If you’re looking to plan a family vacation that won’t have your kids saying how bored they are, set your sights on Oregon. We have recommendations of the top spots for family fun in Oregon. From wide open beaches to mountain forests filled with towering trees, Oregon offers plenty of child-friendly destinations where your crew can unplug and explore the great outdoors.
No trip to the Beaver State would be complete without a visit to some iconic museums. Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas offer a variety of museums with hands-on exhibits and educational activities.
The Portland Puppet Museum, located in the historic Sellwood District of Portland, Oregon, is a place for kids (and their parents) to learn about all things Puppet and let loose your inner child. It is fun for all ages! The exhibit hall is free to the public and open year-round, Thursday through Sunday. Puppet shows are frequently held in the exhibit hall and in the outdoor theater during the summer.
Just 30 minutes outside Portland is the Adventure Children’s Museum tucked into the forests of Eugene. Let your kids run wild in a giant treehouse play structure while you enjoy a coffee or snack from the on-site café. Additional exhibits like the puppet theater, dress-up area, and mini grocery store ensure there’s something for every age.
Approximately 1 hour from Portland, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum strives to create an environment that not only teaches children, youth, and adults about aircraft, but also demonstrates the importance of human skills like mathematics, science, teamwork, determination, and perseverance. Here, you and your family will discover more than 150 aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits that tell the story of flight and space exploration with unique historic artifacts.
Of course, Oregon isn’t just about museums. Get back to nature as a family by pitching a tent at one of Oregon’s many family-friendly campgrounds. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park hugs the sand dunes along the Oregon coast, offering prime beach access, while LaPine State Park in central Oregon offers a peaceful river for floating and fishing.
Rewarding your kiddos with a sweet treat after a day spent exploring is the perfect way to cap your adventure. The Salt & Straw ice cream shop is famed for their homemade treats and unique flavors—and there are three “scoop shops” in Eugene and one in Lake Oswego.
Get ready to enjoy these top spots for family fun in Oregon. No matter which part of Oregon your family travels to, kid-approved adventures await. From the museum halls of Portland to the hiking trails of Bend, Oregon promises memorable family bonding in some of the country’s most spectacular settings.
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