Looking for somewhere fun to go with the kids? Here’s a list of more than 100 ideas I’ve written about right here in the South Sound-wowza!
The list is arranged by region, and then alphabetized by city.
I did not include seasonal outings like berry picking and farmer’s markets, and I also didn’t include annual events like fairs and festivals. Be assured, I’ll continue to have brand new ideas for you every day! Need help finding something? Just send me a note, and I’ll be glad to give you a hand.
Things to do with Kids All Over the South Puget Sound
Mini Golf Courses Many of these are open seasonally
Museums with free passes from the library
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels field trips
Things to do with Kids in South King County
Algona-Rainbow Play Systems hosts regular, free play times on their playground equipment. Outdoors
Auburn Discovery Playground and Rotary Sprayground
Auburn-Emerald Downs
Auburn The Auburn Gymnastics Center
Auburn-City of Auburn indoor gym and climbing wall at Les Gove Park
Auburn-Supermall Play area, carousel, monthly momtopia events for preschoolers
Auburn-White River Valley Museum
Burien-The Jungle Gym Indoor play center
Des Moines-Salt Water State Park
Federal Way-West Hylebos Boardwalk and nature trails
Federal Way-Starplex bargain movie theater
Federal Way-Federal Way Community Pool
Kent-Once Sold Tales used book store
Kent-The Metropolitan gym opens their facility to the public during select hours.
Things to do With Kids in Pierce County (Tacoma and Gig Harbor are listed separately below)
Bonney Lake Old School Frozen Custard
Eatonville-NW Trek
Fife-Wedge Park mentioned in less crowded playgrounds
Fife-The Fife Pool is the SFM reader favorite for swim lessons
Fircrest-Fircrest Tot Lot mentioned in top playgrounds I’ve also written about the wading pool in Fircrest, which is open seasonally.
Lakewood/Tacoma/Fort Steilacoom Tacoma Astronomical Society hosts free, public viewings/talks at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom and PLU Posts has links to check for current programs and schedules, all weather dependent.
Lakewood-Comic Book Ink Comic store *Puyallup store also mentioned in this post is closed.
Lakewood/S Tacoma Paldo World
Lakewood-Ft.Steilacoom Park
Lakewood-Pierce County Parks and Recreation has a new indoor playground for preschoolers at Sprinker Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Puyallup-Wild Side Pet Store In the Summit area; lots of critters walking around
Puyallup-Fred Oldfield Center at the fairgrounds Small cowboy themed museum; year round art classes for all ages
Puyallup Riverwalk Trail
Puyallup-Trackside Pizza
Puyallup-Karshner Museum **Currently open only on family days, or call to arrange group tours
Puyallup/Sumner/Orting etc. The Foothills Trail
Puyallup Cookies Your Way
Puyallup Clarks Creek Park mentioned in my less crowded playgrounds/parks post.Clarks Creek was also mentioned in my post about fish hatcheries. The hatchery here is open for self guided tours year round.
Puyallup Wildwood Park
Puyallup/Tacoma Swan Creek Park
Puyallup-Jubilee Cupcakes *This post is a review of the Tacoma location, which is now closed. The S.Hill Puyallup store is still open
Puyallup Skookum Archers
Puyallup/Tacoma River Road-Terry’s Berries
Puyallup-Elements Frozen Yogurt
Summit/Waller Orange Gate Property
Sumner Windmill Gardens nursery **Check links for current classes
Sumner-Rainier View Park
City of Sumner-Indoor Play Park
Things to do With Kids in Tacoma
Center at Norpoint Playground and Sprayground
Dick Gilmer Kayak launch/beach access
Ruston Way Part One and Part Two
Discovery Pond playground at the Tacoma Nature Center
Working Waterfront Museum/Foss Waterway Seaport
City Blocks Lego Studio in Freighthouse Square
Wright Park and the Seymour Conservatory
Job Carr Log Cabin Museum/Old Town Tacoma-Spar, Old Town Park, Tully’s
Brown’s Point Lighthouse and Park
Kandle Park Playground (Sprayground under construction)
Adriana Hess Park in University Place
Kidz Kaboodle Consignment-monthly .25 sale
Hidden Pt.Defiance Native garden and the Pagoda area **There was a fire at the pagoda since this post
Hidden Pt.Defiance The Rhododendron Garden and Trails
Hidden Pt. Defiance The promenade to Owen’s Beach
Port of Tacoma-Bus tours and observation tower
Tacoma Musical Playhouse and Lakewood Musical Playhouse-Performances and classes
Playground by the Sound at Chambers Creek
Things to do with Kids in Gig Harbor (and beyond)
Discovery Village Children’s Museum and Preschool
Narrows Park mentioned in my less crowded playground list
Kids gig, playground by Discovery Elementary in my Top 10 playgrounds list
Things to Do With Kids in Thurston County
Beyond
