Finding fun things to do with kids around Tri Cities can feel like a full-time job… but this area is packed with activities that go way beyond basic playgrounds. Whether your family loves outdoor adventures or prefers indoor excitement, there’s something here to keep every energy level entertained.
Let’s get to it.
Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve
If you’re into fresh air and a good cardio challenge, Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve has over eight miles of well-maintained trails that feel more like a local rite of passage than a backyard walk. Trails are clearly marked, and you’ll find maps at every trailhead.
Show up during spring wildflower walks, the annual Halloween hike, or the Salmon Summit event for students and volunteers (sometimes even rangers) will be on hand to guide the way.
It’s not just trekking uphill… you’ll find interpretive signs about plants, geology, and history sprinkled along the route. Families flock to the Halloween event, and schools bring in groups of elementary and middle students all year.
You don’t need a compass or fear wandering off into private land. Everything is fenced or clearly posted, and once you reach the summit, the views of the Tri-Cities valley are worth every step.
The preserve is open year-round and always free. Whether you want an easy loop or a steeper climb, there’s a trail for you. Just pack water… it gets dry.
Rock Shop
When you’re ready for a solid bouldering session, Rock Shop in Richland has you covered with 16-foot indoor walls and a padded floor designed for your best… and worst… landings. Drop-in climbing runs every day from 10 am to 10 pm, so there’s no excuse to skip leg day.
For kids ages 7 to 17, the junior programs and summer camps happen in small groups so instructors learn names and build skills. Expect lots of climbing, team games, and safety basics. If your child is under 13, you’ll need to stay nearby rather than curl up in the lounge with coffee (which, by the way, is available).
Entrance fees are $18 for adults and $15 for minors, and summer camps start at $255 for members. No experience is needed to begin, so beginners, families, or anyone who just wants to hang off a wall in peace can jump right in. Certified staff are always there to spot you, making it a friendly place to push your limits.
Gesa Carousel of Dreams
At the Gesa Carousel of Dreams, you might forget that carousels are only for little kids or yearly grandparents. This fully restored, 108-year-old Charles Carmel carousel sits inside the Southridge Sports and Events Complex in a climate-controlled space. Every ride features one of 45 hand-carved horses, plus a WSU Cougar, a UW Husky, and even a dragon chariot.
It can get busy with families, but there’s always room. Regular rides run all weekend with a few breaks for special events. Sensory Saturdays happen on the first Saturday of each month… lights are dimmed, music is off, and early arrivals can join in crafts before the ride. Above the animals, you’ll spot hand-painted panels and mirrored ceilings that shine under the lights.
Each spin costs $3, or you can grab discounted tokens if you plan to ride more than once. You don’t have to ride to enjoy the vibe, grab a pretzel and people-watch under the twinkling lights. A dedicated team of supervisors keeps things running smoothly, making this spot fun for every age.
Playground Of Dreams
Over in Kennewick’s Columbia Park, Playground of Dreams means business. At roughly 16,000 square feet, this is the region’s largest inclusive playground. You’ll find everything from swings and slides to a giant hydroplane, a castle, a pirate ship, a cable bridge, and even a spaceship. Bright murals around the equipment highlight Tri-Cities landmarks, giving kids a fun local history lesson as they climb.
The playground includes “Kason’s Korner,” a fully accessible section with ramps, a We-Go-Round, and sensory play areas so kids in wheelchairs can join in. Toddlers and 12-year-olds alike can explore safely within the fenced perimeter, which has only one entrance for easier grown-up oversight.
There’s no entry fee—just show up during park hours. When it’s hot out, the splash pad kicks in to cool everyone down. No staff patrol the playground, so parents and caregivers naturally step into unofficial lifeguard roles. The equipment is sturdy and well-maintained, and community pride runs high when families gather here for birthday parties or just a day out.
REACH Museum
Tucked inside Richland, the REACH Museum is a go-to spot for anyone curious about science, history, or nature. Exhibits cover the Columbia River Basin’s geology and local history, while the Little Explorers program offers sensory-friendly, hands-on activities for preschoolers, complete with animal artifacts and plant displays. Parents get pulled in, too, so it’s a shared learning experience.
For older kids, there’s a drop-in makerspace, artsy math challenges, and Saturday workshops where you can tinker, build, and even leave with a mini project. The museum also hosts regular festivals, self-guided scavenger hunts, and classes perfect for field trips or summer boredom busting.
Outside, you’ll find paved trails and native plant gardens along the riverbank, so you can check out geology features without leaving the campus. Accessibility is solid, with ramps, loaner wheelchairs, and monthly sensory-friendly evenings. Whether you’re diving into a workshop or just need an indoor break, the REACH Museum packs enough variety to keep visitors of all ages engaged for hours.
Fast Track Tri Cities
When you’re craving a quick thrill after work or want something different on the weekend, Fast Track Tri Cities in Kennewick has you covered. This outdoor go-kart venue is all about serious fun and serious safety. You don a helmet, climb into a performance-built kart, and let the timing system track your top speed. No racing license or prior experience is needed—just meet the 58-inch height requirement (or 56 inches with a parent’s sign-off).
Races are drop-in friendly and last 10 minutes each. A single run is $19, and prices drop if you buy multiple races. With up to nine karts on the track at once, there’s plenty of room to pass or bump for position.
For groups, you can book hourly slots for birthday parties or team outings. Spectators stay cool under a covered area with tables, so nobody’s stuck roasting in the sun. Fast Track runs regular seasonal hours, so if you’re tall enough, grab a helmet and get ready to race.
Sacajawea Historical State Park
At the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers, Sacajawea Historical State Park blends Lewis & Clark history with outdoor fun. The hands-on interpretive center lets you dive into Native American exhibits, and outside you’ll find Maya Lin’s Story Circles sculptures. On any given day, you might spot folks paddleboarding, sunbathing on the beach, or flipping through Junior Explorer workbooks.
If you’ve got little ones, stop by for Thursday Nature Nonsense storytime in July. The playground is usually quiet, and picnic shelters have accessible tables—wheelchair friendly and covered.
The park is open April through October. The interpretive center runs Wednesday through Sunday, so plan accordingly. You’ll need a Discover Pass to get in, and there are ADA-compliant restrooms and shelters. Don’t forget a leash if your dog tags along. With history, water access, and a low-key vibe, this state park keeps everyone entertained without going overboard.
Wade Park
On Pasco’s riverfront side, Wade Park is a 25-acre PNW escape right on the Columbia River. Wide grassy lawns and paved trails make it perfect for walking, biking, or convincing your dog that squirrels aren’t built for Olympic sprints. Parking, entry, and the boat launch are all free, which is great news for your wallet.
The trails are beginner-friendly and fully accessible—you won’t struggle over rocks or curbs with a stroller. Kayakers and paddleboarders will appreciate the gentle water entry and nearby dock.
When you need a break, the bench swings and riverside seats invite you to sit back and watch the current (or spot a passing pelican). Kids can roam, but parents stay close by the water’s edge. There’s no need to book in advance—Wade Park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., so you can drop by whenever the mood strikes.
The Pacific Clinic
If your life revolves around caffeine runs and keeping small humans busy, The Pacific Clinic in Kennewick feels like a second home. Jungle Gym Preschool serves 3- to 5-year-olds with a play-based curriculum that even includes quirky summer themes like Glowing Galaxies. You don’t have to join, but members save on fees.
Adventure Camp for 5- to 13-year-olds packs in swimming, wall climbing, creative crafts, and field trips. The indoor/outdoor waterpark, SplashDown Cove, boasts a 28-foot slide and a lazy river that’s perfect for float-time. They even host adult-only nights.
StarFish Swim School teaches four-month-old babies through adults with year-round classes kept small so no one gets lost in the pool. Members enjoy free childcare while working out or relaxing on site. Staff follow strict policies and stay well trained, so you always know your kids are in good hands.
QUAKE Family Fun Center
If you’re hunting for indoor fun that actually delivers, QUAKE Family Fun Center in Kennewick is the spot. The trampoline park features shock-absorbing mats to cut down on hard landings. The giant laser tag arena feels more tactical than your average blinking vest game, and the arcade offers classic redemption games plus an animatronic dinosaur corner at their Columbia Center mall location.
Younger kids get a separate inflatables zone where big kids aren’t allowed, so everyone has room to jump. Safety rules are clear, staff are on constant patrol, and you’ll leave with QUAKE socks—mandatory gear that surprisingly doubles as fun house slippers at home.
Monthly memberships cater to power-jumpers. The center also runs camps, birthday parties, and even a café/bar zone for parents who need a coffee or a quiet corner. Military and first responder discounts are available. Drop-ins are welcome, but you’ll want to reserve a spot during peak times if you don’t want to wait.
Max Air Trampoline Park
When you step into Max Air Trampoline Park, it feels like a giant indoor playground built just for bouncing. You’ll find wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, a basketball dunk lane, vertical bounce walls, and even a full dodgeball court for some friendly competition without the middle school drama.
Age and size matter here. Little jumpers under six years or 46 inches get their own Small Air zone, and there’s a separate Kids Zone that’s basically a foam-pit wonderland for toddlers. Open jump sessions come in one- or two-hour blocks, and they run weekly themed events like Toddler Takeover—parents bounce free, as long as someone stays close by. On weekends, Neon Nights light up the park with blacklights and music.
If you’re watching your budget, check the daily deals and membership options. Grip socks are required—four dollars well spent when you avoid a slip. Staff roam the park, making sure nobody tries any circus stunts and that everyone follows safety rules posted everywhere you look. They’re open daily, all year, so you can plan a jump session any time.
iPlay Experience
Visiting iPlay Experience feels like stepping into a playground of the future. The three-story soft foam climbing area and twisty tube slides are perfect for kids who love to test their limits (just don’t go too crazy if you’re over 230 pounds). Ninja-style obstacles challenge everyone to burn off energy, while a digital art station projects kids’ drawings onto a massive screen. Science lovers dive into the AR sandbox and mold rivers and volcanoes with only their hands.
Staff members hover in a helpful way, especially around the VR setups, and make sure no one is attempting a high-flying leap from the monkey bars. Parents can relax in the seating area or join in the fun—especially in the toddler zone where supervision is a must. The climate-controlled space keeps everyone comfortable, even on hot summer days. Sessions last two hours, so you won’t overstay your welcome, and there’s plenty of room for parties with dedicated party rooms available. Annual passes and sensory-friendly hours add extra perks for families who return often.
