7 Things to Do with Kids in Klamath County, Oregon

1. Zipline through the Trees

Just outside of downtown Klamath Falls, Crater Lake Zipline will get the whole family up in the trees for some extreme fun. Kids 5-12 can spend some time at Sasquatch Hollow—the kids' zipline and adventure course that will get your kid crew climbing across rope nets, balancing on bridges and zipping down ziplines. For the 10+ crew, book some time in the tree canopy where nine ziplines traverse the trees on the longest zipline in Oregon. 

Online: craterlakezipline.com

2. Kayak in the Calm Waters

If you want to up your adventure in Klamath, choose a Skyak tour from Crater Lake Ziplines and you'll get lunch and an afternoon kayak tour added on to your day. Kayaking can be added on to either the kids zipline course or to the 10+ zipline experience. All the gear will be provided and a seasoned guide will take you out to the waterways of Malone Spring. As you paddle through the kayak trails of the Upper Klamath Lake wetlands, keep your eyes peeled for beavers, otters and birds that make their homes here. 

Online: craterlakezipline.com

3. Explore Downtown Klamath Falls

Klamath Falls is a great home base for your visit to Klamath County as it is close to adventures in California like Lava Beds National Monument and also offers loads of activities and history. The Cerulean Hotel is an inexpensive option for families with big rooms that you can spread out in and a swimming pool to cool off after a hot day. Make a beeline to the Waffle Hut just behind the property for breakfast as massive liege waffles are their specialty.

The hotel also offers bike rentals if you would like to get around town on two wheels. Tour the many gorgeous murals in Klamath for some epic photo opps. Then take your bikes out to check out the Oregon California and Eastern Railroad Trail, a 109-mile rail to trail conversion built on the old railbed of the railroad. As the longest linear state park in Oregon this tail boasts trestle bridges, viewpoints and even old cabooses. The trail is open to any non-motorized traffic.

4. Visit the Klamath County Museum

Learn the history of this area from the railroad days to today with a visit to the Klamath County Museum. Kids are free and adults are $5 to get in. You can grab a scavenger hunt sheet from the front desk to look for all the local animals in the children's exhibit. Head to the back of the museum to see the old schoolhouse exhibit and ring the school bell. Tip: You can view the outdoor exhibits at any time without paying for admission. 

Online: klamathcounty.org

5. Take in the Beauty of Crater Lake National Park

This national park is a must-visit spot when you come to Klamath County. Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama imploded, leaving a huge hole called a caldera which eventually filled with water to create the lake. Stop by the visitor center when you arrive to watch a short movie about the national park's history before you head out to see the sights. 

Kids will be amazed to see that there's snow at Crater Lake, even in the summer! After this year's epic snowfall you'll want to check the park's website before going to see how much of the Rim Drive is open to vehicle traffic. Often the parks service will have portions of the road open to hikers even when vehicles are not allowed, which make for a fun adventure. Boat tours are typically available from early July through the end of September and trolleys provide tours once the roads are open.

Insider's tip: Don't forget that fourth graders can get their family in free here with their Every Kid in a Park pass! 

Online: nps.gov

6. Sleep in a Teepee at Heartline Ranch

Just down the road from Crater Lake you'll find the Heartline Ranch and their teepee village. Here you can tent camp or reserve one of the teepees for the night. All six teepees have a fire ring inside to keep you warm at night, a picnic table and outdoor fire ring for s'mores. Visitors with horses can stay in the RV/tent spots that come with two horse stalls. 

Visit with the friendly horses at the end of the day or book some time on the trail with Cowboy Bob. Kids 8 and older can take a trail ride to hear the history of this beautiful property. There are trails for hiking, nearby streams for fishing and a small town just a short drive away if you need supplies. 

Online: heartlineranch.com

7. Ride the Miniature Rails at Train Mountain

Train Mountain Railroad Museum is located on over 2,000 acres of Ponderosa Pine forest in Klamath County. Here you can take a walking tour to see the largest collection of cabooses anywhere (37!).

On Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Klamath and Western Railroad Inc. provides free train rides for the public on their miniature railroad. Enjoy a 20-minute ride around the property. Bonus: you can ride the train as many times as you'd like! It's a real treat for railfans of all ages.