Here’s a roundup of indoor activities for kids as Tacoma’s cold, rainy weather continues
There are still many cool, rainy days ahead in the Puget Sound. The spring 2023 season has been notably wet and gloomy, with extended forecast predictions indicating that the trend will continue through the end of April.
The National Weather Service in Seattle also forecasts rain every day for the next week. Up to another inch of rain could fall in the next couple of days
If you’re a family with small children and starting to get cabin fever because of the weather, take a look at some indoor play options in Tacoma that the News Tribune gathered.
All-day access tickets
This maritime museum offers exhibits and activities for a range of ages. Enjoy the waterfront while soaking in information at the education center and observing the work process in the Heritage Boat Shop. The museum is open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus a free evening on the third Thursday of every month from 4 to 8 p.m.
Family passes are available for $25. Children under 5 get in free, children above 5 get in for $8. Adults are $10.
In the Tacoma Mall, the Funtastic Playtorium indoor playground is for children ages 1 to 10. During the week, unlimited playtime is $12. On weekends, unlimited playtime is $13. One adult is included with each child’s ticket, additional adults can get in for $10.
This family fun center features an arcade, jungle gym and laser tag. The Soft Play Park is for ages ten and younger, with a space specifically for four and under. It’s open seven days a week with a range of pricing options.
Washington State History Museum
The Washington State History Museum offers a large variety of exhibits and events. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On the third Thursday of the month, closing hours are extended to 8 p.m., and there is free admission from 3 to 8 p.m. Washington State Historical Society members get in for free, along with children under 5. Students can get in for $11 and adults for $14.
Tickets for a few hours
Bowling
There are several bowling alleys in Tacoma to choose from.
Chalet Bowl on N. 26th St.
Paradise Lanes Entertainment Center on Pacific Ave. also includes an arcade, pool tables and restaurant.
Tower Lanes Entertainment Center on 6th Ave includes mini golf, an arcade and restaurant.
The classic kids venue has a Tacoma location on Tacoma Mall Boulevard. Regional deals are offered online.
This extreme air sports venue and indoor trampoline park has more than 35 trampolines. Other features include launching decks, a ninja course, Wipe Out, trapeze, foam pits, dodgeball, basketball, a zipline and more. Tickets for kids under 6 start around $12, and 7+ tickets start at around $16.
Area movie theaters
A favorite option for killing time while keeping the kids quiet and entertained is going to the movies. There are a handful of movie theaters around Tacoma, plus an AMC and cinema in Lakewood.
Blue Mouse Theatre on Proctor St.
Century Point on Main St.
Grand Cinema on Fawcett Ave. Shows independent and foreign films.
Another indoor playground option, Pump It Up in Tacoma has Open Jump every day, with kid’s admission at $10 during the week and $12 on weekends. Reservations are also available for private play events. Large inflatables like bounce houses and slides are set up for the kids, along with other activities.
Free entrance
The Children’s Museum of Tacoma operates on a “pay as you will” policy in order to remain inclusive and accessible. The museum is open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every Thursday offers low sensory hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Children under 18 get in for free, along with military and Tacoma Art Museum members. Adult tickets are $18. Admission is entirely free every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
The museum has a guide online for visiting with kids.
The mall’s free play area is located next to Just Sports, across from PacSun.
