Area Attractions
Visit the LOTT WET Science Center, which shares the East Bay Public Plaza with the museum, or wander around the stalls at the Farmers Market, enjoy the public art and marina along Olympia’s waterfront, or venture out to stay at the Great Wolf Lodge and splash in their indoor water park.
For more visitor information check out the family-friendly recommendations below, the City of Olympia, and Experience Olympia & Beyond.
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Where to Play
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Parks and Playgrounds in Olympia
Heritage Park Fountain
A popular gathering place containing an interactive fountain with 47 dancing spouts of water.Percival Landing
Grab a treat at the Bayview Thriftway and walk the 1.5 mile boardwalk. Enjoy sweeping views of Budd Inlet and the Olympics, interpretive displays, public art, restaurants and picnic areas.Port Plaza & Viewing Tower
Outdoor stage, viewing tower and public plaza.Squaxin Park
Picnic areas, playground, interpretive trails, beachfront.Yashiro Japanese Garden
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of this Asian inspired garden.Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls Park
Picnic and play areas, trails along the falls.Tumwater Historical Park
Playgrounds, picnic areas, river access, playing.Burfoot Park
Just north of the City of Olympia, trails, beachfront.Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Enjoy the unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife habitat of the Nisqually River Delta.Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
Interpretive trails, paved ADA accessible ½ mile loop.Olympia Attractions
WET Science Center
A fun, hands-on place to learn all about water, next door to the Hands On Children’s Museum.East Bay Plaza
Play in a vibrant open space, learn about the benefits of reclaimed water and the efforts of the LOTT Clean Water Alliance, in front of the Hands On Children’s Museum.Olympia Farmers Market
Enjoy local produce, fresh fruit, artisan crafts, baked goods, meat & dairy, with several restaurants, all set to daily live music.Puget Sound Estuarium
Explore animals and plants in their local estuaries, where freshwater and saltwater meet.Tour the Capitol Campus
Take a guided tour, visit buildings, memorials, and artwork on the capitol campus.The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Catch a cultural event at the South Puget Sound’s beloved performing arts facility.Olympia Family Theater
Experience live family theater, for all ages, including shows for kids age 0-5.Apple Tree Productions
See live performances of popular plays, performed by kids for kids.Wolf Haven International
Learn all about wolves, nationally recognized wolf sanctuary.Great Wolf Lodge
Kid-friendly attractions, an indoor water park, and more. -
Where to Eat
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Restaurants in Olympia
Play Day Café
Hands On Children’s Museum Lobby5th on 4th Sandwiches
926 4th Ave E, OlympiaBread Peddler
222 Capitol Way N, Ste 103, Olympia222 Market
222 Capitol Way N, OlympiaSofie’s Scoops Gelato
222 Capitol Way N, Olympia
510 State Ave NE, Olympia (just a couple blocks away)Budd Bay Cafe
525 Columbia St NW, OlympiaOld School Pizzeria
108 Franklin St NE, OlympiaPizza Time
112 Jefferson St NE, OlympiaCascadia Grill
200 4th Ave W, OlympiaBayview Thriftway Deli
516 4th Avenue W, OlympiaTugboat Annie’s
2100 W Bay Dr NW Slip 3Meconi’s Sub Shop
1018 Capitol Way S, OlympiaWagner’s European Bakery & Café
1013 Capitol Way S, OlympiaDowntown McDonalds
715 Plum St, OlympiaJimmy John’s
901 Union Ave SE, Olympia -
Where to Shop
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Shopping in Olympia
Olympia Farmers Market
700 N Capitol Way, OlympiaArchibald Sisters
406 Capitol Way S, OlympiaOrca Books
315 5th Ave SE, OlympiaBrowsers Books
107 Capitol Way N, OlympiaCaptain Little
121 Fifth Ave, OlympiaEncore Chocolates & Teas
116 5th Ave SE, OlympiaBittersweet Chocolates
203 Columbia St NW, OlympiaDanger Room Comics
201 W 4th Ave, OlympiaTraditions Fair Trade
300 Fifth Ave, Olympia -
Where to Stay
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Accommodations in the Olympia Area
DoubleTree by Hilton Olympia
415 Capitol Way N, OlympiaHotel RL by Red Lion Hotel Olympia
2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW, OlympiaRed Lion Inn & Suites, Governor Hotel
621 S Capitol Way, OlympiaHilton Garden Inn Olympia
2101 Henderson Park Lane SE, OlympiaTownePlace Suites Olympia
900 Capitol Way S, OlympiaSwantown Inn & Spa
1431 11th Ave SE, OlympiaExtended Stay America, Olympia/Tumwater
1675 Mottman Rd SW, TumwaterLa Quinta Inn & Suites, Tumwater/Olympia
4600 Capitol Blvd SE, TumwaterBest Western Tumwater/Olympia Inn
5188 Capitol Blvd SE, TumwaterAlderbrook Resort & Spa
10 E Alderbrook Dr, Union, WAGreat Wolf Lodge
20500 Old Highway 99 SW, Centralia