Travel with Kids: Tacoma Itinerary: Downtown Tacoma With Kids

Hotel Murano

Address 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, WA 98402 Map, Tel (253) 238-8000 Call, Website

A stay at the newly renovated Hotel Murano is a nice compliment to a visit to Tacoma's Museum of Glass. The spacious hotel lobby is decorated with large glass sculptures, and rooms are decorated in a modern, but comfortable style. Each floor in the hotel features glass art from a different artist, making a tour of the hotel a fun way to kill a little time without going far. Beds are comfortable, and cribs are available upon request. more

Musuem of Glass

Address 1801 Dock Street Tacoma, WA 98402 Map, Tel (253) 396-1768 Call, Website

A museum filled with glass art might seem like the last place to take young children, but actually the Museum Of Glass makes a great outing even for toddlers. The gallery space is small and has several designated spots where children can touch the displays. You might start there, while your child's attention span is at it's best. more

Children's Museum of Tacoma

Address 936 Broadway Ave., Tacoma, WA Map, Tel 253-627-6031 Call, Website

This small children's museum is a good place to stop in on a rainy day or when your kids need a break from touring. more

Tacoma Art Museum

Address 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402 Map, Tel (253) 272-4258 Call, Hours Tues-Sun Website

The Tacoma Art Museum has a small, but interesting collection of artwork from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The real gem for young kids, though, is the sunlit Open Art Studio space on the second floor where kids can paint with acrylics or choose to do any of a number of different crafts related to the current exhibitions. more

Galanga Thai Cuisine

Address 1129 Broadway Plz, Tacoma, WA 98402 Map, Tel (253) 272-3393 Call, Website

This delicious Thai restaurant is right on the Light Rail line, making it easy to get to. The casual environment is good for kids, and my children devoured the Chicken Satay (we call them Chicken Popsicles) and Coconut Prawns. Galanga also does a brisk takeout business, and you may prefer to call in your order and take it back to your hotel room or outside for a picnic. more

Hello Cupcake

Address 1740 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402-3215 Map, Tel (253) 383-7772 Call, Website

This independently owned cupcake shop practically oozes sweetness from the outside. Inside, you'll have a difficult time choosing from rows and rows of cupcakes with flavors that range from chocolate/chocolate and vanilla/vanilla to peanut butter and chocolate, red velvet, and beyond. Ice cream bars, drinks and party supplies are also available. Seating is at tables inside the shop. more

Hot Rod Dog

Address 1742 Pacific Ave Tacoma, WA 98402 Map, Tel (253) 593-6030 Call,

This hot dog stand, tucked away in an office building just across from the Tacoma Art Museum serves all beef franks and a variety of sausages. Seating is at tables in the building's lobby. more