If your family is anything like ours, you are always looking for a way to burn off energy and kill those winter blues. Especially where it rains 80% of the year 😉 And we’d be broke if we were paying $10+ every time your child needed to run and not get soaking wet! So, I’ve compiled a list of our favorite places to play that won’t break the bank.
FREE
Library – your child may not be able to run but it is a change of scenery from sitting in your house and it gets you out of the rain
Tacoma Children’s Museum – it’s free but they do accept donations, GREAT way to let your kids run. And to add a little extra fun and save money on parking (except Sundays when parking is free) we park at the Freight House Square(free) and ride the Tacoma link which is free!
Play to Learn – check out the website for all the dates/locations, but this is a amazing program put on by the Children’s Museum at local libraries and some schools, ages 0-5
Tacoma Nature Center – Open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday-Saturday, go check out the indoor part, like the library there is no room to run but it has a great little quiet play section and a few live animals
“Covered” trails – there’s a chance you may get slightly wet, but when we need to get out for some fresh air and take a walk, we like the mostly covered trails at Pt. Defiance Park, Tacoma Nature Center(snake lake), Titlow
Covered Schools – some schools have a section near the playground with a covered area, sometimes they will have a basketball hoop under it but usually it’s just an open area. So, make sure you bring some toys(think hula hoops, balls, bike/scooter/skateboard) and go when school isn’t in session. It is a great free option that is covered and you get fresh air! I know Geiger Elementary in Tacoma and Whittier Elementary(a huge one) in Fircrest has a covered area.
CHEAP
Star Center – $5 per session at the play area, or they have a monthly member price of $10. Check out the website for more info. Mason(6 years old) really loves the covered outdoor area(when it is open!) but gets bored easily with the indoor area.
McDonalds – On occasion we will get a treat and play in the toys, just remember to WASH YOUR HANDS! And for anyone in the area I advise not going to the play area on 38th st near the Tacoma Mall, it’s nasty!
Round Table 27th St in University Place – we love going to the lunch buffet or the Monday night buffet and they have a great little play area up top and us adults can sit at a table below and watch them play, the arcade games up top are even free.
Odyssey 1 – play for $5.95, JUST REMEMBER TO WASH HANDS!! I will admit this is usually our last choice(or a birthday party) it’s a great way to run off energy but it is germ fest and we usually come home with a cold!
Pump it Up Tacoma – $8 per child for 2 hour session, just go to their website to check out their calendar. We love this place!
Hope I’ve helped you think up some fun for those rainy days.
I have spent a lot of the last few days looking for something to do for Leo’s birthday that is either free or cheap and that he would enjoy