Kids' Fest
JBLM's Month of the Military Child main event! Join us for free fun for all age groups!

Apr 26 2025
Apr 26 2025

Space: Where Military Kids Shine Like Stars
Kids’ Fest 2025 will feature a fully immersive space experience inside the MWR Fest Tent with engaging hands-on activities, exciting games, captivating exhibits and entertainment designed for toddlers, teens and everyone in between. This event is free for military families and their sponsored guests!
Events will take place in various locations surrounding the MWR Fest Tent: Cowan Stadium, and the Youth Sports Field.
- Stage entertainment, rock climbing wall, hands-on crafts, games, face paint artists and balloon twisters.
- This beloved event brings together more than 2,000+ children, teens and their families each year for a day of fun and connection.
- Military static displays.
- Punt, Pass & Kick at Youth Sports Field.
- Inflatables.
- Outdoor Rec Climbing Wall
Armed Forces Kids Run
10:30 a.m.–Noon | Cowan Stadium
Distances: 5 & 6 year olds: 1/2 mile | 7 & 8 year olds: 1 mile | 9-16 year olds: 2 miles
Register for this free race by Thursday, April 10 to guarantee your youth a free T-shirt. Registration forms can be emailed to Youth Sports or dropped off at commissary drop boxes (late registration accepted at Youth Sports only). Parents and spectators are encouraged to stand along the route to cheer on the runners. For more information call 253-967-2405. See a video from 2023! Brought to you in part by: Spokane Produce, The Commissary and CYS Sports.
- Military Static Displays
- Come see a Blackhawk Helicopter
- (1) LM/TV
- M777A12
- Fire Engine
- MP Patrol Vehicles
- Three food trucks will be available, offering burgers, hot dogs and bubble tea.
Time |
Activity/Entertainment |
10:30 a.m.–Noon |
Armed Forces Kid's Run at Cowan Stadium |
Noon |
Kids' Fest Space launches! |
Noon–2 p.m. | Mac the Flex Alien Robot |
Noon–4 p.m. | Gaming Truck |
Noon–4 p.m. | Caricaturists |
Noon–4 p.m. | Balloonists/Face Painting |
Noon–4:30 p.m. | Punt, Pass & Kick |
Noon–4:30 p.m. | Gellyball |
Noon–4:30 p.m. | Petting Zoo |
12:30–1:30 p.m. | Professor Ficklestein |
2–4 p.m. | DJ with Karaoke |
2–4 p.m. | Juggler/Big Bubble Show |
4:30 p.m. |
Kids Fest concludes; see you next year! |
ORGANIZATION | ACTIVITY |
Grandstaff/Book Patch Libraries | Alien Slime |
Youth Sports & Fitness |
Punt, Pass & Kick & sports giveaway items |
Girls Scouts of Western Washington | Shooting star craft w/popsicle sticks and tissue paper |
New Parent Support Program, Family Advocacy Program |
Craft 1: Alien UFO decorating |
Craft 2: Straw Rockets | |
Craft 3: Asteroid Toss | |
Greentike & Children's Museums of Tacoma / JBLM | Collaborative art project, STEAM activities, and take-home art project |
MWR Marketing | Entry/Welcome Table |
CYS Hillside MST | Water Rockets |
Straw Shooters | |
Rocket Races | |
Temporary Tattoos | |
Picture Area | |
Light Saber Challenge | |
Armed Forces Community Service | Space Theme Wreaths |
AFCS EFMP Family Support | Interactive galazy spin |
Paper rockets | |
Space-themed coloring pages | |
Lewis North School Age Center | Create your own UFO or kaleidoscope |
McChord SAS | Galactic axe throwing |
Glow in the dark friendship bracelets | |
Spouses' Club of Lewis-McChord | Galaxy-themed photo op |
JBLM DENTAC | Interactive oral hygiene crafts and hands-on activities |
Washington Kitefliers Association | Pre-assembled kites to select for flying |
Pierce College Science Dome | Hands-on STEM Activities |
Demos for kids | |
Gravity Wall | |
Clouds in a bottle | |
Star formation kit | |
Santa's Castle | Plinko-type game and giveaways |
Cascade School Age Center | Picture frame decoration |
Pierce County Early Support for Infants and Toddlers / Hope Sparks / Children's Therapy Center | Prize wheel for children to spin and receive a space-themed item |
Hillside CDC | Friendship Bracelets- loopers, beads, and others |
405th Halo Costume and Prop Maker Community | Inspiration and photos for kids to have fun, online costume tutorials for ages 3+ to explore independently. |
Religious Support Office | Friendship Bracelets |
R2 Performance Center | Meteor stacking, space puzzles, and find the alien under the spaceship |
Sponsored by
No federal endorsement implied.
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MWR Fest Tent
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Open for special events and activities. Available for rent.
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Special Events
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The best way to contact us is via email as we're often out of the office supporting upcoming events.