Unconventional Inside Pastimes for Tacoma and Southern Region's Family Groups
In the South Sound region of Washington, families can find a variety of indoor play places and activities to keep everyone entertained, even on rainy days. Here's a roundup of some popular options:
Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound is a standout choice, featuring a vast 56,000-square-foot indoor water park maintained at a balmy 84 degrees year-round. With waterslides, pools, and numerous attractions suitable for all ages, it's the perfect destination for a fun-filled day. The lodge also offers additional activities like dance parties, arts and crafts, and story time.
For younger kids in need of a safe indoor play space, Meadowbrook Tot Gym is a local favourite. This venue offers a free drop-in program with toys, mats, and slides designed for young children. Parents are required to supervise their children at all times. A Quick Card registration is necessary for the first visit.
If you're willing to venture slightly north or south within the region, there are more indoor entertainment options to explore. For instance, Seattle's Artists at Play Playground offers inclusive and creative play indoors, featuring adaptive equipment, climbing features for older kids, musical interactive elements, and is open daily with free admission.
Tacoma, being part of the broader South Sound region, offers museums such as the Museum of Glass and LeMay - America’s Car Museum, providing family-friendly educational experiences suitable for rainy days.
For ice-related fun, the Sprinker Recreation Center Ice Arena in Tacoma offers public skate sessions, ice bumper cars, broomball, skating and ice hockey lessons, and walkers for little ones. Skate rentals, ice walkers, and ice bumper car rides are available at an additional cost.
If you're looking for a creative outlet, Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons in Kent offers one-hour lessons for guests ages 7 and older to encourage creativity in drawing and painting. Availability is limited, so it's best to check the class information section on the website to book a session or sign up for the waitlist.
For those interested in skateboarding, Alchemy Skateboarding in Tacoma offers skateboarding lessons, skate park access, and a pro shop. The nonprofit group also operates a 2,000-square-foot indoor skatepark for all ages in Tacoma.
For families seeking more active indoor play, Catapult Adventure Park in Puyallup, Federal Way, and Lakewood offers bounce houses, ninja courses, ropes courses, and more for kids. The Lakewood location features a giant Mt. Catapult, a bounce on the top, and an upper seating area.
Families with a passion for history might enjoy the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor, which offers hands-on exhibits, a one-room schoolhouse from 1893, and a 65-foot fishing boat called a purse seiner.
For a more relaxed indoor activity, Java & Clay Cafe in Gig Harbor offers a relaxed atmosphere to paint pottery. Guests pick out their white pottery pieces, sit down at a table, and an attendant gathers their supplies. The shop artists fire the artwork in the kiln for pickup at a later date.
For those seeking a more educational experience, the Washington State History Museum features life-size artifacts, mini model dioramas, interactive buttons, and a bona fide coat room.
Lastly, for a unique princess experience, Tea & Tiaras Princess Party Parlor in Puyallup offers services like a "Pampered Princess" package for a full kid makeover, walk-in mini makeovers, and special tea parties for adults and children.
Remember, this list is not exhaustive, and local community centers or libraries might also offer indoor play programs not covered here. If you need additional suggestions or specific addresses, feel free to ask!
- At Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, they offer dance parties and story time as part of the activities for kids of all ages.
- Meadowbrook Tot Gym, a local favourite among families, is perfect for younger kids who need a safe indoor play space with toys, mats, and slides.
- Kids who are fans of arts and crafts might enjoy Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons in Kent, which encourages creativity in drawing and painting.
- Skateboarding enthusiasts can head to Alchemy Skateboarding in Tacoma for lessons, skate park access, and a pro shop.
- For active play indoors, families can visit Catapult Adventure Park in Puyallup, Federal Way, and Lakewood, where they offer bounce houses, ninja courses, and ropes courses.
- Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor offers a one-room schoolhouse from 1893 and a 65-foot fishing boat called a purse seiner, providing families with a hands-on historical experience.
- Java & Clay Cafe in Gig Harbor offers a relaxed atmosphere for painting pottery and an attendant gathers supplies.
- The Washington State History Museum has life-size artifacts, mini model dioramas, interactive buttons, and even a bona fide coat room.
- For a fairy-tale princess experience, Tea & Tiaras Princess Party Parlor in Puyallup offers services like a "Pampered Princess" package and special tea parties for adults and children.
- In addition to indoor play places, parents can also check local community centers or libraries for indoor play programs not covered in this roundup.
