Staying busy and cool during the summer can be difficult but not with these ten indoor activities for kids in the Tri-Cities.
Art Projects
Art projects are a great way to spend your summer days. Painting rocks is one possible easy project. Plus, it’s a fun way to add color to your home. But you can also spread your artwork throughout the Tri-Cities. Tri-Cities Rocks is a fun way to add art to the area and spread a little bit of happiness around. After painting a rock, hide it in the area for someone else to find. If you find a painted rock while you’re out in the community, you’re welcome to take a picture and share it with the Facebook group. Then rehide it for the next person who comes along to enjoy it. Or you could even take it home with you.
Another option for incorporating some art into your summer is to paint pre-sculpted pottery at Polka Dot Pottery in the Columbia Center Mall. Similarly, Yellow Dog Art Studio offers painting classes for kids. They often have paint days where younger artists come together and follow along with guided painting instructions. Along with paint days, Yellow Dog Art Studio also has art camps scheduled for this summer.
Ice Skating
7016 W Grandridge Blvd. Building B
Kennewick
The Toyota Arena offers open ice-skating sessions for children (and adults) ages three and up. Similar to roller skating, this chilly alternative is a fun, balance challenging activity. Open skates are 90 minutes long. The entry fee is $10, with an additional $5 for skate rentals, when applicable. The open skate schedule varies per week, so make sure to check the schedule.
Iplay Experience
8524 W Gage Blvd.
Kennewick
Iplay is a fun and exciting indoor play arena with something for the whole family. The experiences include an indoor playground, interactive sand area, virtual reality area and more. Iplay is a one-of-a-kind experience with no other location quite like it in the Tri-Cities. It’s open from Thursday to Sunday with varying hours. Due to COVID-19, Iplay is operating at 20% capacity, so reserve your tickets online. Ticket prices are found here.
Rollarena
849 Stevens Dr.
Richland
The Rollarena is an active, fun skating experience. Lace-up and enjoy the music and lights of a session in this establishment. Open Wednesday to Saturday (with varying hours, so check the schedule), kids of all ages are welcome to enjoy the fun. Admission is $9 with a $2 skate rental fee if needed. The Rollarena offers summer discount cards with a fourth free admission after paying for three. Saturday night also has a special for half-price parents to accompany a child skater.
MaxAir
731 N Columbia Center Blvd.
Kennewick
MaxAir is a trampoline park ready for all your energy. They have many trampolines to jump on, a kid’s zone to explore, and an airbag and pit to jump into. In addition to their everyday features, weekly events take place, like Toddler Time and Student Day. See all their events here. MaxAir is open seven days a week with varying hours so check their schedule. You can reserve your jump time online before your visit to ensure your spot.
Museums
The Tri-Cities is home to four different museums, including The Reach, The Crehst Museum, The Franklin County Historical Society, and The East Benton County History Museum. All have a fantastic array of information and exhibits covering the history of the Columbia Basin. Learning about the area’s past is a great, educational way to spend an afternoon. Each has different days and hours of operation, so make sure to check out their websites before planning your visit.
Bowling
Bowling is an excellent pastime. There are three different bowling alleys in the Tri-Cities — Richland’s Atomic Bowl, Kennewick’s Spare Time Lanes and Pasco’s Go Bowl. All will scratch your bowling itch. However, it’s good to note that Atomic Bowl in Richland participates in the Kids Bowl Free program. Registered kids, ages 2 to 18, receive two free games of bowling every day of summer. Just pay for shoe rentals, and the lanes are yours.
DirtKart
2203 W 4th Ave. A
Kennewick
DirtKart is a recently opened indoor Go-Kart experience. You’ll find all the fun and excitement of Go-Karting on an indoor dirt track that brings speed out of the heat. DirtKart is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Each race is 25 laps and starts at $20.
Gesa Carousel of Dreams
2901-F Southridge Blvd.
Kennewick
Visiting the Gesa Carousel of Dreams is a whimsical activity. This carousel is a work of art. All the horses were hand-carved by Charles Carmel in the early 1900s. They have had several homes but came to and were restored in the Tri-Cities in 2002. It’s a beautiful piece of history where memories continue to be made. The Carousel is open Friday to Monday, but the hours vary each day, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit. Each ride token is $3, with deals as you buy more.
Bullseye Lasertag and Axe Throwing
1341 George Washington Way Suite F
Richland
Bullseye Lasertag and Axe Throwing is an activity that ensures safety and fun for all their patrons. With their 12-foot long dividers (longer than other similar establishments), their axe throwing venue keeps throwing lanes separate, making them the safest in the area. The laser tag is available for single, group, and birthday packages. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday with varying hours.
Staying inside during the hot summer days can get boring. But there is plenty to do in the Tri-Cities to keep your kids busy and safe this summer.
