Summer Fun Ideas in the PNW

​Sun is here, school is out, and it is officially time for summer! Here is a list of family-fun activities in Washington: 

Children’s Museums
Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia, WA. 
This museum offers sensory-friendly hour from 9-10 am, sensory-friendly kits, and sensory-inclusive playtimes (Mondays – Thursdays from 2:30 – 4:30 pm). Online reservations are required. https://www.hocm.org/sensory-friendly-events/

• The museum has fun events planned all summer, including a rock-climbing wall, tinker fairy activity, and bubble mania. Here is a link to the special guest and activities list for the summer: https://www.hocm.org/summersplashfestival/
• Children’s Museum in Tacoma and JBLM
  • Children’s Museum of Tacoma and Children’s Museum at JBLM are currently reservation only. Children’s Museum also offers virtual playful experiences through their Virtual Play to Learn program. 
  • https://playtacoma.org/playjblm 
  • https://playtacoma.org/childrens-museum-of-tacoma 

Camps

• Bricks 4 Kidz is a Lego-based engineering summer camp for kids ages 4 to 14. They offer camps in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Pierce County, and Kitsap Peninsula. Upcoming camps include Junior Builder for Pre-K and Kindergarten kids, Minecraft® theme, and Star Wars® theme camps. Please see the link below for additional information, including schedule, cost, and scholarships.   
  • https://www.bricks4kidz.com/washington-olympia-lacey/programs/summer-camps/

Timberland Regional Library Events
Story Trail 

• Timberland Regional Library has created StoryTrails throughout Washington that will be available during the summer. The StoryTrails are a “fun and engaging way to combine a love of nature and a love of reading.” Families can walk nature trails in local parks while reading a picture book for free. Thurston County locations include Wonderwood Park in Lacey, Percival Landing Park in Olympia, and Cochrane Memorial Park in Yelm.
• Visit TRL.org/Storytrail for additional information.
• Zoom Story Time
  • TLR is also hosting weekly Zoom storytimes with other local families and expert storytellers.  
  • Their programs include Baby and Toddler Storytime, Family Storytime, and La Hora Bilingue.
  • Families can sign up for access for zoom storytime at the link below.  https://events.trl.org/events/upcoming?keywords=storytime&branches%5B175%5D=175

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym

We Rock is a sensory gym for kids of all abilities located in Federal Way and Bellevue. They offer classes, as well as open play with the use of the full gym. Open play must be supervised by a caregiver and be pre-booked. Please refer to the websites for additional information on cost and hours.

• https://www.werockthespectrumfederalway.com/#
  • https://www.werockthespectrumbellevue.com/

Get outside!
This area is great for trails and parks with playgrounds. There is always a place to explore, find some shade and have a picnic.  Check the links below for some links to the city pages.  All the parks are listed there!

LACEY: http://www.ci.lacey.wa.us/city-government/city-departments/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-facilities
OLYMPIA: olympiawa.gov/city-services/parks/parks-and-trails.aspx
TUMWATER: https://www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails

JUMP JUMP JUMP
Defy Extreme Air Sports is an awesome indoor trampoline park here in Olympia.  They have great packages and are open 7 days a week.  While they don't have a special time for smaller children, they state they are the quietest in the mornings right when they open.  For tickets and hours, visit their website at defy.com

Climbing Fun
Cirque Climbing Gym is fun for the whole family!  They have walls that are great for beginners to more advanced climbers. They also offer classes like Intro to Climbing and Intro to Technique.  It has drop-in/daily rates as well as membership options.  Find out more details here. 

And don't forget about keeping cool! There are pools, splash pads, and lakes to play in.  And the ocean is just over an hour away! 
Summer is a great time to explore new places, learn new things, and also find time to relax and enjoy the great weather. The PNW really shines in the summer months.  

What are your plans this summer?? Tell us in the comments below!