Best Family Weekend Destinations in Oregon

Oregon's family destinations combine coastal beaches, volcanic wonders, children's museums, and wildlife refuges into one of the most family-friendly states in the US.

Oregon Coast (Newport area)
Newport is Oregon's most family-friendly coast town — the Oregon Coast Aquarium (where Andre the Seal lived) has sea otters, seals, and a Pacific Ocean habitat exhibit that rivals any aquarium in the region. The Hatfield Marine Science Center (NOAA and Oregon State University) has free hands-on exhibits. The Historic Bayfront and the dungeness crab industry add flavor. The tide pools at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area are outstanding for families.

Crater Lake National Park
Children respond immediately to the lake's impossible blue color and scale. The Junior Ranger program is well-developed. The boat tour to Wizard Island is a highlight for families. The Rim Village history and the short hike to Discovery Point work for all ages.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI, Portland)
One of the top children's science museums in the US — the Murdock Planetarium, the Turbine Hall maker's space, the USS Blueback submarine (fully explorable), and interactive exhibits covering engineering, digital technology, and natural science. Located on the Willamette River in Portland.

Tillamook Creamery
The dairy and cheese cooperative in Tillamook (on the northern coast) is one of Oregon's top family attractions — free factory tours, ice cream, cheese tasting, and exhibits covering the dairy farming heritage of the Tillamook Valley. Combine with the Tillamook Air Museum (huge WWII blimp hangar with vintage aircraft).

Wildlife Safari (Winston)
A drive-through wildlife park south of Eugene near Roseburg — African and Asian species (giraffes, rhinos, zebras, cheetahs) in open habitats. Established 1972; the best drive-through wildlife experience in Oregon.