72 hours of Kid-Friendly Fun
Planning a long weekend in Southern Oregon? With endless outdoor activities, annual festivals, and kid-friendly attractions, Grants Pass is the perfect playground for a family getaway. From exploring caves and natural wonders to zip lining and drive-in movies—- adventure abounds in every direction around Grants Pass. Whether you’re strolling around downtown or exploring the Applegate and Illinois Valleys, you’ll discover a myriad of activities to keep the kiddos entertained and parents happy.
Day 1: Fun in Grants Pass
The early bird gets the worm, so get a jumpstart on your day and grab a quick breakfast at Dassh or Babe’s Bakery. Afterwards, follow Redwood Highway to the pet-friendly Waters Creek Interpretive Trail, a flat 1-mile loop that features creek crossings, wildflowers, and boardwalks. This is a great trail especially for those using strollers or wheelchairs. Looking for something faster paced? Book a river excursion with Hellgate Jetboats.
Once you’ve soaked in the beauty, mosey over to Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center, and see animals from around the world up close. From wallabies and otters, to wolves and bears meet a multitude of animal ambassadors. In the afternoon, grab lunch and a phosphate at the historic Grants Pass Pharmacy Soda Fountain and explore downtown shops like Rainbow Baby and Indy Jo.
If you’re a family with teens, head uptown to Iguana Comics that specializes in manga, games, comic books, and hold weekly game events. If the kids still need to expend some energy, take them to the brand-new playground at Tom Pearce Park or play a round of family disc golf.
After working up an appetite, make your way to Weekend Beer Company, a kid-friendly brewery and food truck park. End the evening with some old school fun at the Grants Pass Drive-In, located at Pottsville in Merlin.
Day 2: Applegate Valley Adventures
In the morning, head to Applegate Valley, the banana belt of Southern Oregon known for its world class wines, delectable farms, and stunning beauty. Enjoy scratch-made pastries at Pennington Farms and take home some jams and gifts.
Just a hop and skip from Pennington’s is Pacifica: A Garden in the Siskiyous. This non-profit farm, art, and education center offers classes, a fishing pond, and public trails— including the recently developed Art and Nature Trail featuring larger than life sculptures. Meander along their ADA accessible art path, say “hay” to the horses, and learn about native plants.
From there, drop into Provolt Country Store and Deli for picnic supplies and continue the scenic drive towards Applegate Lake. After a picnic at the lake, cross the road to the Collins Mountain trailhead and take the .5-mile walk to Oregon’s famous Bigfoot Trap.
After a day of exploring, wind down at Applegate Country Club, a pizza joint with a sprawling garden before heading back to Grants Pass.
Day 3: Exploring the Illinois Valley
From underground adventures too tree-high excursions- the Illinois Valley is packed with kid-friendly activities. Grab some coffee and bagels to go from Rogue Roasters and follow Redwood Highway to Cave Junction, home of Oregon Caves National Monument. This otherworldly park offers visitors the chance to explore stalagmites and the subterranean River Styx on a ranger-led tour 200ft below ground.
Afterwards, grab some lunch at Taylors Sausage before heading out on your next adventure at Out n About Treehouse. Here, the family can choose between a zipline canopy tour or a family trail ride at their stables. For those wishing to stay the night, you can rent one of their dozens of treehouses.
After your Swiss Family Robinson adventure, make your way back towards Grants Pass, drop by It’s a Burl Gallery & Studio in Kerby or see impressive cats from around the globe at Great Cats World Park.
Later in Grants Pass, enjoy a relaxing meal downtown at the Horny Goat or dine along the river at Taprock Northwest Grill.
How to Get Here
Grants Pass is conveniently located along I-5, 1 hour north of the California border, 30 minutes from Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford, 80-miles from the coast and 2 hours south of Eugene.
