Hey Washingtonians, are you looking for a fun activity with the kids this year? Perhaps you want to introduce your children to an adventure that’s a bit out of the ordinary and maybe even sneak in a little learning while you’re at it. The Fort Nisqually Living History Museum in Tacoma, Washington, is a historic walk back in time the whole family will enjoy. Take a glimpse into the lives of early settlers and fur traders at this immersive and educational living museum.

Fort Nisqually was established as a fur trading post by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1833.
Steven Pavlov, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Originally located in Dupont, Washington, the fort was reconstructed and moved to its current location within Point Defiance Park in the 1930s.
Today, the museum portrays a day in the life of settlers and farmers in the year 1855.
Steven Pavlov, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The Granary was built in 1850 and is one of the Fort's two original structures.
Costumed volunteers take visitors on a journey through the mid-1800s bringing to life the people of Fort Nisqually through storytelling and demonstrations.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum/Facebook
Imagine life as a blacksmith in the working blacksmith shop where volunteers handcraft items on display.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum/Facebook
Special events and camps are held throughout the year, allowing guests to experience new and exciting activities from the Victorian era.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum/Facebook

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An annual Plough-To-Plate event celebrates 19th-century cooking with period cooking demonstrations over an open fire.
Metro Parks Tacoma
Competition can get pretty heated at the egg and spoon race and the pancake flipping contest. You might want to practice a little before you arrive!
Several day camps are available throughout the summer for kids ages 6-14.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum/Facebook
Children experience history through games, crafts, stories, and music at this unique and educational summer camp.
Celebrate autumn with traditional Victorian music, dance, and games at the Harvest Home Festival.
Metro Parks Tacoma
As autumn settles in and the sun sets earlier, Fort Nisqually is illuminated in a warm glow at the annual Candlelight Walking Tour in October.
Metro Parks Tacoma
Of course, no glimpse into Victorian life would be complete without a visit from Father Christmas.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum/Facebook
Experience an old-fashioned holiday with Fort Nisqually's Christmas Regale. Toast the season and join costumed carolers in song around the Yule log at this truly magical holiday event.

Experience Victorian living throughout the year with a fun and educational trip to Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Purchase tickets for your visit online on the Fort Nisqually website, in person, or at the Point Defiance Zoo. Regular admission is $11.94 for adults and $8.58 for youth ages 4-14. Children three and under are free. Hours vary depending on the season. Check the website for details.

There’s so much to see and do at Fort Nisqually! Have you visited lately? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.

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Featured Addresses
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, 5519 Five Mile Dr, Tacoma, WA 98407, USA