Oregon | OR

Lava River Cave

Lava River Cave was one of our favorite family field trips while we were staying in Bend. It was incredible exploring this huge cave and seeing the various rock formations created by lava flows. 🥾 The hike is 1 mile long, one way and has a series of steep stairs descending down into the cave. 🔦 Bring flashlights and headlamps or be prepared to rent one there. Our bright bike light was a lifesaver since our headlamps started dimming and did not provide enough light in the total darkness of the cave. 🧣The cave is 42 degrees year round so dress accordingly. 🚙 Vehicle reservations are required and can be made online at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10089508/ticket/10089509

nature

Hood River Children's Park

Perhaps the coolest children's playground ever? Swings, slides, games, monkey bars, tunnels, nets, etc. Good spot to let the kids play. The park has public restrooms, shaded areas to sit, and picnic tables. It's also ADA friendly.

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Otter Rock

Gorgeous beach and great place for beginner surfers! Parking lot and bathrooms at the top. There are steep stairs to get to the beach. There are some tide pools by the rock to check out during low tide. We also saw lots of pacific mole crabs here!

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nature

Hatfield Marine Science Center

This marine science center in Newport is full of incredible hands-on exhibits including tidal touch pools, a tsunami simulator, beach builder, sustainable fishing game and a projected topographic map that changes as you move and shape the sand.

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visitor center

Neskowin Beach

River flows into the ocean creating a slow shallow spot for river play. Gorgeous views of proposal rock. Parking is free and there is a bathroom next to the parking lot.

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nature

High Desert Museum

Indoor and outdoor exhibits, live animal of the high desert, hands-on exhibits and informative, educational and highly engaging talks by the educators at the museum. 🦉We learned all about animal adaptations, high desert ecosystems, the Native American tribes native to the area and the early settlers who made their way to the high desert during the western expansion. 🎟️ Admission for the museum is $20/adult and $12/child during the summer months ($17/adult and $11/child during winter months.) Children 2 and under are free.

museum

Sitka Sedge State Natural Area

Beautiful trails through estuary, forest and leading to the beach! Lots for kids to explore. Very cool observation area on the estuary loop trail. We saw great blue herons, chickadees, juncos, egrets, a chipmunk, gulls, vultures, and an osprey. Several loop options with good maps and signage at every trail intersection.

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nature

Tillamook Creamery

Free self-guided tours of the Tillamook Creamery. Our kids loved learning all about how the cheese is made and packaged and also loved the cheese samples!

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visitor center

Heceta Head Lighthouse Beach

Beach with river play, tide pools and surfing. Parking is $5/day. There is also a short hike to the lighthouse. Gorgeous views!

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nature

Darlingtonia State Natural Site

This unique site has short boardwalk trails over a bog full of carnivorous plants! Short and flat trail from the parking lot. Several signs about the parts of the plants and how they catch insects! We were thrilled to see tons of cobra lilies growing like this.

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nature

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

Next to the giant sand dune at the beach is one of the most incredible and beautiful tide pools. Make sure to check tide charts and go during low tide! Also definitely challenge yourself to walk up the giant sand dune!

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nature

Tillamook Forest Center

The Tillamook Forest Center was an incredible place for a homeschool family field trip. The nature center is full of hands-on exhibits and information on the history of the forest, forest fires, logging, restoration, climate, human impact, and the plants and animals that live in the forest. The boys picked one of the curriculum packets provided by the center and loved the combination of scavenger hunt, questions, drawings and games. There is also a fire lookout tower to climb, a suspension bridge to cross, trails to hike and a river to play in. We love places like this that have a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces to explore— makes them a great place to visit in all types of weather. Admission is free, donations greatly appreciated.

visitor center

LaPine State Park

State Park in the forest with trails along the Deschutes River. Several picnic areas and campgrounds.

nature

Tillamook Air Museum

Impressive air museum with detailed historical exhibits. Full of kid-friendly interactive exhibits and a play area for young children.

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museum

Short Sands Beach and Trail

Short hike through old growth forest to a beautiful, protected beach perfect for surfing and building with driftwood.

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nature

Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory

Small nature center with live animal exhibits and nature trails located on the edge of a small lake. Check for special events like monthly homeschool day programs!

visitor center

Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM)

Incredible collection of vintage airplanes and cars! All of which are operational. The staff and docents are very knowledgeable. They host a fly-in event every September where you can watch old aircraft fly!

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