Our 1,300 square foot Discovery Wharf is chock full of innovative activities offering children 4–10 years of age an opportunity to learn about Tacoma’s waterfront — both above and below the water!

"Port Play" features a collection of custom–built wooden port toys where children can don a hard hat and set to work loading containers onto a container ship or a flatbed rail car. What fun to then weigh anchor and set sail for a distant port or drive a fully loaded train out of the yard!

All aboard, Matey!... slip on a life vest and come aboard Faith, a Columbia River Gillnetter retrofitted just for children by the Seaport's boatshop boatbuilders. Learn the lingo (bow, stern, starboard, etc.), how life vests keep you afloat, what commercial gillnet fishing is all about and why a block and tackle system is important.

Toy boat building has been a signature art project and a favorite of all children visiting the Seaport. We continue this tradition, complemented by enhanced features making toy boat building a must for any visit.

Sea Star Lab, a seven–station lab is education at its best — exciting, engaging and interactive. Sea stars are frequently seen in our Puget Sound region, but how much do you really know about these wonderful creatures? Find out where sea stars live by putting together a giant floor puzzle illustrating sea stars and the ocean zone they call home. Learn what an eyespot is, how tube–feet work, — and what about that second stomach?!?!? Come fall in love with Asteroideas in our Sea Star Lab!

As you can see, the Seaport's Discovery Wharf is truly all about discovery. We think it is the best in family entertainment, great for visiting school and home-school groups, well...for anyone of any age with salt water in their veins.