taking everybody to a movie or so on. Here’s the details on that

Family Night 

Bring your ENTIRE FAMILY (Immediate Family Members Only) for an hour, for only $45! Monday Nights from 5-9pm. No other discounts apply. Not valid during school breaks or holidays.

You can also ask about special deals for educational groups.

As you’d guess, Defy Tacoma also offers parties and other special events. You can read all about those and get any other scoop you need at their website (thanks for using our links to verify details before you head out)!

If you’ve checked it out, we’d love to know what you thought!

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun and Things to Do Mother’s Day Weekend

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Saturday 

All Over

Many Farmer’s Markets are now open. Find your fresh here!

Michael’s Crafting Events – Kids’ Club and Make Break are Mother’s Day themed today

Storytime at Barnes and Noble stores

South King County

Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, Federal Way has special activities for moms and garden lovers Saturday and Sunday

Creme Brûlée Kids Consignment Sale at Kent Commons

Backyard Wildlife Festival in Tukwila

Journal Making with Recycled Materials Workshop at the Federal Way Library Ages 8 to adult. Presented by Seattle ReCreative.

Learn all about different types of journals, then craft your own personal journal using recycled materials. Drop-in program, no registration required.

Auburn Fiber Arts Fair: Weaving the Community Together through Crafts  at the Auburn Library 11am-4pm Knitting, weaving, quilting, sewing, spinning, crochet and more!  Enjoy free activities for all ages including hands-on workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, story time and crafts!

Kids can make a Mother’s Day craft at the Outlet Collection

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

Puyallup/South Hill/Orting/Greater Pierce

Scale of the Solar System – Presented by Tacoma Astronomical Society

Family Movie Matinee – Black Panther

at the Fife Library 2-4pm PG-13

Farm Days at Left Foot Farm

Kids Fishing Derby at Rainbow Resort

8am to Noon is the annual Kid’s Fishing Derby!!  Ages 14 and under may participate. Bring mom out and enjoy the day and win some fun prizes. Hot dog lunch $5!!!  No entry fee; day use fees apply

Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium – Half price Mom’s Day at the zoo! All moms will receive half-off general admission. Half-off tickets are only available at the gate.

Craft Saturday at the Job Carr Cabin Museum in Old Town Super cute kids’ events!

Planting Days in May at the Seymour Conservatory at Wright Park

An assortment of annual plants, houseplants and succulents will be for sale. Bring an empty pot or hanging basket and we’ll help you plant them.

Treat yourself, your mother or a loved one to the gift of Mother Nature!

Suggested donation $3 11am-2

Family nature walk at Titlow Park. 10am Advance registration is now required for these popular, free walks lead by naturalists. Not suitable for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up. Full? Consider registering in advance for a future date!

Drop in Mother’s Day crafts at Wheelock and Mottet Libraries 

Eastside Nature Hour

See a children’s show at the Science Dome-the area’s only indoor planetarium. So fun!

Vietnamese Music Cultural Event – Không Quên Lời Cô Dạy: Traditional Instruments Workshop at the Parkland/Spanaway Library 3-4pm

Learn about Vietnamese traditional music instruments, culture and costumes.

Mehndi Madness at the Lakewood Library 2pm Explore the history of henna body art, and receive your own temporary tattoo. Due to limited space, free tickets will be available 30 minutes before the event. tweens and up

Mother’s Day at Bass Pro

Free photos with mom. Should also be at Cabela’s locations, but I haven’t confirmed that.

Lacey/Olympia/Dupont 

Community Fun Fair and Kids Fishing Event at Columbus Park

Go, Dog, Go at Olympia Family Theater various shows and times through June 2nd

Snow White Let’s Play Show at Olympia Family Theater Also Sunday

South Sound Opening Day Boat Parade

Wooden Boat Fair in Olympia Also Sunday

Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center and make Mother’s Day crafts today .

Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.

Gig Harbor

Mother Son Dance Pen Met Parks Tickets still available as of this writing!

Roses and Rosedale: A Historical Walking Tour of Sehmel Homestead Park

Karen Larson | (253) 514-6338 | klarson@gigharborfoundation.org
Location: Sehmel Homestead Park

There are more than four miles of trails at Sehmel Homestead Park. This spring installment of Roses and Rosedale will take visitors to some of the loveliest spots in the park. Please meet at the flag poles, in front of the snack bar, across from Volunteer Vern Pavilion. This event is free, family friendly, lasting approximately one hour, and will be held rain or shine. 12-1

Sunday

South King County

Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, Federal Way Tours, activities for kids, photo ops. Saturday and Sunday

Mother’s Day at Powell’s Wood

NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System
at the Renton Library 2-4pm

Presented by NASA JPL Solar System Program Ambassadors for Washington State Grades 1st-5th.
Are you interested in space’s mysteries? Join us as we explore space with an interactive NASA software that delves into more information about planets, spacecrafts, and much more!
First come, first served.

Pierce County

As always, if you need a hand, or know something fun we should add, get in touch! We also super appreciate when you mention Sounds Fun Mom to your favorite local businesses and groups. We exist because of awesome sponsors and readers!

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

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Saturday 

All Over

Many Farmer’s Markets are now open. Find your fresh here!

Free Comic Book Day  Free comic books for kids at participating comic shops all over! Many library locations are also participating. We’ve listed those in the lists below. For store locations, head here!

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 

Weekly crafts for kids. Click on, “Kids’ Club,” and input your zip code to navigate to your store for sign up and options!

Storytime at Barnes and Noble stores

11am It’s “High Five,” at most stores. We do suggest calling to confirm participation before you go. Some stores are also doing Star Wars events.

South King County

Meet Poppy at Learning Express Toys of Renton

Free comic book day at the  Auburn Library

Free comic book day at the Federal Way Library 

Fancy Nancy Soirée at the Algona-Pacific Library 1-2:30 Kids age 4 to 8 with a favorite grown up are invited to wear their fanciest dress up for a Fancy Nancy style party.Registration is required. Space still available as of this writing.

Spring Bloom Day at the White River Buddhist Temple Pick up spring plants for your garden and enjoy Japanese take on hot dogs and tater tots. Family activities for children’s day include: origami, Bon Odori dance, story telling, family meditation and Koto performance by Chiho Pewitt.

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

Puyallup/South Hill/Orting/Greater Pierce

“Artists in Action.” Culture and Arts Festival at the Karshner Center

There will be many different art projects for you to make and lots of new techniques to try with potters, painters, glass blowers, and many other artists. This will be a wonderful day of fun activities and engaging projects for all ages. This is a free-family event.

Mother’s Day Gift Make and Take at Ben Franklin

10am-12; make a sign for 10.00

The Force Be With You

A Community Pop-Up Event on Saturday May 4th beginning at 10:00, with both the Puyallup Police Department and the Central Pierce Fire & Rescue. There will be crafts, games, photo booth, food, bounce house and a raffle. Hosted by Puyallup First Baptist; open to the public

Mommy and Me Tea at the South Hill Mall

Free Comic Book Day 2019

Stop by the Library from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and choose from a wide selection of comics for Free Comic Book Day.

It’s also-May the 4th Be With You with Star Wars movies and crafts. 

Friends of the Graham Library Book Sale 10am-4pm

Friends of South Hill Library Spring Book Sale

Gently used books and media at great prices. Proceeds help support library classes and events, and services. Friends members pre-sale 9-10 a.m. and $5 bag sale 2-4 p.m.

Free Comic Book Day at the Orting Library

Free Comic Book Day  at the South Hill Library

May the Fourth! at the Graham Library  10:00am – 11:30am

Drop by the library for Star Wars themed crafts, games and other activities!

Read With A Princess

Meet some of the wonderful young women who represent our community as Daffodil Princesses. The princesses will read stories and pose for pics (Bring your own camera), and are wonderful role models of scholastic achievement and community service.

Star Wars Day 5K in Bonney Lake

5k family fun to celebrate Star Wars. There will be prizes for first female, first male, and best costume. This event is not timed. Registration and fees required.

Bonney Lake High School presents the Adams Family Musical

Shows at 2 and 7pm

Free Comic Book Day at the Buckley Library 11am-3pm
Visit the library to get free comic books while supplies last. Variety of titles available for all ages.

Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland

Tacoma Public Library events-There are a variety of TPL events today, including story time, May the 4th events, and more.

May the Fourth Be With You 5k

Are you a sci-fi fan who loves to run with the force? Get your favorite costume ready and join us for a 5k that loops around Wapato Park. Dogs on leash and strollers welcome. Registration and fees required.

Family nature walk at the Tacoma Nature Center

1-2pm Advance registration is now required for these popular, free walks lead by naturalists. Not suitable for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up.

Ranger lead walk at at the Rhododendron Garden 1PM Reserve your spot in this free walk online. Not suitable for strollers; fun for kiddos over 3 and up.

See a children’s show at the Science Dome-the area’s only indoor planetarium. So fun!

3D Printing – Prep Your Print at the Parkland/Spanaway Library Bring your object file and staff will assist in preparing your object for the 3D printer. Register-Spots still open as of this writing.

Read with a Daffodil Princess at the Parkland/Spanaway Library 2pm Enjoy story time with a Daffodil Princess at your Pierce County Library! The princess will read stories, talk with children and be available for photos. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Read with a Daffodil Princess at the University Place Library 11am Enjoy story time with a Daffodil Princess at your Pierce County Library! The princess will read stories, talk with children and be available for photos. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Give and Grow Mom-a-Palooza

***UPDATE!! Address has been changed to 1721 E 56th St Tacoma, Wa 98404. At the Eastside community center in the Social Hall.*** Free margaritas and tacos at this fun event with lots of vendor moms. While not a kid event so much as a mom event, we love to support this fun group.

Read with a Daffodil Princess at the Tillicum Library 12-1

Enjoy story time with a Daffodil Princess at your Pierce County Library! The princess will read stories, talk with children and be available for photos. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Lacey/Olympia/Dupont 

Olympia Waldorf May Faire

Olympia Family Theater’s after school workshop presents, Princess Who

After school workshop students age 8-14 perform in this fairy-tale mystery adventure! 1PM

Big Just Between Friends consignment sale  May 2nd-5th Score a bargain on gently used kids’ gear and duds. At Cooper Point Marketplace in the vacant Sports Authority site.

You can meet owls at Wild Birds Unlimited today

Lacey STEM Fair at Huntamer Park

school clubs and teams from all over Thurston County share their S.T.E.M. projects with hands on activities for kids, demonstrations, display, and more. On stage entertainment and hands-on activities. 10am-3pm Free event!

May the Fourth – DuPont Library’s 15th Anniversary! at the DuPont Library 1-3pm
Celebrate the DuPont Library’s 15th anniversary and everything Star Wars with trivia, games, crafts and prizes!

Family Storytime at the Olympia Library

Music, movement, and books for the whole family. 11am

Free Comic Book Day at Olympia Timberland

School’s Out Fashion Show at Capital Mall

Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center and learn about nature journaling today .

Join the Capitol Land Trust at 2 pm for an interactive workshop about our unique ecosystems and how to create your own nature journal by sketching, writing poetry, and more! Related activities all day.

Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.

Gig Harbor

May The Forest Be With You-Forest Walk at Kopachuck State Park 10am

 60-minute walk through the trails of Kopachuck State Park. See and feel the ‘Force’ of the forest with spring growth and signs of new life all around and answer Star Wars Trivia along the way. Be prepared to climb the hills of the park, down to the water and up to the Interpretive trail. Starts from the parking lot near the information sign. Note from SFM: You will need a Discover WA Pass

Check Out Washington with a Park Ranger at the Gig Harbor Library 11am
An interactive program with a Washington State Park ranger. Learn about Washington trees and wildlife, as well as different state parks in our region. All ages.
Read with a Daffodil Princess at the Gig Harbor Library  2pm
Enjoy story time with a Daffodil Princess at your Pierce County Library! The princess will read stories, talk with children and be available for photos. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Relay for Life at Uptown 10am-3pm

The Gig Harbor Relay for Life is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The event is held in Uptown Gig Harbor and is Free for anyone wishing to attend. There will be plants for sale, live music, dog entertainment “Bark for Life”, activities for all ages and a free meal for cancer survivors and their caregivers at 10:30 am.

Sunday

South King County

May Open House Mountain Lodge Farm

Cinco de Mayo at Emerald Downs

Note from SFM: I’m not sure how family friendly this one is, but there are dancing horses and other entertainment scheduled. Let us know if you go!

Pierce County

Featured: Mini Maestros Peter and the Wolf

Don’t miss this last chance this season to see one of the fabulous Mini Maestros concerts! Classical music in a kid friendly format at UPS. Readers love these!

Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev’s 1936 classic Peter and the Wolf tells the story of a young boy living with his grandfather in a forest clearing, and the adventure he and his animal friends have when a wolf comes through the garden gate. This marvelous work introduces the different instruments in the orchestra, with each character portrayed by a different instrument or group of instruments.

Note: There is no instrument petting zoo for this performance.

Ranger-Led Nature Walk at Point Defiance 1:00 pm

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; fun for ages 3 and up. Reserve your spot online.

Kids’ Day Workshop at Soap and Clay  Make bath bombs. Registration and fees required.

Olympia

Big Just Between Friends consignment sale  May 2nd-5th Score a bargain on gently used kids’ gear and duds. At Cooper Point Marketplace in the vacant Sports Authority site.

Special morning of the play at the Hands On Children’s Museum 9:00am – 10:00am

Hands On invites families of children with sensory sensitivities to join popular teacher Lahela Peterson and enjoy the museum before it opens to the public for “Special Mornings of Play”.

Led by museum educators, these are special events for families of children with autism or other special needs that provide a private, less over-stimulating time to experience the museum with other families who may share the same life experience.

As always, if you need a hand, or know something fun we should add, get in touch! We also super appreciate when you mention Sounds Fun Mom to your favorite local businesses and groups. We exist because of awesome sponsors and readers!

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar: Family Fun and Things to Do April 26th, 27th, and 28th

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Friday

Paint to Learn at the Puyallup Public Library 

Families are invited to paint together on canvas, with a focus on school readiness and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math).

This program is open to all ages. Space is limited and registration is required. Call the library at 253.841.5454 to register. 3:45 today; also offered Saturday morning. If this one is full ask about upcoming opportunities.

Passport to the World at the Orting Library 2:30 Travel the world library style.

Olympia Arts Walk 

Olympia Arts Walk is a semi-annual community event celebrating the arts. Thousands gather in downtown Olympia for this unique event. The spring arts walk includes the incredible Procession of the Species on Saturday and a luminary event on Friday.

Link has maps you can view to plan out the most kid friendly events/locations.

Saturday 

All Over

Parks Appreciation Events  Area parks all over are hosting clean ups, plantings, and other opportunities to help out. There are just too many to list, but contact your parks dept. to see if your favorite could use some young volunteers!

Healthy Kids Day at YMCAs

Most all area YMCAs are offering a free, healthy kids day

Activities include swim times, helmet fittings, and other fun. Open to the public

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 

Weekly crafts for kids. Click on, “Kids’ Club,” and input your zip code to navigate to your store for sign up and options!

Storytime at Barnes and Noble stores

South King County

Meet Captain America at Learning Express Toys in Renton

The Nature of Poetry at the Renton Highlands Library 3:30pm

The program will celebrate STEM poetry written by African American poets.  Explore the theme of nature and participate in writing exercises. Grades 4-12

Creating Music at the Auburn Library

Ages 5 and older, adults and younger siblings welcome. 2-3pm

Join members of the Auburn Symphony for an interactive program about how music is composed. Learn how different melodies and harmonies, rhythms, instruments and cool special effects can make very different music. Then, with the help of the musicians, we’ll try creating some music of our own!

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

Puyallup/South Hill/Orting/Greater Pierce

“Spring Local,” event at Karate Edge vendors, bounce house, other fun

Paint to Learn at the Puyallup Public Library  10:30 – 11:30 am

Families are invited to paint together on canvas. This program is open to all ages. Space is limited and registration is required. Call the library at 253.841.5454 to register.

Read With A Princess

Meet some of the wonderful young women who represent our community as Daffodil Princesses. The princesses will read stories and pose for pics (Bring your own camera), and our wonderful role models of scholastic achievement and community service.

Yoga Story Time at the South Hill Library 10:30am Yoga movements, books and songs for preschoolers! You do need to register

Family Movie Matinee at the Fife Library 2pm It’s  “Christopher Robin.” Rated PG.

Read to a Dog at the Eatonville Library 3-4pm

Kids can share a book with a furry friend while improving their reading skills.

 6am-Noon for ages 14 and under. Note from SFM: I believe this is open to the public, but you will have to pay a  day use fee. There is also a boat launch fee.

Annual kids’ fishing derby in Eatonville Lion’s Club event at SmallWood Park

Farm Days at Left Foot Farm Eatonville Email info@leftfootfarm.com or Text 253-370-6884 to confirm; $20 per family

Bonney Lake High School presents the Adams Family Musical

Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland

Family and Community Learning Academy at Lister hosted by TPS

6th Annual Family & Community Learning Academy (FCLA) for Tacoma Public Schools students and families. Free event with lunch and activities. I believe you do need to register in advance.

Family nature walk at Wapato Hills

1-2pm Advance registration is now required for these popular, free walks lead by naturalists. Not suitable for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up.

Klahowya at Fort Nisqually

In 1855, Fort Nisqually was home to people from around the world and they greeted each other with the Chinook Jargon word “Klahowya.”

At this event all Pierce County residents are welcome with free admission for hands-on activities, performances and demonstrations of 19th century skills. Activities will be facilitated in multiple languages.

Family Storytime at Moore 10:30

Family Storytime at Wheelock 10:30

Family Storytime at Swasey 10:30

Cubetto at Mottet

Screenless coding robot that moves by placing pieces into a puzzle shaped slots. Arrow shaped puzzle pieces are color coded and each points to direction of movement. Child needs to distinguish green, red, and yellow colors OR straight, right, left arrows. 3-4pm; for ages 4-6; a helping adult is required, and the child only should be registered.

Spring into action at Oak Tree Park

Spring Into Action is a community festival celebrating Oak Tree Park, S. 74th and Cedar Streets, Tacoma. Volunteer opportunities, guided nature walks, food trucks, games and booths – happy spring! 10AM-3

Block Party at the Main Branch of the TPL

Block Party! Drop in and build with Legos©, Duplos©, Mega Blocks©, Straw Connectors and  Wooden Blocks 10:30-12:30

Slug Celebration Walk at Point Defiance 

Get to know the gastropods who call Point Defiance Park home!  11:30am Meet at the Rhododendron Garden Free Reserve your spot online

Pacific Seas Aquarium Celebration at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Special activities included with admission

Read to a Dog at the Parkland/Spanaway Library 1-2pm

Share a book with a furry friend while improving your reading skills.

México Diverso at Pantages 3PM

Celebrate the diversity in our community as the Northwest’s most celebrated Ballet Folklorico company, Bailadores de Bronce, joins Trío Guadalevín in a celebration of Mexican culture. From the well-known dances and mariachi of Jalisco to the Afro-Mexican traditions of Veracruz and the Zapotec indigenous language of Oaxaca, the night will be packed with brilliant energy, mesmerizing movement, and compositions crisscrossing traditional styles.

Tickets: $12, $19, $29, $39 buy tickets

El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros – Children’s Day/Book Day at the Lakewood Library 2pm 

Celebrate childhood and reading with musicians Miho Takekawa and Diego Coy. Enjoy a concert featuring Japanese and South American folk music, as well as free books for children to take home. All ages.

Wayzgoose Festival

A community letterpress and book arts extravaganza at King’s Books.  Meet local printers and view their wares, print your own keepsakes, make paper and bind books. A highlight of the weekend is steamroller printing. Also Sunday

Norwegian Heritage Festival at PLU

The Norwegian Heritage Festival will be taking place throughout the Anderson University Center (AUC) on the PLU campus. There will be wonderful vendors selling handcrafted items, as well as delicious food. In the Scandinavian Cultural Center there will be Viking Reenactments among other great activities.

PAVE/PURPAS Book Fair at Lakewood Barnes and Noble

10AM-4PM Purchases help support organization and there will be information about area resources

See a children’s show at the Science Dome-the area’s only indoor planetarium. So fun! “Wild Weather,” is the current theme.

Tacoma Astronomical Society event-Space Rocks!

The Tacoma Astronomical Society hosts free public viewing sessions each month at Pierce College near Fort Steilacoom.  On nights with clear skies TAS volunteers provide telescopic observations of the Moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, double stars and more.  No charge; donations accepted.  9-10:30pm-an event for those with big kid bedtimes. 🙂

Lacey/Olympia/Dupont 

Olympia Arts Walk is a semi-annual community event celebrating the arts. Thousands gather in downtown Olympia for this unique event. The spring arts walk includes the incredible Procession of the Species on Saturday and a luminary event on Friday.

Link has maps you can view to plan out the most kid friendly events/locations

Family Storytime at the Olympia Library

Music, movement, and books for the whole family. 11am

P.A.W.S. to read at the Lacey Library

Kids can practice reading to a patient, canine listener

Sheepdog Trials at Fido’s Farm

I believe these are open to spectators. You may want to confirm details before you head out.

Read with a Daffodil Princess at the DuPont Library 2pm

Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center and enjoy Family Fun for Arts Walk .

Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.

Gig Harbor

Paddlers Cup

Annual community event features paddle racing for kayaks, canoes, stand up and prone paddleboards, outriggers and para-canoes, and dragon boat races. Also Sunday

Gig Harbor Arbor Day Celebration at City Hall 11am-1pm Free trees; refreshments, booths, crafts, and other fun.

Read with a Daffodil Princess at the Key Center Library 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Enjoy story time with a Daffodil Princess at your Pierce County Library! The princess will read stories, talk with children and be available for photos. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday

South King County

Community Drum Circle at the Kent Library

Imagine a diverse group of people listening to professional instruction while drumming together on hand-crafted instruments… smiling, laughing, and sounding great! 2-3pm

Read With Rover at the Covington Library

Pierce County

Meeker Mansion cellar to attic tour

Floors not usually included in the tour are open today. If you have older kiddos, we did this tour last year, and it was interesting.

April Fix-it Fair at the Tacoma Nature Center

Fix-it Fairs are free, community-based events where you can get items repaired for free. While not specifically a kids’ event, this one is advertised as kid friendly and is hosted at the fun Tacoma Nature Center.

Wayzgoose Festival

A community letterpress and book arts extravaganza at King’s Books.  Meet local printers and view their wares, print your own keepsakes, make paper and bind books. A highlight of the weekend is steamroller printing.

Kids’ Day Workshop at Soap and Clay  Make bath bombs. Registration and fees required.

Interpretive walk at Kopachuck State Park

Join Harbor WildWatch’s Education Director Rachel Easton for a 1 hour tour along the interpretive trail in Kopachuck State Park.  Discover Pass Required. Walks at 10 and 11 am.

Paddlers Cup

Annual community event features paddle racing for kayaks, canoes, stand up and prone paddleboards, outriggers and para-canoes, and dragon boat races.

As always, if you need a hand, or know something fun we should add, get in touch! We also super appreciate when you mention Sounds Fun Mom to your favorite local businesses and groups. We exist because of awesome sponsors and readers!

South Sound Weekend Kids’ Calendar for April 20th and 21st

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Here’s your weekend list! As you’d guess there are lots of egg hunts and Easter events this weekend. But we also found Earth Day celebrations, free movies, fun library events, and much more! We’ve included some egg hunts on this list, but to see ALL of them just go  here to our master guide!

Saturday 

All Over

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 

Storytime at Barnes and Noble stores

South King County

Bunny Patch at Thomasson Family Farm Enumclaw 9am-2pm.

Ongoing egg hunt, playground activities, tractor train rides, Easter bunny, face painting, farm animals and crafts (while supplies last)!!! This is a ticketed event. See link for details. There is a discount for advance, online purchase. Readers have liked this one a lot, especially for younger children.

Easter Egg Hunt at Kent Station

Traditional egg hunt for ages 6 and under; scavenger hunt for ages 7-12

Also face painting and photo ops. with the Easter Bunny

Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn

Sponsored by Faith and Victory Church. FVC Community Egg Hunt. Egg hunt, Free hotdog lunch, face painting and door prizes! Egg hunt starts at 12pm sharp!

The Hop! A Family Easter Event in Auburn

THEHOPAUBURN.COM REVIVE is so excited to host The Hop an ALL family Easter Egg Party! Bring your whole family to enjoy this FREE all community event! 20,000 Eggs DROPPED BY A HELICOPTER!! Inflatables Petting Zoo Live Music Food Games Activities Shopping and so much more! We will have multiple egg hunts for different age groups so everyone can have fun! The Hop would not be the same with out you so bring the entire family! Found on fb

Free World Circus Day at Synapse Circus Center

Join Us in Celebrating WORLD CIRCUS DAY!

FREE Classes for children ages 2 to 16 years starting every 15 minutes from 1pm-3pm. We will be doing aerial, tumbling, tightwire, and juggling!

We didn’t forget the Adults! Adult Intro to Aerial Class or Acrobalance class at 3pm and 5pm. Reserve your spot for FREE! Found on fb

STEM Saturday at the Federal Way Library

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 Back open!

We have linked to some egg hunts in this post, but there are many more on our master list.

Puyallup/South Hill/Orting/Greater Pierce

Dacca Park & Barn, Fife

Hunts at different times for children 0-10, plus face painting, crafts, pics with the bunny, and other fun. Be sure to check the link for the times and don’t be late.

Puyallup Recreation Center

A fun, spring themed carnival and egg hunt! The Spring Eggstravaganza will be held Saturday, April 20th at the Puyallup Recreation Center from 10am-12pm. This event features three egg hunts for specific age groups and carnival games! Get your candy, prizes, and pictures with the Bunny! Note from SFM: I believe some of the activities are cash only, so keep that in mind.

Sunrise Village, Puyallup

Traditional egg hunt for ages  6 and under and a scavenger hunt for ages 7 to 12. Plus ongoing activities including bunny photos (bring your own camera), petting zoo, face painting, and other fun 3-5pm

Easter Bash at the South Hill Mall

Free Easter fun includes egg hunts, crafts, face painting, balloon animals, giveaways and more! Registration starts at 11am

Edgemont Park, Edgewood The annual Edgewood Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by East Pierce Firefighters

starts at 10 a.m. at Edgemont Park, located adjacent to Edgemont Junior High School at 24th Street East and 110th Avenue East.

Opening day of the Puyallup Farmer’s Market

Easter Bash at the South Hill Mall

Building Madness at the Bonney Lake Library – Bonney Lake Meeting Room
Saturday, April 20: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Use Lego bricks, Straws & Connectors, blocks and more to construct fabulous contraptions. Creative fun for the whole family. Age 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
We have linked to some egg hunts in this post, but there are many more on our master list.

Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland

Free Family Flick at The Grand

Community Baby Shower

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is hosting a special event for new mothers-to-be on Saturday morning on April 20, 2019! There will be food, games, door prizes and giveaways. Sea Mar staff will also be present to answer any questions about Sea Mar programs and services.

Critters, Crafts, and Bunny, “Tails,” at Tacoma Lutheran

petting zoo and egg hunt!

Family nature walk at Oak Tree Park 

10AM Advance registration is now required for these popular, free nature walks Not suitable for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up.

Spring Fling at the Eastside Community Center

Celebrate the arrival of spring at this free community festival. Enjoy a variety of themed arts and crafts, games, and family activities. 10am-12 Bring swimsuits and hop in the pool for a free open swim from 11 am-12 pm!

New Community Church, Wright Park and Jane Clark Park, Tacoma egg hunts

Free event for ages 0-11 with egg hunts, face painting, and bouncy castles Both parks will have a hunt for children with special needs. 10am-11:30

Fircrest Park, Tacoma egg hunt 

The Fircrest Annual Easter Egg Hunt happens on Saturday, April 20 at 10 am.

4 years & under ~ Tot Lot

5 – 6 years ~ Fircrest Park Basketball Court

7 – 9 years ~ Fircrest Park T-ball Field

Cost is FREE.

Easter Eggstravaganza Tacoma

Located at Sound Life Church features huge egg hunts for toddlers through age 12, inflatables, face painting, special guests, pony rides (7.oo), and more! You’re encouraged to arrive early for good parking

Pierce County Parks and Rec Egg Hunt in University Place at Chambers Creek

Earth Day Extravaganza

It’s time to celebrate the earth at the Tacoma Nature Center during this free family event!

• Play fun conservation games with Tacoma Water and Tacoma Power!
• Create earth friendly crafts with Tahoma Audubon and Metro Arts!
• Build a wooden planter box and plant seeds with the Tacoma-Olympia Hoo Hoo Club!
• Take a naturalist led nature hike and learn how to record your observations on iNaturalist!
• Try the Agents of Discovery app, special Earth Day Mission!
• Take a Story Walk!
• Explore ways to help the earth from Fix it Fairs, Mason Bee House Builders, Imperfect Produce & more!

Drop in any time during the event as you learn about community science and conservation. Make sure you give yourself enough time to do it all! Free. Donations to Tacoma Nature Center welcome. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Help the earth! Please carpool, bus, bike, or walk. Parking is limited.

Spring Book Sale at Wheelock

Family Storytime at Wheelock

Family Storytime at Swasey

Tacoma Night Market 

Luna’s Magic Flute – A Musical Fairy Tale
at Parkland/Spanaway – Parkland/Spanaway Meeting Room  2-3pm
Join Luna and her magic flute as she embarks on a magical adventure with friends pony, dolphin, hummingbird – and dragon! Best for children ages 5-10 and their families.

We have linked to some egg hunts in this post, but there are many more on our master list.

Lacey/Olympia/Dupont 

Tumwater Library Arbor Day Event

Celebrate Arbor Day at the library. The City of Tumwater will give away free tree seedlings and other Arbor Day memorabilia while supplies last. 10am

Family Storytime at the Olympia Library

Studio West Ballet presents Coppelia at the Washington Center for Performing Arts

Northwest Landing Egg Hunt Dupont

Norway Day at the Thurston County Fairgrounds

Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center and celebrate Earth Day.

Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.

Tumwater 20th Annual Easter Egg Dash

Over 20,000 colorful eggs are nestled in the large grassy area behind the stadium at Tumwater High School, just waiting to be discovered. Free event for ages 0-10.

O Bee Credit Union Egg Dash in Lacey

This FREE event takes place at the Regional Athletic Complex (RAC) in Lacey and offers kids 2-10 the opportunity to “dash” for candy and prizes hidden in over 18,000 plastic eggs.

Children ages 2-3 and any children needing special assistance will begin promptly at 11 A.M., with 4-5 year olds, 6-7 year olds, and 8-10 year olds following in close succession. Parents: to avoid a disappointed child, plan on arriving early to find parking.

Read to a Dog at the DuPont Library 1pm
Share a book with a furry friend while improving your reading skills.

We have linked to some egg hunts in this post, but there are many more on our master list.

Gig Harbor

Spring and Easter mini wood signs and Easter totes at AR workshop

Hop on over to AR Workshop for some Spring and Easter Crafternoon fun with the family! Make a Canvas Easter Egg Tote or our specialty Mini Wood Signs! (One registrant can make 1 mini wood sign for $15, or 2 for $25).
(Totally kid friendly! Perfect for ages 7 and up. Younger children can do this with mom and dad’s close help) REGISTRATION REQUIRED to guarantee your spot and allow us time to prepare your design!
**This special event is not eligible for promotions or coupons. Found on fb

Explore Your World – Air at the Key Center Library
Learn about the power of air by flying kites, building balloon-powered cars and creating art. 11am

Sehmel Homestead Park, Gig Harbor egg hunt

Egg hunts are divided into small age groups for children up to 5th grade. Families will have the chance to visit with the Easter Bunny and enjoy other spring activities.Suggested donation of 2.00/child

Nichols Community Center, Fox Island

Free Easter Egg Hunt for Fox Island residents’ kiddos

Key Peninsula Civic Center

Traditionally, there is a hunt hosted by the Boy Scouts on the Key Peninsula Civic Center grounds at noon on Saturday.

Sunday

South King County-Covington, Edgewood

Rocketry Workshop at the Renton Highlands Library

Pierce County

Tacoma Giants Part I

Meet Mik and the Beanstalk. Mik is a Certified Arborist happy to share his knowledge of the trees of Point Defiance with you; and the Beanstalk is a 186-foot Pseudotsuga menziesii, a.k.a. Douglas-fir, located a stone’s throw away from Fort Nisqually.

Ideal for kids, older folks and people with mobility issues, the event will include activities around the Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter and the Beanstalk nearby.
Less than 500′ of walking required.

Time: 9-10 am
Fee: $4 per person
To Register: SIGN UP ONLINE or call (253) 305-1022

There is also a Part II today

Olympia

Eagles Egg Hunt at Priest Point Park Olympia

Date: Sunday, April 21, 2019 at 7 AM – 2 PM

We have linked to some egg hunts in this post, but there are many more on our master list.

As always, if you need a hand, or know something fun we should add, get in touch! We also super appreciate when you mention Sounds Fun Mom to your favorite local businesses and groups. We exist because of awesome sponsors and readers!

Sunday Family Fun for April 7th

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Need something fun to do with the kids today? How about bunny photos, Charlie Brown, or checking out the aquarium?

As always, I appreciate you using the provided links to confirm event details before you head out! Thanks for doing that!

Sunday

South King County

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at Centerstage Theater

Sensitive bunny at the Outlet Collection  9-11am walk-up appointments available

Bunny Social at the Federal Way Mall

Puyallup/Graham

Easter Bunny Photos at Mud Bay Pets in Sumner 10.00 donation

Tacoma

Special aquarium events at the Point Defiance Zoo all month included with admission

Kids Eat Free and Magic at the Melting Pot today. Reservations recommended

Ranger lead nature walk

Poetry in the Park Sunday  (1:30 pm – 3:30 pm) at the Tacoma Nature Center

Celebrate National Poetry Month with Tahoma Audubon Society, Tacoma Public Library and Pierce County Library at Tacoma Nature Center. Read aloud a nature-themed poem from a published author or your own work, and listen to others share their poems. Following the readings we will walk the Tahoma Audubon poetry walk installation located at Tacoma Nature Center.

Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.

As always, if you need a hand, or know something fun we should add, get in touch! We also super appreciate when you mention Sounds Fun Mom to your favorite local businesses and groups. We exist because of awesome sponsors and readers!

South Sound Weekend Kids Calendar April 6th and 7th

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It’s Daffodil Parade Day! We’ve also found bunny events and some super fun (and free) library happenings. Have a great weekend with the kids!

All Over

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores  Carrot themed crafts today.

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 Family Forever today.

South King County

April Open House at Mountain Lodge Farm Eatonville

Come meet their baby goats. Free event, but items will be for sale.

The Outlet Collection has bunny themed crafts and other fun

Ojos de Dios Art Workshop at the Auburn Library 2-3pm

The Ojo de Dios, or God’s Eye, is an ancient symbol made by the Huichol Indians of Mexico and the Aymara Indians of Bolivia. Make your own using weaving techniques with colorful yarn and feathers. For ages 10 and up

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 Back open!

Community Heroes and Pets at Milton Pet Pros

Bring your pet in to meet the heroes of our community! Guests from the Edgewood and Milton Police departments, King County K-9 units and East Pierce Fire & Rescue. Plus, there will be refreshments and prizes to enjoy.

Spring Fling at Norpoint 

Celebrate the arrival of spring at this free community festival featuring a variety of themed arts and crafts, games, and so much more. 10am-12

Puyallup/South Hill/Orting/Greater Pierce

Easter bunny arrival at the South Hill Mall

It’s Daffodil Parade day! This beloved, annual parade winds through four cities with over 180 floats, marching bands, and more. Link has information on routes and start times. Sumner and Orting have some pre-parade events. In Puyallup the parade goes right down Meridian downtown. If you’re not going do be mindful of street closures anyway.

Sumner has pre-parade fun with food trucks and D.Js

Orting Fire Department Daffodil Festivities .

Button Making  at the Fife Library
Make buttons with custom designs throughout the spring break week! All day, drop in activity

Tacoma/South Tacoma/Lakewood/Parkland

Bunny Event at the Tacoma Mall

It’s Daffodil Parade day! This beloved, annual parade winds through four cities with over 180 floats, marching bands, and more. Link has information on routes and start times.

Spring Fling at Norpoint 

Celebrate the arrival of spring at this free community festival featuring a variety of themed arts and crafts, games, and so much more. 10am-12

Free Easter Bunny Photos at Kidz Kaboodle

Weekend Wonders at the Zoo Special activities included with admission

Build Your Own Kite  at the Tillicum Library Members of the Pierce County Kitefliers Association will help participants make and fly their own kites. Materials provided. All ages. 2:30-3:30

See a show at the Pierce College Science Dome April children’s show is a, “Wild Weather,” theme.

Public Nights are now at 9 pm! 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; donations welcome

Lacey/Olympia/Dupont 

Friends of the Lacey timberland library book sale

Free Easter event at Thurston County Fairgrounds new to the list; found on fb

Browsers Bookshop Story Time

Special story time at Browsers with Toni Yuly at 11:00 AM

A bold, joyful picture book for the very young shows that the natural world is full of wonders — and each of us is a small part of that.

Open Farm Day at Nature Nurtures Farm you may want to confirm this one

Visit the LOTT Wet Science Center and learn about Puget Sound Underwater today.

At 2 pm, discover amazing marine life through unique underwater photos and videos from Made in Puget Sound, a conservation and education organization. Learn how to help make a healthier Puget Sound. Marine life crafts all day!

Visit the South Sound Estuarium interactive marine discovery! Open 11-4 weekends at their new location.

Gig Harbor

Maker’s Market

The Peninsula Marketplace is open each Saturday from 9 am – 3 pm. Live Entertainment, Good Food, lots of Vendors, Free Admission and plenty of parking. Located at 5503 Wollochet Dr. NW., Gig Harbor.

Generation GF Open House

New gluten free support group for kids/families

Your Sunday events will be added in just a bit!

Have a tip or need a hand? Send a note to soundsfunmom@gmail.com or come by the fb page or one of our other social channels. Have a great weekend!