April 2006
Editor’s Note: The calendar is prepared two months in advance. Dates, times and places of events sometimes change, so please call to confirm information.
Sowing to Sewing - 1800s Technology
at Fort Nisqually
This living history day features the newest time-saving technological
advances of the mid-1800s during the spring planting season and how it
affected work at the fort. The historic buildings will be open and re-enactors
in 1850s attire will share their knowledge and skills. All ages. The time
traveling experience will be 11am-5pm April 8. $4 adults, $3 ages 13-17,
$2 ages 5-12. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Point Defiance Park,
5400 N Pear St., Tacoma. 253-591-5339. www.fortnisqually.org.
Puyallup Spring Fair
Don't miss this shorter, spring version of the celebrated Western Washington
Fair held in September. The spring fair features traditional livestock
and agricultural exhibits, professional rodeo, games, arts and crafts,
carnival rides, specialty food vendors and headliner entertainment. All
ages. 3-10pm April 20, 10am-10pm April 21 and 22 and 10am-7pm April 23.
$8 adults, $6 ages 6 to 18, free ages 5 and younger. Puyallup Fairgrounds.
253-841-5045. www.thefair.com.
Play Around in the Puget Sound
Families can get back to nature with a weekend full of recreational activities
during Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium's Earth Day celebration, April
22 and 23. In keeping with the theme Play Around in the Puget Sound, visitors
will learn about the array of outdoor activities available in the Puget
Sound region. The 2006 Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater animal programs will
also kick off this weekend. Ages 2 and older. Activities offered 10am-4pm,
zoo open 9:30am-5pm. Included with zoo admission. $10 ages 13 and older,
$8 ages 4-12, free ages 3 and younger. Pierce County residents receive
discounted admission. Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, 5400 N Pearl St.,
Tacoma. 253-591-5337. www.pdza.org.
Hot Tips
Spring Silent Movie Series
Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. virtually invented the swashbuckling film hero,
portraying the quick-witted and brave adventurer whose athletic grace
and goodness always save the day. Families are invited to view two of
his films this month. Robin Hood will be shown April 3 and The Goucho
will be shown April 10. Call for times. $15 adults, $8.50 youth. Washington
Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St., SE, Olympia. 360-753-8585.
Calling All Creative Kids
Kids 6-15 are invited to enter a free contest where everyone wins! This
annual contest awards each participant a ticket to the Puyallup Spring
Fair, April 20-23. Categories include art, creative writing, baking, birdhouse
and feeders, photography, textiles and more. New this year is robotics.
Deadline for entries is April 14. For rules and category information,
visit www.thefair.com or call 253-841-5017.
Parks Appreciation Day
Join friends and neighbors in celebrating the enhanced quality of life
that parks bring. Families can volunteer at local parks for spruce-up
activities 9am-noon April 22. Find contact information for local parks
and recreation departments at the end of our Classes for Kids listings
or visit www.parksappreciationday.net.
Easter Events
Easter Bunny Arrival. Fun games,
face painting and more at 10am April 1. Easter Bunny will arrive at 1pm.
Children will help the bunny find his eggs as he finds his way to kick
off Easter Bunny photos. All ages. FREE. South Hill Mall, 3500 S Meridian,
Puyallup. 253-840-2828. www.southhillmall.com.
Easter Bunny Breakfast. Enjoy a McDonald's breakfast
with the Easter Bunny at Tacoma Mall. The first 200 guests will receive
an umbrella to decorate. All ages. 9am April 8. $5. Food Court, Tacoma
Mall, 4502 S Steele St., Tacoma. 253-475-4566. www.simonkidgitsclub.com.
Lacey Egg Hunt. Meet the Easter Bunny and his furry friends,
then hunt for eggs. Ages 6 and younger. Children will be divided into
groups, ages 4-6 and 3 and younger. Bring a basket for gathering eggs.
10am April 15. FREE. Rainier Vista Community Park, 5475 45th Ave. SE,
Lacey. 360-491-0857. www.ci.lacey.wa.us.
Easter Bash at South Hill. Face painting, Easter Egg
hunt, coloring contest and more. Sponsored by Sunrise Baptist Church.
All ages. 1-4pm April 15. FREE. South Hill Mall, 3500 S Meridian, Puyallup.
253-840-2828. www.southhillmall.com.
Easter Egg-spress. Features a steam
train ride and an egg hunt on the shores of beautiful Mineral Lake. Open
and closed cars are available for this two-hour trip. April 15. Call for
departure times and cost. Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, Elbe. 1-888-783-2811.
www.mrsr.com.
Egg-cellent Fun Workshop. Easter crafts for kids. Ages
5-6. Call for times. $9.75. Pre-registration required by April 15. Puyallup
Recreation Center, 808 Valley Ave. NW, Puyallup. 253-841-5457. www.cityofpuyallup.org.
Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt. Ages 11-17. $3. Puyallup Recreation
Center ball fields, 808 Valley Ave. NW, Puyallup. 253-841-5457. www.cityofpuyallup.org.
Adult Flashlight Egg Hunt. Win prize eggs with hotel
accommodations, gift certificates and more. Ages 18 and up. $3. Puyallup
Recreation Center ball fields, 808 Valley Ave. NW, Puyallup. 253-841-5457.
www.cityofpuyallup.org.
Spring Egg Hunt. Children
will be divided into groups by age to hunt for eggs, then visit Peter
Rabbit in his egg house to receive a prize. Tots-age 10. 10am. $1. Puyallup
Recreation Center, 808 Valley Ave. NW, Puyallup. 253-841-5457. www.cityofpuyallup.org.
1 Saturday
Family Geo-teaming Adventure. A high-tech treasure hunt for the family. GPS units, PDAs, digital cameras, etc., will be provided by Geo-teaming. Call for time and location. $35 for parent-child teams, $12-$25 for additional person. Presented by Puyallup Parks and Recreation. 253-770-3325. www.cityofpuyallup.org.
Most Magnificent Mutt Show. In this Daffodil Festival event, kids and canine companions strut their stuff. Categories include longest ears, best costume and best trick. Ages 14 and younger. 10am-2pm. Registration begins at 9am. FREE. Frontier Park, 21802 Meridian Ave. E, Graham. 253-843-1173. www.piercecountyfair.com. Look for more Daffodil Festival events April 8, 22 and 23.
Bulb Farms on Display. More than 150 varieties of daffodils, tulips, irises, crocuses and hyacinths bloom in the demonstration gardens and surrounding commercial bulb field at the Van Lierop Bulb Farm this month, creating a colorful visual treat for visitors. All ages. 8:30am-5:30pm weekdays; 9am-5pm weekends. FREE. 13407 80th St. E, Puyallup. 253-848-7272. www.vanlieropbulbfarm.com.
Spring Fashion Show. All ages. 1pm. FREE. South Hill Mall, 3500 S Meridian, Puyallup. 253-840-2828. www.southhillmall.com.
On the Twentieth Century. An egotistical and perpetually broke theatrical producer plots to talk his former star into appearing in one of his plays during a wild train ride aboard the luxurious Twentieth Century Limited. All ages. 2 and 8pm today, 2pm tomorrow. $21 adults, $19 students, $14 ages 12 and younger. Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Narrows Theatre, 7116 Sixth Ave., Tacoma. 253-565-6867. www.tmp.org.
The Big Time. When people are away, things will play … guitars, specifically. Best pals Lamp, Sock and Vacuum Cleaner form a band and become a rockin’ household hit. This family musical features snappy pop tunes by rock star Chris Ballew. All ages. 2pm. $5. Auburn Riverside Theatre, 501 Oravetz Rd., Auburn. 253-931-3043. www.auburnwa.gov.
Gig Harbor Art Walk. Enjoy specials
and demonstrations at Gig Harbor’s art galleries.
All ages. 1-5pm. FREE. Downtown Gig Harbor. 253-851-5546. www.gigharborguide.com.
2006 MS Walk. 9 am-1 pm. Participate in a seven-mile benefit walk beginning at Horizons Elementary in Lacey, or a five-mile walk at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. Call or visit Web site for directions and registration information. 206-284-4254. www.nationalmssociety.org/was.
2 Sunday
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Visitors experience close encounters with tigers, sharks, polar bears, beluga whales and elephants, plus an outdoor theater and a children's exploration area. 9:30am-4pm daily. $10 ages 13 and older, $8 ages 4-12, free ages 3 and younger. Pierce County residents receive discounted admission. Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, 5400 N Pearl St., Tacoma. 253-591-5337. www.pdza.org.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Open 9:30am-4pm weekdays and 9:30am-5pm weekends, through June 30. $12 ages 13 and older, $8 ages 5-12, $5 ages 3-4, free ages 2 and younger. Pierce County residents receive discounted admission. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, 11610 Trek Dr. E, Eatonville. 360-832-7166. www.nwtrek.org.
W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. Hundreds of fragrant lilies welcome spring at the Seymour Conservatory in Tacoma’s Wright Park. Colorful hydrangeas and azaleas, some of which grow as trees up to six feet tall, are part of the display. 10am-4:30pm Tuesdays-Sundays. Special musical performance second Sundays 1-2:30pm. FREE, but donations welcome. W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, 316 S G St., Tacoma. 253-591-5330. www.metroparkstacoma.org.
6 Thursday
Free night at the Washington State History Museum. All ages. 5-8pm. FREE every Thursday. Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. 1-888-238-4373. www.wshs.org.
Free night at the Museum of Flight. All ages. 5-9pm. FREE first Thursdays. 9404 E Marginal Way S (next to Boeing Field), Seattle. 206-764-5720. www.museumofflight.org.
Free night at the Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington. All ages. FREE Thursdays 5-8pm. 15th Ave. NE, Seattle. 206-543-2280. www.henryart.org.
7 Friday
Organ at Noon. University organist Joseph Adam plays works by Tunder, Buxtehude, Mozart, and Franck. 12:05 pm. FREE. Kilworth Chapel, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N Warner St., Tacoma. 253-879-3555. www.ups.edu/events.
An Tua and the Comerford Irish Dancers. Don’t miss this spirited performance of blazing instrumentals and evocative songs from this Seattle Celtic traditional band, An Tua. The band teams with the Comerford Dancers performing traditional jig steps and graceful reels that highlight the choreography of Tony Comerford. Ages 7 and older. 7:30pm. $10-$14. Auburn Performing Arts Center, Auburn High School, 700 E Main St., Auburn. 253-931-3043.
Free First Friday Night at Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia. All ages. 5-9pm. FREE. Hands On Children’s Museum, 11th Ave. and Capitol Way, Olympia. 360-956-0818. www.hocm.org.
Free First Friday at Children’s Museum of Tacoma. All ages. 10am-7pm. FREE for families. Children’s Museum, 936 Broadway, Tacoma. 253-627-6031. www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org.
Bremerton’s First Friday Art Walk. Stroll the downtown Arts District within walking distance of the ferry. Features entertainment and refreshments. All ages. 5-8pm. FREE. Bremerton. www.visitkitsap.com.
8 Saturday
Junior Daffodil Parade. The Daffodil Festival's 45th annual Junior Parade encourages fun, creativity and partnership for local children. Costumes, pets, music and non-motorized floats make this parade a popular event. All ages. 10am. FREE. Proctor District, Tacoma. 253-863-9524. www.daffodilfestival.net.
Healthy Kids Day. Fun-filled activities for kids and their families. Ages 2-13, with families. 10am-2pm. Fun Run registration begins at 9am. FREE. Olympia Downtown YMCA. 510 Franklin St. SE Olympia. 360-357-6609. www.olympiadowntownymca.org.
Family Day: Build-a-Train. Children of all ages can participate in building a miniature railroad car. Noon-4pm. Included with museum admission. $2 adults, $1 kids. White River Valley Museum in Les Gove Park, 918 H St. SE, Auburn. 253-288-7433. www.wrvmuseum.org.
Behind the Scenes at Trek. Sneak a peek at the action behind the exhibits, and see cougars and bears up close. Ages 5 and older. 12:30-2pm. $35 adults, $22 ages 5-12. Reservations required. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, 11610 Trek Dr. E, Eatonville. 360-832-7166. www.nwtrek.org.
Museum of Glass Family Day. Create a work of art with local artist Jennifer Adams; watch dance performances by Tacoma School of the Arts students. All ages. 1-4pm. Included with admission. $10 adults, $4 ages 6-12, free younger than age 6. Museum of Glass, 1801 E Dock St., Tacoma. 253-284-4750. www.museumofglass.org.
Student Chamber Concert. 7:30pm. FREE. Schneebeck Concert Hall, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N Warner St., Tacoma. 253-879-3555. www.ups.edu/events.
Parents’ Night Out. Take a break or make a date while the kids have a blast at Hands On Children’s Museum with activities, pizza, and creative play. Ages 4-10. 6-9:30pm. $20 first child, $15 each additional sibling. Pre-registration required. Hands On Children’s Museum, 11th and Capitol Way, Olympia. 360-956-0818. www.hocm.org.
9 Sunday
Trek Keeper Tour. Take a ride in the open air with the animal keeper for the first morning feeding in the free-roaming area at Northwest Trek near Eatonville. Continental breakfast included. Ages 5 and older. 8-10am. $35 adults, $22 ages 5-12. Reservations required. 11610 Trek Dr. E, Eatonville. 360-832-7166. www.nwtrek.org.
Second Sunday Music Series. Enjoy music and flowers at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. A variety of musicians, instruments and music styles are featured the second Sunday of each month. Today’s guest is Perry Rushton on Native American flute and drums. All ages. 1-2:30pm. FREE, but donations welcome. W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, 316 S G St., Tacoma. 253-591-5330.
14 Friday
Ketron Island Full Moon Kayak Tour. Learn basic kayaking skills while observing the wildlife that abounds in Puget Sound. Watch for bald eagles and seals while paddling through the peaceful water under the full moon. Transportation, instruction and equipment are included. Pack a lunch and dress for the weather. Ages 7 and older. Trip requires pre-registration and participation by two or more inter-generational family members. 5:30-9:30pm. $19 per person. Metro Parks main office, 4702 S 19th St., Tacoma. 253-594-7847. www.metroparkstacoma.org.
15 Saturday
April Pool's Day. Families can brush up on water safety skills and learn drowning prevention strategies before the summer swimming season begins. Participants can then enjoy a free open swim. All ages. Ages 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Check-in begins at 1:15pm, water safety stations 1:30-2:30pm and open swim 2:30-4:30pm. FREE. Eastside Pool, 3524 East L St., Tacoma. 253-591-2042. www.metroparkstacma.org.
Discovery Walk. This nature walk is designed for all ages, with a special invitation to grandparents. Today’s destination is West Hylebos Wetland. 10-11:30am. FREE. Sponsored by Tahoma Audubon Society. 2917 Morrison Road, University Place. Call 253-591-6439 for directions. www.tahomaaudubon.org.
South Hill Home and Garden Show. All ages. 10am-6pm. FREE. South Hill Mall, 3500 S Meridian, Puyallup. 253-840-2828. www.southhillmall.com.
Fun and Whimsical Garden Sculpture. Create a concrete veneer sculpture that reflects a garden's unique personality. Forms will be carved in foam, then covered with colored concrete veneer. Age 8 and older welcome with adult companion. 1-5pm. $45 includes museum admission and most supplies. Registration required. Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. 253-272-4258 ext. 3030. www.programs@tacomaartmuseum.org.
20 Thursday
Third Thursday Artwalk. Visit Tacoma’s downtown galleries. All ages. 5-8pm. FREE, including the Tacoma Art Museum, the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass. Tacoma. 253-591-5341.
Third Thursday Gig Harbor Concert Series. Features Tingstad Rumbel. All ages. 7pm. Call for ticket information. Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, 7700 Skansie Ave., Gig Harbor. 253-265-1240. www.gigharborfolkfestival.com. 253-265-1240. www.gigharborfolkfestival.com.
21 Friday
A Little Princess -- the Musical opens. In this musical adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel, Sara Crewe, the life of an heiress to a large fortune is depicted. All ages. 7:30pm Fridays and Saturdays, 2pm Sundays through May 14. $5 to $14. Encore! Theater, 6615 38th Ave. NW, Gig Harbor. 253-858-2282. www.encoretheater.org.
University Band and Wind Ensemble Concert. 7:30pm. FREE. Schneebeck Concert Hall, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N Warner St., Tacoma. 253-879-3555. www.ups.edu/events.
22 Saturday
Grand Floral Street Parade. This 73-year Daffodil Festival tradition features more than 125 floats, bands and marching units. All ages. FREE. 10:30am in Tacoma, 12:45pm in Puyallup, 2:30pm in Sumner and 5pm in Orting. 253-863-9524. www.daffodilfestival.net.
23 Sunday
Daffodil Marine Regatta. Decorated boats travel along Ruston Waterway for viewing. All ages. 11:30am. FREE. Sponsored by the Tacoma Yacht Club. 253-863-9524. www.daffodilfestival.net.
24 Monday
Nature Storytime. Join an Audubon naturalist for an exploration of one of the most enchanting wildlife habitats a backyard can hold, then listen to a story. Today’s topic will be Eggstravaganza. All ages. 10:30am-noon. FREE, but reservations required. Call for directions. Fircrest. 253-565-9278. www.tahomaaudubon.org.
27 Thursday
Indian Basketweaving. Nancy Jim Parsons; The Life and Legacy of a Master Cowlitz/Nisqually Indian Basketweaver. An illustrated presentation on a master basket maker who lived in the southern Puget Sound area from 1871 to 1918. Noon. FREE. State Capital Museum, 211 21st Ave. SW, Olympia. 360-586-0166. www.washingtonhistory.org.
28 Friday
Organ at Noon. University organist Joseph Adam plays works by Bach, Sweelinck, Hampton, Barie, and Langlais. 12:05pm. FREE. Kilworth Chapel, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N Warner St., Tacoma. 253-879-3555. www.ups.edu/events.
29 Saturday
Discovery Paddle. Embark on a guided canoe tour of one of Pierce County's wetland environments. Identify plants and animals native to the Northwest with the help of an Audubon naturalist. Take a lunch, binoculars and clothing suited for the weather. Transportation, instruction and equipment are included. Pack a lunch and dress for the weather. Ages 10 and older. Trip requires pre-registration and participation by two or more inter-generational family members. 9:45am-1pm. $15 per person. Metro Parks main office, 4702 S 19th St., Tacoma. 253-594-7847. www.metroparkstacoma.org.
Happily Ever After. Be a prince or princess for a day and enjoy games, crafts, songs and snacks. Sessions for ages 3-4 and 5-6. Call for times. $12. Pre-registration required by April 26. Puyallup Recreation Center, 808 Valley Ave. NW, Puyallup. 253-841-5457. www.cityofpuyallup.org.
Calendar Deadline Details
Calendar submission deadline is the 20th
of the month, about six weeks prior to publication. Next deadline is April
20 for May events. Please e-mail information, including date, time, cost
and ages to PugetSoundParent@aol.com.
All submissions are run on a space available basis.
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