South Sound attractions

Saltwater State Park

Des Moines Day-use park on Puget Sound with trails for hiking and biking, artificial reef for scuba divers, picnic areas, 25205 Eighth Place S., Des Moines (253-661-4956 or www.parks.wa.gov).

Des Moines Beach Park

Des Moines Play area, trails, creek, bicycling, natural area, beach, 22030 Cliff Ave. S., Des Moines (206-870-6527 or www.desmoineswa.gov).

Liberty Park

Renton Lighted basketball courts and tennis courts, picnic areas and shelter, skatepark, Cedar River Trail access, 1101 Bronson Way N., Renton (picnic-shelter reservations: 425-430-6700 or www.rentonwa.gov).

Renton Historical Museum

Renton History of the Duwamish Indians and Renton's coal-mining and logging days, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 235 Mill Ave. S., Renton; $1-$3, free on the first Wednesdays and third Saturdays; information on "History Lives Here" self-guided tour of 22 markers highlighting significant places, people and events in Renton available at the museum (425-255-2330 or www.rentonhistory.org).

Gene Coulon Beach Park

Renton On the shores of Lake Washington, paved waterfront trail, boat launch, fishing pier, interpretive botanical walk, food concession, summer swimming beach, Lake Washington Boulevard North, Renton (425-430-6700 or www.rentonwa.gov/).

Family Fun Center

Tukwila Indoor and outdoor attractions including go-carts, miniature golf, batting cages, rock-climbing wall, laser tag, video arcade and restaurant, noon-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, hours subject to change; 7300 Fun Center Way, Tukwila; admission free, charges for activities vary (425-228-7300 or www.fun-center.com).

Highline SeaTac

Botanical Garden

SeaTac Seike Japanese Garden, the Elda Behm Paradise Garden, trees, streams, accessible garden, 7 a.m.-dusk daily, 13735 24th Ave. S., SeaTac; tours available (206-391-4003 or www.highlinegarden.org).

Lake Wilderness Arboretum

Maple Valley 40-acre forest with trails through native forests, display gardens, dawn to dusk daily, adjacent to Lake Wilderness Park, 22520 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley; free (425-413-2572 or www.lakewildernessarboretum.org).

Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum

Kent Vintage hydroplanes and memorabilia, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, 5917 S. 196th St., Kent; $5-$10 (206-764-9453 or www.thunderboats.org).

Kent Historical Museum

Kent A three-story 1908 craftsman-style home furnished with period furniture, gallery of local historical artifacts, noon-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 855 E. Smith St., Kent; free, donations suggested (253-854-4330 or www.kenthistoricalmuseum.org).

Meeker Mansion

Kent Victorian mansion built by pioneer Ezra Meeker, in the process of being restored to its 1891 condition, open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, 312 Spring St., Kent; $2-$4 (253-848-1770 or www.meekermansion.org).

White River Valley Museum

Auburn Pioneer, Native American and Japanese-American history, 1920s-era downtown Auburn exhibit, noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, 918 H St. S.E., Auburn; $1-$2, free on Wednesdays (253-288-7433 or www.wrvmuseum.org).

Flaming Geyser State Park

Auburn Named for its unique methane seep "geysers," 480-acre park on the Green River, 8 a.m.-dusk daily; model-airplane-flying hours 10 a.m.-dusk, Green Valley Road and Southeast 354th Street, Auburn (360-902-8844 or www.parks.wa.gov).

Emerald Downs

Auburn Horse racing with wagering, restaurants, first races 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays; stable tours available Saturday mornings by appointment; Family Days pony rides, entertainment and kids' activities, Sundays June 21-Sept. 6, Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn; $7 admission, ages 17 and younger free (253-288-7000 or www.emeralddowns.com).

Wild Waves

and Enchanted Village

Federal Way Amusement park with thrill rides including TimberHawk roller coaster, the Sky Dive and the Timber Axe; water park with giant water slides, tube slides, Raging River ride, wave pool, activity pool, warming tubs and kiddie pools with water slides; open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday with rides only; waterpark opening for the season May 23, entire park open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 23-25, June 6-7, 13-14, 20-30, July 1-2; 9; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. June 10-12 and 15-19; July 3-Aug. 29 open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 5-7; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 12-13, 36201 Enchanted Parkway S., Federal Way; $35.99/general admission, $29.99/children under 48 inches tall, $19.99/ages 65 and older, ages 2 and younger free, online specials and season tickets available; parking $10 (253-661-8000 or www.wildwaves.com).

Rhododendron Species Foundation Public Garden

Federal Way Hundreds of rhododendron species, perennials, trees and shrubs, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays-Wednesdays, Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, 2525 S. 336th St., Federal Way; $3-$5, ages 11 and younger free (www.rhodygarden.org).

Dash Point State Park

Federal Way Saltwater shoreline 398-acre park on Puget Sound; camping available, Dash Point Drive, Federal Way (360-902-8844 or www.parks.wa.gov).

The Chase Garden

Orting Private garden with woodland, native shrubs and wildflowers with views of forested mountain foothills and Mount Rainier, open to the public for self-guided tours 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through October, guided tours 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month, The Chase Garden, 16015 264th St. E., Orting, Pierce County; $5, parking very limited (206-242-4040 or www.chasegarden.org).

Vashon-Maury Island

Heritage Museum

Vashon Permanent exhibits including artifacts and collections of photographs, newspapers, diaries, letter and other materials, special exhibits, 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10105 Bank Road, Vashon (206-463-7808 or www.vashonhistory.org).

Washington State

History Museum

Tacoma Geographic diversity and human history from the indigenous peoples through 20th-century immigration, featuring "Women's Votes, Women's Voices" celebrating 100 years since women were granted the right to vote with artifacts and interactive activities, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma; $6-$8/person or $25/family, two adults and up to four children; free admission 3-8 p.m. on third Thursdays of each month (888-272-3500 or www.washingtonhistory.org).

Museum of Glass

Tacoma The medium of glass within the context of contemporary art in all media, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays, 1801 E. Dock St., Tacoma; $4-$10 (866-468-7386 or www.museumofglass.org).

Tacoma Art Museum

Tacoma Art from the 18th century to the present, including an extensive collection of Chihuly glass, resource and education center; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, until 8 p.m. Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma; $6.50-$7.50, third Thursday free (253-272-4258 or www.tacomaartmuseum.org).

Children's Museum

of Tacoma

Tacoma Play spaces for young children, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, 936 Broadway, Tacoma; $6, free admission first Friday of every month (253-627-6031 or www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org).

The LeMay Collection

Car Museum

Tacoma Guided two-hour tours of the display of more than 400 vehicles, from the earliest automobiles to 1990s models, from the world's largest privately owned collection, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (last tour starts 3 p.m.) Tuesdays through Saturdays; LeMay Collection at Marymount, 325 152nd St. E., Tacoma; $15, by reservation (877-902-8490 or www.lemaymuseum.org).

Point Defiance Park, Zoo

Tacoma Old-growth forest, marina, hiking and running trails; dahlia, fuchsia, herb, iris, Japanese, Northwest native, rhododendron and rose gardens; beaches; picnic areas, dawn to dusk daily (253-305-1000 or www.metroparkstacoma.org);

• Fort Nisqually re-creation of Hudson's Bay Co. historic site; staff members in period clothing available to answer questions and offer demonstrations, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday through May 25, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday May 26-Sept. 1, open Memorial Day and Labor Day; $3-$6 (253-591-5339 or www.fortnisqually.org);

• Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium featuring walruses, elephants, farm animals, aquarium, Kids' Zone children's zoo, carousel; opening Saturday, Budgie Buddies, 100 birds fly around visitors, seed sticks available for $1; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through May 22; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily May 23-Sept. 7, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma, $5-$13 (253-591-5337 or www.pdza.org).

Lakewold Gardens

Lakewood Fern and alpine rock gardens, rhododendrons and Japanese maples, seasonal blooms, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, 12317 Gravelly Lake Drive S.W., Lakewood; $3-$5 (253-584-4106 or www.lakewoldgardens.org).

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Eatonville 600-acre wildlife park with animals native to the Northwest, some in exhibits and some viewed by tram tour in animal free-range area; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday through June 26; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily June 27-Sept. 7, 11610 Trek Drive E., Eatonville, Pierce County, $6.50-$15.50 (360-832-6117 or www.nwtrek.org).

Pioneer Farm Museum

Eatonville An 1887 homestead with hands-on activities, tours 11:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through June 14, daily June 20-Sept. 7; starting June 21, Native American Seasons tours, 1 and 2:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, June 21-Sept. 7, 7716 Ohop Valley Road E., Eatonville; $6.50-$7.50 for each tour (360-832-6300 or www.pioneerfarmmuseum.org).

Mount Rainier

Scenic Railroad

Mineral Vintage train ride through the foothills of Mount Rainier, 2-2 ½ hour round trip from Mineral to Divide; 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10:3 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, 349 Mineral Creek Road, Mineral, Lewis County; $15-$20, reservations required (888-783-2611 or 360-492-5588 or www.mrsr.com).

Tribal Cultural Center

and Museum

Steilacoom The history of the Steilacoom Tribe from its origins to the present with baskets, tools, ornaments and clothing, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, 1515 Lafayette St., Steilacoom; $1-$3 (www.steilacoom.com/culturalcenter.html).

Nisqually National

Wildlife Refuge

Olympia Walking trail; pets, jogging and bicycles prohibited, open dawn to dusk daily, visitor center open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, 100 Brown Farm Road, Olympia; $3/family (360-753-9467).

State Capitol Tours

Olympia Guided public tours of the Washington State Legislative Building, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the hour daily, meet at the foot of the rotunda steps on the north side of the building, free; reservations required for group tours; public tours of the Executive Mansion, mornings and afternoons most Wednesdays, reservations required; Visitor Information Center, 416 14th Ave. S.W., Olympia (360-586-3460 or www.ga.wa.gov/visitor/).

State Capital Museum

Olympia Historical artifacts, Native American exhibit and the Delbert McBride Ethnobotanical Garden, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 211 W. 21st Ave., Olympia; $1-$2 (360-753-2580 or www.wshs.org).

Bigelow House Museum

Olympia Carpenter Gothic style home built in the 1850s with display of 150 years of artifacts and furnishings of the Bigelow family's involvement in community, state and national history, open noon-4 p.m. weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day, 918 Glass Ave. N.E., Olympia; entry hall exhibit entrance free, guided house tours $1-$3 (www.bigelowhouse.org).

Mount Rainier National Park

Ashford Single-visit vehicle permit, $15/seven days; individual on foot, horseback, motorcycle, $5/seven days; Mount Rainier National Park annual pass, $30; call to check weather/road condtions (360-569-2211 or www.nps.gov/mora/);

• Jackson Visitor Center natural and cultural exhibits, information, food service, gift shop, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Paradise, Mount Rainier (360-569-6036);

• Longmire Museum on the natural and cultural history of Mount Rainier National Park, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily, Longmire, Mount Rainier (360-569-2211, ext. 3314);

• Ohanapecosh Visitor Center scheduled to open May 22, noon-5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through June 7; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily June 13-Oct. 12 (360-569-6046);

• Sunrise Visitor Center open July-September (360-663-2425);

• Camping available May 22-Oct. 12 at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh, June 25-Oct. 4 at White River campground, reservations available for Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh (877-444-6777);

• National Park Inn lodging with 25 guest rooms, restaurant and gift shop, open year around; Paradise Inn lodging and dining room opens for the season May 15 (360-569-2275 or www.guestservices.com/rainier);

• Information on attractions, lodging and dining in the area of Mount Rainier available through Visit Rainier (visitrainier.com) and Mount Rainier Visitor Association (877-617-9950 or mt-rainier.com).

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Castle Rock Opening of the season "It's a Blast" special event with science activities, guided hikes, speakers, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. May 16, Johnston Ridge Observatory, $10/person or $35/person with presentation by Bill Nye, the Science Guy, tickets online, Sunday summer hikes also available (www.mshinstitute.org);

• Johnston Ridge Observatory (with geologic exhibits, movie, ranger talks and bookstore) opens May 17 for the season, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, 24000 Spirit Lake Highway, Toutle, Cowlitz County; $8/person, ages 15 and younger free, free for everyone May 18, the 29th anniversary of the 1980 eruption (360-274-2140 or www.s.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm);

• Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake provides history of the mountain and its 1980 eruption with theater presentation, exhibits and one-mile Silver Lake Wetlands Trail, opens for season May 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 3029 Spirit Lake Highway, Castle Rock; $1-$3 (360-449-7800 or parks.wa.gov/interp/mountsthelens.

Wolf Haven International

Tenino Tours of wolf sanctuary, on the hour 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays, noon-3 p.m. Sundays, $7-$9; 3111 Offut Lake Road, Tenino, Thurston County; campsites available (360-264-4695 or www.wolfhaven.org).

— Compiled by Madeline McKenzie