Family events in Tacoma, WA

CampTMP Summer Camp presents 9 to 5 JR at Tacoma Musical Playhouse, featuring performers in grades 7 through 9. The production is double cast, with the Business Cast and the Country Cast offering separate performances. Tickets are $7.

Word of Life Northwest presents the 9th Annual Community Block Party, a neighborhood celebration that brings families, neighbors, local businesses, and community partners together for a day of connection and fun. The event features live music and other entertainment, a dedicated children’s area with games and activities, bounce houses, local vendors, food and beverages available for purchase, and plenty of giveaways and raffles. The Tacoma Police and Fire departments are expected to make appearances to engage with the community. It is planned as a safe and welcoming gathering for people of all backgrounds, with organizers aiming to make this year even bigger than before.

The Tacoma Concert Band brings its free Summer Concert Series to Wapato Park, sharing live music in one of Tacoma’s beautiful outdoor spaces. Under the direction of Maestro Gerard Morris, the program features a mix of classical favorites and contemporary selections. The concert is open to everyone and includes chances to meet band members and learn more about the ensemble. Attendees are welcome to relax on picnic blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy snacks while they listen. The series is presented with support from Ted Brown Music, the Bamford Foundation, Tacoma Creates, and Metro Parks Tacoma, celebrating community, culture, and the joy of music.

Pierce County Mustang & All Ford Roundup brings together Mustangs and other Ford vehicles at the Griot's Garage Flagship Retail Store. Gates will open for entry, and voting will take place during the event.

Explore the Salish Sea shoreline with a guided, family friendly beach walk led by Harbor WildWatch biologists and volunteer naturalists. Participants get an interactive look at the intertidal zone, spotting sea stars, crabs, sea anemones, and other shoreline life while learning respectful beach practices, how these animals are adapted to life between the tides, and practical ways to support healthier ocean ecosystems. This program welcomes all ages and experience levels, including families and school groups. Activities take place in any weather, so plan for changing conditions. Closed toe footwear is recommended, such as rain boots, water shoes, or old sneakers that can handle water and mud. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, layers, and a snack if needed. Each beach walk lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, and participants may leave early if needed. Attendance is free, with an optional donation of $2 per person or $5 per family. At Titlow Beach Park, reach the shoreline by following 6th Ave past the playground and Titlow Lodge to the beach entrance across the railroad tracks. Park only in designated spaces and avoid blocking private property. After parking, cross the tracks to the viewing platform and head to the picnic tables and shower station at the beach entrance, which serves as the meeting point at the scheduled start. Use caution at the tracks and cross only when the barriers are open and no trains are present. Look for Harbor WildWatch staff and volunteers in blue. If arrival is delayed or the crossing is backed up, continue onto the beach. The route may proceed farther along the trail to the access point known as Surf Perch. Expect a short, steep, sandy slope leading down to the beach, followed by a gentler grade, or choose a paved path to a lower sloping access. If the group continues to Surf Perch, the paved path becomes a well maintained forest trail that leads to an old boat launch with easier access to the intertidal zone. The shoreline includes sand, gravel, cobble, boulders, and pilings. Restrooms with flushing toilets and drinking water are available.

ZCCW presents its annual Z Car Show at LeMay - America's Car Museum, set on the Anderson Plaza by the main entrance and supported by sponsor Puyallup Nissan. All Datsun and Nissan Z cars are invited to participate. Plaza parking is reserved for club members who are current on their dues, and the upper level is set aside for pre-registered participants. Dues-paid members who pre-register receive priority parking near the museum entry, discount museum tickets for themselves, family, and friends that never expire, and a complimentary raffle ticket with the option to purchase more at a reduced price. Raffle items include Nissan gifts and surprises, Griots detailing products, and other quality Z-related prizes. A pre-registered parking period is designated exclusively for early registrants, followed by an open parking window for show participants. Pre-registration is $25, and day-of registration is $30. Registration forms and ID cards can be requested, and payment is available via PayPal, Square, or by mailing a check.

The annual Art on the Ave festival returns to Tacoma’s 6th Ave Business District, presented by TAPCO Credit Union and the 6th Ave Business District. This neighborhood celebration gathers artists, makers, musicians, food vendors, small businesses, community organizations, and local residents for a full day focused on creativity and connection along 6th Ave. Attendees can browse work by local creators, shop vendor booths, enjoy live entertainment, visit food trucks, and take part in family-friendly activities throughout the event. The experience showcases the area’s creative energy, distinctive character, and strong sense of community that define the 6th Ave Business District. Recognized as the largest street fair in Tacoma, it fills The Ave with art, music, food, and neighbors. Vendor spaces are currently full.

At the Museum of Glass, Hilltop Artists students and alumni team up with the museum’s artists to create centerpiece sculptures for the annual fundraising luncheon. Visitors can stop by to see the collaborative glassmaking in progress throughout this multi day residency. The final day includes a talk by Executive Director Kimberly Keith about the creative process along with updates from Hilltop Artists.

Get a close look at intertidal life at Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park. Walk the shoreline at low tide with Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium beach walk naturalists who help you identify the creatures that call the beach home, from tiny crabs to other tidepool animals. This Explore the Shore outing highlights the biodiversity of local beaches through hands-on discovery and conversation. The program is free, and no advance RSVP is required. Meet on the sand near the Owen Beach parking area in Point Defiance Park, then register at the event tent. Please plan to check in within 15 minutes of the posted start time.