10 Free Activities To Do With Kids On Olympia’s Washington State Capitol Campus

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By Amy Rowley

The Capitol Campus, housing Washington State’s government, is home to a diverse set of buildings, ample green space, public art, and thoughtful memorials.  It’s an ideal place to find entertainment (and slip in some education) for kids of all ages.  Grab a two-hour, free parking spot along Capitol Way.  Follow along as we run, jump, count, and occupy kids for two hours of free, active fun.

 

1.  Hop out of the car and run to the fountain.

Ask your kids to take a lap (or two or three depending on their energy level) around the exterior of the fountain.  The Capitol Campus includes 30 beautifully landscaped acres with old growth conifers.  The grounds were designed by the Olmsted Brothers who also planned New York’s Central Park.

2.  Locate seven memorials.

There are seven memorials located throughout the campus.  The most clearly visible is the “Winged Victory” Memorial symbolizing soldiers who served during World War I.  You will pass the POW/MIA Memorial and Medal of Honor Memorial on your way.  If you need hints on where to find the other four memorials, grab a pamphlet from the Visitor’s Center.

3.  Count the steps to enter the legislative building.

Our consensus is 45 steps to reach the top of the legislative building.  Ask your kids to confirm our math skills.  Stop in at the Visitor’s Center.  On our visit, we received a coloring book and a student guide book to the legislature.  Click here for more information about free guided tours.

4.  Climb to the second floor and enter the Senate Gallery.

Locate your Senator’s photo on the map.  Then, find the Senator’s desk.  Take a break on the comfy, padded bench for a few minutes.  Review the student guide materials that you picked up earlier to start a conversation about the legislative process.  Alternatively, start a game of I Spy.

5.  Spot a Washington State Patrol trooper.

The Washington State Patrol are routinely monitoring on foot inside the building.  The friendly crew is happy to chat with youngsters and dole out Junior Trooper stickers.

6.  Cross the Capitol Way pedestrian bridge.

Exit the dome and walk a few blocks towards Capitol Way.  Cross the pedestrian bridge.  Count the cars that pass under the bridge.  Alternatively, peek at the banners hanging from the overpass.  Can you spot every letter in the alphabet using the banners and other signs that you may be able to see from atop the bridge?  On the other side, you will be walking on top of the parking garage.

7.  Twirl around the flag poles.

Younger children are content to note the colors spotted on the flags.  Ask older children to help you identify the countries of the flags that are flying.  This is a perfect stop for a picnic lunch.

8.  Cross through the concrete maze.

How many different ways can you enter and exit the maze?  Can you hide in there?  Exit in the back and race over to the Capitol Campus Food Bank Garden.  Check for sprouts or identify vegetables.  The Olympia Kiwanis tends six plots to raise almost 6,000 pounds of vegetables for the Thurston County Food Bank.

9.   Strike a pose with the sculpture.

Heading back towards the car, locate a large sculpture of a dancer.  Can your child hold a similar pose long enough for you to click a photo?  Along the path are benches to rest and enjoy the scenic view back at the Capitol Dome.

10.   Find 18 Intercity Transit bus stops.

What child doesn’t enjoy a ride on a city bus?  Wait for an Intercity Transit Dash bus.  The free service makes a loop through the Capitol Campus and downtown Olympia every 15 minutes.  Hop aboard, ride the loop, or stop at the Olympia Farmers Market.  More information can be found here.

Many families and school groups visit the Capitol to teach children about government affairs and the legislative process.  I would argue that it’s reach extends far beyond. I appreciate providing my kids with a safe place to burn some energy in beautiful surroundings.  I don’t worry about traffic corners or being separated.  And, along the way, we’ll slip in a little education.

 

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