Photo: Erin Lunde
Photo: Taya Davis
Photo: Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) at the Whatcom Museum
Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) at the Whatcom Museum
★4.7(156 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 2-8. Toddlers and preschoolers especially thrive with the sensory water play and tactile exploration stations, while early elementary kids engage deeply with the STEM challenges and creative art activities.🧡 Saved by 48 families
About
The Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) at the Whatcom Museum is a hands-on wonderland designed specifically for young children to explore through play. With engaging water play areas, musical instruments, art stations, and age-appropriate STEM activities, this interactive space encourages learning through discovery in a safe, welcoming environment that parents and kids can enjoy together.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on water play station with wheels, channels, and splash zones
- ✓Musical exploration area with various instruments kids can actually play
- ✓Creative art stations with rotating projects and materials
- ✓Interactive STEM activities that make science fun and accessible
- ✓Cozy reading nook and quiet spaces for when little ones need a break
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open at 10 AM on weekdays for the quietest experience before school groups arrive
- 2.Bring a change of clothes for your little ones,the water play area is irresistible and kids will get wet
- 3.Visit on First Friday evenings when the Whatcom Museum offers free admission from 5-8 PM (check current schedule)
- 4.Street parking on Flora Street is limited; use the nearby parking garage on Commercial Street for easier access
- 5.The gallery is designed for multiple short visits rather than one long one,consider getting a membership if you're local
Best Time to Visit
Wednesday through Friday mornings (10-11:30 AM) offer the calmest experience with fewer crowds. Weekends can get busy, especially Saturday afternoons, but the interactive nature means kids can still engage without long waits.
What to Know
Admission to the FIG is included with general museum entry (typically $10-15 for adults, kids often free). The museum is closed Monday and Tuesday, and street parking can be challenging during peak downtown hours, so plan extra time or use nearby paid parking.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours, making it an ideal rainy-day activity in the Pacific Northwest. The museum occasionally hosts special seasonal programs and workshops during school breaks,check their calendar for family events.
Nearby Eats
Walk to Bayou on Bay for kid-friendly Cajun fare with a relaxed atmosphere, or grab pizza and pasta at Fiamma Burger just a few blocks away on State Street,both welcome families and offer quick service.
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