My youngest is notoriously picky, but these family-friendly restaurants in Eugene have gotten her stamp of approval. I can’t guarantee your kids will join the Clean Plate Club at these cafes and restaurants, but I can promise you less stress. After all, once you know where to eat with kids in Eugene, you can spend more time enjoying your family trip and less time frantically scrolling through Yelp.

So read on for the most kid-friendly, best restaurants in Eugene, Oregon. Bon appetit!

Eugene, Oregon returned to limited indoor dining in February 2021. Guidelines can change at any moment, though, so check the current status before visiting these Eugene restaurants.

Family friendly restaurants in Eugene, Oregon

I grew up in Eugene and my parents still live there, so we visit often. And sometimes, Nana and Grandpa just don’t want to cook—so we go out to eat with kids in Eugene regularly.

Luckily, I’ve collected quite a list of the best restaurants in Eugene, at least when it comes to satisfy your littles (and you!). Whether your kids are on a strict grilled cheese-only diet or they’re a little more adventurous, these family-friendly restaurants in Eugene will feed the fam.

Roaring Rapids Pizza

Any restaurant that has a carousel inside is inherently kid-friendly, amirite? That’s why we love eating at Roaring Rapids Pizza when we take a family vacation in Eugene.

The food is pretty standard—pizza and salads—but the main attraction is the chance to ride the carousel. This pizza joint is technically in Springfield, just up the road from the University of Oregon, and is along the beautiful Willamette River.

Hideaway Bakery

With a name like Hideaway Bakery, it should come as no surprise that this kid-friendly cafe in Eugene is a bit hard to find. It’s tucked behind an Italian restaurant in South Eugene, but it’s worth the search! Simply park in the lot for Mazzi’s Italian restaurant; the two places share a building.

This Eugene favorite serves hot dishes including breakfast sandwiches along with amazing wood oven-baked breads and pastries. You order inside the front area, pick up your food and coffee at the window, then eat at the tables outside (my favorite) or inside Mazzi’s.

When you’re deciding where to eat with kids in Eugene, Hideaway Bakery is an easy choice because of its sand box! Alongside the bakery, a clean sand box lets kids play while their parents linger over their coffee and tea. This play area makes Hideaway Bakery one of my kids’ favorite Eugene restaurants.

Cafe Yumm

This Eugene cafe has developed a cult following, and for good reason: Its Yumm sauce is so tangy and delicious that I put it on whatever I can. Cafe Yumm is a great kid-friendly restaurant in Eugene because its Yumm bowls are ultimately customizable. Your kid doesn’t like beans? Sub chicken or tempeh. Add or subtract delicious ingredients to your child’s preferences.

Cafe Yumm also has a kids’ menu that doesn’t sacrifice health or flavor. And I love that kids’ bowls are served in oversized bowls so little ones are less likely to spill.

When you leave, do like I do and buy a bottle of Yumm sauce to take home. I put it on roasted veggies, salad, beans and rice—pretty much anything I can.

Level 10 travel tip: If you don’t like or eat cheese or sour cream, ask to make your Yumm bowl vegan. Then you’ll get to sub in extra avocado or, my favorite, cabbage and carrots.

Laughing Planet

When I was a frazzled, brand-new mom of 2, I ate at Laughing Planet every chance I could. I knew Ne Big Sis Edie would devour food at this family friendly restaurant in Eugene, and I felt great since I knew it was all healthy.

My girls now love the smoothies at this Eugene, Oregon restaurant. Their kid’s menu offers littler portions of their signature dishes as well as kid standbys like quesadillas. Almost every time I go, I get my favorite meal: The Cuban Bowl, which includes roasted plantains, beans, pico de gallo and more deliciousness!

And get this: Every Laughing Planet location has dinosaur toys all over the restaurant so kids have fun while they wait (and eat). I also know the restaurant keeps the toys clean: They wash them every day. I’ve seen it!

Level 10 travel tip: Laughing Planet also has locations around the Portland, Oregon metro area.

Tacovore

Can I get a show of hands of those of you who think tacos are the best? I totally agree. But if your kids don’t, take them to Tacovore anyway. They can get a quesadilla while you chow on these delicious tacos.

What I love about Tacovore is that you can order individual tacos, letting you taste a whole variety of them. (This is also ideal for kids’ smaller appetites.)

Tacovore is definitely one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Eugene. The menu includes 10 different tacos, plus seasonal specials, including vegetarian-friendly options such as ones made with crispy tofu or cremini mushrooms.

Level 10 travel tip: My kids love to check out the mural right next to Tacovore. I bet your littles will, too!

Cornbread Cafe

Cornbread Cafe, a homestyle cooking vegan cafe in Eugene, serves the most delicious comfort food for a plant-based diet. This Eugene restaurant, which took over an old drive-in with its funky 1950s diner flair, was also featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Thrus and Dives!

But honestly, my kids (and probably yours) don’t know anything about that Food Network Show. They did, however, give their own review for this kid friendly restaurant in Eugene: “Yum!”

I love that I don’t have to compromise my own tastebuds to feed my picky eaters. The menu is seriously mouth-watering. Don’t forget to try a slice of their pie!

Off the Waffle

Off the Waffle, with several locations in Eugene, makes both traditional and inventive foodie-pleasing breakfasts. My kids generally stick with the usual toppings—fruit and whipped cream, or plain ol’ syrup. For the more adventurous eaters, though, I recommend the Be Brie Pared: a waffle topped with sliced pear, onion jam, melted Brie cheese and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. It’s seriously so good.

If you’re visiting Off the Waffle in Eugene, head to their downtown location. It’s much more spacious—a plus for parents bringing in baby gear or kids who like to move. Weekends can get a bit crowded, so go on a weekday or early on busy days. After all, once you smell the caramelized sugar on these mouthwatering Liege waffles, you won’t want to wait a minute longer than you absolutely have to.

If you’re staying overnight in Eugene, don’t forget to book your hotel ahead of time!

Elk Horn Brewery

Brewpubs tend to be family friendly, which makes Elk Horn Brewery one of our favorite Eugene restaurants. We choose a booth within view of the spacious play area so Max and Edie can pretend to run their own restaurant!

Now I love pub food as much as the next person—gimme all the tots!—but I’m also pro-vegetable. I appreciate I can get both at this restaurant in Eugene. You can get fries or sauteed veggies, a cheeseburger or grilled fish… or simply a grilled cheese.

Either way, the menu, play area and spacious seating make this one of the best restaurants in Eugene for families.

Falling Sky

People in Eugene are serious about their beer. So it should come as no surprise that another brewery made this list of best restaurants in Eugene for kids!

Falling Sky is a small craft brewery between downtown Eugene and the University of Oregon. It also has a second location in the Whitaker neighborhood.

The menu isn’t extensive, but they prioritize quality over quantity. And get this: You get a discount on pints of beer whenever it’s raining out!

When you visit this Eugene brewery’s location on 13th, look around: You’ll see several gorgeous murals. And if you want more things to do in Eugene, check out my DIY Downtown Eugene mural walking tour!

Did I miss any? In your opinion, what are the best restaurants in Eugene, Oregon—for kids or adults??

The post Kid-friendly restaurants: Eugene, Oregon guide for families (even picky eaters!) appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

This popular hike near the McKenzie River attracts a lot of visitors for a good reason: It. Is. Stunning. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the most famous Oregon waterfalls.

That’s why I’m a bit embarrassed by what I’m about to admit: Even though I grew up in Oregon and have spent much of my life here, it wasn’t until recently that I actually saw Proxy Falls.

And I’m kicking myself for all those wasted years.

Why? This McKenzie River hike is quintessentially Oregon. You get both the lava fields common to Central Oregon and the temperate rainforest vibe of the western part of the state.

And have I mentioned the waterfalls?

Don’t make the same mistake I did. Hike the Proxy Falls Trail sooner rather than later.

Land acknowledgement: Proxy Falls and the surrounding area lie within the land of the Confederated Trips of Grand Ronde. They are the original stewards and ongoing keepers of this land.

The beautiful Proxy Falls hike

If you’re looking for a short hike with a ton of scenery, the 1.6-mile loop at the Proxy Falls Trail is for you.

The majority of this McKenzie River hike is easy. There is little elevation gain, and the trail is well maintained. Kids can handle the main loop with little trouble. (The out-and-back spur to Proxy Falls is steep and harder going; more on that later.)

The Proxy Falls hike is a one-way loop (a bonus during COVID times). You’ll start out hiking counter-clockwise up the trail, which is well marked.

Hike through lava fields, which help us remember that the Oregon Cascades were formed by volcanic activity. Lava fields are much more common on the eastern side of the mountains; Proxy Falls is part of the Three Sisters Wilderness, which straddles the border between Western and Central Oregon.

How cool is it that you get temperate rain forest and scenery from the Central Oregon lava fields, all in one short hike?

Get up close to one of Oregon’s most beautiful waterfalls

After less than a mile of hiking through forest and open lava fields, you’ll spot a sign pointing to Lower Proxy Falls. This is the spur that takes you to one of the most impressive Oregon waterfalls you can hope to see.

This section of the trail gets steep and sometimes slippery. Walk very, very carefully; use a hiking pole if you have one.

Once you reach the riverbed, the trail becomes indistinct. Chances are good you’ll be sharing the trail so can just follow others. If not, simply bear left (upstream). Or you can follow the sound of the falls!

Cross the stream wherever you’re able: People have set up makeshift bridges using logs, and you can pick your way across stones. There is no actual bridge to cross the stream.

The chance of wet shoes is 100% worth it for the view you’re about to get.

Lower Proxy Falls drops 226 feet and veils over the cliff face. (It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Oregon.) The waterfall runs year-round, though it’s biggest in the spring, when snowmelt swells the creeks nearby.

One of the best things about this amazing Oregon waterfall: You can get really, really close! Hike as near as you like, but be prepared to get wet from the waterfall’s spray. You’ll also need to walk carefully, as the spray keeps the rocks here wet and slippery.

Travel tip: Bring a microfiber cloth to wipe off your camera lens. It will likely get a bit wet from the waterfall spray.

If you’re like me, you’ll want to spend some time seeing Lower Proxy Falls from different vantage points—and simply admiring this Oregon wonder. Take your time to soak in this photogenic falls.

Hike to Upper Proxy Falls

Once you’ve soaked in Lower Proxy Falls, head back up the spur to the main Proxy Falls Trail loop. Take a right here to continue the loop.

Most people keep left on the loop to head back to the parking area. But if you’re able, take the short, easy spur to Upper Proxy Falls.

This short detour is nothing like the steep, slippery trail to Lower Proxy Falls. It’s easy and less trafficked than the main trail.

The spur takes you to Upper Proxy Falls, part of the same waterfall system as the taller, lower section. Although Upper Proxy Falls is less dramatic than the more famous waterfall, it’s still gorgeous in its own right.

Two springs cascade over bedrock, boulders and fallen logs to fall into a small pool. It seems to disappear from there: Instead of continuing on like a regular creek, the water filters down through porous rocks below the pool. It travels underground before popping up elsewhere!

You won’t need much time to admire Upper Proxy Falls before returning to the main trail. Turn left to continue the loop back to the parking area on Highway 242.

Need-to-know details to hike Proxy Falls

This McKenzie River hike is quite popular: Aim for visiting during the shoulder season, or on off-times (like a weekday morning), to avoid crowds.

You’ll find a vault toilet across the street from the Proxy Falls trailhead.

Cars park on both sides of Highway 242. You’ll need to pay for a $5 recreation pass to hike here, which helps maintain the trail. Find a self-service station to buy your pass across the road from the trailhead.

Dogs are allowed on-leash; the trail is not accessible or appropriate for strollers.

Where is Proxy Falls, Oregon?

Proxy Falls is located just off the McKenzie Highway (126) on scenic byway Highway 242. It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to drive there from Eugene, OR.

The trailhead is located about 2 miles from the junction between Highways 126 and 242, near Belknap Springs.

The waterfalls are part of the Three Sisters Wilderness.

Is the road to Proxy Falls open?

It depends on when you ask!

Proxy Falls is located along the scenic byway Highway 242. This narrow highway winds through the wilderness between Sisters, OR and the McKenzie River.

Highway 242 closes during the winter because it is not maintained in the snowy weather. You can check this highway status report—just scroll down to 242.

Highway 242 typically opens the third week of June, but make sure to check first: You don’t want to drive all the way up there only to be disappointed by a gate across the road!

That said, if you’re really committed, you can park outside of the closed highway and hike to the Proxy Falls trailhead. Plan on an extra 2 miles each way.

Is Proxy Falls Trail open?

Luckily, Proxy Falls escaped the damage of one of the worst fire seasons in Oregon’s history. Large swaths of Oregon wilderness—and towns—burned in September 2020.

Proxy Falls Trail (#3532) remains open.

And thank goodness. During this season’s devastating wildfires, many of us held our breath. We didn’t know what natural treasures would be impacted; Proxy Falls remains as pristine as it was pre-wildfires.

The communities west on Highway 126, such as Blue River, didn’t fare as well. My heart goes out to the people who lived and worked in those towns. You can donate to the United Way of Lane County Wildfire Relief Fund to support the individuals, communities and businesses affected by the Holiday Farm Fire.

In truth, I hope you don’t wait as long as I did to discover Proxy Falls, Oregon. This short McKenzie River hike leads to one of the most beautiful Oregon waterfalls. I’m nearly certain you’ll love it as much as I do.

PS – If you’re looking for other great Oregon hikes, check out my posts on Hart’s Cove Trail, Shellburg Falls, and Lost Lake.

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Eugene, Oregon recently commissioned a ton of new street art in anticipation of hosting the Olympics Trials in 2020. Throughout the city, improvements, parks projects and beautiful art installations are going up. That’s good news for everyone visiting Eugene, whether you’re there for the Olympic Trials or not.

The many murals in Downtown Eugene are one of the most visible and vibrant examples of these updates. Good news: You can see them all with my Eugene murals map, which takes you past all the street art in the center of this university town. Throughout the post, I’ll talk about murals and number them, so you can see what they correspond to on the murals map.

This post contains affiliate links. When you click and buy, I earn a small commission that helps me continue to bring you free travel content. This does not alter the price you pay.

Download the mural map here:

Also in this post, you’ll read about and see photos of other examples of public art in Downtown Eugene.

Finally, I have some other recommendations, including a Downtown Eugene restaurant that’ll fill you up and satisfy your love of street art at the same time! As always, this post is family friendly for the folks visiting Eugene with kids.

Whether you’re bringing along a crew or wandering Eugene solo, you definitely don’t want to miss these Downtown Eugene murals!

Start your Eugene mural walk: Hidden alley street art

If you’re visiting Eugene, Oregon on the weekend, good news: The main parking garage in Downtown Eugene is free! The parking garage on the northwest corner of 8th and Willamette is also your spot to start your Eugene mural walk.

If you park on the roof, like we did, you’ll see street art before you even hit the street! This parking garage has a handful of murals—look next to the elevators.

From the parking garage, walk half a block north on Willamette to find your first mural. In the alley between 7th and 8th, Matt Small’s geometric portrait peeks out [#1 on my Eugene mural map]. This mural in Eugene is unlike most others: Instead of painting directly on a wall, this British artist used a combination of paint, wood and metal rivets to create his vision.

Next, cross the street back to the parking garage. On the southwest corner of 7th and Willamette, you’ll find a tall mural celebrating artist AIKO’s Japanese culture [#2 on my Eugene mural map].

If you’re thirsty already, this Eugene mural is directly next to the newly opened Manifest Beer Company. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m so excited Downtown Eugene now has a craft beer-focused brew pub. (Eugene is serious about its beer.)

Next, walk south on Willamette. Just past Off the Waffle (a delicious and family friendly restaurant in Downtown Eugene), turn right into the alley. In the parking lot behind several bars, you’ll find two murals. One is a bird in flight [#3 on my Eugene mural map]. It reminds me of using pieces of masking tape to create the silhouette of an eagle. Unfortunately, a truck was parked right in front of it on the day we visited, but at least it color coordinated with the street art!

Directly across from the bird mural is one of my favorite street art spots in Eugene. What’s more, if you weren’t intentionally looking for this Eugene mural, you’d miss it, since it’s tucked away in an alley [#4 on my Eugene mural map]. Whenever we come to downtown Eugene we stop for a photo in front of this colorful, abstract mural. It reminds me of the futurism art movement, like a painting by Umberto Boccioni.

Your next leg of your Downtown Eugene street art tour

From here, continue south in the alley. Cross Broadway to find the next Eugene murals. This alley is like gold in terms of hidden street art treasure: It is home to four murals (though one is so small you might not spot it!).

First is the impressive, large scale mural by the duo behind Brazil’s Acidum Project [#5 on my Eugene mural map]. In fact, the mural is so big—and the alley so narrow—that it’s tough to step back and see it all at once (or photograph it all at once!). Instead, I found myself slowly walking along the alley, taking in the mural one bit at a time.

My kids, though, just wanted to see it at high speed: The alley is perfect for sprinting! Maybe they’re practicing for the 2020 Olympic Trials.

Continue along the alley to see several more murals, which aren’t noted on the most popular Eugene mural map. (They’re on mine, though!)

Opposite the Brazilian mural, you’ll find a large-scale portrait that 100% reminds me of a young Liza Minelli [#6 on my Eugene mural map]. I’m not sure if the artist was inspired by Liza’s early career, but I like to imagine so!

Directly next to Liza/Not-Liza, I fell in love with this stenciled mural by French artist Blek le Rat [#7 on my Eugene mural map]. I’m a sucker for the black and white contrast of stenciled murals—they remind me of paintings my dad made long before I was born but that still hang in my parents’ house.

Maxine and I had a blast pretending to be dancers with this street art in Eugene. Don’t worry, we won’t quit our day jobs.

Finally, keep an eye near ankle-level for a small but odd mini-mural. I’m not going to tell you what or where it is—I want it to be a surprise!

At this point, Maxine needed to use a bathroom, so we stopped by the beautiful Eugene Public Library. This building also has restrooms accessible after the library closes, so it’s a good stop.

Level 10 travel tip: If you’re doing this Eugene mural crawl with kids, the Eugene Public Library has a gigantic checkers board in its children’s section. We had a ton of fun goofing off in here!

Just outside the library, you’ll find more public art. The statues sitting in front of the library’s entrance just begs for a photo.

(You’ll see plenty of other bronze statues of people in Downtown Eugene, Oregon. One of the most famous Eugenians, Ken Kesey, has his own statue—and plaza—nearby, next to the Eugene outpost of Voodoo Doughnuts.)

From the library, cross Olive Street to the Downtown Eugene bus station. First, you can’t miss the enormous, ambitious mural by artist Beau Stanton. It covers the entire back wall of historic McDonald Theater [#8 on my Eugene mural map]. Unfortunately, construction on the bus station mostly obscured the mural when we visited, so I didn’t get a great photo. I hope you’re better able to see this large-scale painting when you head to Eugene!

Right around the corner, you’ll find a mural that looks like a surreal barnyard scene or cock fight [#9 on my Eugene mural map]. Maxine and Edie were fascinated/bewildered by this piece, which reminds me of the art and literature of magical realism.

Your final stops on the Downtown Eugene, Oregon street art tour

Walk through the Downtown Eugene bus station and turn right on 11th. If you’re hungry, grab a bite at Kiva, the alternative grocery store that’s been a Eugene favorite since bell bottoms were in style the first time.

In Kiva’s parking lot, it’s impossible to miss this three-part mural. It’s a bit ambiguous, but Max and Edie thought it depicted someone growing/sculpting a potted plant. I like murals that make you think. After all, the best street art is viewable as people go about their days shopping, commuting or running errands—and it makes people stop in their tracks. The best street art makes you notice beauty, or a challenging image, when you’d otherwise be distracted by the to-do list running through your brain.

Next, walk down Charnelton. Between 10th and Broadway, a Western-inspired scene takes up almost a block-long stretch of wall. This cowboy napping on his sleepy dog makes me think of a wide-open prairie, horses and the lowing of cows.

Finally, continue down Charnelton. Just past the intersection with 8th Avenue, you’ll walk past a stunning portrait of an old woman. This up-close mural lovingly shows her deep wrinkles. I can’t help but wonder about the life she might have lived.

From here, you’re only a block away from the parking garage where we started. Either head out—or, if you’re hungry, check out some of my favorite restaurants in Eugene for those who love street art!

Eugene restaurants for street art fans

By now, you’ve worked up an appetite on your self-guided tour of Eugene murals. You could grab a bite to eat downtown, as there are plenty of great restaurants in the area. But if you want to continue the Eugene murals theme, you’ll want to eat at one of these restaurants:

1. Whirled Pies

You’re in luck: If you made it to the end of the Eugene murals walk, you’re right in front of Whirled Pies, a local pizza joint with a Eugene twist. This pizza restaurant is on the same block as the old woman mural.

This Eugene pizza restaurant serves the usual pizzas by the slice or whole pie, plus a few Eugene-themed specials (like the West Jefferson, which is topped by chicken and peanut sauce). I appreciated that Whirled Pies also sells gluten-free pizza, and it was delicious. No cardboard-tasting crust here!

Heads up that Whirled Pies has pizza happy hour every day from 3-5pm. Medium cheese slices are only $1 (!!), and they have beverage specials too.

Inside, you’ll see that most of this Eugene restaurant’s walls are covered in a lifelike mural. The mural imagines an outdoor dinner party with diverse guests, from a flute-playing hippie to a Native woman in fancy dress, plus musicians, dancers, kids and even a cougar!

2. Cornbread Cafe

This vegan homestyle cooking restaurant is one of my favorite restaurants in Eugene, Oregon. I take my kids to Cornbread Cafe in part because of their terrific (and healthy) kids’ menu. I love all the vegetarian takes on diner food. (My fave: the Eugenewich on a gluten-free bun.)

And now there’s even more to appreciate at this vegan restaurant in Eugene, Oregon: A new mural of a little boy wading in the river has gone up in Cornbread Cafe’s parking lot! The mural looks a lot like a black and white photograph enlarged to take up an entire wall.

Go for the mural, stay for the vegan comfort food.

3. Falling Sky Brewing

If you’re looking for a brew pub that pays as much attention to its food as its beer, you’ve found it in Falling Sky Brewing. This Eugene brewery hand-crafts just about everything on its menu, from the dressings and fries to, of course, its beer.

Falling Sky has 42 taps of its own beer, and it’s constantly mixing up the rotation with new recipes. Plus, when it’s raining, you’ll get a 25 cent discount on your pint!

If it’s clear, though, sit outside on their back patio. And don’t leave without checking out the two murals next to Falling Sky, pictured below.

Are you excited for this super-fun thing to do in Eugene? Explore hotels near these amazing murals:

Discover street art in Eugene, Oregon

Whether you live in Eugene, Oregon, you’re just passing through, or Track Town USA is a vacation destination, I hope this post on the city’s street art has inspired you!

Eugene is constantly changing, and the pace of reinvention has only increased in anticipation of the Olympic Trials. I’m excited to see what’s next in my hometown!

Enjoy this suggestion for things to do in Downtown Eugene. Look for me hanging around these Eugene murals—I’ll be there every chance I can get.

PS – If you’re in the area, you’ll want to take a peek at some of Oregon’s best day trips!

The post Downtown Eugene murals walk: Oregon self guided street art tour (+ map!) appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

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!

This post contains affiliate links. When you click and buy, I earn a small commission that helps me continue to bring you free travel content. This does not alter the price you pay. Thank you for supporting To & Fro Fam!

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!

The post 21 FUN things to do in Eugene with kids this summer appeared first on To & Fro Fam.