The brand-new indoor game facility in Tukwila has 12 rooms, each with 2 to 7 games, plus a photo booth. Wear your comfy shoes — it’s a workout!

Throw balls to hit asteroids. (Image: Caroline JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)

You will break a sweat. Everyone will have fun. So much fun, your kids will forget they’re too cool to hang with you.

Activate has 66 locations across North America, France, Dubai, and the United Kingdom. The first Washington location opened Dec. 14, kitty corner from Westfield Southcenter.

We love how this area, dubbed Seattle Southside, has become a hub for activities for older kids. There’s Activate and iFly next to Southcenter, and Great Big Game Show and The Escape Game inside the mall. (Attention puzzle fanatics, The Escape Game at Southcenter has different escape rooms from the South Lake Union location.)

The laser room is one of the most popular at Activate. (Image: Caroline JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)

We visited Activate two weeks into its opening. Everything was sparkly clean, and the staff was super friendly. When the clock ran out, we left happy — and wiped.

For your first visit, here’s what you need to know:

Age Rules, Group Size, and What Families Should Know Before Playing

The average age of Activate players is 24. The minimum age requirement is 6, and it’s better if kids are around 10 to really understand how to play. Kids 6 to 13 must be supervised by an adult. It is very dark inside with lots of flashing lights.
You need at least two people to play, and up to five people fit in a room. If you are a party of six or more, split into smaller groups.

If you need a break, try this game where you match what the screen tells you to do. (Image: Caroline JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)

To save time, book a reservation, sign the waiver, and create a player profile online ahead of your visit. Keep in mind Fridays and weekends, especially toward the evening, are the busiest times. During the daytime, you see more families.

When you enter, check in at the front desk and stash anything that doesn’t fit into your pockets in a secure locker. Shed extra layers while you’re at it. You’ll be running, jumping, and crawling, and you will get hot.

Scan your wristband on the iPad to check your score when you finish. (Image: Caroline JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)

Each player gets a rubber wristband, and the clock starts running once you tap into your first game. Don’t waste any minutes. Before you tap in, use the restroom, get a drink of water, and take a lap around to scope out the options. Save the photo booth for last because you can do that after your time is up.

There’s a helpful staff member monitoring the game area if you have questions.

Inside the Games: What You’ll Actually Play at Activate

The three most popular games are running on the grid, dodging lasers, and shooting hoops. Our absolute favorite was the mega grid, which are light boxes on the ground, and we played that multiple times.

Other challenges include flinging balls at asteroids, pressing buttons all over a room, and hiding from a giant eye. You’re interacting with screens the whole time, but it’s active and will definitely get your blood pumping.

The mega grid is made of light-up tiles on the ground. (Image: Caroline JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)

If you need to catch your breath, check out the more chill options. You can shoot lasers at targets or scan photos to spot the differences.

Most of the games are very physical. The key point is you can be as active as you want. Play one game the entire time, or bop around from room to room. It’s completely up to you.

Each room has a list of games posted on the touch screen outside. The cooperative games are coded blue, and the competitive ones pink. Get directions by tapping on the question mark. Each round runs two to four minutes, so you’re never waiting long for an open room.

Find the button that matches the one on the screen. (Image: Caroline JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)

When time’s up, scan your wristband on the iPads in the hall to see your scores. The system saves your progress, so you don’t have to start from scratch when you come back.

Where to Eat After Activate Near Southcenter Mall

There’s no food, drink or gum allowed inside Activate. After working up an appetite, we strolled across the street to Southcenter. Mr. Dim Sum is a buzzy Cantonese restaurant that opened in the mall a little over a year ago, and it’s 100 percent worth the hype.

Mr. Dim Sum serves dim sum all day, and most of the dishes on the menu run about $8 each. When the steamers landed on our table, I understood why: each chubby har gow is loaded up with four or five shrimp inside. No skimping on ingredients! Try the juicy shui mai and the softest, freshest mango mochi. If you can restrain yourself, save a little food to take home only because their to-go bag is ridiculously cute.

We wrapped up a truly banner day in Seattle Southside with bubble tea from 85C, a yummy Taiwanese bakery. (The Southcenter location will reopen Jan. 30 after a remodel.) Their drinks are on the sweet side, and after a session at Activate, you’ve earned it.

Mr. Dim Sum in Westfield Southcenter serves dim sum all day. (Image: Caroline JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)

If You Go: Planning Your Visit

• Location: Activate Tukwila, 300 Andover Park West, Tukwila (in the same shopping plaza as Barnes and Noble)
• Phone: (564) 206-0920
• Cost: 60 minutes for $28 plus tax, 90 minutes for $38 plus tax
• Hours: Monday-Tuesday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m, Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Parking: Free parking in the shopping plaza
• Best Time for Families: Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be quieter

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After opening in February 2023, Monster Mini Golf has become a popular destination for family fun. But you won’t find just a glow-in-the-dark, 18-hole mini-course here; it’s a fun center that houses a mini-bowling alley, a laser room, and a full arcade with VR games too. Add to that an extensive prize center (a huge motivator for my 8- and 5-year-old boys) and you’ve got a recipe for a successful day trip for the family.

The Experience: Mini-golf

We started at the 18-hole mini golf course. My whole family loves miniature golf, and this course had just the right amount of challenge so kids and adults could enjoy it. We found it entertaining that some of the mechanical statues spoke and moved their limbs and heads while we putted along the spooky glow-in-the-dark course. The glow-in-the-dark aspect made for a cool atmosphere as our golf balls glowed in the dark, too, while they raced along the course.

Attendants stood by the course, offering a reprieve from the game with their silly movements and tricks. They were also there to help players who were having trouble landing their golf balls in the right spot.

There’s a mini-bowling alley, a laser room, and a full arcade with VR games too. (Image: Janet Kim)

Mini bowling

My 5-year-old especially loved the mini bowling. Throw your bowling ball (really a duck pinball) down the lane and strike out as many pins as you can. Strings pull up the pins and reset the game. Scores are automatically kept on a screen above the lanes. There’s a bumper option too, which is nice for little ones. Each game lasts 5 frames, a bit short for the time and cost of the game ($6/game).

Add to that an extensive prize center was a huge motivator for my 8- and 5-year-old boys. (Image: Janet Kim)

Arcade and VR experience

What stood out among the arcade, VR, and laser game experiences at Monster Mini Golf? The VR game that made you feel like you were riding a roller coaster. Be sure to play Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride, where you could choose from several scenarios and take an adventure with rabbits. Make it a single ride or double up with a partner.

The arcade offers classic games as well as electronic adventure games. If your kids are interested in choosing a prize at the end of your outing, there are also games to collect more tickets.

Be sure to play Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride. (Image: Janet Kim)

Laser games

Laser games are great for older kids. My 8-year-old tried the laser maze game, essentially a laser tram alarm. Even on the easiest level, he thought it was pretty hard, which ended the game quickly for him.

Careful, it’s harder than it looks! (Image: Janet Kim)

How to get there

Monster Mini Golf is located off of Factoria Square Mall SE in Bellevue. There are two entrances to Monster Mini Golf, one directly outside with plenty of parking and the other, from inside the mall, near other play areas like Funtastic Playtorium and The Slime Factory. For direct access, enter from Factoria Blvd. SE.

How much is it?

Activities can be purchased a la carte or as combo deals. Because my kids wanted to try everything, a combo worked best for our family. I liked that you could pick and choose what would work for your child, especially when one wanted to do an activity that the other didn’t want to do.

Single activity:
• Mini Golf: $12-14 a round depending on age
• Laser maze: $3 for single play
• Mini Bowling: $6 for a 5-frame game
• Virtual reality:  $6 for a single game
• Arcade game cards will work for all the additional activities except mini golf. Deals are available for cards bought in $25, $50, $75 and $100 increments.

Combo deals are:
• Mini Golf + $10 arcade card: $22
• Mini Golf + $10 arcade card + 1 game of bowling: $27
• Mini Golf + $10 arcade card + Laser maze + VR + Bowling: $34

The WHOLE family had a blast! (Image: Janet Kim)

Party rooms

If you’re looking to throw a birthday party or any fun gathering, Monster Mini Golf offers various party packages. All packages include a private party room, a dedicated party expert, as well as set-up and clean-up services. Reservations are available seven days a week with varying start times.

The cost of parties ranges from $395-$1,100, with a non-refundable deposit required to reserve. Monster Mini Golf works with approved caterers to provide food.

Food and facilities

The facility does not sell food, but the mall has plenty of options. After spending an hour playing all the various games Monster Mini Golf had to offer, we picked up food in the mall’s food court.

Some family-friendly options for food or treats inside The Marketplace at Factoria include:

• Red Robin
• Just Poke
• Panda Express
• Jamba Juice
• Cold Stone Creamery

Overall, the facility was clean and not super crowded, which made for a great experience for our family. It’s also a woman—and minority-owned business with murals painted by local artists displayed throughout the mini golf course. Keep this indoor family entertainment center on your list of places to go when the kids are bored. They’re sure to have a fantastic time at Monster Mini Golf.

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That “first time in the sand” look. (Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

First Toe Wiggles

We visited at the end of opening day, about an hour before they closed up. The first thing I noticed was how clean the place was. You hear “indoor sandbox” and immediately picture gritty floors and clouds of dust. Instead, the space was bright, open, and spotless.

My daughter Ava had never walked barefoot in sand before. She dangled her feet off the bench, scrunched up her toes, and looked at me like she’d just discovered magic. Then we spent quite some time doing her favorite activity: scooping sand into buckets (“Putting Things In Things” is her current obsession.) Eventually, she moved on to her second obsession, “Taking Things Out of Things,” systematically removing every toy from the neatly stocked shelves, and shovels from their place on the walls. It was like watching her raid our kitchen cabinets at home, only here it was sanctioned (and sandier).

Nothing like a dump truck and a pile of sand to keep little hands busy. (Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

60,000 Pounds of Sand

Let’s talk sand. SandGarden has 60,000 pounds of it — fine, white, silica-free sand sourced from a quarry in Quebec. The owners, April and Graham Quinn, told me they went back and forth on whether they’d ordered enough before finally cutting open the bags. “Every day I’d look at them and think, did we get enough sand?” Graham laughed. “Turns out, yes.”

If you’re imagining coming home with sand in every crevice, you’re not alone — I was skeptical, too. But it wasn’t bad. The sand felt softer and cleaner than beach sand (because it is), brushed right off clothes, and while Ava’s hair still had grains in it at bath time that were just as hard to get out as ever, we didn’t trail it through the car or house like I expected.

The other big question: air quality. Anyone who’s seen kids dump a bucket of sand knows it doesn’t stay neatly contained. The Quinns planned for that with industrial air purifiers placed throughout the space, and they wet and sift the sand daily to keep dust levels down. I did notice a few sandy “clouds” rise up when a kid went for a dramatic offload, but they settled quickly, and the air never felt heavy or musty. The fact that the sand is silica-free also helps — there aren’t the contaminants you’d get from standard construction or playground sand.

Pro tip: Put younger kids in a snap onesie with pants over it. It limits how far the sand can travel, especially into diaper zones.

Order meets toddler logic: every toy out, all at once. (Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

Who It’s Best For

Ava had fun, but I could tell she’s still a little young to fully appreciate it. The kids who were really going for it were more in the 4–10 range, building elaborate structures, climbing on diggers, and inventing games.

That said, for toddlers, it’s still a neat sensory experience and a place to burn energy on a rainy morning. And for parents, the setup is smart: the whole place is one big open space, so you can see everything from anywhere. There’s free coffee, Wi-Fi, and a parents’ area with tables where you can hang out if your kid is old enough to play independently.

April told me that’s intentional: “We want parents to come [in the sand] and interact and engage, but we also get that some of the kids can play by themselves. Parents can grab a coffee, bring their laptop, answer their emails — and still keep an eye on your kid. No chasing around corners.”

From toddlers to grade-schoolers, kids (and parents) get in on the action. (Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

The Backstory

The Quinns dreamed up SandGarden last year during yet another soggy Northwest November. “We’d been to that third floor Bellevue Square play area so many times, I’m not going back there. I need something else.”

When he saw an indoor sandpit on TikTok, the idea stuck. They found a space, tore down walls themselves, poured in the sand, and here we are: Washington’s largest indoor sandbox.

Future plans include birthday parties in a party room named after their dog, Beau, plus classes and meetups: fossil digs, music times, and even parent meetups.

The parent zone: tables, Wi-Fi, and a front-row seat to the action. (Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

Bottom Line

By the end of our visit, Ava was sandy, tired, and happyish (not Sand Garden’s fault; she was demanding the singular snack that I didn’t pack her. I packed everything else). I was pleasantly surprised that the sand didn’t follow us home like glitter, and I left thinking this could be a solid winter survival spot. For toddlers, it’s about squishy toes and scooping. For older kids, it’s a full-blown adventure.

And for parents, it’s one more rainy-day option to add to the rotation — and  that alone feels like a win.

The sandbox also doubles as a mini marketplace.(Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

Know Before You Go

• Address: 660 NW Gilman Blvd. Issaquah, WA
• Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Admission: $22 per child (adults and babies under 1 are free)
• Waiver: Parents must sign a waiver for kids to play
• Rules: All shoes must be off before entering the sandboxes, all toys and sand need to stay in the box, no food/drink in the sandboxes, and outside toys are not allowed in.
• Wear: Loose-fitting clothing for parents and older kids, but I’d recommend tighter clothing for toddlers (snap onesies) and young kids to keep sand from getting to diaper zones.

Some of the products, services, or experiences mentioned in this article may have been provided at no cost or at a discount. However, all opinions expressed are solely those of the author and/or the Seattle’s Child editorial team. Our coverage remains independent, and we only feature things we genuinely believe will be of interest to our readers. 

The post Parent Review: We visited Issaquah’s new giant indoor sandbox appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Start by talking to the game master. They give you the story and objectives (a mystery to solve, an object to find) and are available to offer hints if you get stuck. Move through multi-room sets, elaborately decorated to encompass the story’s setting, such as a house, jail cell, or ship. Interact with a variety of puzzles within one room. The sets contain many fun gadgets and mechanics, too.

Solve the puzzle, and a drawer with the next clue pops open, revealing the next puzzle in another room.  The game has a time limit, but whether you escape or not, it’s a fun activity and sure to impress even the most jaded teens. If you’re interested in checking out a family-friendly escape room, read on for suggestions on where to go.

(Image courtesy Hourglass Escapes LLC 2025)

Tomb Raider Seattle

1122 Post Ave, Seattle, 98101

• Ages: 10+ The company recommends booking the private option for parties or if you have kids 10 to 14 years old, who could be paired with strangers. An adult must accompany kids 16 and under.
• Length of game: 90 minutes
• Price: $44 and up | Discounts: Weekdays are less expensive, and private games are also slightly lower priced on weekends. There is a weekday spring special currently, all M-F tickets are $44

Although this escape experience is modeled after the Lara Croft Tomb Raider franchise, you don’t need to be familiar with the game to succeed. This 90-minute, six-room experience takes you on a journey to escape the Temple of Fire, solving puzzles along the way. A live guide, “Alex,” leads you the whole way, aided by Lara Croft’s voice to warn of impending danger and move the story along. One thing that sets this escape room apart is the beginning and ending rooms, which feel almost like an amusement park-type ride with motion, sound effects, and “windows” that show the scenery going by as you fly to Chile and then later escape. Having an actor as a game master to guide you is a fun aspect, and they also step in when needed with hints. The set details and special effects made us feel like we were in the Temple of Fire instead of downtown Seattle. Another fun bonus is that at the end, you can get photos taken that are turned into a downloadable and shareable mini comic with music and voice actors. These are emailed to you after the game.

Hourglass Escapes

3131 Western Ave #422b Seattle, 98121

• Age: 10+ An adult must accompany kids under 16. Must have a minimum of three in the group and the games are all private.
• Length of game: 60-70 minutes
• Price: $40+

The award-winning Hourglass Escapes offers four escape rooms: Mystery at Innsmouth, The Ghostly Galleon, Rise of the Mad Pharoh, and Evil Dead 2. I recently did the Mystery at Innsmouth with two teens, and we had a blast. The set details were impressive, with just the right amount of an eerie atmosphere — without being scary. This room had various puzzle types (key locks, combination locks, runes, and more) which kept it interesting. The clues built upon each other and were rated medium difficulty, yet we needed several clues.

Reviewers say that Evil Dead 2 fans will love the Evil Dead 2 escape room, and that it feels just like the Knowby cabin from the movie, and that there are tons of comical moments and Easter eggs for fans. This one does contain adult language and content, according to the website.

Tip: Hourglass is located in two different suites at the same address. When you get your email confirmation, note the location of your escape. We ended up at the wrong spot and they gave us a map to find the correct location. Also, plan to arrive early to find street parking.

(Image courtesy Hourglass Escapes LLC 2025)

Puzzle Break Seattle

2124 2nd Ave Seattle, 98121

• Ages 8+
• Length of game: 60 minutes
• Prices: $39.95 -$49.95, depending on how many tickets you buy | Discounts: Groupon for the Escape from Seattle room and a 30% rebooking discount

Puzzle Break is America’s first escape room company, and their rooms are some of the last standing original rooms in the country. Puzzle Break is not only the OG, but it has also been rated number one by many participants. Unlike most escape rooms, these require finding a physical key to unlock the final door and escape. I took three teens to the Mystic Manor Blue Room. We had a game master who gave us the story’s details and our quest, after which they stood back and only offered hints when needed. The set is very immersive, with an old manor, low lighting and creepy music. We were each given a (battery-operated) candle from a candelabra to use when looking for clues. A flashlight was also provided, which was good for my older eyes.

Puzzle Break offers five rooms, with Escape the Lost Temple being the easiest (recommended for younger kids) and Escape from Seattle: The World’s Fair Affair being the most difficult. Any group that has kids under 18 requires at least one adult to join them and is given a game master. The website indicates which rooms are more family-friendly and what size group is recommended for success. They have a nice lounge area where you can wait for your game to begin.

Puzzlebreak’s lounge room offers games to warm up your escape room skills. (Image: Tiffany Doerr Guerzon)

Sure Lock Escapes Kent, Renton, West Seattle

Locations in West Seattle, Renton & Kent

• Ages: 8+
• Length of game: 70-100 minutes
• Prices: Start at $35 per person for groups of 8 or more

Sure Lock Escapes is locally owned, with locations in Renton and Kent. These are an excellent choice for younger kids or those who don’t appreciate scares because they never include horror or scary elements. The Renton location features three rooms set in the mythical land of Cypher Island, where you will solve puzzles in a Pirate Shipwreck, the Shimmer Reef, or the Abandoned Mineshaft. They also offer the longest escape experience in Washington state, a 100-minute experience called Guardians’ Grove. The Kent location offers three rooms where brave adventurers accept quests to help the kingdom of Lunaris. The West Seattle location has four rooms, two of which offer a “full motion experience” in which the room shakes. All bookings are private so that you won’t be adventuring with strangers.

(Image courtesy Sure Lock Escapes)

Flee Redmond

2222 152nd Ave NE Redmond, 98052

• Ages: No age restriction, but if any kids are 13 or younger, at least one adult must be in the room with them.
• Length of game: 60 minutes
• Prices: Start at $40/hour | Discounts: One child under 8 is free with two paid adults. Group discounts are available for birthday parties and corporate team-building activities.

Flee offers six different escape rooms with varying difficulty. Choose from The Lift (the only single room experience), Prison Escape, Museum Heist, Steampunk Submarine, Ancient Egypt, and the Game of Thrones-themed Icewalker. The website offers video trailers of each and grades each on difficulty to help you choose the best option for your group. That being said, Flee recommends Steampunk Submarine and Prison Escape for younger kids. All escape room bookings are private. Participants say they enjoyed the props and storylines and that the puzzles were challenging without being impossible. Flee also offers portable escape games in a suitcase for on-site events and has zero-latency VR experiences in the same location as the escape rooms.

(Image courtesy Flee Redmond)

Trapped: A Labyrinth Adventure Tacoma

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum in Tacoma, WA

• Length of game: 60 minutes
• Prices: Starting at $224 per group of 4-8 guests, no individual tickets sold (this does not include admission to the rest of the museum).
• Ages: 12+, recommended for groups of 4-8

This escape room is located at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum in Tacoma and is set in the 19th-century Pacific Northwest. The experience is located in one of the museum’s historic reproduction buildings, so historical artifacts surround players as they solve period-inspired puzzles, decode historical ciphers, and more to find a long-lost map. All of the puzzles are based on the real-life history of Fort Nisqually and players are led by a costumed guide for their adventure.

(Image courtesy Trapped Escape Fort Nisqually)

Escape room tips

• Arrive early so you can get settled in and aren’t in a rush to start the game.
• Visit the restroom before the game starts. You can leave for a break, but they don’t stop the clock.
• Listen carefully to your game master when they outline the rules. They will offer helpful advice, such as where not to look for clues (think not under a rug or high above your head), which will save your team time, and other info, like how to radio your game master for hints.
• Look around the room and check drawers, cabinets, and tabletops for clues. Be careful not to force anything open. Look up and down!
• If there is more than one puzzle in a room, splitting the group to work on both simultaneously will save minutes.
• Collaborate to put the clues together.
• You can ask for clues or hints anytime. If you start to feel stuck, it is better to get a hint than to waste time and possibly run out of time.
• My kids watched this video by Mark Rober for tips on beating an escape room.

The post Can you escape? Family-friendly escape rooms near Seattle appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Step in to the sea at Bubble Planet in Bellevue (Photo by Kathryn Mueller)

Unlocking the Bubble Planet experience

After checking in at the front desk, you’ll meander from room to room, weaving through a maze of charming exhibits in the expansive building. Each room is immersive and enthralling – and honestly, we loved them all. From an LED water world where fish, sharks, and manta rays cruise below your feet, to a room filled with giant pastel pink balloons, every room is different and enjoyable. The larger-than-life props, creative and playful backdrops, and magical light displays are very well done, and the continuity of the theme is seen throughout the sensory experience.

Don’t get carried away on this floating swing. (Photo by Kathryn Mueller)

I loved the photo opportunities sprinkled throughout the rooms as well. The selfie room (as it is aptly named) is a great place to stop to snap a few photos. A bathtub filled with yellow rubber ducks; a swing that seemingly stays aloft with the help of a cluster of bright blue balloons; a bubble you can sit inside – how can you not strike a pose and smile for the camera? This room is about halfway through the experience and offers a small snack bar and beverage station, too. There are a few small tables where you can hang out while little ones explore the photo stops, or you can quickly refuel before heading to the next room for more bubblicious adventures! Food and drinks aren’t allowed at the next attraction, so you’ll have to finish them before you move along.

Swim away in the enormous bath of bubbles. (Photo by Kathryn Mueller)

Our favorite stop along our bubble voyage was the bubble bath room. As the name suggests, it’s a giant pool filled with thousands of opaque balls and a bubble-bathing giant whose inflatable limbs jut out from the pool’s depth. Make a splash and jump in. My kiddos had an absolute blast immersing themselves in bubbles. Their giggles were joyful and raucous as they swam through the squishy balls.

Note: The deep end is pretty deep, going up to an adult’s waist, so keep an eye on your little ones. I saw one parent plucking their toddler out from the depths.

Enter the infinity room and be amazed at this never-ending illusion. (Photo by Kathryn Mueller)

Illusions and more

My kids also enjoyed the infinity room, a small, winding room with string lights cascading from the ceiling. It’s as if the room goes on and on and on and is truly unbelievable.

For an additional $5, you can add a virtual reality experience to your visit. It’s the last room you’ll walk through before making your way to the exit. We opted in! My children were enamored with the swinging bubbles and really liked being transported to a virtual bubble world.

If this place wasn’t unreal enough, step into the world of virtual reality. (Photo by Kathryn Mueller)

The experience concludes in a gift shop with interactive games lining the walls and a drawing station for kids. You can color one of many ocean-themed coloring pages and then watch it appear on the large screen on the wall.

Draw and display your art in the last room. (Photo by Kathryn Mueller)

Fair warning, this last room is also the gift shop, so your little ones will likely want to leave with a bubble trinket. They are tempting!

What we loved and what we didn’t

Overall, we loved Bubble Planet in Bellevue. Things to look out for are long lines. We were discouraged by the wait times in line before heading into the different rooms. I wouldn’t recommend going over a weekend because of the crowds. Perhaps the exhibition may have fewer people by trying to go in the morning or on a weekday.

These photos may look like the kids are alone, but the facility can get crowded. (Photo by Kathryn Mueller)

The experience is slated to last 90 minutes, but because we waited in lines, we stayed much longer. For example, the large bubble bathroom was a bottleneck for guests, and we waited more than 30 minutes to enter.

I still highly recommend visiting and was surprised and mesmerized by the experience. I’m thinking about returning for a mom’s night out.

An incredible sensory experience. (Photo by Kathryn Mueller)

Know before you go

• Dates: Bubble Planet is open now through June. Bubble Planet is closed on Tuesdays. You can visit Sunday-Monday, 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Wednesday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
• Location: 103 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA
• Cost: Tickets start at $19.90 per adult; $14.90 per child (ages 3 – 14), but ticket prices vary depending on the date. Children two and under are free. Purchase tickets online to reserve a spot. VIP tickets are also available and include a few extra perks, including VR and a Bubble Planet poster. Ticket prices for the VIP experience start at $30.90 for adults. When we visited on a Sunday, they turned people away because they were sold out, so it’s best to purchase tickets beforehand.
• Parking: Street parking is available, but there is a two-hour limit. There is a $7 charge for three hours if you park in the lot directly outside the building.
• Bubble Planet is great for all ages (toddler to adult)
• There is only one restroom, located about halfway through the experience. It has changing tables.
• Other details: Latex balloons are used in one of the rooms, so if you have a latex allergy, you should let a staff member know.
• Socks are also a good idea for bubble explorers. Some of the activities require you to remove your shoes.
• If you’re worried about the cleanliness of the bubble pits, bring hand sanitizer and wipes or use the restroom to wash your hands before exiting.

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Outdoor Fun

Seattle Children’s PlayGarden
1745 24th Ave S, Seattle

Located within Beacon Hill’s Colman Playground, Seattle Children’s PlayGarden is an urban oasis for safe play. Safety features include a fully-enclosed play area with gated entrances that are secured with child-resistant latches. Children will enjoy playing on accessible playground equipment and exploring the working gardens (including visits with the resident chickens and bunnies!). Bring your own balls to shoot hoops on the basketball courts and, in the warmer months, bring a towel to dry off after splashing around in the seasonal water tables. Pack a picnic and enjoy snacks or a meal at one of the provided picnic tables or garden benches.

Gardens and play areas inside Seattle Children’s PlayGarden . (Image: Allison Peterson)

Accessibility notes: Seattle Children’s PlayGarden is located in a quiet residential neighborhood with ample free street parking near the park. There are paved paths throughout the play area for easy stroller access, and there is one gender-neutral bathroom with a changing table within the play area.

Entrance to Seattle Children’s PlayGarden. (Image: Allison Peterson)

Paramount Park
15300 8th Ave NE, Shoreline

This sprawling park complex just north of Seattle offers a great mix of safe play spaces and room to explore. The main play area features a traditional playground suitable for children ages 5 years and older that is fully surrounded by a fence Note: there are two open entrances in the fence to access the playground, and neither entrance is blocked by a gate. Outside of the fenced area kids will enjoy exploring the park’s many features including a separate toddler play area, paved perimeter paths, a skate park, athletic fields, and a covered picnic shelter.

Accessibility notes: Paramount Park has a large dedicated parking lot and ample street parking in the neighborhoods surrounding the park. Public restrooms are near the main parking lot and playground.

Paramount Park playground. (Image: Allison Peterson)

Tambark Creek Park
17217 35th Ave SE, Bothell

Located in North Bothell near Mill Creek, Tambark Creek Park is an immense 40-acre park in an idyllic woodland setting. The children’s play area, ideal for younger children up to age 8, is fully enclosed with fencing and a single gate that latches. A newly-constructed picnic shelter, restrooms, and a parking lot are conveniently located adjacent to the playground. After getting your wiggles out on the playground, take some time to check out the park’s other features including its namesake creek, athletic fields, nature trails, and an off-leash dog park. The park offers a mix of paved and dirt trails, so bring some wheels or walking shoes for exploring!

Playground at Tambark Creek Park. (Image: Allison Peterson)

Accessibility notes: There is ample parking in the dedicated parking lot near the playground. Permanent restrooms are located near the playground, and portable restrooms are located throughout the park.

Playground and picnic shelter at Tambark Creek Park. (Image: Allison Peterson)

North Rose Hill Woodlands Park
9930 124th Ave NE, Kirkland

Nicknamed “Castle Park” after its iconic play structure, this nature park lives up to its magical reputation. Children will be wowed by the massive wooden playground that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale – and caregivers can rest easy knowing that the playground is fully enclosed with a single point of entry (A drawbridge to the castle, one might say!). Allow extra time to explore the many park features including a separate toddler playground (also enclosed), boardwalks and paved nature trails, wetlands with educational nature signs, picnic tables, and a covered picnic shelter.

Toddler playground at North Rose Hill Woodlands Park. (Image: Allison Peterson)

Accessibility Notes: There is no dedicated parking area for North Rose Hill Woodlands Park so plan ahead by wearing walking shoes, and bring a stroller or wagon to help tote your belongings or young children. Park on the street near the toddler playground on 128th Ave NE near Mark Twain Elementary and take the scenic quarter-mile walk through the park to the main play structure (a park map is on the billboard near the toddler playground). There are no restrooms inside the park, although seasonal portable restrooms are sometimes set up near the main playground.

The main playground (“castle playground”) at North Rose Hill Woodlands Park. (Image: Allison Peterson)

Sammamish Animal Sanctuary
16515 SE May Valley Rd, Renton

A haven for animals and children alike, Sammamish Animal Sanctuary is an animal rescue that will delight children of all ages in a safe and inclusive environment. Visitors to Sammamish Animal Sanctuary are able to interact with the farm’s many animals including rabbits, goats, alpacas, llamas, mini donkeys, horses, cows, chickens, ducks and pigs. Bring a few extra dollars to purchase snacks for the animals, and your children will delight in feeding their favorite animal friends. The farm is fully enclosed with fences with a single point of entry that is monitored by employees, making this a safe space for kids to roam.

Schedule a free visit during Sammamish Animal Sanctuary’s open hours (Tuesdays-Sundays 9:30-2:00).

Accessibility Notes: Free parking is available at the Sammamish Animal Sanctuary (Note that each reservation is for one car with up to 5 passengers, so plan accordingly if you will be visiting with a large group). Gravel pathways throughout the farm are stroller-friendly, and restrooms are available in the onsite “outhouse”.

University Village Play Area
2623 NE University Village St. Seattle

A fully-enclosed and covered outdoor play area inside the University Village shopping center. This small play area is best suited for young children ages 2-7. Check out upcoming Village Playdays for added fun.

Ballinger Park’s Hazel Miller Accessible Playground
23000 Lakeview Dr, Mountlake Terrace

Be one of the first to play at this recently-renovated transportation-themed playground. Fully-fenced and suitable for all ages and abilities.

Phyllis Needy Park
10811 NE 47th St, Kirkland

A fenced-in play area in the Houghton neighborhood of Kirkland. The play area features a play structure and sandbox area best suited for young children ages 2-7.

Saint Edward State Park
14445 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore

This expansive wooden playground near the shores of Lake Washington will delight children of all ages. The playground is surrounded by low fences, but caregivers should pay attention to multiple points of entry/exit around the perimeter of the playground. Discover Pass required for parking.

Tot Lot Park
141 9th Ave, Kirkland

Featuring a fully-fenced play area with play structures, gardens, and green spaces this is an ideal location for young children ages 2-7.

Indoor/paid locations

Pump It Up
Multiple locations
Inflatable fun zones with single points of entry/exit monitored by employees. Best suited for children ages 3-10.

Chuck E Cheese
Multiple locations
Arcade games, prize kiosks, and kid-approved food will keep kids happily entertained while safety features like caregiver/child matching hand-stamps and employee-monitored exits keep kids safe.

Woodland Park Zoo and Zoomazium
550 Phinney Ave. N. Seattle
Visit your favorite zoo animals or spend some time indoors at the Zoomazium indoor play area (Entrance to Zoomazium is only for children ages 8 and younger). Woodland Park Zoo is fully enclosed with employee-monitored exits, and the zoo employs staff trained in assisting guests with disabilities.

Cougar Mountain Zoo
19525 SE 54th St, Issaquah
This small zoo features animals that are mostly native to the Pacific Northwest. The compact size makes it easy to navigate and keep eyes on children while allowing them the freedom to explore on their own.

KidsQuest Children’s Museum
1116 108th Ave NE, Bellevue
A multi-level children’s museum with a variety of creative play spaces suitable for crawlers through elementary school-aged children. Staff receive special training for helping children with disabilities.

With these safe play places, children who elope can get out and experience the joys of playing in a safe and supportive environment. Play on!

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