Columbia River Kids

One of the best things about the area is that there are always Hood River Oregon activities to do! But if you are kid “Adventure Town” takes on a whole new meaning! Kids could spend a day…  literally a day from sun up to sun down with non-stop action at the waterfront. Usually our day goes something like this in the Summer when I am not styling someone into a Hood River Vacation Rental home. We head to The Columbia River waterfront at the sand bar – spread out a blanket and get out the sand shovels start digging a little,  trying ever so hard to create something that remotely resembles Mt. Hood  – then dip our toes a little, splash around just waiting for the rental shops to open up to rent a paddle board for the day at  – eventually everyone gets a little grouchy – this must mean one thing… lunch time! Here is where the decisions start so many options just steps away – The Local Grind yummy teriiyaki, The Sandbar cafe, grab a beer and burger and you set! Stroll a bit further down the waterfront path and of course you come to the kid favorite (and adult:) Solstice – we try and wait to hold off for Cicci’s Gelato later in the day – hah! Like that is going to happen usually directly after lunch, truth be told sometimes before:) It’s just so darn delicious. Personal shout out chocolate hazelnut!

Hiking The Gorge with kids

The Gorge is a hikers paradise – with tons of trails handy most with beautiful waterfalls. Kids love adventure just as much or maybe even more than adults and The Gorge has plenty to offer! Keep your eyes open for wildlife we have seen countless bald eagles, elk, deer, bear and even bobcats!

Hope to see you enjoying things to do in Hood River with kids!

Hood River Oregon is a wonderland for bigs and littles alike! Take a peak at our top 10 things to do in Hood River with kids and start planning your vacation today!

Handpicked Things to Do in Hood River with Kids That Locals Love

1. Waterfront Park – bang the drums, climb the walls, spin till your sick!
2. Hiking – there are some excellent hikes for little ones a few of our favorites would be Tamawanas Fall Trail, Lost Lake Loop Trail, and Umbrella Falls Trail are just a few of our favorites.
3. G. Willikers – just try and get your kids out of here in a hurry! It will not happen so much to see so much to play with so much to do!
4. Cicci’s Gelato – mmmm.. such a refreshing way to end the day at the waterfront park. If you’re looking for things to do in Hood River with kids that include a treat, this is your safest bet!
5. Biking the Mosier Twin Tunnels – This is excellent bike as little or as long as you would like, if you are feeling up for it you can actually bike the whole way to the next town over – Mosier! There have been known sightings of bobcats and eagles:)
6. Mike’s Ice Cream– Always a hit located right downtown in the heart of all the action complete with a fort!
7. Mount Hood Railroad – There are a few train rides that have proven again and again to be a big hit with the kiddos – Western Robbery Train Ride, Thomas the Train Ride and of course The Polar Express.
8. Sandbar – This would be my daughter’s favorite – just a day of sand and water play left to your own imagination of whatever you make of it – also within walking of Cicci’s Gelato, Solstice (super kid friendly restaurant) and The Local Grind.
9. Stand up paddling – Kids can totally do this on a non windy day at The Columbia River or you can head up to Lost Lake – which is just beautiful crystal clear water. You can rent paddle boards at either place.
10. Movies – Okay so this is not my first choice for Spring, Summer or Fall but sometimes those Winter months a movie could be just the ticket for happiness, we have 2 theaters in little old Hood River… Hood River Cinemas and Andrew’s Skylight Theater and Pub.

Ready to Pack Your Bags?

These things to do in Hood River with kids will keep the whole family entertained! Enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Hood River when you stay in one of our beautiful vacation rentals.

One of the best things about Hood River is that there is always something to do! But if you are kid “Adventure Town” takes on a whole new meaning! Kids could spend a day…  literally a day from sun up to sun down with non stop action at the waterfront.

Usually our day goes something like this in the Summer (when I am not styling someone into a Hood River Vacation Rental home) We head to The Columbia River waterfront at the sand bar – spread out a blanket and get out the sand shovels start digging a little,  trying ever so hard to create something that remotely resembles Mt. Hood  – then dip our toes a little, splash around just waiting for the rental shops to open up to rent a paddle board for the day  Big Winds and Gorge Paddling Center just to name a few of the experts – eventually everyone gets a little grouchy – this must mean one thing… lunch time! Here is where the decisions start so many options just steps away – The Local Grind yummy teriiyaki, The Sandbar cafe, grab a beer and burger and you set! Stroll a bit further down the waterfront path and of course you come to the kid favorite (and adult:) Solstice – we try and wait to hold off for Cicci’s Gelato later in the day – hah! Like that is going to happen usually directly after lunch, truth be told sometimes before:) It’s just so darn delicious personal shout out to chocolate hazelnut! Burn all of those delicious calories while chasing around those little ones on the playground – which is full of fun stuff!  Climbing walls, bouncy seats, run-a-bouts and musical instruments! If they are completely tuckered out by then, take a stroll, scooter or bike down the paved path along the riverfront. There are plenty of Hood River activities to enjoy!