7 Great Children’s Museums for Northwest Families

Why go? My son’s eyes light up whenever I mention “that museum in Olympia” — what we call the terrific Hands On Children’s Museum. It’s among the biggest in the Puget Sound area and really does seem to have it all: an emergency area with fire truck, helicopter and cop car; a tugboat; a climber/slide to the third floor; a scream room where kids can use their outdoor voices to measure their decibels; and a maker space where kids can design and build with all kinds of recycled materials. Step outside and you’ll find another half-acre of fun. Kids can climb a lighthouse lookout tower, build with driftwood, race on the trike track (adults, too) and set sail in the fantastic Megan D.

Fees and discounts: Admission is $17.95–$18.95 at the door (save if you buy your tickets online); babies younger than 18 months of age enter free. EBT cardholder access costs $3. Membership starts at $135 (for one adult and one child) and many other variations exist. Hands On offers tons of special programming, including First Friday Night.

Good to know: Hands On has a small but good café onsite. In the summer, a reclaimed-water stream runs in front of the museum, where kids can splash and wade without paying an admission charge. Also in the summer, the museum offers special, super-fun Summer Splash programs.

Nearby fun: The free-admission WET Science Center (designed for older kids) is across the street. Olympia’s truly fabulous farmers market (open weekends all year) is a short drive away. Older kids may enjoy a free tour of the state’s Capitol building.

Info: Visit the Hands On website for hours and more details; find the museum at 414 Jefferson St. N.E. in Olympia.

Next stop: play island