Activities for Kids

Great Pit Stops on Your Road Trip to the Coast

Take a road trip to the coast, but don't miss out on crazy slides and chainsaw carvings along the way.

By liz overson August 15, 2014

Sean D. via Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/out-of-this-world-pizza-and-play-hillsboro#Dxbt190rgHq08P99JuK2Uw

Late summer is the perfect time to enjoy both sun and sand at the majestic Oregon coast. Part of the joy is the journey, not just the destination, so click through our album to find six quick stops along the way, from Portland to the coast. They’ll alleviate your kids’ backseat boredom, fend off rumbling tummies and cure them of the worst case of the wiggles.

Tillamook Forest Center

If you're heading south to Tillamook from 26W and jump on Hwy. 6, make a point to stop at mile post 22 for the Tillamook Forest Center. Hiking trails, hands-on exhibits and a very cool (and short) movie about the forest fires and brave firefighters of the area make this spot a gem. It's a gorgeous building, situated amongst trees and footbridges and everyone there seems inspired and eager to learn or share. Your kiddos will love seeing the way our hardworking predecessors lived while cutting timber or fighting forest fires. Try on gear, check out the cabins and tents they called home, or crawl amongst some furry animals in their recreated habitats. Bonus: The store is loaded with treasures to bring home.

45500 Wilson River Hwy.
Tillamook, Or
866-930-4646
Online: Tillamook Forest Center

Photo credit: Liz Overson

Where does your family take a break from the road trip? Tell us in the Comments section below!

– Liz Overson