With the weather getting colder and wetter, it's increasingly difficult to get the kids out of the house and active. To prevent cabin fever and for a way to spend quality time with the kids, I've compiled a local guide of fun destinations.

Take a Trip to Westfield Shopping Center

"Kids, we're going to the mall!" (No, you're not being schlepped around the house-ware isles at JC Penney)

The Olympia mall offers several cool destinations for families of all ages:

Play an exciting game of "glow in the dark" miniature golf at Glowgolf, located in the old Mervins store.   http://www.opryglowgolf.com/

Create your own unique Teddy Bear at the enchanted Bear Mill. The Bear Mill is also a great place for private birthday parties. http://www.thebearmillinc.com/

Catch a family movie at Olympia's newest multiplex theater.   http://www.fandango.com/98501_movietheatershowtimes

Check out Downtown Olympia

Visit the Olympia's Hands On Childrens Museum for interactive exhibits and fun activities. http://www.hocm.org/

Stop in at The Painted Plate studio, where the whole family can paint their own plates, platters and cups. It's a great place for hand-made Christmas presents.

Get tickets for the Washington center of the Performing Arts. They present shows that the whole family will enjoy. Don't miss the annual performances of The Nutcracker, put on by the young and talented dancers of the NW Ballet.

Head to the YMCA

The Briggs YMCA is not your grandfather's YMCA. They offer a teen activity room, two swimming pools, a climbing wall and a fun romping room that can be booked for birthday parties.

The downtown YMCA has a pool and two raquetball courts where the kids can let all their energy out on the balls.

Sports can be Fun

Check out the indoor batting cages at the Tumwater Airport Golf Center, or chip some golf balls down the driving range. http://www.airportgolfcenter.com/

Lacey also has a batting range at Hawks Prairie 

Bowl a game or two at Tumwater Lanes http://www.tumwaterlanes.com/ or at Aztec Lanes in Olympia.

Take the kids rollerskating at Olympia's Skateland. http://www.skatelandolympia.com/

Cabelas - Not just a Store, but a Destination

The largest retailer in the area, Cabelas has recently opened its doors in Lacey. Kids will be amazed at the store's nature exhibits.

Take a Trip to Tacoma

In Tacoma you can pick your museum of choice. The Tacoma Glass Museum, the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington History Museum are all located within a few blocks of each other. They offer many interesting and fun exhibits.

Sandy Nelson
Realtor for Olympia area real estate
www.sandynelsonrealestate.com