Picnic or Family Reunion Fun

I remember those great games we used to play in gym that took all 20 kids to participate in. If you remember a track and field day if activities, then you'll remember these.

At Pierce County Parks and Rec department, you can rent: the great big parachute, volleyball, kickball or tug-of-war rope (in the picnic pack) for a reasonable price.

So, if you plan on having a large shindig, like a family BBQ or reunion, check this out!

Pierce County Parks Game Bags

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Cheap Summer Movies $1

Regal Cinemas has a killer deal. If you like going to movies, but hate the high cost if tickets, Regal Cinemas has a deal for you.

During their 9 week summer movie express festival, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am, for $1, you can d watch previously run movies. Proceeds also benefit a charity.

Scheduled movies include Yogi Bear and the Legends Owl movie.

www.regmovies.com and click on Summer Movie Express.

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Free Entrance to Museums

For those of you with an active duty service member in the family, several museums in Tacoma and Seattle are offering free entrance.

These include various Childrens museums, the Museum of Flight, and the Glass Museum. The Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport caught my eye, as my boys love everything to do with the ocean.

Go and explore this summer, the.deal is only good until Labor Day.

http://www.arts.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index2011.php

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Memorial Day Weekend!!!

With a ton of really cool things to do, here is a quick list of the events Ive featured this week.  (You can see the details by clicking on the title at the right):

• Gig Harbor Street Scramble
• Tacoma Jazz and Blues Festival
• Point Defiance Outdoor Challenge
• Mary Poppins at the Paramount in Seattle
• Seattle Folklife Festival
• Washington State Discovery Pass for outdoor fun
The Ski to Sea festival in Bellingham

Enjoy your time off everyone!

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Ski to Sea Festival

In Bellingham this weekend there is a festival where people make their way from Mt. Baker to Bellingham Bay.  At the festival, there are many events surrounding the race.  A team consists of 8 racers (2 in the canoe leg) for 7 race legs: cross-country ski, downhill ski, running, road bike, canoe, mountain bike, kayak. How cool is that? 

While it is too late to join and make new teams, you can experience the live bands, carnival, used book sale and Luau.  This is an all ages event (though the beer garden is 21 and over, of course).  The Carnival starts on Monday May 25th through May 29th, from 11am through 11pm at the Bellis Faire Sears parking lot. 

Antique Auto Restorers on May 29th from 10-4pm at Boulevard Park on the Water in Bellingham.

Fairhaven Festival on May 29th from 10-8pm in the Fairhaven District

See below for details of all these fun events!
http://www.skitosea.com/content/events/events.asp

Mary Poppins, The Musical

Of course Mary Poppins is a musical. The movie was a musical. But, what a musical. This was one of my favorite shows as a child. The cheap seats are only $21.50, per person. Pretty decent for a musical at the Paramount Theater. Starting tomorrow night through May 29th. Check www.stgpresents.org for details.

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$20 for GREAT WOLF LODGE!

Great Wolf Lodge is holding its 2nd annual Big Brothers/Sisters fundraiser. As part of the fundraiser, they will donate money for every person who slides down a particular slide. No need to stay overnight for this one.

JUST $20 BUYS A PASS FOR THE EVENING OF JUNE 11th! On June 11th, with a pre-purchased pass, you can play the night away from 9:30 till midnight. See details below.

Get your passes while they last! We have a limited quantity! - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington

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Seattle Folklife Festival

This weekend is a 3-day weekend for most.  Hoorah Hoorah.  I am personally looking forward to it.  For those of you who might be interested up north, Seattle is having a Folklife Festival at the Seattle Center this weekend.  The festival lasts from approximately 11am to 9pm Friday - Monday the 30th.  Looks like there are several musical groups, storytellers, workshops and panels.  Check out the schedule here:  http://nwfolklifefestival2011.sched.org/  Find something that makes your weekend a little bit more fun. 

Crabs and other good eats

This is for my friends who love to eat crab. Crab season starts on July 1st. Yummy! For those of you who love to eat crab, but want fresh seafood without the high cost, then you can try catching your own.

While there are always investments when starting up a new adventure in gear etc., Cabelas is offering you a class all about pots, baiting, and placement. Before you buy, consider looking on places like craigslist before purchasing everything brand-new.

Sat. May 29th, at 1 pm, at the.Cabelas in Lacey. 1600 Gateway Blvd NE Lacey. 360-252-3500

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Volkssport (aka a guided walk)

Capitol Volkssport Club will walk through Old Town Tacoma on Thurs. May 26th, starting at 10am, in front of the Spar Coffee Bar. (2123 N 30th st) Volksmarching can be a ton of fun as you take a guided walk through Old Town. Volksmarching events are typically free and open to anyone. You only have to join the club if you are interested in collecting the stamps for the walk.

Check out www.capitol-volkssport club.org for more information.

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Family Camping

I don't know if its been all the sunshine around here, but I suddenly can't wait for all the adventures of high summer. One of those adventures from my.own youth is camping.

If the thought of taking the whole family camping is daunting, then the Tacoma Mountaineers Clubhouse has just the thing. On Wed. May 25th, from 6-9 pm, they have a free meeting to talk about camping gear and other tips. Located at 2302 N 30th ST., Tacoma, contact Kathleen Brammer at brammerka@comcast.net or 253-896-4849

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Discovery Pass

This was just released by the Washington State Parks Dept. Their annual pass to use state parks in WA is only $30. You can also buy a.$10 daily pass. Consider the number of times you might be visiting parks this summer to go camping or visit the ocean. Day hikes are great fun and exercise for the whole family.

On this website you can see the various parks and situations this applies to. So, go out and have fun!

Washington State Discover Pass

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Tacoma Jazz and Blues Festival

On Saturday, May 28th, at various locations throughout Tacoma, bands are playing in various venues.  While some are for 21 and older only, Freighthouse Square will host the Big Band stage from 12:30-4:30.  Freighthouse Square is a fun outing of itself, with the various shops and the great food court, but its nice to expose the kids to great music too.  All the music is FREE and you can enjoy several different bands.  I plan to bring my young ones so I can watch them dance to the rythms and enjoy the music. 

http://tacomajazzandblues.org/index.html

Point Defiance Outdoor Challenge

This is a great event.  Part scavenger hunt and part adventure race.  The Outdoor Challenge is on May 28th and starts with a check in at 10am.  This is a bit more expensive than some of my other events, at $40 per team.  The event is also more geared toward the children 5 and older (1 team member must be over 18) and to reach the "finish line" teams must reach 100 points by finishing various 'tasks'. 

This event is a great way to build cooperation between family members, you get to choose from a list of events to reach the 100point mark.  Dress you team for sucess in matching outfits or costumes (prize given for the best costumes) and let the fun begin! 

http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=1126

Gig Harbor Street Scramble

For our friends on the other side of the bridge, there is a really cool scavenger hunt in Gig Harbor on Sat. May 28th,  starting at 10am.  The cost of the scavenger hunt is FREE and it takes you to 30 different locations.  Learn more about your town, spend time with your kids riding your bicycles around town, and hope for warm weather!  Meet at Skansie Brothers Park, 3207 Harborview Drive

http://www.gigharborguide.com/

Childrens Museum on Birds

The Cat in the Hat knows a lot about that is the theme at the Children's Museum of Tacoma on Sunday, May 22nd, from 3-6 pm. Based on the popular TV series, children will watch a short video on birds, learn about bird environment, and build bird feeders.

The Cat will not actually make an appearance, but the bird feeders are FREE with paid entrance. You should pre-register for this event. (See link below)

Remember, the Childrens Museum also charge adults for admission. So, calculate accordingly if you are going.

http://www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org/events.php?sid=129

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Seattle Summer Streets

Seattle is at it again. They are sponsoring pedestrian days in various neighborhoods. Walk the neighborhood, support local business and visit an art walk, farmers market or parade. Ballard on May 20 and May 22nd at Alki.

Check out the link below for specifics.

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5K Run

In Seattle this Sunday May 22, starting at 9am is a 5K run. The Big Backyard Run benefits King County parks and recreation programs. The cost is only $30 if you register before the day of the event. You can even walk with your dog.

Big Backyard 5K 2011, May 22rd, Marymoor Park

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Seattle Art Museum

Hey everyone, I know its late notice, but the Seattle Art Museum is FREE today!

Tweet from TweetCaster

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Lacey Spring Fun Fair

Everyone loves a fair. This weekend we are supposed to have beautiful weather on Sat. May 21st. Lacey is having their Spring Fair. Starting at 10am on Sat and 11am on Sun, at St. Martins University, the fair promises to be a lot of fun.

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One last clam dig

The State of Washington just announced one last clam dig. For those of you who like to eat clams, yum! For those of you who like to dig in the dirt, hooray!

The dig will begin at Twin Harbors Beach, where morning clam digging will be allowed May 18-22. Mocrocks Beach will be open for digging May 20-22, and Long Beach will be open May 21-22.

The News Tribune : Washington's last razor clam dig of season opens Wednesday

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Green Festival

While I normally blog about fun events around town, this event does double duty. This weekend, May 21st and 22nd at Qwest field in Seattle from 11-6pm, has a series of speakers and vendors to demonstrate and learn about a variety of green products and how to make your life more green.

Like Kermit always said, "It isnt easy being green." But, if we used more re-usable products, we might have some fun and save money too. At the festival, you will meet master gardeners and builders who specialize in green, sustainable products.

May 16: King County offers everyday ‘green’ tips at annual Green Festival, May 21-22, in Seattle

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Foulweather Bluff Preserve

Another Kitsap County gem.  While the name says Foulweather, this is a perfect local get-away for this weekend.  It is supposed to get almost to 70 degrees May 21st and may 22nd and this is a 2.8mile walk to a great nature preserve and beach.  From the parking area, you walk through a marsh that offers a wide variety of flora and fauna.  Check out the website or library for a guidebook and learn about some of the native plants and perhaps some animals you might see there.  Enjoy your weekend and the sun. 

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/washington/placesweprotect/index.htm

Puppet Museum

In Bremerton, at 257 4th Street, the Evergreens Childrens Theater gives puppet shows and runs the Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum.  At the puppet museum, open Wed. through Saturdays 11-4pm, the museum has puppets from all over the world and has a hands-on childrens area.  Occasionally, they also have shows and workshops for young children.  Tickets usually run about $7, so if your from the Bremerton area, its pretty reasonable.  From their website it appears they take reservations for group tours or for private group workshops, e.g. Puppet Making etc. 

This all looks really neat.  If only I could trust my 4 year olds not to tangle the strings beyond repair.  Maybe I should wait until they can successfully tie/un-tie their shoes. 

http://ectandpuppets.com/

Events for today

Wondering what to do on a rainy day? The following link will lead you to events in Tacoma and Gig Harbor. Dancing, nature walks, and a vet demonstration. Dont dispair if you can't make it to the event today. Some of these events are ongoing. Check out the links and websites for each event.

What to do today? Take in a concert, walk along trails, go dancing | NEWS UPDATES - The News Tribune

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Surfing Fun!

This werkend there is a surfing competition in Westport. I have never been surfing, and typically, the water is too cold to soak my tootsies. But, this is an awesome oppprtunity to see professional surfers and maybe get the kids involved in a workshop while you jam to live music. Sounds like a blast!

Surfers hang-ten in Westport this weekend - Seattle News - MyNorthwest.com

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University District Street Fair

The UDistrict is a great neighborhood.  Lots of smaller shops and the University of Washington.  On May 21st and 22nd from 10-6pm, the neiborhood and vendors are getting together for the 42nd Annual Street Fair.  With a total of 364 booths, of which 52 are for food, there will be plenty to see and do!  http://udistrictchamber.org/StreetFair/2011VendorsCat.html

Parking is limited in this area, and be prepared to walk a lot.  But, you can also get there by bus.  See http://udistrictchamber.org/StreetFair/GettingHere.html for where to park and how to get there. 

Giant Magnet Childrens Festival

In Seattle tomorrow, May 14th, there is a hughe Childrens Festival Happening.  I read about this in the TNT, and have tried all the links for the various websites, but the only one I can get to work is:  http://www.seattlecenter.com/events/event_detail.asp?ca_calnum=381221.  This is the Seattle Center website for the event.  From 9:30 until 2:30pm, the festival has several musical groups performing that, according to the Seattle Times (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thearts/2015035201_magnet13.html?prmid=head_more) inspire and wow its audience members. 

Ticket prices are fairly cheap, only $7 per child and $10 per parent.  (Parking not included)  But your teenagers (13-19) can order tickets online for $5 on the day of the show.  The Chinese group from Guangdong, show a type of puppetry not often seen in America.  So, this is a a rare treat!  Go out and explore and have some fun!

Dragon Boats

Dragon Boat races are a bunch of fun.  The drama and the rythm of the drum and the people calling out the strokes, and lets faces, watching to see who wins is pretty cool too.  This weekend at Thea Foss Waterway in downtown Tacoma, the Washington Dragon Boat Association is hosting its 2011 Rainier Dragon Boat Festival tomorrow on May 14th.  Between 9am-4pm.

From their website, there will be food vendors and displays as well as the races.  There is a shuttle from Frieghthouse Square in downtown, as there is limited parking the Thea Foss. See http://www.washingtondragonboat.org/events/2011-rainier-dragon-boat-festival.html for more details. 

Also, while at the Thea Foss, consider stopping by the Foss Waterway Seaport Musuem 705 Dock Street.  This is a sailing museum full of great pictures and history of the Thea Foss waterway.  Unless the museum opens early for the Dragon Boat races, it opens at 12pm on Saturdays and entrance is only $3.  http://www.maritimeheritage.net/attractions/attraction_select.asp?id=87

Julias Gultch

In NE Tacoma, Julias Gultch is having a work party. They are beautifying the park and getting rid of blackberry bushes. What a wonderful volunteer opportunity!

Make it a day with the family. Let the youngsters pitch in and they will have such a sense of accomplishment. Tomorrow, Sat May 14th from 9am till 12pm.

Events - Coming up

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Play in Peace

Many of among us want to be famous, like Kim Kardashian or Kendra (from girls next door). However, a little girl named Zina Linnik became famous in a way that no one should. Recently, her death, a horrible and excusable crime has been in the news. While this is not a political blog, let me just state that, in my opinion, people who harm children are evil. To combat the bad memories and restore a sense of community in the area where Zina lived, The Metro Parks Foundation has created the Zina Linnik Project. (The project can be found here: http:// www.metroparksfoundation.org/zina-linnik-project)

At the end of this project, on Friday May 20th, Metro Parks is sponsoring a community walk and celebration of the changes/improvements made to both Wright Park off 6th Ave and McCarver Parks. At noon on Friday, festivities begin in Wright Park and at 1pm there is a Community Walk from Wright Park to MacCarver Park.

I know this is a Friday afternoon, and many of you probably have to work. I do too. But if you have the time, take the time. Take the time to honor what a community is doing to reclaim its neighborhood from evil and honor the memory of a very special little girl. http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/ news.php?id=196

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Kitchen and Bath home tour

In tye north-end, around Seattle, Bellevue, Lynnwood and Everett, there is an amazing Home and Bath tour this weekend. If your love HGTV like I do, then prepare tour be wow'd! Tickets are $ 15 presale, and $ 20 at then door. A little more expensive than I typically like. But, if then real thing is anything like then pictures at the link below, it might be worth it.


Great Kitchen & Bath Tour - Defining Northwest Style - May 14 & 15

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Interesting Museum

For those of you who like interesting and unusual museums, this is for you.  The White River Valley Museum in  Auburn, WA has a Womens History exhibit: Women's History, Cultural Ideals Revealed Through Evolution of Swimsuits.  The name of the exhibit is technically: "Yellow Polka Dot Bikinis and Tummy Crunches: A Century of Female Bodies and Swimsuits".  I LOVE history and it salways interesting to me to see the styles of my predecessors.  Looking and (I admit), making fun, of my mothers haristyle and dress when she was my age is great fun.  But generations before that always facinates me.  To see where we have been, to where we are now.  I mean, women of the 20's never would have contrived to think of a thong bikini!  As our styles have gotten more liberal, so have our attitudes on Womens rights.  I think this would be a fun outing.  And, I hope you enjoy!  http://www.wrvmuseum.org/information.htm

The exhibit opened on May 4th and runs through July 31st.  Admission is only $2 for Adults and $1 for Children and Seniors. 

The Museum is located at
918 H Street SE
Auburn Commuity Campus
Auburn WA 98002
(behind Auburn Library in Les Grove Park

Free Sounder Train Event

Sound Transit is.having a small event around their Sounder Train line at Freighthouse Square I'm Tacoma on May 14th and 15th from 11:30-1:30.

My kids love trains. There is something almost romantic about them. Trains, as a mode of.transportation are nostalgic for me. When I was in high school, my.dad was stationed in Germany. It was great, being able to travel freely.amongst different towns and even countries on the train. It was more economical and quicker than driving with the added bonus that.I wouldn't get lost. Ha ha.

Now I have children who love trains. So, you will see plenty of posts about them here. At this event, you can tour a Sounder train, play games, win prizes, and listen to live music. While there, I highly recommend the Greek and Vietnamese (Wendy's) food places in the Freighthouse Square food court. The Greek salad dressing can't be.beat, and their fallafela take me back to Spain...the Vietnamese food is always fresh made and super yummy too.

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Thursday Downtown Tacoma Market

The Thursday Farmers Market in Downtown Tacoma is back on!  Every Thursday, on Broadway between S 9th and 11th streets, the farmers market is on from 10:30 to 4pm.  At the Farmers Market, there is usually people playing music, and cooking demonstrations, and all different kinds of vendors.  You can see seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as plantings and bouquets of fresh cut flowers.  As you walk down broadway, you can smell all different variety of ethnic foods, from Caribbean to Mexican and Asian.  Yummy! 

The selection is pretty varied, but parking is pretty limited on-site.  There is a parking garage on Market street that only charges $1/hr.  Or, you can park at the Tacoma Dome Transit Center for FREE and ride the FREE train to the last stop.  Its a short 2 or 3 block walk to the market from there. 

Have fun!

Garfield Park Celebration

Garfield Park in Tacoma has recently been renovated and just in time for the Spring/Summer too!  To herald in the new changes or "make over" they are having a celebration at the park on Thursday, May 12th, from 2:30 to 4pm.  Explore the new baaseball backstop, new soccer field and the special play equipment which includes a cario core cross-training stations and fitness equipment.  Kompan Inc. (a Tacoma based company) donated the play equipment. 

This sounds like fun!  Garfield Park is located at 400 N Borough Rd.  Bring the kids and have a picnic if the weather is good.  Or, just enjoy the festivities.  I know I will. 

Click Family Flick

Click, the City of Tacoma cable company, hosts a free family movie at The Grand Cinema in Tacoma on the 3rd Saturday of every month.  This months movie is on May 21st, starting at 10AM and features Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. 

This movie is rated PG and is animated.  See http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810015820/info for more information about the movie.  Use your best jugement for ages of children to bring along. 

The Grand Cinema is located at 606 South Fawcett and their website is http://www.grandcinema.com/.  They are a wonderful independent movie theater that shows some great independent films.  Perhaps I will see you there. 

Jay Leno for FREE!

Yep, you read it right.  Jay Leno, a HUGE supporter of our troops, is coming to Joint Base Lewis-McChord this weekend and giving a show for FREE!  Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis and are available at:
LTS Office
Bldg. 2275, Liggett Ave.
JBLM Lewis Main
AFC Arena 253-967-3085
Ticketmaster 253-967-6169

The show is scheduled for 7pm at Hangar 4 on McChord tomorrow.  I know it is short notice, but hey, its LENO for FREE!  I think its great that such celebrities are supporters of our troops.  They work so hard doing things that not many of us want to do or see or think about.  Prayers to all of them!

Parents Night Out!

This is a great event for parents who do not have family or friends locally to give them a break.  In the South Sound area, that describes much of our military population, or people like myself, transplants.  No, not from CA...I was a military brat who moved back here for college.  Sometimes finding an evening alone with three kids is difficult.  Especially when finding out that babysitting costs anywhere from $15/$20 per hour for some people!  The cost of a date night, movie/dinner plus babysitting is not cheap. 

So, when a local place offers a Parents Night Out, I jump on it.  The Childrens Museum of Tacoma is offering a Parents Night Out on May 20th from 6-9:30.  Its $25 for the 1st child and $10 for every child thereafter.  Its for children who are potty trained up through 10yrs of age.  And, when you drop your children off, you get a coupon for a free appitizer at Doyles Public House in downtown Tacoma. 

Pre-registration is required and if not enough parents sign up, then they will cancel the event.  Go to: http://www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org/camps

1/2 Price Zoo Day

Another Mother's Day event, on Saturday the 7th, moms can get in 1/2 price. Now that the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium have expanded their hours for the spring and summer seasons, you can go to the zoo ANY day of the week.

Right now a few of the exhibits are under renovation for the summer high season. But kids aren't as picky as we are and everyone should still have a good time.

ALL MOMS: Half-price general admission at the Zoo this Saturday!

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Nature Alphabet

Metro Parks Tacoma has a series of programs geared towards teaching youngsters letters in conjunction with nature activities.  At the Tacoma Nature Center, staff use hands-on participation, songs, nature walks and crafts.  Adult participation is required for children under the age of 4.  On May 6th, they are going over R is for Roots.  And, on May 20th, they are going over S is for Snake Lake.  This could be a lot of fun, plus educational for the young ones.  Cost is only $6.  See http://flipflashpages.uniflip.com/2/18870/87403/pub/ for more details. 

Pierce County Summertime Activities

Pierce County has recently published its activity guide. Pierce County has several activities for people of all ages and skill levels and fun events throughout Pierce.County. Check it out and start planning your summer fun!

2011 Summer Activity Guide Pierce County Parks & Recreation

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Music in the Park

In Tacoma's Wright.Park, the parks department has recently completed a renovation of the playground equipment and put in a new spray park too. This park is located off 6th Ave and is absolutely beautiful. The park is fairly large, but parking can be a challenge, especially with City of Tacoma enforcing paid/metered parking in downtown.

The Botanical Gardens have a concert every month, for free, to enhance your viewing pleasure of the garden. It really is something neat to go to, and its FREE. So, this may 8th for Mothers Day, take your.mom out to a free concert and let.her smell the roses too, or whatever flowers the gardens have.

Second Sunday Concert: 5/8/2011, 1:00pm at W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory - Tacoma News Tribune

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King County Parks & Rec

King County has a large Parks and Rec department. It includes taking care of existing parks and trails as well as hosting various events. Below is a link to their calendar if events. If you like to hike, consider volunteering for a trails clean up day. Not only will you get outside, but you will also be teaching the younger ones how to take care of the things we use.

In May, I noticed several trail activities on the calendar. Don't forget to layer and/or bring a raincoat when you enjoy Western Washington in the springtime.

Calendar

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Pump it Up

Pump it Up is located next to Tuesday Morning off 38th street in Tacoma. On Tues/Wed/Thursday from 10am-11:15 they have a preschool/kindergarten jump time for only $7 per child.

They have also partnered with Autism Speaks and offer special jump times for children with special needs, like Autism. Really cool, check them out! I've taken my kids.there from the time they were about 2 1/2, and, at 4, they still have fun. Perfect for a rainy spring day.

Party Package | Pump It Up

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