The Outdoor Discovery Center includes a trike track and a sensory garden specifically designed for inclusive play.
The museum building achieved LEED Silver certification for its environmentally conscious design and construction.
It hosts an annual 'Sand in the City' event featuring massive professional sand sculptures on the museum grounds.
The facility is positioned adjacent to the East Bay Public Plaza, which features a popular interactive water fountain.
The museum's 'Our Coast' exhibit allows children to explore the local marine ecosystem and practice sustainable fishing techniques.
Many of the exhibits are designed to meet Washington State's early learning guidelines for child development.
The Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia is the largest children's museum in the Pacific Northwest, featuring over 150 hands-on exhibits across eight themed galleries. The museum is purpose-built to encourage STEM learning, creative arts, and environmental science for children up to age 10. The facility includes a half-acre outdoor exhibit space known as the Outdoor Discovery Center, which features a stream, garden, and climbing structures. Interior galleries focus on diverse themes such as emergency services, maritime history, and light and shadow manipulation. The museum integrates sustainable building practices, including recycled materials and energy-efficient systems. It serves as a community hub for early childhood development, frequently hosting rotating workshops and community events.
The large, colorful interactive light wall in the 'Light Lab' gallery.
Bring a change of clothes for children, as many exhibits involve water play.
Check the museum's online calendar for member-only morning hours or sensory-friendly event days to avoid peak crowds.
Utilize the outdoor area early in the visit, as it is often less crowded before the afternoon.
Attempting to see every exhibit in a single hour; the depth of the interactive stations requires more time for engagement.
Closed on certain major holidays; check the website for potential private event closures on specific days.
Socks are required for certain climbing and indoor play areas; shoes must be worn in non-play zones.
