I’m thrilled to tell you about another great family opportunity from our friends at Tacoma City Ballet.

If you have a little ballerina and you want to take your family to a kid friendly ballet performance, you won’t want to miss Tacoma City Ballet’s Pinocchio the Ballet.

Come share Pinocchio’s adventurous journey as he becomes a, “real live boy,” and discovers those things that are important. Filled with spectacular dancing, live orchestra, and lavish costumes, I promise it will enchant your whole family.

I had the opportunity to watch their Nutcracker production in December, and I can tell you that TCB is first class in every way. The Federal Way Performing Arts Center is also a great venue. There is tons of free parking (Woot!) and every seat is a good one.  Here are the rest of the event details:

Pinocchio the Ballet at the Federal Way Performing Arts Center

March 22nd at 7:30pm

March 23rd and 24th at 2pm

Tickets start at just 15.00, but don’t wait long to get yours! For tickets visit fwpaec.org or call the box office 253-835-7010 For more information about the ballet, you can head here.

Want a sneak peek? There is also a story time event you can check out March 16th.  Get pics, meet the dancers, and preview this wonderful production you won’t want to miss.  More info. about that here! 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I’d love for you to mention you saw it on Sounds Fun Mom if you have a chance!

Tacoma Play To Learn

Looking for something fun to do with your preschoolers in Tacoma this fall? We’re super excited that Play to Learn is back! This is a FREE, drop-in program hosted at locations all around Pierce County.

Every Play to Learn session is designed around a theme and includes play, group activities, songs, and fun. Play to Learn programs are for children six and younger to attend with their favorite grown ups. It’s a great way for you and your tots and preschoolers to make new friends!

Here is the schedule for fall straight from Play to Learn. I have links at the bottom so you can double check and get more info! [Read more…]

Tacoma Rhea Lana Fall Consignment Sale 2018

Tacoma and Lakewood area mommas, I want to remind you that the big Rhea Lana consignment event is coming right up! Our readers have loved this Tacoma area kids consignment event for scoring awesome deals on high quality merchandise.

We’re super excited to have sale owner, Josie, as a sponsor again this month. Read on for how to shop early!

This sale gets bigger and better every season! Our readers have raved about the clean, organized shopping experience and the name brands they’ve found.  Rhea Lana offers a guarantee to their sellers, which means moms feel good about trusting these pieces to their sale.

There will be Ikea-style bags or baskets while you shop and plenty of volunteers on hand to help.You’re asked to leave the kiddos at home if you’re attending either of the presale events.

You’ll find clothes for babies through teens (They look for top brands for their junior sized clothing), plus furniture, toys, and gear.

The sale is always free to shop. Here’s how to get in to the presale, plus details on the public and half off sale.

Want to volunteer and shop early? Head here! 

Need more info. first? Head here!  There is also a FAQ section just for volunteers.

Just want more info. about the sale? You can get that here

(sign up for the mailing list if you tend to forget about things and then kick yourself for it!) or on the Facebook page-a great way to get reminders.

Make sure you have these dates on your calendar and tell your bargain loving friends.

Rhea Lana Fall Sale Times

Early Worker’s Pre-Sale

MUST have a pass for this shopping time. = 2 volunteer shifts Sat, Sept 15th12 PM to 9 PM

Worker’s Pre-Sale

MUST have a pass for this shopping time. = 1 volunteer shiftSat, Sept 15th1 PM to 9 PM

Consignor’s Pre-Sale

MUST bring pass, only husband or mother may help.Sat, Sept 15th2 PM to 9 PM

Moms-to-Be Pre-Sale

Be our guest, print at home!Sat, Sept 15th3 PM to 9 PM

Guest Pre-Sale

MUST have a pass for this shopping time, may bring 1 guest.Sat, Sept 15th5 PM to 9 PM

SALE DAYS

Open to the public! Bring a friend!

Sun, Sept 16th10 AM to 9 PM Mon, Sept 17th10 AM to 9 PM Tues, Sept 18th10 AM to 2 PM

WORKER’S HALF PRICE SALE

MUST bring pass Tues, Sept 18th4 PM to 9 PM

CONSIGNOR HALF PRICE SALE

MUST bring passTues, Sept 18th5 PM to 9 PM

GUEST HALF PRICE SALE

Must have pass Tues, Sept 18th6 PM to 9 PM

HALF PRICE SALE

Many items half price!

Wed, Sept 19th10 AM to 9 PM Thurs, Sept 20th

Directions:

The Fall 2018 Event will be held September 16-20 at 2310 84 Street S, (Next to Dollar Tree)

You can get much more scoop on their Facebook page or here at their site.  This is such a great location for our Tacoma and Lakewood area readers, and an easy trip for our friends in the greater JBLM community. Be sure to spread the word!

Where to get or donate free school supplies around Tacoma, South King County, Puyallup, and Lacey and Olympia

Do you need a hand getting your kids school supplies this year? Did you score extra glue sticks or pencils that you’d like to donate? Here’s a round up of places you can donate or receive school supplies around the South Puget Sound, roughly organized from north to south (at least it seems north to south on the map in my head).

I have tried hard to confirm details, but please do use the links to confirm them before you show up. Keep in mind that the vast majority of these events are run by volunteers, so if you’re attending one, go with a spirit of adventur,e and be sure you’ve read up on the time and any eligibility requirements. If you’re in a position to help or volunteer, most events will also welcome you!

South King County/Federal Way Red Canoe locations in Federal Way, Covington and Puyallup  Red Canoe Credit Union hosts an annual, “Fill the Canoe,” drive and donates supplies through Communities in Schools and other charity partners.  Donation event only. Link has lists of drop off locations.

Covington/Maple Valley Maple Valley Food Bank is collecting donations. 

Federal Way Christian Faith Center Federal Way  Currently collecting donations of backpacks and school supplies for a giveaway event on the 18th in Federal Way.

Enumclaw I don’t see current information, but Youth and Family Services has collected supplies in the past.

Auburn/Seattle Area TreeHouse works with foster kids in the Seattle area and has information on how you can host a school supply drive.

Edgewood/Milton/ Puyallup Mountain View Community Center  Edgewood  Free back to school barbecue and school supply giveaway August 25th.  Donations are being accepted now.

Bonney Lake Lions 4 Kids Bonney Lake hosts an annual Back To School Event. Students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch in any of the 5 school districts served by the organization are welcome to attend pick up school supplies, including backpacks. Hair cuts are also available, and food will be served. 3-5:30

Parking on site is limited – it is best to park at Grocery Outlet and walk over. Adult volunteers are needed – must be able to pass Washington State Background Check. Donations of school supplies and backpacks are also being accepted now.  Call the House and leave a message with questions. 253-447-3844

Puyallup St.Francis House accepts donations of new and gently used household and clothing items year round, and would love your donations of school supplies and backpacks. Link has info. on how you can host a drive or donate directly via Amazon.  Contact them if you are in need. There is a screening process for new clients.

Puyallup Red Canoe locations in Federal Way and Puyallup  Red Canoe Credit Union hosts an annual, “Fill the Canoe,” drive and donates supplies through Communities in Schools and other charity partners.  Donation event only.

FourSquare church already held their great event.

Tacoma  Back to School Jam event at three locations August 25th

Lacey/Olympia/Thurston County

Little Red Schoolhouse Distribution Day is August 16th.

FREE Distribution of supplies and clothing will take place Thursday, August 16th, 2018 from 8am to 6pm at Komachin Middle School, 3650 College St. SE, Lacey, WA 98503. Open to all Thurston County families in need. Link also has info. on how you can donate.

City Gates Ministries already held an event on August 9th.

All Over Food Banks-Nearly all food banks accept school supply donations and provide supplies to clients. If you are not a current client contact them about eligibility before you go.

Other Ideas If you don’t see an event near you, contact your school district. I promise they will be able to tell you whom to talk to whether you are looking to donate supplies or are in need of a hand getting some.

Many schools are also glad to accept donations directly. Please do ask what items they can use. Backpacks, calculators, good pencils, and glue sticks are always welcome! The fifty tons of slightly musty old graph paper you found in the closet last week? Not so much.

If you know of a donation drive or event I missed, PLEASE don’t be shy about sharing it. You can just leave a comment on this post, or send me an email at soundsfunmom@gmail.com.  You can also post in the fb thread we have here. 

If you found this post looking for this information, I hope Sounds Fun Mom will become a regular stop for you. We are dedicated to providing information on area events and activities just for South Sound families!

PS If you’re a teacher or homeschool parent, don’t forget to read about how you can get up to 50 FREE books from Goodwill!

Pay As You Can Children’s Storytimes at the Job Carr Cabin in Tacoma

Here’s more cheap fun to do with the kids in Tacoma this summer!

We’re longtime fans of the Job Carr Cabin Museum, which is a replica of Tacoma’s first permanent non-Native residence. You might have seen this little cabin in Old Town before and not realized it’s a cabin sized museum you can go in!

The inside of the cabin is a very faithful recreation of what life would have been like in an 1800s cabin, and my kids always had a lot of fun learning about old fashioned chores and living.

It’s a tiny museum, a good size for young school aged children, and the volunteers are always so glad to meet them. Plus you can play at the little playground after and enjoy Old Town.

Summer Storytimes are on Fridays from 11am-12 noon through 8/31. Each event includes a story with a take home craft to go with the theme. Storytimes are perfect for children 3-9 and their favorite grownups.

Admission to the museum and all events are “pay as you can!”

The Museum also has some upcoming story times at area libraries as well as some special craft Saturdays if these Friday times don’t work for you. You can get more information about all of them on their Facebook page.

Job Carr Cabin Summer Storytime Schedule

Would you like to do something Amazing with your family this summer? How about an active bike riding adventure for all ages?

I’m super excited to tell you about how you can join our sponsors with Mary Bridge Children’s Courage and Ride With Courage this summer!  This is a weekend cycling adventure for the whole family, with four different options:  the 3.75-mile Rainier Fat Tire Ride & Run;  the 23-mile Cascade Cruiser; the 50-mile Tahoma Half Century; or the Two-Day, 144-mile Northwest Brew Thru.

Whether you have an experienced group of bike riders or young two wheelers, there is a ride that will work for you! You can also walk or run the 3.75 mile option.

All proceeds benefit patient programs and family support at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Network. I’ve included an infographic below so you can see some of the work they do. Courage is an event that funds life changing and saving work!

I want to particularly highlight the 3.75 mile run, walk, ride option. It’s perfect for families, starting at Mill Pond Park and following the wide, flat Bud Blancher Trail. I think most any young rider could handle it, and they would have such a feeling of accomplishment! Registration is a very reasonable 25.00, with a suggested but not required fundraising goal of 50.00.  Remember that it’s all for a truly great cause. Of course, there are also longer options for experienced riders who want to do something truly brag worthy!

Base camp is at Pack Forest in Eatonville with live music, food, yoga, kids’ activities, a beer garden for the grown-ups, and Free camping for all! What a great way to make memories together this summer.

I know that many of you have a special connection to the work of Mary Bridge. I’d love for you to share your stories, and I hope you consider being part of the Courage event this year!

You can get more information about all the ride options and how to register right here! You may also want to visit the Courage Facebook page!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I’d love for you to mention Sounds Fun Mom when you register as an individual or form a fun team!

Family Friendly 4th of July Events and Fireworks Displays Tacoma Auburn Puyallup Renton Kent Steilacoom and Beyond-Updated for 2020 (most all cancelled).

If you’re looking for places to watch fireworks this 4th of July, the news isn’t great.

Here’s our 2020 round for the 4th of July. Due to the Governor’s restrictions on crowd size, essentially every organized event has been cancelled. Note: There were a few that I just couldn’t even find on the city’s website, so if you find out any scoop on those, let me know.

The one exception is Puyallup, where you can still buy tickets to a drive up style show you can watch from your car at the fairgrounds.

We have provided links so you can double check details.

Over here at the SFM house, we’ll be having hamburgers and hot dogs, and then seeing whatever the neighbors get up to! If you have questions about the legality of fireworks in your neighborhood, the easiest thing to do is to figure out if you’re in the limits of a city or in a non-city part of the county, and then check with that municipality. Stay safe and have fun!

Renton’s Fabulous Fourth, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park

4th of July Splash: Lake Meridian Park

Canceled

4th of July Festival, Auburn, Les Gove Park

Cancelled

Red, White, and Blues Festival, Federal Way

4th of July Parade, Enumclaw

Changed to a, “Parade in Place.” Folks are encouraged to decorate and then take a drive around to see their neighbors festive creativity. Props to Enumclaw for the effort, right?

Puyallup

Red, White, and Kaboom! Drive-in Fireworks show.

Yes! There is a fireworks event in Puyallup this year! It’s a drive-in style option at the fairgrounds, and it requires tickets, though I’m sure you’ll be able to see them going up in the sky from around town.

Tacoma’s Freedom Fair

The new City of Tacoma family 4th has been cancelled or postponed. 

The car and airplane show component of the Freedom Fair has been rescheduled to September pending Pierce County being in Phase Four.

Bottom line if this is confusing: No big 4th event on Ruston Way this year.

JBLM Freedom Fest

Postponed. No new date yet; I’m sure it depends on whether/when we move to another phase.

DuPont July 4th: A Hometown Celebration

I can’t find this one this year. I think we can assume it’s cancelled, but if you know different, let me know.

City of Lacey

Cancelled

Independence Day in Steilacoom

Cancelled

Eatonville Fireworks + Parade

The chamber site for Eatonville hasn’t been updated in a very long time, but I think we can assume this is all cancelled. If anyone hears different, on any of this, let me know!

Independence Day Parade, Tumwater

According to The Olympian, this is all cancelled.

Gig Harbor

No organized displays that I know about, but (pro tip from someone who grew up there…..) you can usually see a ton of stuff blowing up over most bodies of water.

4th of July Sinclair Inlet Fireworks Show, Port Orchard/Bremerton

Cancelled

New here? I’d love to have you join us on Facebook or Instagram. You might also like the weekly email. It comes out on Thursday and has Everything going on over the weekend that’s fun for kids around here!

Guys!  KidsDay from Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation is coming up Friday, and you do not want to miss this full day of FREE fun just for kids! It’s totally worth the trip for families anywhere nearby!

It all happens at Les Gove Park, 910 Ninth Street SE on Friday, June 22nd from 11AM-4PM.

There will be  inflatable rides, children’s activities, live stage entertainment, mini golf, free museum admission, hundreds of cool vendors (Like US!)  and much, much more. Admission is FREE and so are most of the activities!

Do bring a little cash if you want to do attractions like the swings or get some eats from a food vendor.

Parking is available in and around the park, with overflow parking at Grace Community Church and street parking surrounding the park.

My boys and I have gone to this event several times and always had fun. The lines for the inflatables get long, so you might want to encourage your kiddos to check out other stuff because there is so much to do.

We also like to go early or late in the day for even more fun with lighter crowds, but I’ll leave that part up to you.

For additional event information, parking information, a festival map or entertainment schedule, you can check out the event page on Facebook.or look at the city website here! 

Now, I do want to give you a few tips based on my experience and reader feedback from last year

• Tip One: Read the information about where to park!! Seriously.
• Tip Two: Consider going earlier or later.
• Tip Three: Get a brochure/map. Except for a limited area of commercial vendors, every booth is required to have a free kid’s activity. Check out the map before you go or grab one when you arrive, so you can plan what attractions to hit, and don’t be shy about asking the different tables you visit what they have for you to do! You might also want to preview the entertainment schedule.
• Tip Four: You will get likely end up with a bunch of swag and things the kids want you to keep. Try to stop by a booth giving out bags early on, or bring your own.
• Tip Five: Come prepared. Yes, this is a popular, busy event. If that’s not your style, well-consider yourself warned. It also looks like it’s going to be hot, so make sure you’re ready for the weather, and you may want to bring the kids’ swimsuits for the spray park.

And, oh, yeah-We’ll be there! Do be sure to stop by the Sounds Fun Mom booth to say, “Hi!” and chat about summer activities. I’d love to meet you.

Disclosure: We are proud to be a media partner with the City of Auburn Parks Department. They’ve been super cool partners of ours since way back when. If you have a chance to say you heard about their events on Sounds Fun Mom, I’d really appreciate it!