Olympia isn’t just the state capital of Washington. The city offers so many fun things to do in Olympia. The vibrant historic district in Olympia is full of unique shops, cafes, theaters, galleries, fine restaurants, music venues, parks, and museums. Diverse opportunities for outdoor activities abound in Olympia, with parks, beach fronts, the Puget Sound, and woodlands that feature hiking trails, water activities, and events throughout the year that the whole family will enjoy.
Olympia boasts tons of natural beauty, fantastic dining options, and plenty of arts and culture. Also, Olympia to Seattle is just one hour away. Whether your family is full of sports enthusiasts or you’d like to look at art galleries, Olympia has it all. Keep reading because this guide explores some of the best things to do in Olympia!
Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge | 75 Acres of Pristine Nature, Stunning Views, and Abundant Wildlife
Looking for affordable or free things to do in Olympia, WA? The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for fish, wildlife, and plants, especially migratory birds. With approximately 300 species of birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, the nature reserve offers trails that wind their way through diverse habitats where visitors have excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
If you’re looking for things happening near me today, the visitor center provides an overview of the Nisqually River Delta. Guided tours, seasonal lectures, annual festivals, and environmental education opportunities help visitors learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. The mile-long Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk extends over the estuary, offering stunning views of the natural landscape and great photo opportunities.
The refuge is open every day from sunrise to sunset, and the visitor center hours are Wednesday-Sunday 9 am to 4 pm. The entrance fee is $3.00 per four adults, and children under 16 are admitted free. This is one of the most fun things to do in Olympia!
100 Brown Farm Road, Olympia, WA 98516, (360) 753-9467
Olympia Farmers Market | The Second Largest Farmers Market in the State
Looking for cool things to do in Olympia WA or things to do in Washington? The popular Olympia Farmers Market is the second largest farmers market in Washington and is completely vendor-operated, one of only a few such farmers markets in the state. The market promotes healthy and nutritious food. An estimated 400,000 visitors per year visit the market that features over 100 vendors.
Every vendor in the market is local and grows, makes, or produces the items they sell. The wide range of vendors includes farm vendors, artisan food vendors, and craft vendors, selling an incredible array of items, such as baked goods, basketry, ceramics & pottery, chocolate, dairy and cheese products, fresh cut flowers, local fruit, glasswork, jams and jellies, seafood, nursery and garden items, teas, wines, and much more.
Restaurants in the market serve up breakfast and lunch items that include German sausages, Mexican Cuisine, seafood, noodles, curry, healthy grain bowls, and more. The market is open all year, from one day per week in January in the winter to four days per week in the high season in the summer for May, June, July, August, September, and October. The market hours are from 10 am to 3 pm. Add this to your list of fun things to do in Olympia Washington!
700 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501, (360) 352-9096
Percival Landing Park | Waterfront Park on the Puget Sound
This is one of the top places to visit in Washington state. If you want one of the best things to do in Olympia, you can’t miss this. Percival Landing is located on the east side of Budd Bay on the southern tip of Puget Sound. One of three waterfront parks, Percival Landing is one of Olympia’s most popular parks, situated in the heart of downtown Olympia.
The park is home to many gatherings, social events, and public celebrations throughout the year, like Harbor Days, outdoor concerts, and other celebrations. Percival Landing features a 0.9-mile boardwalk that stretches along the eastern shoreline of West Bay from the Fourth Avenue Bridge to Thurston Avenue.
For fun things to do in Olympia for adults, this can’t be beat. Local art and sculptures are on display at the park, including the popular kissing statue. Amenities at the park include a boat dock, green spaces, picnic areas, a playground, and seal watching. Check out the trees in Spring and Fall! You’ll definitely want to add this to your list of things to do in Olympia.
217 Thurston Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98501, (360) 753-8380
Hands On Children’s Museum | One of the Best Things to Do in Olympia With Kids
For a day of fantastic fun for the whole family, the Hands On Children’s Museum has 28,000 square feet of indoor space and eight themed galleries that offer kids interactive, hands-on opportunities designed to stimulate their curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking as they learn about science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
As one of the most fun things to do in Washington state, this museum also has a half-acre Outdoor Discovery Center that includes a beach, garden, and lighthouse lookout. The museum is consistently ranked as one of the best family destinations in the area. The more than 150 interactive exhibits, spread out over two floors, include an art studio where kids can make things out of recycled items, a house-building zone complete with dump trucks and a tool shed, a forest with a tree house, and a two-story cargo ship.
The Hands On Children’s Museum is open Monday – Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. General Admission is $18.95 for adults and children 18 months to 17 years.
414 Jefferson St NE, Olympia, WA 98501, (360) 956-0818
WET Science Center | Hands On Water Cycle Exhibits
Looking for things to do in Olympia for kids? The WET Science Center offers exhibits, displays, games, and activities where people of all ages can learn about the water cycle, reclaimed water, and view the state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system.
Fun exhibits and attractions include the giant calculator where visitors can find out how much water they use every day, the Water Cycles exhibit, where you can learn about sewer systems, septic systems, reclaimed water, stormwater, and more, and a challenging computer game that features four different water management jobs.
At other exhibits, you can learn about water treatment, build a reclaimed water pipeline, and even see how long it takes for the water to reach the treatment plant when you flush your toilet! They hold many special annual Olympia events, so you’ll never be bored. The WET Science Center is free and open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. All ages will enjoy it here as it’s one of the unique things to do in Olympia WA.
500 Adams St NE, Olympia, WA 98501, (360) 664-2333
Washington Center for the Performing Arts | Most Popular Theater in Olympia for Live Performance
One of the most beloved theater venues in the Puget Sound, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia puts on a number of diverse, high-quality live performances throughout the year. As well as hosting many national and international touring artists spanning a wide spectrum of genres and styles, the center also has 20 local performance groups that entertain audiences through live performances. It’s why this is one of the best things to do in Olympia year after year!
The various performances at the center include classical, jazz, rock, and international music, contemporary dance, African step-dancing, percussive dance, stand-up comedy, lectures, photography, films with a musical score performed with live music, storytelling, and more. Ticket prices vary per show. This is one of the best things to do in Olympia at night.
512 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, (360) 753-8585
Capitol State Forest | Working Forest For Camper, Hiker, Hunter, Horseback Rider, and Off-Road Vehicles
Looking for things to do in Olympia that involve nature? Capital State Forest spans 110,000 acres and, along with being a popular outdoor recreational area, is also a timber-producing forest. The pristine forest provides a natural habitat for native plants and animals. Some of the more popular activities at Capital State Forest include horseback riding at Mima Falls, seeing the salmon in McLane Creek, mountain biking at Rock Candy, and off-road-vehicle riding at Porter Creek.
With 150 miles of trails, the forest offers unending opportunities to explore nature. Take your camping gear because camping is allowed in designated areas. Capitol State Forest is open to horseback riders, bikers, and off-road vehicles from May 1 to November 30, and hiking on foot is allowed year-round. The forest has a Leave No Trace policy for the safety of visitors and wildlife. No food or garbage can be left behind, and feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited. So be sure when planning out things to do in Olympia that you follow all the rules!
Olympia, WA 98512, (360) 825-1631
Washington State Capitol Building and Campus | Learn About the History and Architecture of the State Capital
The grounds of the Washington State Capital include many places to explore. When moving to Olympia or visiting, this should always be on your list of things to do in Olympia! Visitors can learn about the history, architecture, trees, gardens, and more of The Capital. The impressive Legislative Building was completed in 1928 and, at a height of 287 feet, is the tallest building with a masonry dome in North America. Tiffany chandeliers and marble statues from five countries adorn the interior as you learn about the architecture and history of the building. Guided tours are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Legislative Building is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. The Governor’s Mansion, a redbrick, Georgian-style executive residence, has been home to Washington’s governors since 1910 and includes many antiques from the 1790s to the 1830s. Reservations are required for the 30-minute tour of the mansion.
Tours are available on the first and second Wednesday of the month at 10:30. Walk through the botanical gardens on your own or take a free tour, where you’ll see many interesting trees and plant life. The gardens were designed by the famous Olmsted Brothers landscape design firm that also designed New York City’s Central Park. The campus grounds also feature many memorials and monuments.
416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 902-8880
Other Attractions Near Olympia
Need more fun things to do in Olympia? Check out more attractions here:
Whether you’re a local or just in town for a few days, having a comfortable and convenient place to stay can make all the difference. If you’re traveling with kids or in a group, Family Vacation Rental offers a variety of vacation homes in Olympia that are ideal for exploring the area at your own pace.
Map of Things to Do in Olympia WA
How to Get to Olympia Attractions
If you live in Olympia and want to go to these amazing experiences, there are many ways to get to the best things to do in Olympia. If you’re visiting, you should make the trip and fly into the Olympia Regional Airport to get to the city. There are some great hotels to stay in while you discover and find amazing experiences in this town!
Car Ride
If you own a car, you can drive to all of these locations yourself. Some of the events will charge for parking, but there is usually free on-street parking.
Bus
Public transportation in Olympia is common. Check out the Olympia bus schedule to find routes closest to each place.
Rideshare
You can also use rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft to head to these places. This should especially be considered if you’re checking out any of the bars or breweries in town. It’s also one of the easiest ways to get around if you have things to do in Downtown Olympia.
Is Olympia Washington Worth Visiting?
Yes, Olympia Washington is worth visiting. There are so many fun attractions for both adults and children.
Move To Olympia With All Ready Moving
Are you looking up the best things to do in Olympia WA because you’re relocating here? If so, you’re in for a world of fun for entertainment! There’s so much to love about living in Olympia. Hopefully this list will help you explore downtown Olympia with your friends and family and enjoy some easy fun. Though it comes with a higher cost of living in Olympia, the great Olympia neighborhoods are worth it.
If you’re relocating, you need the best Olympia movers to help you get there. Call All Ready Moving at (360) 507-2447 for a free quote from our Olympia local movers!
