Toytopia Exhibit at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma

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If you’re looking for a fun, indoor activity to do with the kids in Tacoma this mid winter break, you might want to check out the new Toytopia exhibit at the Washington State History Museum. It’s all about TOYS!

Yep, Toyotopia explores the history of toys, and nearly every exhibit has things kids can play with. It’s the most kid friendly special exhibit I’ve seen at this museum.

Have Big Fun

I got a sneak peek before the exhibit opened to the public, and I think it’s going to be a hit. Kids can play with Legos, go in a giant dollhouse, design on a jumbo Etch a Sketch, and much more.

There are also old school video games set on free play. Donkey Kong, anyone?

I’ll be sure to do an updated review when I get back during a regular open time. I think this is going to be a hit with kids for sure, but I do think the experience is going to depend a bit on how crowded it is when you go. Most of the play spaces are areas where kids will stand and play at sort of an easel type set up, and I do think some of them will be a bit tricky to navigate if a lot of families show up all at once.  I tried to take some pics that I thought would give you a sense of the space. Note that the ladder was there to finish the installations-it won’t be there when you go!

Luckily, the exhibit will be here through June, so there’s plenty of time to go, and we don’t all have to rush there at once. I’d try to go on a weekday if you can swing it. It would be a fun playdate!

Age wise, I think any kids in preschool or up will have a great time. I would not take toddlers because many of the exhibits have small parts and pieces, but maybe yours are better at keeping things out of their mouths than mine were?

If you’re going with two kiddos I’d also try to take a buddy to help keep an eye on them because the exhibit goes through multiple rooms. If you have children with sensory issues you should know that lots of the exhibits make noise.

The rest of the museum is also excellent. My kiddo loves getting in the covered wagon and checking out the train exhibit. If you do all that plus the toy floor it will be a very full day. You may want to plan on coming back for another visit, or at least plan for a long nap time!

Grown-Up Playdate, Anyone?

A lot of the toys were a flashback to my own childhood. If you’d like to get your play on without the littles around, there is an event for ages 21 and up that would be a super fun date night. You can read more about  History After Hours: Press Play here.

Need a Unique Party Place?

Or  if you’re looking for something unique for your kid’s birthday, you can have a birthday party here. You get use of a party space downstairs and admission to the museum. You can read more about that here.

Bottom line? We say, “Go!”

If You Go:

Toytopia is on exhibit through June 10th.

Hours

The museum is open 10AM-5PM Tuesday-Sunday, with extended free evening admission from 3PM-8PM on 3rd Thursdays.

 Admission  

Historical Society Members FREEAdults (age 18 and over)$14; Seniors (age 65 and over)$11; Students (age 6-17)$11; Active Duty & Retired Military (ID required)$11; Children (age 5 and under)FREE; Family (up to 2 adults and 4 children under age 18) $40; Washington Foster Parent discount (foster parent license and ID required)$1/person; $2/family ; Washington Quest Card discount (EBT card and ID required)$1/person $2/family

You may also be able to go for FREE with a pass from your library. You can read more about that here.