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 season 😉 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. Also check out their calendar for all kinds of fun events and story times they host.

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

(Insert your cities) Community Center – I know Fircrest and Lakewood have an open gym for the younger kids for like a dollar or two and they get to run around and play with the gym equipment

Star Center – $7 per day or $15 a month at the play area. Check out the website for more info. Mason really loves the covered outdoor area, so if you have older kids make sure you know the hours of the outdoor section

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 – we love going to the lunch buffet and at the University Place location 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. And the “Clubhouse” locations have a nice arcade area.

Odyssey 1 – play for $7-8, 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! Or play in the arcade or lazer tag

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!

Bounce E House – $8 for a 2 hour session, check out the hours and more info

Discovery Village – play all afternoon or day for less than $9, they have many sensory type play, more for younger kids

Chuck E Cheese – bring money to play in the arcade, admission is free

Rolling 253 – check out the skate hours and prices online but they do have many good deals like early bird Fridays for $3

Tiffany’s Skating Rink in Puyallup – go to website for schedule

Sprinker Rec Center has ice skating- check website for skate times

Wiggle Works – this one is definitely for the little ones as you have to be under 48″ to play, check their website for more information but admissions is under $10

Jumping Juniors – bounce houses in Sumner, $7.50 for two hours of play, check out the website for hours

Hope I’ve helped you think up some fun for those rainy days.