This is a fun way for the kids to learn about a very narrow and specific part of the history of the…read morearea. Of course, it is not a very important or interesting part of local history. It's always disappointing to see European intruders' subjection of land, animals, and people glorified in this way. But, if this type of history interests you, they've done it well. We took our 5 and 8 year old and had a discussion about the fort in the wider context of history and whether it represents changes that were positive or negative for the people living on this land.

Went to Fort Nisqually for the Queen Victoria's birthday celebration. The weather started out fine…read morebut turned into a rainy day complete with hail, lightning and thunder. We took up shelter in Store #2 which has the blacksmith shop currently. We had the chance to talk to many of the volunteers and staff during our visit. I have a little of knowledge regarding the local history, which I tend to keep to myself, and was shocked by the sheer volume of historical information provided by the volunteers and the staff, all was accurate to what I knew (I have read some of Dr. Tomie's diaries and the book "Company of Adventures" among other local historical books/ information. I questioned the blacksmith on one of his statements based on a historical reference I had read. Long story short, he was aware of the reference, and we discussed how accurate what I had read was. I was honestly shocked to find out he was a volunteer. This type of interaction was not unique to one volunteer. There was an individual with a straw top hat who was also incredibly knowledgeable, the carpenters were first rate just hitting on the tip of the ice berg here. Overall, phenomenal place to visit, I wish the more volunteers and staff were present during non-event days as well, but I will be going back. I understand they have a list of people volunteering and staff available in the gift shop so one can determine who is there before paying to enter. Couple of thoughts: - depending on when you go through, remember some of the staff/ volunteers may have something they are working on. If they ignore you when you first show up in their "space", remember they may have something happening that needs immediate attention. Don't be impatient. Watch what they are doing and ask questions. This is supposed to be an interactive experience, not necessarily an entertainment. - "Be curious" to quote Ted Lasso. - Depending on who is in Store #2 (blacksmith shop), ask about the "family courting candlestick". Interesting story there - I failed the "Blacksmith IQ test". See if you can do better...

Such a cool museum! I never have enough time to look at all the cars and read about their history…read more The first floor is a rotating exhibit whole the door floors below are permanent. It's so cool seeing the designs of cars across decades and manufacturers, and how that defined the soul of not just a subset of people at the time but culture (mostly American culture). I also enjoy the little movie theater they have as a nice break from walking and starting at static cars. The oddest but rather niifty car I saw was this German amphibious car. Bummed they don't still make this! Would be perfect around lake Washington! Is recommend this museum to anyone, young or old, male to female. It's a welcoming space that lets you enjoy at your own pace and has never seemed too busy when I've gone. The people there are friendly and the Justin itself hosts lots of fun events both for the community and members. There used to be a cafeteria up top overlooking the special exhibit but I believe this is now upgraded as a Korean fast casual place. I didn't get to try it last time but wouldn't mind trying it out next time I'm wandering the museum. The gift shop has a fun selection of items too. Cards and prints by local artists and photographers, car related toys and useful gadgets, clothing, trinkets, souvenirs... Fyi, As a member you get 10% off in the shop.

Always a fun time !…read more Car enthusiast, a must ! We loved the first floor display, it changes from time to time. Recommend following the recommended walking route. Start at top right hand side walk ramp down and loop back up! Plenty of bathrooms, parking, cafe, & gift shop!

The architecture is beautiful. We went for the Southeast Asian voices exhibit, which was really…read morewell done. I love all the artifacts and the displays were varied and interesting. The model train set provided a unique view of Tacoma. This is a great place for kids too

What a wholesome experience for the entire family! 5 floors of different type of Model trains while…read moreyou go through the states history as well. If you are here for the train displays with your kids, you need to cover floor 1 as the last stop. Floor 1 has play area with Legos and Toy train tracks and the toddlers don't want to go anywhere else! Super friendly staff at each display who are eager to interact with the kids and the adults. I missed it last year, now, we might end up coming here every year!

A great pedestrian bridge that starts at Pacific Avenue, takes you over the freeway, and down to…read morethe Museum of Glass and the Dock Street Marina!! You definitely get a good taste of what the Museum of Glass has to offer, as this bridge has glass sculptures along both sides of the bridge!! I was staying nearby and walked across this bridge a few times to get to the marina. You also get some good views of downtown Tacoma from here!!

This is a famous Tacoma landmark - a glass bridge that performs its job well as a pedestrian bridge…read morewith a touch of beauty from the glass artwork instillation that lines the sides of the bridge. It's a great alternative to visiting the Museum of Glass for people who are short on time or arriving during closed hours (this bridge is open 27/7), yet still want to experience some beauty in their lives. This bridge connects the Thea Foss Waterway and the Museum of Glass. When I visited, it was quite hot and the sun was beating down. This illuminated the three amazing Chihuly glass installations, but I wished that there was more than a little covered area on the bridge to protect me. Oh well, they do say that beauty is pain, don't they? I saw that there were multiple photographers on the bridge to take in the peaceful surroundings. Definitely don't miss this in your visit to Tacoma.

Children's Museum for free! Yep! They ask for donation and I was happy to donate! The staff are…read morecourteous and helpful and even caution the unruly kids running around! Water play area is definitely the most high activity zone. My kid almost spent an hour playing in that area. The air flow duct with scarves is another fun area for the kid. Among all the other museums I have visited, the painting, arts & crafts area is quite unique to this museum. The wooden boards and the net at the end of the museum is another adventure for all kids and not available in other museums. This was the first time I saw my kid feeling the courage to climb over the ropes and explore. The paid parking area near the museum has good number of spots but the signs can be confusing as it says "only reserved" and you tend to wonder if you will get ticketed. Park Mobile app location 50271 is good and confirmed by museum folks! Or there is street parking too!

This isn't a very large children's museum, but my 5 and 8 year old had a ton of fun playing. It's…read moreso nice that it is pay what you can so that anyone can come. We were impressed by the cleanliness. Though, I didn't look closely, nothing jumped out as being gross. If you're in the area, it's worth a stop, but I wouldn't go too far out of the way for it.

Free! Donations appreciated Great local museum in a…read morespacious building. Was great learning history about the area. They have scavenger hunts for the kids and a small gift area.

Came out to the Seaport for an expo this summer; it was my first time. The venue has some culture…read moreand history to what the seafront means out here with its artifacts, exhibits, & decor. Parking is a little difficult, w in front of the seaport, along the park, and the covered area within the seaport.

This is a gorgeous and intriguing museum that I highly recommend - although be advised that right…read morenow they are renovating. They will re-open their main galleries in the fall of 2026. To help soften the blow, they have lowered admission price in the interim. The hot shop is also still open and you can watch live glass making there. There are a few exhibit cases on view. There are lots of fun works that kids' designed that are also on view on the main lobby and down the hall. We went for a glass making class, which was tons of fun. I'm sure attendance varies widely - ours was not crowded. The person monitoring the class, Audrey, was friendly; she explains everything and then you have at it. She is there to help, which includes cutting glass pieces to suit whatever design you are making (this probably depends on the style of glass you are making). FYI the gift shop is really nice and is available even if you don't go into the museum. You can purchase works by glass artists who have been at the museum - so it's more than your average gift shop.

This is a cool museum. Unfortunately most of it as closed but gave us a discount. We came an hour…read morebefore closure and saw everything. The glass making studio was cool to watch. The bridge in the back was quite a walk over so had to be picked up baby history museum.

Not bad, but quite small. If you've been to the Seattle Museum, you might be disappointed…read more There is designated parking, so don't get towed. The staff is nice. Overall, it's not bad, but it's not great.

I was able to visit this museum for free on the third Thursday of the month. There was also a…read moreworkshop studio and I created a nice journal cover. It was a great experience. Please come and create your own adventure.

The Buffalo Soldiers Museum is definitely an overlooked museum in Tacoma and is definitely worth…read morechecking out. Admission is free which is always a plus! If you want to donate however you can by the front door. The Buffalo Soldiers is a term for African American cavalry soldiers. The term was given by Native Americans because these soldiers reminded them of the buffalo due to the fierce and brave nature which was often how the animal exhibited. This museum focuses on 9th and 10th cavalry regiments but the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments. These regiments were involved in several wars. The American Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, Mexican Border War and World War 1 and World War 2. Other wars are mentioned at the museum as well like the Korean War. The museum is relatively small but there is a large amount of information and artifacts and the person that greeted us was very friendly and gave us lots of information which was great! I definitely recommend the Buffalo Soldier's Museum as there are lots of pieces and stories from American history here that is fascinating and educational!

I was told about the Buffalo Soldier Museum by a neighbor friend of mine on a Friday afternoon as…read morewe sat enjoying lunch together. She mentioned her parents who had been visiting from California, went to the museum and found it very interesting and enjoyable. The museum had limited hours they were open. She reached for her phone and looked up the museum hours. Well, it just so happened, the museum was going to be open the next day between the hours of 12pm - 4pm. So, here I am enjoying and learning about the Buffalo Soldiers. I highly recommend going to this little museum in the Hilltop neighborhood and supporting the museum and the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers. Totally loved it!