Hours and Tickets - Hands On Children's Museum | Olympia, WA

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If you need to cancel reservations, please notify us as soon as possible to free up space for other families to enjoy the Museum.

Walk-ups are welcome if capacity is available.​ We do our best to accommodate early or late arrivals as long as building capacity allows.

To use a FREE Family Pass or NWAYM reciprocal benefits, or if you have difficulties making online reservations, please call our front desk.

To redeem ACM reciprocal benefits, see registration information here.

Important Information About Your Visit

By reserving tickets, you agree to our Health Policy, Visitor Code of Conduct, and Waiver for all members of your group. ​

Mask Requirements

Masks Optional in the Museum as of March 12

In keeping with state and federal guidelines, face coverings will become optional for all visitors and employees starting March 12. Following State guidelines and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, masks will also be optional for preschool and camp students.

Visitors may choose to wear masks for a variety of reasons, and Hands On will support the choice of our visitors and staff to wear or not wear masks while in the building.

Read important information about your visit.

Timed Entry with No Fixed End Time

We have moved to timed-entry admission with no fixed end time. That means you can choose your start time and play for longer periods. Online reservations are recommended, but visitors can now explore the Museum from entry until closing. To ensure visitor safety, we will continue to limit the number of visitors in the Museum at any given time. Walk-ups are welcome if capacity has not been reached.​

Please call ahead (360) 956-0818 ext. 0 to confirm space availability.

Cancellation Policy

If your party cannot attend at the reserved time, we ask that you cancel or reschedule your reservation at least 24 hours in advance to allow others to utilize your time slot. Refunds are allowed with 24 hours’ notice. An exception to the 24-hour notice requirement may be granted for COVID-related health issues.

How to Cancel Your Reservation

If you’re a member or had free admission, please email us at [email protected] so we can release your tickets.

If you paid admission, please call us at 360-956-0818 ext. 0 and leave a detailed message.

Hours

Timed Start is available every hour up to 2 hours before close. 

Daily
Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm

Play Day Café
Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 3 pm
Friday – Sunday & Holidays: 11 am – 3 pm

Sensory Friendly Hour & Art Time
Sunday: 9 am – 12 pm

The Museum is closed on the following days.

Easter, March 31
Independence Day, July 4
September 9-13 for Annual Cleaning & Maintenance
Thanksgiving, November 23
Christmas Eve, December 24 (early closure – 3 p.m.)
Christmas Day, December 25

Occasionally the museum closes early for special events and holidays. Please check our website to see hours for the day.

Museum Daily Admission

Cost of admission can be applied to a membership purchased same day. Join Today!
Prices are per person. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.

Online Pricing: Buy Online for the Best Deal!

Save on general admission when you purchase your tickets online.

Members: FREE

Babies (0-17 mo.): FREE

General (18 mo. – 64 years): $17.95 online / $18.95 at the door

Seniors (65+): $16.95 online / $17.95 at the door

Military (w/valid ID): $15.95 online / $17.95 at the door

Discount Admission: $3 (with EBT, P-EBT, CHIP, Provider One, WIC, or Apple Health card and ID), sponsored by WSECU

First Friday Night: $1

Sensory Friendly Hour: $7.50 / Members FREE

WSECU Weekdays: Half-price admission for WSECU Members every weekday (Mon. – Fri.), call to make reservations (360) 956-0818 ext. 0.

Locker Rental: $2/day

Annual Parking Pass: $85 (For members only)

Note: Children must be accompanied, and supervised by a caregiver 16 years or older.

Discount Admission

Museum Access For All

Thanks to the Museum’s many generous sponsors including WSECU, we are able to sponsor discounted visits and memberships. Learn more about the Inspired Learning for All initiative.

Discount Daily Admission for EBT Cardholders Free & Reduced Programs 1

We are proud to participate in the Institute of Museum & Library Service’s national Museums for All initiative to make the rich learning environments of museums accessible to all children and families. This special discounted rate is available to families receiving food assistance, by showing an EBT, CHIP, Provider One, WIC, or Apple Health card and ID.

$3 each person with an EBT card and ID.

Access Membership – Unlimited Admission for $45

For qualified families who want the benefits of an Annual Membership, we offer the Access Membership Program for just $45 per year. Access Memberships include unlimited daily admission, discounts on camps and classes, and a 10% discount in the Museum Café and store.

Supervised Visits

If you attend the Museum on a supervised visit, family members and the supervisor should identify themselves at the front desk as here for a supervised visit. All adults and children that are part of the visit, including the supervisor, will be admitted at no charge. Call the front desk to register for a timed admission session (360) 956-0818 ext. 0.

Weapon & Smoke Free Zone

For the comfort of our visitors and their families, we are a Weapon-Free Zone. We ask that visitors not bring any sharp objects or concealed weapons into the museum.

We are also a Tobacco & Vape-Free Zone. We ask that visitors do not smoke on museum property, including the Outdoor Discovery Center and entrance areas.

Girl watering flowers in the Children's Garden

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