The Washington State History Museum transforms into an indoor model train wonderland in this annual holiday event for all ages in nearby Tacoma. And there’s still time to go.
What a year 2023 was. I know, I know. One could say that about any year. But for us here at Gig Harbor Now, it really was a BIG year. In 2023, readers clicked on our stories 1,151,300 times (through Dec. 26). Anytime a statistic hits seven digits, it’s a big number. But for context,
I know of a magical place where the little kids go, but the big kids secretly love playing there too. Children can climb, and spin and meet new friends. And it doesn’t even require a jacket, even in jacket weather. This place is Ahoy Kitsap Playland, a padded indoor commercial play place that’s widely popular yet doesn’t ever seem too crowded. Yes, it’s all the way north in Bremerton. But you get to pass the big Navy ships on the way there! Our faves here are the foam circles to tip-toe across the net bridge like rocks in a creek, an epic bright yellow wave slide and various ways to swing, sway and spin.
Today’s adventure brings us across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and over to the wooded wonderland that is Point Defiance Park to explore yet another local playground almost hidden in plain sight.
Sandwiched between the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and the Marina, this playground is outdated – but also secluded and awesome. Finding it atop a narrow bluff among the trees, the kids and I felt like we stumbled upon a well-kept secret with its hand-powered scoot platform, climbers and log-style-construction.
Clay babies are rare rock formations shaped like cloud animals, found among Fox Island’s pebbly shorelines. Here’s how to spot ’em!
When Gig Harbor Now’s very own Kitsap crackerjack, Mr. Ed Friedrich, in all his infinite wisdom as a tried and true local, says to you, “Yo, new girl. You miss sand? Like, real sand? Because I’ve got just the place for you …”
You go, right?
Today’s column took Clara and Wyatt through the rich history of Gig Harbor’s Old Ferry Landing, from its early days as a bustling transportation hub to its current status as a scenic viewpoint and public space. It also turned them into accidental trespassers. Oops.
Here’s a tale of two little children, the slam of a door, and an unplanned climb aboard a very tall fishing vessel.
We checked off two of Gig Harbor’s alternative park sites from the city’s rec page this week: Bogue Viewing Platform and Finholm View Climb. And they each offer family-friendly surprises for newcomers (100 stairs! Secret beach access!).
Last week, the kids and I stumbled on a love-lock bridge right here in Gig Harbor. Roughly 150 padlocks hang from the crisscross of cables along the city bridge over Donkey Creek. They’re cute, but not everyone is a fan. Here’s a closer look.
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Gig Harbor, WA 98335
