Our trip to the newly reopened Owen Beach this summer got me majorly hooked on the history of Point Defiance, Tacoma’s massive urban park where the beach resides.
So here are some details that help shape the backstory of Point Defiance Park for my own sense of place. You’ll learn why Point Defiance Park is the way it is, what attractions came and went there, and what remains even still.
It’s officially the first day of fall and I’m already feeling the pull to explore every outdoor inch of Pierce County before I have to layer up in 15 jackets just to leave the house again.
So I made the following Point Defiance Park Bucket List to help encourage me to get out there.
Pioneer Park’s “Fat Tire #7” recycled steel sculpture of a bicycle in motion by the talented Lance Carleton is indeed designed for climbing – something the late Washington artist intended and even encouraged 🙂
Here’s a look at this local favorite, complete how Owen Beach got its name, what kept my kids the most occupied, and a neat surprise at the very end.
I don’t know whether it was the collective energy of goodhearted people finally able to gather, the airy mix of melodies mingling in the breeze, or the much-anticipated warmth of actual sun on our skin, but Uptown Gig Harbor’s second annual FEST4ALL Make Music Day Gig Harbor on June 21 had the unmistakable feeling of summer.
And my family couldn’t be more excited.
We’ve visited Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium a lot lately. It’s the perfect burn-all-that-kid-energy option for even the rainest…
This year, the kids and I walked across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge – something I’ve been wanting to do since we moved here!
After weeks of rain, we saw a moment of sunlight and dry skies. So with a skip, hop, and one possibly illegal parking spot later, we went for it!
And now I can say with certainty that the bridge walk was absolutely incredible for us, but only after I discussed a few safety rules with the kids. You’ll see why in a minute.
Read on for all the deets on how we walked the Tacoma Narrows Bridge from the Gig Harbor side.
St. Joseph Medical Center’s 1970s spaceship vibes make it a must-see from the car window for kids (and adults) of all ages!
Stadium High School in Tacoma is known as one of the prettiest high schools in the country. Do you know what famous movie it was featured in?
*** Update 2023: Clara had a safety scare during her Level 4 swim lesson at the YMCA this year and unfortunately I can no longer recommend this program for swim lessons.