Location: Tacoma
Top Things to do in Tacoma
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Tacoma, Washington (WA)
Sitting at the foot of Mount Rainier, from whose former name the city takes its name, Tacoma is the perfect base point for exploring Mount Rainier National Park and the spectacular landscape surrounding.
Restaurants in Tacoma
1. Point Defiance Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,228 reviews
Scenic park offering more than 700 acres of woodland trails, gardens and waterfront views, along with a zoo and aquarium.
Reviewed By Ldcvsi - Tacoma, United States
I live within a mile of Pt. Defiance Park and it is one of the best urban parks you will find in the United States. Central Park in New York City is amazing for the surrounding museums, but you will never see more beautiful views of the water front, islands, and mountains than you will see from Pt. Defiance Park on a clear day. And did I mention I the world class zoo, the amazing fuchsia gardens, the miles of hiking trails through the forest, beaches to hang out on, sea lions and harbor seals hanging out in the kelp beds? And, if so inclined, you can take a ferry boat ride over to Vashon Island and back, right from the edge of Pt. Defiance Park. And the new addition to the park, the Dunes, is a beautiful walk along the waterfront that is ADA accessible, and has to die for views. There is something for everyone in this park. Drive the five mile drive if you don’t have much time (but please drive slowly as there is lots to see, and there are bikers and pedestrians); but make sure to stop at all the view points for a view of Vashon Island and the Cascade Mountain Range at one view point, the Olympic Mountain Range at another view point, and a great view of the Narrows Bridges at the other.
2. 5 Mile Drive & Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By OlyGirlJan - Tacoma, United States
Great place to visit and have a full days adventure, must sees are Owens Beach, Point Defiance Zoo, also must do the 5 Mile drive and make it a day and have lunch at Anthony's on the waterfront with great food and spectacular views of Puget Sound and don't forget to go down the slides across from Anthony's its a great place for the kids to release some energy.
3. Tinkertopia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By iris0507
No telling what you might find! Best to just go and explore in this store that carries art and crafts supplies, found objects, sorted items, and miscellaneous doodads. All stock is well organized and labeled--saves time when moving through the store! Purchase individually or by the bag. Owners are strong supporters of community and the environment. Please support them by donating your own supplies. Individual sessions and parties can be booked and held on site. Great place to spend a rainy day! You'll come out with a project, one way or another!
4. Washington State History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
History museum full of informative displays and artifacts on the history of Washington state.
Reviewed By GC404 - Anchorage, United States
This nice facility is located in downtown Tacoma and can also be easily reached via the tram/public transportation... the main floor has exhibits covering Washington’s history from ancient past through present, and includes important topics such as Native grave repatriations, internment of Japanese Americans during WW2, etc. Everything is well curated and targeted towards audiences of all ages... there’s an excellent section featuring activities for kids too. Definitely worth checking out when you’re in Tacoma... enjoy!
5. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum is a restoration of the Hudson's Bay Company outpost on Puget Sound. With the help of costumed interpreters, guests experience life in Washington Territory during the 1850s. Nine buildings are open to the public, including the Granary and the Factors House, both National Historic Landmarks, and a Visitor Center with Museum Store.
Reviewed By kristenmorales
A historical escape room in a historical building! I ended up going with 5 or so friends, and there were a few other people with tickets to make a whole party. When we got there it was already dark, which gave the fort an eerie look. The escape room itself is in what used to be a residence, and was very cleverly designed (no spoilers!) Everybody worked together to find clues, and I ended up learning a lot about Fort Nisqually in the process. Just don't try to pull the paintings off the wall or mess with the curtains- someone's gotta fluff those every morning, you know.
6. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 989 reviews
Currently closed through March 31, 2020. Treat your family to a special day at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Where else can you see sea lions and sharks, peacocks and penguins, wolves and walrus, all in one place? The 29-acre Zoo is large enough to offer an awesome array of animals yet small enough to let you get really close to them. Who knows? You might run into a lynx on your way to see the polar bears! Be sure to visit Kids Zone. This fanciful exhibit engages children in active learning through play. The focus is on fun, movement and learning what animals need to thrive. The breathtaking views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains are free - and so is the parking. So what are you waiting for? Bring your family to see ours. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is open at 9:30 a.m. daily. Closing times vary. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is just minutes off of I-5 in beautiful Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, WA.
Reviewed By sabra557x - Santa Cruz, United States
Visited here with our 7 year old and a 15 year old grandkids.11They both enjoyed it! Fun that it is is a zoo and aquarium all in one. They don't have "everything " a stand alone zoo or aquarium would have but a very nice mix of each and enough to make you feel like you got your monies worth. Laid out nicely. There is a couple of play areas for the little ones. Didn't take many pictures except of the kids and these solo shots of the musk ox. Nice views on the drive there as well!
7. W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By macramz - Tacoma, United States
My boyfriend and I walked to Wright Park after breakfast in the area. I haven’t been here since the century plant bloomed years ago. It is so beautiful inside, wandering the paths! Warm during winter.
8. Pantages Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By budzilla - Port Townsend, United States
Saw a concert here last week - Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group - the theater has great sight lines and a beautiful hall. The acoustics were good, and the concert was a tremendous success. The facility has apparently had recent renovation, and is a nice place to see a performance. Hint for taller folks - I am six-four, and was jammed into my seat pretty tightly. If you have an option to do so, the larger among us should beg and plead for an aisle seat.
9. The Grand Cinema
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
We are the South Sound's home of independent film. Our mission is to enrich the cultural vitality of the South Sound through high quality film art. As a non-profit we are supported by our annual members, a dedicated volunteer force, small staff team, and talented volunteer Board of Directors. We offer admission discounts, free popcorn and other perks to our members. Visit our theater for a unique and cozy cinema experience, and keep an eye out for our community discussions, special film series, and annual events like the Film Awards Party each January, 253 Short Film Party every May, Tacoma Film Camp in July/August, and the Tacoma Film Festival each October.
Reviewed By Al_Doyle_Seattle - Seattle, United States
The Grand is a unique experience. It's a vintage theater with a totally 'today' attitude. We like it so much we often drive from Seattle to catch a movie. We like it so much we became Members, a program with great benefits for the user and makes a solid contribution to keeping this non-profit afloat. The Grand gets first-run major films and usually curates the showings based on high caliber,distinctive offerings. Give it a try. It's a blast!
10. LeMay - America's Car Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,050 reviews
LeMay - America's Car Museum (ACM), named one of USA Today's 10 Best Museums in Seattle and KING 5's 2014 & 2015 Best Museum in Western Washington, is an international destination where families and enthusiasts gather to celebrate America's love affair with the automobile and how it shaped our society. The stunning, four-level, 165,000-sq.-ft. Tacoma, Wash., facility features 12 rotating exhibits, five annual Signature Events and serves as an educational center, hosting students of all ages.
Reviewed By suzannem263 - Canada, null
Cost is reasonable and the time slips by without even noticing. We spent 3 hours wandering around the museum. There are so many cars , all beautifully displayed in an easy to follow route through the museum. There is even one vintage car where you can sit in and have a photo taken. The picture is free, with no strings attached. Can be printed or emailed. If anyone in your group wants to sample driving, one floor had demo video simulation drives where you can drive race courses around the world. If you are interested, get the package deal when you first enter which includes a drive, as it is quite a bit more costly as an add on when you reach that floor. Younger kids might have fun playing the slot cars. This is one of the largest and nicest car museum we have been to.
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