The Tri-Cities region is known as the Heart of Washington Wine Country. Over 160 different wineries can be found within 50 miles of each other.
Visitors can enjoy award-winning wines and take panoramic views of the region’s beautiful vineyards. In addition, there are countless affordable and fun things to do in Tri-Cities.
The Tri-Cities area is a delightful getaway in Washington’s wine country. It features plenty of history, outdoor adventures, and delicious food.
The city of Tri-Cities is known for its historical and cultural significance. It also has plenty of museums that are filled with artifacts.
The article covers some of the best and exciting activities in the Tri-Cities!
Where Are the Tri-Cities?
The cities of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland are located in Eastern Washington’s Columbia Basin.
They are all closely linked due to the confluence of the Snake, Columbia, and Yaki Rivers. This makes the Tri-Cities seem like a single large city.
According to estimates released by the US Census Bureau, the Tri-Cities’ population has increased by over 12% from 2010 to 2016. As a result, the official population of the region is estimated at around 300,000.
The Tri-Cities is situated in a semi-arid climate and receives around 5 to 7 inches of precipitation annually.
Although there are an average of 225 clear days each year, most of these occur between April and November. Due to the presence of Chinook winds, the winds can reach up to 30 miles per hour.
See Also: 21 Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg (TN)
Fun Things to Do in Tri-Cities
The Tri-Cities region is excellent for families due to its numerous parks, restaurants, and golf courses. It also has plenty of unique historical sites.
That said, below are some of the things you can do while in Tri-Cities!
1. WSU Master Gardener Demonstration Garden
One of the best things to do in the Tri-Cities is to visit Washington State University’s Master Gardener demonstration gardens. Three different gardens provide visitors with an enjoyable experience.
The gardens at Washington State University provide visitors with a tranquil and enjoyable experience.
They have over 20 different themed gardens that change from time to time. One of the gardens features a children’s garden. This area is excellent for kids to learn about gardening.
Address: The WSU Master Gardener Demonstration Garden is located at 1620 S Union St, Kennewick, WA 99338, USA.
2. Playground of Dreams
The playground in the community’s heart is known for its humble beginnings. It was constructed in 1999 through the residents’ donations, but it was destroyed in a fire in 2003.
Following the incident, the community members rebuilt the playground. The community members successfully rebuilt the playground in just a year.
It features various facilities such as a zip line, multiple swings, and interactive panels that play different sounds, like trucks and trains. This area is excellent for families to spend time relaxing and having fun.
Address: The Playground of Dreams is located at Columbia Park Trail, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA.
3. Water2Wine Cruise
One of the best ways to celebrate a special event in life is by taking a cruise through the Water2Wine cruise.
This is a unique and exclusive experience that allows individuals to enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
The luxury yacht you and your loved one will be riding on will allow you to relish the sunset as you cruise along the Columbia River.
This experience includes a delicious dinner prepared by the yacht’s resident chef. In addition, the various facilities aboard the yacht will allow you and your loved one to have a great time throughout the three-hour tour.
Address: The Water2Wine Cruise is located at 591 Stevens Dr, Richland, WA 99352, USA.
4. Reach Museum
This Museum has a beautiful facade that can easily be viewed before entering the facility. In addition, you can learn about the various forces that affected the area through interactive exhibits.
The Museum features multiple permanent galleries and a rotating gallery.
It also has an outdoor performing arts area that can accommodate up to 500 people. This area is dedicated to showcasing the history of the Tri-Cities.
Address: The Reach Museum is located at 1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA 99352, USA.
5. Chamna Natural Preserve
The Chamna Natural Preserve is located near the Yakama River and offers a variety of bird species.
It has 276 acres of land and over 200 bird species. This area is an excellent place for families to relax and have fun.
Aside from birds, the preserve also has multiple wild animals, such as coyotes, river otters, and various types of butterflies.
This area is excellent for families to spend time relaxing and having fun. In addition, the natural environment of this preserve provides a perfect background for photos.
Address: The Chamna Natural Preserve is located at Richland, WA 99352, USA.
6. Winetasting Tour
The Tri-Cities area is referred to as the Wine Country. One of the most famous things in the Tri-Cities is visiting one of the many wine-tasting facilities. There are over 200 establishments that are located within an hour’s drive.
One of the most famous places to visit is Beston City. There are several establishments here that offer fine wines.
These include Monte ScarlattoEstate, Anelare, Purple Star Wines, Muret-Gaston Wines, and Native Sun Wines.
If you’re a fan of premium hand-crafted wines, these establishments can provide you with a taste of the world’s best.
7. Columbia River
One of the best ways to experience the history of the Tri-Cities is by taking a kayaking tour through the Columbia River.
For centuries, Native Americans used the river as transportation between British Columbia and Oregon. This activity offers a unique and fascinating look at the region’s past.
This activity has been around for centuries and involves engaging the participants in an exciting and safe experience as they go through the waters of the river.
Numerous shops near the river can provide you with the necessary equipment to enjoy the experience.
8. Badger Mountain Vineyard
Badger Mountain Vineyard is one of the most prominent areas in Washington, known for its fine wines.
This establishment is located in Tri-Cities and was established in 1982. It’s regarded as the first certified organic wine producer in the state.
The facility features a gift shop and a tasting room. It can also host special events such as weddings.
Bill Powers, the founder of the facility, was recently inducted into the Legends Of Washington Hall of Fame due to his contributions to the wine industry.
Address: The Badger Mountain Vineyard is located at 1106 N Jurupa Street, Kennewick, WA 99338, USA.
9. Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities
One of the churches in the city that’s commonly visited is the Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities.
This facility is located near downtown Kennewick and offers a tranquil environment for people to gather for worship. It also regularly conducts sermons and regular services.
The Calvary Chapel’s goal is to unite the people of the Tri-Cities. This facility is a perfect place for individuals who are looking for spiritual guidance. It’s also open to new members and visitors.
Address: The Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities is located at 10611 W Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA.
10. Toyota Center
Another prominent events facility in the Tri-Cities is the Toyota Center. This multi-purpose facility was initially known as the Tri-City Coliseum.
It can accommodate up to 6,000 people for hockey games. The Toyota Center is also home to the Tri-City Americans, a professional hockey team.
The Toyota Center can also host various events, including concerts. It has been known to host multiple prominent bands and artists, such as Alice Cooper, Slipknot, and Kiss.
Professional wrestling and religious events are also regularly held at the facility. It can accommodate over 7,700 people for events.
Address: The Toyota Center is located at 7000 W Grandridge Boulevard, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA.
11. Columbia Park
One of the largest parks in the area is Columbia Park, which spans 400 acres. This area has a fascinating history, as it was the Lewis and Clark Expedition site. The expedition made its way through this area several years ago.
Various recreational activities, such as hiking and biking, are also commonly conducted at Columbia Park. It also has boat launches and a fishing pond.
This park is perfect for families and individuals looking to have a good time. In addition, it has a disc golf course and various other facilities.
Address: The Columbia Park is located at Sacajawea, Heritage Trail, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA.
12. East Benton County Historical Society and Museum
East Benton County’s Historical Society and Museum were opened in the 1980s. This facility features several artifacts and exhibits related to the region’s history.
For example, one of the exhibits focuses on ancient Indian art pieces found in the Columbia River in 1939.
The Museum also has multiple old farm tools displayed. It also has various photos from the past.
The Museum’s staff members are very dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the region’s history.
They’re always looking for new artifacts and photos to add to the Museum’s collection.
Address: The East Benton County Historical Society and Museum is located at 205 W Keewaydin Drive, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA.
13. Gesa Carousel of Dreams
For over a hundred years, the Gesa Carousel of Dreams has been a historical landmark in Kennewick.
This ride was initially built in Michigan, removed, and relocated to Roswell, New Mexico. Many people from the area enjoyed the ride until it was taken away and relocated.
Kennewick purchased it in 2002. Due to the intricate details of the ride, it has been regarded as one of the country’s most beautiful and functional attractions.
Address: The Gesa Carousel of Dreams is located at 2901-F Southridge Boulevard, Kennewick, WA 99338, USA.
14. Sandollar Farms Alpacas &Pyrs
This farm is located in the heart of Wine Country and rears Suri alpacas, a rare breed of this animal known for its luxurious and top-quality fur.
Sandollar Farms also has Great Pyrenees dogs that protect their livestock.
The farm also has several bird and bee species living in its farmhouses. In addition, this area is known for its beautiful gardens and orchards. You can also enjoy fruits from the trees in the orchards.
Address: The Sandollar Farms Alpacas &Pyrs is located at 2001 S Washington St, Kennewick, WA 99337, USA.
15. Howard Amon Park
This park features several facilities and activities for people looking to have a good time. One of these is a stand-up paddleboarding area. The facility also has classes for people interested in learning more about this sport.
In addition, the instructors at the facility will talk about the proper technique for paddling.
They’ll also teach you how to safely get in and out of the board. They’ll additionally discuss various other important aspects of this sport.
Address: The Howard Amon Park is located at 500 Amon Park Dr, Richland, WA 99352, USA.
16. Badger Mountain Road (No Address)
In addition to hikers, bike riders can also take advantage of the Badger Mountain Road.
This trail is suitable for all riders and has some of the most challenging climbs in the state.
The route is designed to provide an adrenaline rush as it features numerous uphill climbs. Although the road is relatively smooth, there are some bumpy areas.
This area is also known for its beautiful plants. Some of these include purple sagebrush and balsamroot.
Address: The Badger Mountain Road is located at
17. Bechtel National Planetarium
The Columbia Basin College’s National Planetarium is located inside the college’s campus. It features a variety of interactive exhibits and high-definition images.
Its educational programs inspire kids to become future scientists. They’re able to do so through presentations about the universe. Some of these topics include constellations and the solar system.
Address: The Bechtel National Planetarium is located at 2600 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301, USA.
18. Hanford Nuclear Reservation Site (No Address)
This site features Project B, the world’s first full-scale production reactor for plutonium production.
It’s known for being responsible for the plutonium used in developing the atomic bomb detonated at Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
Address: The Hanford Nuclear Reservation Site is located at
19. 9/11 Memorial (No Address)
A memorial that honors the 2,977 individuals who died when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in 2001 has been established in a park in Washington. The monument was unveiled five years after it was first constructed.
One of the most prominent features of the memorial is a piece of the World Trade Center. This symbol can remind people of the tragic events that occurred in 2001.
Address: The 9/11 Memorial is located at
20. Columbia Center Mall
The Columbia Center Mall is located in the northwest section of Kennewick. It’s part of Simon, and it has over 120 stores.
This is the largest mall in Southeast Washington. This is one of the most fun things to do in the Tri-Cities.
Address: The Columbia Center Mall is located at 1321 N Columbia Center Boulevard, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA.
21. Sacagawea Heritage Trail
The Sacagawea Trail is named after Sacagawea State Park. It starts at the park and goes through various landmarks such as the Cable Bridge, Columbia Park, and Batement Island.
Address: The Sacagawea Heritage Trail is located at Pasco, WA 99301, USA.
Cost of Visiting the Tri-Cities
The average cost of traveling to the Tri-Cities is about $1,335 for an individual. Therefore, a couple can expect to spend about $2,100 for a trip, while a family of four $4,000.
Best Time to Visit the Tri-Cities
The best time to visit the Tri-Cities is during the autumn season. The summer heat is gone during this period, and the leaves are starting to change. This is the perfect time to visit this area.
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