A 3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Corvallis

Nestled between rolling hills and the Willamette River, Corvallis is a vibrant college town with small-town charm, scenic beauty, and a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for a family trip. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teens, or a mix of ages, Corvallis offers an ideal blend of outdoor adventures, hands-on learning, and good old-fashioned fun.

Here’s how to spend three family-friendly days exploring Corvallis.

Bruce the Moose at the Corvallis Museum

Morning:

Kick off your trip with breakfast at Odd Bird Cafe, where the kids' menu features mini French toast, grilled cheese, and a yogurt bowl they’ll love. CeramiCafe Art Lounge, right across the street offers a creative space for little ones to choose from unpainted pottery pieces and turn them into works of art. The crew then glazes the piece and fires it in a kiln, which is ready for pick up in five days. Afterwards, walk along Riverfront Commemorative Park, a family favorite with wide paths, sculptures, and a large interactive fountain for kids to splash in during warm weather.

Afternoon:

Pop by the Corvallis Museum run by the Benton County Historical Society to say hello to their mascot Bruce the Moose in the museum lobby. The museum hosts kid-friendly activities and events every month, such as family day, no school arts days, and storytime.

Evening:

Grab lunch at American Dream Pizza’s downtown location, which has picnic tables and open space that’s great for wiggly kids. They offer plenty of coloring supplies for your budding artist and the little dreamers menu which hits the mark in size and affordability.

End the night with ice cream at Sugar J’s Ice Cream Workshop offering vegan-friendly and regular ice cream in a plethora of flavors. Best of all, it’s all homemade, handheld, and absolutely delicious.

Bald Hill Natural Area in Corvallis, by Isabella Medina

Morning:

After breakfast at WiseCracks Café, head to Bald Hill Natural Area. There’s a flat, stroller-friendly paved path plus more challenging dirt trails for adventurous older kids. Watch for deer, wild turkeys, and plenty of other types of birds!

Afternoon:

Pick up lunch from First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op and take it to Chintimini Wildlife Center (by appointment). The kiddos will love seeing rescued owls, hawks, and other native wildlife up close while learning about our state’s ecosystems.

If your little ones need to release more energy, they can get their fix at the Corvallis Indoor Park or S & K Wacky Indoor Bounce. The indoor park is located upstairs in the First Presbyterian Church and has play areas for infants through kindergarten-age children. At S & K Wacky Indoor Bounce, you’ll find bouncy houses, obstacle courses, and games, offering hours of interactive play time.

Evening:

Wrap up your day with a meal at The Old Spaghetti Factory, where the menu is broad enough to satisfy both picky eaters and adventurous parents. Who can say no to a 3-course kids meal that includes an entree, side, and dessert?

Morning:

If it’s a Saturday or Wednesday April through November, start at the Corvallis Farmers’ Market along 1st Street. Local produce, live music, and food trucks make it a hit for all ages. Grab breakfast pastries, fresh fruit, and maybe a mini bouquet from a local grower.

Afternoon:

Go blueberry picking at Blueberry Meadows, which is located just three miles north of downtown Corvallis on Highway 20. The family-run operation has been in business since the 1950s, offering 11 varieties of blueberries.

Have some fun on a working farm. A 45-minute drive takes you to Leaping Lamb Farm, a 60-acre property that offers farm tours. Guests can interact with goats, baby lambs, a rescue donkey named Chip, and a horse called Tater. There are also easy hiking trails on the property, winding into an old growth forest with gnome homes scattered throughout. At the top of the Fairytale Forest Trail sits Merlin the tree, a 650-year old spectacular Douglas fir tree.

Evening:

On your way to grab dinner, stop by Soft Star Shoes, located on Main Street in Philomath. Have custom made shoes made for your kiddos in the 12,000 square-foot renovated warehouse that was once a roller rink from the 1950s through the ‘70s and then an indoor flea market. The two-story showroom even features a cool slide to get from top to bottom of the inside of the store. It's a playful highlight that adds a joyful twist to shopping for handmade footwear!

Order take-out at Birdie’s Pizza, also in Philomath. The small pizza shop offers New York and Detroit style, along with gluten-free crust pizzas. Order them by the slice or by the pie; everything is fresh and locally sourced.

Corvallis may not be as flashy as big-city destinations, but it does offer a relaxed pace with many outdoor activities, and dining options, making it an ideal place for a family getaway. With something to offer every age group, you’ll leave with some new memories and a deeper connection to those you shared them with.

Article by Jean Chen Smith. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.