Top Fun-Filled Family Activities to Wow Your Kids
Always on the quest to become the coolest parent ever but still searching for the perfect place to bring the family? From interactive museums to scenic parks, explore the best activities to enjoy with your kids in the state's capital.
The Olympia region has exactly what you're looking for. Here, family-friendly activities are interspersed with plenty for the adults to see, do and drink. Use these eight ideas to wow your kids and make family memories that will follow them all the way to adulthood!
Handcrafted Fun
One of the world’s largest selection of beads resides at Shipwreck Beads. Plan a visit to bring home jewelry making tools or hone the craft at a variety of classes taught by experts and visiting artists. Current class topics include Beading or Metal Clay, where students will create beautiful jewelry from soft, workable "clay like" silver. Shipwreck Beads is a unique spot you won't find anywhere else with a mosaic of colors and shapes that will make any kid do double-take. If beads aren't your thing but you're still looking for a creative outlet, Arbutus Folk School offers classes in folk art that will allow you to create something and take it home!
Play and Imagine
The Hands on Children’s Museum offers both indoor and outdoor learning areas, chock-full of Northwest-inspired exhibits. “Shop” for a healthy meal at the Good for You Center, learn about local wildlife in the Fabulous Forest, or enjoy the nature trail and outdoor learning center.
Discover the mysterious creatures that live below the docks at Zittel's Marina with the Puget Sound Estuarium! Their trained biologists provide underwater lights that attract spectacular estuary creatures for you to safely scoop up and observe, while their volunteers help you discover, identify, and learn more about what you’ve found. From octopuses to anemones, from sea stars to sea slugs, you never know what you’ll encounter! Pier Peer events are one of their most popular events, so register early to ensure your spot.
![A man and child shine a flashlight at the docks looking for marine life](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/family-friendly-blog-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=33043b3367ce7214434961a902a4933d 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/family-friendly-blog-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=2e39f94cd3d06cb04c6edf38edc23af7 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/family-friendly-blog-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=a0597b6c66da7fe8c640f8fa1806db9d 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/family-friendly-blog-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=71b321a4f9a12965903e5224309b9af2 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/family-friendly-blog-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c1bdb03dcc4b566344a2933a76fc5e76 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/family-friendly-blog-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=95cb7db07aa6954361a1098fe0644767 1440w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/family-friendly-blog-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=42c0c6b9dad79b0ccf72d337c1651d61 1920w)
High Energy
There are places in the Olympia region where you can even defy gravity! Leap into a new adventure at Sky Zone Trampoline Park! With 60 trampolines and more than 10,000 square feet of connected jumping space, you may find some surprises in the ceiling that will test even the highest jumpers. Lights and lasers more your thing? Get lost in the arcade or take advantage of the state of the art, 4,200 sq. ft. laser tag arena at Laser Fun Zone in Lacey. With modern mood lighting, a good selection of brews for parents, and a carefully curated soundtrack, Legends Arcade in downtown Olympia is a one-of-a-kind experience for all ages (until 9pm when it's 21 and over) to game and socialize. Head to Olympia's West Side and discover PLAYlive, a social gaming center in Capital Mall featuring the newest and hottest XBOX 360™ titles playable on individual gaming stations for hours of fun!
![A brightly-lit snack bar where people are lined up to buy snacks](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/legends-arcade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=35b8740355b3f5b7e6bbeb2e1976a8b5 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/legends-arcade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=32cdc0aad03997881a8059aa2a9ae10a 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/legends-arcade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=667d8135796542e99386850df7a986d8 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/legends-arcade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=57bfbbcc11c20185dec38ce2297bff5b 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/legends-arcade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=b6e045234f6cb5f143dea4719cf2666d 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/legends-arcade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=a897655e5192757b751a9d42676ea7fb 1440w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/legends-arcade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=5528ca32fb458d6f52b7da1328d50fd6 1920w)
More Than Just Books
So much more than "just" a place to pick up a good book, the Timberland Regional Library is a place to explore the region, create your own adventures, and learn to expand your horizons while you're visiting. Our seven Thurston County branches welcome everyone to a world of vibrant possibilities, connect people, places, and ideas, and is ever-evolving to meet the needs of the communities within Thurston County.
Here are some facts about Timberland that you may not know:
- If you have a library card from anywhere in the state of Washington, you can get a card at one of our libraries.
- We have a branch location conveniently located in Capital Mall and it's open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily!
- You can access 3D printing at our Tumwater branch.
- Our Tenino branch has Expanded Access Hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be accessed on holidays and weekends with a special EAH library Card.
- You can check out super cool backpacks full of fun things like a free Discovery Pass and fishing gear!
Something For The Adults
When it’s time to refuel and unwind, local breweries offer suds for the older set and entertainment for the little ones. Top Rung Brewing in Lacey has a dedicated area to keep kids busy while parents sample seasonal ales from this craft brewer. Can't get the kids to eat anything but tater tots? Well 80 Brewhouse has styled up fries and tots that will knock their tiny socks off. Or, head to Three Magnets Brewing Co. for a beer while the little ones get lost in the family-fun atmosphere and beautiful stained glass landscape hanging above the bar. Head to the Market Building at the Tumwater Craft District for a variety of restaurants and food trucks sure to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. Score a piping-hot pizza at Bastard Pies, shop for super-fresh seafood at Olympia Seafood Co, and finish the adventure with ice cream from local favorite Sweetlee's.
![](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Three_Magnets_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=ac82f24157a8cebeeb607499a417d35d 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Three_Magnets_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=3ff1e988ab4b4cfcdddc5e207c97e693 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Three_Magnets_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f484be9ccad83b7e209134473e1516ec 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Three_Magnets_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=9bbd9b44f536f3ca9eabffcba855f1aa 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Three_Magnets_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=5b6a0e208ccc6db9d3ea90064ab5980d 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Three_Magnets_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=777eabeb98f0142e4718a55d209e3714 1440w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Three_Magnets_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=c7ce7a56098f7b944bf28ab0bb9aaa24 1920w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Three_Magnets_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=6e78d4a11dc1d68327299ce8963c30b4 2000w)
Learn About Our Environment
Here in the Olympia region it's always about the water. At the WET Science Center, they take it to the next level! Featuring interactive exhibits, weekend family activities, tours, and environmental presentations, the WET Science Center has games and activities for all ages. Everyone can have fun but the little ones will still come away from this experience having learned about one of the world's most precious resources!
Splash Into Fun
Looking to go the safe route and plan around the unpredictable Washington weather? Let the kids get a little wild in the comfort of the 84 degree water at the Great Wolf Lodge. The massive indoor water park is kept warm year-round and guests get exclusive access to shorter lines. When you get bored of the pool, there's a range of dining options to pleasure any palate.
Farm Fresh Fare
It's spring and that means farm fresh veggies! The Olympia Farmers Market is a year-round outdoor market that has a legendary spread of veggies and local products and produce. April means the market runs Thursday-Sunday each week! Teach your kids the value of purchasing from small businesses and get the full experience of one of the fantastic attractions that make the Olympia region a destination for lovers of all things handcrafted.
![](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Waterfront_Play_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f0f4354939fd74c4bd98438536d5a9b6 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Waterfront_Play_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=2bc95a7972c46107947d64425e124456 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Waterfront_Play_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=9ed03f21b14c58f442bcd22fc30cddb2 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Waterfront_Play_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=43ad8d003f61c654837898cfbe7d0475 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Waterfront_Play_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=bf519afa8e3d6a7a2be5e4f78564f7b4 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Waterfront_Play_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=8ee15a2bbc7d27d6cc1bb1368cee9456 1440w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Waterfront_Play_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=c2f71022ff9740af4588704b59fbb99e 1920w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Waterfront_Play_161006_jayray_OLTVCB.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=c482816409bcb05df00db85c04d710c5 2000w)
Just a few blocks from the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympia Farmers Market and more, the iconic Olympia waterfront at Percival Landing Park is a great adventure space that keeps you close to all of the action
Spend the weekend and find dining, lodging, events, festivals and entertainment ideas at www.experienceolympia.com. Make sure to share your best shots with us by tagging social posts #ExperienceOlympia and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter (@Experience_Oly) and Instagram (@ExperienceOly).
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All photos by Grit City Photo