Your advice on day trips for a family with young children, originating in Eugene?
In Turner, the Enchanted Forest is super fun if you know ahead of time that this ain’t Disney. In Independence, they have the Wings of Wonder butterfly exhibit. Evergreen Aviation Museum is fun and the Wings and Waves Waterpark is like nothing else!
In Salem there is the A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery House Children’s Museum. Silver Falls is pretty to hike. Splash! Lively Swim Park in Springfield has a wave pool, water slide and lots of other cool things.
There is also a roller rink in Springfield and Cascades Raptor Center is in Eugene. Fir Point Farms has goats that climb into trees to eat! Where else are you going to find that? I love this list as it provides so many activities that involve nature.
If you happen to make it to the Wings of Wonder exhibit, please also stop in Albany, where you find the sweetest Carousel Museum and Carving Studio. Take the tour and see the animals coming to life step by step. You may see carvers hand carving the animals, painters and more volunteers bringing this project to its eventual ending and assembly in about 5 years.
Have something to add What’s Your Answer?
Share your thoughts Answers From Other People
Your comment will be the first one for this story. Some might think of this as a lot of pressure, but as a trail blazer you recognize that someone has to be first. Your fellow travelers appreciate your opinion, so thanks in advance!
Other questions about Willamette Valley
- We plan to be in the Willamette Valley for 2 days. Please suggest a town where we can say that would be convenient for touring the vineyards and sampling some good food without being too touristy.
- Any travel (food, lodging, wine tours) suggestions for the Thanksgiving weekend in Williamette Valley?
- I’m visiting Oregon this summer and want to hit the best flea-markets and swap meets Oregon has to offer. Any suggestions? – Sims J.
About Ask Oregon Expert Debbie Lusk
I love Oregon and everything there is to experience here! I may be found on the back of a black mare riding through wine country with saddle bags full of Oregon wine, or enjoying a cold beer at a local Willamette Valley microbrewery. I am smitten with Oregon and plan to enjoy all of it...one bite at a time! All my experiences can be found on my blog, Sweet Bliss.









