While my third grader hasn’t taken a Washington State history class yet, he has been very interested in government and politics following the recent election cycle. We thought a trip to Olympia might be the perfect stop during midwinter break. It turned out to be educational, fun, and really affordable, especially since all the tours on the Washington State Capitol Campus are free. It’s only about an hour drive from Seattle, so a great option if you’re looking for a quick day trip or a destination for an extended weekend.
Washington State Capitol Tour
We started our day at the Legislative Building, which offers 50-minute tours at the top of each hour from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tours are even available on the weekends and select holidays. I appreciate that you don’t need reservations because we can use the flexibility since you never know how the morning or the drive will go with young kids… well, at least mine.
Look above to find amazing artistry and gorgeous chandeliers. (Image: Janet Kim)
Our tour guide, Linda Moon, was a wealth of knowledge, and it was clear she had been guiding tours for years. She pointed out the Tiffany chandeliers, all the marble from different countries, and where real gold versus copper was in the historic building. She made it fun for the kids and adults by trying to make them guess different facts.
Democracy in action
During legislative sessions, the public can watch voting on the House and Senate floors from the public galleries. What an opportunity to see democracy in action firsthand! Just keep in mind that the length of the session alternates every year. In odd-numbered years, the Legislature is in session for 105 days. In even-numbered years, the Legislature is in a 60-day session. These are the kinds of things we learned during our tour.
Legislative sessions are open to the public. (Image: Janet Kim)
Events and officials
Coincidentally, we came during Olympia Potato Day, an annual event in which potato farmers arrive at the state capital with thousands of baked potatoes and fixings to educate legislators and the public about the importance of potato farming and the various challenges they face.
Photo Op: You might run into an important official. (Image: Courtesy of Office of Attorney General)
Being at the Capitol means you may also run into elected officials, which was the case for us. We saw Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown in the same potato line where we had just gotten our potatoes. We had an opportunity to chat with him afterward. My son got to ask him about his plans for our state, and it was indeed a special moment.
Before you leave, remember to grab a free coloring book. It’s in cubbies by the south entrance.
Additional tours
There is also a 60-minute memorial tour to learn more about and honor the Washingtonians who served in the military Red Cross and law enforcement. We opted to do a self-guided tour as the boys were getting restless.
Other tours offered on campus include a 75-minute botanical tour, which would be spectacular during cherry blossom season in April. You and the family could also explore original landscape designs by the famous Olmsted Brothers landscape design firm, known for their design of New York City’s Central Park. While free, it does require an appointment.
The Governor’s Mansion will begin offering tours in March 2025. It’s a 30-minute tour through the residence with a chance to see various rooms. If you’re interested in doing this, it will require a little more planning as you must make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. They can be made online. If you don’t go on a tour inside, you can still see the residence’s exterior behind some brush from the Legislative Building.
Viewing government-related artifacts. (Image: Janet Kim)
Accommodations and parking
I was impressed by how family-friendly the Legislative Building was. It has ADA-accessible restrooms on all four floors and family restrooms on most. This made it possible to maneuver the stroller we had with us.
These accommodations make the Capitol a good stop for a wide range of ages, but perhaps best for children who don’t mind being in the stroller, as well as those in grade school and up who may just be getting interested in history or government.
While the tours are free, parking is not. My husband did have to drive around to find street parking, but the cost was relatively affordable at $2 an hour.
Other attractions
Heritage Park and Percival Landing Park, two parks with great views of the water, are within walking distance of the Capitol Campus.
You’ll also find several restaurants walking along Capitol Way within a mile of the Capitol campus, from a quick bite like Meconi’s Subs to fancier sit-down restaurants with water views in the historic district.
Depending on your time, you could spend an hour or a whole day in Olympia, all in a one-mile radius!
