Free Zumba® in the Park Series Begins in June

Submitted by Diana Yu

Bell rings and YAH!, school’s out for the summer! For some families, figuring out fun activities in the summer months on a limited budget is a challenge.  In and around Thurston County, there are a lot of very kid and family friendly venues.  Some even offer discounts or free passes for families with limited income.  Just ask.

Our community is also blessed with a lot of free or low cost activities.  Some of my downtown Olympia favorites are the Wet Science Center 500 Adams Street, the Hand’s On Children’s Museum 414 Jefferson Street, enjoying the “stream” at East Bay Public plaza, lunching and shopping at the Olympia Farmers Market, or taking a walk along Percival Landing.  On August 13 is our local Bon Odori Festival complete with Taiko drumming, traditional street dancing and a lantern parade. The City of Lacey has well maintained family friendly parks, with music and movies in the park all summer long.

My all-time favorite activities are the free Zumba^® in the park series.  2016 marks the 6th year that a group of licensed, local Zumba^® instructors have organized for the community to enjoy public dancing.  Events are free and kid friendly.  No childcare is available so you’ll have to keep an eye on your own kids.  The group gets together on Saturdays starting June 25 through September 3 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm. Different instructors takes turns leading the dancing.  This year they will be participating in the Capital City Pride Festival and Olympia Harbor Days.

The official 2016 kick-off event is at Tivoli Fountain in front of the State Capitol, along Capitol Way on Saturday June 25, 2016 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.  Drive by and check them out. Give a honk or better yet, park the car and come over and join in.  If you happen to be attending Capital Pridefest, look for the group on stage from 3-3:30 p.m. leading some dancing.

Find us on Facebook or check our full schedule available online here. All events are also listed on the ThurstonTalk events calendar. For questions, email zumbayu@gmail.com or send a message on Facebook.

ZUMBA ^® IN THE PARK OLYMPIA LACEY SUMMER 2016