Tacoma Kids Weekly - Week of June 9, 2008

Sorry for missing last week. Being in Portland with an uncooperative laptop did not work in my favor for getting a list together. This week has plenty of options, including several events just for fathers. The Washington Homeschool Convention is a must-do for homeschoolers in the area and a great way to gain new ideas and motivation for next year.

Monday, June 9, 2008
The Tacoma Library's summer reading program sign up begins today. Be sure to sign up your kids at your local library as soon as possible to give them the best chance of completing their reading goals for the summer. All kids who meet their goal will receive 2 free tickets (one for them and one for a parent) to the Point Definance Zoo on library day (August 23rd) so mark your calendars to avoid scheduling conflict. First day to report will be June 21. I will be reminding you of the summer reading program events all summer long right hear on Tacoma Kids Weekly so check back each weekend. If you live outside the Tacoma city limits, check with your local library for their summer reading program; most libraries have one. Pierce County's begins June 21st.

From noon to 1pm, you can join the Tacoma Audubon Society for a free guided bird walk at the Adriana Hess Wetland Park at 2917 Morrison Rd. W., UP. This event would be great for anyone who has studied birds this year or who enjoy keeping a nature journal.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Every Wednesday through the month of August, you can enjoy the Gig Harbor farmer's market. It is located in Skansie Brother's Park from 11am to 4pm. According to their website, children's activities include magician, face painting, balloon art, a children's activity tent, and Elmo and Big Bird. Take the kids out for some fun and pick up some fresh produce for dinner at the same time.

Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Tacoma Farmer's Market takes place downtown on Broadway between 9th and 11th from 9am to 2pm. The musical entertainment today is provided by The Schematics, who call themselves garage funk. The Children's Museum of Tacoma is free for families during market days in June, July, and August. So, park at the Tacoma Dome Station for free and take the light rail to the market. Enjoy the vendors and entertainment, purchase some farm fresh produce, and let the kids play a while.

Friday, June 13, 2008
The Washington Homeschool Convention takes place at the Puyallup Fairgrounds today and tomorrow. This is a great opportunity for those who are new to or are considering homeschooling at there are a lot of great workshops being held, including ones aimed at those new to homeschooling. It is also a great opportunity for veteran homeschoolers to gain new ideas, motivation, and encouragement. Check out the workshop schedule and descriptions on their website. Cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children with family rates and rates for both days.

Saturday, June 14, 2008
The Sound to Narrows takes place with a variety of events for runners, walkers, and children. While it is too late to mail in registration, you can still register at South Sound Runners, REI, or on race day. Registration costs $26 and includes a t-shirt, $22 with group registration, and is free for children.

The second day of the Washington Homeschool Convention takes place today.

If you missed the school/homeschool day at Wild Waves, here is another opportunity for a good price of admission today. Bring an article of clothing to donate to Sleep Country USA's clothing drive and get 1/2 price admission. While still not low cost, it is a good rate for Wild Waves if you've been wanting to go and you get to help out a foster children at the same time.

If you've been wanting to visit the Washington State History Museum, today would be a great day as they are putting on a special family program called "Ships, Sailors, and Sounds of the Sea-Celebrating Washington's Maritime History". The event includes two authors presenting their stories and images, one presenting the history of tall ships in the area and the other presenting her children's book Dinosailors. You can also hear the singing group The Shifty Sailors who will be preforming both traditional and fun sea shanties. Visitors will also be able to tour the 70 year old sea scout ship Odyssey. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for children, and free for under 5. There is a family rate of $25 for 2 adults and up to 4 children. If you go, ask for the scavanger hunt for the Great Hall of Washington History. It is quite difficult but fun; just ask for help for those items you can't find.

The Museum of Flight will be hosting the American Heroes Airshow featuring a variety of helicopters and those who flight them. There will be displays, special demonstrations, and entertainment. Helicopters will arrive between 7:30 and 9:30am and will stay through 3:00pm. The event takes place in/near the parking lot and is free. Going into the museum will cost the normal fee. Helicopter rides will be available for a free.

Snoqualmie Valley Scenic Railroad is offering father's a free train ride with a paying child Saturday and Sunday. The excursion, which departs from Snoqualmie or North Bend, is 65 minutes round trip. Fares for the rest of the group are $10 adults, $9 seniors, $7 children ages 2-12, and free for under 2.

Sunday, June 15, 2008
Camp 6 Logging Museum is offering dads free train rides for Father's Day. The indoor and building exhibits are open 10am to 7pm and the train runs noon to 6:30pm with departures every 30 minutes. General fare is $4, seniors ages 55-99 are $3 and children ages 3-12 riding for $2.50. Under age 3 and over age over 99 are free.

The Hands on Children's Museum in Olympia is offering fathers free admission today. This is an awesome children's museum and one of my children's favorites (second only to Portland). Hands on "exhibits" are geared towards children 2-8 with a separate play area set aside just for the under 2 crowd. General admission is $7.95 and $4.95 for 12-24 month toddlers.