There are so many fun things to do in Tacoma, Washington and so many sights you don't want to miss. Let this guide you on how to see and do it all. I’ve even included many free things to do in Tacoma, Washington too!! So, check it out.
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Fun Things to do in Tacoma, Washington
1. Visit Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Cost: Adults $18-20 Children (3-12) $14-15, Under Age 2 are Free
Hours: Opens at 9am till either 3:30pm or 5pm depending on the season. Check website for admission days as these will also change each season.
As of 2022: Tickets can only be purchased online and require reservation date and time for entry. If you miss that reservation time, tickets cannot be refunded or rescheduled.
Point Defiance Park is not merely just a park, it’s also home to native Pacific Northwest animals and aquatic life that make their home at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Here you will find red wolves, polar bears, tigers, tapirs, elephants, and so much aquatic life. You can listen to the zookeeper talks to find out more about each of these different animals from the people who personally take care of them. Within the zoo, there is also a playground, carousel, and botanical gardens to enjoy. Don’t forget to get hands-on with the aquatic touch tank and feeding the goats. One of the many fun things to do in Tacoma, Washington.
Courtesy of Unsplash
2. Visit Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Cost: Adult: $11.94, Youth (4 to 17): $8.58, Military or Senior (65 and older): $10.82, Children (3 and under): Free. You can also purchase a family ticket: $35.39 which includes 2 adults and 5 youth tickets
Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 4-5pm depending on the season. Check websitewa for details.
Within Point Defiance Park, you will also find Fort Nisqually which is a living history museum similar to those we visited in Virginia’s Historic Triangle, as well as Charleston, and New Orleans. At Fort Nisqually, you are given a map for a self-guided tour of the property. There are so many areas available to check out each describing the way of life here during its origination. At specific times of the month, you can also view period specific demonstrations. Watch as the performers demonstrate the craftsmanship and tools used during that era.
3. See a Show at one of the Theaters in Tacoma’s Theater District
Cost: Varies for each performance
Hours: Check each individual website for show times
Tacoma is broken up into many districts: Stadium District which has Stadium High School, Brewery District which is well quite self-explanatory and museum district which we’ll talk about in a little bit. Here in Tacoma’s Theater District, you will find 3 major theaters. The Pantages Theater and Rialto Theater were both originally constructed in 1918 and remain in operation to this day. The last of the three theaters is the Theater on the Square which is the newest among them as it was built in the 1990’s. Each of these theaters holds a different amount of people and each host shows of all different kinds giving each of these theaters an individual personality all its own. Be sure to see what performances are running during your stay. If you didn’t know, I love the theater and have seen over 20 Broadway shows and counting. Blog post on that coming soon.
4. Visit Washington State Museum
Cost: Adults $14, Seniors (65+), Students, and Military $11, Under Age 5 are Free. Discounts are available for AAA members.
Hours: Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10am to 5pm. The 3rd Thursday is open till 8pm with free admission from 3pm to 8pm those days.
The Pacific Northwest and Washington specifically is full of history. Here at the Washington State Museum, you can learn all about that history. With large exhibits that feature the history of the native culture here in Washington and the history of those who came over via the time of the Oregon trail as well as those who immigrated over. If you check out the Washington State Museum website or download their app, you’ll notice that there are learning activity sheets available for kids. This will help them learn as they make their way through different exhibits in the museum. With changing exhibits, there is always something to do here, so make sure to add this to your list of things to do in Tacoma.
Courtesy of Unsplash
5. Visit Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) and Make Art at TAM Studio
Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) Studio is Free. No museum admission required.
Museum Admission Cost: Adults $18, Seniors (65+) $15. Under Age 18 are Free. All military members (past and present) including their families are free. You will need to reserve a date and time for your museum tickets.
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm with extended hours on Thursday till 8pm which includes free admission from 5pm to 8pm.
If you are just visiting the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) Studio this area is free to all ages and does not require museum admission. TAM Studio is located in the museum lobby. Here in the TAM Studio, there are many different art supplies to make your own work of art and many of the activities offered here coincide with the art on display within the museum. TAM Studio also has a hands-on exhibit area and a lounging area with books available to read. On occasion they will have story time with books featuring the artwork on display with a dedicated hands-on craft or activity to match the book that was just read. See the website for dates and times when this is offered.
If you do decide to purchase museum admission and explore the Tacoma Art Museum, you’ll find many different exhibits on display and multiple collections to explore. With a range from American to European to Japanese art. You will also see collections focused on the Pacific Northwest area of the United States as well.
6. Visit the Museum of Glass
Cost: Adults $17, Seniors (62+), Students, and Military $14, Children (6-12) $5, Under Age 6 is Free. Discounts available for AAA members. The 3rd Thursday of the month there is free admission from 5pm to 8pm.
You can also purchase special workshops separately. Check out website for types of workshops as well as the days and times this is offered.
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday: 10am to 5pm
The Museum of Glass is not to be missed as one of the fun things to do in Tacoma, Washington. It is also hard to miss visually because it’s a large cone in the middle of the Tacoma city skyline. That cone isn’t just for decoration though. It is actually made of stainless steel to house the hot shop where during your time at the museum you can watch as artists craft beautiful glass displays right before your very eyes. Feel the heat during their glass making process to turn out hand crafted glass pieces similar to those on display within the museum.
Courtesy of Unsplash
While inside the museum there are a number of different glass exhibits to look through, and if you prefer to you can take a guided tour to learn more about each different glass item on display. Once a week on Sundays, you can also learn more by the in-house artist who gives a talk or presentation which is included in your admission.
Courtesy of Pixabay
7. Visit LeMay - America’s Car Museum
Cost: Adults $18, Seniors (65+) and Active-Duty Military $16, Age 3-18 $14, Age 6-12 $10, Age 5 and Under are Free. Discounts are available for AAA, State Farm, and Hagerty policy holders. Speed zone tickets are a separate cost and can be purchased individually or as a package with admission. See website for details and package options.
Hours: Open from Thursday through Monday 10am to 5pm
LeMay – America’s Car Museum is for the car enthusiast in your family. Here at LeMay, prepare to see almost every different type of car imaginable. From Nascar racing cars, to classic cars, as well as European cars. Each with a different story. You’ll even be able to test your driving skills in a racing simulation (additional cost to purchase). Or you can get hands-on in the family zone or learning lab. Kids can learn about how cars work, track a road trip across the country, or learn about fuel, energy, and technology. With multiple exhibits to choose from, there is plenty to see in this 165,000 square foot facility. LeMay – America's Car Museum has been consistently rated best museum by the industry’s best. So, check this out the next time you make your way to Tacoma, Washington.
8. Visit the Foss Waterway Seaport
Cost: Adults $10, Seniors (62+), Military, Students, and Children $8, Under Age 5 are Free. You can also purchase a family pass for $25 for 2 adults and 4 children (saving you over 50% in admission versus paying individually).
Hours: Open Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The 3rd Thursday of the month is open later till 8pm with free admission from 4pm to 8pm.
The Foss Waterway Seaport is a museum dedicated to the maritime history of Tacoma and how that history continues to impact Tacoma today. Here in this over 100-year-old restored building you’ll have a chance to see multiple exhibits including the chronicling history of the Native Americans of Tacoma. You’ll see the 23-foot-long bone compilation of a humpback whale as you learn about these beautiful and magnificent creatures that call Puget Sound and Tacoma home. Enjoy the hands-on exhibit which teaches all about the boats and tools used over the years for all the fishing that takes place here in Puget Sound. Learn also about the ferry, canoes, and see real craftsman using age old techniques to repair boats in the museum’s dedicated boat shop.
There is also a complete scaled model railroad set up here to learn about the railroad history of Tacoma. Tacoma in the 1800’s was the terminal for the Northern Pacific Railroad on the west coast. The Foss Waterway Seaport Museum was once a wheat warehouse and originally designed to be the hub for importing and exporting by rail and by sail (via the Puget Sound). Learn all about this railway’s history. The Foss Waterway Seaport Museum is just another one of the fun things to do in Tacoma, Washington.
If you love trains and railroads like we love trains and railroads, then read all about the fun rail rides we’ve taken over the years like in Australia, the Alaska Railroad, on the St. Mary’s Railroad Express, and The Polar Express Train.
Courtesy of Unsplash
Free Things to do in Tacoma, Washington
9. Explore Point Defiance Park
Cost: Free
Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset
At the very northernmost tip of Tacoma, Washington is over 700 beautiful acres called Point Defiance Park. There are so many things to do in Point Defiance Park, that I dedicated an entire blog post just to that one spot. So check it out to learn more.
Within the park, there are multiple scenic drives and walking trails with stop offs to enjoy beautiful views of the bay as well as the tall primary forest trees. Here you can see the Mountaineer Tree which is over 450 years old. Along some of the outer ridges of this peninsula are beaches like Owen Beach which features beautiful views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. There are many areas to picnic, a dog park for your furry friends, and playgrounds and slides to keep the kids busy too.
You can also explore the numerous gardens that are free such as the rose garden, rhododendron garden, iris garden, herb garden, dahlia trail garden, fuchsia garden, northwest native garden, and Japanese garden. With all the things to do in Point Defiance Park, you’ll need to be sure to add this stop to your itinerary of fun things to do in Tacoma, Washington. You won’t regret it!
10. Walk along Ruston Way Waterfront
Cost: Free
Hours: Anytime
Ruston Way is a 2-mile stretch of paved trail. It is perfect for walking, biking, dog walking, rollerblading, and much more. Ruston Way is ideally located right along the Puget Sound waterway connecting downtown Tacoma to Point Defiance Park. Ruston Way starts at Old Town in downtown Tacoma where a recreation of the original log cabin of one of the founders of Tacoma is located. Now Old Town has the log cabin which teaches some of the history of this city, a playground, a splash pad, basketball courts, and even a skate park. Ruston Way from Old Town then makes its path along the water of Puget Sound with stops for photo opportunities, rest and relaxation, as well as conveniently located parks.
At the end of Ruston Way where it makes its connection to Point Defiance Park is the newly built community of Point Ruston. Not only is this a waterfront living area for locals, but it also has playground, splash pad, shopping area, numerous restaurants, a movie theater, as well as a local public market. At Point Ruston Public Market be sure to sample the local sweet treats, yummy food, or purchase a local or handmade item to remember your time in Tacoma, Washington.
Courtesy of Pixabay
11. Visit Stadium High School – Filming Location for the Movie “10 Things I Hate About You”
Cost: Free to visit from the outside. Tour incurs cost if you want to visit the inside of the high school.
COVID update: Stadium High School Tours have been placed on hold. While you can still visit the outside of Stadium High School on your tour of Tacoma’s Stadium District, you just cannot visit the inside of the high school yet. Although hopefully this will be open soon for you to enjoy.
Hours: Anytime (to visit outside). Check website for tour times.
Padua High School from the iconic 90’s movie 10 Things I Hate About You is actually Stadium High School located in Tacoma, Washington. All those famous high school scenes from the movie that you know, and love were filmed here like when the late and great Heath Ledger comes down the stadium bleachers singing Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You by Franki Valli. Did you know that you can actually take a tour of the high school? Get a behind the camera look at where all of those iconic scenes were filmed as well as see props from the movie.
Stadium High School was originally constructed starting in 1891 as a hotel, but after stops due to money and a fire, this was later renovated and completed as a high school in 1906. Now Stadium High School is considered a historic landmark for the city of Tacoma and sits on Commencement Bay one of the many bays that are connected to Puget Sound. Just like you see at the end credits of the movie when the drone is circling the band on the roof playing, there is an absolutely stunning view from the stadium and high school out over the water. So, if you are a movie buff, then make sure to add this iconic movie location to your list of fun things to do in Tacoma, Washington.
12. Take the Prairie Line Trail Walking Tour
Cost: Free
Hours: Anytime
The Prairie Line is an old train line in Tacoma. This no longer running railroad track is now a one-mile walking tour which takes you through all the history of Tacoma. Along the trail there are beautiful art installments to view as well. This free self-guided tour has an online map to guide you past all the history of each location as you walk along from the Children’s Museum of Tacoma right into the heart of downtown Tacoma, Washington. Be sure to add this brief stop to your list of things to do in Tacoma, Washington. You can also download a coloring and activity book for kids which provides information about some of the stops along the trail. A fun way to keep them engaged. Download from website or pick up at the Children's Museum of Tacoma.
13. Walk the Chihuly Bridge of Glass
Cost: Free
Hours: Anytime
If you want a tour of this bridge, then you can purchase tickets through the Museum of Glass for $10. It’s a 45-minute walking tour.
Connecting the Museum of Glass to Tacoma’s Union Station and Washington State Museum is the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. Named after world renowned glass artist and Tacoma native, Dale Chihuly. On this short walk, you will find 3 massive and beautiful glass art installations. Leaving the Museum of Glass and heading onto the bridge the first installation you some to is the Venetian Wall. The Venetian Wall features over 100 individual sculptures spanning the 80-foot-long wall. Next as you continue your walk along the bridge of glass, you will come to the crystal towers. These tall blue glass sculptures were made to evoke the feeling of seeing the ice of a glacier like those of Alaska. Blog coming soon on my Alaska cruise to see the glaciers.
Last on the bridge before you leave, you’ll go under the sea. Above your head you will see over 2,000 glass objects adorning the ceiling like it’s part of the Australian coral reef. You will notice it’s familiarity if you’ve ever been to the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Dale Chihuly was commissioned to create a similar piece which is now an iconic part of the Vegas strip. Vegas blog post coming soon.
Courtesy of Pixabay
14. Visit the Children’s Museum of Tacoma
Cost: “Pay as you will”
Hours: Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 1pm then 2pm to 5pm. They are closed between 1pm and 2pm.
Here at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, they have decided to keep the cost to pay as you will, which means they operate by donation only. So, if you are able to give to support the museum, that’s great! If not, no worries. They still want children to learn.
At the museum, you’ll find an indoor playground, as well as many hands-on learning activities. All of the learning here is based on playtime, so kids enjoy and remember their time in Tacoma. We love visiting museums when we travel, because not every museum is the same. The things you’ll learn about at a museum here in Florida is going to be different than what you will learn about in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. Many museums incorporate the local weather, local nature and wildlife, and local history to their learning stations. Make sure to add this as one of your educational things to do in Tacoma, Washington while you are here.
If you can believe it, there are actually still so many more fun things to do in Tacoma, Washington, that I’ll be adding more soon. Have you been to Tacoma? If so, what was your favorite Tacoma activity? Leave it in the comments below.
Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
