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Kent-ucky Fun: Discover the Best & Most Entertaining Things To Do + Places To Visit in Kent, Washington

Kent is a suburb and it behaves like one, which is the useful part. Book nothing except the arena. Concerts at the accesso ShoWare Center and Tacoma Stars games are the only things here that sell out, and everything else takes walk-ups. The hotels sit near the freeway and the parks sit everywhere else. That arrangement removes most of the friction from a weekend, which is worth more than novelty when you are traveling with people who tire.

Kent, Washington sits in the heart of the Pacific Northwest and is a great deal easier to visit than the bigger names around it. Local looking for something new or a visitor arriving for the first time, there is plenty here worth the day. Outdoor time through to cultural stops, and none of it requires much planning.

Downtown Kent is the straightforward way into the city. You get shops, restaurants and entertainment in the same few blocks. Walk down Main Street for the local boutiques and cafes, or catch a show at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center. It is compact enough that a day fills itself.

For something slower, spend the day at the parks. Kent holds over 70 parks and green spaces, each with its own setup. Take a picnic to Lake Meridian Park for an afternoon by the water, or work through the trails and wildlife at the Soos Creek Botanical Garden. Whatever you are after, Kent’s parks handle it without any organizing on your part.

Key Takeaways

• Kent, Washington offers a variety of activities and places to explore for both locals and tourists.
• Downtown Kent is a must-see destination with its unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
• Kent’s parks and green spaces offer endless opportunities for outdoor fun and relaxation.

Exploring Downtown Kent

When you are in Kent, Washington, Downtown Kent is worth the time. There is enough here that you will want to stop and eat partway through. Fortunately the food in Downtown Kent is better than a suburb usually manages.

Food Adventures

For a quick lunch, a sandwich from The Daily Bagel is hard to argue with. They carry a broad spread of bagels and spreads and the sandwiches come out fresh. The bagels are made daily, which is the difference you can actually taste.

For something more upscale, head to Reds Wine Bar. The wine selection is serious and the food holds up alongside it. Order the charcuterie board if you want to try a bit of everything.

Artistic Encounters

Once you have eaten, look at the artistic side of Downtown Kent. The Kent Arts Commission Gallery shows strong local work and the exhibits rotate, so a return visit is not a repeat.

If that leaves you inspired, head to the Artsy Fartsy Studio. They run art classes and workshops covering painting, pottery and even glass blowing. You may find you are better at one of them than you expected.

So bring an appetite and some curiosity and give Downtown Kent a full day. Nothing here needs booking in advance.

A Day at the Parks

Looking for a straightforward day in Kent, Washington? Bring sunscreen and a picnic and head to one of the many parks in the area. With this much choice, finding somewhere to sit is not the problem.

Green River Trail System

Start with the Green River Trail System. The trail runs over 19 miles with long views along the way and suits hiking, biking or a slow walk. It follows the Green River the whole distance, which gives you the water as a constant. Watch for birds, fish and the occasional beaver.

Mount Rainier Viewpoint

Next, drive to the Mount Rainier Viewpoint. The park looks out at Mount Rainier, which stands at over 14,000 feet. Pack a lunch and eat it with that in front of you. If you want more, the nearby trails will get you closer to the mountain.

Whichever park you pick, Kent, Washington will give you a full day out of it. Bring whoever you came with and let the afternoon run.

Sporting Kent

Kent works well for anyone who follows sport, whether you watch it or play it. Here are the sporting options worth building a day around:

Pacific Raceways Experience

Are you into racing? Head to Pacific Raceways and get on the track yourself. It is open to amateurs and professionals alike, so experience is not a barrier to turning up.

If you are not ready to drive, you can still get the racing without the risk. The Pacific Raceways website carries a great deal of footage that will do the job from a chair.

Tacoma Stars Game

For indoor soccer, a Tacoma Stars game is worth the ticket. The team plays at the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent and the games are consistently good. The atmosphere in there is genuine and the crowd knows the sport.

Watching people who are good at something is its own kind of motivation. You may leave wanting to take up a sport, which is a reasonable outcome for an evening out.

Whether you want to compete or simply watch, Kent has the facilities. Both versions are a short drive from wherever you are staying.

Farm Fresh in Kent

Looking for fresh produce and a bit of farm life? Kent, Washington is well supplied. The city holds farms and farmers markets carrying genuinely fresh fruit and vegetables. Here are the ones worth the trip:

Kent Farmers Market

You cannot discuss farm-fresh produce in Kent without the Kent Farmers Market. The market runs every Saturday from June through September, with vendors selling everything from fruit and vegetables to handmade crafts. There is live music and there are cooking demonstrations, which makes it work for the whole family rather than just the shopper.

Whistling Train Farm Visit

For something more hands-on, head to Whistling Train Farm. This family-owned farm runs tours and workshops covering sustainable farming, and they will let you help with the work. You see the crops growing, from tomatoes and peppers through to kale and carrots.

The real draw at Whistling Train Farm is the baby goats. You can hold and play with them while learning how the farm actually operates. Leaving is the difficult part.

Seasoned farmer or somebody who simply wants good produce, Kent has the options. Bring reusable bags and head out.

Summer is the Kent Farmers Market, running Saturdays from June through September. It is also the season for the Green River Trail and Lake Meridian Park. Fall is the pumpkin patch. Hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos and hot apple cider, and the whole thing is built for children who need the day handled for them. Winter moves indoors to the arena, the ice and Film and Hops at the Airways Brewing Tap Room. Pick the season and Kent has the version of the day already set up.

Arts and Culture Scene

If you care about art, Kent, Washington has more than you would expect from a city this size. Galleries through to museums, and both are easy to reach. Here are the arts and culture stops worth making:

Centennial Center Gallery

The Centennial Center Gallery is the one people miss. The gallery shows work by local and national artists, covering painting, sculpture and mixed media. It sits inside the Kent Commons, which is a community center, so there is usually something else running while you are there.

Greater Kent Historical Society Museum

If history is the draw, the Greater Kent Historical Society Museum is the stop. The museum occupies the Bereiter House, a historic building, and the period rooms show what life in Kent actually looked like. You come away with the history of Kent and the surrounding area, and the summer art exhibit brings in work from Washington state artists.

The museum holds a large collection of artifacts, photographs and documents covering the story of Kent. You can work through the early settlers, the development of the town and the growth of the community. There is a research library as well if you want to go deeper.

The Greater Kent Historical Society is a non-profit dedicated to preserving the history of Kent. The museum is run by volunteers who genuinely care about the subject. They will answer whatever you ask and tell you more than you expected.

Art enthusiast or history buff, Kent covers both. The Centennial Center Gallery and the Greater Kent Historical Society Museum are the two to start with. Bring a camera and comfortable shoes.

Entertainment in Kent

Kent runs a real entertainment calendar for locals and visitors alike. A night out with friends or something for the whole family, the city covers both without either one being an afterthought.

Concerts at Accesso Showare Center

For a music lover, the concerts at the Accesso Showare Center are the thing. The venue hosts a broad spread of acts, from country through rock to pop. With seating for up to 7,500 people, it is large enough to attract names and small enough that the seats are usable.

The Accesso Showare Center also runs a range of amenities, including food and drink options and VIP seating. Grab whoever you came with and go and see somebody play.

Film and Hops

Looking for something different? Film and Hops is Kent’s beer and movie night. Held at the Airways Brewing Tap Room, it pairs craft beer with classic films for a relaxed evening.

Each event runs a different film and beer pairing, so there is always something new on. With comfortable seating, good food and an easy atmosphere, Film and Hops is the low-effort way to end a week.

Cinephile or beer enthusiast, and ideally both, Film and Hops is worth checking before you arrive in Kent.

Unique Kent Experiences

Looking for something out of the ordinary in Kent, Washington? From high-speed powerboat rides through to pumpkin patches, the range here is wider than you would guess.

High-Speed Powerboat Ride

If you want adrenaline, take a high-speed powerboat ride on Lake Washington. You cover the water at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, with the wind and the spray doing the rest. The views over the lake and the surrounding mountains are the part you remember afterwards.

Pumpkin Patch Fun

Fall is the season for a pumpkin patch, and Kent runs some good ones. Take a hayride out to the fields and pick your own, or choose from the pre-picked pumpkins in every shape and size. There are corn mazes, petting zoos and other activities for the whole family. Take a hot apple cider and a pumpkin pie on the way out.

Thrilling adventure or a straightforward family outing, Kent has both. Do not leave this Washington town without trying at least one of them.

Accommodations and Stays

If you are planning a trip to Kent, Washington, you will need somewhere to stay. Kent has a genuine range of accommodations. Hotels or vacation rentals, both are covered.

Hotels in Kent

Kent has plenty of hotels, running from budget-friendly through to more comfortable options. Here are the ones worth looking at:

Red Lion Inn & Suites Kent: This hotel is located near the ShoWare Center and offers comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast.

Ramada by Wyndham Kent Seattle Area: This hotel is conveniently located near I-5 and offers an indoor pool and hot tub.

Comfort Inn Kent Seattle: This hotel is located near the Kent Station shopping center and offers a complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

Vacation Rentals

If you want something more like a home, a vacation rental is the answer. Here are the rentals in Kent worth considering:

Kent Vacation Home: This cozy home is located near Lake Meridian and offers a fully equipped kitchen and a backyard with a BBQ grill.

Luxury Kent Townhome: This modern townhome is located near the Kent Station shopping center and offers a fully equipped kitchen and a rooftop deck with a hot tub.

Kent Lake House: This spacious home is located on Lake Fenwick and offers a private dock and a hot tub.

Whatever your budget or preferences, Kent has accommodations that will fit. Book the stay and let the rest of the trip sort itself out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some hidden gems to explore in Kent, Washington?

Well, we can’t give away all of Kent’s secrets, but we can tell you about a few hidden gems. If you’re a fan of craft beer, you have to check out Airways Brewing Company. Their taproom is cozy and inviting, and their beer is top-notch. Another hidden gem is the Kent Valley Ice Centre. It’s a great place to cool off on a hot day and have some fun on the ice.

Can you recommend any unique date ideas in Kent, WA?

Of course. If you and whoever you brought take food seriously, the Kent Farmers Market is the stop, for local produce and artisanal goods. And for something with more in it, take a hot air balloon ride over Kent, which is a genuinely memorable way to see the valley.

What are some of the best parks to visit in Kent, WA?

There are a great many good parks in Kent and picking is the hard part. If we had to choose, we would take Clark Lake Park, Lake Meridian Park and Morrill Meadows Park. All three have good scenery, decent trails and plenty of room for whatever you want to do outdoors.

What makes Kent, Washington a must-visit destination?

For a start, Kent holds some of the stronger craft breweries in the state. There is more to it than that. Kent also carries good parks, museums and attractions, and for anyone who wants to be outdoors it covers hiking, biking, fishing and boating.

Where are the best places to grab a bite in Kent, WA?

There are a great many good places to eat in Kent and narrowing it down is genuinely hard. If we had to choose, we would take The Rock Wood Fired Pizza, Asadero Sinaloa and Mama Stortini’s. All three do good food in a room worth sitting in.

What are some of the top-rated attractions near Kent, Washington?

If you are willing to drive beyond Kent, there is plenty nearby. Our picks are the Museum of Flight, the Seattle Aquarium and the Space Needle. And for anyone who follows sport, a Seahawks or Mariners game is worth the trip in.

Frequently asked questions about Kent, Washington

Which Kent park is worth the drive if you only pick one?

Lake Meridian Park, for the water and the picnic space. Clark Lake Park and Morrill Meadows Park are the other two people name, and all of them have decent trails. With over 70 parks in the city, the honest answer is that the closest one to your hotel will do.

How much of the Green River Trail can you realistically walk?

A fraction, since it runs over 19 miles. The trail follows the Green River with birds, fish and the occasional beaver along the banks. It is flat the whole way and suits walking, biking or a slow stroll. Pick an access point and turn around when you have had enough.

Is the Airways Brewing brewery taproom worth a stop in Kent?

Worth a stop. The taproom is comfortable and the beer is top-notch, and it also hosts Film and Hops, which pairs a craft beer with a classic movie for the evening. Each event runs a different pairing. Check what is on before you go, because the film is half the reason for turning up.

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