Top Ten Family-Friendly Things to Do in Tacoma
Just south of Seattle, on the banks of Puget Sound, Tacoma is a fun and enlightening getaway for the whole family. With glass blowing experiences, stunning waterfronts, and miles of hiking and biking trails, this is a vibrant city with creativity and culture at its core. Take your kids over to the Children's Museum of Tacoma or start a tour of the Tacoma Art Museum, only blocks away from Hotel Murano. Start with a visit to the waterfront at Point Ruston, then head off to admire the animals at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, the dual zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest.
To make this trip even more enjoyable for the family, try our curated list of Top Ten Tacoma Activities for Kids that are close to Hotel Murano.
Children’s Museum of Tacoma
Play is the foundation of a child’s learning and at Tacoma Children’s Museum, they do just that. With five playscapes that offer hands-on exploration, these interactive exhibits are designed to educate and entertain! Located in downtown Tacoma, this 3,800 square feet museum creates experiences through learning in their Woods, Water, Voyager, Invention and Becka's Studio spaces.
Tacoma Art Museum
The Tacoma Art Museum in downtown Tacoma features more than 5,300 pieces that emphasize the art and artists of the Northwest and broader western region. With engaging youth programs that inspire diverse perspectives and cultivate a compassionate future, children can take part in Sketch Clubs or Art After School. Currently on exhibit is The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection which celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black Americans from 1595 to present times.
Tacoma Glass Blowing Studio
Founded in 2006, Tacoma Glassblowing Studio is a local glass art shop that offers hands-on glassblowing sessions with their masters. Experience the magic of hot glass and see how these artists put Tacoma on the map, as one of the largest glass art communities in the US. Offering a wide variety of glass-blowing classes, children ages 8 and up can enjoy twisting and shaping colorful hot glass, with the little ones being able to admire from afar.
Tinkertopia
Get your craft on at Tinkertopia. Just blocks away from Hotel Murano in downtown Tacoma, this bonanza of recycled materials is a creative studio for learning games, early-education art classes, and crafting science experiments. Let your creativity flow!
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is the only dual zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. With 29-acres to explore, the kids will see some of nature's endangered animals up close and personal. Admire playful otters, cage dive with sharks, or visit the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater Stage and watch the keepers train flying birds, leaping leopards, and even an aardvark.
Point Ruston Spray Ground
Bring the kids and spend the day enjoying Point Ruston Grand Plaza’s state-of-the-art spray ground that mimics the motion of salmon swimming upstream. With motion sprays on the splash pad, a small stream, and climbing rocks, kids will have an unforgettable day in the water while parents can relax and enjoy the sights of Puget Sound. Stay a little past sundown and watch the splash pad turn into a colorful LED fountain light show.
Bikes & Trails
Explore Tacoma’s vibrant waterfront while enjoying views of Puget Sound with bike and walking trails along the water's edge. Wheel Fun Rentals is an exciting way to explore these trails for the whole family. Choose from an array of unique bikes, including eight-passenger Surrey cycles, Deuce Coupes, Choppers, electric bikes, and a full array of two-wheel bicycles.
Farmers Markets
Enjoy offerings from local farms and small businesses at the colorful outdoor Tacoma Farmers Market. With locations all around Tacoma rotating five days a week, there are booths and food for all age groups to enjoy. From fresh caramel kettle corn, live fresh Puget Sound crab, to infant apparel and toys, what a fun way to explore the food and culture community in the Pacific Northwest.
Northwest Trek
Drive down to Northwest Trek and meet native animals in their habitats. With animal walking paths, wild drive tours, and ziplining, this is an enjoyable adventure for kids of all ages. Just 35 miles from downtown Tacoma, these free-roaming animals in their natural environments of forests, lakes, and mountain views make for a refreshing day out.
Wild Waves Theme & Water Park
A fun-filled day awaits with plenty of slides and attractions to keep the kids amused, all just minutes from downtown Tacoma at one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest water & amusement parks. With more than 60 attractions and waterslides, large wave pools, and lazy rivers, Wild Waves has over 70-acres for the kids and family to explore and enjoy.