Fun things to do with kids in Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia?

[boysmom2]

We're going to be staying in Olympia for 2 weeks in August and I'm looking for ideas. It'll be me, DH, and our 3 boys (7, 4, and a newborn). We've been there before, but I'm looking for new ideas. We're up for day trips to Seattle and Tacoma and other surrounding areas. All 3 are good travelers/hikers. We like city stuff and nature stuff. Any thing we shouldn't miss? TIA!

[Pookietooth]

There's the Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma -- Pt Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is the official name. Then in Seattle, there is the Pacific Science Center and the Children's Museum, both at Seattle Center. If the weather is nice, one of the beach parks is nice -- Carkeek Park, Golden Gardens, Discovery Park (which can be chilly and windy). Gasworks park is great for kite flying, although it can get crowded, especially if there is a wedding.

[boysmom2]

Awesome, thanks! The Science center sounds especially good for my little nerdlets (DH and I are very proud, very big nerds!).

[tinuviel_k]

Here are some fun things in Olympia

The Hands on Children's Museum
http://www.hocm.org/

The Olympia Farmers Market
Great food (the strawberry waffles and crab cake eggs benedict are our favorites), usually live music, sometimes balloon artists and face painting, and of course the market.
http://www.olympiafarmersmarket.com/

Lattins Cider Mill
A fun farm and cider mill featuring lots of animals that you can feed, a cute store, and lots of pretty scenery.
http://www.lattinscider.com/

Wolf Haven
A sanctuary for rescued and captive born wolves. This place is really great! They offer tours so that you can see some of the wolves that are more people friendly, and they also have a breeding program for endangered varieties of wolves. The have the most fun overnight camping events called "Howl-Ins."
http://www.wolfhaven.org/

The Nisqually Delta Wildlife Refuge
This place is a must if you enjoy walking and nature. The delta is a wildlife preserve on an estuary (where salt tidewaters and the fresh river mix) and is a sanctuary for tons of migratory birds and other wildlife. They have easy flat trails, a nice interpretive center, and it is a lovely, relaxing place to visit.
http://www.fws.gov/Nisqually/

Heritage Park Fountain
We don't have public outdoor pools in Olympia, sadly. But we DO have the Heritage Park fountain, located downtown right across the street from Capitol Lake. It is a blast: on warm and hot days dozens of kids and their families gather to play in the fountain spray. There are usually a food vendor or two selling drinks, snacks, ice cream, gellato.. It is closed twice a day for cleaning, so be sure to check the schedule.
http://www.ci.olympia.wa.us/?sc_itemid={11C80DE7-6A56-4BF8-B33E-6EE0E9178D35}

Traditions Fair Trade
An awesome fair trade shop and cafe. It is right next to the fountain. They have fantastic, reasonably priced food in a kid friendly atmosphere. They even have a play area with toys. This is a favorite family spot. The also have ice cream!
http://www.traditionsfairtrade.com/

I don't know when in August you'll be here, but if it is between Aug 21st-23rd then you don't want to miss our annual Sand In The City festival! It is awesome: a sand sculpture competition (the sculptures are HUGE), lots of great children's activities, music, performances... good stuff.
http://www.hocm.org/page.php?id=75

[boysmom2]

Originally Posted by tinuviel_k

Here are some fun things in Olympia

The Hands on Children's Museum
http://www.hocm.org/

The Olympia Farmers Market
Great food (the strawberry waffles and crab cake eggs benedict are our favorites), usually live music, sometimes balloon artists and face painting, and of course the market.
http://www.olympiafarmersmarket.com/

Lattins Cider Mill
A fun farm and cider mill featuring lots of animals that you can feed, a cute store, and lots of pretty scenery.
http://www.lattinscider.com/

Wolf Haven
A sanctuary for rescued and captive born wolves. This place is really great! They offer tours so that you can see some of the wolves that are more people friendly, and they also have a breeding program for endangered varieties of wolves. The have the most fun overnight camping events called "Howl-Ins."
http://www.wolfhaven.org/

The Nisqually Delta Wildlife Refuge
This place is a must if you enjoy walking and nature. The delta is a wildlife preserve on an estuary (where salt tidewaters and the fresh river mix) and is a sanctuary for tons of migratory birds and other wildlife. They have easy flat trails, a nice interpretive center, and it is a lovely, relaxing place to visit.
http://www.fws.gov/Nisqually/

Heritage Park Fountain
We don't have public outdoor pools in Olympia, sadly. But we DO have the Heritage Park fountain, located downtown right across the street from Capitol Lake. It is a blast: on warm and hot days dozens of kids and their families gather to play in the fountain spray. There are usually a food vendor or two selling drinks, snacks, ice cream, gellato.. It is closed twice a day for cleaning, so be sure to check the schedule.
http://www.ci.olympia.wa.us/?sc_itemid={11C80DE7-6A56-4BF8-B33E-6EE0E9178D35}

Traditions Fair Trade
An awesome fair trade shop and cafe. It is right next to the fountain. They have fantastic, reasonably priced food in a kid friendly atmosphere. They even have a play area with toys. This is a favorite family spot. The also have ice cream!
http://www.traditionsfairtrade.com/

I don't know when in August you'll be here, but if it is between Aug 21st-23rd then you don't want to miss our annual Sand In The City festival! It is awesome: a sand sculpture competition (the sculptures are HUGE), lots of great children's activities, music, performances... good stuff.
http://www.hocm.org/page.php?id=75

Wow, you rock! Thanks so much!

[debbierocks]

You should totally check out the Farmboat at Lake Union. My kids love it there! They pick out vegetables for dinner, explore steamships, and even take an Ice Cream cruise tour. Red Tricycle has a great read on it here:

http://www.redtri.com/seattle/explore-farmboat-lake-union-seattles-only-floating-farmers-market