Edmonds Concerts & Theater

On 3rd Ave and Pine streets in City Park of Edmonds, the Edmonds Art Commission has approved 8 concerts. 

Shows start at 3pm, but get there by 2:30 to secure yourself a great spot with a blanket. 

On Sunday July 10th, All Mixed Up, an 80's band provides the tunes for tiptoe tapping. 

On Sunday July 17th, The Kellee Bradley Band, a folk/pop band (who knew there was such a thing) will entertain and wow us. 

On Sunday, July 24th, The Seattle Shakespear Company is performing Wooden Oz.  Two sets of long-lost twins unknowingly cross paths and set the stage for and evening of comedy and mistaken identity. 

Adventure Bus FREE Fieldtrip

In conjunction with the summer playground activcities through Metro Parks this summer, you can catch a bus that takes you on a field trip for the day.  The trip is FREE, but you should pack your own sack lunch an be prepared to chaperone your children.  The recommended age range for these field trips are 6-12.

Some of the events with this are:

• July 6th         Titlow Eco-Challenge
• July 13th       Nature Day at Point Defiance and Owen Beach
• July 20th       Northwest Trek

You can pick up the bus at several locations.  See more at:

www.metroparkstacoma.org/playgrounds

Pay to use State Parks

Don't forget, starting tomorrow, July 1st, you will need to pay to play on State Park land. A per time use fee at $10, or a pass for $30 will be required when you visit state parks in your cars. If you walk in, no fee applies. If you don't pay, you could face a fine of more than $90.

Expect to pay to visit a Washington state park starting Friday - Seattle News - MyNorthwest.com

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Steilacoom Farmers Market

The Steilacoom Market will celebrate the start of its third season on June 15 with the return of many familiar vendors and several new ones. Fresh produce, meat, cheese, flowers, and a variety of specialty foods and crafts will be offered as well as prepared foods, perfect for picking up on the way to the concerts in the park.

A demonstration booth as well as kids' activities will be featured each week as well.

Website: http:// steilacoomfarmersmarket.org/index.html

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Largest Parade EVER - Seattle

The 94th International Convention Parade of Nations for Lions Club International will take place in Seattle, on July 5th.  Starting time is at 10am at the Seattle Center.  Lions club estimates the parade will take about 4hours, and will represent more than 100 different nations.  The parade will showcase people marching in native dress along with floats and bands.  A special guest is the Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band - the only blind marching band in the country. 

Be prepared for slower traffic in and around the city this day as people estimate a draw of over 20,000 people for the parade.  That means a slowdown into town for those on the

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Scavenger Hunt - Ongoing in South Sound

This looks like a really awesome thing to do.  It is a FREE, interactive scavenger hunt in the South Sound.  The goal of the program is "to explore the region and be a tourist in your own back yard" so says Tammy Blount, president and CEO of the Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitor Bureau.  This is also a great idea if you have guests coming in from out of town and are stumped for something to other than the typically Pikes Place or Space Needle visit.  This is a year-long program that has a mission every month.

The goal is to find an object described in a specific location.  This is a win-win opportunity.  Businesses are listed and offer coupons and discounts if you want to shop there.  But you don't HAVE to shop.  When you solve the case and submit evidence of your finds you become eligible for prizes.  WHAT???  Free AND PRIZES!!  Yes.  Example of prizes include:

• Mt. Rainier snowshoe adventure for 2
• Dinner for 2 at the Old Spaghetti Factory
• One overnight stay at the Paramount Hotel
• Two tickets to Nirvana at the EMP
• 2 City passes with admission to 6 of Seattles Top Attractions

and the list goes on. 

So, hit the road, learn about your own neighborhood and have a little fun while you are at it. Tourism Revealed - Adventures in the Puget Sound

Sunrise is OPEN!

How many places can you celebrate the 4th of July by throwing snowballs?  Well, Sunrise at Mt. Rainier National Park will be open on Friday, July 1st.  Service will be limited due to the epic snowfall this year, e.g. there might not be food service or bathrooms open (If so, look for portable toilets), but the parking lot will be open. 

Sunrise open in time for Holiday Weekend!

Tiptoe through the Tidepools - July 2nd

At Titlow beach in Tacoma, you can walk gently through the beach, exploring the tidepools and learning all about the critters inside.  During low tide you can see a wonderfully full amount of sea life.  The staff from the Tacoma Nature Center is there to help explain it as well.  This fun, FREE event is hosted by Metro Parks. 

Titlow Beach

8425 6th Ave

July 2nd from 11-2pm

http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=1291

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Summerfest - 2011

Summerfest 2011 is at Ft Steilacoom Park in Lakewood.  June 24th and 25th you can walk through Summerfest and on Saturday see the Car Show and shop the vendors ending with the movie "How to Train your Dragon" at dusk.  On Sunday, see the motorcycle rally and take part in the Poker Run put on by the Lakewood Police Department.  http://www.cityoflakewood.us/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation/summerfest.html

Ive been on a poker run before and they can be a TON of fun.  If you have a child old enough to ride with you, this one is kid-appropriate with stops at the sheriffs department and at Eagle Leather in Lakewood ending at Ft. Steilacoom Park.  http://www.cityoflakewood.us/documents/parks_and_recreation/documents/summerfest_2011_motorcycle_rally_flyer.pdf  Could be a lot of fun for the motorcycle enthusiast and their prodigy.  :) 

Have fun everyone and stay safe and remember to keep the rubber street side down. 

Summer Sounds at Skansie Park - Gig Harbor Tuesdays

 Every Tuesday, starting June 28th at 6:30pm, with the Perry Acker Band, the City of Gig Harbor are sponsoring a series of Concerts at Skansie Park. Concerts are true Washington concerts and will take place rain or shine.  Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or low chairs (no large umbrellas please) and come early for premium seating. 

The concerts are free.  I have looked at various websites and none of them state you can't bring a picnic dinner to the outing, only that all parks are non-smoking.  If anyone knows for sure, I would appreciate a comment.  Have fun everyone!

http://www.gigharborguide.com/page.php?id=952

25 Cent admission to Childrens Museum of Tacoma

Every month on the 25th, the Chidlrens Museum of Tacoma offers 25cent admission in honor of its 25th anniversary.  Activities include:

• Play-doh cupcake decorating
• Face painting
• Bubble parades
• Birthday themed craft & activities

It is a ton of fun - hope to see you there. 

Seafair in Seattle

While this blog is dedicated to free and inexpensive things to do in Tacoma/Pierce County, I felt I would be remiss in not including one of the most all-encompassing activities over the summer here in the Pacific NW, Seafair.  If any of you have ever gone to Seafair, it is a hot mess of people having fun, singing sea chantys and ejoyment of Blue Angels and Hyrdo races. 

If you are a Navy buff, there is FLEET WEEK, in August.

If you like Pirates, the landing is in July

This weekend is the Dodge Seattle Rock n Roll 1/2 marathon.  http://www.seafair.com/AnEvent.aspx?ID=2&SecID=956 

Check out this link for a bunch of really cool stuff throughout the months of July and August too!
http://www.seafair.com/calendar.aspx?SecID=923

I will post specific events as they come up.  Enjoy!

Taste of Tacoma

The Taste of Tacoma is this weekend!  Yummy food, great bands and rides for the kids.  All of this is great fun for the whole family.  While entrance to the festival is free, food and rides are not. 

A great deal, however, is the Taste It! Discount tickets.  Each booklet costs $17 and contains $20 worth of tickets. Since no change is given for the tickets, it is best to use a combination of tickets and cash at the various booths.  Each booth will offer a healthy Hope Heart Right option at regular price and a smaller "Taste" for $3.75.  No food item is over $6 or combo plate over $7. 

If you live in Tacoma, consider taking either bus routes 10 or 11 to the event.  There isn't much parking unless you want to walk in from a neighborhood close by. 

Friday-Sunday June 24th- 26th, Point Defiance - 9am-9pm (8pm on Sun)

**If you want an adult evening out, on Friday June 24th from 3-6pm, enjoy a Wine and Jazz festival just 11.25 ($15 the rest of the weekend!)  Thats 25% off.
http://www.tasteoftacoma.com/

Bellevue Strawberry Festival

I love strawberries.  When I was a youngster myself, I have fond memories of picking strawberries, and eating quite a few, in the Puyallup and Sumner berry fields.  Yummy!  In Bellevue, the festival has moved the festival to Crossroads Park.  (16000 NE 10th Street) and is running from June 25th and 26th and starting at 10am both mornings. 

At the festival, there is an auto show, food vendors (with STRAWBERRIES of course) a family fun area, and games.  This looks to be a smashing good time for all those who live in the area and know great places to park. There is NO FEE, e.g. FREE to enter the festival, but there may be a charge to participate in some of the events or to order food.  Enjoy!

http://www.bellevuestrawberryfestival.org/Festival.asp

25Cents for Tacoma Childrens Musueum

Just a quick reminder, this Saturday, June 25th, the Tacoma Childrens Museum is offering admission for only 25 Cents.  Admission is usually about $6, so that is quite the deal.  See here for more details!  Hours are 10am till 5pm. 

Since Tacoma has started its downtown parking policy, the easiest way to get there is probably parking at the Tacoma Dome parking garage and riding the link to the end.  Then walk up to Broadway street (at Tully's) and turn Left.  It is on the right hand side.  Enjoy!

http://www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org/admission

Tour de Pierce

Calling all bicycle riders in Pierce County.  Tour de Pierce is a bicycle ride throughout Pierce County used for fitness and fun for the whole family. 

• The 12 mile loop is a FLAT, paved , easy ride throughout the County for families and novice riders.
• The 30 mile loop has more senic views of the Pierce County's waterways and Mt. Rainier.
• The 50 mile loop travells through Sumner, Puyallup, Orting, and South Prairie

Registration is $17/person (since it is now after the 10th of June) and $51/ family of 4 ($12 each additional family member) and $15/t-shirt.

Riders may start anytime between 7:30 and 11:30am at the Gold parking lot of the Puyallup Fairgrounds and the race will continue rain or shine.  So pack your poncho, comfy clothes and set out to have a great time. 

http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/recreate/tourdprc.htm

The Tacoma Highland Games

Theeeyyyre Baaaaack!  Yes, the Tacoma Highland Games are back.  Traditional Highland activities from celtic dancing and bag pipes to the caber toss competition are all events at the Tacoma Highland Games.  You can also go shopping and get your authentic Highland attire and or snacks from many of the vendors onsite. 

Sat. June 25th at Frontier Park
Graham WA

$10 Adult ticket entry
$8 Students, Seniors & Military

Camping is available as well:
$16 hook up
$12 non-hook up

http://www.tacomagames.org/genlinfo.html

Cupcake Wars

In Olympia this Thursday June 24th, a special fundraising event is taking place at The Hampton Alzeimers Special Care Center in Tummwater, WA.  You enter your decorated cupcakes at the Center and the public votes on the best ones.  At the end of the voting, all cupcakes are donated to Free Cakes for Kids South Sound.  http://www.freecakesforkidssouthsound.com/Home_Page.html 

The charity, Free Cakes for Kids South Sound, makes cakes for children in families who might not otherwise receive a cake.  This is a worthy cause.  At The Hampton Center, you may also donate a box of cake mix or otherwise non-perishable baking item. 

7-3pm June 24th, at The Hampton Alzeimer Care Center
1400 Trosper Road SW
Tummwater WA 98512

The Castle of Dreams

Who doesn't like sand castles?  I don't know many who didn't build them as a child or enjoy the intricacies of towers, moats and finding just the right drawbridge.  Girls dream of being the princess in the castle and boys dream of slaying the dragon.  At the Sand & Sawdust Festival in Ocean Shores on June 24th - June 26th  you can do both. 

You can watch the pros compete in a sand scuplture competition or you can take part in the families and kids event.  The sand scuplting event starts on Saturday June 25th starting with plot assignments between 7-9am with judging at 3pm and awards at 3:30. 

At the same time, there is a Master Chainsaw Carver competition at the Ocean Shores Convention Center.  Prizes totalling over $10,000 will be awarded!  Come check out the food and craft vendors to get away from the noise, and then come back to see the final results!  This sounds like so much fun!

http://www.oceanshoresact.com/

Third Thursday FREE Museum

Today is the 3rd Thursday of the month, and that means free entrance to museums in Tacoma. From 2-9pm, you can see great art, glassworks, and state history for FREE. (Don't forget the state history museum has a model train on the top floor, for all you train enthusiasts)

Also, because it is Thursday, you can get into the Childrens Museum for free as well. Known as Free Market Thursdays, the Childrens Museum opens it's doors for free during the Farmers Market.

To make it a truly FREE day, park at the Tacoma Dome and ride the tram to all these locations.

See you there!

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National Backyard Campout - June 25th

If you have the gear, why wait?  Maybe for the weather to get a little warmer...brrrr.  But on June 25th, State and National Park Services encourage a National Backyard Campout.  No need to pack up a weeks worth of food for a weekend away.  No need to deal with the "are we there yet?" syndrome.  The kids can invite their friends, even if they wouldn't all fit in the family car.  The possibilities are endless. 

Pitch a tent in your backyard.
Use an approved fire burn pit, or barbeque to roast hot dogs and marshmallows.
Tell ghost stories.
HAVE FUN ~ enjoy your time with the kids.  While simple, it can be a great experience.

AND, when you register your campsite, you'll be able to choose whether you want to set a fund-raising goal. You'll get your own personal page to customize with stories about your own camping experiences or even a treasured photo. Plus you can watch how much money you raise and also send personalized email invites to your friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors.  National Backyard Campout

Free visit to National Park

This is grrrreat!  Typically entrance to a national park costs are around $15/trip (Olympic National Forest), but on TUES June 21st, entrance to the park is FREE!  Your free entrance includes: Entrance Fees, Commercial Tour Fees, and Transportation Fees. 

Fees NOT included are:

• Reservation
• Camping
• Tours
• Concession & Fees collected by 3rd parties

While this event is nationwide - National Parks near us include:

• Mount Rainier National Park
• Fort Vancouver
• North Cascades
• Olympic National Park
• Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit (319 2nd Ave South SEATTLE)

Have fun everyone!

Click Family Flick - June 18th (Madagascar)

This Saturday, June 18th, Click is sponsoring their monthly FREE movie at the Grand Cinemas. (They also have really good popcorn - but you have to pay for that.)   This months movie is Madagascar.  FAIR WARNING:  Seating is limited to the first 100 attendees and if you show up at start time, it is possible you will be turned away.  First come, first served. 

Sat. June 18th at 10am
6026 S Fawcett

http://www.grandcinema.com/page.php?id=94

Summer Play Program

Starting June 20th, Metro Parks has a really awesome summer play program at local parks around town.  Not only do multiple locations offer a USDA lunch program, but they also offer spraygrounds or wading pools, art projects and physical play programs.  Most playgrounds programs are during the week from 11:30am-6pm. (Be aware that at some places, the pools close early on Fridays.)  Four playgrounds offer the program on Saturdays & Sundays (no lunch is served on those days):

• Wright Park
• Jefferson Park
• McKinley Park
• South Park

While the program is during the day, and on a drop-in basis (no pre-registration required), PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO STAY WITH THE CHILD(REN).  There is no sign-in process and the people running the activities do not verify the child stays at the park.  So, if you are dealing with younger children who need supervision, the parent needs to stay with them. 

Check out www.metrooparkstacoma.org/playgrounds for more information. 

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Meeker Days

The largest street festival in all of Pierce County takes place on Fathers Day weekend.  What a great outing with the family for the day.  Show dad how much you love him and take him out to spend good quality time with the whole family at Meeker Days.  Starting Friday June 17th through Sunday the 19th, Meeker days takes place in Downtown, not South Hill, Puyallup. 

At Meeker Days, there is a Barn Dance, Battle of the Bands, a Lil' Miss pagent, 2 food courts and more.  See here for a complete list of activities and events:

http://www.puyallupmainstreet.com/meekerdays.html

King County Trail Maps

While I do not live in King County, I'm aware the County has an extensive network of parks and trails.

Below is a link that shows all the neighborhoods and communities with walking or biking trails.

Find your neighborhood and enjoy nature right in your own backyard!

KC Virtual Map Counter: Recreation Maps

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Maple Valley Days

The City of Maple Valley hosts its annual community celebration and carnival this weekend, Friday through Sunday (10th-12th) at Lake Wilderness Park. Hours are: Fri. 3-10 pm, Sat. 12-9 and Sun. 10-6.

Please note: Parking at the park of limited, so park at Lake Wilderness school and ride the bus to the celebration.

So, go out and have some fun!

Home

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Free Fishing Weekend

This weekend is a free fishing weekend in Washington. What that means is anyone can fish, regardless of license. Catch limits and record requirements still exist, but you can fish without the license.

So, take your kids or your dad out got an early Fathers Day and go fishing!

The Weekender Report: Catch trout, salmon, halibut during Free Fishing Weekend - June 2011 | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

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Walk with your Best Friend

Seattle Animal Shelter is sponsoring a Furry 5K walk/run @ Seward Park on June 12th starting at 10 am.

Come see the pets, support your local animal shelter and have a good time!

Seattle Furry 5K

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Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Tacoma has an Astronomical Society. If you are into looking at and discussing stars and other things astronomical, then come to PLU's W.M. Keck Observatory on June 11th from 9-11 pm.

The price is FREE. Hopefully they have mood music too!

www.tas-online.org

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Movie by the Water

After you've enjoyed all the tomfoolery at the Salty Dock Days, stick around for a nautical inspired film. The Foss Harbor Marina is showing a movies at the Marina several times this summer, all with a nautical theme.

On June 11th at dusk (8:30 or 9pm), the marina is showing Master and Commander. The movie is free, and there will be popcorn and other goodies for sale at the shop onsite. Use your best judgement when deciding the age of viewers, this is a pretty great movie with some pretty realistic fight sequences.

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Salty Dock Days

On Saturday, June 11th, bring the family and the family dog to the Foss Harbor Marina on the Thea Foss Waterway.  The Marina is hosting an event on National Marina Day.  The Marina will have booths, live music and will be opening up an exhibit on the legendary steamboat era of the Puget Sound. 

You can take your boat or your car to the event.  If you do take your boat, reserve guest moorage by calling 253-272-4404.  If you drive, park at the Republic Parking lot South of the Dock Building at 535 Dock Street or the lot South of the 11th street bridge.

BE AWARE: If you park in DOWNTOWN Tacoma, you will need to pay for street parking now. 

Unfortunatly, the details on the website are a little sketchy (Like WHEN to show up), but here is the website:
http://www.fossharbormarina.com/events/salty-dock-day.html

The Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson

The Metro Arts Jr. and Sr dance company members, ages 3-63, will perform a dance based on the book "The Mermaid" by Hans Christian Anderson at Stadium HS Performing Arts Center on Saturday June 11th starting at 2pm. 

Tickets cost $8-$12.  This is a great low-cost way, in a family friendly venue, to introduce your younger set to a dance performance without worrying about spending too much money, or going to a formal event. 

http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=731

Bookmaking for FREE - Pierce County

At the Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905  KPN, on Thursday June 9th from 3:30 till 5pm, your teen will get to make their own books using a variety of different binding styles.  This event is FREE and sponsored by the Pierce County Library system. 

For those of you who do not live on the other side of the bridge, this event is also happening at other Pierce County libraries:

• Dupont Library, 1540 Wilmington Drive, June 30th 3-4:30
• Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave, July 5th, 3pm
• Tillicum Library, 14916 Washington Ave SW, July 13th, 5-6pm
• Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E, July 22nd, 2-pm

For more details on the Pierce County Library schedule of events and locations:
http://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/teen-events-flyer.pdf

Paint Tacoma Volunteers wanted

As the summer months start getting nearer, it IS June already, and the weather gets warmer, a wonderful non-profit organization here in the Tacoma/Pierce-County area needs volunteers.  Every year, the Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful project paints homes of seniors and and disabled people throughout the Tacoma/ Pierce County area.  This is a great project and there is much need. 

If you have time or even if you have a bunch of friends looking for a volunteer opportunity (Hello SCOUTS!) consider this.  It is a great way to give back to not only the homeowner, but the whole neighborhood.  Let's show some pride in our home town and volunteer.  Ive volunteered for this before and it was a lot of fun.  An afternoon in the sun, painting a house with friends and when the day was over, a huge feeling of accomplishment. 

RULES:

1. No one under 8 years of age allowed on the job site
2. Youth 12 years old and younger:1 adult per 2 youth
3. Middle school/junior high aged youth: 1 adult per 2 youth
4. High school aged youth: 1 adult per 3 youth

Look at the following for more information:

http://www.paintbeautiful.org/pages/volunteer.htm

LOW COST - Childrens Museum in SEATTLE

Every weekday, if you are local to the Seattle Childrens Museum, they offer a "happy hour" so to speak.  From 4pm to 5pm, the Museum will accept ANY amount of payment for regular admission to the Museum. 

The reason I put this on here is because the Blog is dedicated to fun and inexpensive things to do.  The Childrens Museum in Seattle is really neat.  It is very large and has several exhibits.  It would be easy to stay there for the better part of the day. 

So, while this is an inexpensive way to see the museum, it might not be practical for someone who has to drive a long distance to stay for only 1 hour.  However, if you are already central to the Seattle Center and were planning to spend time there anyway, this could be a very nice, inexpensive side trip.  Enjoy!

http://thechildrensmuseum.org/free-admission

Climb Like a Monkey

This is for the older kiddos, and their adults. As the weather gets better, there are a ton of outdoor activities that keep us active and fit. One activity that I keep hearing about is rock climbing.

My kids are still too young for this activity, not that they don't try to defy gravity at every turn. But, even when it rains there are several south sound indoor gyms where you can learn the craft and keep in shape at the same time, for a minimum amount.

Edgeworks Climbing - 6102 N 9th 253-564-4899
www.edgeworksclimbing.com
$15 day pass for adults
$12 day pass for students < 24
$10 day pass for children < 10

Vertical Club Tacoma 102 S 24th st 253-683-4791
www.verticalworld.com
$12 Day pass

Warehouse Rock Gym
315 Jefferson st NE OLYMPIA
www.wharehouserockgym.com
$12 day pass
$10.80 day pass military
$10 day pass youth 7-17
$5 day pass children 4-6

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Norpoint Grand Opening

The new playground and spraypark at the Center at Norpoint will officially open on Sat. June. 4th.

Starting st 11 am until 4 pm, there will be a celebration for the new playground and spraypark. At the same time, take part in a wellness fair. The weather is supposed to be warm, so walk the trail, use the spraypark or play at the new playground.

Metro Parks Tacoma

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Ballet for less than $25!

The PNB (Pacific Northwest Ballet) is opening Giselle this weekend. They have a few ticket specials.

The first special is for people 25 years and younger. This Thurs and Fri (June 2nd and 3rd), tickets start as low as $15/ person.

If you, like me, are older than 25, then they are offering to waive the service fee on ticket purchases.

And, as always, try going to a matinee, they are usually cheaper. ENJOY!

PNB | Giselle | Pacific Northwest Ballet

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Lets Go Fly a Kite

This is so cool. I had no idea. And,.the weather is supposed to be fantastic this weekend.

At Ocean Shores this weekend, team Cutting Edge Kites is sponsoring a kite flying challenge. There are workshops, contests and hundreds if kites expected at the beach this weekend.

Starting in downtown Ocean Shores, the address listed is:
120 West Chance A La Mer Ave

Entrance is free! Come by on Sat the 4th or Sun the 5th and watch the skies come alive.

Ocean Shores - Beach Getaway

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Maritime Gig Festival in Gig Harbor - Free

Gig Harbor is having their annual Maritime Festival this weekend starting on June 4th and 5th.  Saturday starting at 7am with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, and Farmers Market at 8:30 to the Parade on Harborview Drive at 10am, there is something for everyone.  Sunday starts with a fun run at 7am or the Kids Dash (Free) at 7:45. 

See the various musical and visual acts on the stage and enjoy food/beverage and business vendors throughout both days.  See the following for more details, including directcions and where to park. 

http://gigharborchamber.com/about/major-annual-events/maritime-gig/attractions/

Treasures in the Park - University Place - June 4th

At Homestead Park, next to City Hall, in University Place this Saturday from 10am to 4pm the City of University Place is putting together a COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE. 

There is Food, Entertainment, and community members selling thier items.  This is a great opportunity to find some great bargains.  Or, if you have things you need to get rid of, sell as a Vendor. 

This looks like a lot of fun and a great community event. 

http://www.ci.university-place.wa.us/Calendar169.aspx

Free Entrance to Tacoma Childrens Museum

It has happened!  On Thursdays, during the Tacoma Farmers Market, the Tacoma Childrens Museum is FREE!  Come listen to live music and shop local vendors for fresh produce before or after you drop in to play at the Museum.  Their current programs include art, gardening, and building skyscrapers. 

See http://www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org/admission for further details

Parents Night Out - June 10th

Spaces fill up early, so book ahead.  At the Tacoma Childrens Museum, they are offering their Parents Night Out for children ages 3-10.  (Make sure the young ones are potty trained!)  Drop off is 6pm and pick up is 9:30pm.  Children get to play with one another, have guided activities and art projects.  The cost is $25 for the 1st child and $10 for the second child.  (That equates to $5/hour for 2 children and $7/hour for 1 child, which isn't to bad)

As a bonus, parents who enroll their kids in the program get a coupon for a free appitizer for Doyles Public House.

Movies at Marymoor - FREE

In its 7th season, movies at Marymoor Park begins on July 13th with "The Wizard of Oz".  Other movies include:

• Ghostbusters
• Mamma Mia (Sing A-long)
• Toy Story 3
• True Grit (2010)
• ET The Extra Terrestrial
• Up

Movies are shown on a 40foot inflatable screen at MacNair Field.  Seating is only $5, starting at 7pm.  The film begins at dark.  Bring your own chairs, blankets, popcorn or hotdogs. 

DISCLAIMER:  Because these movies start when it gets dark, and dark starts around 9pm during this time. Show up not long after the entrance is open and bring something to entertain the younger while you wait for 9 or 9:30 to roll around. 

http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/inventory/marymoor/movies.aspx

Wet and Wild fun at Point Defiance Zoo

This Saturday, June 4th, is World Oceans day.  The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is celebrating by extra events in the aquarium with the sharks and the seahorses, as well as the Rocky Shores area with Polar Bear and Walrus enrichment. 

The Zookeepers are giving food treats and extra toys during their various talks throughout the day.  The Marine Discovery Center also has excellent hands-on exhibits for the kiddos. 

Hours on Sat. are 9:30am - 6pm and entrance is only $13.25 for Pierce County adults and $9.75 for children. 

Hint:  If you have an Entertainment Book, there is a coupon for entrance.