Cats of the Canopy - PDZA

Last weekend, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium opened the Cats of the Canopy exhibit in the Asian Forest Sanctuary across from the elephant barn. Check out the clouded leopard cubs, Taji and Sumalee, in the cub den all day, and spot Chee Wit, a 1.5-year-old male, in the large exhibit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come meet the clouded leopard cubs too. Since this is AFTER opening weekend and after the start of the school year, I'd expect crowds to be minimal. Hope you have fun!

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium > New at the Zoo

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Tacoma Raniers - cheap tickets

The Tacoma Rainiers are going retro! Tonight (Aug 29th) thru Wed. (Aug 31st), kids 12 and under tickets are 50 cents, same price as Cheney's 1st season in 1960. 1st pitch @ 7:05pm. And, you might get a fireworks show too!

So, get a hot dog and watch America's favorite sport. Be there or be square.

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Senior Month at NW Trek!

Tell grandma and grandpa this is a great time to take little ones to see all that NW Trek has to offer. Crowds are small and there is plenty to see!


The weather is grand and the crowds are small - a perfect time for folks 65 or better to get half off general admission to Northwest Trek and take advantage of the relaxed pace of fall. Take a leisurely stroll through the core area's paved walkways or sit awhile on one of the many benches along the way. Enjoy a lovely ride on the tram and experience the exhilarating herding behaviors that only happen during the fall season.

Senior Month at NW Trek

Driftwood Day- Oak Harbor

On Aug 27th at 11:30 till 1 pm, head to Oak Harbor's Windjammer Park for Driftwood Day. This is a great contest to see who can create great art using only what you find on the beach. See more information below.

Oak Harbor - Whidbey Island's Premier Waterfront Community - Oak Harbor, WA 98277

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Harbor Days Festival - Olympia

From Sept 2-4th, come celebrate 38 Years of tugboats and maritime heritage celebrated on the beautiful Olympia waterfront. Harbor Days is an annual festival where tugboats return to the southernmost tip of Puget Sound for three days of entertainment, food, art, history, and a last farewell to the summer.

Vintage, working and retired tugboats are moored at Olympia's Percival Landing. Many of them are open for tour on Saturday of the festival. Be on hand at noon Sunday as the tugs leave shore to participate in the Annual Harbor Days Tugboat Races, out in the deep channel of the bay.

Olympia Harbor Days Festival — People For Puget Sound

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Tacoma Maritime Festival

This is the most awesome event in all of Tacoma!  Well, according to my boys anyway.  The Tacoma Maritime Festival is August 27th and 28th from 10am-6pm.  On Saturday, August 27th, you can score a FREE train ride to tour the Port of Tacoma.  On Sundsay, August 28th, you can ride on a FREE harbor cruise. 

That's right, I said FREE! Brought to you by volunteers, and boat enthusiasts.  For the smaller ones, there has been fishing tanks, boat building crafts, and some years, free entrance to the maritime museum.  This is a rockin event. 

Park for free at the Tacoma Dome and ride the tram to the antique district.  That is where they typically have the stop for the shuttle bus to take you to the Maritime Fest and the Port of Tacoma Train tours.  Maritime Festival - Tacoma

Norpoint Festival - Browns Point

It's time again for the Center at Norpoint's famous free family festival! Bring the family, see some familiar faces, make new friends, check out the new Norpoint Park and have lots of fun!

• Live music
• Summer picnic-style food
• Beer and wine garden
• Kids' activities (including bubble fun, carnival games, and moon bounce)
• Contemporary and modern dance performances
• Bring a blanket and stay late to watch the Click! Mobile Movie:Tangled (rated PG, movie starts at dusk)
• A perfect opportunity to check out Norpoint's new sprayground and skate park!

Also, join between August 26 and September 11 and your initiation fee ($65 value) will be waived!

Snoquolmie Train Festival

This is a little outside my normal area, and a little pricey, but such a totally fun event that I had to post it. This event starts today, August 18th and runs through Sunday August 21st.

At the Snoquolmie train festival, you can pay to ride a train and look at trains, listen to them chug and whistle. This event is a train lovers dream. They do run trains all summer and for special events, like meet Thomas. However, check prices and time tables before you go. (never a bad idea to try and buy tickets ahead of time if permitted either, especially for some of the bigger events.) Peep, peep!

73rd annual Snoqualmie Railroad Days has music, train rides, food and fun. | Railroad Days

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Another Great Volunteer Opportunity - Clean Beach Group

On Saturday, August 27th at 10 am, tge Clean Beach Group will be picking up litter at Owen Beach.

This is a great oppotunity to teach your kids about litter, consequences and respect for their environment. And, if you are a senior, a great group to volunteer with!

Clean Beach Group

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3rd Thursday Artwalk

On the 3rd Thursday if every month, from 5-8pm, walk or ride a bus through downtown Tacoma and enjoy all the great FREE museums and other venues. Museums include the Art Museum, Glass Museum, and the history museum.

If you want to start early, go to the Childrens Museum and the farmers market. Those are free today too!

Tacoma Artwalk

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Click Free Family Flick

August 20, 2011 -10:00am-12:00pm

Hurry and don’t miss a special FREE screening of Horton Hears a Who at the Grand Cinema this Saturday, August 20. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the movie will begin at 10:00 a.m. The film will be shown in two (2) theaters which will allow for over 150 people to attend! The film is completely FREE to everyone!

Grand Cinema > Home

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Heros vs. Villians Pet Parade

On August 20th, kids 16 and under take to the streets of downtown Olympia decked out in costumes, with animals in tow and their hearts filled with excitement and joy. This year marks the 82nd annual parade. Pet Parade is free and draws more than 1,000 kids and pets –everything from dogs and cats to gerbils and llamas. Prizes are awarded in numerous categories. Over the years, costumes and categories have changed, but the idea remains the same –fun and creativity for kids and families. Pet Parade Basics:

DATE Saturday, August 20, 2011

PLACE Starts in Heritage Park on Water Street adjacent to Capitol Lake. The eight-block route ends in Sylvester Park on Legion Way.

THEME FOR 2011 Movie Madness: Villains vs. Super Heroes.

TIME Lineup begins at 8 a.m. Parade starts at 10 a.m.

JUDGING 8:30 a.m. –9:45 a.m. (Heritage Park) Grand prizes announced at about 11:30 a.m. at Sylvester Park.

CATEGORIES Pets, Wheels, Impersonations, Big Dogs, Little Dogs and Floats.

CONTACT Call Tammy at 360-754-5420. No need to register … just show up.

Pet Parade - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington news, weather and sports

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Sandsculpting World Championship

August 18th through September 5th, Federal Way is hosting the World Sandsculpting Championships at 31510 20th Ave South Federal Way. (Former Toys R Us Building)

There are all kinds of events from a big sand pit for kids to play in to sandsculpting lessons to photo ops. I can't wait to go!

World Championship of Sand Sculpting Celebrating 25 Years

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Pups in the Park- University Place

Pups in the Park is going to be bigger and better this year…and we want YOU to be a part of it! Join us on Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cirque Bridgeport Park, 7250 Cirque Drive West, in University Place.

This year, we are thrilled to feature the Skyhoundz NW Regional Championship (World Championship Qualifier) which attracts contestants from eight states. (Check out the outstanding tricks and skills of dogs and their owners on www.woofd2.com or www.skyhoundz.com).

An anticipated 300+ people are expected, so come and enjoy.

SUNDogs Safe, Unleashed, and Natural Dedicated to providing a Safe, Unleashed and Natural Dog Park on the Chambers Creek Properties in University Place

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Gross out Olympics

If your kids are like mine, its a see-food environment. Or maybe it's just because I have boys. At any rate, the Gross-out Olympics were made with kids like mine, who like to do gross stuff. Its a ton of fun, check it out! August 26th at Sprinker Recreation Center.

Wall Photos

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Beachcombing with a Naturalist

At Tolmie State Park in Olympia, you can comb the beaches at low-tide with a naturalist on August 14th from 11:30 to 2:30.

Learn about the beach, the native critters and generally have a good time.

Be aware, since this is a state park, you might need a discovery pass. Find out more about the discover pass here: http://discoverpass.wa.gov/

http://sseacenter.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/beachnaturalistflyerupdated.png

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Canoe in Bellevue

Every Saturday from 8:30-12pm at Enatia Beach Park in Bellevue explore the beautiful Mercer Slough Nature Park by water! Bellevue Park Rangers lead this 3-hour canoe trip from Enatai Beach Park. You’ll see how this amazing ecosystem functions as you travel into the heart of Mercer Slough Nature Park, a 320 acre wetland. Discover the multiple benefits derived from the City of Bellevue’s second largest park. With a little luck, you may catch a glimpse of the otters, herons, turtles and other wildlife of Mercer Slough. Please dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required.

$14 - Bellevue Resident
$16 - Non-Bellevue Resident

Trips continue rain or shine. Trips may be cancelled in the case of lightning, high winds and/or waves.

• Basic safety talk, paddling demonstration, and equipment provided. Paddling experience is strongly recommended. Participants paddle the entire distance of 4 miles (approx. 3 hours).

• Up to 3 people per canoe. The weight capacity of each canoe is 550 lbs.

• Children and youth must have at least 1 adult present for every 2 children or youth.

• Children must be 5 years old to participate. Coast Guard approved life jackets must be pro-vided by parents for children weighing less than 35 lbs.

Puyallup Movies in the Park

Tomorrow, Saturday August 13th at Pioneer Park, the Puyallup Parks department  is hosting their Movies in the park.  Movies start at dusk, which this time of year is about 8:30pm.  People are encouraged to bring blankets, popcorn and to have a good time! 

Wooden Boat Sailing toy and life sized

Every Sunday at Lake Union Park, the Center for Wooden Boats hosts a boat sail. From 11-2pm sail your model boats at the pond, and from 2-3 become a guest on larger boats. Model boat sail suggested donation is $5. Sailing on a full sized boat is FREE!

Sounds like a lot of good fun on a summer afternoon!

Activities Calendar | At Lake Union Park

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Fishing Derby at Point Defiance

August 13 Puget Sound Anglers Salmon Derby Gig Harbor Chapter Point Defiance Marina, 5912 N. Waterfront Dr.

One of my favorite memories of quality time I spent with my dad growing up was fishing. (He let me wipe the worm guts off on his pants) While this is more expensive than I usually post, there appear to be some great prizes. This is a great opportunity to fish, build camraderie, and start building great memories with your own kids.

One of the biggest tournaments in the south sound every year! This year the awards banquet will be held in Lot B of Point Defiance Marina after the early afternoon weigh-in. Lotsof cash and merchandise prizes will be awarded to lucky…..or skillful….anglers. This derby is part of the "Northwest Derby Series" where one lucky angler will win a fully rigged fishing boat!

Entry fee $25 Tickets may be purchased at the Marina Tackle Shop 591-5325

Metro Parks Tacoma > Fishing Derbys

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Happy 40th NW Trek! *Updated*

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Dr. David and Connie Hellyer’s land donation that created the park with 40 days of savings and fun, Aug. 12 through Sept. 20.

During the “40 & Fabulous” celebration, all visitors will receive $4 off general admission and the 40th person in the front gate every day will receive free admission. Also taking place are “Free 40 Fridays” in which all 40 year olds will get free admission.

NW Trek hasn't said whether this offer can be combined with Entertainment Book coupons, but you probably can. See the link below for more information. *****Update, NW Trek has replied back that the discount is not combinable with other offers...bummer!

40 & Fabulous! > Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

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Pierce County Fair

I can't believe I forgot the Pierce County Fair. It's my favorite fair all year. I like it better than the Puyallup fair because it's cheaper (always a fan favorite) and has a ton less people. I also love it because it's easier to keep track of smaller kids, and with less rides come less tantrums. (last year Graham Fire had a great safety exhibit, a MUST do for any family!)

The Pierce County Fair started today and runs through this weekend only. See below for more information.

Home

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Mmmmm...Blueberry

Our cooler weather has slowed the season for our local produce. If you're a fan of blueberries, then wait no more. Blueberry season is upon us. Do, bring on the pie, the jam and ice cream topping (there is ALWAYS) room for ice cream. See below for a list of local blueberry farms.

After cold spring, blueberries arrive in South Sound | Food - The News Tribune

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Ft Nisqually Encampment

This Sat & Sun, August13th and 14th from 11am till 5pm, journey back to the year 1855 when the Fur Brigades from east of the Cascades camped at Fort Nisqually. Over 100 volunteerswill recreate the arrival of the 1855 fur brigades to this Hudson's Bay Company post. The camp bringsthe sights and sounds of early Washington Territory back to life. Enjoy entertainment ranging from Fur Trappers' Racesto an elegant ladies' tea, from dancing to the music of bagpipes, and much, much more.

Brigade Encampment has something for the whole family including the popular "Engage for the Day" program and Kids' Alley where visitors may participate in hands-on presentations. Upon learning new skills, such as firestarting with flint and steel, blacksmithing, or spinning wool, visitors can sign on as an honorary apprentice for the day with the Hudson's Bay Company!

Metro Parks Tacoma > Brigade Encampment

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Morse Wildlife Preserve Open Trails - Graham

On August 14th from 12-4pm, explore this natural treasure located in Graham by walking the trails and discovering the beauty of the five habitat zones during the following special open days. Registration not required - call for directions to 253-305-1030

Volunteer in your area

Your time can make a difference!

Join a work party or just give an hour of your time. Get engaged by volunteering with one of the many Puget Sound organizations that offer chances to roll up your sleeves. Give these organizations a call (or check out their Web sites) to see if there is a way to engage.

This is a great way to teach the kiddos about service and how important it is to take care of ourselves, each other, and our surroundings.

Get Involved « Puget Sound Starts Here

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Water & Spirit Ride on Alki

On August 13th starting at 7am, get ready to Ride! Mark the date on your calendar now for this ride around the sound beginning and ending Salty's on Alki Beach, in West Seattle.

The 40 mile ride includes three ferry crossings, a farmers market and some of the finest scenery in the Northwest. Ride registrations and sponsorships raise funds for Family Promise of Seattle and Scholastic Journey.

Registration Fees
Adult $30.00
Family $50.00
Youth or Student $20.00 Age 16 and older.
Child $10.00 Under age 16 riding with registered Adult.

Registration and Bib Pick Up 6:15am -8:30am At Salty's on Alki Beach

LAST day to register is Friday Aug 12th.

Water and Spirit Ride 2011 | Seattle, Washington 98116 | Saturday, August 13, 2011 @ 7:00 AM

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Community Garden Tour - Tacoma **UPDATED

August 13th from 10-1pm, meet up at one of our Community Gardens / Green Spaces in Tacoma.  Learn about the many projects happening in Tacoma and how to help make your city more livable.  After the meet and greet, you have the opportunity to choose a bicycle route to tour more sites that are helping make Tacoma green.  We will end the event at a lunch spot to debrief.

This event has been *CHANGED* and combined with another garden tour:
On September 10th, the garden tour in Tacoma to be combined with the Harvest Tour and Festival.  This will be a celebration of community collaboration and gardening. Attendees will still get a tour of urban gardens in Tacoma, many of them that CLC helps to operate.

Please Pre-Register so the event will NOT be cancelled!
Click here for more details.

Cooking Local, Seasonal and Healthy

When you cook seasonally, you tend to cook healthy and cheaper too. Locally grown, in-season produce, typically tastes better and is cheaper.

On Wednesday, August 17th, from 6:30-9:30 the Garfield Book Company by PLU in Spanaway is hosting a cooking demomstration and talk about cooking seasonally. I hope you can make it. Bon appetite!

Farm to Table Cooking Demonstration (1)

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Chinook Bend Field Day

Saturday, August 6, 2011 10:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m. Chinook Bend Natural Area will celebrate summer with a Field Day on Saturday, August 6th. Artist Betsy Damon, environmental expert Steve Tolzman, and Snoqualmie Steward Mary Maier will be on hand to greet participants and provide guided tours of the recently enhanced area from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The fifty-nine acres of open space boasts many recreational access improvements and a number of ecological enhancements: an open water wetland, over 15,000 native trees and shrubs planted by volunteers, and a series of restoration projects. Betsy Damon’s newly installed public artwork, Homage to Living Systems, as well as tours of the site’s ecology will be highlighted during this fun and informative community event co-sponsored by 4Culture and the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

Blog4Culture » Blog Archive » chinook bend field day

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FREE Christian Summer Camp

This is more for the folks up north near Maple Valley. Mountain Vineyard Christian Fellowship will host its annual free Kids Camp Aug. 8-12 at Cedar Valley Elementary for youngsters who will enter kindergarten through sixth grade this fall. Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and children who participate will receive a T-shirt.

For information email Dawn at dawnandgarth@comcast.net or Melissa at mbrownpfs@comcast.net or call (253) 631-6886.

Mountain Vineyard Christian Fellowship to host free Kids Camp Aug. 8-12 at Cedar Valley Elementary - Covington & Maple Valley Reporter - Mobile Edition

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Summer Day Camp 50% off or FREE

This is a great deal through living social offered by Metro Parks. The summer may be nearly over, but you can still get your kids a five-day breath of fresh air and adventure while giving yourself a much-needed break. With today's deal from Metro Parks Tacoma, pay just $65 (regularly $140) and enroll your child aged 6 to 12 in a Titlow Day Camp. Each session is Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., and each day is jam-packed with games, sports, swimming, arts and crafts, and plenty of outdoor fun. Jurassic enthusiasts will love Dino-Palooza, from August 8 to 12; little swimmers will want to cannonball into Cowabunga Dude, which offers swimming and water games from August 15 to 19; and The Great Titlow Camp Out from August 22 to August 26 give your child the chance to try trail trekking and cooking outdoors. At the end of each day, your kiddo will be begging for s'more fun.

Want it for free? Buy first, then share a special link. If three friends buy, yours is free!

The Best Daily Deals in Tacoma Families - Five-Day Kids' Summer Camp

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Tacoma Library Fun

No matter where you are in Tacoma, you have a library close by. Due to recent closures, your library might not be right next door. But, it's not too far away.

This next week bring great programs like:
* Movie at the Main library 'Gnomeo & Juliet' on Monday Aug 8th at 1pm
* Storytime with a craft, Stacking dolls
* Bug man coming to Kobitech library.
* Rotating Lego play exhibit

So find your library on the list and go play!

Tacoma Public Library - Special events for kids and families!

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Hiking at Gold Creek

On August 8th, at 10am, experience a FREE guided hike through Gold Creek off the I-90.  Learn about the conservation work happening along I-90, and enjoy the scenery.  This is also a chance to learn about becoming a land steward. 

Click here for more details and to reserve your spot.  

Seafair Weekend

This is bound to be a fun weekend on Lake Washington! It's Seafair Weekend. That means Hydro Races, Blue Angles and a big community festival full of fun. Come one and all and enjoy yourselves. Check the link below for a schedule of events or to find your favorite vendors.

Seafair

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Click Movies in the Park - Tacoma

Click! Mobile Movies at Free Summer Cinema is a summertime tradition in Tacoma. Enjoy a family-friendly movie presented by Click! Network and Metro Parks Tacoma at parks throughout the city. The series begins on August 5 at the Stewart Heights Park at 402 E 56th street and is followed by a different feature every Friday night in August.
Seating is on the lawn so attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or a folding chair and snacks (popcorn anyone?) All movies begin at dusk. For recorded information, call (253) 305-1007.

Metro Parks Tacoma > Click! Mobile Movie at FREE Summer Cinema

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Alice in Wonderland - Auburn

Theater in the park at the arts festival in Auburn. 

(Via the Auburn Reporter) "Theater simple – an award-winning, internationally acclaimed touring troupe – performs its newest interactive, all-ages park escapade, "Wonderland: Alice Adventures," part of Auburn's ArtRageous Art Festival Aug. 6 at Les Gove Park, 910 Ninth St.  Performances are 11:20 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the all-day, arts-in-the-park festival."

This is a fund, FREE show is held during the arts festival and is performed by a wonderful theater troupe.  Click here for details. 

30th Annual Arts Festival - Eatonville

In Eatonville, at Glacier Park, explore and experience the 30th annual Arts Festival.  All kinds of art will be featured from pottery to jewelry, carvings and more.  On August 5th through 7th, enjoy 3 days of the event with live music and hamburgers grilled by the Lions club.  This is a true community event. 

Eatonville Arts Festival

Safe Streets

Tomorrow is National Night Out. This is a neighborhood sponsored event where people can participate in fun and engaging affinities with their neighbors. In Tacoma, these activities are largly coordinated by the Safe Streets organization. See link below for more info.

Want to improve your community? Located in Tacoma, Washington, Safe Streets Campaign is a non-profit organization that brings people together—sometimes neighbors who get to know each other for the first time—to take back their streets. Through forming neighborhood block organizations, we help you plant the seed of grassroots, community leadership. That leadership helps hold communities together, and links them with can-do people in agencies and organizations to make neighborhoods safe. Working together is the key to reversing crime trends in our neighborhoods. Safe Streets is here to help create better, safer communities throughout Tacoma.

Safe St. - Home

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Pierce County Library Events- University Place

There are 2 more events at the University Place library this week. On the 4th listen to a well known author read from her book, and on the 6th enjoy the opening of the childrens room.

Remember the library is in the new city hall complex. Enjoy the new building and see the new library.

Three free upcoming events at UPlace library | Word on the Street

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