Hellobee

Okay, so I am super biased, but I have to say, Oregon has some of the most amazing and beautiful places on earth. The weather here makes for lush greenery and we have some of the most wonderful coast destinations. My family has owned a beach house on the central Oregon coast for my entire life, so I’ve spent a ton of time all along the coast and I have some favorite places to visit there, plus there are a ton of other great destinations to see in Oregon.

On the Coast:

Oregon Coast Aquarium– This place is amazing. It has all kinds of wildlife in a variety of displays, but the real reason to go here is that it once housed Keiko, the killer whale who played Willy in the Free Willy movies. Keiko has since passed away and rather than shut down that area, the aquarium modified the display and now there is a spectacular walk through tunnel. It is magical to walk through, especially as a child.

Tillamook Cheese Factory – I am a cheese freak, so the Tillamook cheese factory is like my own heaven. There is a really cool tour of the factory, including an overlook where you can actually watch the cheese being made. You have the option to try a bunch of the cheese made there, and there is an amazing gift shop area where you can buy all kinds of products, including some of their specialty cheeses that are only made there. It is free to tour which makes it a great family activity.

Sea Lion Caves –  If you are looking for a quirky and really fascinating place to visit with kids, this is the place to go. This is the largest sea cave in the US and it is filled with sea lions. The noise is unreal and the sea lions put on quite a show. As a kid, I wanted to spend my entire day there because of how funny and cool the sea lions are. Beware though, the smell is also unreal.

Portland:

The Oregon Zoo –  One of my earliest memories is going to the Zoo when I was a kid. Since then, there has been impressive improvements to the animals enclosures, including a 4-acre expansion to the Asian Elephant exhibit and it is amazing to see. There is an awesome train that goes through the zoo and also out into the surrounding park. The zoo highlights animals from the pacific northwest as well.

OMSI – OMSI is an interactive science museum. It features a number of exhibits that are year round, and it includes amazing special exhibits as well. There are areas that suit younger children as well as older kids, so it really works for the whole family. For kids that are old enough to understand some of the wonders of pregnancy, OMSI features the largest display of human fetuses at each stage. It is breathtaking to see, especially now as a parent.

Mt. Hood – Oregon boasts one of the best skiing states in the US. Mt. Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon, and it features an amazing ski resort that can work for families with big or little kids. In addition to the traditional skiing/snowboarding activities, there are a number of other activities to enjoy, plus great food.

Southern Oregon:

Crater Lake – Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US and it is one of the most magical places I have ever been to. The lake itself is amazingly blue and the recreation surrounding the lake is great for families to enjoy. There is lodging in the park, as well as food options. Because of the amount of walking, I would recommend bringing carriers for younger children and having a solid plan for each day so kids don’t get too worn out.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival – Ashland-  This may not be the best option for younger kids, but for families that have young thespians, the Shakespeare festival is a sight to be seen. The festival season is from February through early November and it features a number of plays and other productions. There are indoor and outdoor stages, which makes for a really interesting experience.

Central Oregon:

Bend – Bend is an awesome family vacation destination. There are an infinite number of recreational offerings, including hiking, biking, skiing, and river rafting. The high desert museum shows visitors some of the history of the area, plus there is a super cool area with porcupines and other animals that inhabit the area. For foodie families, Bend has an amazing array of options for fine dining, or if you’re looking for something more relaxed, tons of family friendly eateries.

Sunriver – Sunriver is a remarkable vacation destination in Oregon. The entire area was designed for family vacations and it has a ton of awesome outdoor options. One of the best features of Sunriver is the amazing bike paths that are everywhere. Most rental places have bikes for people to use, including tandem bikes and bikes for kids. You can take a short drive to lava lands, where you can see a volcano and can walk around the rim of the volcano. It really is a place for families and is a great reason to visit Oregon.

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There are also a number of places to visit in Eastern Oregon, although I am much less familiar with that part of the state. Oregon is beautiful and there are a ton of places to visit that will amaze you and your kids.