Virtual Programs

Stay connected while staying home

During these challenging times, we know that many in our community are looking for ways to stay active, connect with nature and/or continue with their lifelong learning goals. In an effort to meet this desire, while supporting the Governor's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order, Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation is offering a limited amount of virtual programming that you can engage in from the safety of your own home or neighborhood (while practicing safe social distancing).

Some programs will require advance registration, while others will be free and open to the public. We will also share additional activities from some of our partner organizations. Options will be added below as they become available.

Free activities


Learn about nature and earn your Junior Ranger badge! Download the Junior Ranger guide, complete the activities with your family and then contact parkstewardship@ci.olympia.wa.us so we can send you your badge.

This simple science eggsperiment demonstrates the concept of density, using items you have around the house.

This fun STEM activity is a fun way to set a goal and test your engineering skills.

Make your own land boat!

Swap game night for invention night and kick it off with this fun STEM activity! You will be challenged to create your own parachute to help your toy land safely.

Turn off your screens for an evening and get your family engaged in this fun indoor or outdoor activity! 

Looking for a fun mental and physical challenge? Your spies will have to carefully navigate a laser maze and retrieve the treasure, all without setting off the alarm!

Frisbee golf is a fun way to spend time outside - no special equipment or previous experience required!

Sensory bins are a great way to occupy kids, using items you have around the house!  

Make your own fireflies using leftover plastic eggs!

This activity takes our DIY Obstacle Course to the next level! All you need is a safe space to play, either inside or outside, and some household items to build your course. We recommend adult support and supervision for this activity.

Explore plant and wildlife close to home! Enjoy searching and learning what things are and where they come from.

Native birds are returning to the NW and beginning to build their nests. Find items from around your house to build your own cozy space to read and relax!

Set up a family obstacle course in your own backyard! Be creative, using items found around your house. Time yourselves to see who the family backyard obstacle course champion is or compete against yourself to beat your best time. Take turns designing the course or adding new elements!

Who loves bugs? We do! Bugs help decompose natural materials like wood and leaves, spreading nutrients that help keep forests healthy. Bugs also are an important step in the food chain, nourishing many of our favorite birds, amphibians and mammals. Learn more about bugs by building your own bug hotel and watching them work.

Every naturalist needs a place to keep observations. Make your own notebook with materials from home. Fill it with drawings and notes related to your favorite parts of nature. Be creative!

Butterflies will soon be making their appearance here in Olympia. They and other pollinators are important parts of our local ecosystem, so why not welcome them to your backyard with this easy and fun DIY Butterfly Feeder activity? No special tools are needed and you can create your feeder from items you should already have around the house. It's a great one for kids of all ages to help with too!

Fee-based programs


Join Firefly and True Self Yoga studios for single day and ongoing online yoga classes for all ages and abilities.

Voice-over artist, Lisa Foster will share the tools to begin using your voice for commercials and films.

This class combines a virtual magic show with lessons, hosted by local favorite Jeff Evans.

Partner resources and activities

  • Register Online, Register Online at Your Convenience
  • View available Parks, Arts & Recreation classes and activities.
  • Donate to the Fun Fund

City Calendar

City Updates

  • A Statement from the Olympia City Manager

    Read City Manager Jay Burney's statement on demonstrations and protests in our community and what is happening nationally.

  • POLICE & COMMUNITY RELATIONS

    In 2016, the City convened an Ad-hoc Committee to study and discuss police and community relations in Olympia. Read what they’ve learned below.

  • City buildings closed - Use online services

    All City buildings are currently closed to the public. You can take care of many of your most common needs on our Online Services page. You can also view our 5-phase reopening framework.

  • COVID-19 Information

    For information about how we plan to reopen, program and service updates, and resource and assistance links visit our COVID-19 Information page.

  • Council Meetings during COVID-19 Emergency

    City Council will continue to hold its regular meeting schedule during the coronavirus emergency, but the Council Chamber will be closed to the public. You can register to watch the meetings live via Zoom (links on our City Council page). Meeting recordings are available the following day on the City's online meeting management system.

    How to comment

    Links to Council (and Council committee) meeting packets will be posted on the City Council page when available (typically 5 days prior to meeting). Once posted, the public can submit comments on agenda items until 4:30 p.m. the day of the meeting. Comments should be emailed to citycouncil@ci.olympia.wa.us.

  • Meetings

    Agendas and Minutes for City Council and most advisory committees.