What do to with Tacoma Holiday Visitors
/I'm picturing this: you're all sitting in the living room looking at your phones with the kids poking you, saying they are bored.
That's a sign to put your phone in your pocket, grab a jacket, and scramble to your car to get out! But, the big question: what to do? It's tough! Sometimes it's hard to know what to do because you might have a range of ages visiting for the holidays. Maybe a grandparent that can't go for long walks or a young singleton that is up for more adventure. Here are some ideas that can help guide you this season.
If it's raining, and you need some wiggles out:
Gotcha Arenas: Are you ready for the ultimate nerf battle? If you're young at heart (or just young), this is such a fun experience. You can pretend you're battling in space, then the next moment, you're pirates on the open seas. Plus, who doesn't wants to blast a nerf at their son or sister? For all the deets, head to my post here. You'll want to return for more epic battles.
Catapult Lakewood (or Federal Way): If you want to be a ninja warrior, this can be your training ground. You can jump, climb, leap, slide, and more!
Defy Tacoma: Every kid's trampoline dream. There are foam pits to leap into, dodgeball, and more to continue your ninja training.
Odyssey 1: I usually describe this as an epic McDonald's play space. There are tunnels and slides as well as ball pits. Continue the fun over at the arcade.
Children's Museum of Tacoma: This is less of a family experience since adults generally follow their kids around, but it's a nice play to gather while the kids have tons of fun. CMT is more of a younger kid playspace (maybe 8yrs and under).
If it's sunny outside, and you want to get fresh air:
Point Defiance Walk & Slides: This is my suggested walk. You start at the rose gardens and pond area at Point Defiance, then walk to the Japanese Pagoda and gardens. From there, walk over to the Wilson Way bridge and catch a view (and hopefully, the mountain is out!). Slide down the real-life "Chutes and Ladders" and head back to the car.
Owen Beach: The renovated waterfront area is great for watching boats and sea creatures (you may see a sea lion!). The kids can climb the driftwood, slide, or throw rocks. You can also stroll the promenade there for more of a walk. You may catch a view of the mountain, too!
Tacoma Nature Center: If it's open (check first!), there is a small visitor center with some turtles and a few things to learn and read. Then treat the kids to the nature-inspired playground--this is always a hit for us! Plus, there is a short but sweet walk around Snake Lake.
Point Ruston & Dune Peninsula: We enjoy parking our car at the Dune Peninsula parking lot, then walking (kids biking/scootering) down to Point Ruston. It's all decorated for the holidays there, and you can grab a snack (I suggest the holiday-flavored ice creams at Ice Cream Social) or a meal (perhaps Farrelli's or Stacks 751). The kids can play at the playground while some adults shop (take turns). But be sure to wander the dunes (and tell all your visitors about Frank Herbert's Dune).
Titlow Park: I'm always surprised how many folks are unaware there is a great loop you can walk here. You can walk across the train tracks, along the water and train tracks, over the bridge, and then up by the playground. As you walk, you can also walk the beach for a bit and play. There are also some views of the Narrows bridge. The Titlow bridge is fun, especially if a train comes along! It can be muddy, so be prepared!
Knuston Farm: This is a farm in Puyallup and they do a Christmas festival over the holidays (and other events for different seasons).
If you need a smaller activity to pass some time:
Waterfront Market at Ruston: The market is like an indoor farmer's market. It's a big building with lots of little shops inside and a few eateries. We enjoy eating at Taco Street and grabbing a cookie at Only Oatmeal. During Christmas, there is a little elf scavenger hunt for the kiddos, too!
Watsons Nursery: Kids see two of Santa's reindeer while parents check out all the beautiful Christmas decorations and gifts. This year they are offering a gnome scavenger hunt, which was super cute, and they get a squishy gnome at the end. Be sure to go because it's iffy if the reindeer will return for 2023, tear.
Bowling at Chalet Bowl or Ocean 5: This can be a fun family activity for almost all ages. At Chalet, I suggest asking for the monster game (not sure if Ocean 5 offers it); it's a great alternative that's more engaging for the kids. Ocean5 also has a fun arcade.
WW Seymour Conservatory: It's smaller than the Seattle Conservatory but pretty during the holidays. They are offering some holiday activities throughout the season as well.
Ice Skating: Head out to Sprinker Recreation and get your skates on! During the holidays, they have some extra fancy lighting!
If you're looking for some culture or don't mind a paid option:
Point Defiance Zoo: Who doesn't love looking at animals? There are Zoolights that you can go to in the evenings (tickets separate from regular zoo admission).
LeMay Car Museum: My boys love this museum. I wrote a whole post about it here. There are tons of cool cars and a kids' section as well.
Foss Waterway Museum: This is a good museum for kids because there are plenty of things to capture their attention, like boats you can climb into and pretend you're sailing.
Washington State History Museum: Honestly, I've only been here for the Model Train Festival, so that's what I'm recommending here. It's a great exhibit for kids all about trains.
Fort Nisqually: If you're a history buff, this is for you. It's a walk through history! Check out their website for events.
Runners-up: These might be hard for groups with smaller kids: Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) and Museum of Glass
If you're looking for a day trip:
Hands-on Children's Museum of Olympia: This place is triple the size of the Tacoma Children's Museum, and it's awesome. Even Blippi has been here. We make it almost a day trip with lunch afterward at the 222 Market, which houses Dos Hermanos Mexican Kitchen and the Bread Peddler. There is also Lucky Lunchbox (no tables, but we ate at Olympia Coffee) with the best sandwiches.
Ferry to Vashon: The quintessential PNW experience is the ferry. Take a short ferry ride (15-20mins) to Vashon for the day. Grab lunch and drive around! My blog post gives more ideas and activities.
Museum of Flight: Planes and history of planes and more planes. Planes up high, planes down low. There are planes for kids to play in. Did I say planes? We always have a blast here. Then grab lunch at nearby South Town Pie, Uncle Eddie's Public House, or Osprey Bistro.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park: Been to the Point Defiance Zoo and want a change of pace? NW Trek is great! Stop at Mill Haus Cider Co. for a meal or snack on your way back!
Poulsbo: This is such a cute Scandinavian town and is especially festive during the holidays. It’s next to a Liberty Bay with a walk you can take along the water. The town is cute with shops and restaurants. It’s not far from Silverdale for some more shopping, too.
If you need some ideas of where to eat…
Anything you would add to this list? Comment below and share your thoughts!