15 Fun Places to Take Kids on Cold, Rainy Days near Gig Harbor, Washington

Those of us who live in Western Washington are hearty souls.  A little rain doesn’t hold us back from zipping on a raincoat, putting on a hat and gloves and venturing into drizzle to enjoy the great outdoors.  If it did, we would never leave home.  Many of us who live here don’t mind the rain, because it keeps everything green and beautiful.  We also tend to appreciate being outside.  With that being said, there are days that call for a little variety.  In addition, if you have little ones who can’t regulate their temperature quite as well as adults can, you can only stay outside for so long before fingers turn icy and purple.  So, sometimes, it is nice to have a warm place to go, to experience something new as a family and burn off some energy.  Here are some ideas!

1. BoomShaka — http://www.boomshaka.us/  This place just opened up a few months ago in Tumwater, Washington and everyone is talking about it!  It is even fun for adults, so wear your workout clothes and get some exercise too!  Save yourself from disappointment and buy your tickets in advance through the website.  $13-$20/person, adults free with a children’s ticket, and under age 2 free.
2. Escape Hour — http://www.escapehourgigharbor.com/  People are raving about another new Gig Harbor attraction, Escape Hour.  Groups are given clues and participate in solving a mystery to “escape” the room they are locked in.  This activity is better for families with older kids.  10 is the minimum age for group bookings, though the website specifies this activity is recommended for ages 15 and up.  There are many times to choose from throughout the day to book your next escape.  $25 – $30/person.
3. Bass Pro Bowling Alley  http://restaurants.basspro.com/UncleBucksFishBowl/Tacoma/Bowling.aspx  Just off of I-5 in South Tacoma, this “under-the-sea” themed bowling alley is state of the art and a fun atmosphere to experience.  There is also plenty to look at if you like shopping.  $25-$35/hour per lane + shoe rental of $3.25/person.
4. Ice Skating at Sprinker Recreation https://www.facebook.com/SprinkerRecreationCenter/  Sprinker Recreation has been around for decades.  I remember skating there as a kid in the 1980’s.  It is even more awesome now – during Winter, they actually make it snow, and while researching for this blog, I found out they are having a snowman making contest on January 15th 2017 for teams of up to 10 for $20/team.  Skating is available by session, and there is even a cheapskate session, where it is $6.84/person.  Regular prices are $10.94 for adults, $9.85 for ages 6-17, $8.75 for seniors over 62 and kids 5 & under are free.  Skate rentals are $3.01/pair, with sizes from 6 toddler to men’s 15.  Walkers for holding onto are $3.28.  The link above has up-to-date information and schedules.
5. Pump It Up — https://www.pumpitupparty.com/tacoma-wa/other-ways-to-play/  Do your young children have energy to burn?  This is the place!  Not only is Pump It Up a great place to have a birthday party, but it is wonderful place to drop in on a rainy day and let your kids jump, climb and slide to their hearts content.  Located in Tacoma, near the mall off of 38th Street.  Bubble open jump for toddlers – $5, Open jump for all kids – $8, Glow jump pizza party, including 2 slices pizza – $10.  Check online for schedules.
6. Seattle Science Center — https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/  A little further from Gig Harbor, this fascinating and educational museum is a special way to spend a day that the whole family will enjoy.  With rotating exhibits and special events, including an IMAX theater, check on the website to plan your visit.  It is always fun to take the ferry from Bremerton to Seattle for a memory-filled day.  Admission for 3-5 year olds – $11.75, Youth 6-15 – $14.75, Adults 16-64 – $19.75, Seniors 65+ – $17.75.
7. Indoor Bocce at Reinhaus  –  http://rheinhausseattle.com/    Located in the Stadium District in Tacoma!  Indoor bocce courts are available by reservation or walk-in.  An average game for four people lasts about 1/2 hour.  You can also enjoy a wide variety of beers on tap, and brats.  You can reserve a court for $25, or the walk-in price is $5/person Monday-Thursday and $8/person Friday and Saturday. Bocce courts reserved as part of a large party package: $50/hour unlimited people (maximum of 8 people at a time on the court) for one hour.
8. Discovery Village – http://www.discovery-village.com/Locals love this indoor play center that caters to preschool age children and toddlers.  It is a clean and open space where parents and caregivers can relax with a cup of coffee while watching little ones play.  They have open play in addition to a preschool and birthday parties.  This place was a lifesaver when I was pregnant and needed to sit down while my kids burned some energy.  Open play is from 10-3 daily and costs $8.50 for ages 12 months to 10 years, and siblings are $6.  You can also purchase a membership which will save you money if you plan to go there often, and membership comes free with preschool admission.
9. Children’s Museum of Tacoma
10. Children’s Museum of Olympia
11. Chalet Bowl
12. Narrows Bowl & Mini Golf
13. Edgeworks Indoor Rock Climbing 
14. Rolling 253 Skate Rink
15. Imagination Station — http://www.imaginationstationenrichmentcenter.com/hours-of-operation  This drop-in play center is located in Port Orchard, Washington and is best for toddler, preschool and early elementary-aged children.  Currently they are only open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for drop-in play, but be sure to check the website first as hours are always changing.