When you visit the Oregon Coast, the stunning natural landscapes invite you to get out and enjoy nature. But if you have kids tagging along for the adventure, you may need to tailor some of your activities so everyone has a great time. (Like going for a mile hike instead of an hours-long trek, for example). Luckily, our region has something for everyone! From the whimsy of watching taffy being pulled to the thrill of the ocean, there are plenty of Oregon Coast attractions for kids. Here are some of our favorites.
Top 5 Oregon Coast Attractions for Kids
1. Fly a Kite
Gusty winds and miles of coastline make for perfect kite-flying conditions. As one of the easiest Oregon Coast activities for kids, flying a kite is also nostalgic for adults. And who doesn’t cheer when the kite finally takes flight?
If you’re looking for the perfect kite, head to Once Upon A Breeze in Cannon Beach. It’s the oldest kite shop on the Oregon Coast and boasts over 41 years in business. We’re sure choosing your kite will be almost as fun as watching it soar! Then, head to Hug Point State Recreation Site just north of Arch Cape. This breathtaking park has plenty of picnic tables and restrooms, so you can make an afternoon of it with a packed lunch, Frisbee for the dog, and kites for the kids.
2. Taste Some Taffy
Bruce’s Candy Kitchen has offered sweet confections to the public since 1963. Five generations of family have kept the business going, making simple, classic candies for customers. Kids and grown-ups alike will have a hard time choosing from hand-dipped chocolates, peanut brittle, caramels, fudge, gourmet popcorns, and hard candies. You can even watch the staff make taffy right on site! As an added bonus, our Starfish Vacation Rentals’ guest baskets feature a sampling of Bruce’s yummy chocolates.
3. Hike the Oregon Coast Trail
Spanning almost 400 miles, the Oregon Coast Trail is a fantastic place to take young scientists and ecology lovers. Many parts of the trail are accessible from the beach, where kids can admire vibrant sea life in tide pools. For more information, take a look at the Oregon Tide Pool website which includes a species guide and trip tips.
4. Learn to Surf
Oregon Surf Adventures brings families together on the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Their certified surf instructors are extremely knowledgeable about the ocean and water safety, guaranteeing an epic experience. Whether it’s your first time on a surfboard or your 100th time, OSA tailors each lesson to your ability and skill level. It’s something you’ll tell your friends and family about for years to come!
5. Watch the Goonies
Nothing says family night like a bowl of popcorn and a great movie. To unwind after a long day of fun, curl up by the fire and pop in The Goonies. Oregonians take pride in this cult-classic, which was filmed along the state’s beautiful coast and includes shots of Haystack Rock. Nothing will make your kids more excited than seeing the very spots they visited on film!
Book Your Stay with Starfish Vacation Rentals
When it comes to finding lodging for your family, we’re sure we have the right vacation rental for you. Our beautiful homes in Cannon Beach, Arch Cape, Manzanita, and Rockaway Beach offer easy access to the best Oregon Coast attractions for kids. We’ll even help plan your adventure with our complimentary concierge services! Visit our properties page to see what’s available and book your stay today. We look forward to having you!
For more family-friendly adventures, read our blog about the best Oregon Coast towns to visit.
Photo Credit: Siri Stafford | Getty Images