The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, or OMSI for short, is both a landmark and beloved institution in Portland, Oregon. Situated right on the bank of the Willamette directly across from the downtown district, OMSI is one of the best places (and arguably the best place) to take kids in the area. Nate and his friend Jonah get a lesson in the Physics Lab. With multiple exhibits … [Read more...]
Best Beach Towns: What to do with Kids in Bandon, Oregon
September 4, 2010 By
Summer may be drawing to a close, but fall is the very best time to visit Pacific Northwest coastline! The Oregon Coast spoils families with miles upon miles of great beaches and beach towns, but one of our favorites remains Bandon. Located about midway up the coast, Bandon offers a little of everything: small town charm without being too touristy (but just touristy enough), gorgeous coastline, … [Read more...]
Courtyard by Marriott Portland/Beaverton
August 30, 2010 By
8500 S W Nimbus Drive Beaverton, Oregon The Courtyard by Marriott in Beaverton makes for a nice, centralized home base while exploring the Portland area. While we'd normally stay downtown and take advantage of the MAX system, if you plan to visit the suburbs as well as the city center, Beaverton is a good option. We had a mixed bag of service at this location. Prior to arrival, I was … [Read more...]
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
August 19, 2010 By
John Day Fossil Beds (Image via Wikipedia) Kimberly, OR Eastern Oregon offers much in the way of outdoor exploration for families, but the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is often overlooked. There are 3 locations along Hwy 26, but the visitor center and main displays are at the Sheep Rock Unit on Hwy 19 off of Hwy 26 (about 70 miles east of Prineville). There is a fantastic visitor … [Read more...]
Inn at Otter Crest
July 23, 2010 By
301 Otter Crest Loop Road Otter Rock, OR This pit stop submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Renea. Thank you for your support of Pit Stops for Kids, Renea! Touted as 'a place to play on the Oregon coast', the Inn at Otter Crest is comprised of condominium-style accommodations right on the Pacific in a perfect location for family fun. A 35-acre forested complex located between Lincoln … [Read more...]
A Pit Stop a Day (Day 2): Hyatt Place Portland OR
June 26, 2010 By
9750 NE Cascades Portland, OR Our first overnight of our road trip was spent at Hyatt Place in the Portland Airport Cascade Station area. What a great hotel for families (especially families of 5)! The Hyatt Place is definitely geared with convenience in mind, from the spacious lobby with 'guest kitchen' (where you have access to space to heat your own foods or buy freshly-made … [Read more...]
A Pit Stop a Day (Day 1): Portland Spirit River Cruise
June 25, 2010 By
Tom McCall Waterfront Park Portland, OR Our Day 1 route (see map) took us from our home in Southern Oregon four hours north on I-5 to beautiful Portland, where we were fortunate to embark upon the Portland Spirit for a cruise down the Willamette River. The Portland Spirit is a 150' yacht with three public decks, two of which are enclosed and climate controlled. We were met at the dock by … [Read more...]
Sunset Bay State Park
April 25, 2010 By
Sunset Bay State Park on Oregon's beautiful scenic coast is one of our family's favorite destinations. Situated between the tourist hot spots of Bandon to the south and Cannon Beach to the north, it works as a wonderful pit stop along Hwy 101, whether for a picnic, a whole afternoon, or an overnight (or two). If you plan to stay only a short while, park at the picnic/group camping area and … [Read more...]
Umpqua Discovery Center
April 20, 2010 By
409 River Front Way Reedsport, Oregon Set along a boardwalk on the Reedsport Riverfront, The Umpqua Discovery Center is a cultural and historical museum designed to teach visitors about daily life in the town back when it revolved around whether the tide was coming in or going out. (This story not only applies to Reedsport but also to any number of river towns along the Oregon Coast.) From the … [Read more...]
Tillamook Cheese Factory
April 13, 2010 By
4175 Highway 101 North, Tillamook, Oregon Located conveniently along scenic Highway 101 between the tourist towns of Cannon Beach and Lincoln City, the Tillamook Cheese Factory makes for a great pit stop and picnic lunch spot (1-2 hours max). You can take a self-guided tour of the production floor (viewed from above), then sample all the cheese you want (yes you read that right!). Definitely … [Read more...]
