Relaxing Family Time: Unwind on the Oregon Coast with Kids

Plan to take advantage of the serene and scenic Pacific Northwest area for a relaxing time on the Oregon Coast with kids. Spend leisurely days on the beach, building sandcastles or flying kites. Take short nature walks while looking for wildlife along the way. Stay in a family-friendly hotel, vacation rental, or resort for an even more family-friendly experience. Finally, and most importantly, take a break from electronics and screens to emphasize quality time with each family member.

Below is a brief guide about the Oregon Coast for families preparing their next vacation together. We’ll share multiple relaxing family activity ideas such as beachcombing, nature walks, bike rides, indoor fun, and more. We recommend that families make the most of their trip to the Oregon Coast with kids by planning ahead of time. Considering your children’s ages and interests will help you plan a family trip everyone will love and enjoy.

Why Choose the Oregon Coast for Family Relaxation

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The Oregon Coast offers a mix of picturesque landscapes, outdoor activities, and charming coastal towns. Across the coast, families can experience adventure, beach time, whale watching, and more. Relaxing spots to check out when visiting the Oregon Coast with kids include tide pools, aquariums, and watching stunning sunsets. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodations, from resorts to hotels to campgrounds.

Planning a Relaxing Family Getaway on the Oregon Coast

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For families planning to visit the Oregon Coast with kids, the best time to plan the trip for a relaxation vacation is during the off-season. Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons are less crowded than Summer, but remember that the winter and spring months can have unpredictable rainy or stormy weather. Plan to visit in September and October to have a better chance of seeing whales. Some family-friendly coastal towns include Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Lincoln City.

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Beachcombing and Sandcastle Building

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The Oregon Coast is great for families and children who are seashell enthusiasts or love the adventure of finding new shells along the coastline. Shells commonly found on the coast include clam shells, mussel shells, cockle shells, and moon snail shells. Research before taking shells home from the Oregon Coast with kids to ensure adherence to local laws and regulations, as this may be banned in some significant areas. Families can also dive into sandcastle building or play games on the beach together.

Nature Walks and Scenic Trails

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If your family enjoys taking nature walks and exploring trails, the Cape Meares Loop Trail has scenic overlooks and chances to spot wildlife. The Seaside Promenade is also paved and along the beachfront. At Sunset Bay State Park, kids can explore tide pools and enjoy coastal scenery. Don’t forget to check out the gorgeous Cape Perpetua. There are plenty of spots to walk and enjoy nature when visiting the Oregon Coast with kids.

Coastal Bike Rides for the Whole Family

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For families who enjoy biking together, coastal towns like Seaside, Cannon Beach, Newport, and Lincoln City have bike rental shops offering appropriate bikes for adults and young children. Family-friendly bike routes include Seaside Promenade (along the beach), Newport’s Bayfront (historic bayfront area) and Tillamook Bay. Taking bike rides on the Oregon Coast with kids is a fun way to get moving, enjoy the scenery, and make memories together.

Family-Friendly Water Activities

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A trip to the Oregon Coast with kids typically means water activities are on the horizon. Families with young children can enjoy splashing in tide pools and shallow beach waters along the coast. Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is easily accessible; during low tide, kiddos can discover a variety of marine creatures. When playing in the ocean water, it’s essential to keep an eye on your children at all times. It’s highly encouraged that young children wear life jackets or appropriate floaties.

Family-Friendly Restaurants

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Plenty of kid-friendly places offer kid’s menus and delicious meal options when it’s time to eat. To help you decide on what restaurants you want to stop at, here is a brief list of family-friendly restaurants on the Oregon Coast:

• Pig ‘N Pancake. Enjoy breakfast and brunch here!
• Fathoms Bar & Grill. A dining experience with panoramic ocean views.
• Gracie’s Sea Hag. Enjoy dining in a restaurant with fun nautical decor.
• The Lumberyard Rotisserie & Grill. Enjoy rotisserie chicken, burgers, and pasta dishes.
• The Crazy Norwegian’s Fish & Chips. Delicious fish and chips in addition to gluten-free options.

If you need to dine at a place that meets a family member’s dietary restrictions, plan ahead and determine which restaurants will work best for your family.

Indoor Fun on the Coast

Photo: tickets.aquarium.org

Inevitably, some days along the Oregon Coast will be rainy, stormy, or chilly, driving families indoors rather than outdoors. When unfavorable weather hits, there are still plenty of things to do on the Oregon Coast with kids. The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport features interactive exhibits for kids and plenty of marine life to observe and learn about. Another option is to take a self-guided tour of the Tillamook Creamery (Tillamook Cheese Factory) and enjoy cheese and ice cream samples.

Embrace the Bliss of Family Relaxation on the Oregon Coast

As you prepare for your trip to the Oregon Coast with kids, remember to reflect on the cherished moments of unwinding with the whole family. Prioritize relaxation and quality time. Take a break from electronics such as cell phones or computers for a short duration so that you can be more present with your family. Take in the sights and experiences of the Oregon Coast together, making lifelong memories along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best times to visit the Oregon Coast for a relaxing family vacation?

The best times to visit the Oregon Coast for a relaxing family vacation are Fall, Winter, and Spring, as these seasons and months are less crowded than Summer.

Are there any safety considerations to keep in mind when unwinding on the coast with kids?

Parents should know their children’s maturity level and abilities when near the ocean and other potential hazards. Young children should always be looked over and not left alone.

What are some recommended family-friendly coastal towns and resorts for relaxation?

Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Lincoln City are all coastal towns that are family-friendly destinations.

What are some indoor activities and attractions for rainy days on the Oregon Coast?

Indoor activities on the Oregon Coast include the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport and Tillamook Creamery in Tillamook. Families with children will also enjoy the Seaside Aquarium and Coastal Discovery Center.