Have you visited the Oregon Coast? It’s beautiful, and from Eugene it’s an easy one hour drive to Florence, which has all kinds of things to do — giant sand dunes to explore, a historic lighthouse, nice beaches, some pretty hikes. Your kids might like going for dune buggy rides or going sandboarding (like snowboarding, but down sand dunes!). You can visit the Sea Lion Caves or go whale watching. Or just walk on the beach, which is one of my favorite things to do when I go to the Coast. Eugene, Cascades & Coast has some great ideas about exploring the region of the coast that’s just west of Eugene.

You could also head the other direction from Eugene — east into the Cascades — and hit a couple of easy but beautiful waterfall hikes. Sahalie & Koosah falls are easy to get to and not very strenuous, but gorgeous. You can hike to both waterfalls from the same trailhead, With all the water we’ve had this winter and spring, the flow over the falls should be spectacular this time of year! Takoda’s Restaurant in the little town of Rainbow is a great place to go for lunch if you head that direction.

You could also head north to the Woodburn Tulip Festival. It’s only open at this time of year, and though the blooming season is often over by late April, this season it has been extended to May 7, so if it’s something that you’re interested in, you should take the chance to do it now! You’ll be able to see acres and acres of gorgeous tulips and get some great photos. (Although be warned, it can be busy on the weekends)

I hope you have a great visit to Eugene this weekend and you get some good exploring in!