Is it better to live on or off base?

This depends on your family priorities, BAH rate, and waitlist times for base housing.

Things To Do Near Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)

Note for Military Families: This guide provides general overviews based on reasonable approximations to help you start your research. We do not provide personalized real estate, legal, financial, or school-placement advice. Verify everything directly.

Welcome to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)

Moving to JBLM? This guide offers a safe approximation of what to expect regarding things to do. Be sure to verify details directly.

Family Lifestyle & Recreation

Families often seek communities with active recreation options.

Parks & Trails:
Point Defiance Park
Huge 760-acre park with a zoo, aquarium, and trails.
Chambers Creek Regional Park
Scenic bay views and walking trails.
Fort Steilacoom Park
Large off-leash dog park and lake.
American Lake Park
Swimming and boat launch access.
Wapato Park
Woodland area around a lake with a pergola.
Youth Sports:
JBLM CYS Sports
On-base seasonal leagues for dependents.
YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties
Swim lessons, gymnastics, and basketball.
Tacoma South Sound Sports
Competitive local youth soccer and baseball.
Extracurricular Access:
Children's Museum of Tacoma
Pay-as-you-will admission with interactive exhibits.
Defy Tacoma Trampoline Park
Indoor extreme air sports.
JBLM Bowl Arena Lanes
Family bowling on base.
Weekend Activities:
Mount Rainier National Park
Iconic mountain for hiking and snowshoeing.
Seattle Aquarium
Popular day trip destination.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Tram tours seeing free-roaming animals.