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Play Outside in May for Kids to Parks Day

Join us at fun events that celebrate parks and connect kids and families to the outdoors.

Mini Maestros: Peter and the Wolf

Saturday, May 3 | 12-2:30 pm

STAR Center

Sergei Prokofiev‘s Peter and the Wolf tells the story of a young boy living with his grandfather in a forest clearing, and the adventure he and his animal friends have when a wolf comes through the garden gate. Written as a child’s introduction to the orchestra, each character is represented by a different instrument or group of instruments and features the full orchestra and a narrator to bring to life this classic tale.

This performance is organized by Symphony Tacoma.

Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater Show

Saturday & Sunday, May 3 & 4 | 9 am-5 pm

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

The Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater show is back! Bring your curiosity and be amazed as our animals show off their incredible natural behaviors.

Come Birding with Us

Join in a Park Guide-led bird walk through our parks and see what species can be found in the forest. Sharpen your birdwatching skills and socialize with other birders at our upcoming events:

Learn to Lawn Bowl

(Ages 18+) Join us at the Wright Park lawn bowling green for Tacoma Lawn Bowling Club's Learn to Bowl classes and learn how to play the sport.

Guided Kayak Trips

Register for beginner, intermediate and 50+ kayaking tours led by experienced guides in the Puget Sound.

• All minors must be accompanied by a registered adult.
• Meeting location will be specified on the event page.
• There will be a 20-minute land-based paddle talk with instruction prior to the paddle in addition to a loading/unloading process on either end of the paddle. On-water paddle time will be approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the level of paddle.

Come Dance with Us!

Register by May 1 | Classes begin May 5

Last chance to sign up for dance classes in May! Find the class to suit your child's personality whether it's ballet, creative dance, tap dance, jazz dance or hip hop.

50+ Culinary Classes

Explore the fundamentals of cooking in a 4-week class while exploring new flavors from a variety of herbs and spices, while trying out some new recipes.

Upcoming Cooking Classes in May:

• Sundays, May 4 - 25, 12-2 pm | Eastside Community Center
• Tuesdays, May 6 - 27, 11 am-1 pm | STAR Center
• Fridays, May 9 - 30, 3-5 pm | Center at Norpoint

Queen Victoria's Birthday

Saturday, May 17 | 11 am-5 pm

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

Join us at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum for a day of revelry in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday! Celebrate Her Majesty’s 37th birthday by stepping back into 1855 with cannon fire and Victorian finery. Queen Victoria took the throne at age 18 and ruled from 1837 until her death in 1901.

Swan Creek Trail Run

Saturday, May 17 | 10 am

Swan Creek Park

Lace up your sneakers and get ready for a family-friendly fun run at Swan Creek Park on Saturday, May 17. The race begins at 10 am and features a 5k route through the forest. The course travels over trails and pavement and has a few steep hills to keep it fun and challenging!

Sponsored by Proliance

Family Nature Walks

(Ages 3+) Explore Tacoma Parks during these naturalist-led walks. Discover the amazing plants and animals that live in these parks and how they adapt in the different seasons.

Grit City Litter Cleanup

Saturday, May 17 | 9 am

Point Defiance Marina

Join community volunteers to clean up areas around the Point Defiance Marina, Owen Beach, Promenade, and the surrounding park.

Bear Camp

Saturday, May 17 & Sunday, May 18 | 9:30 am - 5 pm

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Meet our grizzly and black bears and learn all about them in a weekend full of bear-themed fun.

Youth Football League

Registration: March 31 - May 11

Games: May 31 - July 26

With the WIAA recognizing girls flag football as an official state sport, now’s the perfect time to get in the game! Open to ages 5–14, our league takes place on SERA’s top-tier turf fields and combines skill-building with real competition.

Players will sharpen their throwing, catching, route running, and defensive skills through weekly practices and action-packed Saturday games. All are welcome — come compete, learn, and have fun!

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course

Join one of our American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Courses and gain the skills needed to work as a professional lifeguard:

Adaptive & Specialized Bingo Night

Friday, May 23 | 6-8 pm

STAR Center

(Age 18+) Bingo! Join the Adaptive & Specialized Rec team for a fun night of playing Bingo.

• Cards and dabbers will be provided.
• Adult family and friends of Adaptive and Specialized community members welcome (registration required)

Trapped: A Labyrinth Adventure

Immerse yourself in a thrilling escape room adventure set in the 19th-century Pacific Northwest. As trusted allies of the Hudson’s Bay Company, you’ll uncover hidden artifacts, solve period-inspired puzzles, and unravel a gripping mystery to recover a long-lost map of the Northwest Passage.