Are you visiting Corvallis with young ones in tow? The city offers so much more to do than wandering around the OSU campus. Here are three family-friendly ideas to entertain everyone, from toddlers to teens plus the parents.
Dinosaur Bones & Georgia Pacific Train Engine climbing structures at Avery Park in Corvallis, by Stacey Newman Weldon.
All aboard! Avery Park’s Lions Shelter offers excellent playgrounds, picnic tables, a strollable rose garden, and wonderfully unique climbing opportunities for the kids with a Georgia Pacific train up the hill from a pile of dinosaur bones. Next, head to the First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op at 1007 SW Third Street to pick up food for a picnic. While there, check out their disc golf collection for the next stop! Head south on 99 (aka Third) to Willamette Park (at the end of SE Goodnight Ave) for disc golf on a top-ranked 18-hole course, biking (with bike rentals available in town), or river fun.
Escape Corvallis, in Corvallis, by Stacey Newman Weldon.
Don’t let grey fall and winter weather keep you and your kiddos from playing! Spend a few hours exploring some great indoor places. Escape Corvallis (301 SW 4th St, Suite 280) has a new room specifically geared for kids ages 4-10 (insider tip: call ahead to reserve and ensure your spot). S&K Wacky Indoor Bounce has inflatables for kids (insider tip: they take same-day Open Play and have a special for Kids Night Out, while parents go elsewhere to play)!
Do your kids have you climbing the wall? Get them to climb too at Valley Rock Gym, which has areas for youngsters ages 4+. Just before dinner, head to The Toy Factory for puzzles, Legos, or other games to take home and play later. Around the corner is Common Fields, featuring Oregon beverages, food trucks, the occasional live band, and plenty of games for kids and adults to play.
Garland Nursery in Corvallis.
Corvallis is a designated "Tree City USA," and hiking the many trails - mainly located on the north side of town- you understand why. But, since you’re in the area, why not try other activities? Stop by Play It Again Sports (On 1422 NW Ninth Street - when you see the big orange rocking chair, you’re close by!) for some new or used golf discs, and then head north on Pacific Highway West (7295 NE Arnold Ave) to Adair Park Disc Golf Course, one of Oregon's highest-rated disc golf courses.
Nearby is Garland Nursery (Garland Nursery, 5470 NE Hwy 20), a fun destination that offers a wide variety of events, or pick up the elements for making your own fairy garden as a reminder of your time hiking in nature. For those who prefer swimming, splash for hours at Osborne Aquatic Center (1940 NW Highland Dr.) and its famous outdoor water park, Otter Beach. For a relaxing meal at a local Mexican restaurant, try Max’s Food and More, located in a former diner at 2475 NW 9th St.
The Corvallis area has over 90 scenic trails, which could be overwhelming knowing which ones to pick. To help you out, check out these parent-approved, kid-friendly hikes and more options for hiking and biking.
Article by Stacey Newman Weldon. Featured photo by Isabella Medina. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
