Experience Budget-Friendly Fun

Free Things to Do Around Olympia

Explore a variety of free activities around Thurston County.

Seeking affordable things to do around the Olympia region? Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly itinerary or embarking on an action-packed adventure with a large group, Olympia features exciting free things to do for all interests. Embrace the outdoors, wander through lively farmers markets, or find striking works of art.

1. Embrace the Outdoors at the Woodard Bay Conservation Area

This wildlife sanctuary transports nature lovers to a tranquil space that’s filled with lush greenery and gentle lapping waters. Be immersed in nature while listening to the calls of seals in the distance and spotting birds among the branches of the trees. While walking along the path of this natural reserve, you’ll find signs detailing the history of the area, exploring its log dumping origins. Although visitors typically need a Discover Pass or a $10 day pass for access to this area, the Discover Pass Free Days program allows access to this outdoor spot without a fee during various national holidays.

A dock at the Woodard Bay Conservation Area in Olympia, WA.

2. Bring Your Little Ones to the WET Science Center

Located in downtown Olympia, the WET Science Center infuses informative exhibits with interactive fun. Explore in-depth guides on water conservation, wastewater treatment and more. Browse through vibrantly colored installations that encourage hands-on learning experiences. This science-focused learning center is filled with an assortment of educational activities, including family-friendly events on Saturdays and arts and crafts sessions.

3. Explore Olympia’s History with a Self-Guided Tour

Embark on a self-guided adventure and transport yourself to different time periods in Olympia. Created by students from the Evergreen State College, Olympia’s Hidden Histories unveils a series of spots that explore different parts of Washington’s state capital. Discover a diverse range of locations, delving into topics such as the Squaxin Island Tribe and Olympia’s Chinatown.

Childhood End's Gallery in downtown Olympia

4. Admire Art at the Childhood’s End Gallery

This downtown Olympia-based gallery features whimsical artworks and handcrafted items. Displaying contemporary Pacific Northwest art, Childhood’s End Gallery showcases an array of local artists. Find breathtaking paintings, pottery, glass fixtures, and wooden boxes.

5. Wander Through a Poetry Installation Near West Bay Park

Make your way to West Bay Park and engraved poems along a sidewalk. Connecting West Olympia to the downtown area, this sidewalk showcases poems that cover the walls and grounds of the area with haikus. Don’t miss taking in the picturesque sights of the State Capitol and the peaks of the Olympic Mountains.

6. Stroll Through a Farmers Market

Thurston County is home to plenty of local farmers markets that beckon visitors with a welcoming and vibrant ambience. Local vendors, gourmet bites, and fresh produce are just some of the unforgettable delights at these markets. Visit the Olympia Farmers Market and receive a free apple for your little ones from Thursday through Sunday. Music enthusiasts will enjoy tapping their feet to infectious beats at the Tumwater Farmers Market, which hosts live performances on a weekly basis.

A hallmark of the year-round Olympia Farmers Market is the live entertainment.

7. Dive into Beach-Filled Adventure at a Park

Whether you’re looking for the best sandcastle-building spots or planning a picnic, Olympia’s parks boast stunning scenery along sandy shorelines. Fitness enthusiasts and active families will enjoy participating in thrilling water sports at these parks. Along with the Woodard Bay Conservation Area, a Discover Pass spot like the Tolmie State Park offers a number of free days throughout the year. With areas such as Frye Cove County Park and Squaxin Park, it’s easy to unwind in a peaceful atmosphere.

8. Marvel at the Washington State Capitol Campus

Enjoy free guided tours of the Legislative Building at the Washington State Capitol Campus. Open on a daily basis, these tours reveal in-depth details on the history of the building, as well as the opulent space with chandeliers and marble interiors. History aficionados will relish self guided tours through monuments and memorial sites near the grounds of the campus.

9. Run Like the Wind Through Marathon Park

Runners and joggers will be enthralled by the winding trails of Marathon Park, which was the location for the 1984 U.S. Trials for the first Women’s Olympia Marathon. Traveling along a path, you’ll soon find that this park gives way to spectacular lakeside views. This outdoor spot can be enjoyed at any time of the year, transforming into a training ground for cold weather sprinters or a charming area for summer joggers.

The Tumwater Timberland Library features a large clock

10. Experience a Creative Twist on Storytime at the Library

With a number of locations in Thurston County, the Timberland Regional Library features an assortment of kid-friendly activities for your little voracious readers. Find an immersive spin on classic childhood stories with the Story Trail events. Including reading sessions with books such as “Where the Wild Things Are” and “West Coast Wild Babies,” this program combines storytelling with fun nature walks. Make your way to one of the Timberland Regional Libraries in Thurston County and receive a special backpack for your little birding, fishing, and stargazing aficionados.

two friends ride bikes along a bike path

11. Bike Through Scenic Trails

Pedal your way through forested areas and paved trails, taking in the fresh air and peaceful atmospheres. For a family-friendly ride, explore the paved path of the Karen Fraser Woodland Trail, which stretches between Olympia and Lacey. Mountain biking experts will enjoy the winding terrain of the Capitol State Forest, and road bikers will create unforgettable memories at the Hawks Prarie Loop.

12. Capture Photo-Worthy Memories at Monarch Sculpture Park

Situated in Tenino, the Monarch Sculpture Park can be found along the Chehalis Western Trail. This park unveils an assortment of contemporary sculptures throughout the green space. Walk through modern art installations at this Alice-in-Wonderland-like area. Challenge your mind with a butterfly-shaped maze, or listen to a cacophony of gongs and bells in the sound garden.

13. Have a Sports-Centered Day at LBA Park

Planning an outdoor outing with the kids? Find an exciting ziplining and playground area at this park. Take your little sports enthusiasts and athletes to LBA Park, where sprawling fields and courts await. LBA Park offers spaces for spots such as baseball, basketball, and tennis.

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