Last updated: 2025-04-22
Rainy days in Olympia don’t mean boredom. The capital city offers a treasure trove of engaging indoor activities that celebrate local culture, creativity, and learning for visitors and residents alike.
From interactive museum experiences at the State Capitol Museum to captivating performances at Harlequin Productions, Olympia provides diverse indoor entertainment that keeps families and culture enthusiasts thoroughly engaged.
Discover Olympia’s exciting indoor adventures now!
Featured Indoor Activities in Olympia
- Hands On Children's Museum
- Washington State History Museum (Tacoma)
- Olympia Family Theater
- State Capitol Museum
- Harlequin Productions
- Arbutus Folk School
- The Black Box Theater
Arbutus Folk School
What to Expect
Comprehensive multi-disciplinary arts and crafts skill-building community space
Description
Community-focused learning center offering hands-on workshops in ceramics, woodworking, fiber arts, glass arts, and music. Provides self-directed studio time, open workshops, and youth programs that foster creative skill development across multiple artistic disciplines.
Where: Olympia | More Info: Arbutus Folk School
Hands On Children's Museum
What to Expect
150 interactive exhibits spanning multiple educational galleries
Description
Interactive children's museum featuring 150 engaging exhibits across 10 galleries, designed to inspire learning through play. Hands-on experiences cover science, art, and creativity with immersive displays that encourage exploration and discovery for children of all ages and abilities.
Where: Olympia | More Info: Hands On Children's Museum
Harlequin Productions
What to Expect
Shakespeare adaptations with modern social commentary
Description
Harlequin Productions is a professional theater company in Olympia offering live stage performances that explore contemporary and classic narratives. Their productions tackle complex social themes through innovative theatrical adaptations, featuring local talent and compelling storytelling across multiple genres.
Where: Olympia | More Info: Harlequin Productions
Olympia Family Theater
What to Expect
Community-driven theater with comprehensive youth and adult performance programs
Description
Olympia Family Theater delivers engaging live performances and educational theater programs for all ages. Offers diverse theatrical experiences including youth classes, improv workshops, and main stage productions. Provides comprehensive performing arts education with camps, classes, and performances targeting children, teens, and adults.
Where: Olympia | More Info: Olympia Family Theater
State Capitol Museum
What to Expect
Historic Lord Mansion with comprehensive Washington state historical exhibits
Description
The State Capitol Museum in Olympia showcases Washington's rich history through two-floor exhibits exploring regional Native American culture, state capital development, and provocative historical perspectives. Located in the historic Lord Mansion, the museum offers immersive displays about local heritage, complemented by ethnobotanical gardens featuring native Northwest flora.
Where: Olympia | More Info: State Capitol Museum
The Black Box Theater
What to Expect
Intimate performance venue with close-proximity seating
Description
Intimate performance venue within the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, hosting diverse live entertainment including comedy shows and jazz performances. The Black Box Theater offers an up-close, immersive experience with local and touring performers in a compact, versatile performance space.
Where: Olympia | More Info: The Black Box Theater
Washington State History Museum (Tacoma)
What to Expect
Comprehensive interactive exhibits on Washington state's multifaceted history
Description
Washington State History Museum offers immersive exhibits exploring the state's rich cultural and historical narrative. Interactive displays showcase Washington's geological formation, immigration stories, and local heritage. Highlights include a working rail network model, comprehensive exhibits on Japanese American experiences during WWII, and rotating special collections that provide deep insights into regional history.
Where: Tacoma | More Info: Washington State History Museum
Find Indoor Activities in Other Cities
Looking for indoor activities in another city?