It’s time to think about what we want to do for the next 12 months! Maybe you would like to try some new things to do near Olympia or maybe find a new family-friendly activity in Thurston County. Maybe you are excited about checking out a new bar in Yelm. Whatever your goals are, this list of 26 things to do in Thurston County can help you make 2026 fun, exciting and memorable, all while supporting small businesses!
1 – Check out the new Dough Zone
If you haven’t already, make 2026 the year you try the new Dough Zone, which opened in Lacey in mid-2025. They have all your favorites, including bao and dumplings.
2 – Have an adventure paddleboarding near Olympia
Whether you are a pro at SUP or want to learn, make 2026 the year you explore paddleboarding near Olympia, including this beginner-friendly float!
3 – Try MoraMade Jams
You won’t be sorry that you added MoraMade Jams to your list of 2026 “must-dos” in Olympia! And, since they are low in sugar, they help with that healthy resolution too.
4 – Enjoy Altitude 15
This new restaurant had its grand opening affair on New Year’s Eve, so they are ready for you to experience them in 2026! Find friend chicken, crab cake, beef bulgogi and more at Altitude 15.
5 – Explore the New Olympia Arts & Heritage Museum
History buffs will definitely want to put this Olympia activity on their 2026 list. The new Olympia Arts & Heritage Museum celebrates the rich history of the area and is free to enjoy.
6 – Listen to the Music of the Trees
If getting back to nature is on your list for 2026 – or you just like really cool science – book an event with Julie Ratner, who uses special instruments to let you hear plants and trees.
7 – Go Boating
Thurston County is blessed to have a lot of waterfront access, with the South Sound as our backyard. Make 2026 the year you explore it by boat with the Olympia Outboard Club!
8 – Grab a cup and relax at the new Kravins Coffee Cove
The iconic Shiplap Shop & Coffee House is now Kravins Coffee Cove in Yelm. Make 2026 the year you discover, or re-discover, this local gem.
9 – Visit an Alpaca Farm
Alpacas are one of the cutest creatures on Earth and you can get up close and personal with them at the Mt. View Alpaca Farm in Olympia. Learn all about their fiber and the wonderful items made with it.
10 – Get your Scuba Diving Certification
If you really want to get a sense of the world beneath the surface of the South Sound, get your scuba diving certification in 2026 and join the Kelp Krawlers scuba diving club in Olympia.
11 – Have a sweet treat at Lovely & Dapper Bakery
When you have a craving for something sweet, try the Lovely & Dapper Bakery in Olympia. They want you to feel at home, so pull up a chair, get comfy and stay awhile.
12 – Help solve a mystery
Do you fancy yourself an amateur sleuth? Maybe your keen observation skills will help solve a Thurston County cold case in 2026.
13 – Read a book by a local author
You may be surprised at how many local authors there are! Check out K.A. Cobell’s book – a recent award-winner – or any of the many others. A quick visit to Orca Books will get you a long reading list!
14 – Take a walk in Olympia at the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
These unusual mounds have some unusual theories about what created them – including aliens. Spend some time on the walking trails and decide for yourself what created the Mima Mounds.
15 – Check out the new Lacey Museum Location
The Lacey Museum has a new location and they are so excited for you to explore it in 2026. They will continue with their speaker series and other events, so be sure to set a reminder so you don’t miss any of them throughout the year.
16 – Watch the FIFA World Cup Soccer
Thurston County will be hosting an official fan zone for the FIFA World Cup Soccer event in June and July of 2026. Watch for more articles on this as it draws near!
17 – Order cookies for your next event
Next time you need something special for an event – whether a kids basketball game, Valentine’s Day, a work meeting or a grand opening – check out Love and Cookies. This local baker is letting you say it with her incredibly detailed, and delicious, cookies.
18 – Try archery tag
This fun sport is sure to become a favorite of yours in 2026! Check out Joshua 1:9, a nonprofit that brings Extreme Archery Tag to your next event! Whether it’s a team building exercise, a birthday party or city-wide celebration, they bring the fun with them!
19 – Kayak the Black River
If you are looking for a challenging kayaking trip near Olympia in 2026, try this section of the Black River. It’s a perfect day trip out on the water!
20 – Create a greenspace
If part of your 2026 resolution involved helping native species, explore creating a greenspace in your backyard or at your business. The Native Plant Salvage Foundation can help!
21 – Try the new wine bar in Yelm
If you are looking for an unassuming place for wine tasting, check out The Gracious Grape wine bar in Yelm. All are welcome, whether you are completely new to wine or an oenophile.
22 – Taste urban foraging
Sound strange? Melany Vorass Herrera says, “Not at all!” For 2026, learn about the edible plants you have growing in your own backyard with her urban foraging workshops.
23 – Take your dog to flyball club
Want to do a dog-friendly activity in Olympia? Check out the Puget Hounds Flyball Club! It’s fast fun for both dog and human.
24 – Find Olympia’s largest trees
This is a fun activity for the whole family – spend an afternoon checking out some of the largest trees in Olympia thanks to Restoring Earth Connection’s project.
25 – Explore Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery
We were all sad when Bark & Garden closed their doors, but family-owned Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery is carrying on their legacy! Check them out in 2026.
26 – Hit the North Slopes
If you’ve been thinking you need to get more mountain biking done in 2026, then check out the mountain biking trails at North Slope near Olympia. They even allow e-bikes.
