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A Trip Everyone Can Agree On
Rolling vineyards and beautiful wineries might perk your interest, but the kids are probably salivating for a more action-packed outdoor vacation. And although the Willamette Valley may be best known for its delicious Pinot noir and romantic scenery, Oregon Wine Country is ripe with fun stuff for the rest of the family, as well. Take the tikes on a gallop through a real or storybook forest, glide through the air aboard the famous Spruce Goose, or enjoy some lazy lounging as you float down the beautiful McKenzie River. Give the kids the excitement they’re jonesin’ for and enjoy some Oregon Wine Country exploration of your own with a family visit to the Willamette Valley! Horsing Around in the Wild Wild West Looking for a little amusement or perhaps an afternoon of imagination? Salem’s Enchanted Forest lets visitors of all ages relive days of the Wild West, run the river in a log canoe or take a stroll down storybook lane. With an authentic English village, haunted house and a daily Fantasy Fountain’s Water-Light show, you and your little ones may get swept away with all of the excitement. If your inner Van Gogh is calling, save the ear and check out Albany’s Historic Carousel and Museum, where all are welcome to try their hand at carving and painting carousel creatures. Bring them to life yourself or enjoy a few pointers from on-site artists, then browse some of the beautiful animals already created!  Love to Learn
For moms and dads looking to sneak a bit of education into their vacation, the Willamette Valley’s got them covered. Take a seat in the Governor’s chair at the Oregon State Capitol, and catch snapshots of the kids as they sit in the ceremonial office and reenact some very official business. Guided tours teach visitors all about the history of Oregon, the Capitol building and the state’s legislative process. If Congress is in session, visitors can sit in the Gallery high above to watch real proceedings take place. Before you leave, climb to the Golden Pioneer, a symbol that sits atop the Capitol, honoring the pioneers of the Oregon Trail. Not only is the view of the valley spectacular, but everyone who makes it to the top receives a certificate of achievement signed by the Governor! For those of you with your head in the clouds, glide into the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, home of the famous Spruce Goose. The centerpiece of the museum, the Spruce Goose was built entirely from wood in 1947 by Howard Hughes and is the largest flying boat ever built. And don’t miss the museum’s new IMAX theatre, offering you and your little pilots a surround-sound experience through the air! Go Outside! The Willamette Valley’s natural landscape is perfect for families who hear the call of the great outdoors. Check out the McKenzie River, which flows through the heart of the Cascade Mountains. The McKenzie is great for relaxation and recreation with its mellow rapids and unmatched scenery. Families with children younger than five or those just looking to take it easy can enjoy a calm Float and Feast trip, with snacks along the way. If the weather’s not quite right for a wet and wild adventure, try a horse back ride along the Molalla River or through Mt. Hood National Forest’s many trails. Pony rides and specially trained animals are available for younger cowboys and girls, as well as handicapped riders. For those who travel with their own horses, the Joe Graham Horse Camp near Timothy Lake is an ideal campground with corrals and hitching posts.  The city of Corvallis is a haven for another type
of riders - city, country and mountain bike
enthusiasts enjoy more than 60 miles of bicycle paths throughout
the area. The whole family will enjoy winding trails though this
college town, with the beautiful valley as a backdrop. Even the little
ones can ride along, as most routes are safely tucked away from motorized
traffic.
These great adventures are paired with a lush landscape of mountain and greenery, as well as kid-friendly lodging and restaurants. Stop by a quaint bed and breakfast or try a more high-end hotel, then please even the pickiest of palettes with fresh treats from a local deli or outdoor market. No matter what your age or enjoyment, the Willamette Valley has something to satisfy. Make sure to check out even more kid-friendly fun and watch video of real families as they explore Oregon Wine Country. Belly Flops Allowed! If your little ones love the water, make sure to find lodgings with an indoor pool so they can splash around. Wherever you’re headed, great accommodations are available: All Photos Courtesy of Enchanted Forest |
