5 Budget-Friendly Activities for Oregon Families
Beat the hot sun and summer boredom with these family-friendly activities and events recommended by RISE Services, Inc. Oregon. The five locations below feature a variety of activities, are free or low-cost to enter, and provide accessibility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our team wishes you a summer full of fun and lasting memories as you and your family enjoy these parks, centers, and trails.
1. Lively Park
Free admittance for the entire family, Lively Park, in Thurston, OR, features an 8,000-square-foot playground with picnic tables, adjustable basketball hoops, and nature trails. Bring a picnic lunch, your walking shoes, a basketball or two, and your furry family member who can play in the attached four-acre dog park. There is accessible parking, ADA-compliant bathrooms, and wheelchair access available.
2. Pendleton Bronze Trail
Located in downtown Pendleton, the Pendleton Bronze Trail presents 22 life-size statues highlighting various people and places in the city’s history. The walking tour begins on Main Street and runs a little less than a mile, which may be ideal for families with little ones or youth with IDD. Each statue has informational plaques describing the artwork and narrating the displayed subject’s historical significance.
3. Always Free Safari Village
The Always Free Safari Village in Winston, OR, showcases animal exhibits and interactive events for children and teens. Kids and adults can feed goats and pet donkeys at the Children’s Petting Zoo, and visitors can feed Koi fish in the village pond. Your family can explore the Australian Walkabout experience, take a tour on the Village Train, and enjoy exciting camel rides. This encounter provides ADA accessibility throughout the grounds and provides free admittance.
4. Eugene Science Center
Free for family members of all ages, the Eugene Science Center has something for everyone to enjoy. There are exhibits to explore various subjects, such as astronomy, nanotechnology, and fossils. Discover all the planets in our solar system with the one-of-a-kind Eugene Solar System Trail. To provide science exploration for all individuals, the center offers sensory-sensitive evenings and resources, including noise-reduction headphones, weighted lap pads, floor cushions, and more.
5. Washington Park
Washington Park, near downtown Portland, OR, is full of trails, flower gardens, playgrounds, and more for the entire family. The Hoyt Arboretum contains more than 2,300 species of trees from all over the world planted along 12 miles of trails. From May through October, you can view over 10,000 roses in the International Rose Test Garden, and The Rose Garden Children’s Playground is accessible for individuals living with IDD and includes swings, slides, a sand pit, and restrooms. While these three features are free, other park exhibits may charge a fee for admittance.
Serving Families & Individuals with IDD
At RISE Oregon, we provide opportunities for children, adults, and families through our services and programs for individuals living with disabilities. Our Host Homes offer compassionate care and safe environments for children and youth with IDD who cannot live with their biological family. Contact us today to learn more about our Host Homes and other programs, including supported living and in-home and community services.
“Best Free Things to Do in Oregon,” Tripadvisor, June 21, 2024, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28958-Activities-zft11292-Oregon.html
