Giant Magnet in Seattle THIS WEEK

The Giant Magnet, formerly known as the Seattle International Children's Festival, is going on at the Seattle Center this week. I posted about it last week but just wanted to write about it again because we had the opportunity to see just a taste of three of the performers, and they were all quite good. We were invited to their opening night celebration, which featured mini performances by Jamie Adkins, Gansango, and Black Violin.

Jamie Adkins, formerly a performer with Cirque du Soliel and Cirque Éloize, was beyond funny. His skit included the perfect comedic timing, balancing, and juggling like I've never seen. He spoke not a single word yet we were rolling with laughter. Josh giggled so much several adults around us were turning to enjoy his laughter. I was in awe. I've seen some good jugglers, but Jamie makes them all look like amateurs! I found myself disappointed that we won't be able to see his full performance.

Gansango was a mix of African drumming and dancing. They were quite interesting, as well. Their energy and colorful costumes kept us interested. I found myself admiring their muscle tone...wow! But I guess you'd have to have excellent muscle tone to pull off energetic routines like that.

Black Violin was my children's favorite act of the evening. My daughter's first words after the show was "Can we buy their CD?" This group mixes classical violin with hip hop. The violinist were excellent. The hip hop beat was fine; however, my husband and I found the DJ's constant and unnecessary vocalizations distracting. I'd expect this performance to be popular with teens.

This link goes to a page listing the performers (tickets required). Some of promo videos that can be viewed. If you click to each performers page, you'll find age suggestions. One of the performances doesn't allow babes in arms so check out that information also.

Really, if you can make it to Giant Magnet this week, I think you'll find it worth your time.

Giant Magnet at the Seattle Center

Giant Magnet - Global Attractions Playing Locally is coming to the Seattle Center May 11-15th. The festival has an interesting lineup of performers from around the world including shows in theatre, puppetry, circus arts, music and dance. Looking at the lineup, I think there is something to interest everyone. My family is particularly interested in Jamie Adkins, who will be combining comedy and acrobatics in what looks like a great show geared towards those ages 3 and up. We also think Figurentheater Wilde & Vogel looks right up our alley but no babes in arms are permitted at this performance. These German puppeteers are among a very few with official rights to adapt the Hobbit, a novel that my older kids enjoyed when we read it last year. The Asia Here and Now looks quite good as well. We saw the Japanese Taiko drummers last year and they are just amazing! That's just the performances.

Your tickets also include quite an array of free activities, called Discovery Centers, for kids. There's kite making, puppet making, origami, button making, learning about the civil rights movement, student performances, hula hooping, and more. There's also face painting and a festival store if you have the budget available. It definitely looks well worth the time and cost of tickets!

Where else can you see and learn so much from all over the world. Find information and ticket sales at www.GiantMagnet.org.

Free Bowling All Summer

Do you like to bowl? What about your kids? How would you like to be able to bowl all summer for an extremely low price?

Participating bowling centers (more are still being added) all across the USA are offering a free bowling program this summer for kids 15 and under. You sign up at kidsbowlfree.com. Then between May 1st and August 30th, you'll receive weekly emails with coupons for two free games of bowling each and every day for each child you signed up. Shoe rental is not included but my local bowling alley only charges $2.50 per pair.

Then, if you want to bowl also, they have a summer program for the parents. For only $23.95, up to four adults per family can also enjoy two free games per day all summer long. That's an incredible deal! Again, shoes are not included.

From May 1st through this baby's due date, you can expect to find us at the bowling center very frequently. After that, Scott and the kids will still be found there for a few weeks until I can rejoin them. What a great way to spend the summer!

Hurry! The number of passes is limited at each bowling center!

Of course, we'll still be going to free movies, concerts, puppet shows, and the like.

Washington History Museum Free Day

For those of you who live locally, I have a great history opportunity for you.

On February 28, 2009 (next Saturday), the Washington State History Museum in downtown Tacoma is free all day. Park at the Tacoma Dome station for free and take the light rail (also free) a couple stops to the museum.

Free Parking.
Free Light Rail Ride.
Free Museum.

Can you get a better deal?

The occasion is the opening of the "Women's Votes, Women's Voices" Exhibit. The celebration begin at 11am and continue with activities for the kids (11:30-1:00), music, refreshments (12:00), a women's march through the museum (1:00) that ends in the auditorium with performance. Get more detailas at their website.

Our favorite part of the museum is the Great Hall of Washington History. There is also a difficult scavanger hunt you can ask for at the front desk. It'll take a while to complete so if you do it give yourself plenty of time and ask for help on the ones you can't find.

Winterfest at the Seattle Center

There is a ton of fun events going on all month long at the Seattle Center. There seems to be a little bit of everything. Depending on what day you go up there, you'll find just about any kind of music you can think of, cultural performances, dance, bonfires and storytelling, ice sculptures, ice skating, and tons more. Most of it is free, too.

Check out their calendar for details.

Tacoma Kids Weekly: Week of November 17, 2008

There's not a lot to report for this week....



Thursday, November 20, 2008
Don't forget to enjoy the Third Thursday Artwalk in downtown Tacoma today. The Tacoma Art Museum will be free all day. The Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, and other venues will be free in the evening.

Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Washington State History Museum is having an interesting Native American event today.

Learn about the traditions and way of life of the native people from the Pacific Northwest. There will be storytelling, art, performances, and artifacts. Everything is included for the price of admission which is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for children and free for those 5 and under or $25 per family.

Sunday, Novemeber 23, 2008
Talk along Spanaway Park's Christmas light display tonight from 5pm to 7pm before it becomes a drive thru only display in the coming week. Strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs are welcome. Dogs, scooters, bikes, and skates are not. Cost is only $4 or $12 per family. Ages 3 and under are free. Bring a flashlight.

Where did Tacoma Kids Weekly Go?

Occasionally, life gets so busy that things just slip by you. I'm sure you know what I mean. It wasn't until this afternoon that I realized I forgot to research and post Tacoma Kids Weekly.

Saturday was spent dropping Mika off at a friend's house 40 minutes away, taking Sammy to his taekwondo tournament, picking Mika up, and cooking a late dinner.

Sunday turned out to be insane. It started with mom getting frustrated with a child that said she didn't like a new pair of jeans as the reason she didn't want to wear them. This is a common excuse for not wearing new clothes that fit and preferring old jeans that are way, way too short. So, we had a fashion show.

I stood in the closet while the kids tried on literally every item of clothing that they owned that was clean and hanging in the closet. If it passed my inspection, it came back to me to put away. If not, it went to the goodwill or hand-me-down pile. Everything that was in the hamper will be tried on as it gets washed.

Then we had to hurry and get ready for church. We were visiting a friend's church. After church, I invited the same friends over for dinner without thinking. My house was a mess, the kitchen was covered in dirty dishes and I didn't have the ingredients for the meal I said I would prepare. I spent the next four and a half hours cleaning, washing dishes, cooking dinner from scratch, and making two chocolate cream pies. I finished enough cleaning and cooking in time and we enjoyed the company. By the time they left, it was 8:30pm.

Monday was spent washing dishes from the night before. Did you know that serving 10 people dinner and then dessert creates a LOT of dishes? I also did some of my grocery shopping, took Sammy to taekwondo, cooked a very simple dinner, finished my absentee ballot, and took off for my weekly Monday night group.

Tacoma Kids Weekly never even entered my mind.

So, if you ever notice it missing, it's not that I've stopped doing it. I'll let you know if I do. It's that life got in the way. If you miss it and are looking for something to do, drop me an email and I'll see if I can carve out some time to send you a few ideas.

Tacoma Kids Weekly: Week of 27, 2008

Hi, everyone! I have a treat for those of you who aren't local. I began writing at eHow recently and have been centering a majority of my first few articles on how to find free and local events in your area. This will be a great resource because I can't research events in every city. Though I wish I could.

I think everyone should be able to have as much fun as we do on a tight budget. We've spent about $40 on entertainment this month and we've enjoyed a wood-working clinic with the kids, a play, a trip to the zoo, and a day at the park. There were other free and very low cost things we could have done but we chose to stay home. We spent another $70 eating out three times. That's pretty good when you consider we were feeding five people. We used to spent almost that much on a single dinner out.

So, keep on eye on my eHow articles. I'm hoping to add new ones every day. An easy way to find my list of articles is to click that eHow button over on the right sidebar.

Now for the local list....

Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Henry Art Gallery is free today. Visit their website for directions and hours.

Friday, October 31, 2008
It's Halloween. You know what you do every year so go have fun. If you are looking for ideas, you can go trick or treating, visit a local church that's hosting a harvest party (there are many), hit the Tacoma Mall or South Hill Mall, or stay home.

Saturday, November 1, 2008
Home Depot is hosting their monthly kids clinic today. Stop by any Home Depot store between 9am and noon and help your kids make their very own leaf press. This clinic is free. All supplies, tools, and a Home Depot apron are included.

Visit Michaels between 10am and noon and let the kids complete a craft. This week's craft title is "Winter Wonderland". You can see it at their website. Sessions start every half hour and cost $5 per child (supplies included).

Try your hand at calligraphy at the Seattle Asian Art Museum from 11am to 2pm. Admission is free the first Saturday of the month for families with children under 12.

Sunday, November 2, 2008
Learn about El Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Day) at the Tacoma Art Museum. Today's free event includes traditional dance, food and music, a procession, and sugar skull decoration. The event takes place from 12pm to 6pm.

Tacoma Kids Weekly: Week of October 20, 2008

Halloween events are picking up this week. There are many to choose from; some are free, some low cost, and some are more than I care to spend. I've featured a few of the free or low cost ones here.

Various farms continue to offer fall festivals complete with corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and petting zoos. Plan ahead and choose which farms you visit carefully because you may find youself spending as much as $100 for your day at the pumpkin patch.

Thursday, October 23, 2008
The Puyallup City Library is having an event for toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents called Sing Into Reading at 10:30am. Learn about pre-reading skills in a special concert featuring Nancy Stewart. This event is free.

Friday, October 24, 2008
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum is holding an event called Bonfires, Beaver Pelts, and Bogeymen from 7pm to 9pm. Celebrate Halloween the old way with ghost stories around the bonfire. Nineteenth century music and storytellers will begin with gentler tales. After a break for cidar and cookies, the stories will get scarier. Dress for the weather. Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for children. This event is more than just a fun time, it is educational too. Kids will experience 19th century music, dress, and culture as they listen to stories told long ago.

The Bellevue Arts Museum is having a BAM-o-Ween, featuring Halloween crafts and activities, cultural performances, and a haunted auditorium, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This event is free. Costumes are encouraged.

If you've ever wanted to check out the KidsQuest Children's Museum in Bellevue, Friday nights from 5pm to 8pm is the time to do it. It's free.

Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Knack, Michaels kid's program, offers kids ages 5-12 a chance to explore their creativity through crafting. Each Saturday morning from 10am to 12pm kids (sessions begin every half hour) can make their own craft for $5 per child. All supplies are included. This Saturday participants will be making a mini scrapbook.

Bonfires, Beaver Pelts, and Bogeymen takes place again tonight. See Friday for details.

The University Place Fire Department is having a Fall Fun Day from 10am to 2pm. This free event includes free pumpkins to the first 300 children, pony rides, a petting farm, Halloween safety bracelets and bags, and more. Donations of nonperishable foods will be collected to help area families. Wear a costume (hopefully one that won't scare the kids) and enjoy the day.

If you missed the salmon run at Cedar River, you'll get another chance today. Volunteers will be available to answer questions at four different locations along the river.

Learn Who Goes Bump in the Night with the Tacoma Nature Center. Experience a guided night hike and visit with nocturnal creatures from the Pt. Definance Zoo. Tickets are $2. Please register for this event.

Tacoma Kids Weekly: Week of October 13, 2008

Recommended activity: It's salmon spawning time! Head out to the Cedar River this weekend to see them heading up river and learn more about their life cycle from volunteers on site to answer questions. See Saturday for more information.

Thursday, October 16, 2008
Head down south to the Olympia Family Theater for the Thrifty Thursday showing of The BFG. They did such a great job last year on James and the Giant Peach that I can't wait to see how they are going to portray everything in the book. The show starts at 7pm. Tickets go on sale just after 6pm and are first come, first serve for $5 each.

It's time for the Third Thursday Artwalk in Tacoma. Quite a few galleries and museums will be open free tonight. Tacoma Art Museum is free all day. Washington State History Museum is free in the evening, as is the Museum of Glass. Check out the website for a list of participating venues.

Friday, October 17, 2008
Kidsquest Children's Museum is free tonight from 5pm and 8pm.

The Willard Geer Planetarium at the Bellevue Community College is offering a tour of the solar system tonight. Shows are for ages 6 and up and take place at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. Tickets are $3.25.

Saturday, October 18, 2008
Lakewood Parks and Rec is having a trucks and tractor day at Ft. Steilacoom Park from 9am to 12pm. For $5, kids get to climb through the trucks and tractors, receive a hard hat, get a hay ride, and decorate a pumpkin.

Wing Luke Asian Museum in Seattle is free today. Their hours are 10am to 8pm.

See the salmon on their journey up the Cedar River in Renton. Volunteers will be available at four different sites to answer questions from 11am to 4pm. Follow the link for more information and directions to the sites. It is suggested that groups carpool due to limited parking.

Sunday, October 19, 2008
Volunteers will be available to answer questions as you view spawning salmon on the Cedar River. See Saturday for more details.

Tacoma Kids Weekly: Week of October 6, 2008

There's not a lot going on in the area. Here's a couple of other ideas for getting out of the house and a few events.

If you're getting cabin fever and need a change of scenary, consider letting the kids run, jump, and play at Odyssey 1. They have a large tunnel system, ball pits, large foam blocks, an arcade, and laser tag. It costs just $5.95 per child (adults free) for the play park and $1.95 for children under the age of 2. The under 2 crowd is free with paying older sibling. My kids love this play and are regularly asking me to take them there.

Check out a free play pass from any Tacoma or Pierce County Library and head over to the Tacoma Art Museum or Tacoma Children's Museum.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The South Hill Library is have a Be-Tween book discussion and movie for grades 4-6. The book and movie being discussed is James and the Giant Peach. The event is free and takes place from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.

Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Henry Art Gallery is fee today from 11am to 8pm.

Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Parkland/Spanaway Library will be showing the Spiderwick Chronicles at 2pm. All ages welcome.

The South Asian Performing Arts Festival begins at the Seattle Center this weekend. Music and dancing from the region is featured in the this free two day event.

Today is Children's Day at Huntamer Park in Lacey. This free family event features music, children's entertainers, bouncy rides, and crafts.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

The South Asian Performing Arts Festival continues. See Saturday for details.

Tacoma Kids Weekly: Week of September 29, 2008

The event pickings are dismal now that public schools are back in session. I'll continue to post events that I can find though. In addition, I'll post a weekly idea for places to visit anytime or seasonal activities.

SEASONAL
The Amazing Money Maze began September 5th and continues through the end of October at the Rutledge Corn Maze down south off of I5's exit 99. There are 1.2 and 1.8 mile corn mazes available. Your family goes through the maze, answering financial questions at six checkpoints before completing the maze. Participants are entered into daily and weekly prize drawings. This sounds like a fun and educational activity the whole family can do together. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for military/seniors/children, and free for those four and under. The farm also offers a pumpkin patch (October 4-November 2) and free horse-drawn hay rides to and from the pumpkin patch. Five percent of ticket sales goes towards funding financial education programs throughout Thurston County.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Summit Library (Pierce County Library System) is hosting a family program called "Superpin: A Visual Comedy" at 4pm. Toy inventor, Rick Hartman, incorporates science, history, art, and storytelling into his performance.

Friday, October 3, 2008
Tacoma Children's Museum is open free for all on the first Friday of the month. They have two brand new exhibits that opened earlier in the week. Soar Into Story is based on the book The Adventures of Raven and Coyote. Becka's Studio is getting an overhaul. Visit anytime and let the kids play. Even my 8 year old still enjoys an occasional trip to the Tacoma Children's Museum.

Saturday, October 4, 2008
It's time for Home Depot's Kids Clinic again. October's project is a fire truck whistle. You can see it by clicking on the link. Show up anytime between 9am and 12pm with your child. They provide all the supplies you need to build an easy wooden craft with the kids. I suggest bringing along needle-nosed pliers for holding little nails while they hammer. We like to bring our own hammer, multi-tip screw driver, and glue as well. The clinic is completely free.

Tacoma Kids Weekly: Week of September 22, 2008

Thursday, September 25, 2008

The Henry Art Gallery in Seattle is free from 11am to 8pm on Thursdays.

The Arboretum is having a special program called "Park in the Dark" from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. The event teaches about nocturnal animals and is designed for families with children ages 4-12. It's free, but you need to pre-register. See link (scroll down to second event listed) for details.

Friday, September 26, 2008
There's another chance to do Park in the Dark tonight at 6:30pm. See Thursday for details.

Saturday, September 27, 2008
There's another chance to do Park in the Dark tonight at 6:30pm. See Thursday for details.

It is National Public Lands Day. On this day, volunteers can help restore natural lands by planting trees, removing invasive species, and clear trash. There are locations all across Washington state. Pick a location and call ahead to get more information and let them know you are calling.

Join in on the Harvest Celebration Farm Tour in King County from 10am to 4:30pm. This free ($10 donation per car suggested) event allows you to talk to farmers, see where your food is grown, and visit with farm animals. Activities include family hay rides, corn mazes, and more. Check out their website for a tour guide and other information.

The Seattle Centerhouse is the location for an Italian Festival this weekend. Activities include Italian food, dancing, and music. There will be kid's activities like a pizza toss, marionettes, singalong, soccer shoot, face painting, and crafts.

Today is the Smithsonian's Museum Day. Visit their website to download a pass for free admission to participating museums. Each pass is good for you and one guest, limited to one pass per household. Several local museums are participating. See website for pass and list of participating museums.

Borders Books is having a kids party and your invited. There will be activities for three age groups: ages 0-5, 6-8, and 9-12. It's free! Stop by the kids section between 2pm and 4 pm to join the fun.

Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Italian festival continues today. See Saturday for details.

Tacoma Kids Weekly: Week of September 15, 2008

Tacoma Kids Weekly is back. Sorry for the long absence. First, let me provide some ideas for this weekend (since I didn't do a list last week) in case you are looking for something to do.

The first thing that you need to know about is that tomorrow is a free day at Pt. Definance Zoo for Tacoma City residence. All adults in the group need to show proof of residency using either a utility bill or photo ID.

If you are going to the Fair this weekend, make sure to stop by the Coca Cola Stage (in the center of the fairgrounds by the hobby hall) at 12:30pm, 2:15pm, or 5:30pm (today and tomorrow only) to catch the Coats in concert. The Coats are an awesome a capella group that's fun and family friendly. You can hear some samples at their website but their recorded music doesn't do their live shows any justice. We were planning on seeing them yesterday and tomorrow but I still can't be up and about that much.

Thursday, September 18, 2008
School may be back in session but the Tacoma Farmer's Market is still going strong. The market takes place between 9am and 2pm on Broadway between 9th and 11th streets. They will be showcasing Latino artists today. Family storytelling at 11am in the lobby of Theater in the Square with art displayed in the same location from 10am to 2pm. Music takes place on the mainstage in the Pierce Transit Park at noon.

It's also time for the Third Thursday Artwalk in Tacoma. The Tacoma Art Museum is free all day and other venues, including the Washington State History Museum, are free in the evening.

Friday, September 19, 2008
St. Demetrios Greek Festival is taking place up in Seattle Friday through Sunday. This Greek festival includes tours of the church, Greek food, Greek folk dancing, live Greek music, and Greek arts and crafts. Admission is free. This sounds like a great opportunity for anyone studying geography or Greek history (even though it isn't historical in nature, you get a taste of the culture and it can be a launch point for historical discussion).

Saturday, September 20, 2008
The Greek festival continues. See Friday.

The Seattle Fisherman's Festival takes place at fisherman's terminal in Seattle from 11am to 6pm. Admission is free. Activities include music, various competitions, ships, and model ships. Children's activities include miniture boat building, fish art, face painting, and an appearance by JP Patches.

Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Greek festival continues. See Friday.

Tacoma Kids Weekly: Week of August 11, 2008

Here's what I have this week.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Puyallup's Pioneer Park will be hosting another kid's event at noon. This week's entertainment is provided by Zig Zag, a juggling act. Immediately after the show, the wadding pool will be filled and opened. Of course, the playground is always available. Bring along a picnic lunch and swimsuits and make a day of it.

Regal Cinemas will be providing another round of free G and PG movies this week. Movies are shown Tuesday and Wednesday, are first come first serve, and begin at 10am. The line begins forming around 9am so be sure to get there early to ensure you get a seat. Our favorite local theater, Lakewood 15 on S. 84th, is showing Mr. Majorium's Wonder Emporium and Alvin and the Chipmunks. To check out what will be playing at your local theater, go to the Regal Cinemas website.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Regal Cinemas will show another round of this week's free family films. See Tuesday for details.

The Zambini Brothers will be putting on a puppet show at Tacoma's Downtown Main Library at 11am. I think it's going to be a great show.

McKinley Playfield will be hosting a Nature Discovery Night from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. These discovery nights feature frogs and frog activities.

Bradley Lake Park in Puyallup will be the location for a free country music concert featuring Jonathan Harris. The concert starts at 6:30pm. Bring chairs for comfortable seating.

Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Tacoma Farmer's Market takes place today from 9am to 2pm downtown on Broadway between S. 9th and S. 11th streets. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Joshua Cain Band. The Children's Museum is free during the market as well so drop in with the kids and let them play for a while.

Jaydeen Nation's Petting Zoo will be visiting two Tacoma Libraries today. See and pet her small group of animals at Wheelock Library at 11am and at Fern Hill Library at 3pm.

Visit Pioneer Park from 6:30 to 8:30pm for a free concert in the park. Tonight's entertainment will be provided by Geoffrey Castle and Darren Motamedy. Geoffrey Castle is an entertaining violinist and Darren Motamedy plays jazz. There are limited concessions available at the park as well.

Friday, August 15, 2008
Stewart Heights Pool is having a family night from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. This pool includes a zero depth entry, water slide, bubble pool, lazy river, a water play structure, and tumble buckets. Cost for this event is $5 for adults, $4 for kids, or $12 per family.

Saturday, August 16, 2008
McKinley Playfield will be the location for Tacoma's summer concert and movie in the park this week. Musical entertainment will be provided by Latigo Lace. Under the Same Moon will be the movie and will start at dusk. These concerts and movies in the park can really be a lot of fun for the kids. If it is at all chilly, bring some extra layers and blankets to cuddle up in.

Meanwhile, Puyallup will be showing its movie in the park at Bradley Lake. They will be showing High School Musical. Based on last year's experience, I strongly suggest you take along a flashlight and chairs to sit on. The flashlight is for the bathrooms; they didn't have lights and were pitch black once you closed the door. I don't know if they've remedied this problem since last year but it won't hurt to be prepared. The chairs would replace a blanket as geese have been a problem in this park in the past.

Tacoma Kids Weekly - Week of July 28, 2008

Here's what I have this week.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Bochinche will be performing at Pioneer Park in Puyallup at noon today. They are a latin music group. Their website includes some music clips if you would like a sample of what they offer. After enjoying the show, you can stick around to enjoy the park's other amenities: the playground, the wading pool, and a nice grassy area.

Regal Cinemas will be providing another round of free G and PG movies this week. Movies are shown Tuesday and Wednesday, are first come first serve, and begin at 10am. We went to our first free movie of this year last week and found a line already formed by 9:10am so be sure to get there early to ensure you get a seat. Our favorite local theater, Lakewood 15 on S. 84th, is showing Charlotte's Web and Waterhorse this week. To check out what will be playing at your local theater, go to the Regal Cinemas website.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Regal Cinemas will show another round of this week's free family films. See Tuesday for details.

There will be another Nature Discovery Night. This one is at Jefferson Park from 4:30 to 6:30pm. The theme is frogs, frogs, and more frogs. Learn about them and do frog based activities.

Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Tacoma Farmer's Market takes place today from 9am to 2pm downtown on Broadway between S. 9th and S. 11th streets. Musical entertainment will be provided by SOTA (School of the Arts?). The Children's Museum is free during the market as well so drop in with the kids and let them play for a while.

The Wild Worker Bugs presentation will be taking place again; this time it will be at Fern Hill Library at 3pm.

Visit Pioneer Park from 6:30 to 8:30pm for a free concert in the park. Tonight's entertainment will be provided by Spazmatics, an 80's band, and Magic Bus, playing classic Rock. There are limited concessions available at the park as well.

Friday, August 1, 2008
First Fridays are always free days at the Children's Museum of Tacoma. Stop on by anytime during regular business hours.

Wild Work Bugs will be featured at the Swasey Library at 3pm.

Stewart Heights Pool is having a family night from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. This pool includes a zero depth entry, water slide, bubble pool, lazy river, a water play structure, and tumble buckets. Cost for this event is $5 for adults, $4 for kids, or $12 per family.

Saturday, August 2, 2008
The first Saturday of the month means it is time to stop by any Home Depot between 9am and noon with the kids for their kids woodworking program. This month's kit is a flag holder.

Funny magician Jeff Evans will be performing at the Moore Library at 11am. If you and your kids haven't seen him yet, you'll love him. He's great at adding plenty of humor that the kids will enjoy immensely. He infuses his shows with plenty of references to books and characters they are sure to know as well.

The Center at Norpoint will be the location for Tacoma's summer concert and movie in the park this week. Musical entertainment will be provided by Maia Santell and House Blend. Casablanca will be the movie and will start at dusk. These concerts and movies in the park can really be a lot of fun for the kids. If it is at all chilly, bring some extra layers and blankets to cuddle up in.

Meanwhile, Puyallup will be showing its movie in the park at Bradley Lake. They will be showing Surf's Up. Based on last year's experience, I strongly suggest you take along a flashlight and chairs to sit on. The flashlight is for the bathrooms; they didn't have lights and were pitch black once you closed the door. I don't know if they've remedied this problem since last year but it won't hurt to be prepared. The chairs would replace a blanket as geese have been a problem in this park in the past.

Tacoma Kids Weekly: Week of July 21, 2008

I tried to log on and get this done over the weekend. I did. Really. I just couldn't manage it. My husband was gone for a family emergency and I was home along with three kids while dealing with fatigue and nausea. Plus, I had/have a gazillion things to do. It isn't a good combination. I could barely manage to log on to see if there were any urgent emails to deal with, let alone post. So, I'm finally online. Here's what I have this week.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Breaking Point Dance will be performing at Pioneer Park in Puyallup at noon today. After enjoying this hip hop dance group, you can stick around to enjoy the park's other amenities: the playground, the wading pool, and a nice grassy area.

Regal Cinemas will be providing another round of free G and PG movies this week. Movies are shown Tuesday and Wednesday, are first come first serve, and begin at 10am. We went to our first free movie of this year last week and found a line already formed by 9:10am so be sure to get there early to ensure you get a seat. Our favorite local theater, Lakewood 15 on S. 84th, will be showing Mr. Bean's Vacation and Nancy Drew this week. To check out what will be playing at your local theater, go to the Regal Cinemas website.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Regal Cinemas will show another round of this week's free family films. See Tuesday for details.

The Valentine's Performing Pigs will be performing at the Tacoma Main Library at 3pm. These wonder pigs have been featured on numerous TV shows including the Late Show and Oprah. Check them out.

The Clay Martin Puppet theater will be doing a show at South Tacoma Library at 3pm. This is the last Tacoma library system show for the summer so if you really want to catch them, today is the day.

There will be another Nature Discovery Night. This one is at South Park from 4:30 to 6:30pm. The theme is frogs, frogs, and more frogs. Learn about them and do frog based activities.

Bradley Lake Park will be the location for a free country concert by Big Time Trouble. The concert starts at 6:30pm. Bradley Lake Park also features a nice playground, room to run, and a fishing lake. Based on my experience last year, I suggest taking lawn chairs instead of a blanket for sitting on the grass due to geese droppings on the grass.

Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Tacoma Farmer's Market takes place today from 9am to 2pm downtown on Broadway between S. 9th and S. 11th streets. Musical entertainment will be provided by SOTA (School of the Arts?). The Children's Museum is free during the market as well so drop in with the kids and let them play for a while.

Visit Pioneer Park from 6:30 to 8:30pm for a free concert in the park. Tonight's entertainment will be provided by Dead Edsels (music from the 1950's and 1960's) and Danny Vernon (Elvis impersonator). There are limited concessions available at the park as well.

Friday, July 25, 2008
Fort Nisqually in Pt. Defiance Park is having a Family Fun Night from 6pm to 9pm. Bring a picnic supper and step back in time with games, music, and dancing from the mid-1800's. There will be firings of the candy cannon and lemonade and ice cream will be available while supplies last. There is a small cost involved of $4 per adult, $3 per teen, and $2 per child aged 5-12 or $12 per family.

Nancy Stewart will be visiting the Motett Library at 11am. Bring the kids for a fun concert just for them and pick up some more books for the summer reading program.

The Tacoma Parks Department is putting on a carnival from 5pm to 8pm at Jefferson Park. Their website indicates that there will be carnival games, inflatables, pony rides, entertainment, and hands-on activities but does not indicate if or what cost is involved.

Stewart Heights Pool is having a family night from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. This pool includes a zero depth entry, water slide, bubble pool, lazy river, a water play structure, and tumble buckets. Cost for this event is $5 for adults, $4 for kids, or $12 per family.

Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Ethnic Fest takes place this weekend at Wright Park from 12pm to 7pm. There will be entertainment, crafts, and special kids events.

You get another chance to see Valentines Pits today. They'll be performing at the Moore Library at 11am.

Wright Park on 6th will be the location for Tacoma's first summer concert and movie in the park. Musical entertainment will be provided by Rumba Kings. Freedom Writers will be the movie and will start at dusk. These concerts and movies in the park can really be a lot of fun for the kids. If it is at all chilly, bring some extra layers and blankets to cuddle up in.

Meanwhile, Puyallup will be showing its movie in the park at Bradley Lake. They will be showing Waterhorse, which is a cute movie. Based on last year's experience, I strongly suggest you take along a flashlight and chairs to sit on. The flashlight is for the bathrooms; they didn't have lights and were pitch black once you closed the door. I don't know if they've remedied this problem since last year but it won't hurt to be prepared. The chairs would replace a blanket as geese have been a problem in this park in the past.

Sunday, July 27, 2008
Ethnic Fest continues in Wright Park. See Saturday for details.

Tacoma Kids Weekly: Week of July 14, 2008

I'm late posting this week's activities. I'm sorry. I've been battling a cold and pregnancy symptoms and they are slowing me down. I wonder why. LOL Here's this week's list:

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Hot Shot Tap Dancers will be performing for the kids at Pioneer Park in Puyallup. The show begins at noon but I'd advise getting there early to find a spot among the day campers. There's a playground and wading pool at the park also. When we go, we like to pack a picnic so we can stay awhile. My kids like playing at the playground before the concert and hitting the wading pool as soon as they fill it after the concert.

Regal Cinemas continues with the Free Family Film Festival today and tomorrow. You can visit Regal Cinemas' website for a list was what is playing at your local theater. The Lakewood 15 at S. 84th Street will be showing The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While the show begins at 10am, I advise getting there no later than 9:15am to get in line. Seating is first come, first serve and with day campers arriving by the busload, late arrival may mean you don't get your movie of choice or any movie at all.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The Point Defiance Zoo will be bringing their Wild Worker Bugs program to the Tacoma Main Library at 11am as part of the summer reading program. Stop by for the show, report your reading, and get some new books to read. If you haven't signed up for the reading program, there's still time. You have until August 16th to read and report 10 books to qualify for two free zoo tickets (1 for the child and 1 for the parent) for Library Day on August 23rd. The Recess Monkeys will be performing for us that day.

Pt. Defiance Zoo and the Tacoma Nature Center will be putting on another Nature Discovery Night. If you like frogs, learning about frogs, and doing frog activities, this is the event for you. It will take place at Manitou Park from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.


Thursday, July 17, 2008
It's Tacoma Farmer's Market day. The market is located downtown on Broadway between 9th and 1th streets. Park at the Tacoma Dome for free and take the light rail to the market for free. Today's entertainment is the Joshua Cain Band. Don't forget to stop by the Tacoma Children's Museum as it is free during market days.

You can see the Valentine Performing Pigs at the Wheelock Library at 11am. These pigs have appeared on The Late Show with Dave Letterman, Oprah, and The Today Show among others. And we get to see them for free.

If you prefer bugs to pigs, the Wild Worker Bugs program will be at the Moore library at 11am.

You could also chose to see the Clay Martin Puppet Theater at Fernhill Library at 3pm. This will be the only Tacoma Library showing of this particular puppet show by Clay Martin. If you can't catch this show, you'll still have one other chance to see the Clay Marting Puppet Theater at the South Tacoma Library on July 23rd at 3pm but it will be a different show.

Puyallup's Concert in the Park series continues this week at Pioneer Park. Tonight's groups will be Dynamik and Alex Duncan. These concerts are very popular drawing well over a thousand people. Concert starts at 6:30pm and go to 8:30pm. There are a few concessions available in the park or you can bring along a picnic dinner.

Friday, July 18, 2008
It is City of Tacoma Night at Wright Park tonight from 5pm-8pm. The event will feature "green recycling games", the EnviroChallanger, fire engines, and police cars.

The Zambini Brothers will be bringing their puppets to Swasey Library at 3pm. They have the coolest puppets.

You get another chance to take the kids to Wild Worker Bugs today at the Mottet Library at 11am.

The Seafair Indian Days Pow Wow begins today and runs through the weekend. It is held at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center at Discovery Park. It averages 400-600 dancers in full regalia, 25 drum groups, and more than 60 vendors featuring Native Indian arts and crafts. If you have studied or will be studying Native Americans this year, this would be a great event to enhance your studies. Their website does not indicate if there is an admission fee or not but there is a phone number listed that you can call for more information if needed.

Saturday, July 19, 2008
Seafair Indian Days Pow Wow continues. See Friday for details.

Jaydeen Nation's Petting Zoo will be visiting Kobetich Library at 3pm. This little traveling zoo featured about a dozen animals last year. The kids enjoyed petting the animals for about half an hour before we headed inside to report our reading progress and check out some more books.

Puyallup's free movies in the park kicks off today with Shrek 3. The movie is projected onto a giant inflatable movie screen beginning at dusk. Concessions are available for purchase. Based on last year's experience, I recommend bringing a flashlight, camping chairs, and blankets. The flashlight is so you can see in the bathroom after dark; there were no lights in the bathroom last year so it was pitch (and I mean PITCH) black in the bathroms. The chairs are a must because geese are a problem at this park, or they were last year, and their droppings are all over the grass. The blankets are for cuddling up with.

Sunday, July 20, 2008
Seafair Indian Days Pow Wow continues. See Friday for details.

Tacoma Kids Weekly - Week of July 7, 2008

Is the weekend over already? I guess I should get moving on this post since it is my goal to post it each weekend and the weekend will soon be is over. I hope you enjoyed the weekend as much as we did. Friday, the 4th, my guys went to Tall Ships for a little while and then saw The Hulk movie. They said it was full of action, somewhat scary (especially for my 6 year old), and totally awesome. Saturday it was the girls' turn. Mika and I spent the day at the Celebrate the Horse Festival. Today, we were up early for church and then visited Owens Beach (post coming soon) with some friends for several hours. It's been a long, fun weekend. The coming week has one must do event for us Thursday evening, The Coats concert in the park. We can't wait.

Monday, July 7, 2008
The Puyallup wading pools open for the season today. There are two of them, both located on Meridian in downtown Puyallup. Our favorite is Pioneer Park. The wading pool is a shallow circle suitable for even young toddlers to play in (with supervision of course). Nearby is a nice playground, also located inside a circle, oddly enough. The park also has a nice grassy area for playing and picnicking and clean restrooms. The other park, Grayland Park, is located a few blocks north of Pioneer Park. The rectangular wading pool is somewhat larger but located just a dozen or so feet from the parking lot so watch the young ones closely. The park also has playground equipment and swings, a small grassy area, and bathrooms Whichever park you chose, you'll find a good place to cool off on hot days. Times vary depending on the day and park. Check out their pdf filer for times.

Today is the last day to check out the Tall Ships before they head out of town.


Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Puyallup's noon time children's concert takes place in Pioneer Park at noon. The Rock A Roos will be providing musical entertainment. While I don't know anything about the Rock A Roos (nor can I finding anything about them online), I can tell you that this children's series can be a lot of fun for the kids. We like to take a picnic lunch with us and arrive early. The day campers show up for the concerts so there are plenty of kids to play with. In fact, there are so many kids, I recommend closer supervision of your children for safety reasons (the playground equipment is often over capacity). After the concert, the wading pool opens. If the weather is nice, we usually stay a few hours to enjoy everything.

Regal Cinemas has two more free kids' movies today. Every participating theater shows the same movies (in general) but on different weeks so you'll need to check their website for what's playing at your theater. Here in Tacoma, the closest is Lakewood 15 on S. 84th which is showing Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie and The Bee Movie this week. Movies start at 10am and are first come first serve so arrive early.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008
If you have a frog lover in the family, head over to Franklin Park at 4:30 for a Nature Discovery Night. Pt. Defiance Zoo staff, together with The Nature Center staff, will be hosting an event with frogs, education about frogs, and frog activities. While there, you can enjoy the playground equipment and/or wading pool. The pool is open from 1-4pm and again from 4:30-6:50pm so if the weather is nice, you could make a day of it by bring a picnic dinner and swimsuits. Tacoma wading pools run from about one foot deep along the sides to about 3-4 feet deep in the center so you'll want to watch your non-swimmers closely.

Thursday, July 10, 2008
It's market day in downtown Tacoma. Visit the Tacoma Farmers Market between 9am and 2pm to pick up fresh flowers and produce, enjoy musical entertainment by Matt Sircely, and visit the Tacoma Children's Museum for free. Park at the Tacoma Dome Station for free and take a free ride on the light rail over to the market for easy access.

This week's must do event is The Coats concert at Pioneer Park. The concert starts at 6:30pm with Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto followed by the oh-so-fun a Capella group, The Coats. The Coats are good at what they do and so much fun to watch live. You can visit their website to listen to clips of their music but it just doesn't do the concerts any justice. Besides sing, they banter with each other and the audience. Audience participation is guaranteed at some point of the show. Unless you are a complete scrooge (yes, I know one), you'll find clean family fun suitable for all ages that will keep you smiling and laughing for the whole show. This concert draws well over a thousand people so arrive early to get a good spot on the grass.

The Kent Cornucopia Days begins today and runs through the 13th. This large festival features a street fair with over 600 vendors, children's activities, a carnival, dragon boat races, and much more. This sounds like it would be worth the short drive north sometime this weekend. Just save today for the Coats concert.

Friday, July 11, 2008
The Puyallup Public Library is having a "Buggy about Books" event at 3pm with Mad Science of Pierce County. This looks like it could be a lot of fun, especially for those kids who love science.

The Kent Cornucopia Days continues today. See Thursday for details.

Saturday, July 12, 2008
The weather forecast is for warm, sunny weather which is just perfect for catching a free movie in the park. The Bee Movie will be showing at Skansie Brothers Park at 9pm. Bring blankets and/or lawn chairs and enjoy the show. Having been to several movies in the park over the years, the blankets are a must as it can sometimes get chilly after the sun sets. Despite the sometimes cool weather, watching a movie in the park can be a lot of fun. The kids love the novelty of it all. We like coming early with a picnic dinner. We eat, play, and enjoy the show.

The Kent Cornucopia Days continues. See Thursday for details.

Sunday, July 13, 2008
Art on the Ave takes place today from 11am to 6pm on 6th Ave. between Cedar and Trafton Streets. This festival features live music, art vendors, and children's activities.

The Kent Cornucopia Days continues. See Thursday for details.

Celebrate the Horse

I missed this event on my Tacoma Kids Weekly post last week because I thought it was next weekend. Well, it's not. It's tomorrow and Sunday, July 5th and 6th. If you have a horse lover in your family, it sounds like a great event. Here's their websites description:

Celebrate the Horse is the Pacific Northwest’s only horse festival to focus on
entertaining and educating the general public. It’s the mission of Celebrate the
Horse to help people learn about the wonderful world of horses, its breeds, its
disciplines and its sports in an atmosphere of celebration and
education.

This year’s event is on July 5th and 6th--- a great way to kick
off summer for the entire family. And all net proceeds benefit People Helping
Horses, a nonprofit focused on rescue, rehabilitation and public
education.

Celebrate the Horse is not an industry trade show--- it’s better
yet--- and you’ll find the best in the horse business ready and available to
help you learn, and answer your questions.

See you there!