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Plan Your Crater Lake Adventure

Reserve accommodations at Crater Lake Lodge or nearby campgrounds up to 6 months in advance for summer visits.

Portland

Oregon’s largest city blends urban amenities with natural beauty, making it perfect for families seeking variety. The compact downtown area is easily navigable with children. The extensive public transportation system connects you to numerous family attractions.

• Explore the Oregon Zoo’s 64 acres of natural habitats and conservation exhibits
• Discover hands-on science at the Portland Children’s Museum
• Sample diverse cuisines at Portland’s famous food cart pods
• Wander through Washington Park’s playgrounds, gardens, and trails
• Visit OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) for interactive learning

Cannon Beach

This charming coastal town offers the quintessential Oregon beach experience for families. The iconic 235-foot Haystack Rock is a landmark. It becomes a natural aquarium during low tide. During this time, children can discover colorful sea stars, anemones, and other marine creatures in the surrounding tide pools.

• Build sandcastles on the wide, sandy beach
• Explore tide pools with the help of beach naturalists (summer months)
• Fly kites in the consistent coastal breezes
• Browse the family-friendly shops and galleries in the walkable downtown
• Enjoy ice cream at Cannon Beach Ice Cream while watching the sunset

Family Tip: Tide Pool Exploration

Check local tide tables before your visit to plan your tide pool exploration during low tide. The best viewing is typically 1-2 hours before the lowest tide point. Bring water shoes and remind children to observe without disturbing the marine life.

Bend

Central Oregon’s adventure hub combines outdoor recreation with small-city amenities. Families appreciate Bend for its 300+ days of sunshine annually. There are diverse activities available for all ages. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcomes children everywhere, from trails to brewpubs.

• Visit the High Desert Museum to meet wildlife and learn about regional history
• Float or paddle the Deschutes River through the city center
• Hike family-friendly trails at Smith Rock State Park
• Explore lava tube caves at Newberry National Volcanic Monument
• Enjoy winter sports at Mt. Bachelor ski resort

Willamette Valley

Oregon’s renowned wine country isn’t just for adults—many vineyards welcome families with dedicated play areas, picnic grounds, and non-alcoholic options. Beyond wineries, the valley offers farm experiences, outdoor recreation, and charming small towns perfect for family exploration.

• Pick berries and other seasonal fruits at family farms
• Visit the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum to see the Spruce Goose
• Explore Silver Falls State Park’s Trail of Ten Falls
• Attend family-friendly events at wineries with designated kids’ areas
• Tour the historic Oregon State Capitol in Salem

Family-Friendly Wineries

Several Willamette Valley wineries specifically cater to families with children’s play areas, lawn games, and juice tastings. Stoller Family Estate, Left Coast Cellars, and Willamette Valley Vineyards all offer family-friendly environments. Parents can enjoy wine tasting. Children have space to play.

Interactive Museums

Oregon’s museums excel at making learning fun for visitors of all ages. These interactive experiences provide educational entertainment regardless of weather conditions.

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

This McMinnville museum is home to the famous Spruce Goose. It houses over 200 aircraft and exhibits. The museum also features an adjacent waterpark with educational water slides built into a real Boeing 747.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Portland’s premier science center offers five halls of exhibits, a planetarium, and submarine tours. It also features regular rotating exhibitions. These exhibitions encourage hands-on learning for all ages.

High Desert Museum

Just south of Bend, this unique museum combines wildlife exhibits with cultural history. It features otters, raptors, and living history demonstrations about Oregon’s high desert region.

World Forestry Center

This interactive museum is located in Portland’s Washington Park. It teaches visitors about sustainable forestry. Visitors learn through virtual tours, hands-on exhibits, and educational programs.

Wildlife Encounters

Get up close with Oregon’s diverse wildlife through these family-friendly animal experiences that combine entertainment with conservation education.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Newport’s world-class aquarium features walk-through underwater tunnels, touch pools, and exhibits showcasing the Pacific Northwest’s marine ecosystems. Don’t miss the sea otter and harbor seal feedings!

Wildlife Safari

Drive through this 600-acre park in Winston to see over 600 animals from around the world, including many endangered species. The safari village also offers up-close animal encounters and a petting zoo.

Easy Hiking Trails

Introduce children to Oregon’s natural beauty through these accessible trails designed for little legs but big on scenic rewards.

Multnomah Falls Trail

This iconic Columbia River Gorge waterfall offers a paved 0.2-mile trail to the bridge viewpoint, perfect for families with young children or strollers. More adventurous families can continue to the top (1.2 miles total).

Silver Falls State Park

The Trail of Ten Falls offers multiple waterfall views with options to create shorter loops for families. The paved path behind South Falls provides a unique behind-the-waterfall experience children love.

Proxy Falls Loop

This 1.5-mile loop near Sisters showcases two stunning waterfalls with minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for families. The trail features interesting lava landscapes between waterfall viewpoints.

Sahalie and Koosah Falls Trail

This easy 2.6-mile loop along the McKenzie River connects two powerful waterfalls with a well-maintained path. The path is suitable for children. It offers constant river views and forest shade.

Hiking with Kids Tip

Turn Oregon hikes into adventures with nature scavenger hunts. Create a list of items for children to spot (pine cones, specific tree types, wildlife, etc.) to keep them engaged throughout the journey. Bring small binoculars and magnifying glasses to enhance the experience.

Family Accommodations

Kid-Friendly Places to Stay

These accommodations go beyond just providing beds—they offer amenities and activities specifically designed with families in mind.

Sunriver Resort

This 3,300-acre resort near Bend offers spacious vacation homes and pools. It has over 40 miles of bike paths, a nature center, and an observatory. There are also seasonal activities from rafting to sledding. The SHARC aquatic center with its slides and lazy river is a particular hit with children.

Cannon Beach Vacation Rentals

Beachcomber Vacation Homes offers family-friendly properties steps from the sand. Many homes feature game rooms, fully equipped kitchens, and outdoor spaces. The walkable location allows easy access to both the beach and downtown shops and restaurants.

Great Wolf Lodge

This indoor water park resort is located just across the Washington border in Grand Mound, 2 hours from Portland. It offers a weather-proof family vacation with themed rooms and multiple restaurants. There are also activities beyond the water park including the MagiQuest interactive game, bowling, and character appearances.

Family Dining Tips

Kid-Friendly Dining Options

Oregon’s family-friendly food scene extends far beyond typical children’s menus with chicken nuggets. These dining options welcome young diners while still satisfying parents’ culinary expectations.

Food Cart Pods

Portland’s famous food cart pods offer diverse options to please even picky eaters. Cartlandia, Cartopia, and Hawthorne Asylum all feature outdoor seating areas where families can mix and match cuisines from multiple carts.

McMenamins Properties

This Northwest chain transforms historic buildings into family-friendly restaurants with kids’ menus, outdoor spaces, and interesting architecture. Kennedy School in Portland even features a soaking pool and movie theater.

Tillamook Creamery

This coastal factory tour combines education with delicious ice cream and cheese samples. The spacious food hall offers views of cheese production and plenty of family-friendly seating.

Pine State Biscuits

With multiple Portland locations, this casual spot serves hearty breakfast and lunch options centered around flaky biscuits. The simple menu appeals to children while offering enough variety for adults.

Dining Tip for Families

Many Oregon brewpubs are surprisingly family-friendly, with dedicated kids’ areas and non-alcoholic options. Deschutes Brewery (Bend and Portland) welcomes children with activities and kid-approved menus. Hopworks Urban Brewery (Portland) also offers a welcoming environment for kids. Pelican Brewing (Pacific City, Cannon Beach) provides kid-approved menus as well.

Essential Travel Tips

Packing Essentials

Oregon’s variable weather and diverse activities require thoughtful packing. These essentials will keep your family comfortable throughout your trip:

• Layered clothing (temperatures can vary significantly even in summer)
• Rain jackets (even in summer, especially for coast and mountain visits)
• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
• Swimwear (for beaches, lakes, and hotel pools)
• Sunscreen and hats (UV exposure is significant at higher elevations)
• Reusable water bottles (Oregon’s tap water is excellent)
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Field guides or nature apps for identifying plants and animals

Transportation Tips

Navigating Oregon with children requires some planning, but the state’s infrastructure makes family travel relatively straightforward.

• Portland’s MAX light rail connects the airport to downtown and many attractions
• The Portland Streetcar is stroller-friendly and connects major downtown areas
• Rental cars are recommended for exploring beyond Portland
• Consider an SUV or vehicle with AWD if visiting during winter or exploring remote areas
• Many coastal towns are walkable once you arrive
• The Amtrak Cascades train offers scenic travel between Portland and Eugene

Free and Affordable Activities

Keep your family vacation budget-friendly with these low-cost experiences that don’t sacrifice fun:

• Oregon State Parks offer free day-use at many locations
• Portland’s Washington Park features free attractions including playgrounds and hiking trails
• Many museums offer discounted or free admission on specific days
• Public libraries often provide free passes to attractions
• Farmers markets provide entertainment and free samples
• Beach combing and tide pool exploration cost nothing but time
• Junior Ranger programs at state and national parks are free educational activities

Start Planning Your Oregon Family Adventure

Oregon offers families a perfect blend of natural wonders, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and kid-friendly amenities. You can explore tide pools along the coast. Hike to waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. Discover Portland’s urban treasures. The Beaver State creates an ideal backdrop for creating lasting family memories.

With proper planning and this guide in hand, your Oregon family vacation will deliver experiences that engage everyone. It will educate and excite family members of all ages. From the moment you arrive, Oregon’s diverse landscapes will make you feel right at home. The welcoming communities provide the thrill of discovery. This makes family travel so rewarding.