Oregon’s Top 15 Family Attractions

Oregon is a state that draws thousands of tourists to the area every year.

Its rugged countryside, trails, and peaks, along with the various nature sites you can visit, make it a vacationer’s paradise in many ways.

Far removed from the main path, Oregon continues to delight and amaze tourists each year as they keep coming back for more.

If you are looking for the best auto insurance rates in Oregon, start comparison shopping by entering your ZIP code above!

A Brief History of Oregon

Oregon’s history is as rich as its heritage, and it has five different eras that people like to study when they visit, including:

• The geological history
• The time of inhabitation by natives
• Early European exploration
• Pioneer settlement
• Modern development

Some people in the past had referred to Oregon as Oregon Country or Oregon Territory before it was ratified as a state in 1859. The history of Oregon has not received as much attention as many of the other territories of the Pacific Northwest.

But to Oregon enthusiasts, it is a high point of interest. Join us as we take a look at just what makes Oregon so interesting to both locals and vacationers alike.

What makes this area great for families?

There are a lot of attractions that bring families on vacation in Oregon. There are countless beach areas, lakes, and streams, as well as mountainous areas that serve as a great getaway for families any time of the year.

There are plenty of other activities that you and your family can take part in when visiting Oregon.

Below is a list of some of the most popular family attractions in Oregon that you can visit and enjoy for your next family vacation.

Top 15 Family Attractions in Oregon

The following are 15 of the best family attractions in Oregon that you can visit when in the state. Each location is unique, and each offers a completely different experience that you can keep in mind when visiting “The Beaver State.”

#1 – Portland’s Children’s Museum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG9PK5EaNAU

Portland’s Children’s Museum features some of the best learning experiences for children around. From Eric Carle’s illustrations and story books to animal experiences for all ages, it’s a bevy of activity.

There are shops and professional development opportunities for parents and teachers, and kids can get in for a cost of $10.75 for non-members and members get in free.

To become a member, you can sign up for membership or ask for a season pass.

#2 – Molalla Train Park

Molalla Train Park features a variety of miniature trains that provide a place to learn about and ride trains.

It was founded in 1954 by Harry Harvey who had the vision to let kids and adults explore the magic of trains and become involved in the train hobby in a very direct way.

The park spans 4,200 feet of 7.5-inch track that run around a picnic area so you can watch the trains as you enjoy lunch in the great outdoors.

There is no fee to ride or observe the trains, so this is a truly unique experience that doesn’t cost you a thing!

#3 – The Oaks Amusement Park

The Oaks Amusement Park is located in Portland, Oregon and features a wide variety of fun for the entire family.

The Oaks Amusement Park focuses on skating as a family activity, but they also feature other adventures such as mini-golf, picnics, and other events. It’s also a great place to hold a special event or birthday party!

The Park is a combination of roller rink facilities and amusement park and the price for open skate admission is $6.50 for the afternoon or evening sessions and $7.50 on Friday and Saturdays.

The Amusement Park portion of the park is currently closed, but it will reopen in March 2017. With the combination of park and skating, there’s always something fun for the entire family at The Oaks Amusement Park.

#4 – Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a place that will find its way into the hearts of kids of every age. It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through the week and admission is $14.95 for children and $22.95 for adults.

To witness the animal feeding, you can go to the animal feeding schedule to see when the different animals are fed. This is an experience that kids of all ages will enjoy.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is beautifully arranged so that you can enjoy every aspect of sea life and animal and human interaction or go through the aquarium tunnel underground to witness the aquarium from below.

#5 – Cascades Raptor Center Home

The Cascades Raptor Center Home is a unique experience for families and children. It provides a scientific view of the birds of prey that fall into the raptor category. This species of birds has long fascinated children who have an interest in predatory birds of prey.

The park is open for visitors Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and it is located at 32275 Fox Hollow Road in Eugene Oregon.

The Cascades Raptor Center Home offers kids and adults alike a chance to get up close and personal with the various birds such as owls, hawks, and much more and hand-feed them and observe them up close.

This park is truly an educational experience.

Admission is $8 for adults and kids get in for $5.

#6 – Enchanted Forest

The Enchanted Forest offers a storybook adventure like you have never seen before that is “larger than life” for kids and families to enjoy.

You can go into any of the exhibit buildings that you wish, each named after a famous children’s story adventure such as “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Old Lady that Lived in a Shoe,” and many others for a real-time story adventure.

Adults get in for $12.50 and children for $10.95 if they are 12 and over. For kids aged two and under, admission is free. It’s an adventure for kids of all ages and well worth your time when in Oregon.

#7 – Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park features a look at nature that the Native Americans enjoyed for hundreds of years. Out in the wide open spaces of Oregon, this park offers a view of a volcano that erupted over 7,700 years ago that formed the lake.

It is the deepest lake in the U.S. and has inspired artists, photographers, and sightseers for decades. This park is open to all ages and admission is free.

You’ll just need your national parks pass to get in, which can be purchased at any national park in the United States.

It is $80 for annual parks passes and allows you entrance into any federal park across the country for an entire year.

The Crater Lake National Park is a unique experience that brings you closer to the natural wonders of the world and one that kids and adults will equally enjoy year round.

#8 – John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument features beautiful colorful rock formations that scientists claim are attributed to years of adaptation and ecosystems that span several eras.

There are many different exhibits and a working science and discovery lab at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center that you can enjoy, coupled with plenty of scenic drives and hikes to take in.

The monument has a variety of activities and experiences that are both educational and engaging for kids of all ages and is worth the drive.

Like Crater Lake National Park, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument allows admission through a standard national parks pass, which may be obtained at any federal parks location.

#9 – Lava River Cave

Lava River Cave is Oregon’s longest lava tube and offers a unique adventure for the Oregon traveler and vacationing family! It is estimated to have formed around 80,000 years ago as a result of an eruption that flowed as far north as Redmond, Oregon.

For children who are learning about volcanoes and lava at school, this location is an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about the formation and cooling process of a volcano and how it solidifies over time.

The fee for entrance is $5 for an entire day pass and allows you entrance into any of the events and exhibits available.

Remember that this experience is a hiking event so you will need to come prepared for that. Small children may need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

#10 – Sea Lion Caves

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itTyYyPa8DA

Sea Lion Caves is, as its name implies, a place to see sea lions–lots of them! It is officially a privately owned wildlife preserve area and bird sanctuary that was established in 1932 and remains an excellent tourist adventure.

Located 11 miles north of Florence, Oregon on the rugged Oregon Coast, you can enjoy a cave tour during the open season (closed October through November).

The caves are a part of the Oregon/Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve that protects marine animals.

Keep in mind that they cannot control what the sea lions do or where they go.

So the sea lions are not always in the cave. They can be found in the cave most often in the winter months, followed by the spring season where they move to the rocky areas.

Sea Lion Caves is a unique experience and suitable for all ages, but some areas are difficult to access so you will need to keep this in mind. Check their website for more information and the FAQ section if you have questions.

Adults get in for $14 and kids 8-12 for $8. Seniors rate is $13.

#11 – Washington Park

Washington Park is a friendly, educational place that offers a wide variety of adventures for the entire family.

Some of the adventures that you can take part in year round include:

• An archery range
• A playground for children
• A museum of living trees
• A rose test garden
• A zoo, etc.

You could say that Washington Park has something for everyone and they also make it a point to tell you how they will gladly help you navigate the area and find what you need without a hassle. That makes it even better!

You can contact them for more information when you visit their site.

#12 – Tree to Tree Aerial Adventure Park

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gcRJrruBh8

Tree2Tree Adventure Park offers a fantastic voyage of adventure for youth and families.

Situated in Hagg Lake area, Tree to Tree Adventure Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for the whole family.

It is a high energy collage of experiences from zip-lining to tight-roping, balance beams, and more.

You can zip through a 1280-foot super zipline that will take you high through the tree tops for an adventure you won’t forget.

There are a variety of packages you can purchase so check their site for rates.

#13 – Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park features a scenic treasure that remains one of the most coveted areas of Oregon. It’s a great adventure for family vacations that features beauty and history in the same area.

Silver Falls State Park is located in the foothills of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains and close to Salem, Oregon. It is known as the “crown jewel” of Oregon’s hiking trails.

You’ll also see breathtaking waterfalls when you visit the park. Admission is through a parking permit that you can purchase here.

There is also the North Canyon Nature Play Area located in Silver Falls State Park. And this area lives up to its name.

Through a variety of real outdoor adventures that bring you close to nature, the North Canyon Nature Play Area was designed for self-exploration in the great outdoors.

The play area was created from the idea that children learn best by exploring for themselves and touching trees and other landscapes to learn about them.

Certain parts of the play area were also made to mimic the living quarters of indigenous animals so that the children could imagine life as a bird, a bear, or a cougar.

#14 – Weekend in Sunriver

Sunriver is a great place for a road trip that takes you through the Oregon terrain in style, whether you are biking, walking, or traveling by car.

The village is nestled in a thick forest of pine trees along the Deschutes River and has, for nearly half a century, been considered one of Oregon’s favorite getaway destinations.

Sunriver offers many sights nearby in regards to volcanic landscapes, history, and just overall natural beauty. There are also many places to eat and drink to your heart’s content if you’d rather stay cozy in the village.

For children as well, there are fun activities like ice skating, bumper cars, mini golf, and rock climbing. Sunriver Village has been dubbed “Central Oregon’s year-round playground,” since it truly gives people of all ages something to amuse themselves with.

#15 – Weekend in Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a beautiful coastal adventure that can be enjoyed by kids and families as well. Cannon Beach is a unique, picturesque beach that is located in Cannon Beach, Oregon, a coastal town that offers a variety of views and opportunities for adventure.

In 2013, the National Geographic listed Cannon Beach as one of the 100 most beautiful places in the world, and it’s no wonder since Cannon Beach is an ideal place to get away and recharge.

You can go down to the beach and take in the sights of Haystack Rock and the Needles, landmarks especially familiar to any Goonies fans out there, or the waterfall at Hug Point.

The town itself has many art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants one can explore if you desire to spend a day in town.

Safety for Families While Traveling

Safety is important both before and during your vacation so follow these tips to stay safe as you journey Oregon’s highways and byways:

• Get a tune-up ahead of time
• Check all car seats and booster seats
• Carry an emergency kit
• Remember sunscreen

You never know when an emergency might arise.

You could get stranded on the road or have an accident. Inclement weather could impact your trip or cause you to have to reroute.

Keep all of these things in mind as you prepare to travel.

How to Travel Safely with Pets

In addition to traveling safely with your family, you should consider these tips to travel safely with pets.

• Keep your pet secured during travel
• Take plenty of food and water
• Take breaks to let your pet walk

There are other tips available at this site.

Compare Car Insurance for the Best Rates

Before you go on any trip or vacation, make sure you are carrying enough insurance for your needs. Even if you have a sterling driving record, you could be at risk for increased premiums if you have a wreck while on your trip.

Also, taking a vacation increase the mileage you are putting on your vehicle, and that is one of the factors involved in the decision-making process for your premium rates.

Check and compare insurance rates on our site before going on any trips and double-check to make sure your car insurance is enough to cover the state minimums required by law in every state that you’ll be traveling through.

It’s not enough to just look at the cheapest rates. You need to make sure you are covered in the unforeseen situations that could occur while you are on the road.

Also, traveling a vast distance increases your overall chances of an accident, so you need to balance that with additional insurance if needed. Talk to an agent and look at the coverage and deductible you currently have and explore other options if you need more coverage.

Safety should always come first. Always keep in mind not only the physical risks but the economic risks involved if you were to have an accident while away.

Drive safely and keep your car insurance agent in your phone directory should you need their services.

Start comparison shopping today for the best auto insurance rates in Oregon! Enter your ZIP code below!