Black Friday Drop-Off Event

Want to go shopping for Black Friday, but don't know WHAT to do with the kids?  Drop them off at Pump it Up in Tacoma from 7:00am till 12pm.  For $15/Child, you can brave the black friday insanity, get the kids Christmas Gifts, all without them in tow.  For children ages 4-12.  The $15 includes: Crafts, Jump Time, Snacks, Games, and Tummy Rest time!!

Trust, Ive done Black Friday with two 3year olds in tow, not ideal.  Skip the headache, spend some of the money you are saving on all those killer deals and let your kids have fun!

Movies at Main Library - Mars Needs Moms

On November 5th, from 1-3pm, the Tacoma Main library is hosting a screening of Mars Needs Moms.  The movie is rated PG.  Ive watched the trailer and have talked to friends who've seen the movie and they thought it was very cute.  All about a boy who realizes how much he still needs his mom, after she is kidnapped by aliens.

I mean, who doesn't like a good alien movie, right?  Doors open at 12:45 and is a great way to while away a potentially rainy day.  Stroll through the stacks of books after and take home some good reads for the next week.

Trick or Treating in Olympia

Here are a few ways you can get your candy fix on, while farther south than Tacoma!

*Pumpkin Patch Bash @ 5400 Martin Way E, Suite E Lacey

6-9pm on Ocotober 31st

*Westfield Mall @ 625 Black Lake Blvd, Olympia

*My Morbid Haunted House @ 4548 Marvin Rd SE http://bit.ly/vZQVTJ

5-6:45pm Special Kids Trick or Treat/ Haunted House $2 entry fee

*Haunted Halloween Downtown Olympia - Put on by the Olympia Parks and Rec department - but cost is $10/person.  Kinda spendy for a large family.  But it could also be the start of a new tradition.  Walk the dark roads of Downtown Olympia with a guide and learn of bats and skeletons and what is dark alleys.  No children under 5 please.  Call 360-753-8380 or visit here for more information.

Free Children's Museum - Tacoma

The 1st Friday of the every month, November 4th, from 10am-7pm, entrance is FREE to the Hands On Children's Museum.  This is a great museum, and enjoy it while it is still at its current location.  It will be moving soon!

The exhibits change frequently and there might even be a bubble hour!  Check the website: http://www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org/ for more details and other programs they offer.

Free Museums in Seattle

In Seattle on the 1st Thursday of the month from 5-8pm, November 3rd, you can visit these museums for FREE!

• Burke Museum - 4500 15th Ave NE
• Museum of Industry and History - 2700 24th Ave NE
• Seattle Art Museum - 1300 First Ave
• Wing Luke Pacific Asian Experience - 719 S King St.
• Henry Art Gallery - 4100 15th Ave NE (UW)
• NW African American Museum - 2300 S Massachusetts St.
• Experience Music Project and Sci Fi Museum - 325 5th Ave N
• Museum of Flight - 9404 E Marginal Way S

I have taken my kids to the Art Museum and they are not quite old enough to fully enjoy it yet.  So it was a short trip.  FREE makes it worth while.  And the EMP is amazing because of its hands on activities.  

And, if you plan right, you can take an Express Sound Transit bus from the Tacoma Dome station and you don't have to pay for parking.  Each trip will cost approx. $3 see www.soundtransit.org for details (586 will take you to UDistrict and 590's will take you downtown)

Tacoma Resident FREE day at Point Defiance on SATURDAY

If you have a way to show you are a current City of Tacom resident, then you can get into the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium for FREE on November 5th. This is a really cool event and is a great way to experience all Tacoma has to offer, from stunning views of the Puget Sound to Polar Bears playing in a pool and other close encounters of the rare kind.

Show your ID with Tacoma address, or bring a piece of mail with ID. Come early, because it gets crowded fast! 

Happy Halloween Walk - Discovery Park

On October 29th, from 10:30am-11:45am, walk through Discovery Park with a nature guide on a Halloween themed walk.  Learn about nature, enjoy the outdoors and wear your costume! The costume sets the mood :) The cost is $4 per person, and I am not sure about the parking situation.  But it is a chance to hang outside with your kids and get a little learning in too.  Never a bad idea!  Click here for more details.

Discovery Park Environmental Learning Center
3801 W Government Way
Seattle, WA 98199-1014

Trick or Treating in Tacoma

If you don't want to Trick or Treat around your own neighborhood, or are looking for a party, then here are a few ideas for you:

*Freighthouse Square is having a Harvest Fest October 30th, from noon to 5 p.m. that includes trick-or-treats for the kids, kid’s craft zone, costume contest for different age categories, and every parent’s favorite: a beer garden.

* LeMay Halloween Trunk or Treat at Marymount Event Center October 30th,  325 152nd St. E.  Enjoy a safe and unique way to trick-or-treat! Our LeMay Trunk-or-Treat provides a safe environment for families to enjoy an inexpensive afternoon of Halloween fun in a neat atmosphere! Children trick-or-treat outdoors by going from car trunk to car trunk to get their bag filled with goodies. Individuals or groups host and decorate a trunk and provide the candy to be given out to the children at the event. There is no charge to participate - the more the merrier!

*Fort Nisqually at Point Defiance, October 28th and 29th - Reservations requried click here  7-9pm, Halloween Story Time around a Bonfire. $5 adults/$3 children 12 and under.

*Dia de los Muertos, Oct 30th, 10am-5pm at Tacoma Art Museum - Art-making, performances and exhibitions of a tapete (sand painting) and community altars.  Along with free admission to the museum, visitors will be able to meet with the tapete artists, dance to live music from Tacoma’s Mariachi Ayutla.  Click HERE for more information

*Pumpkin Palooza, Downtown Puyallup, October 29th, stroll through from 3-5 p.m. and fill up your bags with treats from more than 50 vendors.  A map to these sugar-laden treasures is available at the Puyallup Main Street office located at 107 N. Meridian. Click HERE for more information

*Monster Mash Bash at South Park Community Center on October 28th - Bring the kids to South Park to enjoy this annual Halloween party in a safe, indoor environment. Participants can enjoy a costume contest, games, haunted house and witches kitchen.

*Street of Screams - Center at Norpoint on October 28th - Come in costume and stroll down the Trick or Treat Street of Screams, play some spooky games and try out the rock climbing wall by the eerie glow of black lights and neon. All equipment for climbing will be provided and trained staff will be hand to supervise.
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October 31st

* Trick or Treat in the Harbor - Oct 31st from 3-6pm - Trick-or-treat at stores along Harborview Drive in Gig Harbor's historic waterfront district. Pumpkin decorating contest, singing pumpkins, "spooky" touch tanks and fire engine and medic unit for kids to see. click HERE for more information

* Trunk or Treat in Federal Way - Oct 31st from 5:30-7pm - Sunrise Methodist Church members decorate their trunks and park in the parking lot.  Kids walk from car to car trick or treating in a fun, family venue.  150 S 356th St. in Federal Way. Click here for more details

* Proctor Treats in Proctor District NE Tacoma - Oct 31st from 4-6pm - The Proctor Business District closes down on Halloween from 4-6 to allow the kids of the area to go trick or treating throughout the Proctor Business District.  I have it on good authority that this is the place to be if you reside in the North End of Tacoma.  Click here for more details

*Tacoma Mall - Oct 31st from 4-7pm - Participating merchants will give out candy until the candy runs out.  This is for children 12 and under only.  No toy weapons and no face masks.Have fun!

*South Hill Mall, Puyallup - Oct 31st from 6-7:30 - Participating merchants will give out candy and you are encouraged to bring a canned gift to fill the giant cauldron for the Puyallup Food Bank while enjoying games, activities and a raffle.  No facial paint or masks for those 13yrs or older.

Truck and Tractor Day - Lakewood

On Saturday, October 29th, from 3-6pm the Lakewood Parks and Rec department is sponsoring a giant truck and tractor palooza.  You can decorate a FREE pumpkin, take a hayride, climb a tractor or a truck and grab a free hardhat.  (While supplies last)


Then, from 6-9pm, pay $1 for a moonlight hay ride.  Click here for more details.


All at Ft. Steilacoom Park
8714 87th Ave SW 
Lakewood, WA 98498

Jazz for Kids - Seattle

At 4:39 on October 29th in the Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall in Seattle.  For $1, your kids can attend a jazz concert, see and participate in instrument demonstrations, play with an instrument during "petting zoo" time and ask questions of the artists.

Advanced tickets are recommended.  Click here for details and to order.

Bonfires, Bever Pelts and Bogeyman at Ft. Nisqually

On October 28th and 29th, Fort Nisqually lets you experience Halloween in a unique and old fashioned way.  Celebrate Halloween in the style of past centuries with ghost stories told around a roaring bonfire! Follow a trail of glowing jack o'lanterns to the bonfire where storytellers from the past will send shivers down your spine as their words bring forth the spirits of the fur trade.

The storytelling begins with 'gentler' tales; and after a break for complimentary cider and cookies, the stories get increasingly scarier! Come and find out what scared people in 1855 as you listen to ghost stories the way they're supposed to be told - outside and in the dark!

Dress for the weather, bring a blanket, but please no umbrellas. There are some bleachers and benches, but they do not have any back rests - so feel free to bring a small lawn chair.

Seating starts at 6:30, stories start promptly at 7pm. There is often a long line for this event so plan accordingly.

$5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children 12 and under
$20/family (up to 2 adults and children/youth)

Parking is limited, so carpool if possible.  

Buy tickets online HERE or call 253-591-5339

Pond Boat Sailing - Lake Union Park

The 1st Saturday of the Month at Lake Union Park, from 11-2pm, enjoy FREE pond model boat sailing for all ages.  The pond is about 2ft high, so if your little one is shorter than that, bring a stool for them to stand on.  My family loves the water and my littlest one is quite the fish!  Watching the boats is a ton of fun for everyone.  Click here for more details.

Beetlejuice Movie at Wheelock Library

Perfect timing for Halloween, the Wheelock library off Proctor street in Tacoma is showing the movie Beetlejuice on Saturday October 29th, from 2pm till 4pm (doors open at 1:45).  The movie is rated PG and deals with creepy hauntings and death, but in a funny way, very Tim Burton.  This movie is a great way to usher in the feeling of holiday spirit for Halloween.  

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 at Moore Library

The Moore Library is hosting a screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 on October 29th from 2:30-5pm.  The movie is rated PG-13 and is another way to get everyone excited about the start of the holiday season with Halloween.

The library is also giving away door prizes: a life size stand up of Harry Potter and a boxed set of the Harry Potter Novels as well as a Harry Potter WAND.  This looks like a bunch of fun and I've heard from my Harry Potter fan friends, a good movie as well!

JBF Sale! (Just Between Friends) - Puyallup

Thanks to a twitter friend of mine, another Tacoma mom, I didn't miss the JBF sale at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. This it's a big consignment sale that carries all kinds of baby and childrens items.

Fall 2011 Sale Event Friday, October 21 - Sunday, October 23 Volunteer & Consignor Presale October 20 Puyallup Fair & Events Center. I can't find times listed, but I think it starts at 10am and on Sat lasts until 7pm or so. If I remember last year correctly.

Sign Up to Shop, Consign or Volunteer

Shop 30,000 square feet of quality used children's and maternity items (and some new) at unbelievably low prices! Plus, we offer early shopping for pre-registered First Time Parents and Military Families.

If I remember correctly, there is a small entrance fee to get in and the event gets a little crowded. But, if you have boys like me and have a hard time finding gently used clothing above sz 5, then this is a great event! (boys typically have less clothes than their female counterparts, and are mine are not easy on the hardware with all the puddle stomping). Individual sellers are not limited in sizes.

Just Between Friends Tacoma : Tacoma

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Pumpkin Decorating Contest in Gig Harbor

As a part of the Halloween festivities, the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association is sponsoring the third annual “Pumpkin Decorating Contest".

Here's how you can participate:

1. Pick up a coupon for a free pumpkin at participating waterfront businesses, identified by a sign in their windows. (One coupon per household.)

2. Bring your coupon to the Harbor History Museum on Tuesday, Oct. 25 between 3 and 6 p.m. and pick up your pumpkin, donated by Charlie’s Produce, while supplies last.

3. Return your carved, painted or embellished pumpkin to the Museum on Saturday, Oct. 29 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for judging.

4. Your pumpkin will then be delivered to a “host” business. Follow the map to participating merchants and search for your pumpkin in the Historic Waterfront District while trick-or-treating on Halloween, Oct. 31, between 3 and 6 p.m.

Join the Pumpkin Decorating Contest - Gig Harbor, WA Patch

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Pumpkin Patch and Safety Fair

Bring your family to the West Pierce Fire & Rescue PUMPKIN PATCH SAFETY FAIR this Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10am-2pm. This event is free and open to the public!

This is a great opportunity to let your kids meet firefighters, police officers and get your car seats checked. Typically at these safety fairs you can get your car seats checked, and sometimes a bicycle helmet fitted. Statistics from Parenting magazine state that at least 1 in 8 parents have their car seats installed incorrectly. Lets be safe and maybe get some pumpkins too.

Event is located at WPFR Station 2-1 (5000 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499)

Bring your family... | Facebook

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Tacoma Resident FREE day at Point Defiance ZOO

If you have a way to show you are a current City of Tacom resident, then you can get into the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium for FREE on October 26th. This is a really cool event and is a great way to experience all Tacoma has to offer, from stunning views of the Puget Sound to Polar Bears playing in a pool and other close encounters of the rare kind.

Show your ID with Tacoma address, or bring a piece of mail with ID. Come early, because it gets crowded fast! 

Trick or Treating at Woodland Park Zoo

On October 29th and 30th from 9:30 till 2:30pm, enjoy pumpkins for the animals, trick-or-treating, live entertainment, and more are in store for little goblins and ghosts at Woodland Park Zoo's family friendly Pumpkin Bash. Discover a repertoire of animal behavior as hippos, bears, elephants, monkeys, and other animals crunch, smash or stomp on pumpkins! The pumpkins are a part of the zookeepers; ongoing efforts to help enrich the lives of the zoo's animals, promote natural animal behavior, keep animals mentally and physically stimulated and engage zoo visitors.

Couponing is not just on TV - Tacoma Main Library

 Extreme Couponing is not just on TV anymore.  The Tacoma Main Library is offering a 2hr class taught by Heather Clarke of Queen Bee Coupons.  Extreme Couponing is not for everyone, but her methods might help you save big $$ on your monthly bills.  As a mom with 3 growing boys, I am definitely a fan of that!


On Monday October 24th at 7pm in the Olympic Room of the Tacoma Main Library go see Heather.  Clarke covers techniques for getting groceries, toiletries and drug store items cheap and even FREE by using coupons, rebates and sales.  You'll learn why and how to use coupons, suggestions for staying organized and tips for building your stockpile - so you never have to pay full price!  


It does not appear from the library page here that there is a sign up for the class.  

Bird Tours at Discovery Park

On Saturdays at Discovery Park in Seattle, from 8-10am, join Master Birders to discover the different types of birds that are in our area.  Join experienced leaders as they speak about migratory and year-round birds within a variety of habitats.  So, if your kids loves nature or animals in general, then this could be fun and informative.

Guided Walk in Adriana Hess Park - University Place

The Tahoma Audubon Society is hosting a guided walk at Adrianna Hess park on October 23rd from 4-5pm.

This is a family program to encourage families to appreciate the park by providing information and opportunities with a guided walking tour.

So, get out and enjoy a walk with your kids. Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373

Tahoma Audubon Society - Calendar

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Volunteer in E Tacoma at Clover Creek

On October 22nd from 10am-1pm, at Clover Creek, join Cascade Land Conservation group working to make the wroodland prairie landscape clean for native plants and play. Also, you can discover a piece of Tacoma you might not know existed.

Directions: Clover Creek Reserve is located on Johns Street E, Tacoma, WA 98445. If you enter the following intersection on google maps/mapquest it will take you to the reserve: 6th Ave E & Johns St E, Tacoma, WA 98445.

10/22- Restoration Event at Clover Creek Reserve — Cascade Land Conservancy

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Who Goes Bump in the Night

At the Tacoma Nature Center on October 22nd from 5-8pm, have a guided twilight or night hike, activities and crafts. Visit with nocturnal critters from the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium’s collection and learn all about creatures of the night. Come early in the event to experience everything.  Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Only 2.50 for children and the adults are free.  Reservations are recommended 253-591-6439 or click here for more details.

Halloween Howls at Children's Museum of Tacoma

On October 24th and 30th from 12-5pm, the Children's Museum of Tacoma is hosting a Halloween Event called Halloween Howls.  You can spin a spider web, or create a variety of slightly spooky, but never scary decorations.  If you wear your costume, you can even score a bit of non-edible loot.

Wear your costumes and have a blast!  Admission is probably full price during these events, $6/person (children and adults)

Free Sail at Lake Union Park

Every Sunday starting at noon in Lake Union Park enjoy a sail around the park for FREE.  This is an amazing program.  They provide the life vests and take you out on the water.  This event is sponsored by the Center for Wooden Boats However, because it is free people start lining up at 10am to make sure they get a spot on the noon sailing.  So, show up early and pack a lunch + snacks for before the event and have a great time!

Lake Union Park
860 Terry Ave. N.
Seattle WA 98109

Win up to $500 in prizes!

Win – up to $1,000 in prizes like water cisterns, landscape design, car wash gift certificates, oil changes, bus passes, and more!

Sustainable West Seattle is taking an hour long education event to community centers in West Seattle this Sept. through Nov.  We’ll investigate the biggest threat to Puget Sound, toxic runoff, and easy everyday solutions that people can engage in to stop it.  Audience members will be eligible to win pollution prevention prizes.  Up to $1,000 in prizes will be awarded at each event.

Saturday October 22, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Roxhill Elementary School, 9430 30^th Ave SW, Seattle WA 98126 (up to $500 prizes)

Pumpkin Trains - Chehalis

On October 22nd and 23rd, join the fun for a special holiday treat, our annual tradition of hosting Pumpkin Train Rides behind our vintage 1916 logging locomotive. Rides last approximately 30min. and children receive a treat bag, and then get a chance to hunt for their perfect pumpkin. There will also be a costume contest for five age groups: 2 and under, 3-6, 7-12, 13-17, and adults (18+).  Tickets are $10/person. 


Departure times: 
Sat - 11am, 1pm, and 3pm 
Sun - 11am and 1pm

No reservations are necessary, but come early to ensure your ride in your choice of open or enclosed cars. Seating is limited to the first 250 passengers. Enjoy harvest time in the Chehalis River Valley during the fall season and join the fun.






As a side note: If Chehalis is too far out of your way, you can do the same thing for $25 on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad for a 2hr trip.  Click here for more details.

3rd Thursday Artwalk through Tacoma

On the 3rd Thursday of the Month, walk through downtown Tacoma and enjoy several venues and talk to local artists all for FREE.  You get exercise walking, you can enjoy the great vibe of downtown and introduce your kids to art.  What a deal!  On October 20th, from 5-8pm, enjoy extended hours at the Tacoma Art Musuem and the Glass Museum as well as other participating venues. 

Click here for a map and list of participants.

Musicals at Main Library in Tacoma

Okay, so maybe this is more for the adults.  I am a sucker for a great muscial and My Fair Lady is definately amonst the top 5 in my book.  On Saturday, October 23rd at 1:30pm, go to the main library in downtown Tacoma to enjoy a great musical.  Expose the kids to a little bit of culture and music as well as a have a great time yourself. 

You might be surprised that your kids like the singing and dancing, BEFORE "Glee" was popular.

Game Night - Olymia

Looking for something to do on a Friday night that doesn't include TV or a trip to the movies?  Consider going to Wind Up Here in Olympia.(121 5th Ave SE)   On October 28th, from 6-7:30pm, the are host a game night.  They host several different game nights a month, from old fashioned games like chess or checkers to new and rotating games announced on their facebook account.

Click here for their events page

Tacoma Holiday Food & Gift Festival

Wednesday, October 19th through October 23rd, you can visit the Tacoma Holiday Food and Gift Festival.  It is a great way to start your kids thinking about Christmas and the Holidays.  You can see Santa, crafts, and even see demos by local Chefs for great serving ideas.  You can see artists in action, demonstrating their craft.

See here for more information, or here for a $1 off Coupon!  Park at the Tacoma Dome Station and ride the light link rail to the event for FREE!

Music at the Library - Instrument Exploration - Dupont

On Saturday, October 22, at 10am in the Dupont library, join the Seattle Symphony Discovery Center Staff in an Instrument Exploration...Ages 4+.  Pick up a violin, and pluck the strings - or just see what sounds you can make!  Either way, it is sure to be a great time

Free Sail at Lake Union Park

Every Sunday starting at noon in Lake Union Park enjoy a sail around the park for FREE.  This is an amazing program.  They provide the life vests and take you out on the water.  This event is sponsored by the Center for Wooden Boats However, because it is free people start lining up at 10am to make sure they get a spot on the noon sailing.  So, show up early and pack a lunch + snacks for before the event and have a great time!

Lake Union Park
860 Terry Ave. N.
Seattle WA 98109

Free Harvest Pictures & Spooky Halloween in Tacoma

Bring your own camera, walk through the pumpkin patch and take photos of the kids for the Christmas Card.  Then, follow the ghostly footprints for a treat.

The conservatory is open Tues - Sunday October 18th-31st from 10am-4:30pm.

On the 29th, enjoy the conservatory at night with special hours from 4-8pm.  Enjoy a spooky setting in the conservatory at night.

Hood Canal Pier Peer Expoloration

Join People For Puget Sound naturalists as they shine a light (literally!) on the creatures of Puget Sound on October 15th from 8pm-9pm at Hood Canal Marina, 5101 E St RTE 106.

You’ll head out on the docks after dark and watch as animals are drawn to submerged lights.  During the fall and winter, visitors range from jellyfish and colorful sea slugs to schools of fish and squid.  And let’s not forget the creepy but compelling polychaete worms!  These centipede-like creatures can grow to be the size of your arm and many have jaws that they shoot out of their mouths to capture prey.


The event is family friendly, but they recommend no children under the age of 8.  Bring a flashlight, and dress warmly.  It can get cold on the pier.  Free for members only $10 for non-members.  Space is limited and reservations are REQUIRED.  Click here.  

Another Volunteer Opprtunity-United Way Day of Caring

This is another great idea for volunteering in your community. The United Way Day of Caring lets people choose where and how to spend volunteer time. United Way is a great organization that supports many community based initiatives. So, join them on Friday October 14th at a Metro Park near you (see list below)

Metro Parks Tacoma

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FREE Fall Tree Festival - Wright Park

Metro Parks is sponsoring a Fall Tree Festival on October 15th from 10-3pm at Wright Park in Tacoma.  Go climb a tree with a rope and harness, create leaf art or participate in a creative scavenger hunt.  This totally FREE event will let kids experience climbing and after, they can have fun running around the newly designed playground, or looking at the WICKED plants at the conservatory.

Climbers will be supervised by certified arborists who will bring ropes, helmets and harnesses to help the kids climb safely.  They can also help answer any questions you might have about urban forests or your own tree care  questions.  I plan on asking about trimming an unruly tree at my house.  Best times, how to cut the limbs etc.  So, bring your sense of adventure and your questions and prepare to have a GREAT time!

Click here for more information.

Teen Movie at Tacoma Main Library - Green Lantern

The Tacoma Library offers movies for teens after school on select days.  When your kids don't have homework or other things to do, but want a dry place to go during the winter, this is just the thing.  On Wednesday and Thursday, October 18th & 19th, from 3-5:30pm, the Tacoma Main Library is showing Green Lantern.  Rated PG-13, so use your best judgement with regards to ages of children watching.

Enjoy some time on a Tues night and watch a great movie with your kids.

  

Click Family Flick - Coraline

Every month on the 3rd Saturday of the month, the Grand Cinema in Tacoma partners with the local cable company, Click! to bring you a free family friendly movie.  Only the first 100 are allowed in because of limited seating.  This months movie, on October 15th at 10am is Coraline.  This movie is animated and rated PG and is about a girl who suddenly finds herself in another, more idealized world, but all is not what it seems.

Since the movie is free, splurge on some of the best movie popcorn Ive ever had and enjoy the ambiance of a great small theater.  The Grand is the only non-profit movie theater in Tacoma and the staff are wonderful.  Enjoy!

Teen Movie at Tacoma Main Library

The Tacoma Library offers movies for teens after school on select days.  When your kids don't have homework or other things to do, but want a dry place to go during the winter, this is just the thing.  On Tuesday, October 18th, from 3-5:30pm, the Tacoma Main Library is showing X-Men First Class.  Rated PG-13, so use your best judgement with regards to ages of children watching.

Enjoy some time on a Tues night and watch a great movie with your kids.  

Parents Night Out

Every 3rd Friday in Tacoma, the Childrens Museum offers a Parents Night Out from 6-9:30pm.  Ages 3-10 (Potty trained PLEASE!)  The Cost is $25/1st Child and $10 for Siblings = $35 for 2 children.  Not bad as they get 2 1/2 hours of play, dinner and create works of art to take home.  This month, that is October 21st.

Doyles Public House also offers a coupon for the participating parents to enjoy a free appitiser of their choice.  Please register early by calling 253-627-6031.  If they don't have enough participants, they do cancel.  Have fun!

Wednesday Movie at Wheelock Library

Wednesday October 12th, starting at 6pm-8pm (doors open at 5:30) prepare to watch a great kids movie, Race to Witch Mountain.  This is the re-make starring Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), not the original from 1970 something. 

This movie is rated PG and is something I would reccomend for children over the age of 8 or so.  Use your best jugement.  But if you are looking for something to do on a rainy Wednesday night, this could be your ticket.  (Yes, the pun was intentional. har, har)

Creature Action

Build your own creatures, masks or start to build your own Halloween Costume at the Portland Ave Community Center on October 14th from 5-9pm.

This free even will let your crafty side come out and play and perhaps get those creative juices flowing when it comes to creating a costume.

For more information call 253-591-5391

Tacoma resident FREE day at Point Defiance ZOO

If you have a way to show you are a current City of Tacom resident, then you can get into the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium for FREE on October 12th. This is a really cool event and is a great way to experience all Tacoma has to offer, from stunning views of the Puget Sound to Polar Bears playing in a pool and other close encounters of the rare kind.

Show your ID with Tacoma address, or bring a piece of mail with ID. Come early, because it gets crowded fast! 

Music at the Library - Instrument Appreciation - University Place

On Saturday, October 15th at 1pm, the UP Library presents Symphony on Wheels.  This event, courtesy of the Seattle Symphony Music Discovery Center Staff, lets you touch and play REAL symphony instruments. 

So pick up a violin, pluck a string or examine another instrument.  Enjoy the music you can make yourself!

Movie at the Main Library in Tacoma

This months movie is Rango.  Go to the main library in downtown Tacoma and watch a movie that is rated PG. Rango is an ordinary chameleon who accidentally winds up in the town of Dirt, a lawless outpost in the Wild West in desperate need of a new sheriff.


This movie is fun for all with humor that is sure to delight both child and parent. 


So, if you are up for an indoor treat, go to the main library today, October 8th between 1-3. 

Run Wild at NW Trek

Choose from a 5k or 8k run or a 5k walk and explore Northwest Trek's unique race setting, Saturday, October 8 from 8-11am. Your registration fee helps support Northwest Trek programming and conservation efforts. Registration includes park admission and a race shirt.  So, you can run in the morning and tour the park in the afternoon.  

Some important things to remember:

• Arrive early on race day
• The entrance road to Northwest Trek closes at 7:50 am. Late arrivals will not be admitted entrance into the park. Individuals arriving late will not be allowed to park at the closed gate, adjacent fire station, or on Highway 161, then run/walk in to the starting point. Please be sure to arrive well ahead of the gate closure at 7:50 so you can participate in the event.
• No refunds.
• T-shirts are not guaranteed after September 30th registration.
• No strollers, in-line skates, bicycles or pets are permitted.
• Parking is very limited, please make the day even more green and plan a ridesharing caravan with your friends
• Unique race with separate courses for runners and walkers
• Chip timing provided by Rogue Timing
• USA Track & Field 5k run certified course
• Northwest Trek is OPEN on race day.  The gate opens for visitors at 10 a.m., with the first tram running at 11 a.m.

Most importantly...HAVE FUN! 

Observe the Moon Night - Kobitech Library NE Tacoma

Every year the Astronomical Society of the Pacific along with other partners like NASA, put together resources for local librarys to host a Observe the Moon event. 

At Kobitech Library on October 8th, from 4:30-6pm, you are invited to view the moon from the parking lot.  Some viewing scopes and binoculars will be provided but please bring your own if you have them. This allows for everyone to have a great view.  Dress for possibility of cold weather.

Event will be cancelled if raining. Please call Kobetich Library @ 591 - 5630 on the day of the event if there is a threat of rain to verify if event is on.

Win up to $1,000 for Sustainability Projects! - W Seattle

Sustainable West Seattle is taking an hour long education event to community centers in West Seattle this Sept. through Nov.  We’ll investigate the biggest threat to Puget Sound, toxic runoff, and easy everyday solutions that people can engage in to stop it.  Audience members will be eligible to win pollution prevention prizes.  Up to $1,000 in prizes will be awarded at each event.

Monday October 10, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Pathfinder Elementary School 1901 SW Genesee St. Seattle, WA 98106 – $1,000 will be donated toward a water cistern for Pathfinder’s Earth Project if 40+ adults attend the presentation. 

Lets help the environment together, and its just for 1hr.

Tacoma Greek Festival - Free

The Tacoma Greek Festival is a yummy good time. This weekend October 7th through 9th from 11am, you can partake of all that is Greek.The food is made by the parishioners of St. Nicolas Greek Orthodox Church at 1523 S Yakima Ave.

There is a sit down dinner as well as a festival where you can buy food from stands. The deserts are amazing!

The traditional dances and bands give the festival a great home-style atmosphere. While there is free parking and entrance, everything but the dancing and band music has a reasonable price.

GreekFestivalOct2011 - Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

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A Super Party for a Super Kid

I was certain I posted this already, but couldn't readily find it. So, here it goes again. Pierce County Parks and Rec is hosting a Super Hero party. If your boy or girl loves superheroes or is planning to dress up as one for halloween, then this is where you want to be. On October 22nd from 4-6 at the Lakewood Community center. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by OCTOBER 8th. $13 per child is a bit more spendy than what I usually post, but it looks like such a good time!

Come dressed in your favorite Superheroes costume or just wear a black t-shirt to participate in our second annual Superhero Adventure Party.

This superhero action party will keep your little ones grinning from ear to ear!

All superhero participants receive Hero souvenirs, 'special powers' punch/snack, and guaranteeed TONS OF FUN!

http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/parks/superhero.htm

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Pumpkin Patches in Pierce County

If you feel like the holiday season is upon us, then you are not alone.  I love the fall!  I love all the great family traditions we have in the fall.  Baking, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating and that is just for October! 

Below you will find a list of Pumpkin Patches that come recommended by family and friends in the Pierce/Thurston and King County areas.  I hope you enjoy!  Feel free to add your comments about your favs too. 

* Jims U-Fish at Old McDebbies Farm: Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, Fall festival, Fresh eggs, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals. Location: 4924 268th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387. Phone: 253-875-0356. Alternate Phone: 253-370-5124. Email: mailto:mcdebbie@msn.com?subject=Inquiry%20from%20a%20visitor%20to%20www.PumpkinPatchesAndMore.org. Open: Thursday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.

* Maris Farms: Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, train rides, corn maze, corn cannon, tractor-pulled hay rides, haunted trail, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, Bouncy castle or moon bounce, pony rides, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours. Location:
24713 Sumner Buckley Hwy, Buckley, WA 98321. Phone: 888-235-5439. Alternate Phone: 253-862-2848. Email: mailto:sjtempleman@comcast.net?subject=Inquiry%20from%20a%20visitor%20to%20www.PumpkinPatchesAndMore.org/WApsw.php. Open: Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 am to 6 pm

* Picha Farms: Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, restrooms, picnic area.  Location: 6502 52nd Street East, Puyallup, WA 98371. Phone: 253.841.4443. Email: mailto:info@pichafarms.com?subject=Inquiry%20from%20a%20visitor%20to%20www.PumpkinPatchesAndMore.org. Open: Picha's Pumpkin Patch is open October 1 pm to 31; Weekdays from 3 to 6 pm and Weekends from 10 am to 6 pm.

*Spooner Farms: Pumpkin Patch and other assorted events.  Mostly free.  Location: 9710 State Route 162 E
Puyallup, WA 98374-1814 Phone: (253) 845-5519
* Lattins Country Cider Mill & Farm: Pumpkins, Horse drawn wagon rides, Pumpkin Patch, Corn Stalks, Hay Maze, Corn Maze, Petting Zoo, Picnic Area, Pumpkin Patch, Tours, Wagon Rides. location: 9402 Rich Rd. SE, Olympia, WA. Phone: 360-491-7328. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am-6pm. Sun. 12-4pm

* Schilter Family Farm: Pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, train rides, corn maze, child-sized haybale maze, corn cannon, tractor-pulled hay rides, , prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
141 Nisqually Cutoff RD SE, Olympia, WA 98513. Phone: (360)459-4023. Email: mailto:stephanie@schilterfamilyfarm.com?subject=Inquiry%20from%20a%20visitor%20to%20www.PumpkinPatchesAndMore.org/WApsw.php.  Hours: Monday thru Friday, 9am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday U - pick Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze Open: 10am to 6pm Daily in October

* Carpinito Brothers Farm: U-Pick Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze, pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, prepicked produce, tractor-pulled hay rides.  Location:Corner of 277th & West Valley Hwy & Hwy 167, Kent, WA 98032. Phone: 253-854-5692. Fax: 253-854-2158. Email: mailto:leonar@carpinito.com?subject=Inquiry%20from%20a%20visitor%20to%20www.PumpkinPatchesAndMore.org. Hours: Daily 9 am to Dusk U-Pick Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze is open September 29th through October 31st. Payment: Cash, Check ONLY!

* Dr. Maze Corn Maze and Pumpkin Farm: pumpkin patch-pick in the field, corn maze, straw or hay bale maze, child-sized haybale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, farm market, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals.  Location: 15410 Ne 124th Street, Redmond, WA 98052. Phone: 425-869-9777. Email: thedr@drmazesfarm.com.  Hours: Friday and Saturday, from 10 am to 10 pm; and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm;   

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Scarecrow Festival - Gig Harbor

Come and enjoy the Scarecrow Festival rain or shine!  Wear your Pacific Northwest gear.  Grab your raincoat and boots and have FUN!!!

Saturday, October 8th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sehmel Homestead Park, 10123 78th Ave NW, Gig Harbor.  Click HERE for more information.

There will also be a 5K SCARECROW DIRT DASH FUN RUN & RELAY at
10 a.m. 

Festival events include:

• Scarecrow Contest & Displays
• KidsZone/Carnival Games
• Hay Rides/Pony Rides/Farm Animals
• Food & Fair Treats
• Live Music/Entertainment
• Beer Garden 

Zoo Boo at Point Defiance Zoo

Boo!  October 14th-16th, dress up in your costume and go trick-or-treating at the Zoo.  Moms and dads looking for a safe and entertaining place to bring young trick-or-treaters won’t want to miss the annual Zoo Boo celebration. Kick off a fun weekend with a family-friendly Pumpkin Carving Party on Friday, October 14 from 5 to 7 pm. The pumpkins will be used to decorate the Zoo for Zoo Boo! Then, on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16 from 10 am to 3 pm for Zoo Boo! The popular event features indoor and outdoor activities, including animal enrichments, treats, a scavenger hunt and They usually have all kinds of treats, stickers, healthy snacks and interesting facts about the animals.  Test run the costume and learn really neat facts at the same time!  I've done this with my kids as young as 2.  While they were not interested in any of the events, talks or scavenger hunts, they liked dressing up and seeing the animals.  Great for all ages, even the adults! 

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Family Jump Time

The 1st and 3rd Wednesday nights of the month, in October that is the 5th and the 19th, from 6-7:30, you can jump to your hearts content.  This is NOT a drop-off program, but a drop-in.  Stay with the kiddos and jump with them.  For $7/child and $5/sibling = $12/family of four (2Adults +2Kids), that is a lot of fun.  And, if it is raining, run off the energy before bedtime!!  Always a plus at our house.  Reservations are required, so call 253-752-5867