3 Oregon Nature Centers That Make Excellent Family Day Trip Destinations
By Clarisa|Published January 26, 2023
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Clarisa
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Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during their time here in the Sunflower State. As a busy mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, they write whenever there is spare time.
Nature Centers offer a wealth of knowledge about the ecosystems around you and the animals that call them home. Though hiking is always a blast and is a beloved pastime in the northwest, adding hands-on education materials to the mix makes it that much more fun. Who wouldn’t want to see different birds of prey in flight or feel the fur of your local wildlife? There are plenty of nature center day trips in Oregon, but these three family-friendly parks are fun without being spendy.
Did you hear a screech? The Cascades Raptor Center is home to a host of raptors of all different shapes and sizes. When wild, most of the birds of prey here at Cascades are found natively in the Pacific Northwest. Thankfully, some of them have become permanent residents to help teach everyone about birds of prey and ecology. Visitors of all ages can choose from a staff-led guided tour, attending an event held by the center, or take a self-guided tour to explore on their own.
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2. Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory - Sunriver
Next on the list, we have a special nature center that also focuses on two things at once. Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is all about nature education both near and far, from the ecosystems around you to the stars above. During the day, you can enjoy live animal exhibits, a botanical garden, park trails, and a fun way to learn about nature. At night, enjoy night sky viewing, an educational show, and a guided constellation tour. It's two-for-one fun you can visit twice. Will you try both sides in one day?
Within the 222-acre Tualatin Hills Nature Park, you'll find the Tualatin Hills Nature Center. Here, there are several options for visitors to choose from. Whether you want to enjoy a trail to yourself or get tickets to a special event, it's always a fun time out at Tualatin Hills.
If you happen to be looking for somewhere more hiking-focused, or you have already visited these nature centers, you might check out this list of 10 kid-friendly short hikes across Oregon that offer adventure without too much legwork. Happy hiking!
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