Over 150 Family Friendly Things To Do In Pierce County
Pierce County is a great place to live; we’ve got so many beautiful natural places to explore, indoor places for all those rainy days we experience and amazing restaurants!
With so many places to visit it can be a little overwhelming at times to come up with things to do with your family, or maybe you’re unfamiliar with the area.
That’s why I decided to put together a list of family friendly things to do in the Pierce County area. That way it makes it so much easier to decide what to do.
The list is separated by town/city, so if you want to stay in a specific part of Pierce County, it’ll be easier to get an idea. I’ll also try to let you know if it’s for all ages or specific ages and it’ll have a $ if it costs money. There are TONS that are free though!
I’ll try keeping this post updated, but keep in mind because of the pandemic some places might be closed, or have limited capacity, ect.
Check out these local posts;
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- Public Areas to Play in the Water Near Pierce County
- Pierce County Birthday Party Locations for Kids & Teens
- List of Zoos and Aquariums in Washington
- South Sound U-Pick & U-Cut Farms
- Pierce County Library – Be sure to check their calendar for summer reading program, story times and more.
- Tacoma Public Library – Be sure to check their calendar for story times and more.
Over 150 Family Friendly Things To Do In Pierce County
UNIVERSITY PLACE
- Check out the indoor playground, arcade or laser tag at Odyssey 1, they also have food available. $
- Chambers Bay – This park is a favorite for so many, it’s home of the PGA US Open 2015. It’s gorgeous views over looking a large golf course and the bay. It has a playground, many miles of paved trails, dog park, beach, kite flying and picnic tables.
- The Village at Chambers Bay – park, grab a pizza at Mod Pizza(or The Lumberyard Whole Foods) or Mediterranean Gyro Grill, Jersey Mike’s Subs and enjoy it on the patio any time of day but in the evening they have it lit up. Then enjoy an ice cream cone from Bliss Creamery. $
- Kobayashi Park – a hidden gem in University Place, 5.5-acre area of forest & wetlands, wade in the creeks during the summer, enjoy a peaceful picnic or barbeque and take a hike.
- Take the family bowling at Narrows Bowling Alley, play in the arcade and grab a bite to eat. $
- Pod Works – Tacoma’s first kid-friendly co-working and event space for Moms. They also host member events, as well as events for the public. $
- Paint, Create & Inspire at Art Studio 27. They have sip & paint, kids are clubs & camps and private parties. And paint kits to go! $
- My kids love going for the pizza buffet at Round Table on 27th and playing in the arcade. $
- Homestead Park – has a small playground and a wooded area to walk and explore, keep in mind no restrooms
- Cirque Park – although this park only has a small playground for younger kids, it has a skatepark, trail, volleyball court, baseball fields and a lot of grass area. Covered picnic area and restrooms also available.
- Play at either Colgate Park aka rocket ship park is a smaller size playground with no restrooms or picnic tables but it’s our go-to on a hot sunny day because of some shade and Sunset Terrace Park which is a favorite for kids of all ages, baseball field, grass, covered picnic area
- The Curran Apple Orchard is fun to visit any time of the year, it’s the perfect hill to sled down with snow, explore nature, and during the warmer months they usually host concerts and other events. They also have an apple picking event end of the season.
- Enjoy your lunch/dinner at Sapporo Steakhouse where the food is cooked Hibachi style. $
- Grab your skimboards and go play at the Chambers Creek Canyon Trailhead when the tide is just right. This is also a great hike!
STEILACOOM
- Sunnyside Beach Park – sandy beach, playground, volleyball court, covered picnic area, keep in mind it’s a small fee for non residents to park. $
- Visit the Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center and Museum $
- Play at the beach at Saltars Point Park, picnic shelter and tables, restrooms
- Check out there Summer Concert Series
- Take a ferry ride and play at Anderson Island or just enjoy a ride. $
- Enjoy an ice cream at Berry Dock Ice Cream Shop $
- Walk and explore Farrell’s Marsh Wildlife Area
FIRCREST
- The Tot Lot is the perfect playground for the younger children. Completely fenced in, restrooms, picnic tables, a big sand box with toys that live there.
- Let the kids pick out a new book, toy, craft/art kit and so much more at The Curious Bear & Toy Shop and be sure to check out there website for any fun public events going on(they have story time). $
- Take the family skating at Skateworld, they have spring/summer camps as well so be sure to check those out. $
- Fircrest Park Playground just got a face lift and is a great playground for all ages.
- Cancelled right now because of the pandemic, but usually the Fircrest Community Center has a free toddler gym on M & W from 10:30-11:30am – must be accompanied by an adult.
- Edwards Family Aquatic Center at the Fircrest Community Center will have a beautiful new swimming pool this summer. Take the family for a dip! $
- Got a kid/teen who loves golf, visit Fircrest Golf Club $
LAKEWOOD
- Play at the playground, use the paved trail or non paved trails for exploring, large dog park(the best I’ve ever been to in the area), check out the old barns, soccer fields, baseball fields, picnic shelters and tables at Fort Steilacoom Park.
- Check out the beautiful 10 acre garden at Lakewold Gardens. Have a picnic and check out the gift shop. $
- Grab a donut or two from our favorite place, Original House of Donuts. $
- Cancelled right now because of the pandemic, but usually the Lakewood Community Center has a toddler gym on T & TH from 9:30-11:00am – must be supervised by an adult. $
- Public events have been cancelled because of the pandemic but usually Pierce County Science Dome has public events at the dome. $
- Play at the playground, relax by the lake, picnic shelter, restrooms, and access to the boat launch at American Lake Park.
- Got a kid/teen who loves golf, visit Oakbrook Golf Club $
- Catch a movie at the AMC Lakewood Mall $
- Paint & Create Ceramic art at Art & Clay Studio $
- Go watch a play or even audition to be in a play at Lakewood Playhouse $
- Take the older kids and teens go-karting at the indoor Grand Prix Raceway $
- Take your skateboard, skates, bikes, scooters and go ride Kiwanis Skatepark, it also has a small playground, restrooms and grass area.
DUPONT
- Take the family friendly hike down the Sequalitchew Creek Trail, enjoy a picnic on the beach when you get to the end. The kids always enjoy walking through the tunnel at the end, it’s wide enough to have space when it’s busy(and it gets busy often), it’s a dirt path but we’ve managed to bring the jogging stroller once.
- Got a kid/teen who loves golf, visit The Home Course and/or Eagle’s Pride Golf Course $
- Check out the Dupont Historical Museum and gift shop. $
- Technically in Olympia, but it’s about a 5 minute drive down the freeway to the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refugee. We really love this local hike all year round, you see so much wildlife and beautiful nature, check out the old barns and picnic spots throughout, seasonal gift shop. $
GIG HARBOR
- The younger kids will love playing at the Discovery Village all afternoon or day, perfect for sensory play and rainy day fun. $
- Take your plane lover to the Tacoma Narrows Airport, grab a bite to eat or just watch the planes take off and land.
- Relax and play on the beach at Tacoma Narrows Park.
- Take a short hike and relax down at the beach at Cliffside Nature Preserve & Trails
- Visit and play at Harbor Family Park, Wollochet Bay Estuary Park, Crescent Lake Country Park Trailhead
- Crescent Creek Park has a playground, grass area, covered picnic shelter, restrooms, baseball field, BMX Park & Beach Volleyball Courts
- Check out the 98-acre Sehmel Homestead Park featuring a large playground, basketball court, baseball field, tennis courts, turf football/soccer field, picnic areas, and meadow with 4 miles of trails to adventure on. Restrooms and concession stands also available.
- Play and relax at the Purdy Spit
- Relax and explore Sunrise Beach Park
- Take a hike in the McCormick Forrest Park and they’ve got a dog park as well.
- Go paddleboarding or kayaking at Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Nature Preserve or just go play on the beach.
- Go play at Kopachuck State Park, just don’t forget your Discover Pass! $
- Catch a movie at Galaxy Theatres $
- Enjoy a fun afternoon challenging your brain at Escape Hour Gig Harbor $
- Take your skateboard, skates, bikes, scooters and go ride the Gig Harbor Skatepark
- Go walk, ride, run the Cushman Trail
- Take the family to Ocean5 where you can bowl, play at the arcade, laser tag and eat. $
- Play at the Lighthouse beach and view the Gig Harbor Lighthouse.
- Grab yourself a coffee, wine, beer or smoothie paint-your-own ceramics at Java & Clay Cafe. $
- Got a kid/teen who loves golf, visit Gig Harbor Golf Club, Madrona Links Golf Course $
- Park, walk and shop in Uptown!
- Park, walk and shop in Downtown, check out the docks on the marina, rent a kayak/paddleboard, hangout on the grass, picnic tables.
- Take a Gondola ride in the harbor with Gig Harbor Gondola $
- Visit the Harbor History Museum $
KEY PENINSULA
- Gateway Park & 360 Park this 39-acre park has an amazing playground, splashpad, covered picnic shelter, picnic tables, grassy area, dog park and lots of trails for walking, running, biking and exploring.
- Key Peninsula Civic Center
- Cancelled right now because of the pandemic, but usually the Key Peninsula Civic Center Indoor Park has an open gym on T & TH from 9:30-11:30am – must be supervised by an adult. Suggested donation $1 per child
- During the fall season bring the older children to The Haunted Forest at Grand Farms $
- Go play at Penrose State Park, just don’t forget your Discover Pass! They’ve got beach access, trails, campground, picnic areas. $
- Go play at Joemma State Park, just don’t forget your Discover Pass! They’ve got beach access, a dock, campground, boat launch and picnic areas. $
- Visit and play at the Home Park, great playground, covered picnic shelter, porch type swing, and restrooms.
- The Red Barn Youth Center provides a safe, supervised place for Key Peninsula youth in 6th through 12th grade to go after school to have fun, find guidance, develop positive relationships, and become community minded citizens. At no cost!
- Do a family cabin rental at Camp Seymour or they have day camps available, you don’t have to be a member but you do get a discount for being a member. $
TACOMA
- Take the kids for some trampoline fun, they’ve got obstacle courses and lots of jumping. Fun for all ages at DEFY Tacoma. $
- Walk across the Narrows Bridge! You can park at War Memorial Park.
- Spend time exploring Titlow Park, it’s got a playground, spraypark, trails, beach, train viewing, picnic tables and shelters.
- Grab some delicious donuts from POA’S and Legendary Donuts, both amazing places! $
- Explore the amazing nature playground at Tacoma Nature Center, they also have a great trail to explore, picnic tables and an indoor center.
- Got a kid/teen who loves golf, visit Highlands Golf Course, Allenmore Golf Course $
- Play at Kandle Park, a playground, spraypark, picnic tables, skatepark, basketball courts, paved walking path, and a large grassy area.
- Get a summer swim pass and get unlimited swim time at both Kandle and Stewart Heights outdoor pools. Kandle is known for their wave pool and Stewart Heights has a slide, lazy river and it’s truly perfect for all ages. $
- Visit all the animals at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium $
- The Point Defiance Park offers so much amazing nature experiences; drive the 5-mile drive looking for racoons, walk the Rose Gardens anytime of the year but especially in spring when everything’s in bloom. Bike, walk, run the many trails. Playground, Owen’s Beach and so much more here. It’s the second largest park in the country, behind Central Park.
- Take the family back in time and visit the Fort Nisqually located in Pt. Defiance Park. $
- Walk the Wilson Way Pedestrian Bridge, to ride down the Stairs and Slides.
- Ride, walk, picnic and views at the Dune Peninsula.
- Easily spend an entire day at Point Ruston; the indoor farmers market, playground, spraypark, catch a movie, grab a bite to eat, check the view, walk the boardwalk.
- If you’re looking for a good long walk, ride, skate; park at the Chinese Reconciliation Park and go all the way to Point Defiance park or vice versa. Along Ruston Way, they’ve got a small sandy beach access, docks to fish, and food.
- Grab a cone at either of the Ice Cream Social locations, 6th ave and Pt. Ruston $
- The Tacoma Children’s Museum is such an amazing indoor hands on experience for your children. Everything from a big water table, to playground. They also offer a traveling Play to Learn program. Closed right now because of the pandemic.
- If you’re looking for an indoor pool, check out both the People Center Pool and East Side Community Center Pool. $
- Does your child/teen enjoy shopping? Take them to the Tacoma Mall, grab some lunch and do a little shopping or window shopping.
- Visit the Browns Point Lighthouse and have a picnic on the beach!
- Go bowling at either Tower Lanes, Chalet Bowl, Paradise Lanes. $
- Go jump on some bounce houses and wear some energy out at Pump It Up! $
- Play at Chuck-E-Cheese, they’ve got arcades, a few smaller type rides for younger kids, food. $
- Play and explore at Wrights Park; they’ve got a lot of trails, playground, spraypark, pond, Arboretum, picnic tables and restroom(although I’d use caution when using the bathroom).
- They’ve really expanded Swan Creek Park, it has trails for walking and mountain biking, a community garden and woods to explore.
- Explore Wapato Park, it’s got trails to walk, playground, restrooms, beautiful landscape, dog park, picnic shelter and tables.
- Franklin Park has a great playground, spraypark, trail, grassy area, restrooms, picnic tables and basketball courts.
- Check out the small aquarium at Bass Pro Shop!
- Star Center Park has an outdoor playground that’s great for all ages, picnic tables, restrooms and a spraypark. (FREE) The Star Center is an indoor facility with a playground that’s perfect for younger kids and has air conditioning and then an outdoor playground that is covered and fenced in that the older kids love. $
- If your child/teen loves to climb, check out Edgeworks Climbing $
- During blueberry season take the family to pick free blueberries at Charlotte’s Blueberry Park.
- Catch a movie at Regal 84th, The Blue Mouse or The Grand Cinema! $
- Go play airsoft with your child/teen at Tacoma Airsoft Center. $
- It’s temporarily closed but when it’s open, go check out the Job Carr Cabin Museum. $
- Shop and/or eat at the Freighthouse Square!
- Have a tea party at the Olive Branch Cafe! $
- Ride the free Link Light Rail(aka Downtown Tacoma Trolley)
- Grab cupcakes from Hello Cupcakes $
- Visit one of the museums downtown; Tacoma Art Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay Car Museum and/or Washington State History Museum. $
- Visit Tinkertopia and buy some stuff to make a craft at home or see if they’re hosting an event. $
- Play at Dash Point Park(not state park), beach access and a dock to fish on.
FIFE
- Take the family for a swim at the Fife Aquatic Center $
- Check out the Fife History Museum, admission is always free
- Walk the Interurban South Trailhead
- Play at the playground and/or sports fields at Dacca Park
- Play at the small size playground at Wedge Park
- Play, explore and picnic at Brookville Gardens Community Park
- Check out these other parks as well; Levee Pond Park, Hylebo’s Nature Park, Fountain Memorial, Colburn Park, Centennial Park, and 5 Acre Park.
PUYALLUP
- Take the family mini golfing at King Family Fun Center, they had a recent fire and the skating, arcade and cafe are temporarily closed. $
- Take your skateboard, skates, bikes, scooters and go ride the Puyallup Skatepark
- Take the family mini golfing, go-karting, and batting cages at Mike & Terry’s Outdoor Fun Park. $
- Play at the 7-acre DeCoursey Park that has a pond, picnic tables, playground and restrooms
- Play at Grayland Park, it has a playground, grassy area, picnic tables and restrooms.
- Enjoy a delicious pizza from Wicked Pie Pizza $
- Spend the afternoon playing at Pioneer Park, they’ve got a playground, splashpad, grassy area, beautiful landscape, picnic tables, and restrooms.
- Visit the historical Meeker Mansion $
- Visit British Bites, grab a baked good and coffee! $
- Eat some Cajun food at Bourbon Street Bar & Grill $
- Visit the amazing fun Washington State Fair, they have the spring fair and regular fair that happens around end of summer beginning of fall. They also have other events that happen throughout the year, so check out the website. $
- Grab a treat from Wanna Cupcake? $
- Play and explore at Wildwood Park, it’s a wooded area with trails, playground and picnic tables.
- Visit the Puyallup Fish Hatchery!
- Play at the 59-acre Bradley Lake Park, featuring a lake, fishing, trails, a playground, picnic areas, baseball & restrooms.
- Catch a movie at Regal South Hill Mall and Regal Longston Place $
- Go for some fun and jump at Super Jump Party Zone $
- Go for some fun and let the wiggles out at Wiggle Works, keep in mind this is for little ones under 48″ $
- Take a class with your child at The Little Gym, they’ve got stuff for 4 months- 12 years old. Gymnastics, music, dance and more. $
- Play at South Hill Community Park it offers paved walking trails, playground, dog park and field.
- Take the family to play at Meridian Habitat Park, 36-acre park with a nature playgound, wooded area to explore, grassy area, dog park, and wildlife habitat.
- Be sure to check out Puyallup Recreational Center’s catalogs with events and activities they offer throughout the year.
GRAHAM/SPANAWAY
- Closed until the pandemic restricts are lifted, but go jump and play at Bounce-E-House! $
- Take a nature walk and check out the small creek at Bresemann Forrest
- Check out the 135-acre Spanaway Park, it’s got swimming, boating, fishing, trails and a playground. Picnic tables and shelters, restrooms.
- Got a kid/teen who loves golf, visit Lake Spanaway Golf Course $
- Take the family to play at the 71-acre Frontier Park; it has a playground, picnic shelters and tables, turf playing areas, Equestrian facilities, restrooms, and trails.
- One of my families favorite places is Old McDebbies Farm & Jim’s U Fish, hands on experience with a lot of the animals, fishing, I-spy trail, music trail, picnic tables, toys, playground. You could easily spend all day here! $
- Create a piece of art at Create & Gogh! $
- Go play with your older children at Operation Paintball, games are played in a park like atmosphere on theme courses ranging from jungles with tree forts to an urban field with automobiles and a two-story house. $
- Explore nature at Morse Wildlife Preserve
- Want to get active with your family? Sprinker Recreation Center has a lot to offer; skatepark, rock climbing wall, playground, ice skating($), tennis court, basketball, picnic area, baseball, soccer, walking trails.
EATONVILLE to MOUNT RAINER
- Take the family to Northwest Trek & Wildlife, ride the tram, walk around looking at the animals, eat at the cafe and play at the playground. $
- Check out the “hands on” Pioneer Farm Museum and let it take you back to the past, fun for all ages. $
- Go explore and hike the Nisqually State Park, just don’t forget your Discover Pass! $
- Hike to the Little Mashel Waterfalls, you can start at either the Pack Forest trailhead or the Bud Blancher trailhead – which we’ve done this one before and it was great! You could just walk the trailheads and not go to the waterfalls also – with a stroller.
- Play at the playground, have a picnic at Mill Pond Park in Eatonville, they also have a skate park.
- Eat some German food at Bruno’s Family Restaurant $
- Take the family swimming, fishing on the dock or just for a picnic at Alder Lake Park
- Because of the pandemic it’s closed, but when it’s open. Take the family on an amazing train ride with the Mount Rainier Railroad & Logging Museum! PS. Don’t miss their Polar Express ride. $
- Play at Ashford County Park, it has a nice playground, restrooms and picnic tables. We love to stop here when we’re going up to Mt Rainier.
- Grab a yummy slice of homemade pie from Copper Creek Inn & Restaurant. $
- Spend a day exploring our beautiful national park, Mount Rainier! It has many things to offer; hikes, views, nature, snow sports, waterfalls, restrooms and restaurants. $
BONNEY LAKE/SUMNER
- Visit Allan Yorke Park, Lake Tapps for some outdoor fun; from swimming, boating, fishing, playground and a skatepark. They’ve got restrooms, picnic shelters and tables.
- Play in an indoor playground at Kidz Happy Hour. $
- Take your child paintballing in South Prairie at KC Crusaders Paintball. $
- Catch a movie at Regal Tall Firs (Temporarily Closed) $
- Go play, explore and/or picnic at any of the parks; Cedarview Park, Rainier View Park, Loyalty Park. They’ve all got playgrounds!
- Go hike the Fennel Creek Trailhead
- Hike and view the beautiful waterfall at Victor Falls City Park
- During the summer visit The Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire, fun for all ages! $
- Grab some delicious ice cream from Main St. Dairy Freeze in Sumner! $
- Have a tea party at Secret Garden Tea Room. Keep in mind they are only doing to-go orders right now until it’s safe to open. $
If you made it this far, congratulations that is a long list! But I hope you found some things that you can do with your family. Be sure to save this post for future reference!
