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South Sound Kids Bowl Free 2018

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Kids Bowl Free is back around Tacoma and the rest of the South Sound for the Summer of 2018.

If you’re looking for free or cheap summer fun with the kids, don’t miss this one!

Kids Bowl Free Federal Way, Burien, Puyallup, Tacoma, JBLM, Lakewood, Yelm, Olympia

This year, you don’t have to wait until school is out to sign up for Kids Bowl Free! In fact, we checked all the Tacoma and South Sound area Kids Bowl Free locations, and all of them are open for sign up now! Yep, you can start free bowling this week and bowl almost all summer long. Woot!

If you’re not familiar with this program, it’s way cool! Kids get TWO free games of bowling every day, all summer long, from Burien to Olympia! * You will have to pay the nominal shoe rental fee, but that’s usually just a couple bucks! Another option is to buy them some shoes if you plan on going every day.

There really is no catch to this program! When you register your kiddos, you’ll also be given the option to purchase a family pass for about $25. If you’d like to bowl along with the kids, this really is an excellent deal, but you’re in no way obligated to get the family pass in order for your kids to bowl for free. Just click the “No Thanks” button if you don’t want it.

South Sound Locations:

Hi-Line Lanes, Burien: May 1-September 30
Secoma Lanes, Federal Way: TBA; you can sign up to be notified
Daffodil Bowl, Puyallup: May 14-September 4
Chalet Bowl, Tacoma: April 29-August 31st  Note from SFM: We love this one!
Paradise Bowl, Tacoma: April 30-September 30
Tower Lanes, Tacoma: May 1-September 15
Bowlero Lanes, Lakewood: April 2-September 9
Bowl Area Lanes, JBLM: May 1-September 30
Sounders Lanes and Family Center, JBLM: May 1-September 30
Prairie Lanes, Yelm: May 1-October 15
Aztec Lanes, Olympia: April 10-July 28

How To Sign Up:

To bowl free, you’ll need to register your family. Go to Kids Bowl Free and select the bowling alley nearest you to register. You’ll receive coupons emailed to you for free bowling! Easy peasy!

Pro tip: If the kids are throwing all gutter balls, have the attendant put up the bumpers/rails!

We know lots of you do this program every summer. Be sure to pass it on to friends who might not know about it yet. We’d also love to read any tips you might have, and we’d love to hear about which alleys are your favorites.

Need more to do? We’re rolling out our whole summer guide this week! Stay tuned!

Get Ready for the Toy and Geek Fest

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If you’re a fan of The Descendants or Tom Welling, or Transformers, or Star Wars, or you just love toys, comics, and all things geekery in general, you really must plan on going to the Toy and Geek Fest this June. The organizers were some of the very first supporters of this site, and we are Thrilled to help them promote this great event.

It’s at the fairgrounds in Puyallup again, and it’s So Much Bigger.

I’ll be honest and tell you I don’t know who all these folks are, but my kid sure does, and he is so ready to meet some of his favorites from Flash, in particular. I’m told a lot of people are excited about meeting this guy!

Or maybe your kids would love to hang out with this guy.

or this guy

or all these guys…..

In addition to the celebrities and photo ops, there will also be an interactive play area for kids, over 350 vendor, industry, and exhibitor booths, fair food, and much more.

Most everything except any merch or food you buy is included with your ticket. There will be opportunities to donate for photo ops. to benefit children’s charities, and, as you’d expect, you will need to pay for autographs and photos with the celebrities if you choose to get those. Photos with the Garrison Titan, Transformers, Star Wars vehicles and more are free/donation welcome.

While the celebrity photos and autograph sessions are totally optional, you should know that there are a limited number of slots available, and I’m told the autographs and photos with The Descendants and Tom Welling are going fast.

Just want to go to the event? Early bird pricing  is ending in just days, so I really do encourage you to go grab those tickets now if you know you want to go so you can save some bucks (More left for scones!). You’ll also want to make reservations for the celebrity photo ops. and autographs if you want those.  I’m told having all these folks in one place-especially so many Descendants-is pretty much unheard of.

More information about the photos and autographs is here.

You can get more information about the event and purchase tickets right here.

Early bird pricing ends March 15th!

I’d also encourage you to follow the Toy and Geek Fest on Facebook or Instagram  (be sure you follow SoundsFunMom on Instagram while you’re there)  to keep up with additional announcements and fun.

 

Spring Bunny Photos With Angie D

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We’re excited to tell you about Tacoma and South Sound area photographers doing Spring Mini Sessions.

I think the cuteness here pretty much speaks for itself!

Your adorable kiddo + a real bunny and a darling backdrop + Angie’s incredible photography. That’s a recipe for a priceless keepsake.

You can read more and schedule your Spring Mini Session on March 24th right here.  They will fill up, so book yours now and then get busy finding that super cute outfit!

You may also want to like her Facebook page to keep up on future fun mini sessions.

Disclosure: Photographers featured at Sounds Fun Mom help support the site with a one time paid listing good for a full year! If you are a photographer, and you’d like to be featured, send me an email at soundsfunmom@gmail.com

Toytopia Exhibit at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma

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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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Win Tickets To The Velveteen Rabbit, Reborn

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Did you see what’s coming up next at Tacoma’s Theater On The Square from our friends at the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts? It’s a new interpretation of the beloved childhood classic, The Velveteen Rabbit.

A young boy’s love and a little nursery magic help transform the Velveteen Rabbit from a favorite plaything into a real rabbit in this classic tale. The Boy and Velveteen embark on exciting imaginary adventures, from deep dark caves to the wide-open sea, and together they learn the true meaning of friendship in this musical reimagining of one of America’s favorite storybooks.

“The company’s creative team knows its business! Young or old, parent or grandparent, catch the Pushcart Players when and where you can!”
— Independent Press
We’ve loved every family production from our friends at the Broadway Center, and I know this one will be great, too. There are two shows this Sunday the 27th-one at 1PM and one at 3PM. There are two ticket levels available. Event details (and a contest!) are right below. Don’t wait long to get your tickets; they’re going fast, especially for the 3PM show.  Read on for the rest of the details and the contest!

[Read more…]

Consignor 101 Facebook Party With Just Between Friends!

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I love consignment sales all year long, but I think they’re especially great this time of year!

I’m excited to again be working with the Seattle East Just Between Friends Sale, a sale you Must get on your radar if you’re one of our readers in South King County, Covington, Maple Valley, Renton, or those parts.

Mom to mom-It’s worth the trip from elsewhere, especially if you’re a brand fan. I have never seen so much Hana Anderson at one consignment sale! We’ll have a little more about the sale later, along with a great giveaway, but today I wanted to encourage. you to think about consigning at the March sale!

If you’re clearing out clutter or outgrown clothes and toys, consignment is a great way to make a little extra money while making room for all that new stuff your kiddos just got. And it’s So much better than trying to DIY it with stuff all over your yard!

If you’ve been wanting to give consignment a try, but you’re intimidated by it, I’ve got a great tip for you! Courtney, the sale order, has organized a FREE Facebook “Consignor 101,” party on Wednesday the 10th. It’s a great chance to get all your questions answered. Here’s more from Courtney:

 Whether you are deciding if consigning is for you, or if you’ve consigned with us before, this party will give you the tools and inside scoop on how to be the most successful at our sales! So join us for lots of great information and don’t forget about the chance to win some awesome prizes!! So put the kids to bed, grab your glass of wine (or water ) and tune in! Can’t wait to “see” you there!!

You can get the full Seattle East JBF Sale schedule here.

Head here for the Facebook Consignor 101 Event. Be sure to say you’re, “Interested,”, so you’ll get a reminder tomorrow. It starts at 8PM, so you’ve got time to get the kids in bed or (HINT!) delegate that job!

Don’t Miss Breakfast With Santa At Sprinker

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We’ve found the cutest Breakfast With Santa hosted by our sponsors and friends with Pierce County Parks and Recreation. If you’ve been looking to start a new tradition, this is one of the cutest things we’ve found this year, and it’s a good deal, too!

Your ticket includes waffles from P&J’s Waffle Delight, fruit, and drinks, and a visit with Santa that you’ll get to remember with a free digital download captured by their photographer! Plus, you’ll enjoy indoor ice skating under a snow filled sky with holiday music and special effects lighting. How cute is that??

Tickets are just 9.00 per person! Yes, for all that! This is a great deal, guys!

If that isn’t enough fun for you, later in the day you can head to the rest of Winterfest at Sprinker for more ice skating and fun. Skating with princesses! Fruitcake bowling! This is a separate event that requires an additional ticket, but it also looks awesome, especially if you’ve ever wanted to get on a Zamboni. #LifeGoals.

You can check out the rest of the Winterfest details here, but don’t get too distracted because you’re going to need to call for those Breakfast with Santa tickets as pre-registration is required. Here is the event on fb if you want to share and tag a friend so you can get the same seating. Just don’t wait too long to call.

Event Details

When: Saturday, December 16th 9-12

Where: Sprinker Recreation Center

Cost: 9.00 per person

Tickets: Call 253 798 4000

Note that breakfast tickets may be purchased per 30 minute seating.  You are asked to enjoy breakfast during your ticket time only, as seating cannot be guaranteed otherwise.  Visiting with Santa and ice skating is open from 9 AM to Noon, and you’re welcome to do either during that time!

You can go in and pick your tickets up, or have them waiting at will call for you! These are going to go FAST, and many other Santa Breakfast options have already sold out and/or happened, so do call today if you can!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post; the opinions are my own! When you call 253 798 4000 for your Breakfast With Santa tickets, I’d love for you to say you saw it on Sounds Fun Mom! Thanks!

Don’t Miss A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage!

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Update: Congratulations to Kari, whose winning comment was chosen randomly! Thank you to everyone who entered. If you didn’t win, but you’d like to go, there are still tickets available! 

And, yes! We have more giveaways coming soon!

Are you looking for a special show to see with your children this holiday season? I am so excited that my all time favorite Christmas special is going to be live on stage right in Tacoma, and I’m thrilled that Sounds Fun Mom is again a media partner of the Broadway Center.

Yep, Charlie Brown and the whole peanuts gang are bringing the classic animated TV special to life!  A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Emmy® and Peabody award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz, has warmed the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television over fifty years ago. I have so many fond memories of watching this one when I was growing up. I always knew Christmas was really on the way when it was the Charlie Brown Christmas Special night!

The stage adaptation will include the classic music by Vince Guaraldi and the story you love with all the Peanuts characters discovering the true meaning of Christmas.

I’m so excited to see this one with my family, and I know you’ll love it, too.

The show plays one night only at the beautiful Pantages in Tacoma November 30th at 7:30PM.

You can get tickets right here. Plus, we have a contest!!

Yep, one luck winner will win SIX tickets to this awesome show, so you can take the whole family! First, make sure that the date and time works for you because this one is playing one night only!

On to the contest….

  • For a first, required entry, tell us why you’d like to win!
  • For a second, optional entry, tell a friend about this great show. You could share this post on fb, or feel free to text your mom’s group, tell the crowd at the bus stop, or whatever works! Leave a comment letting us know what you did.
  • For a third, optional entry sign up for our weekly emails. They come out on Thursday and are a sneak peek of the weekend events guide just for subscribers. Leave a comment and let us know you’ve signed up for it or already subscribe. Note that we will confirm this to keep things fair.

And, that’s it….All entries should be left as separate comments to improve your odds. Only comments are valid as entries.

We’re going to do this giveaway fast-I’ll be choosing a winner Tuesday mid-morning, and I’ll need to hear back within 12 hours.  Do make sure to leave an email you check.

Note this is our second in a series of awesome giveaways we do this time of year. Do make sure you’re following the site so you don’t miss any of them!

Disclosure/Legal: We are proud to have a publicity/sponsorship agreement with the Broadway Center for Performing Arts. We were provided tickets for this giveaway. Facebook is not affiliated with this giveaway. Sounds Fun Mom LLC has no other affiliation with this event or venue. By entering you affirm that you are eligible and assume all responsibility for your experience. Good luck!

Free Puppet Shows At Area Libraries

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I’m *almost* finished with our complete holiday events guide (Root for me!), but I wanted to quickly highlight another fun and free holiday event for those of you needing things to do with the kids this season that won’t cost you anything!

It’s Puppet Please, an in-the-round marionette show. These are at various libraries in the PCL system in December. They’re all free, and you can just drop in! The only thing you have to do is remember, so mark one in your calendar now.

Readers have really enjoyed these in the past. It’s not an ordinary puppet show, and even bigger kids will be entertained!

Take An Easy Winter Road Trip To Winter Wonderland!

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Are you looking for some new traditions this holiday season? I’m so pleased to have the Skagit Winter Wonderland festival as a sponsor this month.

Their festival is an enchanting, totally kid friendly event, and you’ll get to watch your children play in real snow without driving to the mountains!

The event takes place at the Cascade Mall in Burlington from Friday, December 8th through Sunday, December 10th. Spend the day or spend the weekend!

It’s FREE! 

Event highlights include snow trucked in from Mt. Baker, reindeer, wagon rides, princess appearances, carnival activities, and much more.

Because there are events both indoors and outdoors, your kiddos can build a snowman and slide down a hill and then head inside to warm up with crafts, mini golf, and bounce house time!

Kiddos get to do it ALL when they register for their daily, FREE wristband.  There are a few special extras, like gingerbread house decorating, with a small charge, but everything I’ve mentioned in this post is free (Did I mention that part already?).
This fun event is suitable for the whole family. I think it would make a great day trip, but it would also be fun to spend the night. Burlington has a small town feel that’s a nice alternative to the crazy, hub bub of other destinations this time of year, and there are lots of affordable options for dining, lodging, and everything else.

If You Go:

All activities take place at the Cascade Mall in Burlington
The event runs Friday December 8th-Sunday December 10th.
Visit the event website for a list of activities by day.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. If you go, we’d love to see your pictures and reviews, and we’d love for you to tell the organizers you saw it on Sounds Fun Mom!