Located in the heart of Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area, Kent is a lovely destination and the sixth-biggest city in Washington, the USA. Kent, which was formerly an agricultural area, has developed by leaps and bounds into a bustling business hub and tourist attraction over the years. Beautiful landscape, lush green valleys, and rolling hill adorn the city. Panoramic Green River and jaw-dropping Mount Rainier are some of the natural wonders that attract nature lovers. Also, the city offers plenty of activities for sports enthusiasts with its pickleball courts and recreational spaces. Art admirers will love touring art galleries, and shopaholics may find time short while exploring various shopping venues. So, if you are planning to spend your upcoming holidays in this fabulous city and wondering which activities can make your vacations more enjoyable, wonder no further. Check out our list of the top 10 things to do in Kent, Washington.
1. Take a tour through Greater Kent Historical Society Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located in the vicinity of Downtown Kent, visit the historic Bereiter House to get an insight into life during the early 20th century. Inside, there’s a 1908 house museum that features 7 period rooms as well as exhibits of outstanding artifacts, reference books, historical documents, photograph archives, historical books, maps, newspapers, e-media, and free informational brochures. You can also find many specialized collections such as annuals of Kent high schools of 1911, a noteworthy collection of local Japanese heritage, and an array of musical instruments. The museum is also a famous spot for celebrations such as garden parties, weddings, and receptions.
Greater Kent Historical Society Museum
Address: 855 E Smith St, Kent, WA 98030, United States
2. Admire art at Centennial Center Gallery
Are you an art lover touring through Kent, Washington? If yes, make sure that you visit Centennial Center Gallery to watch the outstanding artwork of talented Washington State artists. The art gallery hosts fascinating exhibitions and events free of charge for the public throughout the year. It aims to celebrate art, inspires diverse adept artists with small-group and solo exhibition opportunities, and encourages public engagement. Please your eyes by viewing the praiseworthy art of the local artists. If you are visiting the city in the summer, do not miss out on the Summer Art Exhibit that happens every year.
Centennial Center Gallery
Address: 201-299 W Gowe St, Kent, WA 98032, United States
Website: Centennial Center Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
3. Learn the history of hydroplanes at Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are a big fan of sports and racing, make sure that you visit the iconic Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum when holidaying in Kent. The museum, which has been open since 1983, houses an incredible collection of worth-viewing vintage hydroplanes and famous boats. While here, you can get a close view of high-speed powerboats and rare racing footage. It also features vintage racing films of over 200 hours that show fabulous hydroplane racing from the 1940s to date.
Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum
Address: 5917 S 196th St, Kent, WA 98032, United States
Website: Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum
Opening hours: Tue: 10am - 8pm; Wed: 10am - 4pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 10 USD
4. Go shopping at Great Wall Shopping Mall
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Great Wall Mall on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Are you a shopaholic looking for the best place to shop during your sabbatical in Kent, Washington? Take time out of your busy travel schedule and visit Great Wall Shopping Mall to shop for all that you need. Also known as an indoor Asian Lifestyle Mall, it anchors the largest Asian grocery store and offers a range of services and products to the general public in Kent. Purchase lovely gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones back home. You may also find a wide array of apparel and cosmetics here. The mall also hosts Asian eateries to help you please your tastebuds with savory, spicy Asian delicacies.
Great Wall Shopping Mall
Address: 18230 E Valley Hwy, Kent, WA 98032, United States
Website: Great Wall Shopping Mall
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
5. Get to know the pioneers of pickleball at Pickleball Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Pickleball is famous for being one of the fastest-growing sports in the USA. If you are keen on learning its origin and history, make sure that you visit the outstanding Pickleball Museum in Kent. Back in 1965, a local congressman and his buddies picked up a perforated ball and some ping-pong paddles and began batting around the ball on an old badminton court. It marked the humble beginning of the well-known pickleball sports today. Watch all original equipment dating back to the 1960s and get to know about the pioneers of the sport. Touring through the museum will inspire you to play the game. Aside from that, the museum also boasts an 18000-foot facility (5486.4 meters) offering you 4 courts to play an exciting pickleball match. Shop for all accessories and other sports-related items at a big pro shop here.
Pickleball Museum
Address: 22330 68th Ave. S., Kent, WA 98032
Website: Pickleball Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 5 USD (per session)
6. Do some charity by shopping at Value Village for charity
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
What do you think this cutie is trying to tell us? Thanks for the photo @twin_vintage
Posted by Value Village on Thursday, June 17, 2021
Make your trip to Kent memorable by buying some of your favorites accessories and goodies at Value Village, a fantastic thrift store that helps non-profit organizations in the community. Since 2004, the store has been selling a range of gently used, quality products such as books, apparel, electronics, fine China products, footwear, accessories, household goods, and a lot more. A portion of the proceeds from purchases will benefit non-profit organizations. Thus, you end up doing some charity and contributing to the upliftment of society.
Value Village
Address: 24034 104th Ave SE, Kent, WA 98030, United States
Website: Value Village
Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)
7. Sample local produce at Kent Farmers Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Kent Farmers Market on Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Reserve your Saturday morning to visit the open-air farmers market and shop for fresh fruits and vegetables from vendors during your sabbatical in Kent. The farmers market is famous for being the oldest one in King County, hosting 100 vendors that sell fresh farm produce to visitors. Indulge in delicious fresh roasted corn as you stroll through the market. Besides farm produce, you can also find lovely handcrafted goods, such as beautiful arts and crafts, to shop as a souvenir here. Pick up some colorful, fragrant flowers to adorn your room.
Kent Farmers Market
Address: Town Square Plaza, 2nd Ave. and Smith St., Kent, WA 98032
Website: Kent Farmers Market
Opening hours: Jun - Sep: 10am - 2pm (every Sat)
8. Attend a live concert at White River Amphitheatre
If you are a music lover and has been longing to watch a live music concert, then consider booking a ticket to an outdoor live music event at White River Amphitheatre during your sabbatical in Kent. With the scenic backdrop of gigantic Mount Rainier, the venue hosts live performances of several well-known singers and musicians in the industry to delight the audience. Order your favorite refreshments to please your tastebuds as you enjoy the concert.
White River Amphitheatre
Address: 40601 Auburn Enumclaw Rd. SE, Auburn, near Kent, WA 98092
Website: White River Amphitheatre
Price: From 66 USD
9. Reconnect with nature at Whistling Train Farm
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Whistling Train Farm on Sunday, July 25, 2021
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy a refreshing farm visit by exploring picturesque Whistling Train Farm during your vacation in Kent. Watch fresh organic farm produce as you tour through the small, family-owned farm here. Get maps of the farm and head out for a self-guided farm tour. Pick fresh beans, peas, and other vegetables as you stroll through the farm. Watch your kids having fun collecting pumpkins, or get close to colorful and fragrant flowers that will bring a smile to your face. Enjoy feasting on delicious farm potlucks with your family and friends here.
Whistling Train Farm
Address: 27127 78th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032, United States
Website: Whistling Train Farm
10. Hang out with your friends at Cloud 9
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
When visiting Kent, spend quality time with your friends at a sports bar and grill called Cloud 9. Order your favorite refreshments and drinks while chatting with your friends. The sports bar also hosts eight dart boards, a skeeball machine, and two pool tables. Aim the bull’s eye when you play the game of darts here. Have a great time playing billiard with your buddies. If you are a music lover, enjoy singing during a karaoke performance. If you are visiting the restaurant on Friday or Saturday, catch up with the lively DJ performance here and make your weekend special.
Cloud 9
Address: 806 Central Ave S, Kent, WA 98032, United States
Website: Cloud 9
Opening hours: 12pm - 11pm (daily)
Enjoy a recharging break in Kent
Kent is a beautiful city to unwind and explore various attractions. With scenic farms, great shopping venues, fascinating museums, art galleries, and great restaurants, Kent has it all to make your sabbatical here a memorable one. So pack your bags, head out to enjoy these top things to do in Kent, Washington, and create lasting memories.
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