Looking for fun place to take the kids on a dreary and wet winter day? Try the relocated and recently reopened Children's Museum of Tacoma.
With more than 8,000 square feet and five themed play areas, the museum is the perfect place to let the little ones burn up some of that cabin fever energy they tend to develop this time of the year.

Conveniently located in one big room with waist-sized walls separating play areas, the museum makes it easy for parents to keep an eye on their kids. And with a coffee shop in the entrance and window benches and other seating in the play areas, parents can even take a load off while their kids burn off some steam.

Play areas have themes like woods, water, invention and art.  With a tree fort, dark cavern, puppets and blocks, the woods exhibit is sure to get your little one exploring.

The water tables are also a big draw, as most kids can't resist watching rubber ducks traverse a waterfall, turning and twisting knobs and levers, and, despite waterproof smocks and a drying station, getting a little wet.

Part rocket ship, part boat, the Voyager exhibit gives kids a chance to climb, explore, move the wings, hoist a bucket up and down and light up the rockets via pedal power. There's also a cool rope bridge and lots of buttons to push, knobs to pull and nooks and crannies to explore.

Around the corner from Voyager, the kids can enjoy watching lightweight, colorful scarves get sucked into a giant hamster tube-like contraption and blown out again, which provides endless entertainment.

The centrally located Becka's Studio offers a variety of art options, like watercolors, a giant wall kids can decorate and much more. Nestled in the back of the art studio is a science room that has magnifying glasses and an awesome illuminated sand table that is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.

With the new museum location comes its new "pay as you will" feature, which is supported by Key Bank. "Eliminating cost barriers in conjunction with increasing our size means the Museum has a greater capacity to reach more families, engage more children in playful learning and support more parents," according to information on the website.

Families who can afford to pay are encouraged to donate what they can or become a member, which brings benefits like member's only Mondays and free parking.  

Hours are Wednesdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum also recently began a "Wee Ones Weekly" program geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. Held Fridays from 9:30 to 11 a.m., the cost is just $15 for a family of four and includes play time in the museum. No registration is required - just drop in!

For more information, visit www.playtacoma.org.

[Tacoma Children's Museum, 1501 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, (253) 627-6031]