The question that haunted me for years… until I learned of some super fun and special places to take my two growing boys.
FREE THINGS:
- Eugene Library – You’ll be surprised at how magical and exciting the Eugene Library can be for littles. From special events, to a dedicated play/toy area, to drop in storytimes, they’ve got it all. PLUS, the kids section is impressive with tons of board books, early readers, comics, and chapter books! One my FAVORITE sections is towards the front of the kids area, on the right, there is a wall of books that will read to you. My boys enjoy checking these out in something other than English so they can “read” the book and hear it in a different language.
- Amazon Park – When it’s not raining, we go here on the weekends. Even if its cold, this park is so big that my kids can burn a ton of energy while I sip my coffee. Bathrooms on site, and structures for big kids AND little kids.
- Museum of Natural & Cultural History – Not always free, but they have free First Fridays of every month. Take your kids to explore fossils and Oregon ecosystems, and cultural history! There is pretty much always something going on here.
NOT FREE THINGS:
- Round 1 Bowling and Arcade – It’s a bit of a money suck but the kids LOVE it. We bowl a couple rounds and then hit the arcade for 30-45 minutes. Be warned, if you or your littles are affected by loud noises or lights, this is not for you. It feels like a mini Las Vegas.
- Elevation Climbing Gym – My go-to when it’s cold and rainy. This is a massive bouldering gym that has a dedicated kids area with slanted walls and slides to get back down to the mat. No climbing shoes needed, but if your kid wants, them they can be rented at the front desk. Pro tip: Wheel Apizza Pub is around the corner and makes for the perfect refueling spot after this energy burn.
- SPLASH! Waterpark – Wave pool, kiddie pool, water slides, six-lane 25-yard lap pool, and a steaming spa pool. This is the perfect place to bring your littles on a cold rainy day because it’s all indoor! Hit up Lovely Cafe afterwards for lunch, coffee, cold press juices, or a cocktail 😉
- Eugene Science Center – Another favorite for both of my boys. There is something for everyone here – physics stations, foam blocks for building (and knocking down), sound experiments, a room of fossils and animal skeletons, plus a planetarium! We love the 30 minute Sesame Street planetarium show.
- And a few honorable mentions:
