The best things to do in Thurston County

Roller rink featuring games, a bar, and snacks.

Airport Golf & Batting Center pairs a state-of-the-art Toptracer range with heated, covered bays, PowerTee, a practice green, and batting cages, then feeds you in the taproom. Add Mount Rainier views, leagues, lessons, and pro shop help, and you’ve got the easiest Lacey tune-up this week.

From the Lacey newsletter, August 8, 2026

Listed on local, state, and national registers, Byrd House is a quintessential Queen Anne beauty with ornate shingling, tidy balustrades, and fancy cornices that reward a slow walk through the Olympia Avenue Historic District.

From the Lacey newsletter, October 7, 2026

Whether you want to groove on a 10-acre range, take a lesson, or test yourself on championship-caliber fairways, Tumwater Valley Golf Club keeps the game fun and close to home this week. Wrap it up at River's Edge and call it a very Pacific Northwest kind of win.

From the Lacey newsletter, October 14, 2026

O'Malley's Lounge keeps things easy with daily events, legit live music, and a full lineup from breakfast to dinner, so you can roll in early or slide by after work and actually relax. Perfect for a low-fuss meetup when you want food, a pint, and zero pretense.

From the Shelton newsletter, October 8, 2026

Swap your scrolling for after-dark marine wonders at Puget Sound Estuarium’s Pier Peer this week, where floodlights and an underwater ROV reveal the wild nightlife beneath our local docks. Prefer daylight learning? Pop into their refreshed space to check out the new Plankton Exhibit and saltwater aquariums.

From the Olympia newsletter, October 13, 2026

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

Feeling the itch to swing? The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie gives you two distinct rounds to match your mood, with The Links and The Woodlands kept in outstanding shape by a friendly crew, making it one of the best golf values around for Lacey regulars.

From the Lacey newsletter, August 11, 2026

The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie packs two distinct moods this week: The Woodlands with forested fairways that reward shot shaping, and The Links with big-sky views and room to swing, all kept in outstanding condition by a genuinely friendly crew just north of Olympia.

From the Olympia newsletter, August 27, 2026

Tom's Golf Center is the rare local spot where you can groove your drive, sneak in a quick round, and even level up with lesson plans from folks who actually teach. If your irons have been roasting you, grab a bucket and make peace with your swing this week.

From the Olympia newsletter, October 10, 2026

Legends Arcade is the downtown Olympia fix for when you want real buttons, not another streaming queue, with pinball and classic video games, a full bar and snack counter, plus kids’ party packages if your household’s high score champ has a birthday coming up.

From the Shelton newsletter, October 11, 2026

Delphi Golf Course mixes classic fairways with a legit disc golf route, weaving through a scenic layout with water that will make you think twice before you bomb it. Affordable rounds, a well-stocked pro shop, and that small-town honor pay vibe make it an easy yes for Olympia regulars.

From the Aberdeen newsletter, October 19, 2026

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

Capitol City Golf Club keeps it classic with a championship 18-hole that rewards straight shots, quick greens and a tree-lined walk, plus drainage that means play pretty much all year. Warm up on the range, browse the pro shop, then grab breakfast at Fire Creek Grill.

From the Lacey newsletter, September 26, 2026

Indian Summer Golf & Country Club pairs Peter L. H. Thompson design and year-round conditioning with old-growth woods and water features, and six sets of tees keep it fun for every skill level.

From the Lacey newsletter, October 2, 2026

Since 1924, Capitol Theater has been Olympia’s go-to for international and independent films, plus live music nights that actually sound good. Skip the megaplex and settle into vintage charm, smart programming, and a crowd that laughs, gasps, and applauds in the right places.

From the Olympia newsletter, October 21, 2026

Born out of Olympia Spring Arts Walk, Metamorphosis Community Mosaic Mural is a community-built burst of color where a central figure is surrounded by mosaic butterflies. Take a stroll, spot pieces made by your neighbors, and add your photo to #MetamorphosisOly if you find a favorite.

From the Olympia newsletter, October 2, 2026