I am moving!!

Ive decided to migrate my blog to WordPress.  I like the cleaner site and the ability to update on the fly. The correct address for the new address is http://wp.me/2bJzA, you can search for me using the same name: Fun on a Dime WA or www.funonadimewa.wordpress.com

Welcome and I hope you continue to enjoy the same great fun around the Puget Sound area and maybe we will run into each other.

Pier Peer in Pierce County

On March 24th, bring your family and join up for an aquatic night-time adventure as you explore hundreds of mysterious marine life forms below the docks with experienced naturalists. Warm-up at the end of the evening with hot cocoa. While Im kind of bummed that this is for ages 8+, I understand.  This is a night/evening peer into all that is cool under the water at Foss Waterway Seaport.  This looks like a ton of fun!  Hope you guys can make it!

Each child requires one adult companion. Please dress for the weather; piers can be slippery. Life jackets are supplied and MUST be worn at all times when on the pier.

For ages 8+. Please call or click here to register. (Pre-registration is REQUIRED!)

Cost is $6/person

Kids Concert in Tacoma

On March 17th, at 10 and 11:30am, bring your kids to listen to the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra play Sailing the Musical Seas.  Purchase price is $8.50. (some handling fees apply) Not a huge amount, but with multiple kids, plus adults, it can get pricy quick.  If you purchased the 3pack of shows, you scored a deal for a total charge of $20.75.  Click here for more info.

Pier Peer in Pierce County

On March 10th, bring your family and join up for an aquatic night-time adventure as you explore hundreds of mysterious marine life forms below the docks with experienced naturalists. Warm-up at the end of the evening with hot cocoa. While Im kind of bummed that this is for ages 8+, I understand.  This is a night/evening peer into all that is cool under the water at Point Defiance Marina.  This looks like a ton of fun!  Hope you guys can make it!

Each child requires one adult companion. Please dress for the weather; piers can be slippery. Life jackets are supplied and MUST be worn at all times when on the pier.

For ages 8+. Please call or click here to register. (Pre-registration is REQUIRED!)

Cost is $6/person

Story Hour at the Conservatory

On Wednesday March 14th, from 11am-12pm, join a storyteller at the Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Wright Park for a story and science project.  The story is One Leaf Rides the Wind.  You can make wind art and learn about the science of weather and plants .

This is a FREE event and is a great way to get out of the house, and stay out of the rain, for an educational afternoon.  If the sun is shining, pack a lunch and head over the newly revamped play area in Wright Park.

Pier Peer in Pierce County

On February 25th, bring your family and join up for an aquatic night-time adventure as you explore hundreds of mysterious marine life forms below the docks with experienced naturalists. Warm-up at the end of the evening with hot cocoa. While Im kind of bummed that this is for ages 8+, I understand.  This is a night/evening peer into all that is cool under the water at FossWaterway Seaport.  This looks like a ton of fun!  Hope you guys can make it!

Each child requires one adult companion. Please dress for the weather; piers can be slippery. Life jackets are supplied and MUST be worn at all times when on the pier.

For ages 8+. Please call or click here to register. (Pre-registration is REQUIRED!)

Cost is $6/person

Im moving!!

Ive decided to migrate my blog to WordPress.  I like the cleaner site and the ability to update on the fly. The correct address for the new address is http://wp.me/2bJzA, you can search for me using the same name: Fun on a Dime WA or www.funonadimewa.wordpress.com

Welcome and I hope you continue to enjoy the same great fun around the Puget Sound area and maybe we will run into each other.

E is for Earthworm

At the Tacoma Nature Center on February 17th, at 10:30am, Preschoolers explore different nature topics through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks, and crafts. Adult participation is recommended; children under 4 require an adult present. For ages 3-6. Please call to register - 253-591-6439. This class has limited availability. $6/$5 child / member-child

2012 NW Scale Modelers Show - Seattle

On February 18th and 19th, from 10am-4:30pm, the Northwest Scale Modelers (NWSM) will push the envelop with a massive show of modeling force and bring the Northwest hundreds and hundreds of: model aircraft, cars, tanks, ships, spacecraft and more.  There will even be a special demonstration of creatures and hardware from the Star Wars series.

On February 18th at 2pm, Bob Jacobsen will demonstrate the life size working model of R2-D2 he designed and built from scratch.  For all you non-Star Wars fans out there, this is a BIG THING!

Children ages 6+ are invited to participate in special 'Make and Take' model building workshops on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm to build a scale aircraft to take home.  Workshops are 1st come-1st serve and each child should have a direct adult helper.

This looks like such a really cool event.  I am such a Star Wars geek and I love the idea of introducing boys and girls to a great hobby that encourages the use of their minds and their imaginations! Get out there and have fun!

West Side Mountain Bike Series

On February 12th in NE Tacoma, be prepared for a bike race.  BuDu racing at http://bit.ly/xsjrpf at 8am will start registration for the race.  There are races for the kiddos too!  Take to Dash Point trails and race for fun around the PUgest Sound.  You can even purchase a 'Season' pass for all the events.

Cost:
$15/$25 (child/adult) 1 race
$80/$120 Season Pass

Dates/Times/Event Locations:

• 2/12 - Dash Point Park - 4900 Norpoint Way
• 3/4 - King County Soaring Eagle Park - E Main Dr & 259th Ave, Sammamish
• 3/18 - Ft. Steilacoom - 9601 Steilacoom Blvd SW Lakewood
• 3/25 - Cookin' in the Kettles - Hill Valley Dr Coupefille WA
• 4/14 - Black Diamond Real LIfe Church Trails - 30711 3rd Ave 
• 4/29 - King County Maple Ridge Open Space or Henry's Ridge Trails - 28011 Maple Ridge Way

Registration starts at 8am

Races start at:

• 9am for beginners
• 10am for open/expert
• 11:30am for sport/Clydesdale

Kids races start right after Experts start.  

There is even a cash prize for winners!  This looks like a great way to have fun, biking through trails and enjoying the presence of many people at the same time.  

Story Hour at Seymour Conservatory

The Conservatory at Wright Park has a great and FREE storytime with an accompanying craft and science projet.  Enjoy the flowers and the warmth of the conservatory, while listening to a story.  The craft and science project helps relates the story and enhances your child's learning.

• Feb 8th -  Meow Monday with Thumbprint pussy willows and Tiger Lilys
• March 14th - One Leaf Rides the Wind with Wind Art and Weather & Plants
• April 11th - Secret Garden with Peek a Boo Cards and Birds & Flowers
• May 9th - Planting a Rainbow with a Rainbow Garden and Raingardens

Tacoma Free Day at the Zoo

The 9th and 25th of February, the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is offering free entrance to all Tacoma residents. Proof of residency is required, zoo membership, utility bill, drivers license, etc.

This is a great opportunity to see great animals, and enjoy the wonderful views of the Puget Sound. This is one of my favorite places, my boys too. Even in the rain there is much to enjoy at the aquarium, discovery center and other exhibits.

***Get there early as it can get crowded fast***

Location:Tacoma

Arts and Crafts Time

It's arts and crafts time again at Learning Sprout Toys in downtown Tacoma. This is a really great chance to check out the shop and all it's educational toys, and at the same time support local business.

Saturday February 4th from 10-2pm, your children can make a heart shaped creature and use modeling clay to create a lasting keepsake.

Learning Sprout Toys
809 Pacific Ave

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Art of Chocolate in Gig Harbor

From the Gig Harbor Guide at http://www.gigharborguide.com/ghg-blog/art-chocolate/


The second annual ART OF CHOCOLATE event will take place on Saturday February 5th from 10am – 6pm in historic downtown Gig Harbor. Local merchants are each coming up with special chocolate themed events and activities in their individual stores, all for this event sponsored by the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association.

Most stores will feature some kind of chocolate as well as other items including wine and entertainment. For instance, Mostly Books will have chocolate for all its guests and will also have a wonderful selection of books about chocolate, chocolate cookbooks as well as romance and valentine themed books.

...Now for my bit, for the older kids this can be a great little outing and way to explore either your own community or a new one. Grab a local map, or mapquest in your iPad and make a game of it. Have the kids create a passport memory book of the different ways they tried chocolate. Then, scour your favorite websites or blogs and try making your own truffles or other homemade sweets and compare. Make it like a science experiment. With a rating scale, have them create the categories. Just look at all the fun you can have off 1 day in gig Harbor!

Astronaut for a Day

The Seattle Museum of Flight on Feb 18th is showcasing their 'Voyage to Mars: Challenger Learning Center Mission' (for children 10yrs and older)
Time: Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Event Type: For Families
Location: Murdock Theater
BE AN ASTRONAUT FOR A DAY!

Challenger Learning Center Public Missions - A Unique Experience For Families
A family experience that is out of this world! The Challenger Learning Center is a simulated space mission that uses hands-on, inquiry based activities to engage participants in teamwork, communication, problem-solving and critical thinking.

Cost: Member: $7.00/youth (under 18); $12.00/adult
Non-member: $10.00/youth (under 18); $15.00/adult
(Includes museum admission)

Audience: Ages 10 and up. Youth under 16 years old must be accompanied by adult participant. One adult minimum per 5 youth.

Pre-registration is required – 206-764-1384. Pre-register by February 10.

Cancellation policy: A full refund will be made if you cancel at least 3 working days prior to the program. No refund will be made after that date. There are no partial refunds. This program requires a minimum number of participants. You will be notified, and a full refund issued, if this event is cancelled.



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Pier Peer Around Pierce County

On, February 11th, bring your family and join up for an aquatic night-time adventure as you explore hundreds of mysterious marine life forms below the docks with experienced naturalists. Warm-up at the end of the evening with hot cocoa. While Im kind of bummed that this is for ages 8+, I understand.  This is a night/evening peer into all that is cool under the water at Point Defiance Marina.  This looks like a ton of fun!  Hope you guys can make it!

Each child requires one adult companion. Please dress for the weather; piers can be slippery. Life jackets are supplied and MUST be worn at all times when on the pier.

For ages 8+. Please call or click here to register. (Pre-registration is REQUIRED!)

Cost is $6/person

Children's Dental Health Day

On February 4th at the South Hill Mall from 10am-2pm, come meet the Tooth Fairy. Thats right, February is Dental Health month and the Pierce County Health Department is partnering with several places around Pierce County to offer:

*Dental goodie bags

*Health education

*Dental screenings and referrals for care

*Live demos by Chompy the Carrot

*Dental van to provide free care (upon qualification)

Other Dates/Locations are: Click here for more info

February 14-28th ?ABCD Dental Health classes for WIC at Bethel FSC & Oral Health Service Site. For more information contact Amanda Odom at (253) 798-4720.

February 26th ? Dental Health Associates, 6001 100th St. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, 9:00am until 3:00pm, sealants, fluoride varnish, fillings, oral hygiene consults and extractions ? no appts necessary! All uninsured children to age 18 are welcome! Questions? Call (253) 582-5050 All services are free of charge!

All Year long ? not just February, Pierce County Dental Society/American Dental Association is promoting a program called, 'Give Kids a Smile'; all services will be provided for children who are uninsured. Call (253) 798-6579 or (253) 798-4720 for an application.

Pierce County Dentists Care: Gratis Dental services provided by volunteer members of the Pierce County Dental Society to low income residents who qualify under their financial guidelines. To qualify, submit the information of the person to the Oral Health Program, Amanda Odom at (253) 798-4720, or call (253) 798-6044 for additional dental health resources.

'via Blog this'

Valentines Day - evening for adults

Wondering what to get your honey for Valentines day?  Men, this could be a good one...for BOTH of you!  I usually blog about fun events for kids, but this holiday (though some would say was created by Hallmark) is for the adults.  And, being a parent is even more fun when you get to spend quality time with your other special someone!

Enjoy a great treats of wine and chocolate while surrounded by wonderful floral displays and music provided by harpist Ruthann Ritchie.  On February 10th from 5:30-7pm at the Conservatory at Wright Park in Tacoma, for $20 you can enjoy a pleasant evening of wine, chocolate and romantic music, all for $20!  Not a bad deal!

Im not sure how quickly tickets go for this thing, so reserve soon...253-591-5330

Story Hour at the Conservatory

On Wednesday February 8th, from 11am-12pm, join a storyteller at the Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Wright Park for a story and science project.  The story is Meow Monday.  You can make thumbprint pussy willows and learn about tiger lilys and other beastly plants.

This is a FREE event and is a great way to get out of the house, and stay out of the rain, for an educational afternoon.  If the sun is shining, pack a lunch and head over the newly revamped play area in Wright Park.

Parents Night Out - CM Tacoma

On the 3rd Friday of every month, the Children's Museum of Tacoma offers a Parents Night Out.  For $25/1st child and $10 each additional child (members get 10% discount), you can drop your kids off for a fun & educational time playing games and interacting with playscapes, create works of art and eating pizza.

Drop off at 6pm and pick up by 9:30pm.  for ages 3-10 (must be potty trained) and pre-registration is required.  Dates are:

• Feb 17th
• Mar 16th
• April 20th

For an extra special, local shopping type of a date night, consider coordinating one of The Grand Cinema's date night packages that includes vouchers with a local restaurant and 2 tickets to a movie! Click here for more information.

17th Annual Popsicle Stick Bridge Building Contest

On February 11th from 8am-1pm, at the Museum of Flight, watch the Younger Member Forum of the American Society of Civil Engineers build bridges of Popsicle sticks and white glue.  Bridges will be tested with a hydrolic press and when the Popsicle sticks snap, pieces fly everywhere.

This is a great event for girls and boys!  Let them watch how the bridges are built and even better, destroyed.  Nothing better than building something with Legos and then destroying to build something new.  Who knows, you might inspire your little ones creative streak!

The event in included in regular admission prices, but FREE for members.  Click here for more information

Children's Museum of Seattle - Sensory Sensitive Hrs

The Children's Museum of Seattle offers sensory sensitive hours before the normal operating hours at least one time per month 8:30-10am.  The Children's Museum opens their doors early to provide a sensory sensitive environment for children affected by disabilities or autism.  This environment includes minimal sounds and dimmed lights, providing a quieter environment for the loved ones who need these special accommodations.

Tickets ($3/ person) need to be purchased in advance click here for more information.

Upcoming dates are:
February 4th
March 3rd
April 7th

D is for Duck, Preschool Nature Series

At the Tacoma Nature Center on February 3rd, at 10:30am, Preschoolers explore different nature topics through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks, and crafts. Adult participation is recommended; children under 4 require an adult present. For ages 3-6. Please call to register - 253-591-6439. This class has limited availability. $6/$5 child / member-child