Now that the holiday season is here and the kids will soon be out of school, all that’s left is the anticipation of that big day, and a lot of energy to burn. Since planning outdoor activities is next to impossible with our one-of-a-kind Pacific Northwest climate, here are five fun things to do indoors with your kids to keep them active and sleepy enough to keep that bedtime schedule going through the holidays.

Frog n Kiwi Café

Frog n Kiwi
The Frog n Kiwi Cafe is a favorite for the younger kids. Photo credit: Daniel Beers.

For those with toddlers and younger children, the Frog n Kiwi Café is a great spot for some indoor playtime fun. Parents can grab a bite to eat or a well-crafted espresso and let their children go wild in their “UPlay Town Center” playroom. Children can climb on the CedarWorks playset, scoot along on various cars and trucks, and play puzzles and games. Do keep in mind that parents need to stay and watch, but luckily there’s an area with the UPlay Town Center that has some chairs and tables well within viewing range of the fun. It is advisable to call ahead before checking it out, as the UPlay Town Center is sometimes closed to the public for private parties.

Frog n Kiwi Café UPlay Town Center
3609 Market Place W, Ste. 101
University Place, WA 98466
253-292-1318

Tower Lanes

Tower Lanes
Tower Lanes has both bowling and mini golf. Photo credit: Daniel Beers.

Let’s face it. Kids love to bowl. What sets Tower Lanes above others is that it’s not just a bowling alley. It also has an 18-hole indoor mini golf course, pool tables, and a fairly up-to-date arcade. Bumpers and bowling ramps are available for younger children, and the lanes are updated with modern technology so there are some fun animations to look at when waiting your turn. The mini golf course is pleasantly lit and has waterfalls, fountains, and bridges throughout, and is a challenge for even the best putters. The best part is that Tower Lanes is open 24 hours, so it is perfect for every schedule.

Tower Lanes
6323 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406
253-564-8853

Rollin’ 253 Skate & Community Center

Roller skating is great family fun, even for beginners. Lucky for us, there’s a beautiful, brightly lit roller skating rink right next to Tacoma Community College. Kid-friendly food is available, including pizza, tater tots, hot dogs, and mac and cheese. Perfect for parties, Rollin’ 253 offers lessons for beginners of all ages as well as discount days, so be sure to check out the schedule on their website for those interested. Hours for open skate may change without notice, so be sure to call ahead.

Rollin’ 253 Skate & Community Center
2101 Mildred Street W
Tacoma, WA 98466
253-292-1498

Odyssey 1

Odyssey Tacoma
Odyssey 1’s jungle gym is well worth the price of admission. Photo credit: Daniel Beers.

The Odyssey 1 is ideal for children of all ages. For the younger crowd, they have a large jungle gym complete with swings, slides, ball pits, zip lines, tunnels and crossbars. There is even a soft play area for those four and under who are just learning how to play with others. For kids looking for a little more excitement, Odyssey 1 offers laser tag and a game center with an outrageous amount of video and skill-based games. The concession stand offers pizza, nachos, and soda (along with cappuccinos for us adults), so it’s a one-stop shop for a day’s worth of fun for the whole family. Be sure to check out the specials on their website for special savings on activities.

Odyssey 1
2310 W. Mildred Street
Suite #110
Tacoma, WA 98466
253-566-3231

Trampoline Nation

If your kids are bouncing off your walls, a good idea might be to take them to Trampoline Nation where they can bounce off of someone else’s walls instead. Boasting over 5,000 square feet of bouncing excitement, Trampoline Nation accepts all skill levels and children over three years old. There are four main areas including Launch Zone (where beginners start), Trick Nation (high performance trampolines to show off your flips and tricks), Dodgeball (a four minute game of bouncing chaos), and Dunk Nation (where kids can host their own slam dunk contests). Trampoline Nation has a strict no exceptions policy for those who haven’t signed a waiver prior to jumping, so it’s a good idea to have it filled out before heading out. There are also some extended hours during special holiday breaks, so be sure to check the website for the most up to date adjustments.

Trampoline Nation
35025 Enchanted Parkway S
Federal Way, WA 98003
253-661-8466