Join the University Place Kite Festival by creating your own kite! Pick up your kit onsite and enjoy a day of kite building and flying in the spacious Central Meadow.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, including children and older adults, as the activity mainly involves standing and light assembly.
Wildlife
History
Pierce County Park has been a community gathering spot for decades, supporting outdoor recreation and local cultural events like the Kite Festival.
Conservation
The festival emphasizes low-impact activities and encourages participants to clean up after themselves to preserve the natural park environment.
Pierce County
Join the University Place Kite Festival by creating your own kite! Pick up your kit onsite and enjoy a day of kite building and flying in the spacious Central Meadow.
Pierce County organizes a diverse lineup of public events and park-based activities in and around Tacoma, Washington. The county produces large seasonal gatherings such as the Kite Festival, which provides a Kite Kit option for families to pre-purchase and assemble in the Central Meadow on event day. For pet owners and animal lovers, Bark by the Bay is hosted at Chambers Creek Regional Park and features vendors, food trucks, dog activities, a Parade of Breeds, and a costume contest set against Puget Sound.
Pierce County operates a variety of ice-based attractions, including 15-minute Ice Bumper Car rides and an Ice Lights party room available during ice skating sessions for group gatherings. The county also offers Stick & Puck ice sessions where participants of all ages can practice hockey skills; full gear is mandatory and face helmets are required for those under 18. Stargazing nights are run in partnership with the Pierce College Science Dome team, offering guided hikes, constellation viewing, and meteor shower events.
Practical details for visitors include pre-purchase options (for example, kite kits and parking for the Kite Festival), clearly marked event parking, and family-oriented programming at regional parks. Pierce County’s events emphasize community engagement, outdoor recreation, and accessible programming across parks and recreation venues in the Tacoma area.
Location
Tacoma, WA
Events and parks in the Tacoma area
Tours Offered
7 experiences
Festivals, ice activities, and stargazing
Dog Festival
Bark by the Bay
Pet-focused event at Chambers Creek
Ice Activities
Bumper cars & room
15-minute rides; party room during skating
Reserve kits, parking, or ice sessions in advance to guarantee participation at festivals, dog events, and ice activities.
Reserve Your Kite Kit Early
Kite kits sell out quickly, so pre-purchase online to guarantee your spot and materials.
Bring Sun Protection
The open meadow offers little shade, so wear sunscreen and a hat to protect from the sun.
Arrive Without a Vehicle Pass
This ticket is for the kite kit only; vehicle entry permits must be purchased separately or arranged before arrival.
Prepare for Light Wind Conditions
The best flying is on days with steady, moderate breeze; check the weather forecast in advance.
Sun Hat
Protects your face from prolonged sun exposure during the event.
summer
Light Jacket
Keeps you warm during cool spring breezes while staying breathable.
spring
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while building and flying your kite under the sun.
Comfortable Shoes
Suitable footwear ensures comfort while standing and moving around the meadow.