Oregon and Washington states are filled with places to vacation with children. Plan for the Pacific Northwest's changing conditions from desert hot to mountaintop cold. Whether you're on a budget or have significant funds for the trip, finding vacation destinations in this pair of Pacific Northwest states is easy. The challenge is selecting from the many destinations that offer enriching experiences.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon and Washington State
The Columbia River Gorge offers families 80 miles of scenic beauty. The canyon and the Columbia Rivers create a natural boundary between Oregon and Washington states. Managed by the United States Forest Service, the area offers many parks, outdoor activities, and camping/lodging areas.
Above the river gorge, there are views of snow-capped Mt. Hood, which rises more than 11,000 feet. The Gorge boasts one of the most sought-after windsurfing locations in the world. Children enjoy watching the windsurfers skim along the water from vantage points along the river. For camping on the Oregon side, the Ainsworth State Park offers hiking trails and nearby waterfalls. A camp host provides information about events.
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Ore., is located on the south side of the Columbia River. Outdoor enthusiasts and their children flock to the Portland area for its nature and culture. This area also contributes to environmental sustainable efforts. The downtown Portland area teems with cafes, shops and dining establishments.
The Oregon Zoo blends exotic wildlife and native animals, with daily "Keeper Talks" to give kids a chance to ask questions about their favorite animals. The zoo restaurants offer sustainable food, such as wild salmon, as well as compostable picnics and shade-grown coffee for grown-ups. Across from the zoo, the Portland Children's Museum is designed to let children use their creativity through camps, classes and school arts programs. Bring a sack lunch, and watch the children play for hours.
Spokane, Washinigton
Located in northeastern Washington, Spokane sits near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, roughly 30 miles west from Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Formerly called Spokane Falls, Spokane offers a history enriched by the area's tribes, such as the Spokanes and Coeur d' Alenes.
Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane offers children lots to do. The vintage Loeff Carousel sits right on the river, with beautiful riverviews from the carousel, where riders can reach for the brass ring. Other nearby sites of interest include Bowl and Pitcher State Park, just to the west of Spokane, with more views of the Spokane River.
Mount Rainier
Situated in a national forest bearing its name, Mount Rainier stands over 14,000 feet tall, and overlooks the Cascade Mountains. The Mount Rainier National Forest provides families and children with a wealth of nature experiences. You can find spring flowers in the meadows, plenty of waterfalls and streams, and a variety of fresh-scented trees.
Families with children often choose to stay in cabins when visiting this area, as the mountain evenings can become too cold for tent camping. With the cabin as home base, taking children on day hikes on nearby trails, where the kids can explore streams and other natural elements, becomes easier.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Wash., is filled with child-friendly destinations. With wide views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains to the west, Mount Rainier to the southwest, and the Cascade Mountains to the east, Seattle's quaint neighborhoods, pleasant parks, variety of eateries and Pike Place Market engage children for hours.
The Pike Place Market is a major destination. Hundreds of vendors offer locally grown flowers, fruit and vegetables. At the fish market, kids delight in listening to the fish-sellers sing as they call out orders and toss fish for the crowd's amusement. Downstairs are more shops with books, jewelry, clothing and health food. There are many ethnic, vegetarian and gourmet restaurants, as well as nearby shops and parks.
Member Comments