Rain or drizzle does not slow family fun in Kirkland. The city packs inviting indoor spaces where kids can climb, create, learn, and play while parents relax with coffee or plan the next stop. Use the ideas below to build a full day, then round it out with our Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Things To Do With Kids guides.
Play Centers & Indoor Playgrounds
Pump It Up delivers classic bounce-house joy inside a climate-controlled arena. Little ones burn energy on inflatable slides and obstacle courses during open play or parties. It is a true indoor playground, ideal when the park is soaked. Adults can tag along, or take a breather and plan lunch nearby.
Sandbox VR suits older kids and teens who want a high-tech play area inside. Groups step into free-roam virtual worlds and cooperate through missions, then leave with big grins and shared stories. Pair a session with a snack run at The Village at Totem Lake, where dining options are plentiful and parking is simple.
If you need flexible fun for a birthday, Silver Adventures Laser Tag brings the arena to you. Their mobile setup fills a gym, a rec hall, or a large indoor playroom, so you control the space and the schedule. Before or after play time, hit a child-friendly restaurant like Cactus (delicious Mexican food) or DERU Market (gourmet pizzas in a casual environment).
Museums & Educational Stops
Kirkland’s gallery and maker scene doubles as an educational circuit. Kirkland Arts Center maintains a public gallery inside the historic Peter Kirk Building and runs classes for a wide range of ages. Families can browse exhibits together, then sign up their children for youth sessions during the school year or school breaks.
Cooking is hands-on STEM in disguise. FrogLegs Culinary hosts kid-centered classes and camps in a bright teaching kitchen, which keeps minds busy and bellies happy. Parents often pair a class drop-off with coffee nearby (Caffe Ladro is right around the corner).
For timely options, check the events calendar and filter by arts or family programming. You will spot workshops, gallery activities, and seasonal camps.
Art Studios & Creative Spaces
Anna’s Art Lab focuses on process art. Little adventurers use real tools, then leave with work that feels personal. Sessions vary by age, allowing siblings to create with different materials during the same visit.
AL Art Studio appears in our Art & Creative Classes roundup and offers youth instruction plus camps. It is a solid pick for art-minded kids who enjoy structured projects or want to build skills over multiple weeks.
Movement counts as creativity, too. Kirkland Dance Center runs youth classes that build coordination and confidence, then welcomes families for low-pressure recitals. The schedule shifts by season, so peek at current listings before you go.
Browse even more options on our Art & Creative Classes page. After class, treat the crew to a browse at Snapdoodle Toys & Games. It is a local favorite for puzzles and crafts, and it makes a cheerful rainy-day pit stop.
Libraries & Community Programs
The Kirkland Library anchors many family routines. Young ones settle into the dedicated children’s area, then join story times that run on a regular cadence. Study nooks help with homework on gray afternoons. For extra ideas, mix a library visit with a short walk to charming cafes in the downtown core.
Citywide, you will also find happenings for everyone tied to the arts and seasons. Watch the events pages for options like indoor movie nights, winter workshops, and youth performances at Kirkland Performance Center.
In Kirkland, a fun kid-centered day can start with a bounce session or a VR adventure. Add a gallery stop or a cooking class, and then close with a library story time and an easy dinner. Ready to map your full itinerary and book lodging, parking, and more? Start planning your next family getaway today.
