Whether your little one is taking their first steps or asking a million questions a day, we know you’re always looking for fun, affordable ways to keep them learning, growing, and playing. This month’s newsletter is packed with local gems right here in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties, places where young children can stretch their legs, spark their curiosity, and make joyful memories with you.
Let’s dive into all the ways your family can play, learn, and discover right in your own backyard!
Ready for a Day Trip?
Day trips are a great way to explore new places without the stress of overnight travel—perfect for families with young children! Whether you’re heading to a park, museum, or beach, a little planning can help the day go smoothly and make it fun for everyone. Keep things flexible, focus on simple joys (like throwing rocks in a stream or spotting a squirrel), and don’t worry if you don’t see everything. For kids five and under, the journey is the adventure!
Quick Tips for a Successful Day Trip:
• Pack snacks and water – Hungry kids = cranky kids.
• Bring a change of clothes – Messes happen!
• Don’t forget sunscreen and hats – Even on cloudy days.
• Keep drive time short – Aim for under an hour if possible.
• Bring simple toys or books – For the car or quiet moments.
• Take breaks often – Let kids run, rest, and explore at their own pace.
Parent Newsletter July 2025
• Snap a photo or two – But mostly, be present and enjoy the moment.
Fresh Air Fun: State, County & City Parks
State Parks
Did you know there are 169 state parks open across Oregon this summer? Most of them are free to visit, and some even offer free camping and parking for military members, veterans, and foster/adoptive families. Some rules apply. Read more at Oregon State Parks Questions and Rules.
Plan your trip to an Oregon State Park at stateparks.oregon.gov/
County Parks
County parks offer a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping. They range from small picnic areas and playgrounds to large overnight campgrounds. Plan your trip to one of the 52 Linn County Parks, 12 Benton County Parks, or the 13 Lincoln County Parks.
City Parks
Looking for a fun and easy way to get outside with your little ones? Local city parks are perfect places for young children to run, explore, and enjoy the fresh air—many have playgrounds, walking paths, open spaces, and even splash pads to keep kids active and happy.
County City
Linn
Albany has 30 city parks. There are 24 parks with playgrounds, plus a community skate park, disc golf courses, boat ramps, and sports fields.
Linn Brownsville’s Pioneer Park has been in use since the 1840s. It is a beautiful 26-acre park with sports courts, a playground, and river access.
Linn Halsey’s Memorial Park features a path of engraved bricks from community supporters.
Linn Harrisburg has five city parks, including a skate park, and 2 parks with play structures.
Linn Lebanon has 11 city parks on over 300 acres for fitness, art, and family fun.
Linn Lyons has two city parks, Freres Park and Lyons Memorial Park.
Linn Mill City has four city parks, including Wayside Memorial Park, Hammond Park, Mill City Falls Park, and Kimmel Park.
Linn Millersburg boasts two city parks, one garden, and two new parks on the way.
Linn Sodaville features the recently renovated Sodaville Springs Community Park.
Linn Sweet Home has eight city parks that offer gathering spaces, nature areas, and play opportunities.
Linn Tangent maintains Pioneer Park and the David Brush Trail.
Benton Corvallis has 46 city parks and natural areas. There are 20 parks with play areas, including a spray fountain at Riverfront Park.
Benton Philomath has 10 city parks, three of which feature children’s play areas.
Benton Monroe has three city parks, including a toddler park.
Lincoln Depoe Bay has three city parks and a scenic trail. City Park has a play area.
Lincoln
Lincoln City is home to 26 city parks. There are picnic spots with ocean views, lakeside fishing docks, and the first public inclusive and accessible playground on the Oregon Coast.
Lincoln Newport operates 14 city parks and public recreation areas. This includes four parks with playgrounds, a skate park, and beach access.
Lincoln Siletz has five city parks, including a playground in City Park.
Lincoln Waldport has four city parks. Crestline Park features a trail, skate park, and children’s play area.
Lincoln Toledo has 10 city parks and even more recreation facilities.
Lincoln Yachats has one beautiful park. The Yachats Community Park & Wetlands includes a playground, pond boardwalk, and woodland trail.
Critter Spotting: Watch Wildlife with Your Kids
Looking for an outdoor adventure? Try wildlife watching! Visit the ODFW Wildlife Viewing Map to find the best spots to see animals across the state, with over 200 locations and tips on what to look for and when.
Some Natural Areas and Wildlife Refuges in our area:
• William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Corvallis
• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Newport
• Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Siletz
A Splash of Learning: Visit a Hatchery
Visiting a fish hatchery is a fun and fascinating outing for young kids! Watch fish grow from eggs to adults and learn why they matter to rivers and lakes. Many hatcheries have kid-friendly viewing tanks, feeding stations, and fun educational displays.
For directions and info, see the ODFW Visitor’s Guide .
Local hatcheries:
• Alsea Hatchery, Alsea
• Salmon River Hatchery, Otis
• Roaring River Hatchery, Scio
• South Santiam Hatchery, Sweet Home
Beyond Books: What the Library Offers
Your local library is full of surprises! Here are just a few free things you can find there:
• Cultural Passes – Check out passes for museums, gardens, State Parks, and more.
• Library of Things – Borrow cool stuff like arts and crafts items, musical instruments, board games, STEAM kits for kids, and so much more.
• Seed Libraries – Take some seeds and plant something new this summer!
• Free Events – Enjoy storytimes, crafts, and family programs for all ages.
• Technology Help & Language Learning Tools
• Movies, Music, Audiobooks
• Free Wi-Fi and Computers for adults and children
• Cool, Quiet Space – A great place to read, relax, or work.
Reminder: Children must be supervised in the library! Staff can’t act as caregivers.
Explore & Imagine: Museum
Adventures
Visiting a local museum is a great way for young children to play, explore, and learn all in one place! Many museums offer hands-on exhibits specifically designed for kids, where they can touch, build, imagine, and discover in a safe and engaging environment. Whether your child is curious about animals, science, art, or local history, museums help spark curiosity and inspire little minds to grow.
Linn County
Albany Regional Museum – Located at 136 Lyon St SW in Albany, this hands-on history museum shares the story of Albany’s beginnings in the 1850s through exciting exhibits about colorful characters, booming industries, and important events. Open Tue–Sat, 10 am–4 pm. Children under 13 get in free.
Albany Historic Carousel & Museum – Located at 503 1st Ave W in Albany, this magical museum features a working hand-carved carousel and a carving studio. Families can ride the carousel (typically $2 per ride) and enjoy beautiful historic carousel art. Check the website for current hours and events.
East Linn Museum – Nestled in Sweet Home, at 746 Long St, this former church-turnedmuseum showcases life in Linn County from the 1850s onward. Kids can explore oldtime rooms, pioneer tools, antique cameras, and farming equipment. Open Thu–Sat, 11 am–4 pm and Thu evenings, 5–8 pm. Free admission.
Harrisburg Area Museum (Heritage Park) –Right next to the fire station at 490 Smith St in Harrisburg, this park-style museum has fun things for kids and adults to explore—like big display buildings, an old schoolhouse, a tiny chapel, the Witmer House, and a real train caboose! Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm (Saturdays only in winter). Guided tours and building rentals available—call 541-995-4844.
Linn County Historical Museum & Moyer House – Located at 101 Park Ave in
Brownsville, this fun pioneer museum is housed in a historic train depot and six vintage boxcars. Kids can explore a general store, see an authentic Oregon Trail wagon, and watch a short movie in the Boxcar Theatre. The nearby 1881 Moyer House offers guided weekend tours. Museum admission is by donation; Moyer House tours are $1 for children under 12. Check the website for hours.
Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site - Found off Boston Mill Rd near Shedd, this historic mill is one of Oregon’s oldest still-operating water-powered mills. Families can take free guided tours to see the old turbines in action and explore the gardens and orchards. Open daily; check the website for tour times.
Benton County
Corvallis Museum – Located at 411 SW 2nd St in downtown Corvallis, this engaging museum showcases local history, OSU memorabilia, interactive iPad stations, and “Bruce the Moose” in the lobby, along with rotating exhibits that cater to curious young minds. Open Wed–Sat 10 am–4:30 pm, Sun 12–4:30 pm. Free admission for youth 18 and under.
Philomath Museum – Found at 1101 Main St in Philomath, this historic college building now houses exhibits on Benton County life, including hands-on activities, history trunks, and seasonal displays. Open Wed–Sat, 10 am–4:30 pm. Free admission.
Lincoln County
Alsea Bay Historic Interpretive Center & Waldport Heritage Museum – Near the Alsea Bay Bridge in Waldport, this museum has fun, kid-friendly displays about bridges, travel, and Native American life. Check the website for current hours.
Burrows House Museum – Found at 545 SW 9th St in Newport, this 1895 Victorian home lets children step into the past through rooms filled with turn-of-the-century furniture and stories from early Lincoln County life. Open Sat–Sun, 11 am–4 pm. Kids under 12 are free.
North Lincoln County Historical Museum –
Located at 4907 SW Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, this museum highlights local history with glass fishing floats, fossils, Native American baskets, and changing exhibits. Open Wed–Sat, 11 am–4 pm. Admission is free.
Pacific Maritime Heritage Center – Found at 333 SE Bay Blvd in Newport, this waterfront museum features hands-on exhibits about boats, marine life, and coastal history, along with art and rotating exhibits. Open Tue–Sun, 11 am–4 pm. Children under 12 are free.
Toledo History Center – Located in downtown Toledo, this local museum shares stories of logging, railroads, and boat building with artifacts and photos that bring history to life for kids. Open Tue–Fri, 12–4 pm, and Sat–Sun, 11 am–3 pm.
Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society – Based in Toledo, this outdoor museum includes a 1922 Baldwin steam locomotive, a 1907 caboose, and other vintage train cars perfect for young train lovers. Open Tue–Sat, 10 am–2 pm. Free admission.
Yaquina River Museum of Art – Also in Toledo, this small museum displays art inspired by the Yaquina River area. It’s a great stop for creative kids and families. Open Thu–Sun, 12–4 pm.
Museums for All
Do you have an EBT card? You can get free or discounted admission to more than 1,400 museums across the U.S. through Museums for All! Some nearby favorites include:
• Adventure! Children’s Museum, Eugene
• Albany Regional Museum, Albany
• Benton County Historical Society, Philomath & Corvallis
• Willamette Heritage Center, Salem
• Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, McMinnville
• High Desert Museum, Bend
Just bring your EBT card and a photo ID. To find a complete list of participating sites, visit museums4all.org.
Monthly Museum Deals
Through the Reciprocal Membership Program, membership to one of the seventeen participating organizations is your key to free admission for a member and three guests of any age to a different attraction each month Offer applies to all membership levels. Valid proof of membership and photo ID required.
Here is the Reciprocal Membership Program Schedule for the rest of 2025:
• July 2025 - Museum at Warm Springs
• August 2025 - Benton County Historical Society
• September 2025 - Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals
• October 2025 - Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum
• November 2025 - Oregon Coast Aquarium and World Forestry Center
• December 2025 - Clark County Historical Museum
No matter your child’s age or interests, there’s something nearby waiting to spark their curiosity and bring a smile to their face. Whether you’re exploring a new park, watching wildlife, visiting a museum, or checking out something fun from the library, these simple moments can turn into lasting memories. We hope this guide helps you discover new places to play, learn, and explore, right in your own community.
