Exploring Oregon with your kids is a lovely way to create a memorable family vacation. Whether you’re an Oregon resident, from a neighboring state, or are just curious about the Pacific Northwest, traveling through this gorgeous, ecologically diverse state will help you connect with nature and discover new favorite spots.
It’s also a particularly great place to bring your kids because there’s so much to do, ranging from educational museum visits to afternoons splashing around at water parks.
Our favorite Oregon family vacation spots include Sun River, Cannon Beach, Arch Cape, Willamette Valley, and Bend. Keep reading to learn our top activity picks for each location, and consider booking a curated vacation rental to get the most out of your stay.
1. Sun River: Your Outdoor Oasis in Central Oregon
Located in the heart of Central Oregon just off the Dalles California Highway, Sun River is less than half an hour away from Bend and less than four hours from Portland.
Sun River is an outdoor adventurer’s dream– there’s hiking, biking, swimming, and several nature exhibits and museums.
It’s perfect for families because it offers a good mix of structured and unstructured activities, along with outdoor trails ranging from leisurely to challenging. Both the adults and kids in your group will be able to stay engaged with fun things to do– meaning while you’re there, you’ll be unlikely to hear “I’m booored” on repeat.
When planning your Sun River itinerary, we recommend you check out the following:
- SHARC Aquatic and Recreation Center — SHARC is one of the most popular family attractions in Sunriver, open year-round with both indoor and outdoor aquatics. The outdoor water park, open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, includes a lazy river, two waterslides, a Tiny Tots pool, a sand play area, and a large grass area for lounging. The indoor facility keeps the fun going in cooler months with a heated lap pool, hot tub, and more, all staffed with certified lifeguards.
- Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory — The Sunriver Nature Center is a great half-day outing for curious kids of all ages. During the day, families can explore live-animal exhibits featuring birds of prey, reptiles, and amphibians, walk the nature trail around a scenic pond, and check out the botanical garden. At night, the Oregon Observatory, the largest publicly accessible observatory in the nation, opens for stargazing sessions under the remarkably clear Central Oregon sky. Family programs run on select days and are designed for all ages.
- Lava Lands Visitor Center — Located just outside Sunriver within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Lava Lands is a fascinating stop for families with kids who like learning about geology and volcanoes. The visitor center has a 3D topographic map, daily films, and ranger talks that explain how a major eruption 6,100 years ago shaped the landscape. From there, you can walk the short Trail of Molten Land through actual lava rock, and take the seasonal shuttle to the top of Lava Butte for sweeping panoramic views of Central Oregon. Open mid-May through mid-September; a $5 parking fee or recreation pass is required.
- Benham Falls Trail — Benham Falls is one of the most popular easy hikes near Sunriver, following a mostly flat trail along the Deschutes River through a ponderosa pine forest to a dramatic stretch of whitewater. The falls themselves the river churning through large volcanic boulders are a great payoff for kids who might not be up for a longer trail. The 6-mile paved bike path connecting Sunriver to the falls is also a good option for families on bikes.
2. Cannon Beach: Coastal Adventures Close to Home
Cannon Beach is famous for its iconic Haystack Rock, a monolithic rock structure that is home to a tide pool ecosystem (meaning you can spot animals like starfish, sea anemones, and crabs). It also serves as a nesting site for seabirds.
Ecola State Park is about three miles north and includes old-growth rainforest, dramatic clifftop views, and the historic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. After hiking, wading, and exploring, head to downtown Cannon Beach for fresh seafood, local art, and boutique shopping.
Be sure to visit the following:
- Haystack Rock Tide Pools — At low tide, the base of Haystack Rock is exposed and filled with sea stars, hermit crabs, anemones, and small fish that kids love to spot up close. Volunteer naturalists from the Haystack Rock Awareness Program are on-site during low tide periods to help families identify what they are looking at and answer questions it is a free, educational, and genuinely fun experience. Check the tide tables before your visit to get the most out of the pools.
- Ecola State Park — Ecola State Park, just three miles north of Cannon Beach, offers some of the most scenic coastal hiking on the Oregon Coast, with forested trails leading to clifftop overlooks above the surf. The trail down to Indian Beach is a local favorite and a manageable hike for families with older kids. The views from the main viewpoint, a sweeping arc of beach backed by forested headlands, are some of the best in the state.
- Hug Point State Recreation Site — Located just a few miles south of Cannon Beach, Hug Point is a fun stop for families that packs a lot into a short stretch of beach. At low tide, you can explore small sea caves carved into the basalt cliffs, find tide pools along the rocky headlands, and walk along an old stagecoach road cut directly into the cliff face. There is also a small waterfall that drops right onto the beach, which kids tend to find endlessly entertaining.
- Ecola Seafood Restaurant & Market — A casual counter-service spot right in town known for its Dungeness crab, clam chowder, and fish and chips made from locally caught seafood. It is an affordable, easy option for families who want a quick, good meal without a wait, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy hungry kids after a full day at the beach.
3. Arch Cape: Discover a Hidden Coastal Gem
Less than ten minutes away from Cannon Beach, you’ll find the community of Arch Cape.
Arch Cape feels intimate, tucked away, and private. The community is so small that it doesn’t even have retail stores or a post office– it shares those resources with Cannon Beach. Its size and proximity to untouched coastline make it a great place for quiet connection and reflection with your favorite people.
Ideas for how you can make the most out of your visit to Arch Cape:
- Oswald West State Park and Short Sand Beach — Oswald West State Park begins right at the southern edge of Arch Cape and is home to Short Sand Beach, a beautiful cove that is just a half-mile walk through the trees from the parking area. The trail follows Short Sand Creek through old-growth Sitka spruce and crosses a fun railroad-style bridge before opening onto a wide, sheltered beach. The cove is popular for boogie boarding and surf watching, and the tide pools along the beach are excellent for families. Parking is free.
- Arch Cape Beach tide pooling and cave exploring — The rocky shoreline around Arch Cape is well-suited for exploring at low tide, with good tide pools and small sea caves accessible along the beach when conditions allow. Kids enjoy spotting sea stars, crabs, and anemones tucked into the rock pools. Always check tide times before heading out and keep a close eye on the water, especially near any cave openings.
- Hiking the Oregon Coast Trail through the park — A 13-mile stretch of the Oregon Coast Trail runs through Oswald West State Park, beginning right at the community of Arch Cape and extending south to Manzanita. Families can hike shorter sections of this route through old-growth coastal rainforest, with access to clifftop views and secluded beach overlooks along the way. The Cape Falcon Trail, accessible from the main Oswald West parking area, is a popular family hike at about 5 miles round trip.
- Pack a picnic and spend the day on the beach — Arch Cape is the kind of destination where slowing down is the whole point. The beach here is wide, quiet, and less crowded than Cannon Beach just up the road. Bring lunch, a frisbee, or a kite, and let the kids have an open afternoon on the sand. Journals and art supplies are also a good addition for kids who like to sketch or write while they take in the scenery.
4. Bend: Your Central Oregon Outdoor Getaway
Located in the high desert of Central Oregon, Bend offers interesting scenery and plenty of family-friendly attractions. For those living in Oregon or nearby, it's a great spot to spend a long weekend because everyone in your family will find something that suits their interests.
Bend is on the Deschutes River and close to the Cascade Lakes– consider scheduling your getaway in the summer so you can enjoy the water as much as possible.
Reasons Bend is a great destination for families with kids:
- High Desert Museum — The High Desert Museum is consistently rated as the top attraction in Central Oregon and is one of the best family museums in the Pacific Northwest. Set on 135 acres, it combines live animals with hands-on exhibits covering the natural history, Indigenous cultures, and pioneer heritage of the region. Daily programs include a Bird of Prey Encounter where owls and hawks fly just overhead, otter talks, and guided nature walks. Kids ages 3–12 are $13; children 2 and under are free. Plan for at least two to three hours.
- Cascade Lakes swimming and kayaking — The Cascade Lakes just west of Bend offer some of the best freshwater swimming in Oregon, with warm, clear water in summer and beautiful mountain scenery all around. Elk Lake, Hosmer Lake, and Cultus Lake are all popular family destinations with easy beach access and on-site canoe and kayak rentals. Cultus Lake also has a small waterslide and swimming area that is particularly popular with younger kids.
- Bend Whitewater Park — The Bend Whitewater Park on the Deschutes River is a free, family-friendly attraction in the heart of downtown where families can watch kayakers surf the engineered rapids, wade in the calmer sections of the river on a hot day, and picnic at the adjacent Drake Park along Mirror Pond. The entire stretch of the Deschutes through downtown Bend is walkable and a great way to spend a few easy hours.
- Tumalo Falls — a beautiful 97-foot waterfall about 12 miles west of Bend which makes for a rewarding and accessible family outing. The short trail to the base of the falls is easy and suitable for younger kids, and the falls themselves are impressive enough to make the trip feel worthwhile. The area can be busy in summer, so arriving early on weekends is recommended. A Northwest Forest Pass or a $5 day-use fee is required for parking.
5. Willamette Valley: Experience Oregon's Natural Beauty
Willamette Valley, located in Oregon between the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is a perfect destination for a family vacation. Known for its lush landscapes, charming small towns, and rich cultural history, this region offers a variety of activities that can appeal to families of all shapes and sizes.
Ideal for families of all sizes, the Willamette Valley offers the perfect mixture of family-friendly attractions, natural beauty, and educational opportunities. Although this area is well-known for its vast vineyards, it also features a variety of farms where you can enjoy fruit-picking and fun orchards. For a fun, interactive experience, stop by the Willamette Valley Lavender Farm during bloom season or explore local farmers' markets. Whether you're enjoying farm-to-table dining or picking fresh berries in the summer, the Willamette Valley provides something for every member of the family to enjoy.
We recommend checking out the following places for a fun time with family:
- Silver Falls State Park — Trail of Ten Falls — Silver Falls is Oregon's most popular state park and home to the Trail of Ten Falls, a 7.2-mile loop that passes ten waterfalls, five of them over 100 feet tall, and walks behind four of them. The full loop is moderate and suitable for families with kids who are comfortable hiking. Shorter options are available: a 2.8-mile loop gets you to South Falls and Lower South Falls with a walk-behind experience, and a 0.7-mile out-and-back from the South Falls parking area shows the main falls with minimal effort. Day-use parking is $10. No pets allowed on the Canyon Trail.
- Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum and Wings & Waves Waterpark — Located in McMinnville, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is home to the famous Spruce Goose Howard Hughes' enormous wooden flying boat along with over 150 historic aircraft and spacecraft spread across two large exhibit halls. Right next door is Wings & Waves Waterpark, Oregon's largest indoor water park, featuring ten waterslides, a wave pool, and the park's signature attraction: four waterslides that start inside a real Boeing 747 parked on the roof. Combo tickets are available for both attractions, making it an easy full-day outing. The museum is open daily 9 am–5pm; admission starts at $13 for kids ages 5–15.
- Willamette Valley Lavender Farm — During bloom season, typically June through July, the lavender farms of the Willamette Valley make for a beautiful and easy family outing. Kids can pick their own lavender bundles, walk through the fragrant fields, and browse the farm shop. It is a simple, low-key activity that younger children in particular tend to enjoy, and the setting is great for family photos.
- The Oregon Garden — Located in Silverton, an 80-acre botanical garden with a dedicated Children's Garden featuring interactive water features and play areas designed for younger visitors. The broader garden is beautiful to walk through at any time of year, and the grounds include a restored Frank Lloyd Wright home available for tours. It is a relaxed and scenic half-day option that works well for families with a range of ages.
Make the most of your Oregon family getaway– book a vacation rental through The 100 Collection.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes each of our partners in the area the perfect choice when choosing your Oregon accommodations.
Bend Vacation Rentals by Arrived offers a wide variety of cozy houses that sleep between 4 and 14 people. These houses are varied in location– some are surrounded by forest, and others are right on the water. The views are beautiful across the board.
Cannon Beach and Arch Cape Vacation Rentals by Beachcomber Vacation Homes offer lovely, naturally-lit beachside homes that sleep between 4 and 24 people– perfect for extended family gatherings such as reunions, birthday celebrations, or weddings.
Sunriver Vacation Rentals by Arrived offer warm furnishings and rustic elegance. They sleep between 6 and 16 people, and will provide a comforting home base to return to after adventuring all day.
Willamette Valley Vacation Rentals by Lifestyle Properties provides a home away from home, regardless of family size. With accommodations for groups between 1 and 13 people, there is truly something for everyone. Enjoy homes in various locations throughout the valley, from charming small-town bungalows to homes nestled right in the vineyard.
Of course, all of our Oregon partners offer top-notch amenities as well, including comfortable furnishings, crisp linens, Smart TVs, and kitchen and dining areas that can feed a crowd. Start looking for your perfect rental today!
