Classes & Workshops
Woodworking and boatbuilding at the Heritage Boat Shop
Foss Waterway Seaport runs a working wooden boat shop on the downtown waterfront, with classes for all skill levels — from family craft sessions and intro adult woodworking to boatbuilding and marine technology — plus open shop time for your own project after safety training. Pre-registration is required; see the Seaport's page for the current schedule and fees.
On-the-water activity: conditions, tides, currents and cold water change quickly. Check the operator's current conditions, wear the required safety gear, and do not go out beyond your experience.
Conditions on Puget Sound change quickly. Check tides, marine weather, closures and any required licences or permits with the official provider and NOAA marine forecasts before you go, and wear a life jacket.
Book it
- Cost
- Open shop $30 drop-in or $65 per month membership; class prices vary by course
- How long
- Open shop Wednesdays, 5–8 PM
- When it runs
- Pre-registration required; summer break in July
A reservation is required. Booking, times and prices are handled by the operator. Tacoma Trekker does not take bookings or payments.
More like this
- Indoor climbing courses at Edgeworks Climbing Tacoma
Instructor-led indoor climbing courses at the Tacoma gym, from learning to belay through technique classes. Course dates and prices are published on the gym's own schedule.
- Build Something in Tinkertopia's TinkerSpace
Turn reclaimed materials into an original take-home creation during a 90-minute open-ended maker session.
- Art classes at Tacoma Art Museum
Tacoma Art Museum teaches hands-on art classes in its downtown studio, alongside teen open studio time and family workshops. Sessions rotate through the year — check the museum's own page for what is currently offered, who it is for and how to register.
- Private climbing lessons at Edgeworks Climbing Tacoma
One-to-one or small-group climbing instruction arranged with the Tacoma gym's instructors. Availability and pricing are handled by the gym.
- Glassblowing classes and multi-week workshops
Longer classes and multi-week workshops for people who want more than a single session. The studio publishes its current schedule and prices.
- Take a glass workshop at the Museum of Glass
Hands-on glass workshops taught at the Museum of Glass on the Thea Foss Waterway, alongside the museum's live Hot Shop. The museum publishes which workshops are running, who they suit and what they cost.
Keep planning
- Build My TrekA route made for your dates and interests
- Tacoma TreksReady-made routes through the city
- Tacoma Visitor GuideStart here: how long to stay and what to see
- Explore Tacoma by districtDowntown, Stadium, Proctor, Ruston Way and more
- Things to do in TacomaMuseums, parks, waterfront and public art
- Where to eat and drinkFood and coffee across the city
- Where to stayHow the stay areas differ
- EventsDated happenings across the city
- Mount Rainier from TacomaRoutes, park areas, seasons and official conditions
- Tacoma from SeattleVisiting Seattle? How to add a Tacoma day