hands on children's museum

My daughter and grandson were visiting and I took them to the Hands on Children's museum. It was a nice facility but each individual space could have been larger. It was very cramped, limited on space and felt over crowded. It seemed like there should have been more employees manning each exhibition and maintaining control over the crowd and the garbage and water on the floor in wet areas. I would go again but on a weekday during the day when it wasn't over crowded

The Hands on Museum is so well thought out and put together. They have things for kids of every age, even toddlers. The different "exhibits" allow for lots of parent participation, too. A favorite is the little garden and market area or the water table. I thought the old location of this museum was pretty great and I took my kids there all the time, but the new facility is simply amazing.

This place does not disappoint. Every person, from little to big, enjoys their experience here. So many options of activities, from tiny ones in the Harbor room, to older kids at the water table and jungle gym. Not to mention, the outside options are great and growing. We spend hours at the stream on hot days, or playing in the sand. This is a must try if you have kids in your life.

We have been to both the new and old museum. Great place for kids. Lots of hands on simulation. Need to go on an off day when less people. We went in the 1st Friday when it was free for kids and it was crazy. Still worth it though. Lots of education and fun. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

The Science Center is a great place to allow children to play and learn at the same time! Highly recommend coupling with WET Science Center

I wish this had been around when our daughters had been growing up!! Our 10 yr old granddaughter (and her Papa) enjoyed all the interactive activities!!! I just wish there were more docents to help the children understand the different activities..and how they worked and WHY..as most of the young mother's were clueless!!

If you're a local, get a membership. Use it on rainy days! They make awesome gifts for Birthdays and Holidays. If you're not a local, allow some time to spend relaxing and playing. Maybe walk to the farmers market for lunch and head back for more!

This place is totally child centered. The exhibits are FUN, the volunteer docents are very helpful, the staff keep everyone safe and happy. Our grandchildren, ages 3-10, really enjoy spending a rainy afternoon here. Upstairs there's a room with craft supplies, including clay, where the older ones often migrate to. They often have a 'craft of the day' - like T-shirt making with really good quality materials. Highly recommend a visit when cabin-fever sets in.

Great for kids up to say 8.But they charge full price for both kids and parents. Not worth it. Used to be less expensive before they built a new facility. I would go to Charlie's Safari in Lacey. Kids can climb, jump on bounce houses and play laser tag. They do not charge for parents, and have buy one get one for 3 cans of food for fod bank during the week. Much better deal and suitable for kids 4~12 or even older.

I took my grandson to the Children's Museum when he visited us last summer. He LOVED it. They are always updating the activities so there are new activities. If you have kids, this is a "must do" when visiting Olympia.

This place is AWESOME ! It has two floors and an outdoor area that will stimulate the brain of every child and adult who participates in any of the activities. I can not begin to describe everything...go to the website for an idea of everything it has to offer and make a day of it. If you are within an hour's drive, do not miss it. Plan to spend at least 4 hours and you are welcome to bring your own snacks to eat at the cafe area or purchase high quality food from the cafe. Next door is the WET center (free) and worthy of a visit to complement your museum trip.If you are lucky enough to live around the area, buy a membership! We did and it was the best money spent on the grandkids.

This place is so fun! There are so many areas to go to and explore! I went with some friends and our kids. They all had so much fun! I can't wait to go back!

So I don't have kids, but they have adult nights every couple months, called Adult Swim. Get your tickets early and enjoy cocktails/wine/beer, activities, photo booth, and more! Always a great time.

This is such a cool place! We took a two year old and she liked it. The only issue we had was that the older children were a little two loud for her but they do have an area for 4 and under. It was cold for the outdoor area but it was still fun to play in the rocks.

Our group included 3 seniors and one adult. We were not allowed to enter since they require all visitors to be accompanied by a kid. I tried borrowing one from the mom behind us (she had 2), but the staff interceded and explained they could give us a tour, if a person was available. In less than five minutes, someone led us on a guided tour. It is a place where you want to be a kid again. The focus was on interactive exhibits - perfect for kids. No wordy boards explaining the force of gravity with an image of Isaac Newton and a two falling objects. You dropped the objects yourself. Everything was designed to provoke thought while having fun. The tour was free, but we made a nice donation on the way out. Thanks, and great work.