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Hands On is one of the most visited Children's Museum in the Northwest!  We actively work to meet our vision to be a unique and essential community resource.

Our acclaimed Field Trip Education Program promotes academic achievement in the arts and sciences for elementary school students by offering interactive learning opportunities based on curriculum standards. Hands On was recently honored by the Olympia School District for our Continuing Community Partnership contributing to the success of students and staff in Olympia’s Public Schools. Our Early Learning Center Programs won national recognition for the past two years with a Promising Practice Award from the Metropolitan Life Foundation and the Association of Children’s Museums.  Hands On competed with 42 other children’s museums nationwide and was selected based on our strong community collaborations and the ability of our program to serve as model for Museums around the country.

We offer a Free-and-Reduced Admissions Program designed to reach specific groups of low-income and at-risk children; Our Young At Art Program provides numerous opportunities for families to experience the arts and our Sand In The City signature event is the largest sand sculpting competition and the largest educational outreach event in our State bringing more than 50 different art and science activities to the community for free and serving over 40,000 children and families each year.

Our Museum is consistently voted “The Best Place To Take Kids” in The Olympian’s community-wide poll, and wins high praise from regional educators, the youth museum industry, our contributors, and most importantly from kids and their families.