You’ll be Glad You Discovered Discovery Village!

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Henry and I spent Monday afternoon playing at Discovery Village, the new children’s museum and play area in Gig Harbor, and as you can see, he loved it. I loved it, too. In fact, between the spotless bathroom, the friendly staff who never stopped cleaning, and the non-stop grin on my kiddo’s face, I got a little giddy-or maybe that was a side effect of my fresh-baked cookie. Did I mention the free wi-fi? If you’re one of my Gig Harbor readers, you need to go there now. Bring a pal because you can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or light lunch while you watch your kids play. I know……genius! If you’re on the other side of the bridge, this place is totally worth the drive and the toll. Really.

Discovery Village is the creation of two moms, Mollie and Amber, and you can tell it’s a mom designed place from top to bottom. It’s hard to think of a thing they didn’t include in the 8,000 square foot space. The first room is a soft play area for younger children. It’s much like what you’d find at a mall play area, only three times the size and about a million times cleaner. The cafe and seating is right next to it, as is the children’s museum area where kids can make pizzas, play vet,  and engage in all sorts of imaginative play. Henry is absolutely obsessed with dogs, and he was in heaven with the shelves of stuffed puppies who needed his doctoring.  There is also an area where kids can pick out polished gem stones for an extra fee, and a “Beach,” where kids can play with sand in an elevated trough.  A dance room and art space are mostly being opened on weekends when there is staff available and more older children in attendance. During the week it’s primarily a place for preschoolers. Henry would have stayed for hours if we hadn’t had to fetch his brother.

The facility is also home to its own preschool (Problem solved alert: Kids are not required to be potty trained), and offers birthday parties and hosts concerts and other special events. Open playtime is daily, and costs 8.50 a child. Supervising adults are free, which makes this a very good deal for hours of play. There is also ample free parking.

You’ll find Discovery Village just off the Burnham Drive Exit near the Target and the Y. Head there for a playdate and discover it for yourself. You’ll be glad you did!