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
Address 5400 N Pearl Street #11, Tacoma, WA Map, Tel (253) 591-5339 Call, Website
Take a step back in time with a trip to Fort Nisqually. Staff dressed in period clothing demonstrate life, work and crafts in the 19th century. more
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
Address 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma WA 98407 Map, Tel (253) 591-5337 Call, Website
The sprawling Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium has managed to do what few smaller-city zoos do. It focuses on animals that you won't commonly see in other zoos (for example, polar bears) as well as local sealife. Plan to spend at least a half day, and consider bringing a picnic lunch. more
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
Address Union Station, Tacoma Map, Cost Free Website
The Tacoma Link Light Rail system links the Tacoma Dome (a major transit center) with the downtown core. The line is short, and free, making it a good activity for kids who enjoy riding on "trains." Trains run approximately every 10 minutes on weekdays. more
Address 4702 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98405-1175 Map,
Sit back and watch the skateboarders at this skate park more