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Hands On Children's Museum

414 Jefferson St NE, Olympia, WA 98501
360-956-0818
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Ranked #2 of 17 attractions in Olympia
Type: Children’s Museums
Description: Interactive exhibits teach children through activities.
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37 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    19
    15
    2
    1
    0
Date Rating
Olympia, Washington
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

The museum is now in its very attractive new building with parking adjacent. In an area that is also close to marinas, the Farmers Market (Thurs-Sun until 3 PM), Batdorf & Bronson's coffee roastery & tasting room (free)--so if anyone needs a break while the kids are in the museum there are places to walk to. As you would expect,... More

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See 2 more reviews by T W for Olympia
Olympia, Washington
Top Contributor
121 reviews 121 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 44 cities Reviews in 44 cities
377 helpful votes 377 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

Grandkids visiting? Looking for somethng to do that's superior to video games? A visit to the Hands On Children's Museum is just the place - hey, they might even learn something about the Pacific Northwest! Well layed out, safe,and of enough interest to keep their attention for hours. There are enough interesting things to do that it may take you... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 33 more reviews by SBruce J for Olympia
Seattle
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2013

Had a blast with kids age 4 boy & 2 girl. The creativity for all of the rooms and detail is awesome. Could have stayed longer but nap time was calling...

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Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

Have taken 4 year old grandson twice. Each visit was two hours. Anything that keeps a 4 year old's attention that long has to be pretty good.

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See 8 more reviews by Slcccb for Olympia
Olympia, Washington
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 March 2013

The new building offers children many rooms to explore. They can climb a tree house and slide down, they can drive a fire truck, they can play dentist or doctor and they can build a boat and sail it. There is so much to do here, that it will take many visits to see everything. The museum is also adding... More

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See 12 more reviews by GB00 for Olympia
Olympia, WA
Top Contributor
108 reviews 108 reviews
34 attraction reviews
Reviews in 37 cities Reviews in 37 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 March 2013

Plenty to do for kids of all ages. There are many activity displays on two floors. The museum is broken up into various theme areas. Our grandson particularly liked the water displays.

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See 7 more reviews by mdcwa for Olympia
San Fernando La Union, Philippines
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 March 2013

Took a 4 year old on a Friday morning & it was way too busy to enjoy the experience. Arrived @ opening time as did a school bus full of loud energetic youngsters. Chaos reined! I'm told that Mon-Wed are quieter but next time I'll call to make sure no field trips are planned.

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Lacey, Washington
Top Contributor
81 reviews 81 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 February 2013

Loved all the community involvement in the activity offerings for all types of kids! The new museum is much larger and full of inviting opportunities for kids to bond and learn. Two drawbacks: very spendy entry fees for non-members and the building was less noiseproof than the older facility---poor planning? The noise was exhausting after the first twenty minutes!!

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See 15 more reviews by Lina005 for Olympia
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 February 2013

Not only is this a gorgeous building in a gorgeous setting but the activities for kids of all ages is unparalleled. My granddaughter can go everyday and never grow bored. We are looking forward to better weather because the are outside exhibits to explore as well.

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See 5 more reviews by Sultan13 for Olympia
Olympia, Washington
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2013

The new HOCM is much better than the old location. The only thing lacking is the amount of content for older or more mature children. This museum is best suited for 10 and under. My 14 year old was bored and my 9 year old wanted more activities for older kids vs. the toddler areas. We are looking forward to... More

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See 6 more reviews by MEGross for Olympia

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