Unplug and Explore: Oregon’s Best Year-Round Outdoor Activities for Families
Oregon is a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering unique outdoor activities that captivate kids and adults alike, no matter the season. Getting your kids off digital devices and into nature isn’t just about fun—it’s about fostering creativity, boosting mental health, and building lifelong memories. Screen time can dull curiosity and sap energy, while nature sparks adventure and connection. Studies show kids who spend time outdoors are happier, healthier, and more focused, with reduced stress and better physical fitness. Oregon’s diverse landscapes make it the perfect playground to ditch the screens and embrace the wild. Here are some of the state’s most unique outdoor activities to enjoy year-round, designed to get your family moving and exploring.
Spring: Bioluminescent Kayaking on the Oregon Coast
Picture this: paddling through the inky waters of a coastal bay as tiny glowing organisms light up with every stroke of your paddle. In spring, when plankton blooms peak, bioluminescent kayaking in places like Netarts Bay or Nehalem Bay is pure magic. Guided tours with companies like Kayak Tillamook offer kid-friendly outings, teaching about marine ecosystems while delivering a glowing adventure. It’s a surreal, nature-driven light show that’ll have your kids forgetting their screens in no time.
Why It’s Unique: The glowing waters are a rare natural phenomenon, and Oregon’s coast is one of the few places in the U.S. where families can experience it safely.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Opt for early evening tours to keep it short and sweet for younger adventurers.
Summer: Lava Tube Exploration in Central Oregon
Summer in Oregon means warm days perfect for exploring the state’s volcanic past. Near Bend, the Lava River Cave in Newberry National Volcanic Monument lets families walk through a massive lava tube formed thousands of years ago. It’s a cool, underground adventure where kids can imagine they’re explorers in a secret world. The cave stays a constant 42°F, so it’s a refreshing escape from summer heat. Bring flashlights and sturdy shoes, and let your kids lead the way through this natural tunnel.
Why It’s Unique: Few places let you walk inside a volcanic lava tube, and the cave’s scale and eerie beauty make it unforgettable.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Rent lanterns from the ranger station to make it feel like a treasure hunt.
Fall: Foraging for Wild Mushrooms in the Willamette Valley
Fall in Oregon is mushroom season, and the Willamette Valley’s lush forests are a forager’s paradise. Join a guided mushroom foraging tour with experts like those from the Oregon Mycological Society to hunt for chanterelles, morels, or matsutake. Kids love the scavenger-hunt vibe, learning to spot edible fungi while tromping through vibrant autumn woods. It’s a hands-on way to connect with nature and learn about local ecosystems.
Why It’s Unique: Oregon’s forests are among the best in the world for wild mushrooms, and foraging teaches kids to appreciate nature’s bounty.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Pair the hunt with a picnic to keep energy high, and always verify finds with a guide to stay safe.
Winter: Snowshoeing to Frozen Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge
Winter transforms the Columbia River Gorge into a sparkling wonderland, and snowshoeing to frozen waterfalls like Multnomah Falls or Latourell Falls is a family-friendly thrill. Rent snowshoes from local outfitters like Next Adventure in Portland, and follow easy trails to see cascading water locked in ice. The quiet of a snowy forest and the sight of frozen falls create a magical experience that screens can’t replicate.
Why It’s Unique: Seeing iconic waterfalls frozen in place is a rare winter spectacle, and snowshoeing is easy for kids to pick up.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Stick to shorter trails and pack hot cocoa for a cozy break.
Why Nature Beats Screens for Kids
Kids today spend an average of 7 hours a day on digital devices, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. That’s time stolen from physical activity, imagination, and real-world connections. Nature, on the other hand, boosts mood, sharpens focus, and builds resilience. Oregon’s outdoor activities engage kids’ senses and curiosity in ways no app can match. Whether it’s glowing waves, ancient caves, or frosty falls, these experiences teach kids to value the world around them and create stories they’ll share for years.
So, pack up the family, leave the devices behind, and let Oregon’s wild beauty work its magic. Your kids will thank you—maybe not today, but definitely someday.
