If you’re looking for fun activities your kids will love this summer, look no further! We’ve put together a list of ten exciting things to do in Tri-Cities with kids they’re sure to enjoy. Whether your little ones prefer outdoor adventures or indoor fun, we’ve got you covered.
No parent wants to hear their kids complain about being bored during summer break, but luckily, the Tri-Cities offers a wealth of activities and attractions that are sure to keep them entertained.
Locals know that the Tri-Cities is the place to be in the summer, with its beautiful riverside location perfect for cooling off and enjoying water activities. In addition to its scenic parks, many businesses in the area also cater to families and kids, offering even more fun options. Let’s take a look at the best things to do with kids in Tri-Cities.
Fun Things To Do With Kids in Tri-Cities
1. Jump around at Max Air Trampoline Park
Jump, jump, jump around! Max Air Tri-Cities is an exciting destination for kids, offering a variety of activities that will keep them entertained for hours. With trampolines in every direction—including vertical trampolines, trampoline dodgeball, individual trampolines, and side-by-side trampolines—there’s no shortage of ways to bounce and have fun.
But that’s not all! Max Air also features a giant foam pit where jumpers can launch themselves into a soft landing. Plus, there’s a big screen to relive your most epic jumps in slow-motion playbacks.
For younger kids under the age of 5, there’s a special zone designed just for them, with scaled-down versions of all the fun activities in the main area.
Max Air is the perfect spot for kids to burn off energy, have a blast, and get plenty of exercise at the same time!
2. Go Ten Pin Bowling
The Tri-Cities is home to two great bowling alleys, located in Kennewick and Richland. Bowling is a fun way to spend a few hours away from the heat, making it a perfect family outing. With weekly specials and various discounts available, it’s an affordable way to enjoy some friendly competition with your kids and their friends.
Spare Time Lanes Kennewick: Spare Time Lanes in Kennewick isn’t just a bowling alley—it’s also an arcade! They offer a snack bar and are perfect for hosting kids’ birthday parties if you’re looking for something different this year. Weekly deals include two tacos for $2 and $2 pints of Rainier for Dad.
Atomic Bowl Richland: Atomic Bowl in Richland has 24 lanes and an awesome arcade. They offer several weekly specials, including Nuclear Bowling with a light show and sound system every Thursday and Friday night from 9 p.m. to midnight.
3. Play “Glow-In-The-Dark” mini golf
Let’s Glow Mini Golf in Kennewick boasts the coolest mini golf course in the Tri-Cities! This place offers a fun, 18-hole “glow-in-the-dark” mini golf experience that kids will absolutely love.
The 5,000-square-foot course is lit up by black lights, making everything from the putters to the picnic tables glow for a truly unique adventure. It’s a memorable activity that’s perfect for families looking for something exciting to do in the Tri-Cities.
Kids ages 4 to 8 can play for just $8.95 per game, while children under the age of 3 can play for free! Adult admission is $13.95.
4. Enjoy an iPlay Experience
iPlay in Kennewick is one of the most exciting spots in town, offering a world-class, three-level soft playground complete with a ninja course where kids can test their skills on challenging obstacles and ride thrilling slides.
For children with a creative spark, the Art Alive play area provides a unique opportunity to draw and watch their artwork come to life in a virtual world.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. iPlay also features an interactive sand area, a stomp-and-play floor, and a cutting-edge virtual reality zone. With activities designed for children, teens, and even adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
5. Catch a movie at the cinema
Hot summer days are coming and you might be looking for an activity the kids can do in the comfort of air conditioning. Why not take them to see the latest flick at the cinema?
Tri-Cities is home to four major movie theatres including Fairchild Cinemas in Pasco, Fairchild Cinemas in Kennewick, Fairchild Cinemas in Richland and an AMC Theater in Kennewick so you’re bound to find a kid-friendly film your little ones will enjoy!
6. Ride a historic merry-go-round with your kids
Every kid needs to experience a merry-go-round ride at least once in their lifetime, so if your child hasn’t ridden a carousel before, the Tri-Cities offers an extra special experience for them on a historic carousel.
The Gesa Carousel of Dreams is a 108 year-old Charles Camel handcarved wooden carousel that has been perfectly restored to it original condition.
Not only will the kids have a fun time riding the carousel, but you’ll also be able to snap some priceless photos on this stunning piece of history.
No trip to an amusement center is complete without snacks! Luckily, there is a concession stand available in the facility with traditional amsuement fare like burgers, hotdogs, nachos, pretzels, and candy.
7. Ride go carts at Fast Track
Fast Track Tri-Cities is perfect for kids with a need to speed! If you and your family are looking for an exhilerating day out, look no further for some fast fun than riding go carts at Fast Track!
They offer arrive and drive so there is no need to make reservations, just turn up. Each drive is approximately ten minutes but if you are looking for more time on the track you can book a private event and have the place just for you and your family for a whole hour!
There are some age and height restrictions though, riders must be at least 8 years of age and 54 inches or taller. If you’re kids don’t meet the requirements, they can still ride but only as passengers with you as the driver.
8. Take the kids fishing at the “kids fishing pond”
Fishing is a wonderful way to get outside and help kids connect with nature. The Columbia Park Kids Fishing Pond is stocked each year with Rainbow Trout, offering the perfect opportunity for children to catch their first fish.
April, May, and June are the prime months for fishing, so be sure to head out and reel in a big one! The pond is open to youth ages 14 and younger, as well as holders of disability licenses
9. Take paddleboarding lessons on the Columbia River
Paddleboarding is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise. It’s also a great summer activity, offering the perfect excuse to get out on the water and cool off.
This summer, take advantage of the mighty Columbia River and introduce your kids to stand-up paddleboarding for a memorable day on the water! Even if your family has never tried paddleboarding before, they’ll likely pick it up quickly, as kids are fast learners.
However, if you’d prefer them to have some instruction on their first time out, Northwest Paddleboarding offers introductory lessons. These lessons cover important basics, including how to get on and off the paddleboard safely, proper paddling techniques, and water safety.
If you or your children are already experienced paddleboarders, you can skip the lesson and rent paddleboards or kayaks by the hour or day. Northwest Paddleboarding is located at 710 George Washington Way, Richland.
10. Visit the Playground of Dreams
The Playground of Dreams is a huge 12,000 square foot playground for kids. It features a variety of fun elements that represent the Tri-Cities community such as a hydroplane, cable bridge, lighthouse, and Lampson crane.
Other aspects of the playground include a pirate ship, dragon slide, castle maze, rocket, rope wall, and more. This master piece is sure to get any kid excited! You’ll find this playground at Columbia Park in Kennewick.