Foss Waterway Seaport

This is more than just a museum. Foss Waterway Seaport provides great educational programs and fun activities for all. I had a ton of fun attending events at the Seaport all summer long. They’re a fantastic community asset; can’t wait to see what’s in store next year!

Found out about this place in the Tacoma tourism pamphlet while taking the out-​of-​town people around.
Although still fairly small and getting established, the Foss museum gives a history of the local area. While geared more towards children, they have exhibits and boats to look at if you’re an adult.
The children’s area has a bunch of hands on things and even does a mini tour outside. They have not only history but also interactive displays for kids to learn about.
When we came in they were just setting up the railroad portion of the museum. He had a model train setup and was working at some other things about the local railroading industry. Though it was in its infancy I have a feeling there are great things in store.
This museum is a work in progress but I think there is great potential in its future.

Newer museum that is a work in progress, several great exhibits with a lot of hands on items for the kids. Very informative exhibits and staff, plus on waterfront.

Fantastic museum filled with beautiful boats, artful and engaging displays along with highly knowledgeable and friendly staff. Stopped in to see info about last week’s maritime festival «Quick and Dirty» boat building competition and found so much more. The current exhibit of beautifully restored classic power boats made us want to have our own classic for cruising around the sound. Bravo!

We discovered the Maritime museum sort of by chance when it hosted a private party that we attended… I hadn’t even heard about the Foss Waterway Seaport renovations.
The space worked well for the event, with catered food and dining tables set up in the heart of the museum space surrounded by some very cool old boats of all shapes and sizes. I liked the exhibit of antique outboard motors, too. There were several interactive exhibits, geared more towards children but also fun for inquisitive adults, including one that demonstrates the concept behind a sextant by pairing Einstein’s head with Marilyn Monroe’s body… hmm.
The bulk of the space was unused and looked like it could house quite a large event. The museum exhibits aren’t very extensive at this point, but it’s a a solid start, anyway, and it was fun to have things to peruse during the party. The dock space is large and offers a great up-​close view of the Thea Foss waterway and neighboring port businesses.