Penny Pinching in Pierce County: 5+ (Mostly) Free Things To Do with the Kids this Summer

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and if you have kids, their energy levels have skyrocketed. This can only mean one thing: summer is just around the bend. But who can afford to take them to Wild Waves every day? Here are some entirely random reasons to leave the house on even the tightest budgets.

Check out the local gardens

Nestled in a quiet corner of the Weyerhaeuser Campus in Federal Way, the Pacific Bonsai Museum is a quaint outdoor celebration of the living art known as bonsai. Many of the carefully shaped trees on exhibit are the work of notable international artists, and some have even won awards for quality. With more than 100 unique bonsai trees from here and around the world, the Pacific Bonsai Museum is open six days a week, and admission is always free.

For an added bonus, just down the street from the Pacific Bonsai Museum is the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, one of the largest collections of the Rhododendron species in the world. Boasting species from Australia, Asia and Europe, the garden plays host to more than 700 unique rhody varieties, from species in our backyard to those found across the globe. Adults pay a nominal entrance fee, but children under the age of 12 are always admitted free of charge.

Discover some small town history

Operated entirely by volunteers of the Fife Historical Society, the Fife History Museum is a great way to see how the city got its start. Once owned by Louis Dacca, an original member of the Fife City Council, the City of Fife acquired the family farm in 2000. Since then, the museum has been home to exhibits specializing in the city’s vibrant history. Admission is free to all, though donations are graciously accepted. Because the museum is entirely volunteer run, it is advised that you call ahead prior to visiting to ensure someone is there to welcome you.

Hike the Chambers Bay Loop

Measured at just over three miles, the Grandview and Soundview Trails make up the Chambers Bay Loop. This fully paved trail offers many scenic views of Chambers Bay, as well as Chambers Bay Golf Course, the host of PGA’s 2015 US Open. With access to the beach and an off-leash area for dogs, this hike is a great place for kids for midday picnics. This is a good place to bring those binoculars you never use.

Catch a free Movie

Going to the movies is expensive. Luckily, you don’t need to break the bank this summer. The Grand Cinema in Tacoma offers free family-friendly movies every third Saturday morning of the month. Seating is only for the first 100 attendees, so the theater encourages everyone to get there early to ensure a seat. This non-profit theater relies upon volunteers and donations, so it wouldn’t hurt to tuck away a few bucks for the donation jar to keep this tradition going.

Alternately, Metro Parks Tacoma is offering a Movies in the Park event that coincides with their yearly Summer Bash program. Families are invited to visit Tacoma parks throughout the summer for the scheduled outdoor movie events. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks, and be sure to get there early. The featured movies are listed below:

Plan a trip downtown

Every third Thursday of the month, the Tacoma Museum District offers free admission to the Tacoma Art Museum, the Washington State History Museum, and the Museum of Glass. They also extend their hours to 8:00 p.m. on those days as well, so there’s plenty of time to visit them all. While you’re there, don’t forget to cross the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, featuring thousands of original glass pieces from glass pioneer Dale Chihuly.

If the kids start getting antsy, you can always take a break from the fine arts and visit the Children’s Museum of Tacoma. With constant events and their “Pay As You Will” admission fee, the Children’s Museum is a thrifty stop that is catered specifically for children.

And while you’re in Tacoma, hop on the Tacoma link light rail (free to ride) to the theater district and check out Fireman’s Park. With magnificent views of the port, Commencement Bay, and Mount Rainier. Named after Engine House No. 6 that was built in 1891, Fireman’s Park also features a statue dedicated to those firemen, as well as a totem pole originally carved in 1903.

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. With countless parks scattered throughout the city — including several spraygrounds and pools, ideal for hot summer days — you and your kids will find plenty of ways to stay busy this summer, without ever breaking the bank. The next time you hear, “I’m bored,” plan a free adventure and explore everything Pierce County has to offer.