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.
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!
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.
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.
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
