Ultimate Kid-Friendly 4-Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary – Fun Stops & Budget Breakdown
Looking for a quick family getaway? If you’ve got a long weekend or just need a break, this kid-friendly 4-day Oregon road trip is perfect for you. With less than 5 hours of total drive time, it’s designed to keep everyone entertained without spending too much time in the car. Plus, you’ll hit some great spots along the way. Our Kids were 5 & 3 at the time of this trip.
Must-Do Activities on Your 4-Day Kid-Friendly Oregon Road Trip
- Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour – Learn how cheese is made and enjoy ice cream.
- Beach Time in Lincoln City – Relax and play by the ocean.
- Whale Watching in Depoe Bay – Spot whales with a family-friendly sea tour.
- Sea Lion Watching in Newport – Observe playful sea lions at the docks by clearwater restaurants.
- Swimming at all Hotel stops – Enjoy the hotel pools after a day of travel.
- Enchanted Forest in Salem – Explore a whimsical park with rides and play areas.
- Wings and Waves Water Park in McMinnville – Spend the day at an indoor water park with slides and wave pools.
What You Should Pack for Your Family Road Trip
- Beach toys
- Swim floats and goggles
- Snacks for the car and hotel stays
- Sandwiches if you want to keep lunches budget-friendly
- Jackets (Oregon coast weather can be cooler)
- Disposable forks, spoons, and knives
- Pre-packed bowls of fruit and overnight oats for easy breakfasts
Day 1: Portland to Tillamook to Lincoln City
Drive Time: 82 minutes (Portland to Tillamook), 58 minutes (Tillamook to Lincoln City)
Our first stop was the Tillamook Cheese Factory, where the kids saw how cheese is made. They especially loved the kid’s play area—and don’t forget to grab some ice cream (pro tip: buy one scoop and split it to keep the sugar down).We spent about 2 hours here before heading to Lincoln City.
Once we arrived in Lincoln City, check into the Surfsides Hotel, a beachfront spot that’s perfect for relaxing while the kids play on the sand. For dinner, we went to a nearby Mexican restaurant just 0.8 miles away (skip the overpriced hotel restaurant). After dinner, it’s off to bed—a bit of a challenge with putting two preschoolers/kindergartners to bed the same hotel room, but we made it through!
Day 2: Lincoln City to Depoe Bay to Newport to Corvallis
Drive Time: 45 minutes (Lincoln City to Depoe Bay), 30 minutes (Depoe Bay to Newport), 58 minutes (Newport to Corvallis)
Start the day with a whale-watching tour in Depoe Bay at whale research eco- excursions. I recommend touring with Carrie, you’re in for a treat—she’s an expert captain and passionate about marine life. We spotted several whales, including a mother and calf. The kids got tired towards the end, and the water can get choppy, you might feel a little seasick, so go prepared.
After whale watching, head to Newport to check out the sea lions at the docks of clearwater restaurant.(There is also a live cam). It’s a fun stop where the kids can watch the sea lions battle for spots to rest. We ended our day in Corvallis, where we stayed at the Hilton and let the kids burn off some energy in the pool before dinner at the eclectic Brass Monkey.
Day 3: Corvallis to Salem (Enchanted Forest) to Woodburn
Drive Time: 50 minutes (Corvallis to Salem), 30 minutes (Salem to Woodburn)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Enchanted Forest in Salem. The whimsical theme park is full of play areas, rides, and fun statues, making it a magical experience for the kids. After spending about 3 hours there, we went to Woodburn to stay with family (or you can opt for a hotel if needed). It was a relaxed evening with free dinner and some downtime with loved ones.
Day 4: Woodburn to McMinnville to Portland
Drive Time: 44 minutes (Woodburn to McMinnville), 62 minutes (McMinnville to Portland)
On our final day, we went to Wings and Waves Water Park in McMinnville. This indoor water park is a blast for kids of all ages, with wave pools and slides that’ll keep them entertained for hours. If you have extra time, the Evergreen Aviation Museum next door is also worth a visit. We recommend pre-purchasing your tickets, as they sell limited amount of tickets per block to limit crowd control. After 3 hours of water fun, you’ll be ready to head home with a quick lunch stop or lunch at the water park. We stopped at Costco for hot dogs and smoothies for the kids.
Cost Breakdown for Your 4-Day Family Road Trip
| Day | Lodging | Food | Activities | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | $356 (Surfsides Hotel) | $135 (lunch, dinner, ice cream) | Free (Tillamook Cheese Factory) | Portland to Tillamook: 82 min, to Lincoln City: 58 min |
| Day 2 | $338 (Hilton) | $90 (dinner, sandwiches) | $216.42 (Whale Watching), Free (Sea Lions) | Lincoln City to Depoe Bay: 45 min, Depoe Bay to Newport: 30 min, Newport to Corvallis: 58 min |
| Day 3 | $0 (Family Lodging) | $0 (Hotel food & sandwiches) | $139 (Enchanted Forest tickets$89 + $50 in tickets ) | Corvallis to Salem: 58 min, Salem to Woodburn: 30 min |
| Day 4 | $0 | $8 (Costco hot dogs) | $131.96 (Wings & Waves Water Park) | Woodburn to McMinnville: 44 min, McMinnville to Portland: 62 min |
| Gas: | $65 Total |
Total Road Trip Costs:
- Lodging: $694
- Food: $233
- Activities: $487.38
- Gas: $65
Total for 4 days: $1,479.38
This 4-day Oregon road trip is sure to be a hit with your kids and give you some memorable family time. With a mix of beach, wildlife, water fun, and quirky stops, it’s a great way to explore the state while keeping the little ones entertained.
Read up on our other travels as a family here
