I grew up in Oregon, so I have the best memories of summers in Eugene: riding my bike down to the corner store for popsicles, walking around the mostly empty University of Oregon campus, kayaking, splashing in fountains and swimming holes. Now that I’m a mom, I get to show my own girls the absolute perfection of summer in Oregon as there are so many fun things to do in Eugene with kids!
Just last weekend we headed down to Eugene for the day, and I don’t even mind the 2-hour drive from Portland because my girls always have so much fun!
But it’s not good enough to keep these amazing activities in Eugene to myself; I just had to share my favorites with you all! From splash pads to science museums, wetlands, bike paths to cherry orchards, when it comes to kids’ activities in Eugene, Oregon, you’ll be treated to magical outdoor fun.
Don’t take my word for it, though—try them out next time you travel to Eugene, or pin this post and save for later!
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The best things to do in Eugene with kids this summer
Make this summer the best yet with these kid-friendly activities in Eugene. Oregon outdoor fun is never in short supply here—and these ideas are guaranteed to please the whole family!
Cool down in the river
When you visit Eugene with kids, do like the locals, and float the Willamette River. Depending on how young your kids are, you might prefer the super-calm, rapid-less Mill Race. You can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard to explore this side channel of the Willamette. (There are rentals at Amazon Park, among other places.)
This is one of the best things to do in Eugene, Oregon so make sure you head to the river for some fun in the sun!
Level 10 travel tip: You’re in a city, but keep your eye out for wildlife here. You might spot a great blue heron, turtles, fish or even a fox!
Splash at the EWEB Fountain
On a hot day, the EWEB Fountain—just a few minutes away from shopping and dining hub 5th Street Market—is a bustling center of joyful activity for families in Eugene. Wear a swimsuit (or the wicking performance fabric dresses from Columbia that are basically my summer uniform) so you can play—and cool off—too!
Level 10 travel tip: What’s even better than splashing in a fountain? Riding through a fountain on your bike! Reach the EWEB Fountain via the bike path that runs along both sides of the Willamette River.
Pick your favorite flavor at Prince Puckler’s
This is always a highlight for my kids when we visit Eugene! Prince Puckler’s is a Eugene landmark (and one where even President Obama visited—and ordered mint chocolate chip!).
Regardless of whether you’re the leader of the USA or not, you can find your own favorite flavor at this ice cream parlor next to the edge of the University of Oregon campus and Hayward Field.
Level 10 travel tip: Take your ice cream to Washburne Park, one block south of Prince Puckler’s. You might see college kids walking slack lines or playing hacky sack while you eat your ice cream.
Hike Mt. Pisgah in Eugene, Oregon
Looking for fun family activities in Eugene? Why not hit the mountains! If you visit Eugene with kids in the summer, you’re better off hiking Mt. Pisgah in the morning. There are plenty of trails to choose from (look up options here), but many of them are exposed to the sun—not great for kids at midday.
Level 10 travel tip: If you do go later in the day, bring swimming suits. Mt. Pisgah has many calm stretches of river where you can splash!
Visit 5th Street Market
This historic, upscale market in downtown Eugene is fun for kids as well as grown-ups. My girls love the fountain on the ground floor, and there’s a toy store upstairs.
Level 10 travel tip: There used to be a rooster that lived at the market. It’s long gone, but there are plenty of references to 5th Street Market’s former mascot. Encourage your kids to look for roosters in the market’s decor and art—it’s like a scavenger hunt!
Hit up the Saturday Market
Every Saturday, just about the entire city of Eugene heads downtown. The Saturday Market is filled with handicrafts, food, musicians, a farmer’s market, and lots of opportunities for unbeatable people watching.
My kids get insanely excited about the balloon animals and the homemade artisan popsicles for sale at the west end of the farmer’s market.
Level 10 travel tip: Let your kids loose at the drum circle, which goes nonstop at the Saturday Market’s northeast corner. Little ones love moving to the rhythm of drums and the occasional digeridoo!
Pick fruit at Eugene’s orchards and farms
Depending on when you visit Eugene in the summer, you can choose from picking strawberries, blueberries, cherries, peaches, apples, and pears. Detering Orchard and Lone Pine Farms (where, actually, I worked for a summer!) are a few of our favorites.
Some farms have animals, pie tastings and other produce for sale, too. This is yet another one my (and my kids’) favorite Eugene attractions!
Explore Alton Baker Park
This giant park near Autzen Stadium is a wide-open space for kids to run, play, and imagine all sorts of adventures. The best part is the island at the center of the duck pond, which you can reach by the big stepping stones. There is also a native pollinator garden and big concrete sculptures perfect for hide and seek.
Climb into a whale at Skinner’s Butte Park
I have fond memories of playing in this park when I was younger, especially the concrete whale. My kids love it just as much and exploring the playground is one of our best things to do in Eugene.
Since I was little, though, it’s been totally updated. Skinner’s Butte Park now also has a three-story play structure with multiple slides, a mini-log cabin and a “spray and play” water feature, plus much more. There’s no questioning why Skinner’s Butte Park is one of their favorite playgrounds when we visit Eugene in the summer.
Stop and smell the flowers at the Rose Garden
June is the best time for the blooms at this Eugene Rose Garden, but it’s pretty any time of year, especially in the Eugene summer.
See birds up-close at the Raptor Center
In Eugene’s South Hills, a bird sanctuary helps injured avians recover and houses ones that can’t be returned to the wild. You and your kids will see eagles, crows, vultures, owls and other raptors at this wildlife center.
You’ll also learn a lot. For example, did you know that turkey vultures can spit caustic stomach acid when they’re threatened? Well, now you do!
Level 10 travel tip: Check out the Eugene Cascades Raptor Center’s web site for listings of presentations with the center’s birds, where kids can get an even closer look at these amazing avians.
Swim at the Amazon Pool
At the Amazon Pool, there is splashy fun water activities for kids in Eugene of all ages. When you visit with your family, the older ones can do cannonballs off the diving board while the littles play in the shallow pool.
The fountains that sprinkle water from above are great for everyone and after a day splashing in the pools, you’ll agree that this is one of the best places to visit in Eugene!
Disc golf at Dexter Park
About 25 minutes south of Eugene, you’ll find a high-quality disc golf park at Dexter State Park, which is an awesome way to spend the summer in Eugene with kids. Disc golf is a low-pressure game where you throw a small frisbee toward a basket. Young children can hike while the grown-ups play, and older kids may give you a run for your money.
If you don’t feel up to driving out to Dexter, try the disc golf parks at Alton Baker Park near Autzen Stadium and Westmoreland Park in West Eugene.
Level 10 travel tip: Bring your BBQ supplies and make a day’s outing at Dexter. There are plenty of grills at this state park, as well as boat docks and a swimming area.
Win a gold medal at Hayward Field
Ok, your kids might not actually win any medals at this internationally renowned track (except in their imagination), but it’s fun to pretend! Some of the greatest runners of the last several generations have raced here, and it’s hard not to feel inspired to sprint just a little faster when you run on the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.
Get pedal power
There’s a reason Eugene was certified as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community: The entire city embraces 2-wheeled locomotion. Click here to get a map of Eugene’s hundreds of miles of bike paths or pick up a guide at the city’s many bike shops.
Some of my favorite stretches: both the North and South Bank of the Willamette, and the path that winds around the wetlands in West Eugene near West 11th Avenue.
Level 10 travel tip: Cycle along the West Eugene wetlands path in the morning or evening. It won’t be as sunny and hot, and you’ll hear the red winged blackbirds and other avians that call this area home. Keep an eye out for nutria, too, the large water-loving rodents!
Beat the heat at the Wave Pool in Eugene
Still not convinced that Eugene is the best place to visit with kids? Well, if you’re done with UV rays, head inside at this gigantic swimming pool complex. Splash! at Lively Park has different sections, including a wading pool with fountains, a wave pool that simulates the ocean and a big water slide.
Cheer on the Em’s
Eugene’s minor league baseball team, the Emeralds, now play at PK Park next to Autzen stadium. Root for the home team while eating peanuts, heckling batters and eating ice cream out of tiny plastic baseball caps.
See the night sky in the middle of the day
Summer days are long, but you can catch a sight of the stars anytime at the Eugene Science Museum’s planetarium. This family-friendly museum also has interactive exhibits on meteorites, wind turbines and much more.
Explore the University of Oregon campus
Summer in Eugene with kids is the perfect time to wander the University of Oregon campus. Since school is out, campus is much less crowded than it is during the school year. Who knows—the university visit may inspire your kids to get excited about college!
Level 10 travel tip: Let your kids climb the many-branched trees throughout the U of O campus—and don’t forget to snap a picture of their monkey moves!
Discover street art
Eugene has some lovely murals across town—make it an adventure to find as many as you can! Or just keep your eyes open for them and stop to take a picture in front of the ones you see.
The best kids’ activities in Eugene, Oregon: I’ve got you covered
I love spending time with my family in Eugene and it’s one of my favorite places to visit in Oregon. There are so many more things to do this summer in Eugene with kids—and with adults! Do you have any tips?
Pin this post for later so you’ll remember these ideas for Oregon summer fun!
And if you’re visiting Eugene, OR, don’t forget to book your hotel. The city hosts a lot of events in the summer (from track meets to the annual Bach Festival) so reserve your accommodations early!
Booking.com
I don’t have any little ones, but I’ve never visited Eugene before so this list is perfect for me too! Floating down the river and exploring the market will be at the top of my list when I make it out there. Sounds fun!
That’s such a good point Waz! Most of these activities are adult-friendly too. Floating the Willamette is one of my favorite Eugene summer activities!
I love 5th street market! I never spent a lot of time in Eugene as a kid and had no idea about half of these places. What a fun place to do a day trip from Portland. Thanks for the great tips!
I love 5th Street too! Eugene is SO family-friendly, and it’s a really easy drive from Portland.
What a great list, definitely bookmarking for a future visit, with or without kiddies!
Yay! Eugene is such a fun place in the summer, no matter your age.
This is such a big list! I love that there is plenty here for the summer so no excuse to get bored or stay indoors.
Oh totally! When I was a kid I’d call my mom at work complaining I was bored. She’d suggest weeding the yard or scrubbing the toilets and I’d suddenly find a million things to do. Boredom gone! 🤣
I have yet to make it out to the northwest, but I keep reading about all these attraction packed towns!
I’m obviously biased, but the Pacific Northwest is seriously the best. There is SO much to do, see, explore (and of course eat and drink). I hope you make it out this way soon!
Haven’t heard about this place, but it surely seems like a fun spot to enjoy an day or two even without the kids. I am sure they had a blast 🙂
Yes! Most of these activities are great for adults and kids alike. Sometimes it’s nice to have the children as an “excuse” to goof off!
All of the water activities look like so much fun. If I had kids I would take them to the lake or those fun fountains 🙂
Water fun is seriously the best! I get in the fountains with my kids, too. 🙂
What a lovely list! I don’t have kids, but I think I would love these activities as well. Eugene is certainly worth a visit :).
Eugene is fun for grown-ups too!
What a fabulous idea for a post. My son has autism so school holidays are a bit hit and miss for us because everywhere gets so busy, but I love the variety of options you’ve covered
You make such a good point that children with different needs are sometimes left out of fun opportunities. I try to make a point of finding sensory-friendly activities on my blog, but I realized I didn’t point out which ones in this list would be good for that. Thanks for the reminder: I’ll go back in and make some additions!
Wow! I would have loved all of these activities as a child! You have found sooo many fun things to do. I can totally see this is worth the two hour drive!!
Picking fruit, getting soaked in fountains and then meeting raptors sounds like a perfect family day!!
It’s true: Eugene is such a kid-friendly town.
Great guide! Only ever been to Florida in USA by would love to do more of it! Oregan sounds like a good option with a lot to do!
It’s hard to get more different than Florida and Oregon, haha—but that’s one great thing about the US: Its regions are so diverse.
I love Eugene and I love this list! But you have to include the fair!!!!
Oh my gosh you’re so right! The Oregon Country Fair draws tens of thousands of people to the Eugene, Oregon area every year. It’s not necessarily my scene—I’m not a huge fan of crowds—but it’s a beloved annual event.