When families think of Oregon, Portland and the Coast often come to mind. But if you head east, you’ll find a completely different kind of beauty: wide-open skies, rugged mountains, high desert, and small towns filled with charm. What makes Eastern Oregon special for families is the sense of discovery. It’s less crowded than Oregon’s coast or big cities, and kids can truly roam, whether they’re digging up fossils, riding a train, or skipping rocks at Wallowa Lake.
Eastern Oregon is a playground for kids and grownups alike, offering adventures that feel both big and unhurried. With a little planning (and plenty of snacks in the car), it’s a trip full of memories you won’t find anywhere else in the state. Here are some fun things to do with kids in Eastern Oregon.
1. Hunt for Fossils at the John Day Fossil Beds
Step back in time at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, where kids can see real fossils embedded in rock and explore the colorful Painted Hills. The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center is full of hands-on exhibits that bring prehistoric Oregon to life. In the tiny town of Fossil, you can even dig for fossils yourself at the Wheeler High School fossil beds. Kids will love uncovering their own little pieces of history.
Tip: The Painted Hills area has no services, so bring water and snacks. The short trails are kid-friendly but can get hot in summer.
2. Ride the Sumpter Valley Railroad
Near Baker City, hop aboard the Sumpter Valley Railroad, a restored narrow-gauge steam train. Kids love the sound of the whistle and the chance to ride through the forests like it’s the 1890s. The ride connects to Sumpter, where you can visit the massive Sumpter Valley Dredge — a leftover from Oregon’s gold rush days that feels like a floating factory.
Tip: Train rides run seasonally on weekends, so check schedules in advance.
3. Stargaze in the High Desert
Eastern Oregon is known for some of the darkest skies in the country. Take your kids to the Oregon Star Party near Prineville (held each summer) or just roll out a blanket anywhere away from town lights. Show them how to find the Big Dipper or let them marvel at the Milky Way stretching across the sky — a memory that sticks long after bedtime.
Tip: Bring warm layers — desert nights get chilly even in summer.
4. Splash Around in Wallowa Lake
Surrounded by the towering Wallowa Mountains, Wallowa Lake State Park is perfect for families. Rent a paddleboat, kayak, or just skip rocks along the shore. The gondola ride up Mt. Howard gives you jaw-dropping views and easy hiking trails even young kids can manage. Joseph, the nearby town, has ice cream shops and bronze statues that make for a fun stroll afterward.
Tip: Summer is peak season, so make campground or lodging reservations well ahead of time.
5. Discover the Wild West in Pendleton
Pendleton is known for its cowboy spirit. The annual Pendleton Round-Up in September is one of the largest rodeos in the West, featuring parades, rodeo events, and Native American dancing at the Happy Canyon Night Show. If you visit outside of Round-Up season, the Pendleton Underground Tours offer a family-friendly look at the town’s colorful past.
Tip: The rodeo draws big crowds, so book lodging early if you plan to attend.
6. Explore Hot Springs Together
A soak might sound like an adult activity, but many hot springs are kid-friendly. Cove Warm Springs near La Grande has a giant pool fed by natural springs that are warm enough to swim comfortably without feeling too hot. It’s perfect for kids who just want to splash around while parents relax.
7. Go for a Scenic Drive or Hike
The Hell’s Canyon Scenic Byway takes you past deep canyons, ranches, and mountain vistas. Pull over for short hikes, picnics, or even to spot wildlife like bighorn sheep. If your kids are older, take a guided jet boat ride on the Snake River through Hell’s Canyon for an unforgettable thrill.
Final Thoughts
Eastern Oregon has a slower pace that’s just right for family travel. Whether you’re stargazing, riding an old train, or skipping rocks at Wallowa Lake, these experiences spark curiosity and connection. It’s the kind of trip where kids get to explore wide-open spaces and parents get to see the wonder of Oregon through fresh eyes.
Emily currently lives in Orange County, California after spending four years in Illinois and half a year teaching in Florence, Italy. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Knox College and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego and has taught English to native speakers and ESL students for over three years. When she’s not working as a School Counselor or writing, she enjoys traveling the world, playing instruments, and blogging about Millennial experiences at Long Live the Twenties.