I'll admit it, I've once again become a library nerd. I can only speak for Pierce County Libraries, but they are great! We have completely stopped renting DVD's and buying CD's. The search options are all online now and you can even request items and renew online. There are even some great resources for parents/caregivers:
Even though the summer is almost over, look forward to more free family movies from Regal Cinemas next year. Here's the info:
When school's out, kids around the country visit selected Regal theatres for the Free Family Film Festival. It's a fun-filled nine weeks of movies for kids and parents. Since 1991, Regal has provided this service to the community, and best of all it's FREE!
Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer.
It's best to get there by at least 9:45 a.m. to get a good seat. Daycares & summer camps bring kids in by the bus load!
http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx
So, this is an amazing deal... It's called the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Bridge Membership and is a two-year family zoo membership with reciprocity for $75! Friends of mine have used theirs to also get free admission to the Pacific Science Center in Seattle.
More Info:
http://www.hhpz.org/supp/mem/join.php
Reciprocation Info: As a Member of Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, you are eligible for FREE or reduced admission (or other discounts) at the following Zoos, Aquariums, and Science-Technology Centers. To receive your benefit, show your current Happy Hollow membership card and photo identification when visiting any of the facilities included on the AZA Reciprocation List and the ASTC Passport List below.
http://www.hhpz.org/supp/mem/recip-list.pdf
Known by many different names, spraygrounds, wading pools, & splash parks are a great way to beat the heat without worrying about your kid drowning! Here is the link to Tacoma Parks & Rec. where you can find one near you. I'm not sure if Seattle has actual splash parks, but their P&R link shows a zillion wading pools.
http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=69
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/aquatics/index.htm
Auburn Rotary Spray Park at Les Gove Park - Sprayground is new and fun. Turn in and park near the library. Every time I've gone it has been very crowded to the point of turning my toddler to play in the dirt (so glad we went all that way to play in the dirt).
Jefferson Park (Tacoma) - Wonderful sprayground, playground, and picnic areas. Lots of shade. Parking close. Doesn't feel crowded even with a lot of people. Look for the ice cream truck that circles by often.
Pioneer Park Wading Pool (Puyallup) - Check for hours as they vary. Season is short and doesn't start until mid-July. Nice place to go with a group. Library story times start around 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. Wading pool opens at noon unless there is a summer concert, then 1:30 p.m.
Not as extensive as some of the other Children's Museum's we've been to, but fun on a rainy day. Check out the pass from any Pierce County Library for 3 weeks to get in free.
Downtown Tacoma. Took me forever to find because I was looking for a large separate building. Look for the red doors. Parking out front is up to 2 hours free or there are nearby parking garages.
http://www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org/home
