If you are a new mom or you recently moved to Olympia with your family, you might be wondering where you can take you kids to play. The weather is changing. It is starting to get cooler, but there are plenty of cozy places you can take you kids if you want to get out of the house.
1. The Children's Museum is an obvious answer. But did you know that you can get a free pass to the museum from your local library? Check out this video for more details.
https://youtu.be/z-8TmWpsxuE?si=V0AG3me15fWbluiC
2. The Mad Hatter Play Cafe is a bit of a drive, but it offers a lovely, secure indoor space for children ages seven and under. To see the play area, check out this video.
https://youtu.be/V81LUGsPOQU?si=8MwRrA-BpAvMklyb
3. If you have not been to the Wet Science Center, then you have no idea how perfect it is for little people. I go there with my kids year round because they love it. You can see for yourself if you watch this short video.
https://youtu.be/DiSA3PN3CeU?si=OHMCmw_OllxjcAk7
4. The Pawsific Northwest Cat Cafe has a little toddler play area where they can watch they cats will they color and play. You can get a glimpse in this video...
5. The Tumwater Library has the most amazing play area. But don't let the video fool you. It often gets a bit busy...
https://youtu.be/IKkxXqnN-i0?si=DtglHvFw0ml1WwA4
6. The Olympia Library near downtown also has a play area. You can check it out in this video...
https://youtu.be/nUsbAOEtQmM?si=K6LG9pmC4oY3oAUd
There are a few more places you might want to check out. The Olympia Center offers Baby Gym, Toddler Gym and Kinder Gym classes all for a very low price. They are available through the Parks and Rec department.
There are three Mc Donald's that still have indoor play areas. I have been known to get my kids a mini Mc Flurry from time to time. It is nice to take them there for a playdate. They can entertain themselves while I drink an iced coffee and catch up with a friend. The locations on Sleater-Kinney and Marvin road in Lacey and the location on Capital in Tumwater have the Play Places.
And then there is the mall. I have been doing this one for ages. We schedule a play date to meet up at the play area by JC Penny. The kids meet up and play for a while. Eventually we all run over to Menchie's, get froyo, hang out, chat. The kids can draw on the chalk board there. When that is winding down, we go the the library that is inside the mall at the other end near Total Wine. They also have a nice kids play area with puzzles and toys and books. There is usually a scavenger hunt for the kids to do there. All in all, it is a nice way to get out and get some steps in when it is rainy, snowy or even just a bit too hot.
If you are willing to go a bit further, the Treetops Playground in Tacoma is also a great option for a place to play on a rainy day. For more info on the times and prices, check out their website...
https://www.parkstacoma.gov/treetops-playgrounds-star-center/
