August is when parents start looking longingly towards the school year’s return. But it’s not time to start packing lunchboxes and backpacks quite yet and our kiddos still need things to keep them cool, active and engaged. Next time your gang is wiggly, consider a trip downtown to visit LOTT Clean Water Alliance’s welcoming WET Science Center or wade in the stream at East Bay Public Plaza. Both are free, fun and combat summer brain drain without anyone the wiser.
Fun, Free August Activities at WET Science Center
The WET Science Center is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. every Tuesday through Saturday. Communications Manager Colleen Keltz says that for August, they have a full schedule of fun indoor and outdoor activities planned.
On Friday, August 7 and August 21, join them at the East Bay Public Plaza’s stream area for the Bubble Festival. “This popular event always makes the plaza even more fun,” says Keltz, “because who doesn’t love bubbles? We will have all different types of bubble activities to explore.” Also on August 7, you can find them at the nearby Hands On Children’s Museum for their First Friday Night event.
August 8 will be the study of Fractals, August 15 is the ever popular Sharkapalooza and on August 22 learn how to Build It Better. Know a junior super sleuth who’s always on the case? August 29 welcomes Nancy Drew Detectives for codes, secret messages and puzzling puzzles.
Whenever you stop by, WET provides coloring and activity sheets which go along with the Museum’s theme for the day.
You can also find the WET Science Center team out and about this month. On August 14, they’ll have a booth at the 2026 Festival of the St̓əč̓as (Steh-Chass), in Heritage Park from noon until 4 p.m.
While you’ve got your calendar handy, make a note that a few weeks later they’ll offer the Magnificent Microbes + Tour of their facilities on September 19. It starts at 1:30 p.m. and no pre-registration is required. This is for ages 10+ and participants need to wear closed toe and closed heel shoes.
Homeschool and Group Visits are Welcomed All Year Round
Regardless of the calendar, WET Science Cener welcomes students and visitors all year round. They encourage visits from summer camps, homeschool organizations and groups of all sizes. Keltz simply asks leaders to email info@wetsciencecenter.org or call 360.664.2333 to get connected before a group visit.
“We understand that plans can change if the weather forecast or air quality changes and groups might be looking for inside activities,” she says. “We are happy to have them come in, we just ask that they contact us in advance so we can plan appropriately for large groups.”
Visitors can always take home a Liquid Awesome Activity Book. Families and educators are welcome to take a few to keep the learning going and combat summer brain drain with flair.
At WET Science Center, Water Squad Volunteers are Always Needed and Hugely Appreciated
If you would like a fun opportunity to educate, entertain and give back of your time, consider joining the Water Squad of volunteers. Apply online, no experience required and staff will train and support you every step of the way.
Volunteers assist with family-friendly crafts, hands-on science activities, staffing special events, assembling giveaway items and other duties around the museum.
Jacob Davidson is a current volunteer who started after moving to the Olympia area. “I was thrilled to see an organization providing space to bring the community together to learn,” he explains. “I’m terrible at crafts and hope to show others it’s ok to not be perfect when you’re learning and having fun. I love that the WET Science Center is open for anyone to walk in for activities.”
Davidson says that the Saturday programming is a blast thanks to the variety of topics. “The educators work hard to make each activity unique and engaging,” he says. “You may be building your own frog, watch someone fold a hexaflexagon or create your own cloud in a bottle. I don’t know what I’ll walk into those days but I know it’ll be a hoot.”
He recalls that during a Monster Lab themed Saturday, he arrived to find the room had “construction paper and cardboard boxes scattered everywhere, it was a sight to behold. Every person was so creative and a few parents’ enthusiasm eclipsed that of their children’s. A few kids donated their creature to become this amalgamation of chaos.”
Head over and visit the WET Science Center at 500 Adams Street NE today, because what is summertime without creativity, chaos, bubbles and wet feet from splashing in bubbling streams?
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