Family events in Shelton, WA

Presented by the City of Lacey, the Lacey Night Market transforms the city into an open air marketplace with music, DJ sets, a busy lineup of food trucks, and local businesses showcasing their work. Families relax, children play, and neighbors connect in a welcoming community setting. This edition is themed Latin Night, part of Season 3’s series of culture focused evenings, with an upbeat atmosphere and plenty of ways to support small businesses. Admission is free, it is family friendly, and all ages are welcome. Throughout the season the market expands with more vendors and featured businesses and highlights big themes including Superhero, 80s, Family, Military Appreciation, Juneteenth, Pride, Polynesian, Jersey, K-pop, Summer Jam, Y2K, Country, Fall Fest, and a Haunted Night Market.

Explore the fascinating world of microbes through hands-on activities and microscope investigations. Learn how bacteria help decompose waste and discover hardy tardigrades known for enduring the rigors of space. A tour of LOTT’s wastewater treatment plant shows how microbes are used in real-world systems. Tour participants must be at least 10 years old and wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes.

Love A Pit Bull Day at Heritage Park in Olympia centers on adoption, celebration, and education about the breed. Visitors can meet adoptable dogs, learn helpful information for current and prospective owners, and discover the mission of Covenant Creatures, which sponsors the event. Same-day adoptions may be available for pre-approved adopters. Volunteer opportunities connected to the event are also available.

Now in its second year, this back to school market and family resource fair hosted by Messy Mama Co offers a community centered afternoon at the Thurston County Fairgrounds and Event Center. Families can browse local vendors, connect with resource providers, and enjoy kid friendly activities alongside a dedicated wellness zone. Music is provided by DJ Aikibo. There will be school supply giveaways for children and book giveaways. Suggested entry is 5 dollars.

Registration is open for the 4th Annual Memorial Miles, a walk and run honoring 34 fallen officers. The event takes place at the WSP Academy Drive Course in Shelton at the Washington State Patrol Academy. Families are welcome, and kids, dogs, and bikes can participate. Sponsorship opportunities and pit stop spots are available.

At Zittel's Marina, underwater lights illuminate the water and draw in a wide variety of estuary creatures for close viewing. Participants can look for fish, anemones, sea stars, sea slugs, and other surprises that appear beneath the pier. Volunteers are available to help locate species, explain what is found, and answer questions. This popular program tends to fill quickly. Admission is $18 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Community Access Tickets are available at half price or free to ensure everyone can participate, made possible by supporters. Memberships provide discounts on program and event tickets plus a full year of free admission to Puget Sound Estuarium.

Spend a full day exploring the Tellington TTouch method with Debby Potts through demonstrations and step-by-step guidance. Participants gain practical skills in clear communication and in fostering a positive partnership with their dogs. The workshop covers core foundations and can be tailored to individual interests, including common challenges like leash manners, separation anxiety, sensitivity to loud noises, grooming issues, reactivity, and support for senior dogs. Instruction also addresses ways to help dogs after an accident or during illness. Informative handouts are provided, and questions are welcome throughout.