20 Popular Things To Do In Tri Cities

1. Enjoy Playground Of Dreams

The Playground of Dreams was established in 2005. It is a park spread over a large area and is located in the heart of Kennewick. This place is famous for its innovative and inclusive playground equipment that is suitable for visitors of all ages.

The park features green spaces full of different play structures like climbing walls, swings, and slides. The unique dream theme area of the Playground of Dreams is its most popular part. This area inspires children to use their imaginations while they play.

Visiting this place you can also enjoy other activities like picnicking, participating in community events, and many more.

2. Try Axe Throwing At AXE KPR

Another great location in Kennewick is the AXE KPR. This place has been offering a unique experience since its opening in 2018. This axe-throwing venue stands out due to its blend of excitement, and friendly competition. Inside the facility are well-maintained lanes with multiple targets where you can practice your aim under the supervision of skilled instructors.

To make your visit more fun challenging friends or families for a match could be a great choice. Additionally, for skilled aimers, the AXE KPR also organizes leagues where you can participate. The venue is designed to offer a memorable outing, with its lively ambiance and focus on fun.

3. Spend A Day At Leslie Groves Park

Moving on to Richland, Leslie Groves Park, established in the early 1970s is a beautiful location. The scenic beauty and multiple recreational opportunities are what make this place an ideal destination for nature lovers.

The well-maintained walking trails, expansive open field, and the peaceful Columbia River waterfront can be explored while visiting here. Strolling along the trails and planning a picnic by the side of the river view will keep you engaged throughout the day.

Taking part in sports activities like soccer and volleyball can also be enjoyed in open spaces with friends and family.

4. Visit The McNary National Wildlife Refuge

The McNary National Wildlife Refuge is accessible from all three cities of the Tri-Cities region. This park spans across 1500 acres of land and was established in 1956. It is covered with various habitats that are home to multiple local and exotic animals.

McNary Wildlife Refuge is a haven both for the wildlife enthusiast and the occasional explorer. It provides a closer view of deer, coyotes, and hundreds of species of birds, including eagles and swans.

During your visit, you can explore the network of trains with observation points. Seen along the trail are wetlands, riparian zones, and expansive grasslands.

5. Explore The Volunteer Park

It is a nice place to walk around and see the natural beauty of the region. The entire area of the Volunteer Park has different walking areas covered with trees providing shade from the sun. Strolling around, you can stop by one of many meditation areas and watch the historic train engine.

As adults wander around to explore the surroundings, kids can have fun at the playgrounds that are safe and well-equipped. The ample space available at the Volunteer Park can be utilized for picnic spots, playing sports, and other outdoor activities, making this a family-friendly place. The serene surroundings, with a historic touch, will help you unwind from the hustle of daily life.

6. Have Fun At Red Dot Paintball

For a day filled with adrenaline, this place located just outside of Richland is a go-to. The Red Dot Paintball is popular for its large fields with well-designed barriers that play a supporting role during paintball battles.

You can engage in various paintball scenarios, from strategic team games to fast-paced flag-capturing matches. The peak seasons add additional fun to the environment with people from all around the world running in the game fields. However, a large crowd often causes reservation problems so it is wise to plan and make a reservation.

7. Explore Southridge Sports And Events Complex

The Southridge Sports and Event Complex, established in 2003 is located in Kennewick. It is a premier destination celebrated for its facilities and diverse offerings. The complex hosts various events that range from sports tournaments to community festivals and concerts.

The Southridge Sports and Event Complex has everything from multiple sports fields and an indoor arena to spacious event halls. here you will find a vibrant atmosphere along with opportunities for recreation and entertainment.

As you step inside the complex, the energy changes entirely with the crowd chanting for an ongoing event.

8. Catch A Movie At Fairchild Cinemas

The Fairchild Cinemas is located around 11 miles north of Southridge Sports and Event Complex. It was established in 2002 and is a popular movie-watching venue in Kennewick.

The cinema offers a great experience with comfortable seating, a high-quality sound system, and a large screen. Various features like digital projections, 3D showings, and a cozy atmosphere make the Fairchild Cinema a premium place.

When visiting this place, you can choose from the latest blockbusters and indie movies to watch. If you are someone learning about filmmaking, look out for special events. These events can help you connect with professionals and get tips from them to improve.

9. Try Your Luck At Crazy Moose Casino Pasco

Crazy Moose Casino in Pasco is a popular entertainment hub. Offering entertainment since 1999, this lively casino is full of exciting games. It has different table games as well as slot machines. Trying your luck out here is a perfect way to make some money.

However, not everyone is lucky enough to win so be prepared before entering the casino. Besides gambling, the casino also features a sports bar and a restaurant. This bar and restaurant makes sure despite the loss, no player returns home empty stomach.

Likewise, they are also a perfect spot to throw a party if you are a lucky person and win some money off of the games.

10. Play Bingo At Bingo Boulevard

If you are exiting from the Playground of Dreams, then Bingo Boulevard is a fun location near it. Visiting both of these places on the same day can help you save time for other attractions.

As you arrive at Bingo Boulevard a large number of players enjoying bingo is the first thing you will see. To become a part of this lively atmosphere you can join the game and await your number to be called. Standing all around you are other people holding their number cards, hopping, shouting, and cheering for a big win.

The wins can range from cash rewards to exciting merchandise. So, make sure you bring a large bag to fit in the prize if you win.

11. Go Skating At Rollarena Skating Center

The Rollarena Skating Center is a beloved skating rink in Richland alongside the Columbia playfield. This classic skating center has a spacious area that brings back past skating memories. Smooth rings, upbeat music, and colorful lights are the main highlights of this place.

Inside the Rollarena Starting Center, you can rent skate and safety gear while taking lessons to improve your skills. After a few hours of fun, you can rest at the snack bar and grab a bite to refuel yourself. This refueling is going to be necessary for another entertaining hour at the arcade.

12. Solve Puzzles At PerplEXIT Puzzle Rooms

The next entertaining stop on the list is the PereplExit Puzzle Rooms. This place has been challenging minds and sparking curiosity in visitors with its escape rooms. It was founded in 2017 and offers a unique experience.

At the PerplExit Puzzle Rooms, you will have to solve intricate puzzles and riddles to escape their themed rooms. Inside the escape rooms, players are offered different scenarios that make the quests more entertaining. The players have to get out of the room before they run out of time to win.

The excitement of racing against the clock, coupled with the need for teamwork and quick thinking, is what makes a visit to his place memorable. Entering one of the escape rooms in PerplExit Puzzle Rooms is one of the prominent things to do in Tri-Cities, WA.

13. Relax At The Howard Amon Park

If you are exploring Richland, then this is a place you wouldn't want to miss. The Howard Amon Park is a scenic place. It is popular among both locals and visitors. Covering a total area of 45 acres, from this park you can view the beautiful Columbia River flowing alongside.

Lush green spaces, and well-maintained walking paths are other areas that you can explore inside. For recreation and relaxation, the Howard Amon Park offers various activities. You can stroll along the river, have a picnic in the shaded areas, or play games at sports courts.

This could also be done with a hike or bike ride on the riverside trail. Moreover, the park is a gathering place for community events in Tri Cities.

14. Try Go-karting At Fast Track Tri Cities

If your friends or family members think they are better go-kart drivers than you, then the Fast Track Tri Cities is the place you all should travel. This is an ideal place to spend a challenging day with them.

Located inside Richland, this place is known for its well-designed layout. It features smooth, high-speed tracks and sturdy barriers to ensure both safety and excitement. The venue’s modern karts are built for speed and agility.

The entry is pretty affordable for the amount of adrenaline-pumping fun you're going to have. At the end of the day, you will find out who really is the best go-kart driver in your friend circle or family.

15. Explore The Clover Island Lighthouse

The construction of Clover Island Lighthouse was completed in 2010. It is one of the recently built lighthouses in the United States located in Kennewick, Washington. Standing tall as an attraction, the lighthouse is not an operational one. Still, it adds a picturesque element to the island.

And for that view, people from all around the globe visit this place. While on a tour of this place, you can stroll around the lighthouse and enjoy the stunning views of the Columbia River. During the sunset, the lighthouse starts to twinkle providing a perfect backdrop for pictures.

16. Hike The Badger Mountain Trail

Missing until now in the article was a hiking trail. So, here is a popular one you should explore while in Tri Cities. The Badger Mountain Trail is a 3.2-mile loop near Richland. It is a moderately challenging route that lets you enjoy nature from a close distance.

The hike takes you past some of the beautiful unsettled areas of the region. Along the way, you will encounter various birds and animals roaming freely in their habitat. As a popular spot, it is mostly filled with people. 

This offers a great way to make connections with fellow hikers and learn about their travel experiences at the Tri-Cities. As you approach the top, a panoramic view of the region comes into sight. The end views from the top of the mountain are mesmerizing.

17. Play Bowling At Atomic Bowl

As we come closer to the end of the list, Atomic Bowl is another entertainment hub you should pay a visit to. This place is one of the popular bowling alleys in Richland. Offering a fun experience, it is a suitable spot for friendly competitions.

The playing areas inside feature modern facilities with well-maintained lanes and top-quality bowls. The lively environment is what makes Atomic Bowl a great place to hang out with friends. In addition to bowling, the center also has an arcade, sports bar, and a snack bar that can keep you engaged throughout the day.

18. Visit The Gallery At The Park

If you are planning a visit to Howard Amona Park, the Gallery at Park is a popular place inside that you can explore. It is an ideal place to get a deep understanding of the art scene of Richland.  Known as a cultural gem, this place was established in 1958 and is one of the Fun things to do in Tri Cities. 

The ever-changing selection of works by local and regional artists is showcased inside the gallery. This display comprises paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more. Every single piece inside shows the commitment of the museum to promote and support local artists.

The location of the Gallery at the Park makes it extra special with the greenery of the park surrounding it from every side.

19. Go Shopping At Columbia Center

Columbia Center, located in Kennewick, is a premier shopping destination in the Tri Cities area. The center is home to over 125 stores including popular retailers, specialty boutiques, and a variety of dining options.

Opened in 1969, the Columbia Center offers something for everyone. Its wide selection of shops offers affordable products ranging from fashion items and collectibles to furniture and electronics.

After a tiring shopping run, you can rest around at one of many restaurants and enjoy a meal to end your day with a local taste. To make the experience more vibrant, you can visit the Columbia Center during seasonal events and sales.

20. Visit Gesa Carousel of Dreams

The Gesa Carousel of Dreams is a magical place that takes you back in time. It is a restored wooden carousel that was built in 1910 by Charles Carmel. The attention to detail seen in every horse is simply breathtaking.

The carousel has perfectly blended entertainment with a touch of history. This carousel has continuously attracted both kids and adults as a fun family place. The Gesa Carousel of Dreams also has other different facilities to keep the visitors entertained.

Inside you will find a banquet hall, concessions booths, and a waterpark right outside. All these places add extra fun to your visit and let you enjoy multiple things at once without getting bored.