Kid Time!, previously K.I.D.S, is a great place to stop and play while driving I-5 or just visiting the Rogue Valley, especially if the weather isn't cooperating. A large, hands-on kids' museum and play space, Kid Time has lots of imaginary place areas, including a store, a kitchen, a lemonade stand, a full stage and costumes, a camping set-up complete with tent, picnic table, and camping … [Read more...]
Portland International Airport (PDX)
March 9, 2010 By
We're back again with another great airport find! Portland International Airport (PDX) has a large play area in Terminal C, right past a food court with plenty of food options. You'll see a fairly large play structure, plus activity panels for younger kids and lots of seating for grown-ups. Theres another in the main terminal, but there's a catch: Reviewer Julie Hagstrom writes, "It is just … [Read more...]
Cantrall Buckley County Park
March 5, 2010 By
Cantrall Road Ruch, Oregon If you're exploring the pioneer town of Jacksonville (10 minutes off I-5) and have more time to spend, drive out into the Applegate Valley and visit Cantrall Buckley County Park. Set on the shores of the Applegate River, Cantrall Buckley has a long, sloping lawn and picnic areas. The river is slow-moving in this area and great for wading, minnow-fishing (bring nets!) … [Read more...]
ScienceWorks Hands On Museum
January 22, 2010 By
1500 East Main Street Ashland, OR Sometimes, I'm guilty of forgetting to feature all the excellent pit stops in my own backyard! ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum sits just west of I-5 in beautiful Ashland, Oregon. With both permanent and limited-time (featured) exhibits, there's always something new (and something for every age, from preschool to adult). Explore the Bubble-ology Room, the … [Read more...]
Splash! Lively Park Swim Center
January 11, 2010 By
6100 Thurston Road Springfield, OR We've driven up and down I-5 through the state of Oregon dozens of times, but until a neighborhood family told us about it, we had no idea Splash! Lively Park Swim Center existed! A wonderful pitstop when you have two or more hours to spend, Splash is much more than a community pool; it's an indoor waterpark complete with a 144 foot slide, wave pool, water … [Read more...]
Bear Creek Recreation Site
November 13, 2009 By
Highway 42 Oregon You won't find a better place to stop along windy Highway 42 on your way to the Oregon coast than the Bear Creek Recreation Site. Located between Roseburg and Coquille off Highway 42, look for the sign on the right-hand side directly after the Bear Creek bridge. There's parking for several cars, a picnic area, bathrooms, and a beautiful foot bridge over Bear Creek ending in a … [Read more...]
Oregon Coast Aquarium
June 27, 2009 By
2820 SE Ferry Slip Road Newport, Oregon The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a local gem of northwestern Oregon. Due to it's manageable size (you can get through it in 1-2 hours), it serves well as a pitstop along US Highway 101. Admission is a little steep at $14.95 per adult and $9.45 for kids 3-12, but the aquarium is on par with the best, despite its size. The aquarium houses six main exhibits, … [Read more...]
Lithia Park
June 18, 2009 By
Lithia Park Ashland, Oregon is a stunningly beautiful 93-acre park in a garden setting situated within easy distance of 1-5 for either a quick pitstop or an afternoon detour. Located on the north end of Ashland, Oregon in their pedestrian-friendly downtown, there are several entrances to this sprawling park, but the easiest to access from the city center is on Winburn Way. Park either in the city … [Read more...]
Multnomah Falls
May 18, 2009 By
Multnomah Falls Oregon It's hard to miss Multnomah Falls when traveling I-84, but you really need to stop and see it up close to appreciate its 620 foot height. And this pitstop doesn't have to take a lot of time. From the parking lot, walk under the road through the pedestrian tunnel to the lodge and base of the falls (amazingly, even with a spectacular waterfall yards away, my kids were … [Read more...]
Bear Creek Park
May 1, 2009 By
1520 Siskiyou Blvd Medford, OR Bear Creek Park is an excellent pitstop that quite frankly, I forgot to review earlier because it's right in my hometown. It's also, however, right off of I-5 but tucked out of sight, making it a perfect candidate for Pitstops for Kids. Bear Creek Park is huge, and has something for everybody. On the east end of the park are a dirt BMX track (try it out if you … [Read more...]
