I hope you’re enjoying our “See the USA” series. Hopefully you caught the best of Denver last week and Columbus, Ohio the week before. We’re continuing on alphabetically with letter E and Eugene, Oregon. I’m thrilled to have Meagan from Mommy Travels sharing the top 5 family friendly things to do in Eugene, Oregon because I’ve always wanted to visit the beautiful state of Oregon and see what it’s all about!
Photo credit: Creative Commons (Photo of Owen Memorial Rose Garden)
Top 5 Family Friendly Things to do in Eugene, Oregon
Eugene, Oregon is well known for being a college town since they are the home of the University of Oregon Ducks. But what most people do not realize is that it is also a family friendly city. My kids and I have spent a handful of weekends in Eugene over the last couple of years going to gymnastics meets. Each time we only have a small about of free time, but we have found there is quite a bit to do there.
Skinner Butte Park
Playing on the playground here is hands down our favorite thing to do in Eugene. Skinner Butte Park is a sprawling park along the river. It features an area where people rock climb, extensive bike paths, and it has an incredible playground for kids.
Bike Riding
Eugene is a super bike-friendly community with bike paths everywhere. The bike paths are a great way to see some the beautiful sites in the area without traffic worries. Kids love the extensive bike bridges that connect to paths on both sides of the Willamette River. Along the paths kids can also see lots of wildlife including blue herons, egrets, and pond turtles. There are many outfits in town that rent bikes and deliver them to your hotel.
Cascades Raptor Center
Something truly unique in this area is the Cascades Raptor Center. Located near Eugene is a special wildlife rehabilitation and public education center. You can walk through the grounds along forested hillside trails to get close up views of eagles, owls, falcons and many other raptors. It’s located in the South Eugene hills very close to a popular urban trail known as the Ridgeline Trail—yet another popular venue for families.
Fidgets 2 Widgets
Fidgets 2 Widgets is an activity center based around STEM education. They offer all kinds of interesting programs that your kids are sure to love. Here your kids can learn about math and science using Minecraft or they can take a class on something else that piques their interest like youtube, javascripts, Japanese Amine and many more.
5th Street Public Market –
The 5th Street Public Market located in the heart of downtown Eugene is a shopping destination with an assortment of shops. It is fun to explore and it’s full of family-friendly eateries including Goody’s Chocolate, Ice Cream and Candy Shop.
If you are looking for even more to do while you are in Eugene I also recommend checking out the Kids’ Adventure Club. There they can provide you with suggested activities for the specific dates you are in town!
Have you been to Eugene? What would you recommend?
Meagan Shamy is a family travel expert blogging over at Mommy Travels. At Mommy Travels you will find travel tips, reviews of hotels and restaurants, activity suggestions, and much more. Whether you are on a budget and need to stay close to home, or able to have a luxury European vacation, Mommy Travels will help you plan your family vacation.
