Searching for exciting and engaging activities for kids and teens this July in Tacoma? As the South Sound magazine's voted best realtor, I've put together a comprehensive guide to must-attend events specifically for teenagers. Whether you're looking for adventurous outings, cool hangout spots, or unique entertainment options, this list has something for every teen. From thrilling community festivals to live music gigs and enriching summer programs, explore the best experiences Tacoma has to offer this month. Check out our teen-friendly event guide and make July an unforgettable month filled with fun and excitement!
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: Monday, July 1 - Wednesday, July 31
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Location: TACOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY, Multiple Branches (check link for locations)
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 Saturday, 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: Now Until Saturday, August 31
Location: 504 S 11th St, Unit A, Tacoma, WA 98402
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, July 2
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: LEMAY – AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM, 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
TUESDAYS AT THE BAY
Stop by Bay Terrace each Tuesday for one of our weekly programs, or a cup of coffee! Tuesdays at the Bay includes free employment and education resources for adults and teens at “The Hub,” the Fresh Express Farmers Market, Community Café, and Club Z Tutoring for K-12 kids and teens. You don't have to live at Bay Terrace to attend, all are welcome!
Date: Tuesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: BAY TERRACE, 2550 S G St, Tacoma, WA 98405
SUMMER TEEN SOCIAL CLUB @ UP LIBRARY
Come hang out in an inclusive space with snacks, crafts, games, and more! July 3rd - Summer Camp Crafts: Make patches, friendship bracelets, and more. July 11th - Games, games, games!: Board games, Nintendo Switch games, card games, and Pictionary. July 17th - Sew basic: learn basic sewing and mending techniques. July 25th - Games, games, games!: Board games, Nintendo Switch games, card games, and Pictionary. Ages 13-18 are invited. Snacks are provided courtesy of the Friends of the University Place Library.
Date: Wednesdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: UNIVERSITY PLACE LIBRARY, Meeting Room, 3609 Market Place West, Suite 100, University Place, WA, 98466
MOVIES ON THE LANES AT OCEAN5
Join us on Thursdays in July for a family-friendly movie experience! Beat the summer heat (or escape the rain) and enjoy popular movie series while bowling. With no school, it’s the perfect daytime outing! Grab your friends, lace up those bowling shoes, and settle in for a fun movie matinee. Don't forget to grab some lunch or maybe even a little popcorn! See you there! 📅 11am -3pm(ish). July 11th - Minions series. July 18th - Shrek series. July 25th - Toy Story series. Take advantage of our "Hang Ten" Wednesday deal where the first $10 is on us for every child in the arcade all day long.
Date: Thursdays, July 11, 18, 25
Location: OCEAN5, 5268 Point Fosdick Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
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, July 6 and June 20
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.
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, July 9
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Online
Link
KIDZ KRAFT MAKERS MARKET AT FIRCREST FUN DAYS
Does your child enjoy making art projects? Do they love going to craft fairs and often comment, “I could sell my art/craft too”? If the answer is YES, this Fircrest FUNDAYS event is for your child! Applications open: Fircrest residents: June 3, 2024. Non-Fircrest residents: July 3, 2024. You can reserve their spot now by completing the vendor application at the link below. KIDZ KRAFT MAKERS (vendors) must be between ages 8 and 17. KID Vendor products must be kid-made and kid-managed. See website for more details.
Date: Friday, July 19
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Fircrest Park, Fircrest, WA 98466
FIRCREST FUN DAYS
The 2024 Friday Night FUN will feature a large variety of outdoor games, competitions, activities and culminate in an ultimate 80's Dance Party. The evening will also feature the Kids' Makers Market and a full line up of food trucks offering a fantastic variety of food options for purchase. On Saturday, FUN DAYS will feature live entertainment with bands, reptile show and so much more. And of course, we'll have Artist and Maker vendor booths, food trucks, a beer garden, yoga in the park, Kidz Zone and more. We'll bring back the Annual Furry 4K Pet Walk. We'll also bring back the Fir'CRUST' Pie Bake-off, Junior Bake-Off and Watermelon Eating Contest. The Saturday festivities will conclude with a spectacular firework show that evening. Fircrest FUN DAYS is family-friendly and community oriented.
Dates: Friday, July 19, 5:00 - 10:00 PM and Saturday, July 20, 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Location: Fircrest Park, Fircrest, WA 98466
HIVE POP UP MARKET
Mark your calendar! The next Hive Pop-Up Market is taking place Saturday, July 20th at 10 AM. We are actively sourcing artists and vendors, so if you are interested in participating, please visit our website and fill out the vendor form. We will post more details as we lock things in!
Date: Saturday, July 20
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: HIVE CO., 5436 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA, 98409
FAMILY STEAM DAYS – RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINES
On the third Saturday of each month, families can spend quality time together exploring activities available in the Education Studio and Family Zone. Family STEAM Days are free for ACM Members and included with Museum admission. Museum visitors age 18 and under receive FREE admission on Family STEAM Days.
Date: Saturday, July 20
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: LEMAY – AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM, 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
MOSAIC: Tacoma's Arts & Culture Festival
Wright Park transforms into a celebration of international delights July 27-28 from 12-7 p.m. for the MOSAIC Arts and Culture Festival. The free community event highlighting traditional dance, music, art and food marks its 36th year under the park’s beautiful canopy of trees.
MOSAIC includes performances from community groups held both days on two different stages, a kids’ zone with entertainment created especially for younger festival goers. Enjoy a bounce house, the park’s sprayground and other activities.
Other features at this year’s celebration include food trucks offering a wide variety of cuisines, and vendor village with nearly 100 different booths. Vendors include multicultural artists and crafters, local small business owners and Tacoma community groups, agencies and services.
Date: Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28
Time: 12:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Wright Park, 501 S I St, Tacoma, WA 98405