Search Results for: TONYA STRICKLAND

Two in Tow & On The Go | Zoo carousel fun facts

Jan 26, 2024

For this week’s column, I’m going to tell you fun facts about the Paul Titus Carousel at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma. Why? Because its history is fascinating. And because the kids love it. I like it, too. But … I’m also the Debbie Downer who gets mercilessly ill on anything that

Two In Tow & On The Go | Gig Harbor’s top venues for kids’ birthday parties

Jan 12, 2024

If you’ve ever Googled “birthday places near me”and become totally overwhelmed by the choices — I’ve got you. Here’s a list of all the places, prices and packages for your kiddo’s next party! For the second time* in my life, I can officially declare I’ve spent 76 hours compiling a list of more birthday party

Two in Tow & On the Go | Going full steam at the Model Train Festival

Dec 29, 2023

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.

2023 in review: Our top stories during a very busy year

Dec 28, 2023

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,

Two In Tow & On The Go: Ahoy Kitsap Playland is worth the drive

Nov 17, 2023

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.

Two In Tow & On The Go: A forgotten treasure at Point Defiance

Nov 03, 2023

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Sandwiched between the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and the Marina, this playground is outdated – but also secluded and awesome.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.

Two In Tow & On The Go: Claybabies are a Fox Island find

Oct 20, 2023

Clay babies are rare rock formations shaped like cloud animals, found among Fox Island’s pebbly shorelines. Here’s how to spot ’em!

Two in Tow & On the Go: Kitsap County’s Anderson Park an uphill climb for kids

Sep 15, 2023

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?

Two in Tow & On the Go: Views, do’s and don’ts at the Old Ferry Landing

Sep 01, 2023

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.

Two in Tow & On the Go: Shenandoah tours closed during construction

Aug 04, 2023

Here’s a tale of two little children, the slam of a door, and an unplanned climb aboard a very tall fishing vessel.