Hands On Children's Museum
A vibrant museum where kids learn through play with interactive art & science exhibits, plus outdoor adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Hands On Children's Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant museum where kids learn through play with interactive art & science exhibits, plus outdoor adventures.
"Best kids museum we’ve ever been to. So much to do, well kept and not crowded!"
👶 Baby-Friendly Zones
Don't miss Snug Harbor upstairs for your little ones! 👶
🎒 Pack a Lunch
Or enjoy reasonably priced cafe food. You'll want to stay for hours! :sandwich:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 2,365 reviews
Type
Museum
Website
hocm.orgHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Snug Harbor
Upstairs
A dedicated, safe space for babies and non-walkers to explore and play.
Outdoor Adventure Zone
Outdoor Area
Ride bikes, explore a fire truck, helicopter, and police car.
Interactive Water Play
Indoor Area
Engaging water exhibits that kids love to splash around in.
Themed Play Areas
Indoor Areas
From a grocery store to a farm, kids can immerse themselves in imaginative play.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Baby-Friendly Fun
Plan for Extended Play
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👶 Baby-Friendly Zones
Don't miss Snug Harbor upstairs for your little ones! 👶
🎒 Pack a Lunch
Or enjoy reasonably priced cafe food. You'll want to stay for hours! :sandwich:
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and let kids explore popular exhibits like the grocery store. :clock1:
🚗 Parking Info
Parking is available and plentiful, though there is a fee. 🚗
Hands on Children’s Museum for an almost 1 year old?
Is the Hands on Children’s Museum a good fit for a baby who is almost 1? She isn’t quite walking yet. I’m a first time parent and haven’t been there before. I can’t tell by looking online if there are things that would be accessible and fun for a 1 year old. Thanks!
Tips
from all over the internet
👶 Baby-Friendly Zones
Don't miss Snug Harbor upstairs for your little ones! 👶
🎒 Pack a Lunch
Or enjoy reasonably priced cafe food. You'll want to stay for hours! :sandwich:
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and let kids explore popular exhibits like the grocery store. :clock1:
🚗 Parking Info
Parking is available and plentiful, though there is a fee. 🚗
✨ Staff are Amazing
Friendly and helpful staff make the experience even better. ⭐
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hands On Children's Museum for its extensive, engaging, and well-maintained exhibits that offer hours of fun for kids of all ages. The dedicated baby area and the outdoor adventure zone are frequently highlighted as favorites. While parking has a fee, the overall value and positive staff interactions make it a highly recommended destination for families.
"This place is great place to go! Maby different things to see and do for kids. My niece really like the crawl space with the slide! You do have to pay for parking but there is plenty of room to park. I remember coming here as a kid as well and loved it! Definitely try this place out for sure!"
Mooshroomy Grimes
"This was our first time here. We did a Groupon deal and packed a lunch that we ate in the cafe. Although their food was very reasonably priced. So we ordered lunch there. There was SO much to do. Very fair for the price. Spent three hours and could have stayed even longer. Best kids museum we’ve ever been to. We loved the outdoor play area. Everything was well kept, clean and not broken. Not crowded, plenty of space to roam. The craft room was really neat too. We live an hour away and it was well worth the drive. We will be back!"
Alicia Berrios
"Best kids museum I have ever been to. The hands in really means hands on. There were so many kids at some point we just had to leave, but my kiddo ran around for 3 hours. We arrived right at 9am and he ran around through the grocery store and farm. There is a water game and there is a second floor with more activities.
The outside was also great, it was sunny and there are bikes and helmets for kids to do the course. I live far away, otherwise the yearly membership would be so worth it because kids can have something to do year round.
There is a designated space for parties and at the back there is a fire truck, a helicopter, a police car, etc.
Finally everyone in the museum was very kind and when my kiddo got scared, one of them asked how he was doing. They are amazing!!"
Carla Huaylla Castillo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Olympia, Washington. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is common. Parking is available on-site, though it does incur a fee.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the museum. Be aware that there is a fee associated with parking.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited, but driving and utilizing the available parking is a common method for visitors.
Driving is a popular option, with ample parking available. Consider carpooling if traveling with other families.
Olympia has various hotel options. It's recommended to check booking sites for accommodations close to the museum for convenience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is considered very fair for the price, especially given the amount of activities available. Some visitors have utilized Groupon deals for savings.
While not explicitly stated, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended for popular attractions to save time. Check their official website for booking options.
The museum opens at 9 am, and visitors often recommend arriving early to make the most of the day. Check their official website for current hours.
Yes, a yearly membership is available and highly recommended if you live nearby, as it offers year-round activities.
Visitors have mentioned using Groupon deals for admission, suggesting it's worth looking for such offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the 'Snug Harbor' for babies, the outdoor adventure zone with vehicles, interactive water play, and themed areas like the grocery store and farm. +2
Absolutely! The 'Snug Harbor' area is specifically designed for babies and non-walkers, making it very baby-friendly.
Most visitors spend at least three hours, and many wish they could stay longer due to the extensive activities.
Yes, the museum offers a wide range of participatory exhibits on art and science that appeal to various age groups.
The outdoor area features bikes, helmets, a fire truck, a helicopter, and a police car, offering active fun for kids. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe with reasonably priced food options. Many visitors also choose to pack their own lunches.
Visitors have mentioned packing lunches, suggesting that bringing your own food is permissible. There are also cafe options available.
The museum has a cafe that offers food. The prices are noted as being reasonable.
While not explicitly detailed, it's common for children's museums to have designated areas for eating packed lunches. Inquire upon arrival.
Specific menu details are not provided, but it's described as having reasonably priced food suitable for families.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Capturing your child's joyful moments is encouraged!
The outdoor adventure zone with vehicles, the vibrant themed play areas, and the water exhibits offer great photo opportunities. +1
Short videos for personal social media are usually fine. Be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
Avoid intrusive photography, especially of other children without parental consent. Focus on your own family's experience.
A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing the fun. For better low-light shots, a camera with good low-light performance can be helpful.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit