Out & About
- Library story hour - Find a library near you and enjoy their story time. It gives your voice a rest and lets the younger crowd experience someone else's take on their favorite and new stories too. At the library, you can also check out passes to the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and the WA State History Museum in Downtown Tacoma!
- Fire Department Tour - When my boys turned 4, we went on a tour of a fire station in Tacoma. The firefighters were amazing! When they are in house (check here) they are usually more than accomodating someone stopping by for a quick tour and are really great with the kids. Be aware, if they just came in from a call or if they get a call, its not the best time and they may usher you out quick.
- Play to Learn - A FREE learning environment that combines play with learning. Supported through donations and staffed with people from the Childrens Museum ensure the content is quality and the kids have fun. Personnally recommended for birth through about age 4. Locations all over Tacoma see: Play to Learn
- Go Roller Skating - There are a couple of skating rinks in the area:
Pattison's West Skating Center: Federal Way 34222 Pacific Highway S Admission between $4-$7
- Children's Museum of Tacoma - The Children's Museum of Tacoma is a great place to take the kids. They have bubble time and educational activities and crafts. Check out their new location in Tacoma and admission is DONATION! Park at the Park-n-Ride by the Tacoma Dome and ride the tram downtown for free! (use the 15th street/Convention center stop and walk downhill 1 block) Enjoy the train time with the kids too!
- Childrens Museum of Seattle - If you are already in Seattle, there are a couple of really great ways to enjoy the museum for cheap. This is a really great and really big museum, but if you are routinely in Seattle, then this is the way to go! *Last hour of each day is donation only (4-5pm) *QUEST (EBT) card is $1 all day admission and WA state Medical Coupon holders get in FREE!
- Foss Waterway Seaport - Wed-Fri from 10-5 and Sat/Sun from 12-5pm, ages 4 and up can enjoy innovative activities like building their own wooden boat or pretend to set to work loading containers on a ship or a rail car. (Maybe this will help translate into clothes that are picked up and placed in the hamper...dare I hope?) Click here for more information...Adults are $7, kiddos are $4 ea or $15/family of 5
- Pump it Up - Pump it up has several pre-school drop in times during the week. I let my boys run off the energy while I sip a warm cup of coffee (top on, brought from home - just the way I like it) and then we go home and have a picnic on the living room floor. 9:30-12pm Mon-Thurs $7/Child (Adults Free) Ages 2-8 Pump it Up
- McDonalds - Yes, there Ive said it...Occasionally, we go to the indoor playland at McDonalds. I always set the rules before we leave, and follow through. If it is a particulalry tight month, I will feed them before we go and let them know they can have each a $1 french fry, and I will bring apple slices. They get to play on the play land, feel they got a treat, and all for $2! Not a bad deal. I always warn my boys that if they fuss about not getting nuggets, burger, ____(Fill in the blank), I pack it up and go home. This option for moms with nerves of steel and able to follow through on the threats..:)
- Odyssey I - The play area has no time limitations. This is a huge bonus, when the cost for one child is $5.95 (2+) and $1.95 (1+). Go either way before lunch and go home for lunch/nap, or after you've already eaten. The pizza here is definately only something that a toddler would want. Odyssey I
- Discovery Village in Gig Harbor. Drop in for some hands-on learning fun, a kid friendly cafe with healthy eats and 5 main play exhibits for all age groups. Discovery Village also offers weekly events, story and art times.
- Seattle Bug Safari in Seattle. With over 50 different species of insects, spiders, millipedes and scorpions, there is much to excite your little critter at the bug safari. Check the calendar before you arrive as hours are subject to change.
At home activities
- Rake the leaves in your yard in a big pile. Then jump like crazy. Not only a great way for kids to burn some energy, but if your camera can keep up, these can be great pictures to send out with Christmas cards.
- Bring out the camping gear - We have been known to go "camping" in our living room. We bring out the tent, set up sleeping bags, tell ghost stories and go on "hikes" where we find the things Mom hides around the house, like a scavenger hunt.
- Drive the car out of the garage and set up an obstacle course or a circuit training course with jump ropes, hopscotch, or skate/ride bikes etc. Also let them use the sidewalk chalk inside the garage, easy clean up and they stay dry.
- Google "Childrens Crafts" and print out coloring pages, or worksheets to trace letters/numbers and more. I like http://www.teachthechildrenwell.com/science.html for science and other learning activities online.
