Kids in Bellingham never seem to run out of things to do… from hands-on science exhibits and wild indoor playgrounds to classic bowling alleys and comic improv. Whether you’re looking to burn energy, inspire creativity, or just try something new, there are local spots ready for every kind of family adventure.
Let’s get to it.
SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
If you’re hunting for a fun indoor spot on a rainy day, SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention in downtown Bellingham fits the bill. Once you spot the Cage of Doom or a Tesla coil that towers over most kids, you’ll get pulled right into the action. On weekends they run the MegaZapper shows… giant bolts of lightning that are worth the trip alone.
Upstairs, the Activity Center is perfect for curious minds. There’s a Magnet Corner, a wild Spin Zone Gyro Pit, and enough building blocks to keep anyone busy. Little explorers aged five and up can roam around with an adult nearby, which makes sense when you’ve got so much high-voltage fun happening.
Docents wander the galleries ready to answer your science questions, and there’s a surprising amount of history mixed in. If you’ve got a bigger group or are planning a field trip, you can reserve space pretty easily. Admission prices are standard, with discounts and memberships available. The museum is wheelchair accessible and keeps sensory experiences reasonable. They’re open year-round and add new workshops or camps during school breaks. It somehow balances hands-on fun with solid information—no middle school flashbacks required.
The Upfront Theatre
Comedy fans will love the Upfront Theatre in downtown Bellingham. This cozy 100-seat space hosts themed improv and sketch shows like Space Trek silliness, a murder mystery in Hellingham, or Cupid’s Arrow for those awkward romance laughs.
They also offer improv classes for everyone—from first-timers to seasoned performers. Sessions are grouped by age (tweens, teens, adults) and run in eight-week cycles all year long. If you need summer plans, they’ve got camps to keep kids busy when school’s out.
On the first Saturday of every month, drop-in improv is pay what you can, so there’s zero pressure. The theatre also offers workplace trainings and school workshops, blending comedy with team-building. The staff works hard to keep a safe, supportive vibe, even if your only stage experience was in elementary school. Whether you’re dying to chase the spotlight or just want a goofy night out, Upfront makes it easy to jump in and laugh.
Bellingham Farmers Market
Weekends at the Bellingham Farmers Market are full of surprises, and it’s more than just rows of veggies. Local farmers and artists set up stalls with fresh bread, jams, crafts, and more. One of the cutest events is Kids Vending Day—kids under 16 run their own tables, selling handmade goodies.
If you love a challenge, grab a card for the Veggie Scavenger Hunt and wander around looking for kohlrabi, Swiss chard, or other fresh finds. Demo Days let you sample local recipes made on the spot, and you often walk away with a free recipe card so you can try it at home.
On Wednesdays you’ll find face painting and garden-themed booths just for kids. The market runs from April through mid-December, all outdoors, and most people seem to be in a great mood. Whether you’re shopping for groceries or just soaking up the scene, there’s always something happening beyond the usual carrot-and-tomato setup.
Whatcom Museum
Art lovers and history buffs alike will find plenty to explore at the Whatcom Museum. The Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) is a standout, offering 4,600 square feet of drop-in art and hands-on activities. One week the theme might be global artists… the next, it could be fibers or animation.
Saturdays feature STEAM challenges, live music, and during summer you can even catch a casual symphony session. Everything in FIG is beginner-friendly, so no need to stress about skill levels or tight schedules. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday all year, with certified instructors running activities and summer camps.
General admission covers all the FIG fun, while weeklong day camps have an extra fee. The museum is ADA accessible, has plenty of sanitizing stations, and keeps the vibe relaxed but clean. It’s a rare museum that actually welcomes rambunctious creativity—here, it’s encouraged.
Ruckus Room Arcade and Fun Center
If you’re after a laid-back arcade vibe, Ruckus Room Arcade and Fun Center in Bellingham delivers. It’s got a vintage basement feel, complete with whirring lights and classic game sounds. You’ll find pinball machines, Skee-Ball lanes, racing seats, air hockey tables, and a bunch of ticket games for anyone hunting prizes.
Pay with tokens or load up a player card, then grab a snack or drink if you need to refuel. The mall location has a dedicated party zone, while the downtown spot stays cozy for under-21 hangouts. Attendants keep machines running and help out whenever you need it.
The welcoming setup includes gender-neutral restrooms and a friendly atmosphere that fits everyone from six-year-olds to pinball hobbyists. Whether you’re on a mission to top the leaderboard or just learning how to play the claw machine, Ruckus Room makes it easy to have fun without any fuss.
20th Century Bowl
If you’re stepping into 20th Century Bowl, you’ll feel the local legend vibe that’s lasted since 1956. This spot has 16 synthetic lanes and indoor climate control that keeps the air comfortable no matter what Bellingham weather is doing. It doesn’t matter if you’re a preschooler using bumpers and ramps, or a seasoned bowler joining a No-Tap tournament—you’ll find your groove here.
Kids can jump into Saturday morning leagues in winter or sign up for the “Kids Learn to Bowl Better” classes for five bucks. Those sessions even include shoes and balls. Open play runs $3.50 to $5.75 per game, and shoe rental is $3.50—unless you’re in a class or league, then it’s on the house.
You can reserve up to 16 lanes for birthday parties, family get-togethers, or company events. Certified coaches and friendly staff are always around to sort your ball size, help with form, or set up bumpers and lightweight kid balls. It’s been the go-to spot for getting new bowlers, young and old, rolling for decades.
Sportsplex Arena
When you’re craving indoor soccer, skating, or just a solid way to burn off energy, Sportsplex Arena delivers. It features two full turf fields for pickup games or league play, plus a big ice rink that hosts everything from Learn to Skate lessons for three-year-olds to serious hockey matchups. The Lil Hammers soccer classes for preschoolers are a cute bonus and pretty rare around here.
You can drop in for public skating at about $6 a session, or catch a Community Skate for under three bucks. No fancy membership required—you just pay per class or session. All instructors are certified, and hockey players must follow gear and safety rules, so you won’t see chaos on the ice.
Parents can watch lessons from the stands or sign kids up for youth camps in spring and summer. Rained out on your weekend plans? No problem—this indoor arena keeps the action going no matter what the weather does outside. It’s hard to beat if your goal is active fun in Bellingham.
PlayDate | Bellingham
As an indoor playground on steroids, PlayDate |Bellingham offers three stories of climbing, crawling, and sliding for kids up to age 12. The structure spans four levels and includes six slides. There’s also a dedicated toddler area for ages three and under, so the little ones aren’t left in the chaos. Socks are required and kids five and up need a mask in the play area to keep things safe.
Parents can hang out on the play floor or grab a coffee, pizza, or pastry from the attached café, which also pours local beer and wine. Admission is $8 per child per hour or $14 for all-day play. And yes, you can play too—adults get in free if they want to join.
Birthday parties can welcome up to 25 kids in a private room, or you can double the space for bigger groups. The place is open every day except major holidays. Party packages start at $200 for ten kids and cover playtime, set-up, and clean-up so everyone can focus on the fun.
Park Bowl / Splitz Grille
Classic bowling vibes meet casual dining at Park Bowl / Splitz Grille. The alley has 28 lanes with bumpers ready for kids or anyone who wants to keep their ball out of the gutter. You can pay per game—games run around $2.30 on Tuesdays—or you can rent a lane by the hour, up to five players per lane.
If you’re hungry, Splitz Grille serves hot fries, pizza, and burgers. You’ll also find an arcade and pool tables to entertain non-bowlers while they wait their turn. Lane rates jump to about $22 per hour on weekends, but you can fit up to five people per lane to keep things affordable.
You don’t need a membership—just walk in and play. Staff will adjust bumpers, swap balls, or explain how pay-per-game and hourly options work. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and parents can bowl alongside kids or relax nearby. Gutter balls happen, but here they just add to the laid-back fun.
Summit Adventure Park Bellingham
Gravity takes a backseat at Summit Adventure Park Bellingham, where this 21,000-square-foot indoor arena is packed with jump courts, wall climbing, and slides like Summit Plummet. Rain or shine you’ll find stacks of trampolines and an oversized airbag for launching yourself into. It’s designed for kids and teens but welcomes anyone who wants to get in on the fun.
Safety socks are required, and every jumper needs a signed waiver. Staff members monitor the courts and pads cover the entire floor for extra protection. You’ll see toddlers wobbling on the bounce zones and teens attempting tricks on the wall climb, so there’s a bit of something for every skill level.
Sessions are priced by the hour or you can grab an all-day pass if you’re planning a marathon of flipping and flying. Kids 15 and under need a parent or guardian on-site—though you can chill in a spectator area if you prefer. By the end of a visit here, kids are worn out and parents might be wondering if they’d survive Summit Plummet themselves.
