Looking for an array of exciting kid and teen-friendly events in Tacoma this August? Whether you're looking for engaging activities to keep the little ones entertained or thrilling adventures for teenagers, Tacoma offers a vibrant selection of events perfect for all ages. Stay informed and make the most of what the area has to offer with my expertly curated event list, designed to help you and your family explore, engage, and enjoy this beautiful city.
MCCOY KIDS SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
Introducing the first-ever McCoy Kids Summer Reading Challenge. The challenge is simple. Pick-up a FREE reading challenge card in our shop beginning June 22. Read 25 new-to-you books throughout the Summer. Your Library is a great source for books to keep this challenge free AND you can participate in their challenge at the same time! Get an adult to VERIFY the book you read and you or them can write the title in the spot on the card. Redeem your FULL challenge card by August 31 for a FREE prize! All completed challenge cards will entered to win ONE $25 gift card to our shop, too! No purchase is necessary to enter and participate. You and your adult are on your honor for playing (no cheating, please). Cards must be picked up and redeemed in person at McCoy Kids. One card per kiddo ages 4-14.
Date: Ends Saturday, August 31
Location: 504 S 11th St, Unit A, Tacoma, WA 98402
SUNFLOWER DAYS AT KNUTSON FARMS
Join us for our Annual Sunflower Festival at Knutson Farms! U-Pick flowers, Concessions treats, the Animal Barn, Cow Train Rides, a NEW interactive scavenger game through the Flower Field, and so much more Farm fun! We can't wait to have you!
Date: Thursday, August 1 - Sunday, August 11
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: KNUTSON FARMS, 16406 78th St E, Sumner, WA 98390
SUMMER PLAYGROUND AND LUNCH PROGRAM
When school's out, parks are in! Our Playground and Lunch Program provides free lunch to all youth age 18 and younger, Monday-Friday. In addition, activities and games are led by staff at six sites from 10 am-3 pm. Lunch is served from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Free lunch is available to all youth 18 years of age and younger at the locations listed below. Meals must be eaten on site.
When: Monday - Friday from August 1 - August 30
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: See link below for participating locations.
JURASSIC JARS
Make tiny dinosaur themed terrariums while enjoying a Jurassic World movie and dino themed snacks! Movie rated PG-13. Supplies limited, Registration Required. Utilize craft moss & rocks as well as dinosaur & plant miniatures to create awesome dino terrariums! Enjoy a Jurassic Park movie and dinosaur themed snacks while you craft with other local teens for a truly DINOmite experience. This program is recommended and designed for ages 13-18. Supplies are limited, registration is required.
Date: Thursday, August 1
Time: 3:00 - 5:30 PM
Location: UNIVERSITY PLACE LIBRARY, Meeting Room, 3609 Market Place West, Suite 100, University Place, WA, 98466
UP AND ATOM: LIBRARY PROGRAM
Immerse yourself in the excitement of Up and Atom STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Days, presented in collaboration with the Tacoma Public Library. Engage in hands-on STEAM and craft activities, where children aged 5-12 can explore the world of artists, learn about their creations, and unleash their creative skills by crafting their own artwork. All materials are provided, and everyone is encouraged to join this inclusive and entertaining event!
Date: Thursday, August 1 - Saturday, August 31
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Location: TACOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY, Multiple Branches (check link for locations)
SUMMER LATE NIGHTS
Summer Late Nights is a drop-in program that students can attend as often as they like. Students can drop in at the site nearest their home or the site that's most convenient for the summer. Parents/guardians are encouraged to register their child online on the Compass/Family App.
When: Monday - Friday from August 1 - August 30
Time: 5:00 - 10:00 PM
Location: Schools, community centers and other sites across Tacoma. Students can drop in at the site nearest to their home or the site most convenient to them.
SUMMER TEEN SOCIAL CLUB @ UP LIBRARY
Join us for free snacks and a showing of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. The epic battle continues! Legendary Pictures' cinematic Monsterverse follows up the explosive showdown of “Godzilla vs. Kong” with an all-new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence—and our own. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” delves further into the histories of these Titans and their origins, as well as the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever. Rated PG-13 Runtime: 115 mins.Snacks are provided courtesy of the Friends of the University Place Library.
Date: Thursday, August 1
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: UNIVERSITY PLACE LIBRARY, Meeting Room, 3609 Market Place West, Suite 100, University Place, WA, 98466
BRICK BY BRICK LEGO CLUB
Join us every other week for Brick by Brick LEGO Club! Build a LEGO creation around the monthly theme, or free build to your heart's content!
Dates: Saturdays, August 3 and 17
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: MOORE BRANCH, 215 South 56th Street, Tacoma WA 98408
More info: All ages, free. No registration is required. Please leave your LEGOs at home.
DISNEY ROCK 'N BOWL
Join us for a night of karaoke, dancing, rocking and bowling to all your favorite Pixar & Disney hits! Two sessions available for kiddos, as well as older teens and adults.
Date: Saturday, August 3
Time: 5:30 PM (kiddos), 8:00 PM (older teens and adults)
Location: OCEAN5, 5268 Point Fosdick Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
UNIVERSITY PLACE MOVIE IN THE PARK
Grab your picnic dinner, blanket and chairs and head out to Cirque Park for "Movie in the Park"! Starting at 7:30 p.m., there will be children's activities and snack trucks prior to the show. Then spread out your blanket and settle in for the hilarious adventures of Dory and her friends as they get busy "Finding Nemo." On site for the evening will be the Corndoggery food truck, Bliss Ice Cream and Kona Ice! Please note: The event venue is lawn seating. As a courtesy to all viewers, those with taller lawn chairs are asked to set up their seats toward the back of the viewing area so that everyone can see the movie.
Date: Saturday, August 3
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: CIRQUE PARK, 7250 Cirque Dr W, University Place, WA 98466
STORYTIME FOR LITTLE SPARK PLUGS
ACM welcomes toddlers and their caregivers for our brand new, in-person Storytime for Little Spark Plugs! Join us to meet new friends, enjoy interactive stories and action songs, and play in ACM's hands-on Family Zone.
Date: Tuesday, August 6
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: LEMAY – AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM, 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
MUSIC ON THE SQUARE
Join us for unforgettable, music-filled Wednesday evenings at Music on the Square in Market Square this summer! From July 10 to August 28, enjoy live music from different bands and delicious eats from a variety of food trucks. August 7 - Mark Hurwitz and Gin Creek (blues, roots rock) with Corndoggery. August 14 - Billy Stoops and the Dirt Angels (Americana) with Tacos Mirrey. August 21 - The Chris Eger Band (blues, rock, country) with Jack's Savory Pies. August 28 - King Kom Beaux (Cajun swamp rock and blues) with Boss Mama (burgers).
Date: Wednesdays, August 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Music on the Square is located in Market Square, just in front of the City's Civic Building, 3609 Market Place West, University Place WA 98466
PAINT NIGHTS
Let your creativity unwind with a guided paint class by Artvana! 8/8 Sip & Paint, 8/15 Sip & Paint, and 8/22 Kids Paint & Play. Must purchase tickets at the link below.
Date: Thursdays, August 8, 15, 22
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: OCEAN5, 5268 Point Fosdick Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
MOTORS & MOVIES – DRIVE IN AT ACM: KUNG FU PANDA 4
Grab dinner at our picnic concessions and watch in your car or from a blanket, either option will provide you a great view of the 40-foot tall outdoor screen. Motors & Movies is FREE and open to all ages, no RSVP required, first come first served. Gates for parking 6:00 PM, Movie Start Time: Sunset, Movie: Kung Fu Panda 4.
Date: Friday, August 9
Time: 6:00 - 11:00 PM
Location: LEMAY – AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM, 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
TACOMA KIDS SWAP
Purge those closets and join us for our next Ta, coma Kids Swap event! Whether you've participated before or are coming for the first time, we are so glad you're here. Please read the details at the link and message them if you have any questions! THE SWAP: This event is FREE and open to everyone, regardless of whether or not you have items to contribute. Stop by Hive Co. (address listed on the event, ample parking available at the back of the building) and shop the pop-up for whatever the kids in your life may need. There is not limit on the items you can take; we just ask that you only take what your family can truly use! We recommend bringing your own bag, but we'll have some onsite in case you forget. Any items left over after the event will be donated to local non-profit organizations. Anything that cannot be donated may be stored away for the next swap pop-up.
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: HIVE CO., 5436 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA, 98409
SUMMER BASH AND OUTDOOR MOVIE AT NORPOINT
Join us for the Summer Bash and Outdoor Movie at Norpoint! Enjoy a Pickleball Tournament with both Rec and Advanced divisions, food trucks from 2-9 PM, and family games and activities from 5-8 PM. Don't miss the "Tacoma's Got Talent" competition from 6-7:30 PM, and wrap up the evening with a free outdoor screening of "Trolls Band Together" (PG) on the lawn at dusk. Bring your snacks, blankets, and lawn chairs for a fun-filled day and night!
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 2:00 - 11:00 PM
TACOMA'S GOT TALENT
Sign up and share your talent during our Summer Bash at Center at Norpoint! This activity is open to all ages. Come prepared with a 5-7 minute performance and show off your skills. For AV requirements, please email vangela.box@tacomaparks.com for assistance.
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Center at Norpoint - Outside, 4818 Nassau Ave NE, Tacoma, WA 98422
SUMNER'S MUSIC OFF MAIN
Join us for Kalimba: The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire. The most authentic vision of Maurice White there is out there. Kalimba strives to pay homage to the past & present of EWF, and understands the vision that the groups founder Maurice White had and continues to personify his vision! Kalimba brings all the EWF hits to the stage in a way that takes you back to the first time that you heard these great songs.
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: Loyalty Park, 914 Kincaid Ave, Sumner, WA 98390
PODCAST CAFÉ
Join our monthly group to create your very own podcast from concept to download. Led by Digital Media Lab instructor John Hargis, this gathering is open to podcasters and storytellers ages 12 and up. Topics covered include setting up your recording space, developing compelling content, and analyzing popular podcasts.
Date: Tuesday, August 13
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Online
FAMILY STEAM DAYS – SAIL AWAY!
Burning rubber on the road? Cool off on the water! Explore some of the same physics concepts automotive designers use to ensure balance and speed as you design sailboats in this fun splash, splashy design challenge.
Design, build, tinker and learn together as you explore the world of automobiles and its relation to science, technology, engineering, art and math on Family STEAM Day. On the third Saturday of each month, you and your child, grandchild, or family can spend quality time together exploring activities available in the Education Studio and Family Zone.
Date: Saturday, August 17
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: LEMAY – AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM, 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
IF CARS COULD TALK – A 16 YEAR OLD'S RACING DREAMS
When you think of a typical 16-year-old girl, an aspiring professional race car driver and an avid mechanic may not come to mind. However, we know not to judge a book by its cover, nor should we make assumptions about a determined young woman! Join Emy Kissick as she shares her journey of becoming a Spec Miata race car driver, and making her dreams come true.
Date: Saturday, August 17
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: LEMAY – AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM, 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
TIPTOE THROUGH THE TIDEPOOLS AT TITLOW BEACH
Bring your family to explore the beach, learn about tide pool life and have lots of fun during some of the lowest tides of the year. A naturalist will guide low-tide beach exploration. This is a free event; no registration is required. Wear shoes to protect your feet from the rocky beach, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Date: Sunday, August 18
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: TITLOW BEACH, 8355 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98465
THE SUMMER SERENADE - LIVE MUSIC AT MCMENAMINS
Experience an unforgettable night of live music at The Spanish Ballroom featuring award-winning classical world guitarist Andre Feriante, alongside Recording Academy member, songwriter, and pianist Tara Chugh, and the multi-instrumentalist band Ghost in Glass. Join us for a captivating performance blending intricate guitar work, soulful songwriting, and dynamic multi-instrumental compositions. This unique musical event promises an evening of artistic excellence and musical diversity. Bring your whole family to this all ages show!
Date: Sunday, August 18
Time: 4:00 PM Doors, 5:00 PM Show
Location: MCMENAMINS SPANISH BALLROOM, 8355 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98465
STORYTIME & LADYBUG RELEASE WITH THE FLYING BOOK BUS AT KNUTSON FARMS
Join us for a story time and farm play day with the flying book bus! Admission required for children ages 1 - 12, 13 and over are free! The whole Farm is open for play, including the animal barn, trike course, ball games, ducky races, barnyard play (cornhole, tetherball, chalk, hula hoops, etc), jump pad and barn hoppers!
Date: Monday, August 19
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: KNUTSON FARMS, 16406 78th St E, Sumner, WA 98390
EXPLORE THE SHORE
Ever wondered what it's like to hold a tiny ocean crab in the palm of your hand? Find out at Owen Beach in Tacoma's beautiful Point Defiance Park! Join our beach walk naturalists and stroll along the beach at low tide to learn about the animals that live there. Explore the Shore is a fun and exciting opportunity to learn about the biological diversity of our local beaches. Meet on the beach near the Owen Beach parking lot ten minutes before the start time to register at the event tent. Wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from rocky beaches with barnacles, wear weather appropriate clothing, and bring sunscreen. Free. No RSVP needed. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Date: Monday, August 19
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Owen Beach, 5605 N. Owen Beach Rd., Tacoma, WA 98407
FIRCREST CONCERT, MARKET & PICNIC IN THE PARK
Join us in Fircrest Park to enjoy live music by Harmonious Funk Band from 6:00-8:00 PM, along with a variety of vendors and food trucks from 5:00-8:30 PM. Presented by Umpqua Bank and Fircrest Parks & Recreation, this event promises an evening of fun and entertainment for all ages!
Date: Thursday, August 22
Time: 5:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: Fircrest Park, Fircrest, WA 98466
SOUTH SOUND BLOCK PARTY
Experience the vibrant South Sound Block Party in Olympia this August! Enjoy a full day of live music, local vendors, and delicious food, creating a lively community atmosphere. This event is perfect for families and friends to gather and celebrate the summer in the heart of Olympia.
Date: Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24
Time: 3:00 - 10:00 PM (8/23) and 1:00 - 10:00 PM (8/24)
Location: The Port of Olympia's Northpoint, 1210 Marine Drive NE Olympia, WA 98501
HILLTOP STREET FAIR
The Hilltop Business Association presents Tacoma's most prominent community event, The Hilltop Street Fair! In its ninth year, the Hilltop Street Fair celebrates summer with food trucks, beer gardens, vendor booths, live entertainment stages, activities for kids, and much more! The Car Show will also return this year, and for the first time, the fair will feature a local Swap Meet currated by Por Vida NW, a 1on1 Basketball Tournament hosted by Gametime, and a Free Outdoor Movie in People's Park presented by The Grand Cinema, where they will show Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The Hilltop Street Fair centers around the business district on 11th St and Martin Luther King Jr. Way, and People's Park. Fairgoers can find ice cream, espresso, bakery items, chocolate confections, pubs, ethnic restaurants, and specialty stores open for business throughout the Hilltop Business corridor. Questions or inquiries, please email: info@hilltopba.org
Date: Saturday, August 24
Time: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: PEOPLE'S PARK, 1100 S 9th St, Tacoma, WA 98405
FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES - PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH
The Grand Cinema is kicking off our fourth annual FREE Outdoor Movie series for summer 2024! We'll set up our 30-foot-wide, inflatable screen at a different outdoor venue for each free family-friendly screening. Bring your own blankets, chairs and snacks! TAPCO Credit Union will be passing out a limited supply of FREE Grand Cinema Popcorn! 🐘 Puss in Boots: The Last Wish at the Hilltop Street Fair
Date: Saturday, August 24
Time: Approx. 9:00 PM
Location: PEOPLE'S PARK, 1100 S 9th St, Tacoma, WA 98405
AUGUST FAMILY DAY AT THE CO-LAB
Back to School Family Day! Free and Open to All - Open house style, pop in/pop out. Family Day is the last Saturday of every month, so mark your calendars for next months! 12 pm baby and toddler circle time, 2 pm Parent Education with Ms Natasha, 3 pm babysitter club meetup, and 12-5 pm all-age pop-up vendors, crafts, coffee and activities!
Date: Saturday, August 31
Time: 12:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: THE CO-LAB, 3808 N 27th St, Tacoma, WA 98407