Children's Museum of Tacoma — Attraction in Tacoma

A Deluge of Delight at the Children's Museum of Tacoma

If you're looking for a perfect family destination that is as educational as it is entertaining, look no further than the Children's Museum of Tacoma! Having visited a fair share of children's museums, I can confidently say that this sparkling gem nestled in the heart of Tacoma is truly one-of-a-kind!

The museum has a variety of exhibits that cater to children of all ages, but the one that stole the show for my two little explorers was undoubtedly the water area, aptly named "Waterfront Wonders". Armed with their ever-inquisitive minds and waterproof smocks, they immersed themselves (quite literally!) in the world of water, learning about its properties and having heaps of fun while at it.

The Waterfront Wonders area is ingeniously designed with an assortment of interactive stations. My children adored the water tables equipped with all sorts of tools for experimenting with flow, splash, and water movement. They could create whirlpools, control dams, and even conjure rain. It was a sight to behold as they transformed into little scientists, deeply engrossed in their wet and wonderful investigations. The fact that they were learning so much about water, physics, and even teamwork in the process was the cherry on top.

Who knew learning could be such a splashing good time?

Beyond the water area, the museum offered a kaleidoscope of other interactive exhibits. Each exhibit proved to be a uniquely engaging experience. The thoughtful inclusion of spaces for creativity, art, and quiet contemplation meant there was something for every mood and every child.

What truly sets the Children's Museum of Tacoma apart, though, is its unwavering commitment to "playful exploration". It is this palpable joy, the raw sense of fun and discovery that the museum so effortlessly instills in its young visitors, that left the deepest impression on us.

Safety and cleanliness were evidently high priorities, and the friendly and engaging staff were always on hand to ensure a smooth, fun-filled visit. Coupled with affordable entry (thanks to their "Pay as You Will" policy), the Children's Museum of Tacoma makes world-class, hands-on learning accessible to all families.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, a visit to the Children's Museum of Tacoma promises an unforgettable day of fun-filled learning. So, pack those extra clothes (you'll need them for the water area!) and prepare your kids for an epic adventure they won't soon forget.

Our family gives the Children's Museum of Tacoma a well-deserved five-star rating. As my children would say, it's a tidal...

Great place to spend a few hours on a rainy weekend afternoon. Best part is that admission cost is 100% donation based, give if you can and if not able to afford any donation amount, there's ZERO judgment. Love the museum's arts and crafts studio the most - they rotate out different mediums, like watercolor, playing with slime (pre-made) and dot art. The art studio has a creative movements section, featuring a large rug that is situated in front of a large mirror (think dance/yoga studio). The kids can adorn themselves in a colorful assortment of ribbons - as a headband, skirt or just hold in their hands. It also features two chalkboard easels and a giant swine statue that kids can add paint and paper mache to. Within the studio you'll find the builder and fixers workshop, which features real nails, and screws that kids can pound away on. There are small pieces of material that can be used to make something to take home. For the younger children, 1 to 3, they have fun imagination play areas, one that includes a home-like setting where the kids can be creative storytellers. There's even two pulley baskets within the museum, one inside this play house, and one at the airplane section. These two pulley baskets allow the kids to send items to one another from up above and from down below. The younger ones also love the intricate water play stations located in the center of the museum, which offer tons of different toys and such for the kids to test out and explore how water moves and behaves. The museum also features a dress up station (think sea creatures, reptiles), a super fast slide, a second story airplane deck, which offers kids the chance to pedal one of two stationary bikes, that make the gigantic wings move up and down, a tug boat equipped with life vests and squid sea creatures, as well as two kinetic stations that teach kids about inertia and gravity. This museum is nothing compared to Everett's or Olympia's children's museums, however, it offers enough stimulation for a kiddo...

Jessica the lead is very rude unprofessional and definitely needs diversity training. They yell at people and not friendly. I suggest not take no groups to this location until management trains their employees. Even the manager needs training. I sat there in the lobby for 2 hrs while my group played with their teachers and what I witnessed was alot. Most importantly workers should not pick and choose which guest to be nice and friendly to. All guest should be treated equally especially working with children. I been bringing my group here for years and this is my first issue and I will not be back. I understand with Covid some businesses hired anyone that was willing to work, but an entire group of workers behaving the same way means management needs some work as well. Oh she didn’t even greet us coming in. She looked up and said how many is in your group and absolutely nothing else. We were on our own from there. I would not tell a lie. No hi, no welcome to the museum no nothing. To the owner I see you made a comment. Just watch your cameras and you’ll see me sitting peacefully on your couch in the lobby alone for 2 hours making sure nobody would exit the doors. So yes I witnessed everything. I would have let this go and ignored this situation until we was leaving and she approached my group of kids very rude and that’s when I put the on the bus and asked to speak with management because you will not be rude to little kids I care for. Watch the cameras and you will see that was my final...