We’ve got an entire full month of summer fun left here in the South Sound! Running out of things to do with your littles? We have some AWESOME ideas for you to try in August.
Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalists at South Sound Beaches
One of the things you can do for your kiddos to help them learn over the summer is to keep them exploring! And, what better place to explore than our very own natural playground, Puget Sound! This summer, Beach Naturalists from the Seattle Aquarium will be on hand at beaches around the Sound to help the rest of us learn more about the creatures in our waters.
Beach naturalists are trained in showing others how to enjoy the natural beach habitat while protecting it! These folks are passionate about the Sound and are enthusiastic about passing their knowledge along to future generations. If you’ve got a little who loves the water, or loves animals, this is a great way to spend some time in the summer.
Photo Courtesy Seattle Aquarium
Dates and times for South Sound locations with Beach Naturalists:
Saltwater State Park
- Tuesday, July 19, 10am-1pm
- Wednesday, July 20, 10am–1:30pm
- Thursday, July 21, 11am–2pm
- Sunday, July 31, 9:30–11:30am
- Monday, August 1, 9:30am–12:30pm
- Tuesday, August 2, 10am–1pm
- Wednesday, August 3, 11am–1:30pm
Des Moines Beach Park
- Tuesday, July 19, 10am-1pm
- Wednesday, July 20, 10am-1:30pm
- Thursday July 21, 11am–2pm
- Sunday, July 31, 9:30–11:30am
- Monday, August 1, 9:30am–12:30pm
- Tuesday, August 2, 10am–1pm
- Wednesday, August 3, 11am-1:30pm
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Want more tips on exploring the Sound? Check out our post Exploring the Beach at Low Tide.
50 FREE or Almost FREE Things to Do in the South Sound This Summer
Updated for 2018
When you’ve got all summer long to keep the kiddos having fun, things can get pricy. We’re here to help! Try out all kinds of these things for FREE or nearly FREE all summer long. Put them on your summer bucket list, write them on your calendar, or gather friends to do something fun!
PS If you like this post, we think you’ll LOVE the weekend lists we put up on the home page every Friday! Or get it right to your inbox on Thursday as our weekly newsletter!
Get Wet!
1. We’ve got a huge list of places to cool off in the summer sun. Try out one of many South Sound spraygrounds, fountains, splash pads or pools from Auburn to Olympia!
All the spray grounds, fountains, and splash pads are FREE. The pools have modest fees.
2. If something a little more outdoorsy is more your speed, try out an area lake that’s great for swimming! We’ve got a huge list of Great Lakes for Swimming in the South Sound.
A couple spots charge for parking but most are totally free.
Lake Tapps North, photo courtesy Pierce County
3. Explore one of the Best Beaches for Kids in the South Puget Sound. One of our family favs is Dash Point City Park. There is fishing pier, a little playground, sandy beach that turns rocky, and beautiful sunsets that you can only get in the PNW. The only charge for beach exploration is if you go to a state park requiring a Discover WA Pass, or there are a few city parks where you may need to pay to park.
4. Kiddos can stay busy for a very long time by playing in the sand. Choose from one of the Best South Sound Beaches with Sand, or make a day of it and drive to the ocean!
5. Explore the beach at low tide and find all kinds of critters and sea life. Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists will be at various South Sound beaches throughout the summer to help us all learn more about the amazing marine life that surrounds Puget Sound and what we can do to make sure it’s around for generations to come. The link has info. on similar programs from Harbor WildWatch, Metro Parks Tacoma, and the South Sound Estuary Association. There is one near you no matter where you live around here! All of these programs are FREE. You will need a Discover WA pass if you go to a state park.
6. Go fishing! Keep summer days easy with fishing at a local pier or river. You can even stop by Jim’s U-Fish in Spanaway if you want more of a sure thing! There are also animals to feed and pet here. This one can add up a bit, but readers have said it’s loads of fun and worth a one day splurge.
7. Try one of Five Fun Swimming Pools for South Sound Kids. One of our favs is Kandle Pool in Tacoma, which has the first wave pool in Pierce County. There are fees here, but they’re a great deal compared to a water park or a trip that requires plane tickets! Oh, and kids 4 and under are FREE.
8. If you rather stay out of the sun and get wet indoors, we’ve got a great list of Cool Indoor Pools in the South Sound just for kids! Entrance to the Covington Pool for a family is only $13.50 and kiddos under age 4 are FREE.
The Octopus at the Covington Pool
9. Splash and explore at the Mashell River in Eatonville. It’s great for kiddos who are a little bigger. And, my kids never seem to tire of skipping rocks.
10. Have you ever played at Wildwood Park in Puyallup? It has a teensy little crick just right for preschool splashing and mucking around. There is also great shade and paved and unpaved trails to explore. It’s totally FREE.
11. The Mast Center at Redondo is such a treasure! It’s a small aquarium with touch tanks, and it’s totally FREE to visit. 10-2 every Saturday, and Thursday evenings from 4-7.
12.Get in on the painted rock craze and you’ll be creating and hunting for painted rocks at area parks in no time. So much fun!
Opt Outside
13. Try a new to you playground. Here’s our list of Best South Sound Playgrounds.
14. What little transportation lover doesn’t want to Touch a Truck?! Explore some of the biggest trucks around that service your community. Get all the details on upcoming events in our South Sound Touch a Truck Roundup. Don’t miss the new one coming to Fife in early August! FREE or low cost events.
15. One of our favorite things to do in the South Sound is explore a nature trail. Here’s our list of Ten South Sound Nature Walks Perfect for Young Hikers. Hylebos Wetlands in Federal Way is a great first start! FREE except for locations requiring passes.
16. If you’re ready to explore an actual hike, you can’t go wrong with Mt. Rainier. We’ve wrangled some of the best hikes near Mt. Rainier for kiddos!
If you actually go in the park, you will have to pay for a pass unless you go on a FREE day! For hikes outside the park the pass you’ll need varies, so do check on that. Got someone who just finished 4th grade? You can go to national parks for FREE through August!
Skookum Falls
17. Are your littles not yet ready for hiking or nature trails? Try one of the beautiful South Sound Stroller Friendly Trails. If you’ve got one with a bike and one in the stroller, try out the Puyallup Foothills Trail, which is wide enough for all of you!
18. Explore one of our many state parks or a national park for FREE on one of the Fee Free Days.
The nature trail at Dash Point State Park
19. Have you tried geocaching yet? There are some great caches in Pt Defiance, with some easily discovered near the Rose Garden area. Or, take a hike where you can find some that are slightly more difficult.
20. Now that it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a visit to the Puyallup Fish Hatchery should be on your summer agenda! Explore the Educational Center if it’s open and take a walk around the hatchery to see the fish. You can even hike into Clark’s Creek Park if you’re up for more adventure.
Free Your Mind
21. Sign up for a Library Summer Reading Program, where your kiddos can avoid the summer slide and win cool prizes, too! When you go in to sign up be sure to get a list of all the awesome programs being offered for FREE and mark some on your calendar so you don’t forget!
22. Hit up a museum for free! There are FREE days during each month at area Tacoma and Seattle museums. Or, go on your own schedule by checking out a pass from your library.
23. Catch an excellent planetarium show at Pierce College that’s just for kids! Shows are just 6.00 for ages 3-12 and FREE for everyone else. If you’ve never been, definitely make sure it’s on your bucket list this summer.
24. For only $3/parking you can explore the beautiful Nisqually Wildlife Refuge near Olympia. Kids will have extra fun becoming Junior Wildlife Refuge Managers while you’re here.
25. Do your kiddos enjoy getting dirty in the garden? How about signing them up for FREE gardening classes with the Pierce County Master Gardeners in Puyallup. These programs are FREE and include a short story time, lesson and activities. Programs are designed for children ages 3-11.
Get the Wiggles Out
26. Need a place for your kids to play a game that won’t make a mess in your house? Sign them up for Kids Bowl FREE all summer long!
27. Tiffany’s Skate Inn in Puyallup doesn’t offer free skating, but they do have lots of fun deals and a new mini golf place next door! Feel free to tell us about your favorite roller rinks, too!
Beat the Heat Indoors
28. No AC at home? Getting cranky with the stickiness of summer? Hit up one of the many South Sound Mall Play Areas. Meet up with friends and make it extra fun! Unless you do some shopping, it’s always Free to play!
29. You can also opt for an Indoor Playground. We suggest investing in the unlimited play pass from WiggleWorks. Yes, it will cost you upfront, but if you go enough you can get each visit down to just a couple of bucks (or less). Challenge accepted!
30. Got tiny history buffs? Try the pay-as-you-can Job Carr Cabin Museum. They have special summer story times and take home crafts on Fridays.
31. Catch a cheap movie! Regal Summer Movie Express is offering $1 movies on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings this summer.
Catch a Show
32. There are all kinds of FREE Summer Concerts and Shows for Kids in the South Sound all summer long!
Fun with Recess Monkey
33. Want something a little more magical? Enjoy the sights and thrills of magician Jeff Evans! He brings the magic of science alive to kids in a way that’s engaging, entertaining and FUN! Check out the schedule of FREE shows all summer long featuring Jeff!
34. Nothing says summer like FREE outdoor movies under the stars! We’ve got a HUGE list of Outdoor Summer Movies in the South Sound just for you and your kiddos!
Visit a Fair or Festival
35. There is an awesome variety of festivals around the South Sound all summer long. You could go to a different one each weekend.
36.The Pierce County Fair is coming up the 9th-12th. While not free, you can have a very reasonably priced time at this fair that has a more rural, small town feel than the, “Big One.”
37. Hit the Kid Kraze with Pierce County Parks and Rec
Our 2nd annual Kidz Kraze Children’s Festival is a FREE event for kids ages 3-12 and their families. The festival will feature a bounce house and obstacle course, lego workshop by Bricks 4 Kidz Tacoma, arts & crafts by Art Studio27, field games and more! Brew Dog will be on-site serving hot dogs and festival fare!
38. Celebrate your small town at one of these great events:
- Kent Cornucopia Days July 13-15. South King county’s largest family festival features a street fair, parade, entertainment, and more.
- Pacific Days – Friday-Sunday, July 13-15. 4-9PM Friday; 11-9 Saturday; 11-4 Sunday Music, parade, food trucks, vendors, and more family fun.
- SummerFest in Lakewood – Saturday, July 14, 11:00am-11:00pm. FREE all day festival with activities, food, entertainment, car show, Kids’ Zone and more! Free outdoor movie in the evening, too!
- Capital Lakefair, Lacey – Wednesday-Sunday, July 11-15. Enjoy a parade, fireworks, and rides.Covington Days – Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22nd. This official SeaFair event includes a parade, carnival, and kids’ activities.Gig Harbor Summer Arts Festival – July 21 and 22nd Saturday, times TBA. Art on display on the waterfront. In the past there have also been children’s activities, food, and vendors.Renton River Days – Friday-Sunday, July 27-29. An annual multi-day family festival featuring events and activities for kids, arts and crafts, reception, food, and live entertainment.Enumclaw Street Fair – Friday/Saturday, July 27,28 10:00am-7:00pm. This street fair includes a family fun zone with rides and games, live music, craft vendors, family activities, basketball tournament, farmer’s market, and more!
39. The Kite Festival at Chambers Creek (Saturday, August 4th 10:00am-3:00pm) is fun for the whole family! Head down to the Central Meadow for an amazing day of kite demonstrations, family kite flying, face painting, bounce houses, and more! The first 250 kids will have an opportunity to make their own kites!
Take a Day Trip
40. Hop in the car for a day trip! There is so much variety all within 3 hours driving distance of Tacoma, including Leavenworth, Port Townsend, and Snoqualmie Falls!
41. Head to Seattle for the day! The kids will get a kick out of the simple pleasures such as exploring Pike Place Market, the Gum Wall, and the Olympic Sculpture Park. Also worth a visit is the Ballard Locks, where kids will be mesmerized by boats passing through the locks or viewing the salmon in the fish ladder.
Our friend Angela at The Coupon Project also has a big list of frugal outings in Seattle.
Good Eats! Chow down at a free lunch site; eat ALL the ice cream you can, or send off summer at an August festival or street fair.
42. Kids can eat FREE lunches all summer long at locations all across the Puget Sound. Find the location nearest you at USDA Summer Food Rocks site. These are usually offered at local parks and schools and sometimes have free fun and games, too.
43. Community festivals and street fairs also abound in August.
- Frederickson Community Festival – Saturday, August 11, 9:00am-3:00pm. The annual Freddie Fest features a car show, chili cook-off, and local vendors.
AuburnFest, Auburn Saturday, August 11, 11:00am-8:00pm
Held at Les Gove park, there will be live entertainment, a car show, literary fair plus lots of free kid’s activities.
Bonney Lake Days – August 18 This festival is VERY family friendly with Kids Zone, chalk art competition, parade, and more!
Milton Days– August 18 Events and activities TBA.
44. While this isn’t free, getting ice cream is a cheap outing that your kiddos will LOVE. Hit up one of our Reader’s Favorite Ice Cream Spots in the South Sound! Don’t miss Ice Cream Social if you’re near Tacoma!
45. Summer fun should always include some berry picking! Be sure to put this one on the calendar because it always seems to sneak up on us with everything else going on all summer. For where to get the best berries, head to our South Sound Berry Picking Guide.
South Sound Pride
46. If you haven’t been to Cabela’s in Lacey or Bass Pro Shop in Tacoma, summer is the perfect opportunity. How can you resist a free excursion with a description like this: the 185,000-square-foot retail showroom is an educational and entertainment attraction, featuring a decor of museum-quality animal displays, huge aquariums and trophy animals interacting in realistic re-creations of their natural habitats. Bass Pro Shop boasts a 12,000-gallon freshwater aquarium, 3-D diorama of a running waterfall with mountain lion, big horn sheep, and mountain goats against a backdrop mural of Mount Rainier, not to mention the unique bowling alley!
47. Got a kid who is into military history? Visit the McChord Air Museum for FREE, Wednesday-Friday, 12:00pm-4:00pm, and as of April 2016 open to the public. There are specific document requirements for gaining access to the base, so be sure to check those out before promising your kiddos this one!
48. Kitsap Live Steamers invites you to Port Orchard on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month through October to ride a miniature steam train for FREE (donations are welcome).
49. Have you been to the new Point Ruston? The Playground on the Waterwalk is made to look like a large ferry, and kiddos can pretend they are charting their own course across the Sound. You’ll also want to check out the Grand Plaza Sprayground, open from noon-10pm, daily. This is more of a splashpad for littles, but it’s free and lots of fun! Note there is now a charge to park in the garage at Point Ruston.
50. Visit Daddy or Mommy at work for lunch! This can be a fun way for the kids to see what Daddy or Mommy does, and also break up the long workday! Find a nearby park to make it a fuller trip, and explore the area. There may even be other family members who would enjoy a visit like this from your kiddos!
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If all else fails, a good old fashioned slip n slide from Target is always fun!
Need still More ideas?
You can find even more fun in our complete summer guide! We’ll also have our awesome weekend round ups every Friday all summer long plus more playground reviews, hike reports, and outing ideas the rest of the week! We’d love to see you every day!
PS If you liked this post, we think you’ll Love Our Emails
South Sound Summer Reading Programs
Are your kiddos super excited to be done with SCHOOL over summer break? Maybe you can trick them into being done with learning by signing them up for a Summer Reading Program.
We’ve got all the details on South Sound Summer Reading Programs at your local library, right here for you!
Double dip on these programs by signing up for a Retail Store Summer Reading Program. Places like Family Christian Stores, Chuck E Cheese, Barnes and Noble, offer reading programs with prizes just for kids.
Got a teenager in the house? There is an awesome Teen Summer Reading Challenge going on at Pierce County Libraries. Your kids won’t mona and groan over this because the prizes are super cool, things like iTunes gift cards, Starbucks gift cards, and tickets to the Rainiers.
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Be sure to stay tuned to our Summer Fun Guide all summer long for more ideas, tips and events that you’ll want to check out to keep your kids busy when the days are long.
FREE South Sound Summer Concerts and Shows for Kids
This amazing weather has me itching for summer fun! And, one of the awesomest things about summer is being OUTSIDE! Did you know communities around the South Sound host big name kids’ entertainers all summer long for FREE? It’s true! I’ll have these in your calendar, but I know some of you like to plan ahead, so grab your calendar, call some pals, and make plans for a picnic play date with a free show!
Virtually every city hosts free concerts during the summer months. We’ve highlighted the concerts geared specifically towards kids and families. If you’re a music lover, check out the sites linked below for more offerings. The complete list continues by city below.
South Sound Vacation Bible Schools
2018 South Sound Vacation Bible School List
Need something fun for your kids to do this summer? Consider finding them one or more weeks of VBS with our South Sound Vacation Bible School guide! This year we have organized our Vacation Bible School list by area-South King County; Puyallup; Tacoma; Gig Harbor and Olympia.
A few notes about this guide:
- We have provided links so you can confirm details. While we strive for 100% accuracy, in lists of this size mistakes can happen. Many churches use the same online registration site, so please make sure you’re registering for the one you want!
- While there are still some free Vacation Bible Schools, most now ask for a small fee but also offer scholarships.
- Register for any VBS you’re interested in soon. Preschool groups, in particular, tend to fill fast.
- Know a VBS we should add? Instructions for how to do that are at the bottom of this list!
South King County Vacation Bible Schools- Includes Vacation Bible Schoosl in Federal Way, Renton, and Auburn
Calvary Lutheran Church, Federal Way
August 6th-10th; call for other details
Fairwood Community UMC + Kent United Methodist
Dates: July 9th-13th 9AM-12:15
Cost:Registration Fee: $25 one child / $40 two children / $50 three or more; After June 20, cost increases to: $35 one child / $50 two children / $60 three or more
Ages:3 years-5th grade
Shipwrecked theme
Messiah Lutheran, Auburn
Dates: July 15th-19th
Cost: 20.00 per child or 50.00 for families of 3 or more. Scholarships are available.
Ages: 3 years old through entering 6th grade 2018 VBS Registration
Cost: 20.00 per child or 50.00 for families of 3 or more. Scholarships are available.
Ages: 3 years old through entering 6th grade 2018 VBS Registration
Jesus Changes Everything theme; hosted by Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp
Our Savior’s Baptist, Federal Way
Dates: July 23-27, 9-12
Cost: 20.00 per child; 50.00 family max
Ages:
Shipwrecked theme
St.Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Renton
Dates: July 9-13, 9:00am-12:00pm
Cost: $25/child; inquire if you need scholarship assistance
Ages: 4 years old through 6th grade
Registration: Register online
Theme: Shipwrecked
Federal Way United Methodist, Federal Way
Dates: July 9-13
Cost: TBA
Ages: TBA
Hero Central theme
New Life Church, Renton
Dates:July 23rd-27th 9AM-12
Cost:40.00
Ages: 3 years to 6th grade
Space Theme
Christ’s Church, Federal Way
Dates: July 9th-13th
Cost: I believe this one is free.
Christ’s Church Kids Town camp presents the story of King David. This will be an exciting week discovering David’s life story through drama, games, crafts, snacks, Friday night carnival in the park, and making many new friends along the way. Don’t miss out on this amazing camp experience! There is also a Friday Night Carnival on July 13th.
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Federal Way
St. Luke’s now offers several fun, themed camps during the summer. As of this writing, there are still four sessions with openings. “Water Camp,” July 16th-20th is free-10.00; “Outdoor Camp,” July 24th-28th is free-25.00; “Fine Arts Camp,” is July 30th-August 3rd and is free-10.00; “Gardening Camp,” is July 30th-August 3rd and is free-10.00. See site for more details. Note that due to space and demand, children may only be registered for ONE camp.
Puyallup Vacation Bible Schools-Also includes Sumner Vacation Bible Schools and Graham Vacation Bible Schools
New Horizon Church Fife
Preschool camp July 9th-13th or July 23rd-27th Elementary age camp June 25th-28th (the elementary aged camp is an evening camp!) High school camp is an overnight camp August 4th-8th.
New Horizon offers summer camps for children in preschool through high school. Crafts, lessons, games, and fun themes!
Puyallup Nazarene Church
Camp Xtreme – AMPED
Dates: July 23rd-27th
Ages: Camp Extreme is for ages 4yrs-4th grade; Edge Extreme is for ages 5th-7th grade
Cost: 20.00/child for Camp Extreme and 35.00/child for Edge Extreme
Puyallup United Methodist Church
Dates: July 9th-13th
Ages: Pre-K-6th grade
Join us for a week of fun on the Rolling River Rampage! (All on dry land!)
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Puyallup
Dates: July 9th-13th Mon-Friday 9AM-12
Ages: Preschool-6th grade
Cost: 15.00/child
Shipwrecked theme Online Registration
Pilgrim Lutheran, Puyallup
Dates: July 9 – July 13 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
Ages: 4 year olds through 5th grade
Bethany Baptist Church, Puyallup
Dates: July 9-13, 9:00am-12:00pm or 6:30-8:30PM *choose one
Cost: $25/child for up to 2 children, $65/family for 3 children or more; please contact the office if you have more than five children.
Ages: 4 years old to 6th grade
Theme: Shipwrecked
Sunrise Baptist Church, Puyallup
TBA; This is traditionally a sports camp
Christ Community Baptist Church, Puyallup
Dates: July 30th-August 3rd 9AM-12
Cost: 12.35 per child for 1-2 children; 37.00 per family for 3 or more Register Online
Calvary Sumner
Dates: Opening event June 25th with VBS June 26-29, choose from morning or afternoon sessions 9AM-12 or 2PM-5; Registration closes June 17th
Cost: $40/child, scholarships available
Ages: 4 years through 5th grade
Registration: Register from home with their online registration form
Theme: Camp Illuminate.
Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church, Puyallup
Held each and every summer, children from our community and our church participate in a week of fun activities, games, crafts, and more! Neighbors, relatives, schoolmates, and friends are welcome. Children who are 4 years old (by June 25, 2018) through entering the 6th grade, are invited to attend.
Dates: June 25-28
Cost: Recommended donation of 50 cents/day per child
Ages: Four years to entering 6th grade
Registration: Register online via link on this page
Cost: Recommended donation of 50 cents/day per child
Ages: Four years to entering 6th grade
Registration: Register online via link on this page
Theme: Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus
South Hill Christian Church, Puyallup
Dates: June 25-29, 5:00pm-8:15pm daily
Cost: $30/child on or before June 10 $35.00 per child after June 10th. Walk-ins may be available, but you should call ahead for availability.
Ages: 4-12
Registration: Register from home with their online registration form
Cost: $30/child on or before June 10 $35.00 per child after June 10th. Walk-ins may be available, but you should call ahead for availability.
Ages: 4-12
Registration: Register from home with their online registration form
Theme: Ages 4-5: TEAM 45
Ages 6-12: Choose a Sport – Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball, Girls’ Dance & Cheer,
Flag Football (ages 8+) Each camp day includes components that ensure each camper receives quality sports instruction, sound Biblical teaching, and a thorough immersion into the theme of the day and week. With this year’s theme, “Breaking Free”, we will look at great sports endurance stories as well as what it means to break free from the “sin that so easily entangles” and how to achieve a fulfilled life in Him.
Ages 6-12: Choose a Sport – Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball, Girls’ Dance & Cheer,
Flag Football (ages 8+) Each camp day includes components that ensure each camper receives quality sports instruction, sound Biblical teaching, and a thorough immersion into the theme of the day and week. With this year’s theme, “Breaking Free”, we will look at great sports endurance stories as well as what it means to break free from the “sin that so easily entangles” and how to achieve a fulfilled life in Him.
Celebration Lutheran, Puyallup
Dates: August 6th-9th (10)
Cost: $25/child
Ages: PreK 9-11:30am M-F, K 9-11:30am M-F, Grades 1-6 9-3pm M-F (done at 11:30am Fri) Grades 7,8 9-12:30 M-F (done at 11:30 Fri)
Registration: Contact Jill in the office at 253 848 1098
Theme: Led by Twinlow Bible Camp, games, songs, activities all week long.
Puyallup Foursquare
Dates: July 9th-12th South Campus North Campus July 30th-August 2nd 9AM-1PM
Cost: $25/child or 40.00 per child for both weeks. Price increases June 3rd
Ages: 5-12 years old
Registration: Register from home with their online registration form
Cost: $25/child or 40.00 per child for both weeks. Price increases June 3rd
Ages: 5-12 years old
Registration: Register from home with their online registration form
New Life Fellowship, Graham
“Game On,” theme is on the calendar for July 9th, but I don’t see other details right now. Contact the church if you’re interested in this one.
Graham Emmanuel Baptist Church
Dates:July 30th-August 3rd evenings from 6-8:30PM
Operation Arctic theme
Tacoma Vacation Bible Schools-also includes Vacation Bible Schools in Lakewood, UP, and Fircrest
Marine View Presbyterian Church, NE Tacoma
Dates: July 16-20 and 23rd-27th. Choose one.
Ages: 3 years to 5th grade
Cost: Do.00 for the first child and 25.00 for siblings
Crafts, games, stories, and fun. Shipwrecked theme
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Tacoma
Dates: July9th-13th 9AM-12
Ages: Pre-K-6th graders
At Shipwrecked VBS, kids (Pre-k – 6th graders) discover that Jesus rescues them! Kids participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, devour yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind Bible adventures, and test out Sciency-Fun Gizmos as we learn to love God, love people, and live like Jesus! Register Now
University Place Presbyterian Church
Dates: July 16th-20th 9:30-12:20
Ages: Pre-K-4th grade
Cost: 25.00 per child
Venture onto an uncharted island where kids survive and thrive. Anchor kids in the truth that Jesus carries them through life’s storms. Our week will be filled with singing, Bible stories, sports and games, crafts, videos, snacks and more! We also need over 100 volunteers to make this week happen – there’s a place for everyone to participate! Register Note: They are also offering more traditional summer day camps
Christ Lutheran Church, Lakewood
Dates: July 9-13th
I don’t see other details yet
First Baptist Church of Lakewood
Dates: July 9-13 9:00am-12:30pm
Cost: FREE
Ages: Incoming 1st grade through 6th grade
Registration: Register from home with their online registration form
Cost: FREE
Ages: Incoming 1st grade through 6th grade
Registration: Register from home with their online registration form
Theme: It’s time to grab our megaphones, lace up our cleats, and tune up our instruments! This summer in Vacation Bible School, kids will learn that God has given them His ultimate playbook & He wants them to join His team, train hard, celebrate salvation, and encourage one another.
Skyline Presbyterian, Tacoma
Dates: July 15-19, 5:30-8PM
Cost: FREE and dinner is included!
Ages: ages 3-adult
Registration: online here
Theme: Shipwrecked
Adults and kids share opening and closing time with skits, theme video and songs In between, the kids rotate between activities and games while the adults enjoy a class designed and taught just for them.
City Lights University Place
Dates: July 9th-13th 5:30-8:30PM
Cost: 25.00/child Shipwrecked theme
Destiny City Church, Tacoma
Dates: July 16th-20th 9AM-12:15
Cost: 20.00/child Register here
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Tacoma
Dates: July 23-27
Redeemer Lutheran Church Fircrest
Dates: July 23rd-27 9AM-12
Ages: 4-entering 4th grade
Children, ages 4 – entering 4th grade, will join their friends and teachers as they explore Bible stories with animals. Kids will enjoy music, crafts, short videos, snacks, and games.
Redeemer is known for providing a safe, fun, free, and well-staffed VBS program. Any questions, or to register call: 253-564-5053.
Gig Harbor Vacation Bible Schools
Intrepid Christian Church, Gig Harbor
Dates: July 9th-July 12th 9AM-12
Ages: 4 through entering 5th grade
Cost: 30.00 per child/15.00 per sibling; 5.00 off your first registration prior to June 9th
PLEASE NOTE: Due to popular demand, as of 05/16/2018, 4 year olds are currently being wait listed. To add your 4 year old to the wait list, please register them, but DO NOT PAY for them. You may register and pay for any children in Kindergarten to 5th Grade. If you have any further questions, please contact jackie@intrepid.church. Click here to register for Camp Out! Click here to pay for registration Click here to print the Activity Participation Agreement (sign this & bring it with you on July 9)
Living Water Foursquare Church, Olympia
Dates: June 25-29 9:00am-12:00pm
Cost: $50/child
Ages: 4 years old through 5th grade
Registration: Register from home with their online registration form
Cost: $50/child
Ages: 4 years old through 5th grade
Registration: Register from home with their online registration form
Theme: At Mega Sports Camp kids will learn life lesson while participating in their sport of choice, including flag football, cheerleading, soccer or basketball. More importantly, they will learn about Jesus, too!
Have your kiddos been to VBS at one of the churches listed? We’d love for you to leave a comment with a review!
Do you know a VBS we should add? Here’s what to do:
-If you are a person who is an authorized representative for your church VBS, just leave a comment with the information! We need to know the ages, dates, cost, and how to register. You MUST leave a link.
-Should you have questions or want paid advertising to make a big splash for your VBS, send an email to soundsfunmom@gmail.com
Regal Summer Movie Express $1 Kids Movies
It’s almost time for cheap summer movies for the kids! I’ll remind you about these, but here’s the rundown if you want to plan on some now.
Not familiar with these great programs? Theaters run them to bring families in, and it’s a great way to entertain the kids. If it’s a particularly hot day, it’s also a great way to beat the heat. Or, heck, take a nap while your kids zone out.
Movie choices are often second run films, but you still get the big screen experience. And, if your kids are anything like mine, seeing a movie they love over and over again is one of their favorite things to do.
Regal Cinemas
The Summer Movie Express from Regal offers movies for only $1 all summer long on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00am beginning on June 28. Each week both movies will play on both days. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Will Rogers Institute. Here’s the schedule:
- Week 1, June 28/29
The Lego Movie and Max - Week 2, July 5/6
Goosebumps and The Iron Giant: Signature Edition - Week 3, July 12/13
Pan and The Smurfs 2 - Week 4, July 19/20
Despicable Me 2 and Home - Week 5, July 26/27
Minions and The Peanuts Movie - Week 6, August 2/3
Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Road Chip and Curious George - Week 7, August 9/10
The Book of Life and Hotel Transylvania 2 - Week 8, August 16/17
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 and Shaun The Sheep - Week 9, August 23/24
The Croods and Dr. Suess’ The Lorax
In years past, Cinemark has also hosted a Summer Movie Clubhouse. But, it appears that this summer you will have to drive all the way out to Bellevue to get in on that action.
There will also be free, outdoor movies at parks all over the South Sound this summer. You can be sure to find those in our South Sound Weekend Guide and our Summer Fun Guide coming soon!
You can also find Movies on the Cheap in the South Sound year round:
We’re also rolling out lots of other great posts on cheap summer fun this week. Be sure to check in often! Or, head to our Summer Guide for a giant list of ideas!
Fort Nisqually: Making History Come Alive in Tacoma
Looking for ways to get your kiddos to appreciate history and what things were like, way back when? You know, when there was NO wi-fi, and no screens of any kind! There are a number of awesome upcoming events at the newly reopened Fort Nisqually at Point Defiance.
This living history museum invites visitors to see what life was like in the 1850s right here in Tacoma. The exhibits include crafts of the 19th century, games, award winning National Historic landmark buildings, and more!
Each month there is a special event put on by the museum. Mark these on your calendar for a fun, family outing that’s frugal and educational. Each event is only $8/adults $5/children and FREE/ages 4 and under, and includes museum admission.
Queen Victoria’s Birthday
Saturday, May 21, 11:00am-5:00pm
Relive the festive 19th century celebrations surrounding a royal holiday during Queen Victoria’s Birthday. A merry mood permeates the Fort on this occasion. At noon, bagpipes announce the start of the traditional tributes to the queen. The pipes are followed by a musket volley, toasts to the queen, and a cannon salute. Many of the Fort’s ladies and gentlemen will be dressed in their finest, 1850s fashion. Throughout the day, guests can join in croquet and other 19th century games.
Heritage Foodways
Saturday, June 18, 11:00am – 5:00pm
Discover farm to table, 19th century style, as informative speakers mix with 1850s reenactors to inform and demonstrate heritage foodways. Speakers will give a variety of presentations and demonstrations on heritage food topics such as pickling and smoking, foraging for native plants, and raising chickens. Visitors can tour the fort’s heritage kitchen garden and chicken coop, orchard, and grain patch and learn how these relate to the agricultural history of the Fort. Throughout the day, the Fort’s reenactors will be creating 19th century meals on a wood stove, over campfires, and in a brick bake oven. The reenactors will compete for the coveted “Golden Skillet,” doing their best to impress a panel of judges with the taste and presentation of their dish.
19th Century Family Fun Night
Friday, July 15, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Children will be racing for saltwater taffy fired from the candy cannon. Several cannon firings punctuate an evening of 19th century fun with the Fort’s re-enactors. Families are invited to bring a picnic dinner and join in scavenger hunts, games, contests, and dancing of the mid-1800s. Lemonade and ice cream available while supplies last!
Photos Courtesy of Fort Nisqually
Top 9 Can’t Miss South Sound Events with Kids in May
We have been having an AMAZING Spring here in the South Sound! Are your kiddos itching to be done with school and move on to more fun things? We have a great list of events you don’t want to miss in May. These will provide lots of opportunity for quality time with your kids and special memories.
1. Star Wars Night at Cheney Stadium
Wednesday, May 4, 6:00pm
Your little Jedis will be so excited to head out for a ball game on Star Wars Night as the Tacoma Rainiers take on the Salt Lake Bees. Star Wars characters from Garrison Titan and Alpha Base will be on hand to wow your kiddos and make this a truly special occasion.. Tickets are CHEAP, running from $5.50-$11.50 each. We love to sit on the grassy mound so the kids can goof around when they start getting antsy. Note-the graphic above is old, but we promise this event is MAY 4th (May The Force….get it?).
2. Take a Pint Sized Gardening Class
Saturday, May 7, 10:00am-11:30am
Kids ages 3-11 are invited to learn all about gardening in the Puget Sound! Classes run periodically through August with a varying themes. This week check out Jurassic Gardens. Not in Puyallup? Check out our other South Sound Kids’ Gardening Activities!
3. T-Town: Play, Explore, Learn City Services Expo
Saturday, May 7, 10:00am-3:00pm
Explore all of the services offered by the City of Tacoma at this fun, interactive community event featuring activities, games, and prizes! Kiddos will love seeing a fire truck up close and talking to a police officer!
4. FREE Comic Book Day
Saturday, May 7
Kids can get a FREE Comic Book on the first Saturday in May at multiple comic book stores around the South Sound. Go to FreeComicBookDay.com to find the location nearest you.
5. Mother’s Day Around the Sound
There are lots of fun events to celebrate Mom around the Sound. Our favorites include free train rides for Moms at the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie. Or, how about half price admission for Moms at the zoo to see those adorable newborn clouded leopard triplets!
6. South King Fire & Rescue Open House
Thursday, May 12, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Check out the South King Fire and Rescue Headquarters at this annual open house. See equipment in action and try on fire fighter gear, meet Sparky the Fire Dog and Pluggie the talking fire hydrant robot. Kids can even spray the fire hose! There will be free hot dogs and prizes!
7. Touch a Truck Federal Way
Saturday, May 14, 11:00am-2:00pm
This highly anticipated annual event is one you don’t want to miss if you have truck lovers in your house! Kiddos can sit in the driver’s seat of all kinds of city vehicles including armored trucks, buses, tow trucks, construction equipment and more! Best of all, there is a no horn or siren hour just for kids with sensory issues. Be sure to check out our post for upcoming Touch a Truck events in the South Sound in the coming months.
8. See History Come Alive at Ft Nisqually
Saturday, May 21, 11:00am-5:00pm
Celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday in 19th century style! This living history museum invites visitors to see what life was like in the 1850s right here in Tacoma. The exhibits include crafts of the 19th century, games, award winning National Historic landmark buildings, and more. Admission to this special event only $8/adults $5/children and FREE/ages 4 and under, and includes museum admission.
9. Mini Maestros in Concert
Saturday, May 22, 2:30pm
Looking to enjoy the symphony with your kids in tow? This concert series is the perfect opportunity because it is composed just for kids ages 2-8 and their favorite grown ups. Be sure to show up early for the instrumental petting zoo that starts at 1:30pm. This month’s concert features Peter and the Wolf. Tickets are only $10/adults and $7/kids.
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If you’re still looking for more fun to be had, check back here on Fridays for our South Sound Weekend Guide!
Celebrate National Park Week at Mt Rainier
Did you know that it’s National Park Week next week? From Saturday, April 16 through Sunday, April 24, gain Fee Free Access to National Parks! The National Parks System is celebrating it’s 100th birthday this year! As an American, you owe it to yourself to wish the parks system a Happy Birthday and opt outside!
I’m a sucker for getting outdoors with my family. I can honestly say it gives me goosebumps to think of all of the memories we have shared exploring nature, including our amazing national parks system. When I lived in Europe, most of the folks there dreamed of visiting the US specifically to see our national parks.
Hiking at Olympic National Park
Here in the South Sound, Mt. Rainier is the nearest National Park.
Check out some of our most popular posts featuring Rainier:
- Ten Great Hikes for Kids Near Mt Rainier
- A Kid Friendly Guide to Mt Rainier
- Let’s Hike: The Rainforest Loop Trail and the Carbon River Road
Before you go, be sure to check out the Spring Opening Forecasts for Mt Rainier, which details expected opening dates for specific roads, Visitor Information centers, and campgrounds.
If next week doesn’t work for you to venture to a national park, check out all the other Fee Free Days to Washington State and National Parks in 2016:
Also, if you have a 4th grader in your house, the Every Kid in a Park Initiative allows all 2015-2016 4th graders and their families free access to national parks. Get more info at our post about Every Kid in a Park!
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Have you visited any national parks with your kiddos?