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 out-and-back trail takes you through old growth forest to a wide-open meadow and incredible vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Chitwood Falls.

Hart’s Cove, and this hike, takes you through the UNESCO-designated Cascade Head Biosphere Reserve. This protected area includes habitat for elk, black bear, bald eagles and sea lions, as well as the endangered spotted owl, marbled murrelet, Oregon silverspot butterfly and Coho salmon.

I’m hoping this post and photos give you a little taste of Hart’s Cove, Oregon. I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.

Starting out on the trail

Hart’s Cove trail (#1303) starts out in dense woods, dominated by Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock. This first part of the trail can be dim and even foggy, even if the day is clear just a few miles away.

The first half-mile of this hike switchbacks down the steep and forested hillside. (Remember that this is an out-and-back trail so you’ll have to hike up those switchbacks at the end, too!) The trail can be narrow with very steep drop-offs so watch your footing.

These steep trails are why I don’t recommend this hike for young children.

Cross a sweet little bridge over Cliff Creek: This landmark signals that you’re entering an older part of the forest. The trail also gets less strenuous from this point. As you continue on, listen for sea lions barking.

About 1.5 miles from the trailhead, you’ll reach a wooden bench that overlooks the cove. Even though you’re looking through branches, this is your first real glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re anything like me, it’ll give you a boost of excitement to reach the prairie at Hart’s Cove!

Final leg of Hart’s Cove Trail

The forest in the last mile of the trail becomes more sparse. Watch to your left for glimpses of Hart’s Cove and the Pacific Ocean.

You may need to scramble over a fallen log or two. Most of the obstacles have been sawed through, so you end up walking through a “doorway” made from massive tree trunks—some even 5 feet across!

About ¾ mile from the Hart’s Cove vista, you’ll need to cross a stream. As of the time of writing this post, the bridge was washed out. The creek is pretty narrow and shallow, so it’s not too hard to cross without getting your feet wet.

Once you cross, you’re about 20 minutes away from the meadow that looks out onto the Pacific Ocean.

Chitwood Falls and Hart’s Cove

When you emerge from the trees, your view opens up to take in the expansive Pacific Ocean. The vibrant blues are just stunning.

A meadow of native grasses stretches to the edge of the cliffs on Cascade Head. This field is habitat to rare plants and animals; in summer, you might see wildflowers, too.

Follow the path down toward the cliff. (When I recently hiked here, this stretch of the trail was actually the most slippery section, so be careful!) You’ll see spurs branching off to the east and west for different vantage points.

Each view is gorgeous. You’ll look down into Hart’s Cove, where waves crash onto the rocks. Some days, the water here is a brilliant turquoise color.

Look inside the U of the cove to spot Chitwood Falls, which plunges into the Pacific Ocean. It’s quite far away from the headland so you may want to bring binoculars to get a better view.

Safety note: Please, please be incredibly careful as you explore. There are no fences on the headland, so if you go too far while trying to get a better view or the perfect shot, you could slip. There’s nothing to stop you from going over the cliff. Yikes!

To return to the trailhead, just head back the way you came. Make sure to safeguard a little energy in your tank for the steep uphill switchbacks at the very end!

When to hike Hart’s Cove, Oregon

Hart’s Cove is closed from January 1 through July 15 to keep important habitat undisturbed. That leaves nearly 6 months to enjoy this amazing hike near Lincoln City, Oregon!

So when should you go? The totally unsatisfying answer: There’s something to love about this Oregon Coast hike all of the time. But here I share what makes each season special.

Hiking Hart’s Cove in the summer

Look for wildflowers in the meadow, including lupine, cow parsnip and yarrow. The prairie grasses grow uninterrupted for the first half of the year, since there are no hikers allowed to keep them shorter! (That’s a good thing, since many of the native grasses and flowers here provide important habitat and food for threatened species.)

So if you hike Hart’s Cove in July or August, expect to walk through tall, dense grasses. I recommend wearing long pants or leggings, even if it’s hot.

Hiking Hart’s Cove in the fall

The forest on Cascade Head is primarily evergreen—you’ll see spruce, hemlock and of course oodles of ferns—so you won’t see dramatic fall colors here. Still, autumn can be a wonderful time to do this hike near Lincoln City.

Fall in Oregon can bring surprisingly clear and warm days. That’s a good combination with the post-summer, lighter traffic on Hart’s Cove Trail. In the fall, you might also spot fishing boats in and around the cove.

Hiking Hart’s Cove in the winter

Anyone who has spent any time on the Oregon Coast knows that this area gets a lot of rain in the winter. I don’t recommend hiking Hart’s Cove in the rain. The rain not only makes the trail slippery; you may not even see the cove and Chitwood Falls through the clouds and mist.

That said, this popular hike is much less trafficked during the winter. When I hiked here on a recent December day, I saw maybe a half-dozen people.

Note that in the winter, the sun sets here as early as 4:30 pm. Make sure you leave yourself enough time to hike while the sun is still up.

Getting there

The road to Hart’s Cove Trail is not well marked, and cell service is spotty. So instead of relying on an app to get you there, grab the printer-friendly directions at the bottom of this post.

In sum: From Highway 101, look for Forest Service Road 1861, an unmarked road on the west side of the highway between mileposts 101 and 102. Look for a wide gravel area and a metal gate. If you see that then you’re in the right spot!

If you miss the road going north, you’ll find a gravel shoulder about a ¼ mile up Highway 101 where you can safely turn around.

Then follow the gravel road for four miles. It’s fairly well maintained with only minimal potholes and washboarding. About halfway to the trailhead, the road splits but keep to the left. (There’s a small sign that directs you that way but you have to squint to see it.)

It’ll take you 10-15 minutes to drive the gravel road to the parking lot at Hart’s Cove Trailhead.

This beautiful Oregon Coast hike is 11 miles north of Lincoln City and about 5 miles south of Neskowin, OR.

Are you excited to hike Hart’s Cove Trail? Find a nearby hotel to start planning your trip! (affiliate link)

Must-know details to hike to Chitwood Falls and Hart’s Cove

First and foremost: This hike is closed from January 1 through July 15. The closure protects sensitive species such as rare butterflies, brown pelicans and bald eagles.

Dogs are allowed on-leash.

This hike does not have beach access.

Hart’s Cove Trail is often muddy. Wear sturdy shoes and bring hiking poles if you’re able. They really help steady you going over slippery ground! (I use adjustable hiking poles like these ones affiliate link)

As with every outdoor activity in the Pacific Northwest, dress in layers. When I recently did this Oregon Coast hike, I started out in a fleece, vest, hat and gloves. By the time I arrived at the meadow, I was hot in my t-shirt!

Hart’s Cove Trail is narrow in many parts. It’s impossible to maintain a 6-foot distance when passing others. Please wear a mask or gaiter properly when near anyone else. Do your best to leave as much space as you can between yourself and other hikers. (I prefer wearing a gaiter when hiking because it’s easier to pull up and down rather than mess with ear straps. I like these gaiters—they can even double as headbands! affiliate link)

There is no restroom at this trailhead.

You will likely have no cell or data service on this hike.

So what do you say? Are you now itching to visit this Oregon Coast hike and see the stunning Chitwood Falls? Is the Hart’s Cove Trail now on your Oregon bucket list? Let me know in the comments!

Finally, don’t forget that I’m sharing detailed directions below. These directions are printer-friendly—important since you won’t have service once you drive up the forest road!

Directions to Harts Cove Trailhead, Oregon

Print

Looking for one of the best Oregon Coast hikes around? Hart's Cove Trail is famous for its views. But there's no cell service there, and some map apps don't include directions to Hart's Cove Trailhead. Here's how to get there.

Instructions

1. On Highway 101, drive north from Lincoln City and the junction with Highway 18. (If you're coming the opposite direction, drive south of Neskowin.)
2. Turn west onto Forest Service Road 1861. This is an unmarked road on the west side of Highway 101 between mileposts 101 and 102. You'll know you're in the right place by the wide gravel lot and metal gate.
3. Drive up the gravel forest road 4 miles. Keep left where the road branches about 2 miles up.
4. The road dead-ends at the Hart's Cove Trailhead. Park here to start your hike.
5. Note: Please drive carefully along the forest road. The road is narrow and you'll need to pass other cars very carefully.

Notes

Hart's Cove Trailhead is open July 16 - December 31. The forest road gate is closed and locked the rest of the year to protect sensitive habitat for threatened species.

Recommended Products

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  Compact budget binoculars to watch for migrating whales
• 
  Adjustable hiking poles help on the slippery, steep trail
• 
  Gaiter to wear while passing hikers on the narrow trail

Did you try this? What did you think?

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I first visited Hosmer Lake, just off the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, on a moonlight canoe trip. We paddled under the stars thanks to our friends at Wanderlust Tours and Visit Bend. Even in the dark, this lake made me fall even deeper in love with Central Oregon.

If you’re planning a trip to the Bend, OR area, read on. If you’re not, I’m sorry. But you’ll want to continue anyway. The photos of mountains, still lake water and Central Oregon high desert are worth the scroll.

Below, find all the details you need to visit Hosmer Lake along the Cascade Lakes Highway. You’ll find how to get there, what to do when you arrive, and camping details.

Buckle up your life jacket. Let’s go.

Cascades scenery: Hosmer Lake

Hosmer is one of many alpine lakes on Mt. Bachelor near Bend, OR. On your drive up, up, up the mountain you’ll pass plenty of other lakes: Devils Lake, Sparks Lake and Elk Lake, to name a handful.

Hosmer Lake was renamed in the 1960s after naturalist Paul Hosmer, who lived in nearby Bend. (It has a much nicer ring than its former name, Mud Lake.)

The lake’s most distinctive characteristic: all the bulrush wands and other vegetation that grows along the shore. In fact, these aquatic plants grow in the water and make the lake just a little bit smaller every year.

This plant habitat and its shallowness also make it an incredible place to spot wildlife. Stay still and keep your eyes open. You may be rewarded with a sighting of ducks, eagles, osprey, crawdads and even otter!

(I spotted an otter playing and diving in the reeds on my most recent stand up paddle boarding trip to Hosmer. Pretty sure I squee-ed out loud.)

This is a moderately popular spot, especially for fishing. (More on that later.) That’s partly because this lake is just 45 minutes from Bend, OR and 40 minutes from Sunriver.

When I recently paddled here on a summer weekday, I had no problem finding a parking spot. And once I got on the water, I had plenty of space. Much of my time on the lake was spent with no one else in sight.

Paddling Hosmer Lake, Oregon

Only electric powered boats (i.e. no gas engines) are allowed on Hosmer Lake. But really, just about everyone paddles their own watercraft.

Do like we Oregonians do and go by canoe, kayak, rowboat, fishing catamaran or—my favorite—stand up paddle board. (Mine is similar to this SUP setup—affiliate link.) As long as you’re powering it with your own muscles, it’s ideal for Hosmer.

Oftentimes Hosmer Lake feels more like a river than a lake. The rushes that grow thick at the edge of the shore make it seem even more narrow than the fingers of the lake are.

(I couldn’t help but think of that scene in the 1951 movie African Queen, when Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart get stuck in the maze-like reeds!)

Hosmer Lake isn’t big, which is part of its appeal. You can explore every turn, inlet and channel in one outing.

The other day, I paddled my stand up paddle board from the boat ramp to the opposite end of the lake in about 40 minutes. With such a winding perimeter and little areas to discover, you can easily spend most of a day here.

Fishing at Hosmer Lake

Roughly half of the people I saw at this lake near Bend, OR were fishing. Fish love the buffet of water bugs, damsel flies and other insects that make Hosmer their home.

The result: Big, fat fish.

I saw rainbow fish longer than my forearm swim beneath my SUP. Hosmer Lake is also good fishing for brook trout.

You won’t be able to grill ’em, though. This popular fishing spot is catch-and-release on all fish species. You’re also required to use barbless hooks.

This is the kind of fishing my kids prefer anyway. Maxine and Edie are fascinated by the idea of fishing, but poor little Max freaks out when you even hint at eating one. (“I’m a friend to all animals,” she tells us resolutely.)

Swimming with a view of Mt. Bachelor

Swimming in the shadow of Cascade peaks? Sounds dreamy. Hosmer Lake isn’t the best place for swimming, though there are a few exceptions.

Firstly, know that Hosmer Lake is shallow. With an average depth of just three feet, it’s paradise for aquatic plants. It probably won’t surprise you, then, that much of the lake bed grows underwater plants.

I personally don’t love the feeling of an underwater plant wrapping around my ankle. It reminds me too much of the Creature from the Black Lagoon movies I used to watch as a kid. (And yes, I grew up on black and white movies. Ha!)

That said, I did find a little spot tucked away at the far end of Hosmer Lake that was great for swimming. This little beach was rock—no sinking in mud with every step.

(I did my best to approximate the location of this little cove. I think this star will at least get you very close to a good swimming spot!)

Here, the water was so clear that I spent about 20 minutes watching nature’s soap opera unfold. Water bugs glided, butterflies were chased off by dragonflies, and a crawdad hunted critters too small for me to see.

Hosmer Lake Campground

There are technically two Hosmer Lake Campgrounds, but they’re practically in the same spot.

South Lake Campground is directly next to the day use area and boat launch. Mallard Marsh Campground is a bit farther away, which could be inconvenient if you just want to launch your kayak but preferable if you want more privacy.

Folks who want to stay at this cascade lake can reserve camp sites here. A handful of walk-up sites are also available, though you can stay only one night. Camp sites average $16 per night.

Expect Hosmer Lake camping to be pretty standard: The sites are medium-sized and every spot has a picnic table and fire pit. Vault toilets (i.e. not flushing) were well maintained and clean when I visited. These campgrounds do not have potable water, though, so bring your own.

Must-know details to visit Hosmer Lake

Day use

Even if you’re staying at the Hosmer Lake campground, you’ll need to pay the day use fee if you park next to the boat ramp. The fee is $5.

Make sure to bring cash and exact change. This day use area doesn’t have a machine to process credit cards. Don’t forget to leave the proof of payment stub on your dashboard.

A handful of other passes are valid (though not the Oregon State Parks pass). List of valid park passes for the Hosmer Lake day use area

If you’ve already paid the day use fee that same day elsewhere, you do not need to buy an additional one for that site. The pass is valid for the entire day, wherever the parks are valid. So if you go from Elk Lake to Hosmer, you don’t have to pay twice.

Directions to Hosmer Lake

From Bend, OR, drive south on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. You’ll wind around Mt. Bachelor and pass other Cascade lakes. After 34 miles, turn left onto Mud Lake Rd., which has a sign for Hosmer Lake. Expect a 45-minute drive from Bend.

From Sunriver, OR, drive west on Conklin Rd./NF 40. Take a right on Century Dr., which takes you to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Take a right. After 5 or 6 miles, you’ll see a sign for Hosmer Lake on your right. Expect a 40-minute drive from Sunriver.

When to visit

Hosmer Lake tends to be closed October through May because of snow. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is snowed in until warm summer months melt the snow.

So visit Hosmer Lake June through September. Check road conditions and closures before your drive.

Amenities

The day use area has a well maintained vault toilet—it was quite clean when I recently visited. You’ll see a garbage can near the spot to pay the day use fee. (Garbage cans are such a welcome perk when you’re on a road trip!)

One picnic table sits to the side at the day use area. This is where I sat and ate lunch after my SUP paddle on the lake. It has a nice view of the area around the boat ramp. I watched a few men fish (one unsuccessfully, as he lamented loudly) and someone take macro photography of insects.

Speaking of, insects can be plentiful at Hosmer Lake. I’ve never had an issue with bugs, but be on the safe side and bring insect repellant just in case.

Don’t miss this beautiful lake near Bend, Oregon

Hosmer Lake will always hold a special place in my heart after Hubs and I paddled it by moonlight on our 11th wedding anniversary. (I mean, how romantic can you get?!)

I grow fonder of this scenic spot near Bend every time I visit.

Especially now that my SUP is pretty much my favorite thing ever, I’m always on the lookout for gorgeous spots to paddle. Whether you go by canoe, kayak, SUP or something else, you’ll love exploring Hosmer Lake.

The post Beautiful Hosmer Lake near Bend, OR: Camping, fishing + paddling appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Oregon trails are known for their beauty, but not many have a dramatic suspension bridge hanging above a river! Add in a waterfall and you have an unforgettable hike.

The next time you’re near the Oregon Coast and Lincoln City, make a short detour to the Drift Creek Falls trail. You won’t be disappointed.

Drift Creek Falls trail

Not too long ago, a group of girlfriends and I hiked Drift Creek Falls together. We may or may not have drunk too much champagne the night before, so fresh air and some exercise was just what we needed.

What else we needed, apparently: A good laugh at how yours truly nearly peed her leggings while walking across a suspension bridge swaying 100 feet over a narrow canyon below.

The Drift Creek Falls trail runs just under 3 miles round-trip. It’s an out-and-back trail with less than 500 feet elevation gain. So aside from a few gradual ups and downs, it’s overall a flat and easy hike.

Most of the dirt trail is well graded. That said, you’ll want to keep an eye out for roots sticking up through the ground. Don’t twist an ankle!

The Drift Creek Falls trail crosses a burbling creek. If it looks like too small a stream to result in a dramatic waterfall, that’s because it is! Several creeks and underwater streams combine to cascade over the 75-foot-high waterfall.

Drift Creek Falls suspension bridge

Only a few dozen suspension bridges exist in Oregon, and Drift Creek Falls is one of the most easily accessible. That doesn’t mean it’s less than spectacular!

The Drift Creek Falls suspension bridge runs 240 feet above a river 100 feet below. It looks sturdy, and it is: The bridge can hold 165,000 pounds—that’d be about 12 T Rexes. (Though OMG if you’re on the bridge with 12 ferocious dinosaurs best of luck to you.)

The suspension bridge is sturdy—and it sways. The movement as you walk across the bridge is actually part of its structural design, allowing it to stay standing even in the wind or if a group of hikers with a death wish stomp across behind you.

As you cross the bridge walking in the direction away from the trailhead, you’ll see the waterfall to your right.

Once you’re on the other side, hike down toward the creek. You’ll catch a better view of the falls down there.

Oregon Coastal Range forest

The Oregon Coast Range is covered in dense forest. These pristine areas are full of ferns, Doug firs, cedar, wildflowers and so much more.

Keep an eye out for seedlings growing on fallen logs. The forest district leaves old, fallen timber in the forest (only cutting off sections that block the trail). That’s because mosses, ferns, fungi and even new trees use these “nurse logs” for habitat.

They grow on the fallen logs, since they end up growing a bit higher up than the plants on the forest floor. That means more sunlight and less competition.

You also might notice that the forests along the Oregon Coast don’t fluctuate much in temperature. That’s partly because the trees grow close together, creating an insulating bubble for the ground below. The branches almost weave together—and may even make a bit of an umbrella if it rains!

As you walk along the Drift Creek Falls trail, you’ll pass old growth trees as well as newer growth. Old and new combine for a healthy ecosystem, making habitat for birds, salamanders, deer and elk. Even bear and cougar call these forests home, though they steer clear of well trafficked trails like Drift Creek Falls in Oregon.

Details to hike Drift Creek Falls, Oregon

Drift Creek Falls is about 40 minutes inland from Lincoln City, OR. You can google directions to the Drift Creek Falls trailhead, which is trail 1378. I recommend downloading the map in case you lose service in the hills. 

Much of the road to the Drift Creek Falls trailhead is windy and narrow. If you get car sick, make sure to take car sickness prevention medication before your drive. It doesn’t really work if you take it once you’re already queasy.

This popular trail gets quite busy, especially on weekends and during the summer. To avoid crowds, go as close to sunup as you can, or hike on a weekday.

There is a toilet at the Drift Creek Falls trailhead, but I’d only use it if the need were dire. Take care of biology business before you arrive.

Some parts of the trail are narrow. Step aside the best you can when you pass others on the trail. Maintain social distance so everyone can safely enjoy the outdoors, and keep a mask on-hand for when you can’t stay more than 6 feet away from others.

Safety note: The trail itself is easy to moderate. It’s not strenuous, and it doesn’t climb a lot of altitude. That said, I’m still not comfortable taking my young kids on this hike near Lincoln City.

That might be because of my extreme and almost-paralyzing fear of heights. But I just don’t trust my young kiddos, who are 5 and 7, to stay safe near the suspension bridge.

This hike is excellent for older kids and parents who wear their littles in a hiking backpack or baby carrier. But personally, I don’t recommend bringing kids younger than about 9 or 10.

If you’re able, though, don’t miss this stunning Oregon Coast hike. It’s a short 40-minute drive from nearby Lincoln City and 100% worth a stop.

If you’re in the area, don’t miss my thorough post on the best things to do in Lincoln City, OR!

The post Hike Drift Creek Falls: Oregon Coast trail with suspension bridge! appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Located conveniently at the halfway point between Portland and Eugene, Oregon, Albany is a terrific spot to stop on the drive. (We often pause at the Albany historic carousel when driving to my parents’ house in Eugene. The girls are legit obsessed.) Albany is also an hour from Newport, Oregon on the Coast.

So whether this little Oregon town is your main destination or simply a stop on a road trip, read on for fun things to do in Albany.

1. Historic Carousel and Museum

In historic Downtown Albany, Oregon, kids (and adults!) can ride a giraffe, frog and even a mer-pony on a gorgeous handcrafted carousel. This carousel in Oregon uses a motor that is more than 100 years old. The animals themselves are newer: Volunteers have spent more than 160,000 hours carving and painting these handmade creatures.

Edie and Maxine could barely contain their excitement when they saw this historic carousel. They spotted the animals they wanted to ride—ones on the outside that remained stationary, and the two inside rows, which move up and down.

Beyond the fun of riding a carousel, Albany’s Historic Carousel and Museum gives you a sneak peek into the making of this work of art. On a recent day when we visited this Oregon carousel, we watched volunteers work on a cow. When completed, the carousel will hold 52 animals. What’s more, they swap out carousel animals seasonally, including holiday-themed ones! (I, personally, want to go back and ride the Christmas Clydesdale!)

Buy tokens to ride ($2 per person per ride) at the concession stand or gift shop.

2. Talking Water Gardens

Less than 5 minutes off I-5, Talking Water Gardens provides the perfect place to stretch your legs. This park in Albany is made up of walking paths criss-crossing restored wetlands on formerly industrial land. The evenly graded and mostly flat gravel paths make it easy for young walkers, people with mobility limitations and even jogging strollers to maneuver.

Talking Water Gardens is actually a project created by local utility companies to cool down treated water reclaimed from city use. After you wash a load of laundry or take a shower, these companies reclaim the grey water and treat it to remove anything unsafe or unsanitary. They then send that cleaned water to the wetlands in Talking Water Park, where the native plants and waterfalls help it reach a cool enough temperature to be released into the nearby Willamette River.

The reclaimed wetlands also provide habitat for native plants, birds and other animal species. Keep an eye out for turtles, mink and the sweet-singing red winged blackbird. On a recent walk through Talking Water Gardens, I spied a heron stalking frogs and fish for dinner.

Level 10 travel tip: Bring your binoculars. Even if you don’t spot any wildlife, your kids will feel uber cool while scanning the horizon for critters!

3. Feel fancy with a high-class tea

While we were passing through, I knew I needed to find a family friendly restaurant in Albany, Oregon. But I also didn’t want to go the usual hamburger and french fries route. That’s when I found the Ivy Garden Tea Room, which serves high tea, crustless sandwiches and even pots of hot chocolate for little sippers!

Edie and her raised pinkie are so classy

Max and Edie were oh-so-excited. Once they realized that they would get to drink out of dainty tea cups and get their very own pot of hot chocolate, they practically lost their minds.

Each of them ordered a Mad Hatter, the kid-friendly option on the menu. It included a pot of tea or hot chocolate, grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (with the crusts cut off, naturally) and desserts, including scones and tiny cakes. The super-friendly owner of Ivy Garden Tea Room even cut the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into a flower shape!

It’s best to make reservations, especially on the weekends, though we arrived early enough on a Saturday to snag a table without a rez. I found this family-friendly restaurant in Albany to be so kind and accommodating to my kids. I not only highly recommend this adorable spot for high tea, I want you and your kids to go because it’s so fun to be fancy!

The Ivy Garden Tea Room is also a little shop, selling hats (perfect for dressing up for high tea!) and teapots. Maxine wanted to buy all the hats!

4. Paint and get messy at Splatter Box

Combine bright paint, black light effects and a 2,500-square-foot studio and you get Splatter Box in Albany. (You’ll also get plenty messy!)

I have been planning a visit to this off-the-wall thing to do in Albany for months. Circumstances, including COVID-19, kept wrecking my plans so we haven’t yet visited it in person. But you can see for yourself how wacky and fun Splatter Box is!

The cost of visiting is $35 per person. The price includes a white t-shirt and paint; you can also get canvases so you can take home your masterpieces. Use syringes, squirt bottles, even water guns to color the huge walls—or each other!

As soon as it’s safe to travel, we’re heading to this unique spot in Albany.

5. Hang out in Bryant Park

Since the weather has gotten better, we’ve been going to Bryant Park in Albany regularly. It’s a natural halfway point between Portland and Eugene, so we meet my parents there. That way we can spend some socially distanced time together outside (where research shows you’re much, much less likely to spread and contract COVID-19). 

At 72 acres, Bryant Park is big—so it makes sense it has so many fun things to do! My kids particularly love wading in the Calapooia River to catch minnows, and Eric plays the disc golf course there. We also kayak here!

This large Albany park also has fishing, basketball courts and a big playground. In short: It’s a great spot to stop on an Oregon road trip. 

I’ll continue to add to this post as we explore more things to do in Albany. Let me know below in the comments if you have suggestions!

PS – If you’re in Albany, you’re only a few minutes from my hometown of Eugene, Oregon! If you go to Track Town, don’t miss my post on my kid-friendly street art walk of Downtown Eugene.

The post Fun things to do in Albany, Oregon: Portland to Eugene road trip stop appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

The Portland Japanese Garden’s terrain is carefully maintained, finding a gorgeous balance between nature and design. You won’t find an abundance of flowers—the garden relies more on greenery, rocks and water features. The Garden, which includes sections modeled on various Japanese gardening philosophies, was created to inspire serenity and an appreciation of beauty.

That goal certainly succeeded with my family when I visited the Portland Japanese Garden with my kids.

Skeptical that a quiet retreat like the Japanese Garden can actually be family-friendly? Read on to find out why visiting the Portland Japanese Garden with kids is at the top of my recommendations to out-of-town visitors—and to learn how to make the most of your trip.

The benefits of visiting the Portland Japanese Garden with kids

I know, I know, the idea of bringing your kids to as serene a destination as the Portland Japanese Garden probably freaks you out—it did for me, too. After all, bringing children (who have two volumes—loud and louder) to a relaxing retreat can be stressful.

But the challenge of being respectful in a place like the Portland Japanese Garden is good for parents—and children.

Firstly, it gives kids an opportunity to practice respect and empathy. When you explain to them that the Japanese Garden is meant for quiet walking and peaceful visits, it encourages them to think of others’ needs. When I visited the Portland Japanese Garden with my kids, I said, “We need to use our quiet voices here. This is a special garden where people come to be in nature quietly.”

Secondly, it gives kids an opportunity to impress you and show you how they can rise to meet new challenges. I was beyond impressed with how my kids, ages 3 and 5, respected the Japanese Garden. Sure, they ran around a bit and I had to remind them to use quiet voices, but overall they did great.

If even my 3-year-old, whom I sometimes lovingly call The Destroyer, can visit the Portland Japanese Garden, your kids can too!

Finally, being in the Japanese Garden in Portland helps your child grow self-awareness. Kids are learning so much, including how they fit into the world around them. When you give them limits—like not shouting or staying on the path—they see how their voices and actions relate to other people and the environment around them. This awareness eventually translates into self-regulation, the skill that helps your child sit during story time or eat at a restaurant without making a scene.

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Kid-first features of the Portland Japanese Garden

Now that I’ve convinced you it’s totally worth visiting the Portland Japanese Garden with kids, here’s what you need to know to visit this family-friendly destination in Oregon.

Tips for visiting the Portland Japanese Garden with kids

Here’s everything you need to know to make your visit to the Portland Japanese Garden with kids a smooth one.

1. Limited stroller access

The first time I went to the Portland Japanese Garden, my oldest daughter was just 1. I brought a stroller—and ended up sweating and swearing trying to get it up to the Garden’s entrance and rolling it over the gravel paths.

Don’t be like me, and know this: The Portland Japanese Garden isn’t terribly great for strollers.

You can fold up a stroller and bring it on the shuttle (more on that in a second). There is designated stroller parking space near the entrance to the park. But many paths in the Japanese Garden aren’t accessible to strollers (or wheelchairs), so it’s best to leave the stroller in the car.

Level 10 travel tip: If you’re visiting the Portland Japanese Garden with a baby, babywear your little one. You won’t have to deal with parking a stroller, and you’ll have full access to all the park’s paths.

2. Take the shuttle

Again on my first trip to the Portland Japanese Garden, I thought I’d skip the shuttle. After all, there’s a nice little walk/hike up a stone path from the parking area to the Garden’s entrance up the hill.

Mistake.

With kids, you don’t want to wear them out before you even get inside the Japanese Garden. Shuttles come every 15 minutes, and they’ll take you from the base of the hill straight to the entrance. You’ll buy your ticket at the bottom, hop on the shuttle and be inside the gate within minutes.

3. Plan for parking

Parking is tight in Washington Park (home to the Portland Japanese Garden), especially on sunny days and the weekend. Arrive early in the day for the best chance of getting a good spot, and know you might have to drive around a bit for a parking place. Parking is not free.

If there’s no parking, drive to the Sunset Transit Center, the park’s overflow parking spot. You can ride a shuttle back to Washington Park and the Portland Japanese Garden.

Level 10 travel tip: Download the Parking Kitty app to pay quickly right from your phone. (Washington Park is Zone 400 on the app.) Parking Kitty will literally meow when your time is about to expire, and you can add time from your phone if you need more.

4. Skip parking; ride public transportation

Parking in busy locations gives me a headache. Luckily, the red and blue Portland MAX trains stop at the Oregon Zoo nearby, and then you can ride the free shuttle to the Portland Japanese Garden.

The TriMet bus #63 also runs to the Portland Japanese Garden.

Level 10 travel tip: If you do ride the MAX or bus and go to the Oregon Zoo before or after the Portland Japanese Garden, show your ticket stub when you buy tickets: You’ll get a $1.50 discount off admission!

5. Feed your kids beforehand

The Portland Japanese Garden doesn’t allow food within the park. Make sure your kids have eaten their fill of snacks on the way there, or plan on expanding their palate with food at the garden’s Umami Cafe. It serves fried rice, sweets and, of course, tea.

6. Plan for an hour

Adults can sit and meditate in the Portland Japanese Garden—there are many places designed for just this purpose—but families will probably keep moving throughout the park. Going at my kids’ pace, it took us about an hour to walk throughout the entire Portland Japanese Garden.

7. Young kids get in free

Children 5 and under can visit the Japanese Garden for free—see, this is a family-friendly destination in Portland! The kids’ free admission definitely made visiting more budget-friendly.

If cost is an issue and you have SNAP (food stamps) benefits, simply show your card at the ticket office and you’ll get two adult tickets for $5 each, plus up to four children for free.

8. Dress in layers

Much of the Japanese Garden is shaded, and it’s generally cooler here than in other parts of Portland. Wear layers so your kids don’t get cold.

Views of the Portland Skyline

The Portland Japanese Garden is also famous for its incredible views of the Downtown Portland skyline.

The best vantage point: The overlook just outside the Pavilion. (This is where art exhibits and bonsai are displayed.)

Portland is notorious for cloudy and drizzly weather. But if you manage to visit the Portland Japanese Garden on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mt. Hood.

Other kid-friendly destinations near the Portland Japanese Garden

Located in Northwest Portland, the Japanese Garden is near a whole bunch of other kid-friendly destinations. If you want more after visiting the Portland Japanese Garden with kids, make a day of it! Here are ideas for nearby activities.

Hoyt Arboretum

Within the Hoyt Arboretum’s 190 acres, 2,300 species of trees and other plants (including 63 endangered species) grow. If your kids want some unstructured time to hike their wiggles out, the Hoyt Arboretum is a beautiful place to wander. Some of its 12 miles of trails are accessible, which means they’re also stroller-friendly. Click on over to read my full post about visiting Hoyt Arboretum with kids!

Level 10 travel tip: During May through September, plus weekends in April and October, a free shuttle runs ever 15 minutes and connects the Portland Japanese Garden with other nearby destinations, including the Hoyt Arboretum. Don’t mess with parking again—hop on the shuttle.

International Rose Test Garden

As Portland is the City of Roses, it makes sense to visit the Rose Test Garden—one of 11 sites nationwide that cultivate and test a wide variety of roses for the American Rose Society.

Level 10 travel tip: On a clear day, look for Mt. Hood in the distance from Portland’s Rose Test Garden. It makes for a stunning photo!

Children’s Playground in Washington Park

Portland’s Washington Park has acres of green space, but my kids were most thrilled about the Children’s Playground just down the hill from the Portland Japanese Garden. It’s an enormous playground with a structure criss-crossed with bridges, ramps and things to climb on. It also has a swing set (including accessible swings for children with disabilities); my kids favorite part was the giant sand box.

Children’s Playground in Washington Park time lapse from Catherine Ryan Gregory on Vimeo.

Oregon Zoo

We are Oregon Zoo members because my kids and I love seeing the animals in this award-winning zoo. It’s just a quick shuttle ride away from the Portland Japanese Garden.

At the Oregon Zoo, make sure to see the recently renovated Elephant Lands habitat. (My kids say hi to Lily, the baby elephant there, whenever we visit!) You’ll also want to sit for as long as your kids will let you and watch the harbor seals in the underwater viewing area. I still maintain it’s one of the most relaxing places to visit in Portland.

Hike to the Witch’s Castle

In nearby Forest Park, you and your kids can hike to a stone ruins lovingly named the Witch’s Castle. You can park at the Portland Audubon Society and hike down to the spooky ruins; see my full post on hiking to the Witch’s Castle with kids on my other blog, Ten Thousand Hour Mama, to get all the details.

I’m pretty sure you’re ready to head to the Portland Japanese Garden with kids like, now. Or if you don’t live in Portland (but want to visit because it’s one of my favorite family-friendly cities!), make sure to pin this post for later.

If you’re looking for more relaxing yet family-friendly activities in Portland, click over to my full post on visiting Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden with kids. It’s a gorgeous hidden gem within downtown Portland you don’t want to miss!

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Head to downtown Portland and you’ll find all the features of a big city, but with a PDX twist: Skyscrapers, but with 8-story-high murals decorating one side. Crowded city blocks, but with a pod of food carts in the middle. Busy streets, but with bicycle commuters powering by. Look a little harder and you’ll find something more unusual: The Lan Su Chinese Garden, where you can find peace and natural beauty in the middle of downtown Portland.

Lan Su Chinese Garden isn’t large—it takes up about a city block—but inside, you can meander past giant koi, pause in front of a waterfall, sip a cup of tea and even get your fortune told. Visiting Lan Su Chinese Garden with kids might not sound like a natural fit, but this peaceful oasis actually welcomes children. It includes family friendly features, and the Lan Su Chinese Garden with kids actually makes perfect sense:

When your family is visiting downtown Portland and you need a break from the city’s sensory overload, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is your go-to refuge.

Here’s how to best enjoy visiting the Lan Su Chinese Garden with kids.

Don’t miss out on the Lan Su Chinese Garden with kids

Heading to the Lan Su Chinese Garden with kids is not only a peaceful break for parents; it’s also a great opportunity for children to experience another culture in an interactive way.

We visited the Chinese garden in downtown Portland on a recent weekend—and this is one hidden gem you don’t want to miss when you visit Oregon.

An authentic Chinese garden in downtown Portland

The Lan Su Chinese Garden was built by artisans from Suzhou, home of famous classical gardens that have been named a World Heritage Site. This peaceful spot was designed to be a quiet place for contemplation and connection with nature.

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As you and your family walk along the many paths in the Chinese garden, you’ll catch glimpses of downtown Portland’s high rises outside the garden—which almost seem out of place. It’s easy to forget there’s a bustling city just outside the garden walls.

As a classically designed Chinese garden, Lan Su includes walking paths, ornate traditional architecture, a pond, a waterfall, a teahouse and many secluded nooks where people meditate or relax.

Can I visit Lan Su Chinese Garden with kids?

Yes, absolutely!

Look, I get it that using words like “refuge,” “peaceful” and “meditation” doesn’t make the Lan Su Chinese Garden sound particularly kid-friendly. But when my family visited, we felt entirely welcome.

The girls did have to scale back their usual climb-everything and run-around-shouting habits while we visited the garden. But focusing on the things they could do kept me from repeating no no no no. Read on below for all of the family friendly features at this hidden gem.

Level 10 travel tip: Bring some blank paper and crayons so kids can make rubbings on all the different textures throughout the garden. My girls loved this activity—and it distracted them from wanting to use the fences as a balance beam!

Family highlights at the Lan Su Chinese Garden

Family self-guided tours

As you walk into the Lan Su Chinese Garden, pick up one of the laminated packets. One kid-friendly handout is like a scavenger hunt for things throughout the garden. Can your kids find a paving stone shaped like a Chinese coin or a kite shaped like an animal?

Koi pond

My girls’ favorite part about visiting the Lan Su garden was seeing the koi. Some of these carp were almost as long as my arm, and they congregated around a bridge that crosses the water. The girls insisted on returning to the bridge several times throughout our stay and pointed our their favorite fish.

Chinese fortune sticks

So I was actually more excited about this than my kids, but one room in the garden has traditional fortune-telling sticks that will tell your and your children’s future! You shake out a stick which has a number on it, then pull your fortune out of a drawer that corresponds to that number. The good news: My kids’ future is bright (though I didn’t necessarily need a fortune to tell me that!).

Quiet places to discover

One of the wonderful things about visiting the Lan Su Chinese Garden with kids is discovering the hidden nooks and crannies throughout the garden. My kids loved turning a corner and stumbling upon what seemed like a secret spot just for them.

Plant scavenger hunt

When I arrived at the Lan Su Chinese Garden with kids, I picked up a laminated booklet of the garden’s many plants. When my kids and I were walking around, we matched what we saw to the plants in the books. That way we learned new plant names.

This kid-friendly activity will be something we do every time we visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden. This Portland refuge is designed to change throughout the seasons, so there will be something new to see whenever we visit.

Special events

The Lan Su Chinese Garden is more than a pretty place to walk. It is also like an ambassador of Chinese culture, so you’ll likely have an opportunity to see demonstrations, try out Tai Chi, listen to music or taste new foods.

On a recent day, the garden hosted a calligraphy demonstration; sometimes they’ll write your child’s name in Chinese characters if you ask! Also look for folk art performances, sales of seasonal Chinese treats, family crafts and even story time.

Chinese Teahouse

Inside the Lan Su Chinese Garden, you’ll find a gorgeous Teahouse. More than a restaurant, the teahouse introduces visitors to Chinese foods, teas and ceremony surrounding these traditions.

Run by Portland specialty company The Tao of Tea, the teahouse focuses on teas grown, produced and processed in age-old ways. You’ll find green, black, herbal and other varieties, which are grown in different regions of China.

You can also taste Chinese goodies here. Look for the mooncakes, cookies, dumplings and noodles.

Your off the beaten path family friendly destination in Portland

I travel with kids all the time, so I understand the balance of choosing kid friendly activities and expanding your children’s world through travel. Visiting the Lan Su Chinese Garden with kids is an ideal mix of the two: Kids can wander and explore at their own pace, and they get a taste of Chinese culture at the same time.

Bottom line: Checking out the Lan Su Chinese Garden with kids is an off the beaten path addition to your Portland itinerary. It’s in the center of downtown Portland so is within walking distance of other Portland highlights (including the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Voodoo Donuts and Powell’s), but many visitors skip this gorgeous refuge.

Don’t miss out. When you need an hour’s break from the sensory overload of the city, step inside this peaceful refuge. You won’t regret it.

Have you ever taken your kids someplace that, at first glance, doesn’t seem kid-friendly? What was your experience?

PS – Don’t forget to pin this for later!

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If you’re headed to Bend, OR or other parts of Central Oregon, don’t miss out on visiting the High Desert Museum with kids—or grown-ups! This gorgeous museum is full of exhibits my kiddos loved, and the information goes in-depth enough that the adults will learn a ton, too.

Most importantly, the High Desert Museum is fun and interactive. Whether you’re planning a trip to Central Oregon soon, or you’re considering going in the future, read on for everything you need to know about exploring the High Desert Museum with kids. And don’t forget to pin this post so you remember where to find these tips later!

An immersive experience at the High Desert Museum with kids

I visited the High Desert Museum with my kids, husband and in-laws in August when we took a family camping trip in Central Oregon. It wasn’t the first time I’d visited: Since I grew up in Oregon, we took a trip the museum when I was little—but today’s museum blew away the vague memories I had from my childhood.

I was beyond impressed by Central Oregon’s High Desert Museum, which is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Bend, OR. Yes, the museum included static displays teaching about the region’s history, but it also included live animals, fine art exhibits, interactive and kid-friendly stations and even live music!

When you’re planning a visit to Central Oregon’s High Desert Museum with kids, you’ll want all the details to map out your trip and take full advantage of this family-friendly destination.

Animals at the High Desert Museum

When I first started to plan our trip to the High Desert Museum with kids, I learned that the museum is also home to a whole bunch of animals! Porcupines, owls, eagles, lizards, tarantulas and even river otters delighted my kids. My girls were thrilled to discover parts of the High Desert Museum were more like the zoo!

We planned our trip to the High Desert Museum around the otter feeding time. There, one of the animal keepers tossed fish to the playful creatures in their gorgeous outdoor habitat while explaining river otter behavior.

For example, did you know a group of otters is a romp of otters? Use that tidbit on your next trivia night!

Level 10 travel tip: The otter habitat gets crowded during weekend feeding times, which makes it hard for kids to see. Instead of standing around the outdoor exhibit, go underground, which is much more spacious—and where kids can watch the river otters underwater.

We also loved the aviary, which is home to birds of prey such as owls, eagles and the like. These are birds that have either been injured or imprinted on humans, so they can’t survive in the wild. They live at the High Desert Museum so we can learn about these magnificent animals.

The museum hosts a bird show, Raptors of the Desert Sky. We didn’t go to it this time, but it’ll be a fun addition to our trip on our next visit to the High Desert Museum with kids. Admission is between $3 and $5, and tickets need to be purchased at least a half-hour before the show.

We didn’t want to miss the porcupine family, either. The exhibit is just to the right of the main entryway. For some reason, my kids love porcupines.

Check the High Desert Museum schedule on their website or when you arrive for other animal talks, like the ones about fish, reptiles and other critters.

Hands-on learning at the High Desert Museum

One of the first things we saw in the High Desert Museum with kids was the Hall of Plateau Indians. The girls were fascinated by the teepee and of course wanted to climb in—which they couldn’t do.

They did have an opportunity to learn by touch and asking questions at a volunteer-run station next to the exhibit. There, the girls could touch and ask questions about common plants different Plains tribes relied on for food; they also had a chance to handle arrowheads and other artifacts.

Throughout the museum, you’ll find hands-on learning experiences to engage young kids.

Learn through play at the High Desert Museum

The High Desert Museum is one of many that have come a long way from the old model where kids are told to learn passively—and not touch!

The High Desert Museum has three phenomenal ways kids can learn through play. These interactive areas let kids be kids and expend some serious energy, all while exploring what a high desert habitat is.

Dig, Crawl, Climb!

Just outside the indoor section of the museum, follow a short path past a covered wagon to the Dig, Crawl, Climb! outdoor play space. My girls were beyond excited to find this playground-like area. We had been walking around inside the museum for about 45 minutes, and they were ready to play!

Hands-down, their favorite part of the outdoor play space at the museum was the gigantic spider web. We played spiders and flies with some other families who visited the High Desert Museum with kids.

This area also has a sand pit where kids can dig and a long tunnel kids can crawl through, just like many of the animals who live in the high desert.

Level 10 travel tip: Make sure you have wipes or are ready to return to the bathroom indoors if your kids dig. They’ll be covered in a fine layer of dust.

Miller Family Ranch and Sawmill

Talk about bringing history to life: At the High Desert Museum’s Miller Family Ranch and Sawmill, volunteer actors in period costumes were working on chores and tasks just as their turn-of-the-century counterparts would have done.

My girls were obsessed with washing laundry the old-fashioned way. They took socks and bloomers from the clothesline, agitated them in soapy water, then wrung them out.

Their enthusiasm made me hope they’d be a little more proactive with laundry at home, but so far, no luck…

They also got to draw water from a well and use it to water a garden. This activity was more familiar since they help me in our garden at home.

Finally, we got to see how someone would have used an old-fashioned fireplace to bake! A reenactor was making chocolate chip cookies—though unfortunately she didn’t share the delicious-smelling results.

All the volunteers were in character, so they spoke to us as if they were really living in 1904. The girls are still a bit young to totally grasp that, but they did love the hands-on aspects of this outdoor area of the High Desert Museum.

Whose Home? indoor playground

We think of deserts being hot, but Central Oregon’s High Desert region actually gets a ton of snow in the winter. That’s why having an indoor educational play area is so clutch.

The weather was warm when we visited the High Desert Museum with kids, but my girls loved the Whose Home? play area just the same. There, they could climb pretend cliffs and explore rocky outcroppings—perfect for my littles, as they will seriously climb anything.

The Whose Home? indoor playground showed kids that different animals live in different habitats and find their own niches in the same space. The play area had puppets and even costumes (Maxine was dressed up as an eagle for much of our time here).

Edie’s favorite part was moving little rocks throughout the cliff to find metal replicas of animals, from lizards to spiders. There are so many animals to discover in a real desert, and the Whose Home? play area was a safe way to explore that idea—through play!

Food at the High Desert Museum

We stayed at the High Desert Museum with kids for a half-day, which meant we were all hungry! I didn’t want to risk hangry meltdowns on the way back to our campsite, so we stopped for lunch at the museum’s Rimrock Cafe.

I was quite impressed with the museum cafe menu. Not only did they have kid-friendly food like sandwiches and yogurt parfait cups; they had food that I actually wanted to eat!

I ordered a gluten-free Southwest quinoa salad and fruit; Hubs got a caesar chicken wrap. Remarkably, my kids actually ate a full meal here—I’m not sure if that’s testament to the quality of the food or just that they were worn out and starving from all our play and exploration! Either way, it was a major win. (You guys know already that my kids are picky eaters and that I’ve shared the many ways we encourage them to eat on vacation.)

The Rimrock Cafe has a spacious outdoor seating area. It’s shaded and lets in a comfortable breeze. I’d absolutely recommend eating outdoors here if weather allows.

You can bring in your own food, but the museum asks that you not eat it in the cafe, but rather in Classroom A so cafe patrons have room to sit.

Native cultures at the High Desert Museum

Out West, relationships between Native peoples and settlers were/are complicated—and often violent and repressive. At the permanent exhibit By Hand Through Memory, you can introduce your kids to the real history of how the reservation system affected Native Americans in the High Desert.

I appreciate that in addition to highlighting Native culture by showing beading, headdresses, lodging and other Native traditions, the museum also addresses the exploitative treatment of Native Americans.

This conversation might continue in your travels through Central Oregon. For example, when we drove to Central Oregon from Portland, we passed through the Warm Springs Reservation. The drive gave us a chance to talk to the girls about independent Native nations within our country. It was hard to explain in a way that made sense to them, but starting these difficult conversations early is absolutely crucial in raising culturally sensitive, compassionate and aware young citizens.

More tips to visit the High Desert Museum with kids

Don’t feed the animals—people food makes chipmunks and ground squirrels sick.

Pick your trails wisely—a few of the paths in the museum’s outdoor grounds are steep and rough. Especially if you’re using a stroller or have mobility limitations, stick to the paths marked as easy to navigate on your museum map.

Plan for outdoor exploration. About half of the museum is outdoors, which is amazing: That way, you learn about the High Desert while actually being in that environment! But you’ll need to plan accordingly. On sunny days, lather the kids with sunscreen, and dress in layers. In the winter, you’ll need coats and boots.

Whether you go in the summer, winter, or anytime in between, visiting the High Desert Museum with kids is a wonderful and fun way to get to know Central Oregon.

PS – Looking for more kid-friendly activities in Central Oregon? Read my post on hiking Lava River Cave, the coolest underground lava tunnel you’ll ever visit!

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My in-laws stayed with us this summer but recently left to begin their mega adventure, aka traveling the country full-time in their RV after selling their home and all their belongings. (#lifegoals) To send them off properly, we did a family camping trip in Central Oregon, where we let the kids stay up way past their bedtime to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower under a big sky. During the day, though, we wanted kid-friendly activities in Central Oregon, which is how I discovered the Lava River Cave—a mile-long underground lava tube.

It was incredible.

Hiking the lava tubes in Oregon with kids was one of the most unique family activities I’ve done in my beautiful home state. And even though I grew up in Oregon, I’d never heard of this underground cave, which is just a 20-minute drive from Bend, OR.

If you’re looking for an undiscovered gem your friends and family have never tried, knock their socks off with the Lava River Cave near La Pine in Central Oregon. Read on for all the details you need to explore the otherworldly lava tubes in Oregon—and discover a whole new side of Bend, OR!

Exploring the inside of the earth at Central Oregon’s Lava River Cave

If you’re anything like my family, you like adventure—but the kind of safe, family-friendly adventure where you won’t actually risk losing a limb. Exploring Oregon’s Lava River Cave with kids absolutely fits that bill: It combines lava, underground caves, high-powered flashlights and having zero idea of what’s coming around the next bend for the perfect mix of excitement, anticipation and fun.

These lava tubes in Oregon was formed about 100,000 years ago, when 2,000-degree lava bubbled up from one of Central Oregon’s many volcanic features. After the lava cooled and dried, some of it collapsed—leaving the mile-long tunnel intact. In fact, Lava River Cave is Oregon’s longest lava tube. How lucky are we that we get to explore it?!

The Lava River Cave is part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, full of geologic and cultural highlights shaped by Central Oregon’s volcanic past. It includes lava flows, calderas, lakes, waterfalls and of course lava tubes!

When you hike Lava River Cave near Bend, Oregon, you’ll first descend a set of stairs with a railing into the mouth of the cave. About 40 feet in, you’ll absolutely rely on your flashlight because it gets completely dark—fast!

The first part of the trail is on a metal grate path the forest service built over the collapsed rock on the cave floor. Soon, though, you’ll be walking on the cave itself.

The first stretch of the Lava River Cave hike goes slow, as you’ll pick your way carefully over raised rock and fallen stones. You’ll also go downhill, though there are railings built into the path on the most difficult stretches. For context, my 5-year-old managed this section just fine; my 3-year-old did fine while holding our hand. My mother-in-law has two replaced knees and managed fine, though she had to go slowly.

Soon, you’ll pass the section with rocks on the ground, where some of the ceiling fell off the cave when ice in the cracks loosened the stone. (Don’t worry, the cave is stable now!) The path evens out and becomes mostly flat and smooth. I couldn’t believe we were walking on the same surface that formed 100,000 years ago in these lava tubes!

You may feel an occasional drip of water from above. In fact, when you look down, you’ll notice little divots in the stone, where the water droplets have carved out indentations after hundreds of years. Now that’s patience.

Level 10 travel tip: As you hike these lava tubes near Bend, Oregon, don’t forget to pause often and look around. Shine your flashlight up and to the sides. You’ll notice many different kinds of stone, which are formed depending on how quickly or slowly the lava cools.

Farther along in the cave, you’ll see stalactites. Some of the stalactites are hollow, formed by escaping gases; others were made when the lava remelted and dripped down from the ceiling. These “lavacicles” are thrilling to see, especially for kids! (And for me. #sciencenerdforever)

There is also a section of the mile-long lava tube where the ceiling is very low. Tall adults will have to crouch as they hike along, but you won’t have to crawl.

As you hike deeper into the Lava River Cave, you’ll start to notice sand on the floor of the tunnel. The sand has been left there gradually over the centuries as droplets of water carry bits of volcanic ash and dirt from the ground above.

The cave continues for a mile, though admittedly, my family didn’t make it that far. Groups going at a steady pace will need 1.5 hours to hike the length of Lava River Cave; my girls lasted about 45 minutes.

Although we didn’t get to see the entirety of the tunnel, hiking the lava tubes in Oregon was absolutely something I recommend for your family! I didn’t mind turning back early because it just leaves an excellent reason to return to this family-friendly activity in Central Oregon sooner rather than later.

Hiking the lava tubes in Oregon—everything you need to know

Visiting Lava River Cave with kids (or people of any age) requires just a little bit of planning. Here’s what you need to know:

Bundle up

Lava River Cave is cold: The underground lava tube is a constant 42 degrees year-round, so dress warmly—even if it’s hot summer above-ground. You’ll also need to wear close-toed shoes—no flip flops!—to keep your footing in the cave.

Bring flashlights—and backups

The lava tubes near Bend, Oregon are dark, as in pitch-black. Regardless if you bring your own flashlights, I recommend you also rent at least two from the visitor center at the Lava River Cave. They’re super-bright, and for safety you want at least two (in case one malfunctions).

Level 10 travel tip: Rent a flashlight from the Lava River Cave visitor center for $5. It’s bright enough for you to shine on the lava tube’s walls and ceiling (some of which reach 75 feet high!); your average flashlight isn’t’ powerful enough to reach that far.

Arrive early

You can visit the Lava River Cave with kids from May to October, but it’s busiest during summer vacation. Especially in the busiest months of July and August, arrive before 10 to get a parking spot—and get in.

On a recent August weekend when we visited, we got one of a few final spots—at 9:50am, less than an hour after the cave opened. All the parking spots were full by 10am.

The park ranger explained to me the Lava River Cave has no overflow parking because the limited lot is a way of controlling how many people are in the cave at one time. This prevents overcrowding (so you’re not bumping into a million people underground when you really want a unique, quiet family-friendly activity in Central Oregon) and it would help with rescue efforts in case of an emergency.

Watch your step

This seems like a no-brainer, but when you’re underground in the Lava River Cave, watch your footing and hold hands with your children. Some of the floor of these Oregon lava tubes is smooth and flat, but other parts are rock-strewn and downhill.

The cave has metal stairs with railings in some parts, but in other sections you have to step your way around rocks that fell from the ceiling hundreds of years ago. I recommend that you wear/backpack carry all children under three years old. I wouldn’t have been comfortable with visiting Lava River Cave with kids any younger than 3, unless they weren’t walking on their own, because the terrain is hard to navigate in some parts.

Protect the bats

Lava River Cave is home to a small population of bats, though you won’t see them when you visit—they tuck themselves into cracks in the cave’s ceiling to sleep during the day. Even still, they’re susceptible to White Nose Syndrome, a devastating fungal disease that decimates bat populations.

To protect them, you need to make sure none of your clothing or gear has been worn or used in any other cave. Spores can get on your clothes and gear, then contaminate the next cave you visit—and the spores aren’t completely removed, even after cleaning and washing. And you definitely want to prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome.

Why should you care? Well, bats are an important species for pest control, among many other reasons. Did you know just one bat can eat 1,000 mosquitoes an hour? Thank you, bats!

So far, the vulnerable bat population in the lava tubes near Bend, Oregon is healthy and free of White Nose Syndrome. Let’s keep it that way.

Visiting Lava River Cave near Bend: The details

• Lava River Cave is open May through the end of September.
• Hours depend on the month you visit; the park opens at 9am during peak months and 10am in the spring and fall.
• A daily visitor pass is $5 per car. They also honor these park passes.
• You can rent high-powered flashlights from the visitor center for $5 apiece. The last rental is at 4pm daily.
• Lava River Cave is about 20 minutes outside of Bend, Oregon on Highway 97.
• There are two sets of vault toilets near the visitor center but no restrooms inside the cave. Make sure you and your kids use the facilities before going into the lava tubes!
• Don’t bring your dog—pets are not allowed in the cave, and it’s unsafe to leave them in the car.

A family-friendly activity in Central Oregon you’ll never forget

Before we visited the Lava River Cave near La Pine, Oregon, my girls were beyond excited: “Is it real lava?” “Did it come from a volcano?” “Will we be underground?” They were full of questions.

Once we stepped underground, they were just as enthusiastic. They had never done anything like this—and it’s something they won’t soon forget.

(In fact, my older daughter drew a picture of us exploring this underground cave in Oregon for her “memory book,” a collection of drawings she made about our family camping trip.)

We will 100% for sure be revisiting the lava tubes in Oregon, and I’m so thrilled to share this adventure with you. This family-friendly activity near Bend, OR is unlike any other, and I’m pretty certain you and your kids will love it.

In fact, I’d appreciate your sharing this post by pinning, posting or tweeting because your friends will want to add the Lava River Caves to their adventure bucket list, too. Thank you!

Have you ever visited lava tubes in Oregon, or any other underground cave? What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done with your kids?

PS – If you’re in Central Oregon with kids, check out nearby Paulina Creek Falls, which has a terrific family-friendly hike, as well as the High Desert Museum just outside Bend.

The post Lava tubes in Oregon: Hiking otherworldly Lava River Cave near Bend, OR 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!

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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!

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

You see, camping with kids isn’t always easy—you have to pack for every contingency, try to get kids who are hopped up on s’mores to sleep, and deal with the whole latrine toilet situation. But camping with kids is so worth it, and picking a family-friendly spot like Milo Mciver campground makes it easier.

Just think: Camping with kids means you have dedicated family time away from electronics with nothing to distract you except the call of an owl or a campfire running low on fuel.

Milo McIver Park, Oregon: Camping with the whole family

Camping with kids allows the whole family to unplug and play in the great outdoors, and camping at Milo McIver State Park in Estacada, Oregon is a great place for just that. It’s also a fantastic campsite to visit if you’re not the rugged backpacker-type.

In fact, the Milo McIver campground is one of the better campgrounds to visit with kids. After all, there are so many kid-friendly activities, features, and destinations within the park, your whole family won’t even notice that Baby hardly slept.

(Kidding! Maybe your baby will sleep in a tent like a champ. If so, tell me your secret.)

So if you’re family camping in Oregon, check out Milo McIver park. Here’s everything you need to know, from the campgrounds to disc golf, swimming and more!

Milo McIver State Park Camping

When you camp at Milo McIver State Park near Portland, don’t expect ultra-rustic sites. Instead, you’ll find flat, clean and large campsite—that near everyone else who’s car camping that day. I thought that the sites actually had a good amount of room between them, but you’ll be able to hear and see most of your neighbors.

Milo McIver Park Amenities

The Milo McIver campgrounds are also accessible to RVs (my in-laws joined us with their rig). The campground has an RV dump station and RV hookups.

We were able to easily walk to the flush toilets and shower facilities. And as you can see, fire rings help you keep fires safe.

Milo McIver park has several group tent camping areas, including one near the disc golf course (more on that in a second!). We’ve often wanted to rent a group camping site but haven’t yet.

You can also rent a shelter at Milo McIver’s day-use area. We did this for Hubs’ 40th birthday party. We had plenty of space for our guests to spread out (and nom on his birthday cake, yum yum!). What’s more, the shelter had running water so everyone could wash hands after making fairy wands.

The day-use area is open to everyone, not just campers; you’ll just need to pay the $5 parking fee or get a yearlong Oregon state park pass for just $30.

Level 10 travel tip: Next to the Cedar group picnic area and shelter, you’ll find a tall tree (a cedar I think??) that kids can play in. The branches create an awesome hidey area to play inside. Our littles spent an entire day making it into a fairy castle!

The Best Things to do at Milo Mciver Park: Disc Golf and More 

The great thing about spending a weekend at Milo Mciver Park in Oregon is that there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained! You’ll leave feeling refreshed and your kids will have such fun stories to tell their friends at school.

Milo Mciver Disc Golf

We first discovered Milo McIver State Park when Hubs hit up the park’s 27-hole disc golf course. Since then, he goes disc golfing at Milo Mciver just about every week.

Disc golfing is a wonderful family activity because just about any aged kid can throw a disc (even if not very far), you can go at your own pace (or your kids’ pace), and there is a ton of room for kids to run and explore.

When you’re camping here, you can drive to access the Milo Mciver disc golf park at the north end (by turning left if you’re coming from the park’s entrance). If it’s your first-time disc golfing, let faster groups behind you pass you, and don’t hesitate to ask other disc golfers where you’ll find the next hole. If you’re not already a disc golfer, you can buy or rent discs at the park office.

Level 10 travel tip: Keep a close eye on your kids and other groups when you disc golf. After all, you don’t want your kids to accidentally get in the way of an oncoming disc!

Milo Mciver State Park Swimming Areas for Kids

Milo McIver State Park is nestled along the Clackamas River, and you can access the water throughout the park.

Playing in the Clackamas River

Whenever we go to Milo McIver, my girls want to swim—even if it’s raining out! The park has swimming holes, and there are even more spots great for wading.

Make sure you never take your eyes off your kids—the Clackamas River does have a current.

Also know that the water stays quite cold until mid-summer, so bring cozy towels to wrap up your kids after their swim.

Level 10 travel tip: Our favorite river access spot at Milo Mciver Park is between holes 6 and 7 on the east disc golf park. Even if you’re not disc golfing, you can walk along the riverbend trail to find this sandy, calm spot.

Floating the Clackamas River

The stretch of the Clackamas River at Milo McIver is fairly mellow but has a few baby rapids. For families with older kids, it can be a fun adventure to float (aka “tube”) the river.

There are boat ramps throughout the park. You’ll want to leave a car at the takeout so you can drive back to your campsite—or back to the river to float the Clackamas again!

Please be safe, though: Wear lifejackets at all times.

Visit The Fish Hatchery at Milo Mciver State Park

The park is home to one of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s fish hatcheries. In fact, it’s just a few minutes’ drive (or a hike) from many of the Milo Mciver Park camping areas, making it a fun family-friendly activity if your kids need a break from throwing sticks in the campfire.

My kids couldn’t believe how many fish were in the holding tanks—the surface of the water practically rolled with fish growing bigger and bigger.

I learned a lot about fish in Oregon at the hatchery, too. The fish hatchery raises Chinook salmon and Steelhead, helping populations of these threatened species survive threats like habitat loss.

Camping at Milo McIver: Bat house

When you’re camping at Milo McIver, look up: At night, you’ll see flitting shadows. Yep, those are bats!

Before you get creeped out, remember that these nocturnal animals are eating mosquitoes and other bugs. (Thank you, bats!)

It just so happens that Milo McIver State Park is home to Townsend’s big-eared bat, a protected species in Oregon. You and your family can learn even more about these crucial critters by hiking to the Bat House and going along the self-guided tour.

Level 10 travel tip: The hike to the Bat House at Milo McIver is through an open area so it’s not shaded. Make sure to put sunscreen and hats on your kids, especially in the summer, so they don’t get sunburned.

Milo McIver Park Camping: Even more family-friendly features!

• There are miles and miles of hiking trails all around Milo McIver State Park. Pick up a map at the park office.

• Bikes are welcome on all paved roads but not on any trails.

Level 10 travel tip: There’s a big hill that separates the Riverbend section of the park (with the disc golf course) and the Riverside part of the park (with the campsites). Unless your kids are up for a big uphill climb—or you’re willing to pull them in a trailer—stick to one side or the other.

• During the summer, there are park ranger-led kids activities. Check at the park office for a schedule.
• There’s a beautiful viewpoint near the Milo Mciver park office. Stop by to see the Clackamas River from above.

Looking forward to planning our next Milo Mciver Camping Trip

I’m beyond excited for summer camping this year, and we’ll definitely be camping at Milo McIver State Park again. If you’re looking to head out for the weekend and go camping near Portland, make sure to add Milo Mciver Park to your bucket list!

Looking for more family-friendly camping in Oregon? Check out my post on yurt camping at Ft. Stevens State Park on the Oregon Coast because I’m pretty sure you and your kids will love it as much as my littles did!

Do you have any family camping plans?

The post Milo McIver State Park Camping with Kids: A Family Mecca appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Lost Lake, Oregon on Mt. Hood: Adventure + Fun

Just two hours from Portland, this breathtakingly beautiful spot has everything you need for the perfect family day trip: hiking, boating, camping, yurts, cabins and a general store fully stocked with ice cream. They’ve made it so easy to enjoy Lost Lake, Oregon that it’s practically a crime not to go.

I know that planning day trips with kids can be a little tricky—how far do you go? Will there be something to interest all the kids, no matter their ages? How much food do you pack? Will the hike be too long?—but since I’ve already made this trek, I’m here to share all the details.

Read on to learn all about visiting Lost Lake, Oregon with kids (or even without ’em!). You’ll want to head up Mt. Hood as soon as you can—or at least pin this post for later!

A perfect kids’ hike around Lost Lake

Hiking with my family is pretty much my all-time-favorite thing to do, but we sometimes struggle to find new destinations that won’t be too hard for my kids.

Hiking around Lost Lake with kids is a no-brainer: Not only is it gorgeous, offering postcard-perfect views of Mt. Hood, but it’s entirely flat.

Level 10 travel tip: Part of the loop around Lost Lake is made up of boardwalks. Just go clockwise from the general store to hit up this section. Know, though, this is the busiest section of the trail because it runs along the day use area.

The loop is 3.25 miles, which made it on the long side for my little hikers (ages 2 and 4). My 4-year-old managed the whole hike by herself but I ended up carrying Kiwi for about half of the hike.

Like with all hikes with young children, you’ll want to allow for plenty of stops. While hiking Lost Lake with kids, you might see newts swimming near the shore, patches of snow (we found several even on a hot May day!) and the unfortunately named but absolutely gorgeous blooms of the skunk cabbage. (Check out this picture guide of Lost Lake wildflowers for more to spot!)

About halfway around the lake, some of the trail is washed out. There are two or three stretches of approximately 15 feet where you’ll have to balance on rocks in the river to continue (or do as Hubs did and simply take off your shoes to walk through the water). There are impromptu trails that go up and around these sections but they’re steep and not suitable for young children.

Right in between these stretches, there is a rock beach—perfect for taking a power-up break with the kids. We stopped for snacks but my girls were too busy wading in the cold water and throwing rocks to eat.

Overall, hiking Lost Lake with kids was one of the most rewarding hikes we’ve done with children in Oregon.

Boating on Lost Lake with kids

Last summer while hiking around Trillium Lake, we decided we want a canoe. We haven’t made the leap (yet!) but we rented one at Lost Lake for a practice run. The entire family—including the kids and even our dog—were 100% on board.

Lost Lake offers incredible views of Mt. Hood’s snowy peak, and you get a perfect vantage point from the middle of the lake.

You can rent canoes, row boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards for between $20-25/hour at the general store. Note that during peak season (June-September), they enforce a 2-hour minimum. Life jackets are included in the rental price.

You can also bring your own canoe or other watercraft. The rental price is a bit pricey, but the experience of paddling around Lost Lake and taking in the view of Mt. Hood from the water is priceless.

We’ve been back to Lost Lake since that first day trip from Portland, of course. On our most recent visit—when we camped at Lost Lake—we brought our paddle board. Friends we camped with also brought a kids kayak (which we’re purchasing for our kids’ birthday!).

Our kids are now 9 and 7, old enough to paddle out onto the lake. We also love having one or both kids on a SUP and an adult paddling the crew around.

The views of Mt. Hood from the middle of Lost Lake are stunning. It’s no wonder that this is one of the most-photographed places in Oregon.

Lost Lake Campground

The Lost Lake Campground is a wonderful spot for camping on Mt. Hood. In fact, the campsites here are the nicest of anywhere we’ve camped in Oregon.

That’s a big claim.

Campsites at Lost Lake Campground are enormous. We camp with an 8-person tent to fit our family of 4 plus 2 dogs (one of whom is 100 pounds). Well, our enormous tent fit easily—and we could have fit another one of the same size on our campsite, with tons of room to spare.

Our campsite wasn’t the exception. We camped with 2 other families, for a total of 6 adults and 8 kids. All the campsites were huge! All the kids ran back and forth between the sites, rode their bikes on the loop, explored the woods behind the campsites and even put on a talent show.

Lost Lake Campground has 148 spots, most of which can be reserved. (Reserve your Lost Lake camping trip here.) Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. For summer camping and weekend trips especially, reserve as far in advance as you can. These spots fill up fast. So if you want to camp at Lost Lake, Oregon in July, like we did, make your reservation in January.

There are no flush toilets or showers at the Lost Lake Campground. Well maintained vault toilets are stationed throughout the campgrounds. There are potable water spigots, too.

Lush woods of Doug fir and spruce surround the campgrounds. Our kids climbed logs, made forts and found plenty to do around the site.

Lost Lake Campground is not next to the lake, though. You can hike about a quarter-mile along the Old Growth Trail from Loop A to the South Day Use Area, which we did several times. The South Day Use Area is much less busy than the North Day Use Area because you don’t get the spectacular views of Mt. Hood from there. This area has easier access to the lake along with more picnic tables, though.

If you’re going to the lake for the day, you’ll probably want to drive to a day use area. That way you can pack your picnic, paddle boards or kayaks, dogs and whatever else you’ll bring. If you drive, go early to get a spot. Parking at Lost Lake day use areas is like a competitive sport.

Travel pro tip: Buy campfire wood on your drive in. You can buy it at the Lost Lake General Store for $9 a bundle, but it’s significantly cheaper at gas stations and grocery stores along the way.

Visiting Lost Lake with kids: Everything you need to know

• Lost Lake is just under a 2-hour drive from Portland. To make a whole day of your trip, stop in Mt. Hood on the way back for ice cream—or in Parkdale’s Solera Brewery for even more stunning views of the mountain.
• Entrance to the lake is $9 per car. Parks passes are not valid because the lake is run by a private company, Lost Lake Resort.
• There are vault toilets near the general store but no other toilet facilities on the lakeshore trail.
• The best view of Mt. Hood from the Lost Lake trail is about a half-mile counter-clockwise from the general store, or just a short distance from parking at the North Day Use Area. The viewpoint is well marked.
• Lost Lake is busy on warm days, and summer is peak visiting time. Arrive early (before 10am) for easiest access to parking.

If you liked this post, I know you’ll love my post on other family-friendly day trips from Portland, Oregon. Click on over because I know you’ll find more inspiration for travel with your kids!

Have you ever been to Lost Lake? Would you paddle a canoe with your kids?

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