January 2025 is here and that means it’s time to think about the things we want to do for the next 12 months. Sure, there’s always work, but we also need to make time to enjoy this beautiful place we call home. Whether creating a vision board, updating your reminders on your phone or even jotting things down on a wall calendar, here are 25 things to do in Thurston County in 2025.
1 – Enjoy a Winter Activity. Start the new year off right with a fun class brought to you by City of Olympia Art, Parks and Recreation! From snowshoeing to kayak rescue clinics, they have a wide variety of things to do in Thurston County for 2025.
2 – Try a new coffee stand. If there is one thing Washingtonians love more than the outdoors, it’s coffee. Try the Hobbit House of Coffee, a new drive-through coffee house, in 2025.
3 – Take a Ride to Our Parks. How many Thurston County parks have you visited? In 2025, take the free Intercity Transit system and visit parks in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and beyond.
4 – Sign your kids up to make music. Created by a local high school student, Keys to Connection brings youth and seniors together over music. It’s a great thing to do in Thurston County for 2025.
5 – Check out the Tumwater Craft District. The Tumwater Craft District is a hopping place and perfect for a night out with friends, a date night, or to meet new people. Be sure to put it on your list of things to do in Thurston County for 2025!
6 – Plan a Staycation. Even if you can’t get away for long or go very far, it’s important to take a break. The Marie Bed & Breakfast is a great place to plan a staycation in 2025.
7 – Learn to Crochet. Crochet is a hot trend that everyone is learning and a new group in Olympia can help you out while you meet new friends. Make 2025 the year you join the Knotty Hookers Crochet and Knitting Club.
8 – (Re)Discover The Reef. A long-time Olympia favorite restaurant locale reopened in 2024 as The Reef. Check it out as something to do in Thurston County for 2025.
9 – Taste Locally-Made Spirits. If you need something fun to do with your friends for date nights in 2025, check out these places to find locally-made beer and wine in Thurston County.
10 – Volunteer with Thurston County Explorer Search and Rescue. Is one of your New Year’s Resolutions to give back? If so, then check out the Thurston County Explorer Search and Rescue group, which was recently a finalist for the 2024 Defender Service Award.
11 – Check out the Olympia Farmers Market. If you have never been, make 2025 the year you discover this gem of locally grown, made and produced items. The Olympia Farmers Market is a great place to shop for yourself or gifts for family and friends.
12 – Take the kids to the new arcade. Insert Coin opened their Olympia location in 2024 so it’s a perfect addition to your 2025 to do list! They have tons of games for kids…as well as a bar and activities like ax-throwing to keep the adults entertained.
13 – Keep bees. Have you been thinking about ways to help the environment and maybe even get something in return? How about a jar of your own honey? Make 2025 the year you start your own hive. The Olympia Beekeepers Association can help!
14 – Pick Flowers. Get outside this spring or summer with a visit to Cedar Flats Farm, a u-pick flower farm in Olympia.
15 – Be Rejuvenated with a trip to Olympia’s new kava bar. Check out Golden Hour Exotic Tea, Olympia’s first kava bar. They have cold supplement teas, full of all the good things your body needs to feel it’s best in 2025.
16 – Become a therapy dog handler. Do you have a sweet dog with a calm temperament that loves everyone? Make 2025 the year you paw it forward by becoming a therapy dog team.
17 – Read something local. Need something new to read in 2025? Check out this winter reading list of local Thurston County authors.
18 – Reconnect with nature. Need a break back to nature? Check out The Healing Farm in Yelm. It’s the perfect respite from your busy lives. You may even want to book several visits in 2025.
19 – Donate to a Food Drive. It’s always nice to set reminders to give back. The South Sound Parent to Parent’s annual food drive is just one way to give back heading into the holiday season.
20 – Check out the Lacey Food Truck Depot. Looking for things to do in Thurston County on a Saturday night in 2025? Try the Lacey Food Truck Depot!
21 – Try Poetry. Are you a poet and just don’t know it? Make 2025 the year you find out with the Olympia Poetry Network.
22 – Learn to play the violin. Is learning how to play an instrument on your New Year’s resolution list? If so, check out OlyFiddle, she offers in-person and virtual lessons for all ages.
23 – Try out Ilk Lodge. Opened in 2024, make 2025 the year you try, or revisit, ilk Lodge in the home of the former Fish Tale Brew Pub.
24 – Kayak at Woodward Bay. Nature is definitely on display at Woodward Bay, and kayaking is a great way to witness it all. Make sure to add it to your things to do for 2025 in Thurston County.
25 – Move! Is 2025 the year you’ve decided to move to Thurston County – or maybe a different area within its borders? Check out our Neighborhood Notes section, were we highlight different areas that are great places to live.
