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Free Mother’s Day Activities & Great Local Gifts
Mother’s Day is coming up on May 11th! What better way to treat the mothers, grandmothers, and motherly figures in your life than to spend some quality time together? We’ve compiled some fun, free activities to make your Mother’s Day special. And, if you need gift ideas, we’ve got you covered. We love supporting local businesses here in Kitsap County, so we’ve also included some thoughtful ideas.
Outdoor Activities
Surprise your mom, stepmother, aunt, or grandmother with a picnic in one of our wonderful local parks. Consider going to Kiwanis Park in Bremerton. It has picnic tables, open fields, a playground, and public restrooms. Or, Seabeck’s Scenic Beach State Park is another great option. It has nice trails with rhododendrons, incredible views of the Olympics, picnic shelters, beach access, and a playground.
Another idea is to head to Kingston’s Saltair Beach, right by the ferry. It offers a nice, sandy beach and it’s steps from downtown. Pack a picnic and some beach towels for a relaxing afternoon. Alternatively, you could purchase delicious empanadas from Argensol or a few slices of award-winning pizza from Sourdough Willy’s. Both establishments are loved by locals and are within walking distance of Saltair Beach. While you’re downtown, you could also check out the Kingston Public Market. Its opening day is on Mother’s Day. The market is located by the ferry terminal in Mike Wallace Park. You’ll find all kinds of locally made crafts, fresh produce, and more. There’s often live music there as well.
If you want to check out a unique local spot, consider visiting the Hobbit House in The Brothers Greenhouses. This iconic tiny house is open year-round during business hours (Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM). Visitors can step into this magical place, take photos, view the rooftop garden, and sign the guestbook. While you’re there, peruse their wonderful selection of locally grown plants – perennials, annuals, vegetables, succulents – you name it, they probably have it.
Not too far from Kitsap County is beautiful Finnriver Farm & Cidery in Chimacum. Finnriver will be having a Makers Market on Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. This event celebrates mothers and mother nature and will include an array of local vendors. All of them are either inspired by nature or use natural materials in their work. Finnriver is fun for the whole family with live music, tasty cider for purchase, an expansive outdoor area for kids to play, and the chance to find a perfect gift to purchase for Mom.
For Fans of the Arts
If the mom in your life enjoys art, spend an afternoon with her at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA). Thanks to donors and members, admission is always free. It’s open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily. Check out BIMA’s current exhibitions, including “Power of the Presses”, which focuses on print works and includes hands-on art making in the gallery. Also impactful is their permanent art collection, highlighting contemporary art of the Puget Sound region.
Another option is a free Mother’s Day craft hosted by the Suquamish Museum. From May 7 – 11, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, you can visit the Suquamish Museum to make a beautiful paper flower bouquet (limited to one per person). This event is open to all ages, and supplies will be provided. It’s fun to get crafty while enjoying time together, creating a sweet memory and a bouquet that won’t wilt. The Suquamish Museum is also a beautiful place to immerse yourself in history, art, and culture. The museum admission is free for Tribal members and children 5 and under. For others, prices vary from $6.00 to $8.00 per person; see their website to learn more.
For History Lovers
Full of fascinating artifacts and information, the Puget Sound Navy Museum in Bremerton is free year-round. Visitors can enjoy permanent and temporary exhibits, and a Family Discovery Room geared toward children. It’s open Wednesdays through Mondays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Please note that if you bring a bag, it needs to be stored in one of their lockers since they want to keep all Navy treasures safe and secure.
Another great option for history lovers in the Kitsap History Museum, also in Bremerton. It’s open 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. General admission is free to all visitors. They have many interesting exhibits, including store fronts with historical artifacts, a switchboard, a firefighter display, indigenous pieces, and much more. Additionally, the Kitsap History Museum hosts interesting events like their “History Uncorked” series. Follow their Facebook page to stay in the loop.
Local Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
A Glowing Gift
Unique candles always make for an enjoyable gift. The Wax Artist, which you can find in the Kitsap Mall, has all kinds of candles full of personality and charm. The Wax Artist also has highly-rated candle-making workshops. This might even be a fun activity to do with your mom. In one of these workshops, you get to blend your favorite scents and add wax charms to personalize it. This typically takes 30 minutes to one hour. After pouring your candle, it will be ready for pickup in about two hours. While waiting, you can check out other shops inside the mall or get a bite to eat. While the staff is open to walk-in candle-making, it’s best to book online.
Vintage Flair
Another sweet gift is a mix of old and new. Stop into Bremerton Vintage Flea and find a mug or teapot that you can fill with chocolates, IOUs, or little thank you notes. This great shop also has interesting baskets, which you could purchase and fill with bath products, their favorite snacks, or flower seed packets.
Classically Cute
For a classic gift, stop into Williams Flower & Gift store. Not only will you be able to select a beautiful bouquet, but you’ll also find some lovely gift baskets and exotic plants for sale. This store is family-owned and provides local same-day and express flower delivery to Bremerton, Washington and the rest of their local delivery zone.
Fun Flights of Red and White
If the mother you’re treating enjoys a fine wine, consider getting her a Kitsap Wine Pass. This experiential gift is brought to you by the Kitsap Winery Alliance, which is a coalition of seven wineries in Poulsbo, Hansville, and Bainbridge Island. With this pass, Mom will save on wine tasting fees at all participating wineries, receive a wine flight at each one, and get discounts on bottle purchases. It’s good for one year from the date of purchase and the pass can be delivered by email or text message.
Painted Perfection
To create a memorable keepsake for the motherly figure in your life, paint a piece of pottery at Dancing Brush Studio in downtown Poulsbo. From vases to platters, statues to spoon rests, there are no shortage of options. The staff can show you different painting techniques and the studio is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday & Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Plan to be there for at least an hour. Your studio session includes all materials and it’s $15 per person plus the shelf price of whichever pottery piece you select. When you’re done, you’ll pay and the staff will fire it in their kiln. It’s typically ready to pick up one week later.
Book-themed Beauties
Books also make excellent gifts. Ballast Book Co. in Bremerton has all kinds of great reads. Consider making a themed gift by purchasing a book, a clever book bag, and a funny bookmark. Or, combine this succulents adult coloring book, with a succulents informational book, and an actual succulent from Brothers Greenhouses. Other themed gifts include a cookbook paired with the ingredients to make a favorite recipe, or this national parks journal with a bookworm hat.
However you decide to honor the mothers in your life, we hope you celebrate locally here in beautiful Kitsap County!
What to Know Before Moving to Central or South Kitsap County
If you’re looking to move somewhere with a little bit of everything: city amenities, suburban neighborhoods, beaches, forests, and even acres of land for sale, look no further than Central or South Kitsap County. This area includes Silverdale, Bremerton, and Port Orchard.
Windermere real estate agent Rebecca Johnson summarizes it perfectly, “Once you arrive in Kitsap County, you’ll never want to leave! From fantastic restaurants and small businesses to state-of-the-art medical care, top-notch beaches, and hiking, everything you need is within a 30-minute drive!”
Kitsap County is a large geographic area in Western Washington that borders Puget Sound. Due to the expansive area, portions of the county are referred to as North, Central, or South Kitsap. We’ve compiled some helpful information focusing on what Central and South Kitsap provide.
The real estate market is strong and varied
In Central and South Kitsap County, you’ll find many single-family homes for sale, as well as condos, waterfront properties, manufactured homes, and more. There are also many new builds, and we’ve seen a steady increase in people moving here from the Seattle area. Our Windermere Silverdale office has a team of experts ready to help you navigate the market. As the spring market heats up, we expect to see more multiple offer situations. So, if you’re thinking of buying this spring or summer, we recommend speaking to a local Realtor right away. Because our area has a range of properties, you want to work with someone who knows our market well, and can speak to the history and nuances of certain neighborhoods.
The cost of living is lower
The cost of living in Central or South Kitsap County is generally more affordable than surrounding areas. Check out the most recent quarterly market data to learn about home sales in Kitsap County. Also, while the property tax rate for Port Orchard, Bremerton and Silverdale vary by city, they all have rates at or below the state’s median property tax rate of 0.88%.
Enjoy the ferries to Seattle
There is a ferry to Seattle from Bremerton and the crossing time is 60 minutes. Another option is the Kitsap Fast Ferry. This is a passenger-only ferry (vs. the large WA State Ferries, which you can drive onto). The Fast Ferry gets Bremerton commuters to Seattle in 30 minutes or less. Additionally, the Port Orchard Fast Ferry takes passengers to Bremerton in 12 minutes.
Be sure to check all ferry schedules for updates. You can download the WSDOT app (or follow them on social media). Additionally, you can subscribe to Fast Ferry alerts. Ferries can be impacted by weather, maintenance, and unforeseen circumstances so it’s important to stay in the loop if you plan on using them to get to work.
We have a strong military presence
Naval Base Kitsap greatly contributes to our community’s military presence. Encompassing over 12,000 acres across the Kitsap Peninsula between two sites, it houses the country’s third largest fleet concentration. Their presence means there is a strong civilian and military workforce, as well as military-related resources.
If you or your spouse are in the military and are going to be stationed here soon, check out our Military Resources page. You’ll find everything from in-depth school information to VA loan resources.
We have many great schools
Central Kitsap School District primarily serves students and families in Silverdale and portions of Bremerton. South Kitsap School District primarily serves students in Port Orchard, as well as some portions of Bremerton. Both school districts serve students from elementary to high school and offer a wide variety of services.
There are also private school options in all three cities, as well as different preschools and daycares.
There are many fun things to do here
Compared to North Kitsap County, Central and South Kitsap County tend to have a more active nightlife. These areas are also relatively close to other towns such as Gig Harbor and Tacoma, and the ferry makes Seattle just a boat-ride away from big concerts, Seahawks games, and more. We have big box stores like Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Target. There are also large shopping centers with well-known retailers in the Kitsap Mall and The Trails at Silverdale.
Bremerton and Port Orchard also have downtown waterfronts to explore. The Port Orchard waterfront has restaurants, playgrounds, and small shops. They also host a series of annual events downtown, such as the upcoming Ladies Night Out on April 25th.
Downtown Bremerton and its waterfront is also expanding. The city has a strong arts scene, with special event venues like the Admiral Theatre and the Roxy Theatre. There is also a wealth of information on the city’s website to explore local activities, including an events calendar. The annual Blackberry Festival is a huge event every summer that attracts locals and visitors alike.
Windermere Broker/Realtor Mark Plastina has lived here since he was fourteen and raves about the proximity to different activities. “The location is centralized to anything I need…If I feel the need for a relaxing afternoon, I go to Poulsbo. If I feel that need to see friends and play softball, I go to west Bremerton or Port Orchard. It doesn’t take a lot of time to get to places.”
Outdoor activities are endless
No matter which part of Kitsap County you are in, you are able to do all kinds of outdoor activities. Popular hiking trails include the Illahee Preserve and Dickerson Creek Falls in Bremerton. Banner Forest Heritage Park in Port Orchard is also wonderful and Clear Creek Trail in Silverdale offers over 7 miles of trails – a beautiful break from the city.
Golfers can enjoy places like Gold Mountain Golf Club in Bremerton or Trophy Lake Golf & Casting in Port Orchard. Mountain bikers and horseback riders can share the trails at Ueland Tree Farm and Newberry Hill Heritage Park. The opportunities are truly endless.
If you prefer to be on the water, grab a kayak or paddle board and follow the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails map for scenic views. There are also local boat rentals out of the Bremerton and Port Orchard marinas for sightseeing or fishing. Additionally, we have local lakes scattered around Central and South Kitsap that are good for fishing, swimming or picnicking in the summertime.
If you’re looking for an overall lower cost of living while still staying near big-city amenities, then Port Orchard, Bremerton and Silverdale are great options. Though we may be biased, we invite you to explore our area. We think you’ll discover it’s an incredible place to live.
Summer Activities for Kids and Teens in Kitsap County
There are so many fun summer activities for kids and teens in Kitsap County. If you’re looking for something for your kids to do this summer, this list will help you get started. Some organizations offer a variety of activities and camps, so make sure to check each website for more detailed information.
First Friday Art Walk at KiDiMu
First Friday of each month, 1:00 – 7:00 PM, Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu), Bainbridge Island
On the first Friday of each month, KiDiMu hosts a special craft-based activity for kids. Whether you come in the early afternoon or head over after dinner, little ones will have a great time using their artistic skills and showcasing their creativity. It’s a great way to get an early start to the weekend!
Cost: Pay what you will (a donation-based program)
Summer Learning
June 1 – August 31, 2023, Kitsap Regional Library (all locations and online)
The Kitsap Regional Library is hosting its community self-paced reading and learning program for school-aged children and teens during summer break. To participate, visit any Kitsap Regional Library location to pick up a reading tracker or download the reading tracker online. Just remember, the reading tracker won’t be available until Thursday, June 1st so that everyone has the same amount of time. Fun prizes will be awarded to those who meet their reading goals!
Cost: Free
Also, be sure to check out monthly events happening at different library locations across Kitsap County. There’s something for every age group, including storytime for babies and toddlers, and arts & crafts activities for kids and teens.
Canvas & Cupcake
Held once a month on a Sunday, dates and times vary, Kitsap Art Center, Silverdale
Enjoy an afternoon of family fun at the Kitsap Art Center! Adults and children (ages 5 and older) are invited to channel their inner Van Gogh (or Picasso or Monet – your choice!) by creating a step-by-step painting. No experience is necessary. Just be willing to get out of your comfort zone and be creative. Cupcakes are provided as a post-art treat.
Cost: $40 per person, including art supplies
Young Artist Summer Camps
Dates and times vary, Kitsap Art Center, Silverdale
Kitsap Art Center offers a variety of camps and summer classes for kids as young as four all the way up to teenagers. Typically, each class focuses on learning how to paint a particular animal or piece of art. Participating youth don’t need any prior experience – just sign up and have fun! All aspiring artists are welcome as long as they meet the minimum age requirements.
Cost: Costs vary depending on the class
Kitsap Live Steamers
April – October 2023, 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (weather permitting) South Kitsap Regional Park, Port Orchard
Choo, choo – all aboard! Calling all train enthusiasts for an outdoor ride. Kitsap Live Steamers operates 7.5″ gauge scale trains that are fun for all ages. The train includes an ADA-accessible riding car designed to accommodate a manual or motorized wheelchair. A train ride is great fun for the whole family!
Cost: Donation based
Bainbridge Island Aquatics Center
April – August 2023, dates and times vary, Bainbridge Island
Help your kids dive in and learn how to swim this summer at the Bainbridge Island Aquatics Center. Swim classes are offered for ages 6 months to 12 years old. This is a great way to start a lifelong skill or take swimming skills to the next level. But hurry, classes are already filling up!
Cost: $136 to $170, depending on the class
Student Conservation Corps
Summer 2023, Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District
Youth get to learn what it takes to become an environmental steward by helping pull weeds and controlling invasive plants in Bainbridge Island parks. Local educational speakers provide conservation education and career advice during lunch as well. This is a paid work opportunity for students 15 and older and a great way to learn more about conservation-related careers.
Cost: N/A: it’s a paid work opportunity
Olympic Outdoor Center’s Youth Summer Day Camps
June – July 2023, dates and times vary, Poulsbo Waterfront Park Pavilion
Summer day camps hosted by the Olympic Outdoor Center are for ages 7 to 13. They’re packed with activities, including kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and standup paddleboarding. While having tons of fun, campers also learn about safety, teamwork, adventure nutrition, and respect for the natural world.
Cost: $229 – $359
Pirate Festival
June 17, 2023, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Mike Wallace Park, Kingston
Ahoy! Kingston will be launching its first annual Pirate Festival this June. This event features more than 30 vendors and live music. Plus, there will be activities for kids, including face painting, pirate games, and a bouncy house. The festival promises to be a swashbuckling good time for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Ride the Tide
June 17, 2023, and it starts at Tracyton Boat Launch, Bremerton
Celebrate the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails by joining Ride the Tide. This is perfect for teens and parents who are comfortable kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Participants may use their own gear or rent gear from the Olympic Outdoor Center. So, grab a paddle and join in on this guided ride with fellow water enthusiasts. Also, a shuttle service will be available.
Cost: $59, but cost increases with gear rentals
YMCA Day Camps and Youth Classes
June 19 – September 1, 2023, Haselwood YMCA, Silverdale
The Haselwood YMCA offers a variety of summer day camps and youth classes, including swim lessons, sports, and gymnastics. Kids get to have fun while building self-confidence and learning new skills. The Haselwood YMCA also offers open swim days to escape the heat, which is free for YMCA members.
Cost: Prices vary, and members receive discounts
Sailing Camp
July 10 – August 4, 2023, Kitsap Sailing Foundation, Waterfront Park, Silverdale
Kids and teens can set sail this summer with camps offered by the Kitsap Sailing Foundation! Each camp runs daily for one week, with youth morning sessions and teen camps in the afternoon. Sign up for one camp or all of them; no experience is necessary either way. Each week offers new experiences and STEM learning opportunities too.
Cost: $240 plus processing fees (need-based scholarships are available)
Summer Ranch Hands
July – August 2023, dates and times vary, The Whole Horse Place, Port Orchard
Saddle up and learn what it takes to be a great ranch hand. Students ages 7 and older get to learn every aspect of horsemanship, including trail riding, equine science labs, lessons, and chores. This is a wonderful way to become comfortable around horses.
Cost: $125 per day, $525 per week
Kitsap Forest Adventure Camp
July 2023, dates and times vary, Kitsap Forest Theater, Bremerton
Get kids to step away from their screens and get outside this summer with creative camps offered by Kitsap Forest Theater. Outdoor activities for kids ages kindergarten through 4th grade include art, singing, drama, hiking, and exploring the forest, wildlife, and creeks. Hurry though. The two-week-long camps offered are already filling up!
Cost: $395, $345 for members
Youth and Teen Classes
July – August 2023, dates and times vary, BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network)
The BARN on Bainbridge Island has it all! Classes for a variety of ages ranging from 8 to 18 cover every topic you can imagine, including robotics, crafts combined with activism, glass making, smartphone filmmaking, pasty baking, songwriting, printmaking, photography, and much more! So jump-start that creativity and sign up now.
Cost: Prices vary depending on the length and materials required
For more summer activities for kids, please see the Summer Camp list in our Guide to Kitsap County (pages 14-15). Some may already be sold out, but you can save those as potential options for next year. Most importantly, have a great summer!
