Family events in Lakewood, WA

NW Poke Fest returns to University Place with a free outdoor event that welcomes families and fans alike. Browse a lively card vendor row and a creative artist alley, let kids enjoy a dedicated play zone, and dive into activities that include a binder auction, a PokeWalk, pack battles, and plenty of photo opportunities. The event highlights community support with Mary Bridge Children's Foundation as the charity partner. Opportunities to RSVP, volunteer, or donate are available through the organizers. This is an independent fan event and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by The Pokemon Company International, Nintendo, Game Freak, or Creatures Inc.

Now in its fourth year, Hot Barker Nights celebrates the legacy that began at Barker’s Barn, created to honor a father’s passion for classic cars, craftsmanship, and community. What started as a heartfelt gathering has grown into a highly anticipated summer car show in the Pacific Northwest. Returning to Washington State Fairgrounds, the 4th Annual Hot Barker Nights Car Show showcases a wide range of vehicles, including classics, muscle cars, customs, hot rods, domestic and import builds, motorcycles, and lowriders, alongside the enthusiasts who make this community vibrant. The focus reaches beyond the vehicles, highlighting family, tradition, and a shared enthusiasm that connects generations, with excitement building as engines roar to life. All ages can attend, and participation is open to all makes and models. Ticket details will be announced soon.

Presented by TAPCO Credit Union and the 6th Ave Business District, this annual street festival fills Tacoma’s 6th Ave Business District with art, music, food, and community connections. The celebration brings together artists and makers, musicians, food trucks and vendors, small businesses, community groups, and neighbors for a full day centered on creativity and family-friendly fun along 6th Ave. Attendees can browse work by local creators, enjoy live performances, sample a range of eats, and take part in activities for all ages. Spotlighting local talent and neighborhood character, it is known as Tacoma’s largest street fair. All vendor spaces are filled. #AOA26

A friendly competition at the Lakewood location features four rounds with prizes in every round. First place takes home a cool, nerdy reward, while second and third place receive a tasty cookie baked in-house.

A week devoted to fantasy creatures such as dragons, mermaids, and unicorns invites learning about legends from around the world, discovering them in books, and creating new ideas through imagination. The week concludes with a graduation ceremony on Friday.

An experienced Emerald Rain club trainer works with youth athletes to improve vertical jump by teaching proper jumping and landing mechanics. Each session is independent, making it easy to attend as needed. The fee is $40 per session. Training is held at the Pierce College Lakewood campus.

Celebrate summer at Fort Steilacoom with an event featuring macrame and pottery, highlighting woven and thrown creations.

Discover the wildlife of the shoreline during a guided walk at Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park. Naturalists from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium lead a relaxed stroll at low tide, pointing out tiny crabs and other beach-dwelling animals while sharing insights about the diversity of local shores. No RSVP is needed. Check in at the event tent on the sand near the Owen Beach parking lot and complete on-site registration. Please plan to check in within 15 minutes of the listed start time. This event is free.

Explore the Salish Sea shoreline at Dash Point State Park on a low tide beach walk led by Harbor WildWatch biologists and volunteer naturalists. Get hands-on with the intertidal world by carefully observing and, when appropriate, gently touching tidepool creatures like sea stars, crabs, and anemones while learning about their adaptations, responsible beach etiquette, and simple actions that support ocean health. This family friendly outing welcomes all ages and experience levels, including school groups, first timers, and seasoned beachcombers. It takes place rain or shine, so dress for changing weather. Wear closed toe footwear that can get wet and muddy, such as rain boots, water shoes, or old sneakers, and consider bringing water, sunscreen, layers, and a snack. The walk generally lasts 60 to 90 minutes, and participants may head out earlier if needed. The program is free, with a suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family. A Discover Pass is required for parking at the park, available as a $50 annual pass or a $10 day pass online in advance or at park pay stations. Park in designated spaces and display the pass. Meet in the grassy area near the picnic tables before heading to the beach, and look for Harbor WildWatch staff and volunteers in blue. Latecomers can find the group on the shoreline. The route follows a gently sloping beach with stretches of cobble, gravel, sand, and mud, plus occasional boulders. Restrooms and drinking water are available.

All summer long, the planetarium presents a rotating selection of children’s programs, with one presentation each Wednesday and two on Saturdays. Young attendees can collect stickers in their Children’s Show Passports as they experience the full series of fun, interactive shows. Each session is live and designed for ages 3 to 10, with a runtime of about 45 minutes. Every child must be accompanied by an adult who holds a ticket. The lineup features Pluto and Friends, Motions and Patterns, Magnificent Moons, Wild Weather, Our Sun is a Star!, Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors, Oh My!, Journey to the Center of the Galaxy, and My Colorful Universe. General admission is $8. Pierce College students receive free entry with a valid student ID. Use the ticket link to purchase tickets.

Tacoma Astronomical Society offers a free workshop for anyone curious about amateur astronomy, hosted in the Science Dome in the Rainier Building at Pierce College. Experienced amateur astronomers share practical guidance on how to begin, what to consider when selecting a telescope, basics of astrophotography, and safe methods for observing the Sun. The session also addresses using binoculars for stargazing, points to helpful learning resources, and explains whether club telescopes are available to members. Participants can expect clear answers to common questions and a straightforward path to exploring stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more.

Octopus Ballet performs as part of the Curran Apple Orchard Summer Concert Series at The Curran Apple Orchard Park. Admission is free. Bring family, blankets and a picnic to enjoy the music, and remember that alcohol is not permitted in City parks. If the weather does not cooperate, the concert will move to the Curtis High School Cafeteria.