Family travel destinations attractions and things to do with kids in oregon

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Planning a visit to Oregon? This is a great place to enjoy a family vacation, with a wide variety of things to see and do with kids. The Pacific Northwest is known for its rugged natural beauty, and with many different topographies ranging from dry desert to snow-capped mountains to ocean shores, the state of Oregon truly has something for everyone.

There are many attractions in Portland, the states largest city, but one thats just perfect for children is the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). One of the nations top ten science museums, OMSI lets kids explore the science behind everyday things and events. There are five halls of interactive exhibits, including an earthquake simulation and a fossil finding expedition. OMSI also has a 52-foot domed planetarium featuring astronomy and laser shows, as well as an OMNIMAX? theater, one of only 20 such theaters in the U.S. With the IMAX? projection system, each frame is ten times the size of standard film. The five-story domed screen and raised seating platform lets the images surround the audience on all sides, putting them in the center of the action and producing an amazingly realistic sensation.

The rest of the state also has many activities to offer families. One attraction not to be missed is Wildlife Safari, located in southern Oregon just outside Roseburg. The only drive-through wild animal park in the Pacific Northwest, over 500 exotic animals roam freely over acres of grasslands just as in their natural habitat. Elephants, giraffes, bears and zebras can all be easily seen from the safety of your car. The tour is divided into African and North American animal habitats. In the African area there are big game animals such as rhinoceroses, elephants, lions and tigers, while in the North American section are bears, llamas, elk and bison. There is also a great petting zoo, where children can get hands-on with some of the tamer animals.

Another place to get up close with the animals is at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which features over 15,000 animals in its indoor and outdoor exhibits. Rugged rocks, caves and pools showcase a variety of interesting fish and invertebrates found in Oregons coastal shores. You can watch sea otters, seals and sea lions playing and take a stroll in a large walk-through aviary to view puffins and other seabirds. Children will love the crawl-through tank that brings them face to face with baby alligators, and enjoy a close-up look at sea nettles, jellyfish and other ocean-dwellers in a series of beautifully lit floor-to-ceiling tanks. A definite must-see is Passages of the Deep C a 200-foot clear acrylic underwater tunnel spanning three different ocean exhibits. Visitors are completely surrounded by all sorts of creatures that swim or glide by just inches away, including sharks, rays and thousands of different types of fish.

If you visit the aquarium, you should definitely not miss a drive along the Oregon coast. It is truly one of the most beautiful shorelines anywhere, with vast stretches of rocky coast, crashing surf and miles and miles of sandy beach perfect for walking, collecting shells and building sandcastles. If you take a dip in the water, though, be prepared: the Pacific is very chilly, even in the summer months, so those wanting to venture in past their ankles should come prepared with a wetsuit!

One of the most beautiful and popular outdoor spots in all of Oregon can be found at Crater Lake National Park. This is Oregons only national park, and it is also the deepest lake in the entire U.S. It was formed from a volcano that erupted over 7,000 years ago, collapsing to create a huge bowl-shaped crater that has been filled over the years with rainfall and melting snow. Crater Lake is famous for the intense blue color of its water and the spectacular views it offers, particularly from the drive around the edge of the lake. Families can also enjoy boat tours, stay in the historic Crater Lake Lodge or camp and go hiking on some of the parks many scenic trails.

Finally, no visit to Oregon is complete without a drive up to Mount Hood. The tallest mountain in Oregon, it is popular year-round with skiers, hikers, and climbers. On the way up, stop at beautiful Timberline Lodge. Constructed by hand out of native timber and stone, it is a National Historic Landmark and a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the area.

Oregon is a great place to travel with kids, as so much of it is hands-on and made for exploring. It is an easy state to get around in and with so many different options for getting out and enjoying the natural surroundings, you and your family are sure to have a wonderful time.