1000 Things To-Do

I’m a little late in filing this report this week, sorry about that.  I’m actually vacation in Western Montana and looking for more great things to do here.  I took my kids to the local school in Hot Springs Montana to play on the park this morning, it’s supposed to be 101 today, and it gave me the idea for today’s Monday Morning Spotlight.  I’d like to highlight some great family activities that our writers have participated in and wrote about at the Tacoma.OneThousandThingsToDo.com site.

Now, we don’t have it all covered, but there are some great things to do with your family in and around Tacoma.  I used to live in Sumner, so we spent a lot of time hiking, fishing and huntin’ on the Carbonado Glacier (spelling might be wrong).  Our writers have taken their family to see wolves, play in nature areas and many of the great parks and playgrounds around Tacoma.

So sit back, read through a few 1kToDo posts and plan your next family outing!  Oh, if you would like to write for OneThousandThingsToDo.com, just email us at contribute@onethousandthingstodo.com.

• Brown’s Point Playfield - Last week I went to Browns Point Park not expecting a whole lot. Mainly, it was just convenient. It seems like the proposed renovations were either on hold, or just being done sporadically. But I had a pleasant surprise two weekends ago. After months of being under renovation and patiently waiting, the park and playground is complete.
• China Lake Nature Area - While battling traffic down busy South 19th Street near Fircrest, it is not surprising that most people don’t even notice the small gravel parking lot of the China Lake Nature Area.  The parking lot might not be much to look at, but if you venture a little further you will discover one of the most surprising nature areas in Tacoma.
• Pioneer Park - Like most people, I look forward to Saturday all week. This is especially true in the summer time when the weather is nice and it creates the perfect opportunity to venture out with my two year old and enjoy the sunshine after a long winter cooped up indoors.
• Wolf Haven - Today my treat to my family was taking them to a place I have enjoyed since I first went when I was just a little girl. Today we took a trip to Wolf Haven International. Wolf Haven is one of the world’s largest and most respected wolf sanctuaries right here in the Pacific Northwest.
• Meeker Mansion - Today we went to the Meeker Days in Puyallup, WA. Besides our family enjoying the food, music, and different stands we also took a little time out to go in and see Meeker Mansion. I loved the mansion and had always wanted to see it. While there I learned all about it, and the things that came before. I enjoyed every minute of being inside it, and even enjoyed the little bit of ghost stories that were shared too.
• Point Defiance Zoo - What a better way to spend a Sunday with the family then to head down to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. I took my family to the zoo this past weekend and found that it was a great way to sped time together. From tigers to fish we all found something special there that we really enjoyed. My oldest enjoyed watching the tiger with dad, my youngest was all excited about the sharks and fish, but me I found the new area just finished there that holds the ring-tailed lemur to be my favorite part. I enjoyed my time at the zoo much that not only did we get a seasonal pass, but I also applied to work there too.
• Washington State History Museum - As the sun raised so did my family. And today we decided to take a trip back in history. Today I took my family to the Washington State History Museum. My favorite part of our trip today besides being with my family were all the statues and such that taught me things that even I didn’t know about the state we live in. My husband enjoyed the railroad exhibit that they have there. And of course our boys enjoyed everything. My oldest told me that he could just pick one part he liked, because it was all fun to him.
• Fort Steilecoom Off Leash Dog Park - Being the owner of two energetic dogs, I have learned that no matter where I live, I should always know where the nearest off-leash dog park is. My dogs are never happier than when they are bounding across a wide-open space with boundaries bigger than my modest backyard. They can run to their hearts’ content; and, when we get back home, I can benefit from the peace and quiet in the house while they lie on the floor exhausted.
• America’s Car Museum - Today I wanted to try going somewhere different with my family so I decided to take them to the LeMay American Car Museum. I fell in love with these cars many years ago when Harold LeMay was still alive, and my father would take me to his car shows. Today I wanted to share with my little ones that same experience. My oldest son fell in love with what he called, “the pretty cars.” I myself found it to be enjoying as always to see the car I grew up looking at every year in my life. But my most favorite part was the American Muscle Cars.
• Mt Rainier - This past weekend my other half and I decided that it was time to take our youngest son who is 1 years old to his first trip up to Mount Rainier National Park. Once we arrived at the park, we first stopped at Narada Falls where we sat and enjoyed a wonderful picnic lunch, while getting the chance to see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Washington State. After lunch we continued up the mountain stopping at the many viewing areas along the way. Finally by mid day we made it to the top at Paradise.
• 5 Mile Drive - Tacoma - I always remember this route like an old reliable friend. Before the drive you have to enter at Point Defiance Park; I love being greeted by the large pond with the waterfall, ducks and birds relaxing, enjoying their life. There are families and friends lying on the grass so peacefully. It’s funny to think that annually I walk through this very same park in a people-congested hunger frenzy during the Taste of Tacoma.

Wow, that sure is a lot and I could go on, but wouldn’t it be more fun to discover them yourself?  If you want more just go to our Tacoma site and browse or search!

Don’t forget that we want to hear from you too!  You can use the comments section below to let us know what’s on your mind.  Go check out a few of these things and come back and let us know.  But I have a question for you - what is your favorite place to take your family in Tacoma?