Need a quick dose of the tropics? Yeah, who doesn’t.
While I can’t give you a plane ticket, I do have a few area hot spots you might want to try.
1. Watson’s Nursery Watson’s is on Pioneer between Tacoma and Puyallup. If your kids are past the plant picking stage, it’s a fun outing with lots of blooming flowers and vibrant colors, and even on a rainy day the greenhouse feels cozy. There is a small cafe in the back. Do keep in mind it’s a little tight spaced in here, and there are gift shop items around. Not the place for a stroller or a toddler who likes to run.
2. The aquarium at Pt.Defiance. I wouldn’t spend the big bucks to just look at the fish, but if you’re a pass holder, the tropical aquarium and the shark tank are great fun on a rainy day. You can even take off your coat for a while!
3. The hot shop at The Museum of Glass. Hot Shop-’nuff said. You can try to get a free pass from your library, or reader Rae reminded me that tickets to the MOG have been popping up on Groupon Now pretty regularly (look in the sidebar on the right under NOW deals. These are Groupons you can only use the same day, but if you don’t, the purchase is refunded). You can also go for free tomorrow evening, since it’s a third Thursday.
4. The Seymour Conservatory at Wright Park. There are very few places like the glass walled conservatory in Wright Park in the whole country! It’s filled with tropical plants and kept at a balmy temperature. Close your eyes and pretend you’re on a getaway. There may be Koi to feed (ask in the gift shop)! See warnings in #1. The conservatory also hosts periodic story times (pictured below).
5.The pool. Most community pools have family swim times. Try the fancy one at the Federal Way Community Center for an almost-a-waterpark vibe (this is a post from last year, so I don’t know if the hours are current. Use the link to check). Or, the Fife Pool isn’t fancy, but the shallow pool for kids is always kept at a cozy temperature. The new, fun pool pictured below is the People’s Pool in Hilltop, Tacoma, and we hear it’s great.
Metro Parks, Peoples Center pool and wall mural dedication. Photos by Russ Carmack
Got a great spot to suggest? I’d love to hear about it! Of course, you can always put on the boots and hit some puddles. Follow it up with a nice, warm bath and you’ve covered the afternoon!