Oregon is one of those rare states that contains virtually every geographical and climate feature there is. High deserts, rainforests, snow-capped mountains, coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, winding rivers and rolling hills can all be enjoyed by an intrepid family unit searching for glory over a holiday road trip. There are also plenty of manmade features- from aquariums to science museums- that make the nature Oregon is so famous for all the more engaging for kids and parents alike. Because being family-friendly in Oregon doesn’t mean “for kids”: it means having the same mind-blown stare as your kid when you come across something almost too awesome to comprehend.
Photo: Jamie Hooper/Shutterstock
13 of the Most Family Friendly Places to Travel in Oregon
Oregon Vortex
Where: Gold Hill, Southern Oregon
Why it’s Cool: The Vortex is a “strange world” where everyday physics appear “warped,” with objects seemingly rolling uphill and heights of visitors changing depending on where they stand. Although there are similar roadside mystery attractions in the US, the Oregon Vortex has the bonus of being next to the town of Gold Hill, which is full of Old West charm and is has excellent access to whitewater rafting on the Rogue River.
Enchanted Forest
Where: Turner, Northwest Oregon
Why it’s Cool: This quirky little venue is perfect for a kid’s first amusement park- with rides and attractions that parents and children can enjoy together. Also, having the largest log flume ride in the Northwest is definitely a plus. Family, built, owned and operated, there is nothing quite like Enchanted Forest, and the hand-built sets from Grimms’ Fairy Tales are just as mesmerizing to adults as they are to kids.
Wildlife Safari
Where: Winston, Southwest Oregon
Why it’s Cool: This 600-acre zoo is the only spot in Oregon where you can see can lions and yaks and rhinos and zebras… just chilling outdoors. The open-air safari lets the animals (save the carnivores) roam free, allowing visitors to see them in a more natural environment. There’s no better place to support animal conservation efforts while taking the family for a Sunday drive. Plus, this zoo offers day and overnight camps for kids.
Sea Lion Caves
Where: 91560 Highway 101, Florence, Oregon
Why it’s Cool: The Sea Lion caves are the best way to get up close to the great beasts in their natural habitat while being near deafened by the echoes of their barking. This network of caves and caverns is the largest in North America and is the perfect little excursion for the Goonie that lives within all of us. If the caves are not enough, there is also some scenic hiking to be had around the nearby Heceta Head Lighthouse.
Children’s Museum
Where: Portland, Northwest Oregon
Why it’s Cool: Interactive museums are always the most fun for kids, and this one is all about it. From learning how to brush a crocodile’s teeth to working at a play-checkout stand to learning about tides and hydraulics- this kinetic museum has all sorts of things to touch and build and turn on and move about. Perfect for wearing your kids out with fun learning.
Sisters, Oregon
Where: Sisters, Smack Dab in the Middle
Why it’s Cool: Sisters often feels straight out of a Western. The high desert town is fairly isolated, with three beautiful mountains (the Sisters) and lots of rivers and forests to hike around in the Willamette National Forest, making it the perfect spot for a family’s first camping trip. Also, a great place to teach your kids how to fish rainbow trout (especially on the Metolius). The town also holds a legendary Christmas parade with sleigh rides through the countryside available.
Columbia Gorge
Where: Bordering Washington
Why it’s Cool: Separating the states of Washington and Oregon and running from high desert plains to temperate rain forests, the Gorge is one of the most dramatic geographic features in North America. The most popular stretch is between the Bonneville Dam and the Deschutes River and contains the some state’s most popular breweries, the best windsurfing, magnificent waterfalls, and a historic highway dynamited into a cliff side that is now exclusively for biking. The Gorge is a natural wonderland for explorers.
Short Sands Beach
Where: Northern Oregon Coast
Why it’s Cool: One would be hard-pressed to find a more iconic image of Oregon than the rocky bluffs of this beach. Kids will find endless joy hunting for shells among sun-bleached driftwood stacked by the river, where they can also practice building dams and fortresses. Parents will relish the chance for a bit of sun or (more likely) the stunning ocean views offered by the area’s day hikes. Bring a skim board!
Mt. Hood Skibowl
Where: Mt. Hood, Northern Oregon
Why it’s Cool: Skibowl is an all-ages wonderland for outdoor recreation that has been a local favorite for decades. Good for summer and winter visits, the skibowl offers kids their first mini-snowmobile rides, tube-sledding and a two-story “Play Zone.” In the summer kids can try rock climbing (or an all-ages obstacle course), mini golf, pony rides and just a bunch (17) of other cool stuff.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Where: Newport, Central Oregon Coast
Why it’s Cool: This aquarium may not be as big as those in other cities, but it makes up for it in local flavor. A “Passage of The Deep” lets you walk through a submerged tunnel (which occasionally doubles as a sleeping cabin for kids) surrounded by marine life. The aquarium also features sea otter, seals, sea lions and an Aviary exhibit- where kids can meet seabirds (puffins!) up close.
Seaside Arcades
Where: Seaside, Northern Oregon Coast
Why it’s Cool: It may not have the adult-y charm of nearby Cannon Beach, but Seaside is a favorite for kids (and adults who want to show their children how to properly ram a bumper car or throw up a corndog on the tilt-a-whirl). The town center is filled with arcades and shops brimming with local knick-knacks and disgustingly delicious fried everything. Seaside is built along one of the longest beaches on in the Northwest, so if you feel the need to work off all the pancakes and saltwater taffy, there is plenty of walking space.
OMSI
Where: Portland, Northwest Oregon
Why it’s Cool: One of Oregon’s great treasures, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry has its own planetarium, motion simulator (with educational rides), its own retired navy submarine, and, most importantly, a science playground for the kids. The museum is also constantly rotating special exhibits ranging from healthy eating to renewable energy. A truly excellent way to get the family engaged in learning together.
Deschutes Rafting
Where: Deschutes River, Northern Oregon
Why it’s Cool: The Deschutes has some of the most popular river rafting trips, ranging from half-day to five-day trips. The river passes through a variety of canyons and open vistas, but the high-desert sunshine in the summer is what makes it such a popular choice. For the more experienced, there are Class III rapids and paddle boarding available. For the younger and more relaxed, try the lower part of the river. 