Fort Nisqually Living History Museum (Tacoma)

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum in Tacoma: best for ages 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13-17; Adult (18–64) $14.50; Active Military / Senior (65+) $13.50; Youth (4–17) $10.50; Ages 3 & under FREE; Family (max 2 adults + 5 youth) $40; members FREE (official).

Address5519 Five Mile Dr, Tacoma, WA 98407 (inside Point Defiance Park)

HoursSpring/Summer (May 1–Sep 30): daily 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fall/Winter (Oct 1–Apr 30): Thu–Sun 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Nov 26, 2026 and Dec 25, 2026 (official Parks Tacoma page)

PricesAdult (18–64) $14.50; Active Military / Senior (65+) $13.50; Youth (4–17) $10.50; Ages 3 & under FREE; Family (max 2 adults + 5 youth) $40; members FREE (official)

Price notesOfficial Parks Tacoma admission. Note: at the Nov 5 verification date the fort is on fall/winter hours (Thu–Sun only).

Age notesFrom official pricing tiers: Ages 3 & under free, Youth 4–17, Adult 18–64.

BookingNot confirmed — reservation policy was not captured on the official page reviewed.

Suggested timeAbout 1.5 hours

AccessibilityNot confirmed — no access attribute is claimed from the official page reviewed.

ParkingFree parking inside Point Defiance Park.

Hours in detailSpring/Summer (May 1 - Sept 30): open daily 11 am to 5 pm. Fall/Winter (Oct 1 - April 30): open Thursday to Sunday 11 am to 4 pm. Closed Thursday, November 26, 2026 and Friday, December 25, 2026. Research Library: Thursday 1 - 4 pm by appointment. Museum Store is open when the museum is open.

Tickets & bookingGeneral admission tickets can be purchased online via the museum's ticket link. All-day Fort admission can also be purchased at the Point Defiance Zoo front gate (no advance sales with that offer). Fort Nisqually members receive free admission but must register to receive complimentary admission.

ParkingThe official features list includes Parking Stalls and Parking Stalls / ADA. The fort sits inside Point Defiance Park, whose hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset; no parking fee is stated on the official page.

AccessibilityADA parking stalls are listed in the museum's official features. The pet guideline (leashed pets only in the Visitors' Center, Large Store and grounds, never in historical structures) explicitly does not apply to service animals, and Parks Tacoma policy permits service animals in all public areas and offers ADA accommodation requests. The museum's DEAI statement commits it to removing barriers wherever possible for all attendees.

Age notesAdmission: Adult (18-64) $14.50; Active Military / Senior (65+) $13.50; Youth (4-17) $10.50; Ages 3 & under FREE; Family (max. 2 adults and 5 youth) $40.00. Facility guideline: all children under the age of 16 must have a parent or legal guardian nearby at all times.

Family facilitiesNo outside food and drinks are allowed in the historical buildings; you may eat on the grounds of the museum and in the Visitors' Center or Large Store. A drinking fountain and gift shop are on site.

Official tipsEngage with staff in period clothing - they share how people lived, worked and played in the 1850s. Photography and recordings are allowed with phones/cameras only; tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed without an approved permit. Stay behind barriers unless welcomed in by a staff member.

Seasonal notesPoint Defiance Park and the Fort may be closed during severe weather conditions such as wind, snow or ice storms.

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Venue details last verified November 5, 2026 against official sources. Hours and prices change — check the official site before you go. FamilyDay AI is a free planning tool for parents; we list only facts we have verified, and we never invent ratings or reviews.

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum — Tacoma, Washington

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