Summer at the Museum

Summer at the Museum

 

Sometimes you don’t have to go far to go on a long journey. That’s the beauty of museums. You can drive for a few minutes, or take a road trip to explore one of the many options in the state, and you’ll be transported to another time and place.

Here’s a roundup of fun regional museums that are worth the road trip this summer:

 

Yakima County

Central Washington Agricultural Museum

Museum grounds feature horse-drawn and early mechanical farm machinery, plus 3,000 antique hand tools, a steam engine, bells, a sawmill, a blacksmith shop, an apple packing line and the Lindeman Tractor. Educational programs available 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays though June 8. Other special events include various tractor runs, tractor pulls and the annual Central Washington Antique Farm Equipment Expo, scheduled for Aug. 18-19.

Fullbright Park, 4508 Main St., Union Gap

Museum grounds open every day of the year

Buildings open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday through October

Free admission ($5 suggested donation per person)

509-457-8735 • centralwaagmuseum.org

 

McAllister Museum of Aviation

Opened in 1926 by brothers Charles and Alister McAllister. Special event: B-17 Bomber, ground tours and rides available at 4 p.m., June 25-28.

Open all year: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays

2008 S. 16^th Ave., Yakima

509-457-4933 • mcallistermuseum.org

 

Northern Pacific Railway Museum

The Northern Pacific Railway depot was in use from 1911 until 1981, and the museum was opened in 1989. Highlight: Have your birthday party in a caboose!  The 13^th Annual Railroad Show is Aug. 24-25 and features art, demonstrations, caboose rides and tours.

10 Asotin Ave., Toppenish

Open through October

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 12-4 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday

$5 adults, $3 children 17 and under and seniors

Contact: Roger, 509-865-1911, or Mary (special events), 509-877-3894

nprymuseum.org

 

Yakima Area Arboretum

Described as a “living collection of trees and plants.” Park grounds cover 46 acres, 30 of which house trees and display gardens, and 15 acres of natural area. Jewett Interpretive Center features a bell tower, Heritage of Trees display, reference library, herbarium, gift shop and courtyard.

1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima

Park open dawn to dusk; Jewett Visitor Center open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays

Admission by donation

509-248-7337 • ahtrees.org

 

Yakima Electric Railway Museum

Since 1907 this has been the home of Yakima Valley Trolleys, which its website says is “America’s last intact, early 20^th century, interurban electric railroad.” A collection of trolleys for observation and weekend and holiday trolley rides available.

South Third Avenue & Pine Street, Yakima

Open through September 3

Trolley rides 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays

$4 adults, $3 children 12 and under and seniors 60 and up, children on lap are free (cash only)

509-249-5962 • yakimavalleytrolleys.org

 

Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center Museum

Exhibits include life-size dwellings, a mannequin exhibit of Native American leaders and sound effects with music and oral narratives. There’s also a gift shop, restaurant and theater.

Highway 97 and Buster Road, Toppenish

Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily

$6 adults, $4 seniors 55 & older and children 11-18, $2 children 0-10, $15 family (2 adults and 2 children under 18), $25 guided tour

509-865-2800, ext. 1 • yakamamuseum.com

 

Yakima Valley Museum • Children’s Underground

Historical exhibits of Yakima Valley, from pioneer days to early city life. Highlights include a focus on the area’s fruit industry, horse-drawn vehicles, Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas exhibit, the Children’s Underground and the adjacent Museum Soda Fountain. Gift shop and educational programs available. Other rotating exhibits throughout the year.

2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima (Franklin Park)

Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; Children’s Underground opens 1 p.m. weekdays & 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday

Museum & Children’s Underground: $5 adults, $3 students and seniors, children under 5 free, $12 family (check for special group rates)

Soda Fountain: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; summer hours 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday

509-248-0747 for museum; 509-457-9810 for Soda Fountain

yakimavalleymuseum.org

 

Take a little road trip for these museums:

 

Benton County Historical Museum

Antique clothing, Pomo baskets and a Christmas toy exhibit.

Located in Prosser City Park, 1000 Paterson Road, Prosser

Open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 12-3 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday-Monday

$3 adults, $1 children under 18

509-786-3842

 

Children’s Activity Museum

Since 1991, hands-on fun includes themed play areas, the vortex machine and a reading nook. Preschool program, party rentals and field trips available.

118 E. Fourth Ave., Ellensburg

Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, 12-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday & Saturday; closed Sunday-Tuesday

$4.25 per person, ages 1 and up; $14.50 family admission for four or more immediate family

509-925-6789 • childrensactivitymuseum.org

 

Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science & Technology

Highlights the scientific and technology history of Columbia Basin area, including nuclear technology, molecular science, hydroelectric power and Hanford.

95 Lee Boulevard, Richland

Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday & Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 12-5 p.m. Sunday

$5 adults, $4 students ages 7-17 and seniors

509-943-9000 • crehst.org

 

Fort Simcoe State Park

This 200-acre, day-use park features five original buildings, picnic areas and interpretive displays. A family weekend in June celebrates military and Fort Simcoe history.

At the end of State Route 220, located on the Yakama Reservation (45 minutes south of Yakima)

Summer hours (through September): daily, 6:30 a.m. to dusk.

Free admission and parking

509-874-2372

 

Goldendale Observatory

Budding astronauts will enjoy staying up late to star gaze at this hilltop observatory housing one of the nation’s largest public telescopes. Or stop by during the afternoon for a daylight view of the countryside.

1602 Observatory Drive, Goldendale (70 miles south of Yakima)

Summer hours (through September): 2-5 p.m. & 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesday-Saturday.

Admission by Discover Pass, donations

509-773-3141 • perr.com/gosp.html

 

Kittitas County Historical Museum

A local history museum. The Exploring Kittitas County summer program offers an extensive calendar of field trips and hands-on activities for kids.

114 E. Third Ave., Ellensburg

Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Admission by donation

509-925-3778 • kchm.org

 

Maryhill Museum of Art

Set in a three-story mansion overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, the Maryhill Museum of Art features European and American paintings, Native American arts and pieces from the Queen of Romania. The kid-friendly EyeSEE Resource Room features games and special exhibits. Enjoy a picnic in the large garden. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Stonehenge Memorial.

Special event: Family Fun-Draw Your Own Landscape,  1-4 p.m. Jun. 9 (free with museum admission)

35 Maryhill Museum Drive, Goldendale (Located off Highway 97, 12 miles south of Goldendale)

Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, through November 15, including holidays

$9 adults, $8 seniors 65 and up, $3 youth ages 7-18, children free 6 and under, $25 family (2 adults and all related children ages 7-18); free parking and exploration of grounds

509-773-3733 • maryhillmuseum.org

 

It’s only a couple of hours to ancient Egypt…

If you’re hitting the road for the west side, be sure not to miss something extra special at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center. (This just might be the attraction to give you an excuse to hit the road!)

That’s because the “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” exhibit will be unveiled for the last time in North America, from May 24 until Jan. 6, 2013. The attraction features more than 100 artifacts, many of them having been around for 2,000 years. Visitors will get to see 50 items that came right from King Tut’s tomb.

The exhibit is a collaboration of National Geographic and Arts & Exhibitions International and the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, and sponsored by Seattle’s Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Tickets range from $15.50-$32.50. Pacific Science Center is located at 200 Second Avenue North in Seattle.

Find out more information: http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/King-Tut/king-tut-the-exhibition

Family-friendly Museums

NOTE: Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and prices. We try to stay current, but gosh it’s hard…

CENTRAL WASHINGTON AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM, Fulbright Park, 4508 Main St., Union Gap; 509-457-8735. Log cabin, vintage machinery, antique hand tools. Winter Hours (Nov. through March): 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. Summer Hours (April through Oct.): 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Cost: Admission by donation.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY MUSEUM, 118 E. Fourth Ave., Ellensburg; 509-925-6789. Hands-on fun includes themed play areas, the vortex machine and a reading nook. Preschool program, party rentals and field trips available. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $4.25 per person; family pass is $14.50.

CHILDREN’S UNDERGROUND, inside the Yakima Valley Museum, 2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima; 509-248-0747.
Dress-up clothes, puppets, a climb-on pony cart and a hands-on general store. Also, tour the museum’s collections, covering Valley history from mammoths to modern times. Underground hours: 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Cost: $5 adults, $3 students and seniors, or $12 family; children 5 and under are free.

DARIGOLD DAIRY FAIR, 400 Alexander Road, Sunnyside; 509-837-4321. Peek at the Sunnyside cheese plant’s production floor on a free, self-guided tour that includes a dairy display and a video that explains how Darigold cheese is made. But who are we kidding? The highlight of this stop is buying a scoop of ice cream in the deli/gift shop. Choose from more than 24 flavors.

FORT SIMCOE STATE PARK, at the end of State Route 220, 45 minutes south of Yakima; 509-874-2372. Located on the Yakama Reservation, this200-acre, day-use heritage park features five original buildings, picnic areas and interpretive displays. A family weekend in June celebrates military and Fort Simcoe history. Summer hours: daily, 6:30 a.m. to dusk. Winter Hours (Oct. through March): 8 a.m. to dusk weekends and holidays only. Admission and parking are free.

GOLDENDALE OBSERVATORY, 1602 Observatory Drive, Goldendale (70 miles south of Yakima); 509-773-3141. Budding astronauts will enjoy staying up late to star gaze at this hilltop observatory housing one of the nation’s largest public telescopes. Or, stop by during the afternoon for a daylight view of the countryside. Summer hours: 2-5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight Wednesday-Sunday. Winter hours (Oct. through March): 2-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Admission is by donation.

H. M. GILBERT HOMEPLACE, 2109 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima; 509-248-0747. Built in 1898, this late Victorian farmhouse is now filled with period furnishings. Operated by Yakima Valley Museum; open by appointment and for special events. Admission is $2.50.

KITTITAS COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 114 E. Third Ave., Ellensburg; 509-925-3778. Local history museum. The Exploring Kittitas County summer program offers extensive calendar of field trips and hands-on activities for kids. Museum admission by donation.

MARYHILL MUSEUM OF ART. Set in a three-story mansion overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, the Maryhill Museum of Art features European and American paintings, Native American arts and pieces from the Queen of Romania. The kid-friendly EyeSEE Resource Room features games and special exhibits. Enjoy a picnic in the large garden. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 15 to Nov. 15. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $2 for children age 6-16. The museum is located off Highway 97, 12 miles south of Goldendale; 509-773-3733.

McALLISTER MUSEUM OF AVIATION. 2008 S. 16th Ave., Yakima; 509-457-4933. Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Winter hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Admission by donation. Year-round Young Eagles program gives young people 8-17 years old the experience of basic ground instruction and a free airplane ride.

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAY MUSEUM, 10 S. Asotin Ave., Toppenish; 509-865-1911. Historic depot houses small railway museum; caboose rides available during special events. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 12-4 p.m. Sunday, May through October. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Winter hours by prior arrangment and for special events.Admission: $5 adults, $3 children 17 and under.

THREE RIVERS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM in the Broadmoor Square Mall, 5274 Outlet Drive, Pasco; 509-543-7866. A 3,000-square-foot kid zone in the Tri-Cities. Kids can climb aboard the U.S.S. Friend-Ship, step inside a kaleidoscope, or serve up some fun in the kid-size kitchen. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays-Fridays, and 12-5 p.m. Saturdays. Cost: $3 per person, ages 12 months and older.

YAKAMA NATION CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER MUSEUM, located at Highway 97 and Buster Road, Toppenish; 509-865-2800, ext. 1. Explore the rich history and culture of the Yakama Nation. Exhibits include life-size dwellings, a mannequin exhibit of Native American leaders and sound effects with music and oral narratives. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 adults, $3 students and seniors, $1 ages 10 and younger, $12 families.

YAKIMA AREA ARBORETUM, 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima; 509-248-7337. Park open from dawn to dusk. Jewett Visitor Center open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Admission by donation.

YAKIMA ELECTRIC RAILWAY MUSEUM, corner of S. Third Avenue and Pine Street, Yakima; 509-249-5962. Historic building houses trolleys and locomotives of the Yakima Valley Transportation Company. Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

YAKIMA VALLEY MUSEUM, 2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima; 248-0747. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Set in Franklin Park, the museum offers permanent and rotating historical exhibits, the Children’s Underground and a functioning replica of a late 1930s soda fountain. Admission: $5 adults, $3 for students and seniors, children 5 and under are free, and families are $12; special group rates and tours are available.

Indoor Play Places

When cooler weather blows into town, we start to spend less time outdoors. At my house, this means the kids are bouncing — quite literally — off the walls. Don’t install padding. Instead, try one of these indoor places to play.

NOTE: Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and prices. We try to stay current, but gosh it’s hard…

BURGER KING, four locations in Yakima: 5905 Summitview Ave.; 2611 W. Nob Hill Blvd.; 2113 S. First St.; and 1605 E. Yakima Ave. (across from Wal-Mart).
Yup, they all have indoor playgrounds. Hail to the King!
Cost: Varies with appetite.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY MUSEUM, 118 E. Fourth Ave., Ellensburg; 509-925-6789. Hands-on fun includes themed play areas, the vortex machine and a reading nook. Preschool program, party rentals and field trips available. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $4.25 per person; family pass is $14.50.

CHILDREN’S UNDERGROUND inside the Yakima Valley Museum, 2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima. 248-0747.
Dress-up clothes, puppets, a climb-on pony cart and a hands-on general store. Also, tour the museum’s collections, covering Valley history from mammoths to modern times.
Underground hours: 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
Cost: $5 adults, $3 students and seniors, or $12 family.

THE ICE RINK, 1700 E. Beech St., Yakima. 469-0597 during public sessions, or 949-6669.
Chill out inside the Valley’s only ice skating rink, managed by volunteer members of the Yakima Amateur Hockey Association. Remember to dress warmly — it’s freezing in there! (Skating and hockey lessons available, youth hockey league)
Public sessions: 7-9 p.m. Friday, 5-8 p.m. Saturday during winter season.
Cost: $5 admission; $1 skate rental, sizes toddler and up. Concessions available.

INDOOR PRESCHOOL PLAYTIME, Selah Civic Center, 216 S. First St. 698-7300.
Bring trikes, ride-on toys, balls to open gym.
Hours: 10 a.m. to noon Wednesdays in winter. Call ahead to verify.
Cost: Free.

KIDS CASTLE, inside Gymnastics Plus, 2121 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima. 453-8126.
For kids, there’s a colorful jungle gym of tubes, ball pits and slides. For adults, there’s lots of tables, a snack bar and a stack of magazines (though, sadly, not ours).
On weekends, there’s also an open gym with trampolines, a foam pit and inflatable bounce houses. Clean, dry socks are required and parents must remain on the premises.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 12-6 p.m. Sunday.
Cost: Weekdays — $2.50/unlimited for toddlers 2 and younger, $5.25/hour or $8/unlimited for children 3 and older. Two children play for the price of one on Wednesdays. Weekends — $3/hour or $4.25/unlimited for toddlers 2 and younger, $6.50/hour or $9/unlimited for children 3 and older. Save a few dollars with the purchase of a 10-visit coupon book.

KIDS’ GYM AT THE YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima. 248-1202.
Bouncing off the walls (or, at least, tumbling on the floor) is more fun in this room with mats and Tiny Tykes toys for young children.
Cost: $1 per child, or free with YMCA membership ($18/year for youth up to 13).

LIONS POOL, 509 West Pine St., Yakima. 575-6046.
Public indoor swimming pool, offers year-round swim lessons and special swims for toddlers.
Cost: $1.75 youth, $3.25 adults, or $8.75 for a family of up to two adults and four children.

McDONALD’S PLAYPLACE, 40th and River Road, Yakima. 576-8000.
Climbing tubes and slide, air hockey.
Cost: Probably a Happy Meal.

MEADOWBROOK FAMILY FUN CENTER, 7200 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima. 966-3836.
Arcade and Pizza Cafe. (In the summer, there’s also outdoor batting cages, miniature golf, bumper boats and go-carts.)
Winter arcade hours: 1-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 1-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. The Pizza Cafe closes one hour earlier.
Cost: Arcade tokens are 25 cents.

SELAH GYM KIDS, 709 North Park Center, Selah. 698-5437.
Fun Friday. 6-9 p.m. most Fridays. Drop off kids ages 3-10 for supervised recreation and pizza. Parents can go out alone!
Cost: $17 first child, $15 siblings. Reservations not necessary.

SKATELAND FUN CENTER, 2506 Old Town Road, Union Gap. 575-6442.
Public sessions: 7-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cost: $6.75. Also, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cost: $5.75.
Bargain Night ($5.50) is 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday. Valley Church Night is held from 6:30-9 p.m. the third Monday of each month. Cost: $5.50.
Admission fees include regular skate rental; In-line skates are $1.50 extra. Tiny Tots, or children’s skate sizes 6-13, are always $4.75. Cash only.

THREE RIVERS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM in the Broadmoor Square Mall, 5274 Outlet Drive, Pasco. 509-543-7866.
In the mood for a day trip? Hit the highway and head 85 miles southeast of Yakima to explore this 3,000-square-foot kid zone in the Tri-Cities. Kids can climb aboard the U.S.S. Friend-Ship, step inside a kaleidoscope, or serve up some fun in the kid-size kitchen.
Winter hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, and 12-5 p.m. Saturday.
Cost: $3 per person, ages 12 months and older.

VALLEY MALL, 2529 Main St., Union Gap. 453-8233.
A small play area upstairs near the food court. (Hey, it’s free.) Recommended for children under age 3.
Hours: 10 a.m.-9p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

YAKIMA FAMILY YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima. 248-1202.
Family swim: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Open swim: 8-9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Cost: Free for YMCA members. For nonmembers, admission is $5 for youth, $10 for adults or $15 per family.