This Family Friendly Road Trip Through Oregon Leads To Whimsical Attractions, Themed Restaurants, And More
By Sarah McCosham|Updated on February 14, 2023(Originally published February 09, 2023)
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
It’s good to be a kid in Oregon. Our state is stacked with amazing parks, attractions, and places perfect for epic (yet-tot-sized) exploration and adventure! We’ve designed the following family friendly road trip through Oregon so you can enjoy some of the best the state has to offer our youngest residents. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Oregon with kids, grab the crew and the snacks, and get ready for a fun adventure through the Beaver State sure to delight the young and young at heart.
Our Family Friendly Road Trip Through Oregon clocks in around five hours, and is designed to be taken over the course of two days, stopping for the night at an adorable inn on the coast.
Check out the interactive Google Map to learn more and plan your adventure!
We're kicking off this kid-friendly adventure in a big, 31-foot-tall lumberjack kind of way. In Portland's Kenton neighborhood you'll find a massive statue of Paul Bunyan, an impressive reminder of Oregon's strong and storied history. Hop out and pose with Mr. B, our state's flannel wearing, beard bearing, ax wielding king.
Paul Bunyan Statue, SW corner of, N Denver Ave, Portland, OR 97217, USA
Voodoo Doughnut is a Portland institution. This quirky bakery put Oregon on the map for doughnuts -- quite a feat for a state that’s best-known for its incredible outdoor recreation. Have the kids take their pick from the expansive wheel o' doughnuts, and be sure to grab some maple bacon treats for the road -- you're going to need your energy for this epic adventure!
Voodoo Doughnut - Old Town, 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA
It's common knowledge that kids love trains, and even the adults will enjoy the views on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. This perennial favorite offers scenic train rides all year-round, making it a wonderful stop on this family-friendly road trip through Oregon -- regardless of when you plan your adventure!
Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, 402 American Ave, Garibaldi, OR 97118, USA
When it's time to relax and unwind, check into The Garibaldi House Inn. This classic coastal inn boasts amazing views, plus family-friendly features like an on-site pool, complimentary breakfast, and cozy suites.
The Garibaldi House Inn, 502 Garibaldi Ave, Garibaldi, OR 97118, USA
In the morning, grab brunch at the Dutch Mill Diner, a delightful retro restaurant with some of the best shakes in the state! (And a milkshake totally counts as a balanced breakfast, in our book.)
Dutch Mill Cafe, 206 Main Ave, Tillamook, OR 97141, USA
We can't drive along the Oregon Coast without stopping at one of our favorite beaches: Cape Lookout State Park. Cape Lookout is located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean. This scenic park is a popular destination for hiking, beachcombing, and visiting sites along the Three Cape Scenic Loop.
Cape Lookout State Park, 13000 Whiskey Creek Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141, USA
Today's itinerary takes us from a beautiful beach to an epic indoor waterpark. Wings and Waves Waterpark is an aviation-themed waterpark that’s irresistibly fun. One of Oregon’s coolest aqua parks, a day at Wings and Waves will totally make you feel like a kid again!
Wings & Waves Waterpark, 460 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128, USA
We're ending our road trip adventure on a high note: the Oregon City Municipal Elevator. Oregon City is home to the only vertical street in North America, and you can ascend this record-breaking boulevard on the Oregon City Municipal Elevator, a 130-foot elevator that's one of only a few in the entire world!
Oregon City Municipal Elevator, 6 Railroad Ave, Oregon City, OR 97045, USA
After a fun-filled family-friendly road trip through Oregon, we're wrapping up in the very best possible way: pizza. Atlas Pizza is a PDX institution, beloved by families for its laid-back atmosphere and massive menu full of options sure to please even the pickiest of palates. Grab a couple pies and garlic knots, sit, eat, and reminisce about your travels with your favorite people. There's truly nothing better!
Atlas Pizza, 6529 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206, USA
How many of these sites have you visited with your family before? Did we miss any of your family’s favorite places? If your favorite spot has yet to be featured on Only In Oregon, nominate it and tell us what makes it so special — you could see it in an upcoming feature!
And if you enjoyed our Family Friendly Road Trip Through Oregon, you’ll definitely love this adventure to some of the state’s most enchanting and magical destinations.
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Family Friendly Things to do in Oregon
Sarah M.|February 14, 2023
What are some other family-friendly things to do in Oregon?
Looking for more fun things to do with kids in Oregon? Here are some family-friendly day trips in Oregon to consider once you've returned from our epic road trip:
Oaks Amusement Park. For over a century, Oaks Amusement Park has been *the* place to go in Portland, Oregon for good, old-fashioned fun. Located just 3.5 miles south of downtown Portland, the park opened in May of 1905 and is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the country. It's home to roller coasters, bumper cars, an arcade, roller rink, and loads of games, making it *the* place to go for a day of fun with the fam in Oregon!
Wilsonville's Memorial Park opened in 1969. It's the city's oldest and largest park. Its features include a skatepark, playing fields, a dog park, picnic areas, a plaza with water features, and more. This 126-acre park is in the southeastern part of town and sits on the bank of the Williamette River, and has a barn-themed playground that's loads of fun for littles.
Seaside. Who's up for a day trip to the Oregon Coast? There are certain places that provoke a sense of nostalgia; old-fashioned spots that feel like a step back in time. Seaside, Oregon is one of these pure places. This delightful town on the Oregon Coast is as charming as it gets, with a picture-perfect promenade, old-school shops, and amusement park rides that all harken back to a slower, sweeter time. Visitors can walk or bike the 1.5-mile Seaside Promenade (or "Prom" as it's lovingly referred), which is a postcard-perfect place that will remind you of a good, old-fashioned beach vacation! While you're there, be sure to check out the Seaside Aquarium and fun "tourist" spots like the Seaside Inverted Experience photo booth!