Children's Museum Tacoma
A vibrant, hands-on museum with five unique playscapes offering imaginative and educational exploration for children.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Children's Museum Tacoma
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, hands-on museum with five unique playscapes offering imaginative and educational exploration for children.
"A truly delightful, hands-on, and educational museum — fun, affordable, and creative. Perfect for families!"
👕 Bring a Change of Clothes
The water table is a blast, but arms get wet! Vests are provided, but an extra shirt is a good idea.
⏳ Allow 2-3 Hours
There's so much to explore, you'll want ample time to enjoy all the playscapes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Five Playscapes
Throughout the museum
Explore immersive worlds like Woods, Water, Voyager, Invention, and Becka's Studio for hands-on learning and imaginative play.
Water Table Fun
Water Playscape
A perennial favorite where kids can splash, experiment, and learn about water dynamics. Bring a change of clothes!
Studio B Space
Studio B
A calming environment designed for quiet wonder, with shifting light and shadow for a peaceful exploration.
Climbing Structures
Various areas
Engaging climbing opportunities that help develop physical coordination and motor skills for young adventurers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pay-What-You-Will Admission
Reservations & Capacity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👕 Bring a Change of Clothes
The water table is a blast, but arms get wet! Vests are provided, but an extra shirt is a good idea.
⏳ Allow 2-3 Hours
There's so much to explore, you'll want ample time to enjoy all the playscapes.
🅿️ Parking is Limited
Street parking is available ($1/hr), but the museum lot fills quickly. Arrive early!
🎨 Art & Craft Supplies
The art room offers rotating activities, so there's always something new to create.
Tips
from all over the internet
👕 Bring a Change of Clothes
The water table is a blast, but arms get wet! Vests are provided, but an extra shirt is a good idea.
⏳ Allow 2-3 Hours
There's so much to explore, you'll want ample time to enjoy all the playscapes.
🅿️ Parking is Limited
Street parking is available ($1/hr), but the museum lot fills quickly. Arrive early!
🎨 Art & Craft Supplies
The art room offers rotating activities, so there's always something new to create.
👶 Toddler Support
Kids under three might need help with climbing structures; parents can join in for confidence-building.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Children's Museum Tacoma for its engaging, hands-on exhibits and 'pay-as-you-will' admission, making it a highly accessible and educational destination for families. While some note it's smaller than other children's museums, its thoughtful design and dedicated playscapes ensure hours of fun and learning for children up to age 10. Parking can be limited, and bringing a change of clothes for the popular water table is recommended.
"A wonderful place for kids to have fun and learn!
There are art activities, a big climbing structure, water experiments, and many other things to explore. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours here - there’s a lot going on! 
This museum is designed for young children, from babies to about 8–10 years old, and the five themed “playscapes” (Woods, Water, Voyager, Invention, and Becka’s Studio) are all very engaging and educational. 
It’s also great for budget-conscious families and tourists. Admission is “pay as you will”, and you’re welcome to donate any amount. They don’t charge fixed tickets.
You can also buy small merch items as a thank-you souvenir if you like.
⸻
Tip for visitors:
• It can get busy, so allow plenty of time (2–3 hours).
• Parking nearby is available but limited - street parking is around $1/hr; the museum lot fills early. 
In summary:
A truly delightful, hands-on, and educational museum — fun, affordable, and creative. Perfect for families!"
Anastasiia Derkach
"Pretty nice museum! I frequent Imagine Children’s museum now that I live up in Everett, But I came to this one a couple of times before moving. It is smaller than Seattle Children’s Museum and Imagine. But still worth coming to if you live near it.
A tip for parents looking to bring their kids here, have them wear a short sleeve shirt, the water table is a very fun attraction for them, but their arms tend to get wet. The museum does provide little vests for them to wear to keep their clothes dry, but long sleeves can fall down even when rolled up. I usually bring an extra shirt for my son when we go to Imagine Children’s museum as they have a water table too.
The art room is nice, and the play structures are great, but if your kid is under three, they may need help climbing in the net/rope part. My son was scared of falling through the big holes even though he wouldn’t. But feel free to climb up there with them! They just need the confidence boost of you being with them. Climbing is good for their physical coordination and motor-skills.
There is a small area with tables to sit and eat at, and they also have a small selection of drinks and snacks. Have fun!"
Mike Norton
"Perfect place to spend time with your littles at! There is no charge, but there’s an option to donate (I high encourage to do so). Your littles imaginations will truly run wild during their time here! There’s a couple playground areas, water area, climbing area and craft area - all areas really stimulate learning and what not. Everyone seemed to be having the best time here - even the parents!"
Kaeli Welsh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Tacoma, Washington. Many visitors arrive by car, with street parking available around the museum. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point.
Yes, there is a museum parking lot, but it fills up quickly. Street parking is also available nearby, typically costing around $1 per hour. Arriving early is recommended.
While specific routes vary, Tacoma has a public transit system that may offer convenient access to the museum's vicinity. Check local transit schedules for the best options.
The museum is generally accessible for strollers, allowing families to navigate easily between exhibits. However, some areas might be more easily explored without one.
Visiting on weekday mornings or immediately after lunch can help you avoid the busiest traffic and crowds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is 'pay-as-you-will,' meaning you can donate any amount you wish. While there's no fixed ticket price, donations are highly encouraged to support the museum.
Yes, reservations are recommended due to limited capacity. While walk-ins are sometimes possible, booking in advance ensures your entry.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the museum's official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
The 'pay-as-you-will' model is the primary way the museum offers affordability. Keep an eye on their social media for any special event announcements.
Yes, you can purchase small merchandise items as thank-you souvenirs, which also contribute to supporting the museum.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features five themed 'playscapes': Woods, Water, Voyager, Invention, and Becka's Studio, offering diverse hands-on activities for children.
Absolutely! The museum is designed for children from babies up to about 8-10 years old, with specific areas and activities catering to younger ones.
While geared towards younger children, older kids (up to 10) can still enjoy the climbing structures, invention play, and imaginative scenarios.
Comfortable clothing is key. For the water table, consider bringing a change of clothes or wearing short sleeves, as arms tend to get wet.
Yes, the museum provides restrooms and changing facilities to accommodate families with young children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small area with tables where you can sit and eat food you bring.
The museum offers a small selection of drinks and snacks for purchase.
Tacoma offers various dining options. For a family-friendly outing, consider nearby spots like Ice Cream Social or other eateries in the downtown area.
Besides the museum's snack bar, Tacoma has many family-friendly restaurants. Consider places with casual atmospheres and diverse menus to please everyone.
The museum may offer party packages or rental options. It's best to contact them directly for details on birthday celebrations.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed for capturing memories. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography if it might disturb them.
The vibrant playscapes, especially the water area and the unique climbing structures, offer great photo opportunities. The Studio B space also provides interesting light and shadow play for creative shots.
Yes, sharing your experiences on social media is encouraged! Many creators have shared engaging videos of their visits.
While personal photos are usually fine, avoid intrusive photography, especially of other families without their consent. Check for any specific museum policies on photography.
Visitors often share photos of their children actively engaged in play, the colorful exhibits, and the unique architectural elements of the museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
For parents of very young children, the Studio B Space offers a calmer, more sensory-focused experience. Climbing structures are available, and parents are encouraged to join in to help build their child's confidence and motor skills. The 'pay-as-you-will' admission makes it an incredibly affordable outing for families.
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Beyond admission, the museum offers a chance to purchase small souvenirs, which can be a nice way to support their mission. Packing your own snacks and drinks is also permitted, further reducing costs. It's a fantastic option for a full day of entertainment that won't break the bank.
🎒 Day-Trippers from Out of Town
Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like the Washington State History Museum or Wright Park for a full day of family fun. Remember to check their reservation policy and consider arriving early to secure parking. The 'pay-as-you-will' admission is a bonus for travelers looking for affordable activities. It's a great way to let kids burn off energy and learn in a fun, engaging environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Playscapes
Voyager transports young explorers on imaginary journeys, fostering a sense of adventure. The Invention playscape encourages creativity and problem-solving through building and tinkering. Finally, Becka's Studio is a dedicated art space where children can express themselves through various crafts and artistic mediums.
These playscapes are thoughtfully designed to be engaging for a range of ages, from infants to pre-teens, ensuring that every child can find something to captivate their interest and stimulate their development. The museum's commitment to open-ended play means children can explore these spaces in their own way, fostering independence and creativity.
The 'Pay-As-You-Will' Model
This model is a testament to the museum's commitment to community and education. By removing financial barriers, they ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy of learning through play. While donations are voluntary, they are crucial for the museum's sustainability, funding its operations, exhibits, and free programming.
Visitors often express their appreciation for this model, with many choosing to donate generously to support the museum's mission. It fosters a sense of shared ownership and community support, making the museum a truly inclusive space for everyone.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
Secondly, consider the water play area. While incredibly fun, it's known for getting kids wet. Bringing a change of clothes or ensuring your child wears short sleeves is a wise precaution, even though the museum provides vests.
Finally, remember that the museum is designed for hands-on exploration. Encourage your children to climb, build, and experiment. For younger children, parents might need to offer a little extra encouragement and support, especially on climbing structures, to build their confidence.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit