The best things to do in Tacoma

“Allenmore Golf Course keeps the game honest with a meticulously maintained 18, a legit practice setup, and the on-site Urban Elk Restaurant & Bar for post-round bragging rights. This week, get a tune-up with Team Griffin Golf’s PGA pros and then settle in, all right in the heart of Tacoma.”

From the Tacoma newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Seattle Aquarium is a legit reset button for city brain, with the Ocean Pavilion and a new Go Above the Reef tour that puts you eye to eye with sharks, rays and schooling fish. Say hi to Tandu the humphead wrasse, then soak up some Puget Sound science and conservation wins.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 3, 2026

“S. Open pedigree. Sneak in a Social 6 or sunset nine, then regroup at Chambers Bay Grill, a very reasonable excuse to ignore yardwork this week.”

From the Olympia newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Bill Wright Golf Complex at Jefferson Park packs a full golf day into one spot with a public course, a nine-hole executive loop, a Toptracer range, and lessons for every level, plus skyline and Rainier views. Wrap it up at the Beacon Grill and call it a win this week.”

From the Kent newsletter, August 4, 2026

“5M refresh right here in northeast Tacoma, with newly designed green complexes, enhanced teeing grounds, redesigned bunkers, and a top-tier irrigation system. Sneak in a round this week, then keep an eye on the new restaurant coming in 2026.”

From the Federal Way newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Flatstick Pub - Pioneer Square turns mini golf into a Seattle love letter, with holes spelling SEATTLE and a tiny Space Needle finish. Grab Duffleboard, Dartsee, brick oven pizzas, and local pours or mocktails for an easy Edmonds night out in the city this week.”

From the Edmonds newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Cozy movie theater in the Columbia City neighborhood screening lesser-known and classic films.”

“Highlands Golf Course is Tacoma’s nine-hole par 3 where a full round wraps in under 75 minutes, distances test wedges to long irons, and every hole teases an ace, plus it’s home to the Washington State Par 3 Championship and a 2024 Golfer’s Choice #5 short-course nod, perfect for a quick after-work loop.”

From the Tacoma newsletter, August 26, 2026

“King Family Fun Center! kept the fun alive after the 2020 fire with its outdoor Mini Golf Park, an easy, low-stress way to get some friendly rivalry going. If you grew up here, you know the legacy, and the greens still deliver that cozy Puyallup nostalgia.”

From the Puyallup newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Blue Mouse Theatre keeps Proctor cozy with first-run picks, second-run favorites, and cult nights like Rocky Horror and Friday Night Frights. It’s Washington’s oldest continuously operating theater with serious charm, so grab a friend and see Spider-Man: Brand New Day while it’s on.”

From the Tacoma newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Parkland Putters has four distinct courses from easy to hard, perfect for a low stress hang this week with the kids or a friendly rivalry for that first place ribbon. Pick one or play them all, and if you're feeling extra, ask about Glow Ball for a neon challenge.”

From the Lacey newsletter, August 15, 2026

“GameWorks Seattle nails the all-ages hangout vibe with a massive arcade, a legit Esports Lounge stocked with 100+ titles, and modern American bites from The Works Kitchen. Great for casual button-mashing, friendly tournaments, or letting the kids chase prizes while you breathe when the forecast says drizzle.”

From the Seattle newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Clean waterfront park with rocks and fountains for the kids to splash in.”

“Established in 1924, private members-only golf club also featuring dining.”

“Tacoma Art Museum keeps things fresh with rotating shows like Kent Monkman: Death of Adonis, the Haub Family Collection of Western American Art, and plenty of Pacific Northwest flair. Swing by on Neighborhood Nights, catch a talk, then debate favorites over coffee at TAM Cafe.”

From the Tacoma newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Huge community events complex with museums, theaters, restaurants & shops, plus the Space Needle.”

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Catapult Adventure Park in Federal Way turns midweek cabin fever into laughter with big, bounce-friendly attractions like Cat Walk, Cliff Hanger, Tube-Topia, and Flying Leopard. Planning a birthday or group hang, their party hosts handle setup and cleanup so you just show up, jump, repeat.”

From the Auburn newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Since 1894, Tacoma Country & Golf Club has made American Lake home, with an 18-hole championship course that tests accomplished players yet stays enjoyable round after round.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Whether you’re wrangling friends or the work crew, Brainy Actz Escape Rooms serves up private, 60-minute Tacoma adventures like Mystery at the Lost Point Lodge, The Secrets of The Master, and The Legacy, plus a rage room when you need to smash out some stress. Book it for this week’s brain buzz.”

From the Tacoma newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Central Cinema serves up second-run films and a legit dine-in vibe, with beers, cocktails, and comfort grub so you can actually eat while you watch. Great for a laid-back weeknight when you want big-screen fun without new-release chaos, just good food and a crowd that gets it.”

From the Auburn newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Ocean Ecosystem Mural is part of Street Art for Mankind’s Ecosystem Restoration series with UNEP and FAO, a quick hop from Shoreline and calling us to protect oceans and urban forests. Swing by this week on your next coffee run and scan it with the free Behind the Wall app for the story.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Rainier Golf and Country Club is a low-key way to reset without leaving the city, with a private course for your midweek fix and spaces for banquets, tournaments, and private events. Dial in the swing, then plan the kind of celebration you actually want photos of.”

From the Burien newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Mike N Terry's Outdoor Fun Park is the Puyallup standby for no-fuss fun, with mini golf, go karts, and batting cages that turn ordinary afternoons into bragging rights. Bring the kids, your competitive coworker, or a date who appreciates a well-timed victory putt.”

From the Puyallup newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Shake off the week with a friendly putting battle at Putting Zoo, the mini-golf course at Mike N Terry's Outdoor Fun Park. If bragging rights demand more, keep the fun rolling with their Grease Monkey Go Karts and Bullpen Batting Cages.”

From the Puyallup newsletter, September 17, 2026

“When you need a low-lift Tacoma plan that keeps everyone happy, Tower Lanes Entertainment Center nails it with indoor mini golf, classic and league bowling, an arcade, and a legit bar and restaurant, plus party spaces for birthdays or work shindigs... all under one roof.”

“Family trampoline-park chain offering slides and zip lines, along with foam pits and ninja-warrior courses.”

“When you want a different kind of Seattle history lesson, Beneath The Streets runs boutique, unscripted walks through Pioneer Square’s underground passageways led by engaging guides who actually make the stories stick.”

From the Seattle newsletter, September 8, 2026

“At American Lake Veterans Golf Course, make this week’s round mean a bit more at a veteran-focused course that keeps the game welcoming and community-minded. Bonus: the new Power Tee setup makes practice feel smoother, so you can save the shanks for the range gossip.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Whether your crew wants to bounce, dunk, dodge or go full ninja, Airhouse Adventure Park delivers with trampolines, slam-dunk hoops, extreme dodgeball, a zip line, Battle Beam, Orbit and even a Lil’ Ninja soft-play zone. Let them fly this week so you can finally sit down.”

From the Federal Way newsletter, September 19, 2026

“SIFF Cinema Downtown is Seattle’s go-to for first-run hits, classics, and specialty events on an epic 97-foot curved screen that can even run three-strip Cinerama, one of only two operating cinemas in the world with that capability.”

From the Seattle newsletter, September 16, 2026

“A classic public H. Chandler Egan design with skyline sightlines, West Seattle Golf Course balances legit challenge with playable fun for every handicap. Book a tee time with your crew, then debrief at the Fox Den Grill...”

“From those classic Douglas fir-lined corridors to generous, subtle-breaking greens, Lake Spanaway Golf Course is a legit local test that’s fair for every swing. V. Macan and maintained by Pierce County, it’s the perfect excuse to sneak in a round this week.”

From the Tacoma newsletter, August 20, 2026

“If you need a quick reset this week, Majestic Bay Theatres has a now-playing lineup plus special screenings, and they even do private rentals if your club or team wants the place to yourselves. Classic big-screen vibes, zero living-room distractions.”

From the Port Angeles newsletter, August 26, 2026

“If your friend group needs a new challenge, Escape Hour Point Ruston delivers Tacoma's most immersive escape experiences, including the top 1% world-rated Siren's Cove and the new Temetra's Hex. Two family-friendly rooms mean the kids can join, and the production value makes you forget you’re in a puzzle game.”

From the Tacoma newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Iconic, 605-ft-tall spire at the Seattle Center, with an observation deck & a rotating restaurant.”

“Jackson Park Golf Course gives you an 18-hole Championship loop, a quick 9-hole Executive, and a driving range with Toptracer to dial things in. It’s famously one of Seattle’s driest public courses, plus lessons and leagues if you want to level up this week.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 12, 2026

“If your short game needs love or you just want a skyline view with your swing, Glen Acres Golf & Country Club is a welcoming community spot with a full-length course and serious local vibes. They’re celebrating 100 years, so grab a buddy and you can book events too.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Fans of classics, indie & foreign films favor this movie theater, which also stages special events.”

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“Interbay Golf Center is an easy win this week, with a scenic 9-hole executive course, a playful 18-hole mini golf loop, and an all-weather, heated 80-stall driving range with Toptracer on every stall. Grab a lesson with PGA or LPGA pros, then debrief over snacks at the Interbay Cafe.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Theater shows independent & foreign movies in keeping with its mission to promote the art of film.”

“Golf club with a course and a membership requirement.”