Spend a day full of family fun in Downtown Tacoma! Whether you are itching to embrace your creativity, get crafty, enjoy exciting experiences or share a memorable meal, there is much to see and do for all ages here in the heart of the South Sound.
Family Friendly Activities in Downtown Tacoma
For families with younger children, celebrate the power of play and imagination at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, which is the only kid’s museum in the nation that operates on a pay-as-you-will donation basis.
Harness your creativity at Craftopia where you can do hands-on workshops like painting, origami, crochet, jewelry making and so much more. Don’t miss their Free Family Craft Night each third Saturday of the month from 3-6pm to enjoy activities for all ages.
Visit Unique Bakery for a sweet treat from this family-owned bakery and coffee shop filled with a variety of delicious French pastries and baked goods.
Stop into Metro Retro to explore their exciting and nostalgic collection of games, trading cards, board games, toys and more.
Explore the fantastic bits and bobbles at Tinkertopia, a creative reuse and alternative art supply shop designed for finding unusual materials perfect for fun crafts to do with school-age kids.
Get your game on at Dorky’s Arcade where you can play old school pinball and classic arcade games.
Grab a bite to eat at The Old Spaghetti Factory, which has been serving traditional Italian meals in their vibrant restaurant decorated with turn-of-the-century decor complete with their iconic train car which you can dine inside.
Visit the Washington State History Museum which is brimming with interesting historical stories about our region, along with exciting family-friendly exhibits and displays.
Head to the Museum of Glass to see live glass blowing, beautiful exhibitions, and participate in their creative Kids Design Glass program where children can submit designs that the museum’s hotshop team could choose to bring to life in the form of blown glass.
Just a short 1-minute walk from the Museum of Glass, stroll across the famed Chihuly Bridge of Glass where you can enjoy the vibrant colors and pieces of glass art created by Tacoma local and world renowned artist, Dale Chihuly.
Located at the other end of the Bridge of Glass, head to the Tacoma Art Museum where you can explore great exhibits featuring works of art hailing from the Western region and Pacific Northwest, along with great kid-friendly events like Studio + Storytime where storybooks are read followed by exploring the art galleries, and creating hands-on art projects in the TAM’s Studio.
Catch a ride on the Link Light Rail to explore Downtown Tacoma from end to end. The Link is free to ride, stops at different locations throughout downtown, has security on-board, and runs every 12 minutes.
If you have little ones in tow, stop into Channing Baby & Co. to browse their adorable selection of modern kids toys, baby clothing and gear, along with clothing that parents can even wear, too.
Enjoy a show at one of Downtown Tacoma’s iconic venues like The Pantages or Tacoma Dome where families can enjoy live performances ranging from concerts, ballets, and more.
Grab a slice of pizza at one of Downtown Tacoma’s many pizza joints.
Take a stroll through Antique Row and be transported back in time as you explore the neighborhood’s eclectic collections of toys, clothes, and more.
This list will be updated as more information becomes available. To submit a suggestion for family-friendly activities in Downtown Tacoma, please email gaby@downtowntacomapartnership.com
