It is free but I usually donate about $10 for my son when we go. Parking can be difficult. I street park. If there is another area to park then I'm unaware but I think you might be able to park by the art museum. You do have to pay for that. It is probably tiny compared to the Olympia hands on museum but hey, it's technically free here. My son always has good time here.
I took my young nieces and they loved the art studio on the top floor. I had a great time explaining the art to them and they enjoyed it. They ask about going back all the time.
Our grandson really enjoys visiting so we go there often. His favorite is the water park but the indoor slides and painting room are fun for him as well.
We took our twin five year old grandsons and their two year old brother here. This was their second trip there and they had a wonderful time. Plus for seniors ...plenty of places to sit and rest and just watch. Best of all was the room where they could put balls and scarves in suction tubes and watch the action.
Small but friendly place for kids to place with a nice cafe and pay as you will entrance fee. Rainy days are full and a good place to take kids before nap time.
My son had a blast! There was plenty for him to do as well as me. Lots of space for him to run around and climb things, water, arts and crafts along with puzzles. Good place to go to challenge and entertain the family.
Felt rushed like on a tight time schedule for the price paid for the use of the room - especially when general admission is by donation. They gave us an attendant, but it was more like a time keeper... always rushing along - kids enjoyed the museum and we will go back for that experience again... but will hold "party" elsewhere or at home -- then take group to the museum for play.
I recently went with my grandchild. He was bored after less than an hour.It was very crowded for a week day. Parking in the Museum lot is NOT available during the week, all of the spots were marked reserved with signs that you WILL be towed if you park there without permission. (not exactly user friendly for parents with children). It is a pay what you want (donations) museum. We donated $20 for 4 adults and one child, I don't feel like we got our moneys worth.I also had a HUGE issue with the electric outlets. I counted 10 that appeared to have no child protection on them. I questioned this when i left and was told that they are a special type of outlet that are child safe. Apparently the plugs can only be used in a certain way. However, my thoughts are that kids are smart and can figure a lot of unusual (child safe) things out. Also, if children think these normal looking outlets are safe, will that pose a problem other places where the outlets are not protected?I would not recommend this museum, I feel that for just a little bit farther drive there are much better options.
On my first trip to the Children's Museum I was pleasantly surprised. I have two granddaughters that I care for on Monday and Friday's. It's a bummer that the museum is not open on Monday's for walk ins. We had tons of fun with all the adventures, especially the water works! Lots of hands on activities. It gets very busy but there is plenty to do if you need to wait for something in particular. It was nice to have a little lunch there as well. Very limited on menu. Please remember that it is donation only, so do be kind and leave more so there will be another time.
My daughters loved this place. Plenty of activities for them to run to, and attendants were very polite and helpful. We had a very pleasant experience here...and the fact that it is donation based allows access for all parents regardless of budget constraints.My daughters favorite activity was playing on the winged airship. All of the kids were working together to drop items through tubes, to be hoisted back up by a dumb-waiter contraption.Will surely visit again. Clean, safe, positive experience.