Family events in Olympia, WA

Stop by the East Bay Public Plaza for a fun bubble-blowing pop-up featuring WET Science Center educators. Try your hand at making all kinds of bubbles, including oversized bubbles you can hold and even shapes like square bubbles. It’s a hands-on, playful way to explore bubble science together.

Experience live Native storytelling at Hands On Children's Museum with Indigenous artist Itsa Shash. An Indipino storyteller, poet, and musician, he traces his heritage to Indeh (Apache), Nahua, Chichimeca, and Filipino peoples. He has shared social stories and music at schools and community gatherings across the country since age four, using performance to honor culture, strengthen community, and pass along wisdom and joy. Multiple shows are scheduled throughout the day. Presented by the Nisqually Indian Tribe with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The City of Lacey presents a vibrant Season 3 edition of the Lacey Night Market with a KPop theme. DJs shape the soundtrack while music fills the space, food trucks offer plenty to try, and local businesses line up to showcase their goods. The focus is on culture and community, with families relaxing and kids having room to play. Admission is free and everyone is welcome, and an expanded lineup of vendors and larger themed programming bring extra energy to the night.

Neurodiversity-affirming parent coaching and guidance is available in the Acorn classroom at Hands On Children's Museum, provided by parent educator and coach Beth Kim. Participation is included with museum admission or membership.

A free, family-friendly evening unfolds at Huntamer Park with food trucks, a concert, and a movie as part of the Lacey in Tune series. 13 Til Midnight, a tribute to Taylor Swift, performs songs ranging from big hits to deeper cuts across her catalog. After the music, the night concludes with a screening of Zootopia 2, rated PG.

Explore the world of fractals, self-repeating patterns that appear at many scales, from the branching of trees to spirals in galaxies. Learn how investigating these shapes can reveal insights into weather, turbulence, and the brain. This event offers hands-on learning through games, craft activities, and a computer simulation.

Meet the Parrot Ambassadors for a lively showcase of feathered talent. These remarkable birds highlight the power and influence parrots have on our planet as they glide overhead, offer playful beak kisses, roll on skates, talk, pitch in with recycling, and more. Presented by Small to Tall Pediatric Dentistry.

Blueberry Cobbler Days brings a summer farm celebration devoted to all things blueberry. Savor fresh-picked blueberries and berry-themed goodies while enjoying a day of family activities around the farm. If you are stopping in for food or the Country Store, admission is not needed to purchase fresh blueberries, treats, and favorite farm products. For the complete experience, an activity wristband provides access to close-up encounters with baby animals, blueberry jam demonstrations, a new giant bubble station, blueberry bobber pond fishing, wagon rides around the farm, and trips on the Lil’ Red Express, along with the farm’s classic attractions.

Stop by the Tenino Depot Museum for FREE admission on Museum Day. It’s a great chance to explore the exhibits and enjoy a laid back visit to the local depot museum during open hours.

Escape the heat at the library with a free, family friendly movie series filled with fantasy, adventure, laughs, and unforgettable creatures. Everyone is welcome, including kids, parents, grandparents, and movie lovers of all ages, and popcorn will be available. The lineup includes The Dark Crystal, showcasing Jim Henson’s imaginative puppetry and a quest through a wondrous world, the animated collection The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales with playful animal escapades and plenty of heart, and The Water Horse, where a boy’s surprising discovery leads to a magical friendship with a secret sea creature. Made possible by Kanopy, with thanks to the Friends of the Lacey Library. Film selections may change based on availability.

Enjoy a free evening of storytelling under the trees at Squaxin Park. The South Sound Story Guild will share a mix of lighthearted, humorous folktales and then shift to spooky stories as the sun goes down. Plan to meet at the East Grove Shelter, just behind the Rose Garden, and bring lawn chairs and flashlights. Snacks are welcome, and admission is free with donations appreciated.

The Puget Sound Estuarium and the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team (DERT) lead a walking loop around the downtown core to trace how Olympia’s shoreline has changed over time. Along the way, participants explore the geologic forces that formed the estuary, the Native tribes who have stewarded these lands, and how the estuary helped shape the city seen today. The stroll also highlights the restoration plan for Capitol Lake and explains why healthy estuaries are vital to ecosystem health.

This outdoors-focused camp teaches kids how to be true outdoorsmen. The main activities include fishing, archery, and foraging, with skill-building around food acquisition. Fishing lessons may cover baiting, cleaning, and cooking, plus gear and casting. Foraging includes plant identification and safe harvesting, and archery practice includes safety, practical use, and form. Camp runs daily from morning to late afternoon, and participants should bring appropriate clothing, snacks, and lunch.

This LEGO robotics camp is for kids ages 9-14 who are ready to take their building and programming skills further. Campers will use LEGO Spike Prime technology and project plans to construct robotic creations, then program them on tablets to perform different actions. Over the week, kids focus on robotics fundamentals, coding, and problem-solving. Each camper will make and take home a mini-figure and a photo collage from the week. Bring a snack and a water bottle.

Glymm Mere’s Monthly Social Night offers a relaxed social gathering at St. Benedict Episcopal Church. The focus is on youth and family activities, with games for all ages. Newcomers are welcome, with support available for answering questions and getting oriented to the Barony and the SCA. Attendees can bring children, creative projects and sewing, and invite friends. Garb is not required.

Lacey in Tune brings free, family-friendly entertainment to Huntamer Park on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This performance features Angel Ocasio, a nationally recognized physical comedian who blends goofy antics with magic, juggling, and playful audience interaction. Expect a lively, offbeat show created with families in mind.

Part of Lacey in Tune, a free, family-friendly entertainment series at Huntamer Park, this event features indie singer and songwriter Lindsay Quella Kara. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Lindsay crafts songs shaped by nature and small-town roots, blending Americana, reflective folk and roots traditions, with touches of pop and soul. She began releasing music in 2020 and followed with another single in 2024, and she now collaborates with fellow artists in Portland studios. A multidisciplinary creator, she relies on a resonant voice and grounded presence to spark connection, meaningful relationships and genuine expression.

Unwind with a casual rock painting session with Kira at Café Elite Coffee Company. Everyone is welcome, from first timers to seasoned artists. The cost is $10 and includes a rock to decorate and take home, paint pens, and all necessary supplies, all within a cozy coffee shop setting. Look forward to an easygoing evening of creativity, conversation, and community. Create something for yourself or a gift, enjoy good company, and, if you like, pair the experience with your favorite coffee or treat.

Connect with The Falconer and meet birds of prey while exploring the centuries old practice of falconry. Learn about the role raptors play in nature, presented with a lighthearted touch. This program is sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited and supported by the City of Olympia.

Keep up with fast growth spurts at a pop-up resale that offers a large selection of new and gently used kids and maternity items in Thurston County. Shoppers can typically save 50 to 90 percent off regular retail prices. The public sale runs for several days, and there is an early shopping window available beforehand, with tickets required for early entry. Those who choose to sell their children’s outgrown items receive first access to shop as a special perk. It is a budget-friendly way to outfit growing families while passing along items that are ready for their next home.