Playgrounds and things to do with kids in Tacoma

Recreation center with an outdoor playground (tall slide, rope climbing, smaller equipment for little kids) and a summer splash pad.

Waterfront park with six slides running down beside the stairs from the Wilson Way Bridge toward the marina, and a paved walking loop.

Free maritime museum with hands-on displays, boats, a working wooden boat shop and exhibits on the waterfront's history.

Car museum with a Family Zone: a pinewood car racing track, cars to pretend-drive, a road-trip map and a postcard art station.

Treetops indoor and outdoor family play for ages six months to 12, where grown-ups stay and play alongside their kids.

History museum with a big fifth-floor model railroad of 1950s Washington, plus family programs on state history for kids four to ten.