Families who live in Oregon or who are planning a trip to the state can find a variety of fun activities throughout The Beaver State that are enjoyable for both adults and children. Among these are animal attractions and museums that have exhibits for kids. Oregon is also home to special events and festivals dedicated to children.
The Storytelling Guild of Medford, Oregon, organizes and hosts the annual Children's Festival in Jacksonville and the Jackson County Library Services, a community in south-central Oregon, approximately five miles west of Medford. The event began in 1967 and occurs over a three-day period in the month of July, typically beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Tuesday. The Children's Festival features activities that revolve around a theme, which changes annually. Story-telling sessions, puppet shows and other performances occur throughout the festival. Kids and parents can participate in a variety of activities such as crafts and games; in 2010, the festival had 30 different activities featured.
The Storytelling Guild's Children's Festival takes place at Britt Garden County Park on South First Street. In 2010, admission to the event was $2. Free parking is available in the park's lot.
The Children's Museum of Eastern Oregon is in downtown Pendleton, Oregon. A non-profit organization, the museum opened in 1995 and has operated from its present location since 2001. The Children's Museum of Eastern Oregon features hands-on exhibits that encourage children to learn through play. In the Big John's Pizza area, kids can pretend to operate their own restaurant. Exhibits featuring construction and local history are also featured as well as a special toddler playground area. The museum also has a science laboratory for experiments and an arts-and-crafts room.
The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, and it closes Sundays, Mondays and on major holidays. As of October 2010, general admission to the museum was $3. The nearest parking is along the street.
The Oregon Zoo is in Washington Park in Portland, Oregon. The zoo has served as an attraction for Oregon families and visitors since 1887, and more than 1.5 million people visit the zoo each year. The animal park covers 64 acres of ground. Among the most well-known attractions at the Oregon Zoo are its Asian elephants; historically, the zoo has had one of the most successful elephant breeding programs in the world, explains Frommers. The Lilah Callen Holden Elephant Museum at the zoo provides background on the program for visitors. Kids can enjoy rides on the zoo's train as well.
The Oregon Zoo operates seven days a week, year-round, closing only on Christmas Day. As of October 2010, general admission was $10.50. Children and senior citizens enjoy discounts on the admission price. On-site parking is available in the zoo's pay lot. The Portland Metropolitan Area Express light rail service's Washington Park station is adjacent to the zoo entrance. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent.
