Summer’s in full swing, and Pierce County delivers plenty of ways to celebrate, learn, and play! From colorful festivals to creative crafts and workshops, the community is excited to bring together families of all ages for fun and educational events. Admission for each event comes at no cost and requires no registration, so feel free to drop by and join us in celebrating the summer!
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Tacoma Pride Festival
Pacific Avenue Tacoma | July 08
Starting on 9th and Pacific right here in the heart of Tacoma, head to the Tacoma Pride Festival for a variety of music, food, and other entertainment for families of all ages from 12 – 6 p.m.!
Enchanted: Summer Flower Show
W.W. Seymour Conservatory | June 21 – August 20
If your family is interested in colorful, aromatic blossoms or just appreciating the magic of nature, join the W.W. Seymour Conservatory as they celebrate the summer with a unique flower show at their Tacoma location on 316 South G St.
Sparks Activity: Chalk
Children’s Museum at JBLM | July 09
Join us at our Joint Base Lewis-McChord location on 2275 Liggett Ave from 10 – 11 a.m. as we explore chalk drawings with different tools and even create chalk paint!
Summer Nights at the Pavilion Concerts
Fort Steilacoom Park | July 11, 18, 25
Enjoy live outdoor concerts in a variety of genres every Tuesday, 6:30 – 8 p.m. following the Lakewood Farmers Markets this summer! Bring a snack from the markets, lay out a lawn chair or some blankets, and enjoy wonderful, family-friendly performances at Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Ave SW in Lakewood!
SOTAbots Workshop
Children’s Museum of Tacoma | July 13
Bring the family together to explore, create, and play with robots alongside the Washington High School robotics team, SOTAbots! This fun and educational workshop will take place in Studio B of our very own Children’s Museum of Tacoma from 3 – 4 p.m., right here on 1501 Pacific Ave.
SummerFEST
Fort Steilacoom Park | July 15
Celebrate the summer with live entertainment performances including music, fire dancers, and a motocross show, as well as food trucks, a beer garden, and interactive sports and art for all ages. The festival, hosted in Fort Steilacoom Park at 68714 87th Ave SW in Lakewood, lasts from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., so there’s a full day of play to be had!
Edgewood Community Picnic
Edgemont Park | July 15
Enjoy great food, entertainment, and games from a wide variety of vendors from the community from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.! The event takes place in Edgemont Park at 11001 24th Street East, so feel free to drop by anytime and play.
Third Thursday Late Nights
Children’s Museum of Tacoma | July 20
Join us as we stay open extra late! On July 20th, the Museum and all of our playscapes will be open to the public until 7 p.m. After your visit, be sure to check out the Washington State History Museum for their Third Thursday event from 3 – 8 p.m., or the Tacoma Art Museum for their Neighborhood Night from 5 – 8 p.m. What a great evening to spend in the beautiful Museum District!
Ocean Sand Painting Party
Foss Waterway Seaport | July 20
Does your family love learning about art and the ocean? At 705 Dock Street in Tacoma, meet artist River Meschi, and be a part of OceanFest’s deinstallation of River’s breathtaking sand painting from 5 – 7 p.m. Guests will also get a chance to learn some brush techniques and add their own touch to the sculpture before the sand is returned to its rightful place in the ocean.
Bark by the Bay
Chambers Creek Regional Park | July 22
Looking for something to do with your family, including your four-legged members? Enjoy scenic views of Puget Sound at this dog-themed festival as well as a variety of vendors, food trucks, dog activities and more from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m in Chambers Creek Regional Park, 9850 64th St. W in University Place.
Museum Fun Day: Uncommon Musical Instruments
Children’s Museum of Tacoma | July 27 – 31
Come and experiment with a variety of unique and uncommon music makers at our July Museum Fun Day, right here in our Tacoma location at 1501 Pacific Ave!
