Exploring our imagination is important for several reasons. One of them being that it is essential for emotional and intellectual development in children. Another reason is that it is simply just fun to imagine and pretend. Imaginative play can happen without toys, events, or instructions, and it is often the preferred method regarding child development. However, that doesn’t mean disregarding all toys and events, as having diverse options enhances imaginative play and experiences. Having unique play options at home is more convenient and cost-effective than out-of-the-house activities. But we shouldn’t limit these playful explorations to only the confines of our house. There are many options throughout the Pacific Northwest that naturally encourage creativity. Exploring them helps to build positive family memories that we will all grow to cherish as we age. You may even be able to establish a unique family tradition in doing so. One place that I recommend for enhancing your child’s imagination and, most importantly, having fun is the Oregon staple, the Enchanted Forest.
The Enchanted Forest’s first section officially opened in 1971; however, its history goes back even further. For seven years, Roger Tofte and his family members slowly built this fairytale land on a hill in Turner, Oregon. They created a unique, magical world for guests using cement, paint, wood, and other materials. The Enchanted Forest is still family-owned, and they do an excellent job keeping this world hidden among the trees. One of the beautiful aspects of the Enchanted Forest is that this magical place, located just a few miles south of Salem, welcomes people of all ages. There is no need to worry about whether your young child or their grandparents will enjoy it or not. There truly is something for everyone there. The natural shading from the trees will keep you cool in the warm August months in Oregon, so you don’t need to worry about baking in the sun all day. There is also a wide variety of attractions to keep everyone entertained and happy. But even just strolling through their handmade villages is exciting enough. This theme park began with an extraordinary vision, and its inimitable style is one of the many reasons why it resonates with so many people.
This amazing theme park is not open year-round; however, its opening date for the season is Saturday, March 22, and it will be open that entire week for Spring Break. After that, the Enchanted Forest will be open on weekends only and Memorial Day until June 13. It will then be open every day from June 14 to Labor Day, then back to weekends only in September. Their last day for the season will be September 28, 2025. Admission prices to the park are $29 for ages 13 and older, and $26 for a Senior Discount for children ages 3 through 12. Children aged two and under are free, which is another great motivator for families with young babies and toddlers. If you purchase the tickets online, you will also receive a discount. Members of the military and AAA card holders also receive a discount. The rides offered at the Enchanted Forest are reasonably priced, which is especially helpful in these current economic times. Their rides operate off tickets, and most rides only require 3 to 5 of them. But the price per ticket is only $1.
One of the rides offered at the Enchanted Forest is the Big Timber Log Ride. Just remember that a gigantic splash is at the end, so you may want to wear a poncho. Another ride is the Ice Mountain Bobsled Roller Coaster, so hang on tight as you race through the 100-foot-tall ice mountain. There is also the notorious Haunted House; from the outside, it looks like it belongs as the main feature in a scary movie. Please be warned that they suggest this Haunted House is not for easily scared people. There are also many villages to walk through, such as Storybook Lane. In this theme park section, you can go through a witch’s mouth and slide out her hair. They also have a real Alice in Wonderland Rabbit Hole to climb through. Other villages there are the Tofteville Western Town and the Old European Village, which has Pinocchio’s Playhouse. The Enchanted Forest is a classic Oregon destination that you and your family will surely enjoy.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His book, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ is available wherever books are sold.