The playground's the thing. Can't really think of many better feel-good projects than a new playground for the kiddos. At the Playground Design Day Celebration on Thursday, June 11, families living in West Tacoma, Fircrest, University Place, Steilacoom and Lakewood are invited to check out the design for the waterfront Playground by the Sound, which incorporates ideas submitted by local kids. The playground, set to open in 2010, will be built by community members over the course of five days, according to organizer Bay Stemp. All ages are welcome — the kids will be kept busy with activities, refreshments and more. Free. 7–9 p.m. Environmental Services Building, 9850 64th St. W., University Place. 253-312-3359.
Air time. Spend Father's Day weekend at the Olympic Flight Museum's air show, featuring tunes from the '60s and '70s by cover band Beyond the Fringe, vintage aircraft from the museum's collection on display and the chance to ride in a B-25 Mitchell “Pacific Prowler,” a WWII bomber. Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, June 21, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. $10, ages 6 and younger free. 7367-A Old Hwy. 99 S.E., Tumwater. Visit the museum's Web site to make a reservation for the $350 bomber flights.
Pure camp. Time-pressed parents, take note. You don't have to make big plans and schlep a ton of gear to go camping — do it in your own backyard! The National Wildlife Federation's third annual Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 27 encourages folks to turn off all their screens and spend the night at home but outside, looking at the stars, telling stories and — where it's legal — building a fire for a s'mores fest. Check out the Web site for camping tips and tricks, nature guides, activity suggestions and news of multifamily campouts in your area (the more, the merrier, right?).
—Kris Collingridge
