Fun, Family-Friendly Activities for Those Rainy Fall Days
by Michelle Gehlman-Teeter
We’ve hit the rainy season in our little piece of the world. Sometimes it feels as though there is nothing to do if you don’t like being wet and cold, but never fear! Here is a list of fun, indoor activities in our area to keep you and yours busy all wet-season long, and most are great for young and old alike!
1. Kent Station – Shopping, Movies and More – Downtown Kent
Kent Station in downtown Kent, Washington has tons of things to do inside. See a movie at AMC, eat at one of the many restaurants, and of course, there’s lots of shopping. They even have umbrellas for you to use to get you from one shop to the next! Times vary by store. See website for more information.
2. Kent Commons Indoor Park – Downtown Kent
Kent Commons (525 Fourth Ave. N., Kent) has an indoor play gym for small children open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 AM to 11 AM. They have a weight room for ages 16 and up for only $13.50 a month. They also have basketball courts, fitness classes, continuing education classes and special events. See website for details.
3. Local Museums: Kent and Auburn
Learn about Kent’s fascinating history in a gorgeous, 108-year-old house, which is now the Kent Historical Museum (855 E. Smith St., Kent, WA). Admission is by donation. They are open Wednesday through Saturday, Noon to 4 PM. See website for details and special events.
Kent has the nation’s only public museum dedicated solely to powerboat racing! The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum (5917 S 196th St, Kent, WA) in the Kent Valley. See their website for open days and admission pricing.
Learn more about the history of the South King County area, known by pioneers as the White River Valley (Auburn, Kent, Algona and Pacific) at the White River Valley Museum, 918 H St SE, Auburn, WA. See their website for details including hours, pricing and special exhibits.
4. King County Libraries – Reading, classes, special activities
You can find something to do almost every day at one of our many excellent libraries. There are regular story times for kids, game nights for teens, classes for adults, not to mention the resources always available like the computers, study areas and, of course, books and movies. The library puts on events and workshops for almost any interest. Check out the KCLS website for the many activities, events and locations.
5. High School Sports – Kent-Meridian, Kentwood, Kentridge and Kentlake High Schools
Cheer on our local student athletes as they compete for the win! There are many sports to choose from, depending on the season. Right now getting under way is: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Gymnastics, Boy Swim/Dive and Wrestling.
6. ShoWare Center – Shows, Sports, Indoor Walking and More – Downtown Kent
We are lucky to have an event center right in our town! Showare Center is always hosting events to entertain you. Some of the things coming up are: Disney on Ice; Seattle Thunderbirds ice hockey games; an Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith Concert; Tacoma Stars soccer games; and a Bret Michaels concert. Showare Center is also opened for free indoor walking most Mondays and Wednesdays, November 14 through May 31, from 9 AM to 11 AM.
7. Bowling – Multiple Locations
When is the last time you knocked down some pins? Bowling is a great indoor activity which has lots of potential for socializing and even a little bit of exercise. Here are a few bowling alleys to check out in and around Kent.
Kent Bowl (1234 Central Ave N, Kent, WA)
Acme Bowl (100 Andover Park W #100, Tukwila, WA)
Secoma Lanes (34500 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA)
Round 1 Bowling & Amusement (Southcenter Mall, 2351 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila, WA)
Hiline Lanes (15733 Ambaum Blvd SW, Burien, WA)
8. Bouncy Houses – Multiple Locations
Are the kids driving you crazy by jumping on the couch, on their bed, and all over the house? Take them to a place that specializes in bouncing! The bouncy house places are more for younger kids, but you and your teens can even get bouncing at Trampoline Nation! You bounce by the hour, and only one hour wore out my family!
Trampoline Nation (35025 Enchanted Pkwy S, Federal Way, WA)
Bounce It Up 360 (1404 Central Ave S, Kent, WA)
Super Jump Party Zone (1604 15th St SW #104, Auburn, WA)
9. IKEA – Indoor Playland and Shopping – Renton
When my kids were little, IKEA (601 SW 41st St, Renton, WA) was a standby for rainy day fun. They have a neat (free) play area called Smaland where you can drop off the kids, then leisurely browse through the store, daydreaming about decorating your perfect house, or just sit in the restaurant for a quiet cup of coffee. Once you pick up the kids, get a cheap lunch in the restaurant or a snack on the way out from the Bistro near the checkouts. They also have periodic events, so check out their website.
Of course, there are other playlands around if you are not up for the whole IKEA immersion that day. Check out McDonald’s, Fred Meyer, the mall and other places you regularly shop, they may have a small play area for the kiddos so you can shop in peace for an hour or at least let them run off some energy first.
10. Skykart Indoor Racing Center – Tukwila
Indoor go-cart racing, need I say more? No reservations are required at Skykart Indoor Racing Center, 17450 W Valley Hwy, Tukwila, WA, but call first to make sure they aren’t closed for a private event. Youth are allowed to race during certain times. Open 7 days a week 11AM to 11PM. Visit their website for details.
[Note: We strive to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information, but we encourage you to double-check with your desired destination for timing, hours and availability. We apologize for any inadvertent errors or changes beyond our control.]
