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Toytopia Exhibit at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma

February 18, 2018 by Maegen Blue 2 Comments

If you’re looking for a fun, indoor activity to do with the kids in Tacoma this mid winter break, you might want to check out the new Toytopia exhibit at the Washington State History Museum. It’s all about TOYS!

Yep, Toyotopia explores the history of toys, and nearly every exhibit has things kids can play with. It’s the most kid friendly special exhibit I’ve seen at this museum.

Have Big Fun

I got a sneak peek before the exhibit opened to the public, and I think it’s going to be a hit. Kids can play with Legos, go in a giant dollhouse, design on a jumbo Etch a Sketch, and much more.

There are also old school video games set on free play. Donkey Kong, anyone?

I’ll be sure to do an updated review when I get back during a regular open time. I think this is going to be a hit with kids for sure, but I do think the experience is going to depend a bit on how crowded it is when you go. Most of the play spaces are areas where kids will stand and play at sort of an easel type set up, and I do think some of them will be a bit tricky to navigate if a lot of families show up all at once.  I tried to take some pics that I thought would give you a sense of the space. Note that the ladder was there to finish the installations-it won’t be there when you go!

Luckily, the exhibit will be here through June, so there’s plenty of time to go, and we don’t all have to rush there at once. I’d try to go on a weekday if you can swing it. It would be a fun playdate!

Age wise, I think any kids in preschool or up will have a great time. I would not take toddlers because many of the exhibits have small parts and pieces, but maybe yours are better at keeping things out of their mouths than mine were?

If you’re going with two kiddos I’d also try to take a buddy to help keep an eye on them because the exhibit goes through multiple rooms. If you have children with sensory issues you should know that lots of the exhibits make noise.

The rest of the museum is also excellent. My kiddo loves getting in the covered wagon and checking out the train exhibit. If you do all that plus the toy floor it will be a very full day. You may want to plan on coming back for another visit, or at least plan for a long nap time!

Grown-Up Playdate, Anyone?

A lot of the toys were a flashback to my own childhood. If you’d like to get your play on without the littles around, there is an event for ages 21 and up that would be a super fun date night. You can read more about  History After Hours: Press Play here.

Need a Unique Party Place?

Or  if you’re looking for something unique for your kid’s birthday, you can have a birthday party here. You get use of a party space downstairs and admission to the museum. You can read more about that here.

Bottom line? We say, “Go!”

If You Go:

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Indoor Play And Fun At Odyssey 1

December 12, 2017 by Maegen Blue 2 Comments

Hey, Tacoma, Do you need a fun place to take the kids for indoor play on a rainy day? We’re thrilled to have one of our family’s favorite places joining our sponsorship team this month.

Odyssey 1 is one of our family’s favorite rainy day destinations because it has safe, indoor fun for all ages! It’s a great place to take the kids on a dreary day and a perfect place for parties, too!

If you have younger kids, you’ll love the jungle gym and soft play areas. Your kiddos can play all afternoon in here (easy nap time guaranteed)! I was a regular here when my boys were smaller, and I loved that it is a dedicated space with its own entrance.

Tip: Go on a weekday mid morning with a friend. It’s usually quiet, and you can do a little catching up while the kids play.

Now that my boys are a little older they’re big fans of the laser tag arena and the arcade, which has modern and old-school games that the whole family will love (Skee Ball, anyone)? This is one of my kids’ favorite destinations with their pals when they have those odd days off school or half days, and I know we’ll hit it at least once this coming break.

Odyssey 1 also does great birthdays. You get your own room and can choose from a variety of packages that make your life easy. We LOVE a party where we can just show up and have fun!

Odyssey 1 is located at 2310 W. Mildred Street Suite #110 in Tacoma,making it a great destination for those of you in Tacoma, Fircrest, University Place, and Lakewood, and just a quick trip for those of you elsewhere. Oh, and their prices are very reasonable, so you can take your whole crew!

Odyssey 1 is open 7 days a week! You can check out their hours here to plan your next playdate. They also offer online booking for your parties, and they’d be glad to talk to you about hosting your daycare or school group! You can also like them on Facebook for regular updates and special offers!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. The opinions are my own. As always, we’re grateful when you mention the site to the businesses you visit! PS Keep an eye on our Facebook page for an exciting giveaway from Odyssey 1 coming soon!

Tacoma Free Days at the Zoo 2017

March 20, 2017 by Maegen Blue Leave a Comment

Hey, Tacoma, you’ve got another free day at the zoo coming up Thursday, September 28th.

If you’re a resident of the City of Tacoma, you get monthly free days as a thank you for a bond that helped expand the zoo.

Tacoma Resident FREE Days Point Defiance

Here are the rest of the free days for city residents for 2017. You do need proof of residence, such as a utility bill, and your photo id. You can read more at the zoo site here or check below and mark your calendar.

Free Days at the Zoo For City of Tacoma Residents 2017

Saturday, January 7
Sunday, January 22
Thursday, February 2
Thursday, February 23
Sunday, March 12
Wednesday, March 22
Wednesday, April 12
Wednesday, September 20
Thursday, September 28
Wednesday, October 11
Sunday, October 29
Sunday, November 5

Don’t live in Tacoma? We recommend investing in an annual pass. It’s a big chunk of change, but it does pay for itself quickly. We have more on that and all our other best zoo going tips in our guide to the Point Defiance Zoo here. If you’re a regular check it out, and see if we missed anything!

Frog n Kiwi Cafe in University Place Closed?

March 20, 2017 by Maegen Blue 3 Comments

I’ve been getting quite a few notes from readers asking if the Frog n Kiwi in University Place is closed permanently.

The short answer is that it sure looks like it. They posted about an equipment failure on their Facebook pages in mid January, and that’s the last time they were open, and the last the page was updated.  At least one review site indicates it is permanently closed.

I know from conversations with the owner years ago that the location depended a lot on library traffic, but I’m not going to speculate on what, if anything, lead to this (permanent or temporary) closure beyond that. I will say I think any business closing is a good reminder to try to patronize spots you love as much as you can.

I’ve reached out to the owner, Marc, who was actually an early advertiser and friend of the site, but I haven’t heard back. If I do, I’ll let you know. We definitely wish him well, and I know lots of readers are still hoping the space will re-open.

For now, I think we can consider this place closed, and I’d definitely relocate your playdate.

Kid Friendly Coffee Shops Tacoma

One new idea? Sue Kidd over at the TNT did a review of a new spot on Hilltop that has a small kids’ area and sounds like a bargain! It’s called Red Elm, and you can read her review here until we have a chance to check it out for ourselves! *Update-Reader Emily left a nice note about Red Elm on our fb post.

Elm is a fantastic spot on the hilltop, though a very different model than Frog N Kiwi. My kids love going and playing while I visit with friends or enjoy a cup of coffee. More than 4 or 5 kids, though, and the party is a bit much for the (appropriately) small kids area. It’s definitely an adult destination that is kid friendly, not a kid destination. All that said, CHECK IT OUT! Everything on the menu is super delish.

For other options, we do have a list of kid friendly coffee shops here. If you know of others, let us know!

Mom reviewed: Federal Way Community Pool

March 15, 2017 by Tiffany Guerzon Leave a Comment

Federal Way Community Pool

More like a waterpark than a pool, this aquatic center will please kids of all ages.

The Federal Way Community Center is a large, multi-use complex. To get to the swimming area, enter through the front of the main building. To the left, you will see several cashiers.at desks and a table nearby where you can fill out a registration form. Once you fill out the paper with your info, you can get in line to check in and pay. Adults must show picture ID to the attendant and swimmers will get a hand stamp. Once you’ve paid, go down a hallway to the left to get to the locker rooms. If you enter through the family locker room entrance, the men’s and women’s locker areas can be accessed from the family area. All the locker areas contain—yes—lockers, but you must bring your own padlock or purchase one at the desk. You can also use a “cabana” for your family. These rooms are first come, first serve and contain a bench, shower, toilet, changing table and child seat (the kind you can strap a sitting baby into for safety). These would be really helpful for parents herding kids of varied ages.

The swimming area is divided into two rooms. On the left is a large pool with swim lanes, a diving board, and some pool toys such as floating mats and a basketball net and balls.

The right side has tons of fun features and mostly shallow water. An interactive play structure has a slide and water spray features. For older kids, a two-story slide with banks and turns offers fun for kids at least 48” tall. A small lazy river is fun for all ages, kids can swim in it or float with the provided inflatable swim rings or pool noodles. For the grown-ups, there is also a hot tub behind the play structure, and both dry and steam saunas in the family locker room.

Lazy River

We went on a Sunday afternoon and it was very crowded. Seating for non-swimming adults is scarce, with only few benches that were mostly taken, being stacked with other people’s swim bags and other gear. Behind the lazy river there are a couple of small tables with chairs. All the seating is close to the action, so don’t plan to stay completely dry!

For the price of five dollars, I thought this pool was definitely worth the price and the trip!

 Guest Pass Rates are as follows:

Tots (0-2)-FREE

Children (3-11) – $5.00

Teens (12-17) – $6.00

Adults (18-61) – $8.00

Seniors (62+) – $6.00

  Schedule through June, 2017

 

PS If you liked this post we have even MORE great, indoor pools with fancy features and not-so-fancy prices, in a pool round up post here! 

If you’re new to the site, we write Just about South Sound family fun. I hope you’ll join us on Facebook or subscribe to our weekly newsletter. We’re on all your other favorite social channels, too, and we’re Sounds Fun Mom everywhere!

2017 FREE Days at Washington State and National Parks

March 12, 2017 by Keri Welch Leave a Comment

Guess what’s coming up? It’s a FREE day at our state parks (No Discover WA pass needed). If you love the outdoors as much as we do here at Sounds Fun Mom, you’ll want to be sure to put these dates on your calendar! Here are the dates and info you need to know about fee free days at Washington state parks and national parks in 2017! We also have recommendations for our favorite state parks below!

Discover Pass Free Days

If you want vehicle access to state parks or recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks, you will need a Discover Pass. It will cost you $30 annually, or $10 for a one day pass. But, the following are Discover Pass Free Days:

Discover Pass Free Days
Washington State Parks offers several “free days” when a Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park. Following are the 2017 State Parks free days:
Jan. 1 — First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day
Jan. 15-16 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
March 19 — State Park’s 104th birthday
April 15 — Spring day
April 22 — Earth Day
June 3 — National Trails Day
June 10 — National Get Outdoors Day
Aug. 25 — National Park Service 101st Birthday
Sept. 30 — National Public Lands Day
Nov. 11 — Veterans Day
Nov. 24 — Autumn day

Fee Free Days Washington state parks and national parks

The nature trail at Dash Point State Park

The free days only apply to day use and not overnight stays or rented facilities, or those lands managed by the Washington State Departments of Natural Resources and Fish & Wildlife.

If you decide you want to purchase a Discover Pass, you can buy them online, from over 600 licensed vendors, from the Department of Licensing when you renew your license, at state parks where representatives are present, and at over 80 retail locations.

Two of our favorite South Sound Washington State Parks are Saltwater State Park in Des Moines and Dash Point State Park in Federal Way. Tolmie near Olympia and Kopachuck near Gig Harbor are also great. We’d love to hear about your favorites, too. Leave a comment and spill!

There are also some days when you can get free entry to national parks!

Fee Free Days at National Parks

Fee Free Days 2016 Washington State Parks and National Parks

Hiking at Olympic National Park

2017 Free Days at National Parks

January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 20: Presidents’ Day
April 15-16 and 22-23: Weekends of National Park Week
August 25: National Park Service Birthday
September 30: National Public Lands Day
November 11-12: Veterans Day Weekend

If you are heading toward Mt. Rainier, you might find these posts helpful:

Ten Great Hikes For Kids Near Mt. Rainier
A Kid Friendly Guide To Mt.Rainier

4th Graders FREE to National Parks

In case you haven’t heard, the Every Kid in a Park Initiative allows all 2016-2017 4th graders and their families free access to national parks. Get more info at our post about Every Kid in a Park! PS You can use your free pass for everyone in the car, and it’s good all the way through August! An amazing deal!

5th Grade Ski Passport

If you’ve got a 5th grader and are planning to travel to Eastern Washington or Northern Idaho, your child can get a FREE ski passport to ride or ski at participating slopes. Get all the info at the 5th Grade Ski Passport site.

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What are some of your favorite state or national parks to enjoy with your kiddos?

Mom Reviewed: The Covington Aquatic Center

February 15, 2017 by Maegen Blue Leave a Comment

Have you been to the Covington Aquatic Center? Contributor Tiffany says this fun pool has something for everyone-and no, you don’t have to be a Covington resident to go! Read on for her review.

My family has enjoyed swimming at the Covington Aquatic Center for several years. My husband and I get our exercise during lap swim, and our kids enjoy the heated pool and special events.

Cool indoor pools for kids tacoma, covington

The Octopus at the Covington Pool

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New Swimming Pool In Tacoma!

January 10, 2017 by Maegen Blue 4 Comments

Hey, Tacoma, have you tried this fun new pool yet?

If you could stand be under some Warm water, it might be just the ticket. It’s the People’s Pool on Hilltop in Tacoma. It’s the area’s newest, indoor public pool, and the only one in the area with an indoor spray pad for little ones. In addition to the spray pad, cool features include

A three-lane lap pool
A small version of a lazy river minus tubes called a current channel
Floating pads for walk-on-water play
Two, poolside basketball hoops

There are also two party rooms, two family changing areas/restrooms, and one additional restroom. Read on for directions, hours, and a tip on when you can go for FREE! We also have a link to our popular post on other area pools with awesome features your kids will love. All are open to the public and a total bargain compared to most water parks!  [Read more…]

FREE Things do in Seattle with Kids

August 15, 2016 by Keri Welch Leave a Comment

One of my favorite ways to spend time with my kiddos in the summer is a trip to the city.  All of these excursions are free or almost free.  You could theoretically walk to all of these locations from Pike Place Market, but little legs may not want to traverse the city blocks. Bring a stroller or Ergo, and be prepared for hills.

FREE Things to do with Kids in Seattle

Olympic Sculpture Park

FREE Things to do with Kids in Seattle

If you love art and beautiful views of the Sound and the Olympics, check out the Olympic Sculpture Park.  This outdoor art space features gigantic pieces of art along an impressive walkway at the very north end of the Seattle waterfront.  It’s an awesome way for kids to experience art in a space where they can run, jump, and scream and no one will know the difference. There is a parking garage or you can find a spot on the street. Throughout the summer, you can also catch Summer at SAM on Thursdays and Saturdays, with live music, outdoor yoga, free art tours, and a Kids’ Corner.

Myrtle Edwards Park

FREE Things to do in Seattle with Kids

Photo Courtesy of Belltown Seattle

After you explore the art, take a 1.25 mile bike ride through Myrtle Edwards Park. The incomparable views of Elliott Bay continue along this waterfront bike and pedestrian path. If you’re into geocaching, there are some caches you might enjoy or maybe you can find some Pokemon!

West Seattle Water Taxi

FREE Things to do in Seattle with Kids

Photo Courtesy West Seattle Chamber of Commerce

Take a 15 minute water taxi ride from Seattle to Alki Beach  ($5.25/one way per person, FREE/under age 5) for a speedy ferry like experience. If you’re looking for a quick bite or a sweet treat, hop in line at Marination Ma Kai.  The award winning food truck is now a restaurant on Alki. Their food and shave ice is worth the wait! If you’re looking to cruise through Lake Union, try the Seattle Ferry Ice Cream Cruise.

Alki Beach

FREE Things to do in Seattle with Kids

Sunset at Alki Beach

You don’t have to drive to the ocean to dip your toes in the sand! Enjoy a day at Alki Beach, where kids can play in the water as you watch the ferries and sailboats float by with the backdrop of the city skyline.  You can bring bikes and trikes here, too if you want to jaunt along the 2.5 mile walkway. If you want to show your kids some history, checkout the monument at the south end of the beach that marks the arrival of the first white settlers on November 13, 1851.

Pike Place Market

FREE Things to do with Kids in Seattle

Eyeing up the seafood at Pike Place

Heading to the city just for a day at Pike Place Market is worth the trip!  Kids love to watch the flying fish, meet Rosy the Pig, and grab some mini doughnuts. Don’t miss the gum wall down below on Post Alley, and all the interesting shops. Mom can buy herself some farm fresh flowers for a bargain price, too!

Seattle Center

FREE Things to do in Seattle with Kids

Taking a ride to the top of the Space Needle is pricy, but there is lots of FREE fun to be had at Seattle Center. Check out the newly opened Artist’s Playground, which is fun for big and little kids and the coolest playground I have ever seen.  Kids can safely traverse ropes and slides that are high in the sky. There are areas for big kids and tiny tots. Or, spend a warm day playing in one of the many fountains, the most popular of which is the International Fountain where water sprays in tune with music. There is always something going on at the Armory (Center House), such as cultural festivals, concerts, art installations, magic shows, and more.

World Class Museums

FREE Things to do in Seattle with Kids

Museum of Flight

Seattle’s museums are such a fun way to expose your child to culture, art, and innovation. On the 1st Thursday of each month, many museums host special hours and offer free admission. Our favorites include the Museum of Flight (perfect for toddlers, but kids of all ages will love of it), Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), and the Seattle Art Museum.

 

Starbucks

FREE Things to do in Seattle with Kids

Starbucks Reserve Roastery

If you’re in need of a caffeinated pick me up, there are options galore. Try the Starbucks on the 40th floor of the Columbia Tower (open during regular business hours). The highest Starbucks in the world also boasts amazing views of the city, for FREE. My boys particularly love looking out at Century Link and Safeco Field. Or, walk a few blocks east to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room.  Part coffee house, part regular Starbucks, and part roastery, the atmosphere is always a party. Kids will enjoy watching the roasting process and the packing machines do their thing. Be sure to order off their special menu, where even a regular latte will make you wish you could stop here every day.  If you’ve never been, it’s also fun to stop into the very first Starbucks at Pike Place Market where all the magic started.

Dick’s Drive In

FREE Things to do in Seattle with Kids

Want to grab a quick bite while you’re in the city? Try the iconic Dick’s Drive In where the burgers are super yummy and the hand dipped shakes are not to be missed. The easiest location to access is in Queen Anne, just west of Seattle Center. They have free parking!

Farther North

If you want to go a little farther north by car, you can make a pit stop at the Fremont Troll. Parking is a little tricky to find along neighboring streets, but this a must do with your kiddos at least once in a lifetime.  Where else in the world can you meet a troll holding a VW Bug? Warning: little boys will attempt to pick his nose.

FREE Things to do in Seattle with Kids

Another location worth an all day excursion is the Ballard Locks. Watch the boats pass through the locks of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, or head to the fish ladder where during the summer you can watch all the salmon swim upstream to return to spawn. It is mesmerizing and a thrill for little ones! There is also a botanical garden, and free summertime concerts on Saturdays and Sundays.

FREE Things to do in Seattle with Kids

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Know of another awesome attraction for kids in Seattle? Leave a note in the comments!

FREE Things to do in Seattle with Kids

 

Day Trip: The Seattle Ferry Ice Cream Cruise On Lake Union

August 9, 2016 by Maegen Blue Leave a Comment

Here’s a post on a perfect Seattle day trip with your kiddos from reader contributor, Becca!

Not long ago, I learned the Seattle Ferry Service offered a tour of Lake Union. And, why was I excited to go?  Besides my love of tours, (I’ll agree to go about anywhere), the “cruise” serves ice cream. I think the tour should be called the Sundae Ferry (get it?), but nevertheless I was eager to go.

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We arrived at Lake Union and found free street parking across the street. It was easy to find the boat – just look for balloons. We arrived 30 minutes early because tickets can’t be purchased ahead of time; however I think we could’ve gotten there 5 minutes early and been ok. The captain greeted us on the dock and helped carry my double stroller on board. Nice guy!

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The boat wasn’t what I pictured. I have been on the Argosy Christmas ferry and expected similar. This was an old, tiny boat. But very charming. The downstairs cabin had lots of cute painted tables and stools. Two tables were game boards. Stained glass windows lined the top. Outside the main level was a small walking area with two chairs. The top of the boat had enough seats for 35.

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A few minutes after the boat left the dock, the ice cream counter was open for business. The prices for treats are $2-5. The big seller is the Root Beer Float with chocolate ice cream.

During the 45 minute ride, the captain talked about the history of the boats and homes around the lake. We saw Russian spy ships, fire boats, and old ferries to name a few. I loved the floating houses. We heard funny stories about the Sleepless in Seattle house, got close to Dale Chihuly’s house/studio and learned neat facts about Gasworks Park.

I would recommend this trip for any age. My crew consisted of a 3 year old and 16 month old. We mostly stayed in the cabin but did cruise the outside areas safely.

There are two bathrooms, but the captain did say he didn’t want diapers changed on board.

The tour runs every Sunday on the hour from 11am-5pm. The hours may change in the winter. There are also tours on Friday and Saturday in the summer months that run 60 minutes .

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After your trip, take a few minutes to explore the park. We found a man renting toy wooden boats (small donation) that you can sail in a  pond.

Becca Skramstad

Note from SFM: You can read more about pond boat sailing here! Be sure to check out the other low cost events and sails offered by the Center for Wooden Boats. You can learn more about the Seattle Ferry Service and their ice cream cruise here!  This page has info on rates and the schedule.

Need more great day trip ideas? Keri has a round up of day trips and nearby road trips here!  Would you like to write up a great outing for us? Email soundsfunmom@gmail.com

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