Hands On Children's Museum

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Hands On Children's Museum Come play with us! As the largest children's museum in the Pacific Northwest, we celebrate play and believe in its importance in early learning.
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When it comes to fun and learning, Hands On is “the place to go.” The Museum is a unique community resource that serves as an exciting, educational gathering place where children, parents and teachers can learn and play. With our eight galleries and fabulous art studio, we encourage children and their parents to play and learn all about science, nature, and art, in settings inspired by our beautiful Northwest. Our Outdoor Discovery Center, a half-acre of outdoor exhibits, expands the opportunities for play and learning.

Announcing our 2026 Boo Bash Monster of Scare-Emonies...Ava! She will join the Dr. Science show and lead the costume par...
10/16/2026

Announcing our 2026 Boo Bash Monster of Scare-Emonies...Ava! She will join the Dr. Science show and lead the costume parade! We can’t wait to celebrate with you and your family, Ava!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who entered this year’s contest. We’re so excited to see you at Boo Bash for a frightfully fun time!

10/15/2026

🦉Hoo’s ready for Boo Bash?! Meet raptors with The Falconer on Oct. 24 & 31! Fly on over and get up close with birds of prey.

Presenting Sponsor: Olympia Subaru
Supporting Sponsors: Pest Stop & Star Rentals
Pumpkin Partner: Rutledge Family Farm

We’re looking for 2 families to join an Experience Olympia & Beyond photoshoot at HOCM on October 20 at 9 AM! You’ll onl...
10/13/2026

We’re looking for 2 families to join an Experience Olympia & Beyond photoshoot at HOCM on October 20 at 9 AM! You’ll only need to be there for 1 hour, and you’ll get FREE admission to stay and play all day! Photos will be used for Olympia tourism and HOCM marketing.

💛 UPDATE: WOW! We’re blown away by the response to our family model call! Thanks to everyone who expressed interest in the photoshoot! Submissions are now closed, and selected families will be contacted directly.

Missed the deadline? No worries! We’ll keep your info on file for future opportunities. Thanks for helping us showcase our amazing community!

Experience Olympia & Beyond Visitor & Convention Bureau

10/13/2026

Have a mini mad scientist? Enter our Monster of Scare-Emonies contest! Your little pumpkin could help lead a science demo, kick off the costume parade, enjoy VIP Boo Bash entry, and more. Contest ends October 15!

https://bit.ly/Scare2026

We are at Watson's Greenhouse & Nursery today until 2pm! Fly wind tunnel bats with us after picking out a pumpkin! 🎃
10/10/2026

We are at Watson's Greenhouse & Nursery today until 2pm! Fly wind tunnel bats with us after picking out a pumpkin! 🎃

Opening next Friday! 🌙 "The Luna Sisters of Element" comes to Olympia Family Theater with a magical story of sisterhood,...
10/09/2026

Opening next Friday! 🌙 "The Luna Sisters of Element" comes to Olympia Family Theater with a magical story of sisterhood, family, and resilience. Its an enchanting adventure filled with Día de los Mu***os traditions!

Tickets are on sale now, including Pay What You Can performances! Oct. 16 – Nov. 1!

https://olyft.org/luna-sister-of-element/

$75 off any new daytime party booked through Dec. 27! Enjoy all-day admission for your guests, a private party room, VIP...
10/08/2026

$75 off any new daytime party booked through Dec. 27! Enjoy all-day admission for your guests, a private party room, VIP parking, and more! Sale ends October 11th.

Halloween fun without the fright! Join us for Boo Bash Oct. 24–31 for Dr. Science shows, live bug specimens, owl meet & ...
10/07/2026

Halloween fun without the fright! Join us for Boo Bash Oct. 24–31 for Dr. Science shows, live bug specimens, owl meet & greets, c***r pressing, and more!

Presenting Sponsor: Olympia Subaru
Supporting Sponsor: Pest Stop
Pumpkin Partner: Rutledge Family Farm

10/06/2026

You can still play in the sand as the weather cools down! Sandscape Discovery brings topography to life. Watch valleys fill, rivers flow, and mountains rise while learning how our world shapes itself. It’s science they can see and touch!

Sponsored By: The Mary P. Dolciani Halloran Foundation

🎥 IG Oleksandr Loshatynskyi

Your child could be the Boo Bash Monster of Scare-Emonies on Oct. 24! Enter now for a chance to lead the costume parade,...
10/05/2026

Your child could be the Boo Bash Monster of Scare-Emonies on Oct. 24! Enter now for a chance to lead the costume parade, help Dr. Science with an experiment, score VIP entry, priority parking, a family pass, and a $25 Museum Store gift certificate!

https://bit.ly/Scare2026

Address

414 Jefferson Street NE
Olympia, WA
98501

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(360) 956-0818

Website

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