Tantalizing Tacoma: 4 Days of Family Fun
Discover family fun in Tacoma, where adventure meets enchantment!
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
A family-friendly trip to Tacoma, United States offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Start your journey by exploring the breathtaking Point Defiance Park, where you can enjoy stunning gardens, a zoo, and a beach. Move on to the engaging Tacoma Children's Museum and the fascinating Museum of Glass, where you can witness amazing glass-blowing demonstrations, ensuring an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family.
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- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the quirky Antique Sandwich Company, where vintage decor meets mouthwatering sandwiches.
- Explore the stunning glass art at the Museum of Glass, marveling at the intricate creations of renowned artists like Dale Chihuly.
- Take a stroll along the picturesque Ruston Way Waterfront, enjoying the scenic views of the Puget Sound while grabbing an ice cream cone at Ice Cream Social.
- Immerse yourself in history at the Washington State History Museum, where exhibits bring the stories of the region to life.
- Indulge in a delectable seafood dinner at Duke's Chowder House, known for its melt-in-your-mouth clam chowder and fresh seafood options.
- Experience Tacoma's vibrant nightlife at Jazzbones, a live music venue where you can dance the night away to the sounds of jazz, blues, and funk.
- Start your day with a visit to Point Defiance Park, a sprawling green oasis offering beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and even a zoo.
- Embark on an adventure at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, home to a wide array of animals and marine life, including playful penguins!
- Treat the kids to a playful afternoon at Odyssey 1, an indoor entertainment center featuring laser tag, bumper cars, mini golf, and arcade games.
- Enjoy a leisurely picnic by the shimmering Wapato Lake, surrounded by nature's tranquility and watching ducks waddle by.
- Feast on a delectable dinner at Stanley and Seafort's, a waterfront restaurant offering panoramic views of Tacoma and a mouthwatering steak selection.
- Start your day at Point Ruston, Tacoma's waterfront resort area, where you can rent bikes and explore the scenic Commencement Bay.
- Immerse yourself in contemporary art at the Tacoma Art Museum, featuring exhibits that showcase the creativity and talent of local artists.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a dazzling installation filled with vibrant glass sculptures suspended in mid-air.
- Discover the harmonious blend of art and nature at the Bloedel Reserve, a serene garden oasis where you can unwind amidst peaceful surroundings.
- Enjoy a scrumptious dinner at Over the Moon Café, a cozy spot serving up delicious comfort food and delectable desserts.
- Start your morning with a visit to the LeMay America's Car Museum, a haven for car enthusiasts showcasing a stunning collection of vintage vehicles.
- Explore the Tacoma Dome Farmers Market, where you can sample local produce, artisanal goodies, and snap up unique souvenirs.
- Unleash your inner child at the Children's Museum of Tacoma, a hands-on wonderland filled with interactive exhibits and creative play areas.
- Visit the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, also known as "Galloping Gertie," and learn about its infamous history and remarkable engineering.
- Conclude your journey with a memorable seafood dinner at The Crab Pot, where you can enjoy a messy feast by cracking open delicious crab legs and shrimp.
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Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Tacoma by plane is to fly to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then take a shuttle or rental car to Tacoma.
Car
The easiest way to get to Tacoma by car is to take I-5 south from Seattle or north from Portland.
Train
There is no direct train to Tacoma, but you can take the Amtrak Cascades to the nearby Tacoma Dome Station.
Boat
There are no direct boat routes to Tacoma, but you can take a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and then drive to Tacoma.
Bus
You can take a Greyhound or Bolt Bus to Tacoma from various cities in the Pacific Northwest.