All in play
The Yakima Ice Rink is a TREAT. Kids can do everything from joining the youth hockey team and taking figure skating lessons at our local ice rink or just enjoying a fun family evening at the public session on a Friday or Saturday night. They have skate rentals and pushers for little skaters available on site.
1700 Beech Street, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 469-0597 | website
(📷: Yakima Ice Rink)
The Yakima Valley Museum is a treasure trove of Yakima history. Learn about Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, try to find the oldest car on display, or peruse their extensive geology collection, but always end up in the Children’s Underground Area. With a hands-on activity center and a space for kids to pretend it’s the late 1800s, it’s a favorite spot for local kiddos. Be on the lookout for unique family-friendly community events like classic movie showings and their weekly storytime on Wednesdays at 10am (children get in free).
2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima WA 98902
(509) 248-0747 | website
Warehouse Theatre produces strong productions of delightful family-friendly plays. Plays completely put on by volunteer community members with a strong love of theatre and it shows in the production value. The theater itself is not your traditional stage but rather “in the round,” with chairs on all four sides. It is unique and special and kids love the immersive experience. Tickets typically sell out fast for each production so be sure to buy ahead of time!
1610 S. 24th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 248-0747 | website
(📷: WTC/IG)
If you love the performing arts, then you should definitely check out The Capitol Theatre. Built in 1920, this nearly century old theatre is one of Yakima’s crowning historic glories. It burned to the ground in 1975, and the community came together to restore it (take a look at the ceiling when you step inside). Hosting shows like Rent or Come from Away, to incredible dance productions like Ballet Hispanico, or performers like Mandy Patinkin and the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, The Capitol truly has it all. The hip 4th Street Theatre hosts smaller shows, local events, and auctions. Check online to see what’s in town.
Capitol Theatre
19 S 3rd St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 853-2787 | website
4th Street Theatre
14 S 4th St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 853-2787 | website
(📷: Capitol Theatre)
In town and need something to burn your kiddos’ energy? Take ‘em to Get Air. While not in downtown proper, it’s close enough. Trampolines, games, and lots of fun, parents can even join in the jumping while wearing your kids out. Fun fact: Get Air is right on the Old Yakima Boise Cascade Mill Site – an area promised to be re-developed soon(ish).
1015 E Lincoln Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 895-5925 | website
(📷: Protrampolines)
Tucked into the back of the Golden Wheel, this is our preferred downtown dive bar for late night karaoke and local flare. They pour a stiff drink, and the crowd is always eclectic and enthusiastic (even when your voice is sub-par). Make sure you enter from the parking lot. Settle into a vinyl-lined booth, sign up at the table in the front, and grab the binder of songs to find your favorite tune to belt out. If we’re there, we’ll cheer you on and maybe even order you a chocolate chicken.
9 S 1st St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 457-8400 | nope, no www
(📷: David Paulson)
What once was home to a church, the Seasons Performance Hall is Yakima’s main indoor concert venue. From jazz to the Seattle Rock Orchestra to Macklemore (yes, THAT Macklemore), the Seasons is known for its incredible acoustics and eclectic musical shows. Stop by Single Hill on your way to the show for a beer, a taco, and the local scene.
101 N Naches Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 453-1888 | website
(📷: The Seasons)
Located in between Hotel Maison and Hilton Garden Inn is this gem of a day spa. This is our go-to spot for pampering, from facials to massages to calming spa products. If we are going deluxe, sign us up for a long soak, too. Their space is tranquil (maybe because you are surrounded by all the essential oils ever) and the staff is warm and friendly. If you are here for a weekend, give them a ring ahead of time to schedule an appointment to make sure you get a slot for some self-care.
399 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 225-4772 | website
(📷: Ummelina/Instagram)
Yakima Maker Space (YMS) was created in 2013 with the goal of "galvanizing our City's creative potential." The YMS founders led by example when they took an abandoned downtown building and created a shop where you can make almost anything. They host events like Drag Me Out to the Arts, various art groups, and tool demos. Makers from the community teach numerous classes, from “How to use a 3D printer” to “Intro to Watercolor.” You can find fellow creative thinkers, artists, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, and "nerds of all kinds" there. Check out their calendar of events and classes here. On Saturdays, 10a-2p, you can drop-in via Collab Coffee's shared door with them to see the latest.
16 S 1st St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 571-1215 | website
(📷: YMS/Instagram)
💡 IHY WISDOM: If the Lotus Room isn’t your style, this should fulfill your dive bar needs.
104 S 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 453-9713 | website
509 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 424-3348 | website
💡 IHY WISDOM: Fair warning - you will not find a bowling alley like this on the westside. The prices are legit ridiculous. $2.50 per game and $1.50 for shoes. Unless you are there on Sundays, when games, shoes, and select menu items are all $1.00. Pretty sure, this place has not been updated since the 1970s.
307 1/2 W Chestnut Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 452-0223 | website
(📷: Eagle Lanes/Facebook)
118 S 1st St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 910-3707 | website
💡 IHY WISDOM: Watch movies while eating snacks and ordering drinks. (21+)
202 E Chestnut Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 248-0245 | website
