Spend a Weekend Outdoors with the Whole Family
Family-friendly outdoor activities abound in Corvallis, Oregon. Try rock climbing at Valley Rock Gym, explore hiking trails at Bald Hill Natural Area, and discover gigantic dinosaur bones at Avery Park. In between adventures, refuel at local eateries that specialize in healthy, hearty food.
Saturday
Start your weekend away at Valley Rock Gym. They offer 8,000 square feet of climbing terrain, including two youth climbing areas, five 20-feet auto belays, climbing training zones, a party room, a fitness area, and a yoga studio, as well as locker rooms with showers, family bathrooms, and a gender-neutral bathroom with a shower. They offer a special day use rate for youth (under 13), and shoe rentals are free for first-time visitors.
After you’re done climbing, go to Ants on a Log Cafe, which is conveniently located in the same building. They offer coffee, smoothies, seasonal salads and soups, and lots of other yummy, healthy snacks and small bites, perfect for a quick breakfast or lunch. They source all their ingredients from local farms, and cater to a variety of dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and peanut-free, and they even offer a few nut-free options. Their food is organic, too, and they work hard to be sustainable and environmentally friendly, as well.
If you have time left over after your climbing adventure, head to the Corvallis Museum, which is conveniently located downtown. Greet Bruce the Moose in the lobby before checking out their exhibits. Some of the exhibits are permanent, including one about Benton county's history, and some rotate. Be sure to check their events calendar before you go: they often have kid-friendly activities happening.
Corvallis has lodging options to fit everyone's needs. Courtyard by Marriott Corvallis provides comfortable rooms at the heart of downtown, and Hilton Garden Inn is close to OSU's campus. If you're traveling with your pet, consider Hotel Corvallis, a retro-inspired boutique hotel.
Sunday
Start your day off at Wise Cracks, a local favorite that has a dedicated kids play area, and a menu full of breakfast classics. There are options for every type of eater: pancakes, waffles, and eggs straight from the griddle, or 3-4 egg omelets full of cheese, meats, and veggies.
Head west to Bald Hill Natural Area after you’ve eaten your fill. There, you’ll find 5+ miles of trails of varying lengths and difficulties. The 1.5 mile paved multi-use path is perfect for those with young kids or strollers. Or, if you feel like riding instead of walking, it’s also a great place to bring rented bikes! For those with older kiddos who can take on more challenging terrain, hike to the summit of Bald Hill and take in the views of Corvallis.
Following your hike, drive back into town to First Alternative Co-op to pick up a picnic lunch. Take your picnic to Avery park, one of the city’s most popular parks. Set up lunch at one of Corvallis’ oversized picnic tables (measuring in at a whopping 84’ feet long!). After you’re finished eating, spend the next several hours exploring all Avery Park has to offer: a rose garden with gigantic, replica dinosaur bones, several play structures, a mile-long walking path, and a historic Georgia Pacific Locomotive.
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