Oregon Bucket List: 21 Things to do with Kids & Teens

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Oregon Bucket List: 21 Things to do with Kids & Teens

Are you looking for the perfect family getaway to Oregon? Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, you know how difficult it can be to find activities that work for the entire family. From hikes to beaches and beyond, this Oregon bucket list has something for everyone! So buckle up, it’s going to be an unforgettable journey!

Planning a trip to Oregon? Keep up on the COVID-19 information concerning travel to Oregon here.

Fun Things To Do In Oregon With Kids & Teens

Oregon has long been known as a great place to enjoy outdoor activities, stunning views, and cultural experiences. Now, why not experience the beauty and attractions of the Beaver State with your kids or teens? There’s plenty to explore with an Oregon Bucket List– a listing of must-do activities that give you an idea of the many different adventures waiting for you.

From visiting one of the great parks in Central Oregon, checking out Columbia River Gorge’s stunning scenery, or enjoying some time at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach — there is something here for everyone! Discover thrilling hikes like Multnomah Falls, breathtaking hikes through lush forests, and lovely campgrounds tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Whether its whale watching at Depoe Bay or exploring the Cedar Hills Historic District in Corvallis–Oregon is one of those destinations you’ll want to check off your list!

Oregon also offers its visitors experiences such as wine-tasting environments or hot air balloon rides over some amazing landscapes. With so much to see and do — take your kids or teens out into this beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest and give them unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!

Fun Things To Do In Oregon With Family

Oregon with kids and teens is packed with exciting family fun. There is so much interesting history, art and culture to be found in this beautiful US State. Let the landscape, culture, and richness of Oregon inspire you as you explore Oregon with kids and teens.

Your family will be captivated by all of the history and exciting places to explore and learn about in Oregon. These Oregon family travel destinations are great places to add for an exciting family travel itinerary as you explore Oregon. If you want to road trip or learn virtually, keep reading because you can explore and have awesome adventures in Oregon with kids and teens.

Oregon bucket list: Road Trip With Kids & Teens

Visiting Oregon with your family is an unforgettable experience. The state’s diverse terrain and beautiful attractions create an ideal spot to embark on a road trip. With over 320 miles of coastline, towering mountains, and lush forests, Oregon has something for everyone from young children to teens.

Start your Oregon road trip by traversing the famous Troutdale-Cascade Locks scenic highway, viewed as one of the best road trips in the United States. This route will take you through beautiful rock formations alongside winding rivers with views of Mount Hood in the background. Stop off at Smith Rock State Park for some great short hikes and rock climbing lessons or spend a day rafting down class 5 rapids on the Deschutes River.

Every family should also include a stop at the iconic Multnomah Falls in their itinerary where you can walk up to the base of Portland’s largest waterfall or take an easy hike to its summit for some stunning views (tip: bring a picnic). From here, head east toward Hood River – known as one of America’s great windsurfing spots – where you can enjoy many outdoor adventures from stand-up paddle boarding to mountain biking.

Finally, get out into nature either camping or spending time at nearby Crater Lake National Park for its crystal-clear lake reflecting an iconic volcanic caldera that is sure to capture everyone’s attention! These are just some ideas of what you can expect on your once-in-a-lifetime Pacific Northwest journey!

Experience Oregon

Are ready to let your family experience everything Oregon has to offer? If that’s the case, then an Oregon with kids & teens road trip is the perfect way to use the world as your classroom. Road-tripping allows you to explore and experience a place just like the locals. That’s the great thing about road trips (and GPS) you can wander wherever you like. Road-tripping can be such an adventure and a great way to learn.

In our family, road tripping a series of car journeys from one destination to another to do a field trip. A 5-day road trip usually means at least three of those days will be filled with activities and attractions. But if you live locally or regionally, you may decide to take that road trip in smaller chunks and plan several field trips around the great state of Oregon. Below are all the resources you need. Included are super fun ideas that will also super-size your child’s learning about US History, Geography, and famous people & places. So have fun using the world as your classroom with intentional family travel. Let’s explore the historical sites in Oregon!

Things To Do In Oregon with Kids: Historical Sites & Parks

Exploring Oregon with kids can be a fun and memorable experience, especially when it comes to exploring the state’s historical sites and parks!

Cannon Beach is one of the best things to do in Oregon with kids. The stunning views, sandy beaches, tide pools, and hiking trails make it unforgettable. Further south you’ll find Willamette River Park, which is perfect for kayaking and bird-watching. There are also several forest parks in Oregon that offer family-friendly activities, including camping, bike trails, fishing, and swimming.

Washington Park in Portland has even more to offer families visiting Oregon! From the breathtaking rose gardens to the tranquil Japanese Garden there is something here for everyone. On the banks of the Columbia River or on the beaches of the Oregon Coast, you can also explore the tide pools during low tide and take in the unique Pacific Northwest marine life. And don’t forget Smith Rock State Park – this world-famous park offers rock climbing opportunities for adventurers of all ages!

No matter where your family decides to explore in Oregon there will be plenty of things for children of all ages to do! So look no further than this list of historic sites and parks when planning an unforgettable trip with your children!

Oregon Bucket List: Historical Sites & Parks

Things To Do in Oregon With Kids: Museums & Galleries

Oregon offers an incredible array of recreational activities for the whole family, from the cool waters of Crater Lake National Park in the south to the rugged coastlines of the north and stellar vineyards in between. With its rolling hills, mountain ranges, and majestic forests, Oregon is a perfect place for families with kids. With this Oregon bucket list, you’ll never run out of things to do with your kids and teens!

Oregon Bucket List – Local Artists

One of Oregon’s best-kept secrets is its plethora of Museums and Galleries. In Southern Oregon alone there are multiple art galleries such as Rogue Gallery & Art Center in Medford where you can browse unique creations from local artists. Throughout Portland’s Willamette Valley, you will find many small galleries that celebrate amazing artwork done by both new and established artists.

Central & Eastern Oregon Bucket List

The High Desert Museum near Bend showcases exhibits about the area’s indigenous tribes like those at the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. No matter what county or corner of Oregon your family visits these museums can offer interactive experiences allowing an immersive experience into different cultural backgrounds all without having to leave Oregon! Start planning your next activity-filled vacation now with this bucket list which provides tons of things to do with your kids and teens across Oregon!

Oregon Bucket List: Museums & Galleries

Things To Do In Oregon With Kids: Gardens, Zoos & Aquariums

Oregon has something for everyone, even for young kids and teens. Whether you’re looking to discover the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest or explore the vibrant cities, you can find plenty of things to do in Oregon with kids. From visiting the coast and sea lion caves to exploring gardens, zoos, and aquariums, there’s something in Oregon that will appeal to every age group.

For those looking to enjoy outdoor activities around Oregon’s many lakes and rivers, take a trip down to Coos Bay or Florence for some excellent easy hiking trails. Or stay near Portland stroll along Cannon Beach (just 1.5 hours from Portland) at high tide when it’s nearly covered with water.

A visit to one of Oregon’s many famous attractions such as Sea Lion Caves or Oregon Zoo is also an ever-popular activity! Or spend time exploring Portland Japanese Garden where you can find more than 8 acres filled with exotic plant life from Japan including evergreens, cherry trees, meandering streams that form two ponds, and stone pathways throughout. With so many unique experiences available for adults and kids alike in Oregon, there is truly something for everyone!

Oregon Bucket List: Add These To Your Itinerary

If you’re planning a day trip to Oregon with your kids or teens, you’ll want to make sure you add these bucket list items to your itinerary. Not only is the state overflowing with natural beauty, but it also offers some of the best one-day experiences in North America for families and adventure seekers. Highlights include whitewater rafting on some of the wildest rivers in the nation, climbing glaciers, and exploring steep canyons. To get a unique look at its sublime scenery, hop aboard The Mount Hood Railroad—Oregon’s scenic rail line that meanders through evergreen forests, cutting deep gorges and skirting past mighty rivers and snowcapped mountains.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is another must-do during your visit. The festival is held annually from February to November in the quaint town of Ashland. This festival provides families the opportunity to bask in hours of entertaining performances while they all enjoy lunch at one of Ashland’s delicious eateries.

An outdoor lovers list should also include a stop at Thor’s Well. It is an iconic feature found at Cape Perpetua near Yachats. The powerful waves surge up from an opening at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean and forcibly expel water up into its “well”. While more difficult for travelers to witness this phenomenon due to weather conditions, it is quite spectacular when conditions are optimal!

To round out your visit be sure not to miss The Painted Hills Unit of John Day Fossil Bed National Monument. They showcase a ‘one million-year-old’ horizontal, multi-colored claystone hills. There are also the buttes closer relative to Bend just 75 miles away—another must-see attraction for any family vacationing in Oregon!

Oregon offers so many exciting things to do! Museums, outdoor activities, and exciting adventures throughout the state. Are you finding it hard to fit it all in or afford to do it all while you are visiting? Luckily, there are great online resources at many of the museums and parks so you can keep learning about Oregon.

Oregon Places To Visit For Virtual Travel & Learning

Make the most of learning about Oregon by taking a few virtual field trips and incorporating the Oregon State Study pack into your pre-and post-visit activities. Your kids will enjoy hands-on activities and museums more when they have a little understanding of the people and places they will be visiting. Add in a good book, some digital activities to learn history and geography, and some super art for easy ways to inspire and educate. It’s all in these US State Study resources.

Oregon – Use The World As Your Classroom

The Oregon State Study pack makes it easy for your family to have fun learning about Oregon at home (virtually) or on the road.

Learn About Oregon’s Famous People

  • Beverly Cleary – Author 
  • Chief Joseph – Native American Leader 
  • John McLoughlin, – Pioneer
  • Meriwether Lewis and William Clark – Explorers

Learn About Oregon’s Famous Landmarks:

  • Crater Lake National Park 
  • John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
  • Lewis And Clark National Historical Park 
  • Oregon Caves National Monument 

You will also find resources for science, art, and geography to round out a packed week (or longer) of learning resources for kids aged 4th grade to 12th grade.

The  Oregon State Study has all the resources in a PDF. You and your kids can pick and choose which ones you want to complete. It is a carefully curated course for middle/high schoolers. There are exciting videos and selected lessons so your family can easily learn online.

Homeschool, Travel & Learn With The Let’s Study The Americas, the Caribbean, Australia & Oceania Bundle

No more cobbling your curriculum together and hoping it works! Everything you need is included in these World Geography bundles!

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Use The World As Your Classroom

Exploring The Pacific Northwest?

Washington, Idaho & California are exciting stops for families that love to use the world as their textbook. These posts will help you homeschool, travel, and learn together. Have fun! Below are a few more resources to help you use the world as your classroom.

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