Sunday, January 8, 2017

Top Five Family Fun for Yakima...So Far...

Once again, as I said in this post, I often wonder where the locals really hang out in the places I visit (or when I move to a new place). So, I am going to share my top five local hang out spots from the places I have lived.   I posted about OmahaSpokaneScottsdale, and Aberdeen so far. Today's city is I am JUST discovering, so this list will likely evolve over the years, but for now, here is my Yakima list! 
Top 5 Yakima
After my husband did a fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ for a year, he took his first "real job" post-training in Aberdeen, WA. We spend 3 years there. Then last year my husband got an amazing job offer in Yakima, WA, and we moved here summer of 2016. We are really just discovering this area and have so, SO much more to explore, so this list is what we have found and loved so far
1. Get Air 
What is it? A trampoline park
My experience with it: We have gone here as a family a couple times and a couple of my kids have been invited to parties here. 
Where is it? 1015 E Lincoln Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
What can you do here and what does it cost? There are trampolines, foam pits, basketball courts (trampoline basketball courts), and more. They have birthday rooms as well. Current prices can be found here
2. Skateland 
What is it? A skating rink
My Experience with it: Very limited. My younger daughter went to a birthday party there and I was there for about 10 minutes picking her up, It is on this list because my daughter LOVED it and cannot wait to go back! It looked like a lot of fun and we will be planning a family fun time there soon! 
Where is it? Actually in Union Gap at  2506 Old Town Rd. Near the Mall. 
What can you do here and what does it cost? I know you can skate there, and there are a few arcade games. Check out more info on their site here.
3. Cowiche Canyon trail
What is it? Hiking trails
My Experience with it: We have hiked a few times up on the trails. It is great hiking. Our kids did great the couple times they hiked with us here. 
Where is it? The trail head locations are in different spots, so look here for the directions to the trail heads.  
What can you do here and what does it cost? Walk, bike, or ride horses on these trails. Kids and Dogs welcome, but they warn to make sure your kids follow the rules and make sure you clean up after your dogs and keep them leashed. Cost-FREE! Yeah! 
4. Akin Center Theatre
What is it? A Theater/performing arts center (plus a center for dance, drama, and music classes AND a preschool). 
My Experience with it: My oldest 3 kids were just in The Secret Garden in October (my middle son played Colin Craven) and my 4th child was just in The Nutcracker in December, That 4th child also takes dance classes there. 
Where is it? 1610 S 24th St, Yakima 98902
What can you do there and what does it cost? Go watch a show! Or take a class. This is a small but mighty community theater that also educates kids in the arts! As a former high school drama teacher I LOVE that! Check out their site and see what they have going on. 
5. Sarg Hubbard Park on the Yakima Greenway
What is it? A park on a larger walking trail
My Experience with it: My husband and I love to walk on the trail around here and this is a park our family loves. We walk here fairly often.
Where is it? 111 S 18th St, Yakima, WA 98901

What can you do there and what does it cost? Play at the playground, walk the trails, feed the ducks on the pond. Just enjoy the area! (If you like Pokemon Go, there are a few Poke Stops around the park and a couple gyms.)
And speaking of Pokemon Go, if you like to play, here's a bonus tip: Downtown, in the area surrounding The Second Street Grill is a GREAT place to play-lots of Poke stops, gyms, and Pokemon spawns. 
I am looking forward to finding more places to hang out in Yakima! For now though, these are our favorites! 
Photobucket