Fun Things To Do In Tacoma With Kids- 19 Kid Approved Activities
Looking for fun things to do in Tacoma with kids? This post is your ultimate guide to entertaining and educational activities for kids. Start exploring now!
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19 Fun Things To Do In Tacoma With Kids
The city of Tacoma, Washington, located in Pierce County, is a breath-taking city that sits on the shores of Puget Sound and gives gorgeous views of Mount Rainier. It is FULL of fun activities for the family that will both enrich and engage children. Whether it is summertime and sunny, or the rainy season, there is sure to be an activity that will provide hours of fun for kids and parents alike.
The Pacific Northwest is an area that has a rich history and artistic culture, unlike any other region of North America. There are countless art museums and history museums that create an incredible learning experience for children. Many of the museums in Tacoma even have a free museums admissions day once a month, which is the perfect activity on a rainy day!
Tacoma has amazing scenery with tall, green trees, and sparkling blue oceans, which make any outdoor activity even better during the warmer months. The west side of Washington state doesn’t experience particularly cold winters, so outside activities are usually a year-round thing for locals, provided it isn’t raining heavily. The city of Tacoma has recently invested millions of dollars into renovating its outdoor parks to be more child-friendly and safe, parks such as the Ruston Waterfront, Dune Peninsula, and Owen Beach.
Whether you are looking for an enriching museum to visit, or a free park to play at on a sunny day, I guarantee you will find the perfect activity for your family in our list of things to do in Tacoma with kids below.
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1. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
One of Tacoma’s most fun places to go is the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. It provides hours of entertainment and exercise for kids of all ages, and teaches children so many interesting things about conserving wildlife. The zoo takes top-notch care of the animals and does its absolute best to conserve the species, and even has several breeding programs to help stop extinction. There are fun shows at the auditorium, an antique carousel, and botanical garden tours.
The best part of this zoo is the Pacific Seas Aquarium – it was completely renovated in 2018 and is absolutely gorgeous to visit. Through the glass, you get to see up close and personal what sea life is like, and it almost feels magical to watch. The polar bears are also a favorite attraction!
Insider tip: If you plan on buying your littles (or you!) drinks at the cafeteria, be sure to bring a thermos or cup with a lid and straw as the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is completely plastic-free.
The zoo’s schedule varies throughout the year, so be sure to visit the link below to plan your trip.
ADDRESS: 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
WEBSITE: http://www.pdza.org/
COST: FREE with zoo membership, $16 and up for ages 3-64, $20-23 for seniors, and children age 0-2 are FREE.
2. Museum of Glass
The Museum of Glass in Tacoma is located in downtown Tacoma and features hundreds of beautiful works of glass art – all hand-created by artists! This might be something to do with older children, as younger children might be less interested. There is a free portion of the glass museum that spans across a bridge dubbed the Chihuly Bridge of Glass – my kids loved looking at this and it was perfect for their short attention span.
ADDRESS: 1801 Dock St, Tacoma, WA 98402
WEBSITE: https://www.museumofglass.org/
COST: The outdoor portion of the glass museum (on the bridge) is free, the indoor museum’s prices range from $12.00 for students, $20 for adults, and $18 for seniors. Children under 6 are FREE.
3. Tacoma Children’s Museum
The Tacoma Children’s Museum is truly a delight and perfect for little ones who love to play and explore. It is located in downtown Tacoma on Pacific Avenue and is so much fun. The Children’s Museum has made an honorable mission out of making sure that all kids, from all different wealth statuses, get to play, explore, and discover – thus the museum has a policy called “pay as you will,’ which is generously supported by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Charity Trust, the US Bank foundation, and Keybank.
The museum has several hands-on activities available in its vast playroom – a big toy that is shaped like a pirate boat, a water play station, and even a paint room. Kids of all ages LOVE this museum!
ADDRESS: 1501 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
WEBSITE: http://greentrike.org/childrens-museum-of-tacoma
COST: The first Friday of the month is FREE, the museum also offers a Pay As You Will option to ensure all Tacoma kids get to play – they do recommend a donation though.
4. Dorky’s Arcade
Dorky’s Arcade is a great place for family fun, and kids of all ages (and their parents) are sure to be entertained! The arcade is located in downtown Tacoma and features TONS of 80’s arcade games, pinball, air hockey, and so many other fun things to play. From the outside, it looks like a small hole-in-the-wall arcade, but on the inside, it is more of a vintage pizzeria/arcade that provides hours of entertainment. Dorky’s also serves delicious pizza and beer for the adults!
Dorky’s Schedule:
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- Monday – CLOSED
- Tuesday – 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Wednesday – 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday – 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Friday – 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
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ADDRESS: 754 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
WEBSITE: http://www.dorkysarcade.com/
COST: Free to go, costs of arcade games and food vary.
5. Take a Stroll On Point Ruston
Point Ruston is a little spot located in North Tacoma that provides beautiful views of Puget Sound and can be a lot of fun for kids! It features a splash pad that usually opens up in late June, a play park, and a walking trail on the waterfront that is a few miles long. These features were added in the last few years and since the renovation of the area, it has been quite the popular spot for parents to take their kids for leisure time outside. It is a great place to get some vitamin D and fresh air!
There are also several storefronts at Point Ruston if you are looking for something to eat or something to do:
- Century Theater
- Ice Cream Social
- Wheel Fun Rentals
- Farelli’s Pizza
- Wild Fin American Grill
- Stack 571
- The Jewel Box Cafe
- Anthem Coffe and Tea
- Point Ruston Farmer’s Market
6. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Northwest Trek, located in Eatonville, Washington, is a sister zoo to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium and is a phenomenal outdoor activity for the entire family. You can ride a tram through a free-roaming area and see animals like caribou, bison, and elk as you ride through a beautiful forest full of green trees. There is also a zoo to walk around that features animals like bears, cougars, and foxes, along with many endangered birds. The amazing thing about Northwest Trek is that their mission is to help conserve the species that they house and they truly take incredible care of the animals.
Northwest Trek also features a play area for kids, a picnic area, and a reptile house called Cheney Center. There is a cafe at the front entrance of the park, but I recommend bringing snacks or a picnic, as the park is rather large!
ADDRESS: 11610 Trek Dr E, Eatonville, WA 98328
WEBSITE: http://www.nwtrek.org/
COST: FREE with membership, $25 for ages 13+, $23 for senior citizens, $17 for ages 5-12, $13 for ages 3-4, and FREE for infants age 0-2.
7. Owen Beach
Down the road from Point Defiance is one of Tacoma’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets – Owen Beach. The park features a walkway right next to the waterfront, a play park for kids complete with a crafted orca whale sculpture, and a picnic shelter, making it a perfect place for a family BBQ! There is also beach access so you can canoe or kayak if you choose to. The beach has recently been renovated, and the improvements have made the area absolutely gorgeous.
ADDRESS: 5605 Owen Beach Rd, Tacoma, WA 98407
WEBSITE: http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/point-d-owen-beach/
COST: Free!
8. Point Defiance Park
Point Defiance Park is a 760-acre area adjacent to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and it is quite a sight to see, especially on a sunny day! The park features a rose garden, walking trails, a rhododendron garden, a Japanese garden, and several shallow ponds with fish in them. The park, a top attraction in Tacoma, is a great place to take kids and provides hours of fun outside time, as long as it isn’t raining!
ADDRESS: 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
WEBSITE: http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/point-defiance-park/
COST: Free!
9. Lemay’s Car Museum
Lemay’s Car Museum, or America’s Car Museum, is located near the Tacoma Dome, is the largest car museum in the Northwest and home to 3000 collectible vehicles and counting. Kids of all ages (and especially husbands, haha) will have hours of entertainment as they “ooh” and “aah” at a diverse array of classic cars from all over the world, and several different decades. From the DeLorean to retired NASCAR cars, your whole family will love visiting Lemay’s Car Museum.
ADDRESS: 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
WEBSITE: http://www.americascarmuseum.org/
COST: Free with membership, Children 4 and under are free, senior citizens $20, ages 5-17: $16, adults 18-64: $22, active duty military: $20
10. Farmer’s Market
The Proctor Farmer’s Market occurs every Saturday morning between April and December, and the 2nd Saturday of the month during the off-season. The market is such a fun event and features tons of yummy fresh food such as colorful fruit and vegetables, cheese, fish, baked goods (the doughnuts are amazing!), artisan foods, and prepared food like pizza. Other farmer’s markets take place in Tacoma, but the Proctor Farmer’s Market is the only one that takes place year-round. The farmer’s market is great because it teaches kids about local culture and fresh food, and it is overall a fun Saturday morning event for the entire family!
ADDRESS: Corner of N. 27th St. &, N Proctor St, Tacoma, WA 98407
WEBSITE: https://proctorfarmersmarket.com
COST: Free to go, costs of food and other products vary.
11. Take A Ferry Ride To Vashon Island
There is a ferry dock near Point Defiance Park that travels across a short distance of water over to Vashon Island, which holds a whole new adventure in and of itself. The island is a quiet getaway from the city and makes for a great day trip with kiddos. There are many things to explore over there, along with cute diners, local restaurants, and storefronts:
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- Point Robinson Lighthouse
- Lavender Hill Farm
- Maury Island Marine Park
- Vashon Island Baking Company
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ADDRESS: Point Defiance Ferry Dock
WEBSITE: https://wsdot.com/ferries/vesselwatch/terminaldetail.aspx?terminalid=16
COST: Prices vary by day and car/passengers, check the above link for a fare schedule!
12. Foss Waterway Seaport
Another of Tacoma’s hidden treasures is the Foss Waterway, where the city meets the sea. Just down from the bridge of glass, there is a beautiful walkway along the water that is great to take a stroll on during a sunny day. It is perfect for kids who need to run off some energy, and it provides a nice view of Puget Sound. You can even visit the Foss Waterway Seaport Museum to learn about Tacoma’s maritime history! (Every 3rd Thursday of the month is FREE from 4 PM to 8 PM!)
ADDRESS: Foss Waterway
COST: Free!
13. Washington State History Museum
If you are looking for a bit of historical enrichment for your kiddos, then the Washington State History Museum is such a great option! Learn all about the history of the evergreen state – how it came to be, and how it developed into what it is currently. From the deep native roots that the state still holds onto dearly, to the lumber industry that helped it flourish, to the apple trade – the museum presents a rich history of the beautiful state of Washington. Pro-tip: On the third Thursday of each month, the museum has FREE admission from 3 AM to 8 PM.
Washington State History Museum schedule:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
ADDRESS: 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
WEBSITE: http://www.washingtonhistory.org/
COST: Free admission on the third Thursday of each month from 3 PM to 8 PM. Otherwise, adults: $14, military: $11, students: $11, senior citizens: $11. The museum is always free for members.
14. Go Shopping at the Tacoma Mall
Tacoma Mall is by no means the best mall in Washington state (looking at you Southcenter!) but it is a fun mall to bring kids to for some shopping! The food court is packed with delicious meal options, there is an adorable play area on the edge of the food court (where you enter the actual shopping center), and there are all kinds of fun places to shop that kids love.
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- Apple
- Build-A-Bear
- Claire’s
- Funtastic Playtorium
- Gamestop
- Toys R Us (at Macy’s)
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ADDRESS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FQVepkzZ1AqAQDdP8
WEBSITE: https://www.simon.com/mall/tacoma-mall
COST: Free to go!
15. Go See a Baseball Game at Cheney Stadium
Going to a baseball game is a favorite American pastime, and a Rainiers game is no different! I love taking my kids to Cheney Stadium for games because it is much more kid-friendly than a Mariners Game – the tickets are less expensive, the stadium is smaller (less walking!), parking is easier, and Cheney Stadium even has a fun play park for kids, complete with a mini baseball field! Unfortunately, the stadium doesn’t have a retractable roof, so I would recommend going during warm weather when it is less likely to rain. Don’t forget to grab some Rainiers swag before the game!
ADDRESS: 2502 S Tyler St, Tacoma, WA 98405
WEBSITE: https://www.milb.com/tacoma/ballpark/cheney-stadium
COST: $14 per ticket, children ages 0-3 free on lap.
16. Watch a Movie at a Historical Cinema
The Grand Cinema is a movie theater located near the Stadium District of Downtown Tacoma and is a treasured theater in the area. It is truly a gorgeous building inside and out, and captures the glamour of what it was like to go the the cinema almost half a century ago, as all the decor is very vintage looking. The theater shows movies from all different periods – from the ’60s and ’70s to current movies that have recently been released. You can find out what is playing now by visiting their website.
The theater also holds Free Family Flick nights once per month, which is sponsored by Gesa Credit Union. You can also rent the auditorium out for a personal screening of any movie you choose, which is perfect for birthday parties!
ADDRESS: 606 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
WEBSITE: https://www.grandcinema.com/
COST: free on free film days, adults: $12, senior/military/student: $10, member: $7.50
17. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
The Fort Nisqually Living History Museum is another incredible way to help your children learn about the history and settlement of Washington State, specifically the Puget Sound. The museum features live characters and engaging backdrops that show how the Puget Sound economy was supported by the fur trading industry and other agricultural products. It also presents how the settlement lived in the 1800s and gives kids the opportunity to engage in hands-on exhibits about an agricultural lifestyle back then.
ADDRESS: 5519 Five Mile Dr, Tacoma, WA 98407
WEBSITE: http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/fort-nisqually-living-history-museum/
COST: Ages 0-3 are free, youth ages 4-17: $10, active military & seniors: $12.50, adults ages 18-64: $13.50
18. Visit Any of Tacoma’s Gorgeous Parks
Tacoma, Washington is jam-packed with beautiful parks, many of them have recently been redesigned to be more safe and engaging for children. Wright Park is a local favorite as it includes gorgeous, historic trees, and many walking trails.
Tacoma Parks that are great for kids:
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- Tacoma Nature Center/ Snake Lake
- Point Defiance Park
- Sawn Creek Park
- Kandle Park (pool & splash pad!)
- Franklin Park (splash pad)
- Wright Park
- Titlow Park (splash pad)
- Ruston Way Park
- Wapato Hills Park
- Frontier Park (this one is in Puyallup/Graham, but it is amazing!)
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WEBSITE: https://www.metroparkstacoma.org
COST: Free!
19. Play a Huge Game of Chutes and Ladders
Kids of all ages love the game Chutes and Ladders, and now they can play in real life! The newly designed feature is part of the Ruston area and features a set of 6 slides, each one with a staircase next to it. It is a fun way to get down to the marina at Dune Peninsula, and provides lots of great exercise on the way back up!
ADDRESS: 5402 Park Ave, Ruston, WA 98407
WEBSITE: https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/place/dune-peninsula/
COST: Free!
Thank you for reading my post about fun things to do in Tacoma with kids. I hope you found something fun to do with your kiddos! Leave me a comment below and let me know if I missed anything!
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