Top Family-Friendly Activities in Coos Bay, North Bend & Charleston
Have you made plans for Spring break yet? Why not take a trip to Oregon’s South Coast? Spring is a great time to get out and explore new places, and Oregon’s Adventure Coast has lots of ways for families to enjoy the outdoors together. If you book directly with one of our partner hotels and mention our Local Vacation Loot package when you call, you could get up to $120 in vouchers and savings to help you make the most of your trip! Travel must be completed by March 31, 2026. Certain restrictions apply.
In this post, we’ll share some of our favorite activities to help you plan a spring break trip that kids of all ages can enjoy on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston.
Whale Watching
Spring Whale Watch Week is March 21-29, 2026. Watch for gray whales as they migrate north to Alaska, and see them blowing, breaching, and fluking along the way. Volunteers from the Oregon Whale Watch program will be at locations like Shore Acres State Park to help visitors spot whales and learn more about them as thousands pass by the Oregon Coast. Click here for more information.
Visit the Charleston Marine Life Center
The Charleston Marine Life Center is one of our favorite destinations for families on Oregon’s Adventure Coast. Right on the harbor, this 6,000-square-foot center lets kids and adults get hands-on with touch tanks, see live sea creatures, and explore interactive exhibits about Oregon’s coastal waters. Kids can learn about marine animals, fossils, and ocean conservation while watching fishing boats from the open-air deck, making it a memorable family adventure. Learn more.
Explore the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
This peaceful 5,000-acre natural area in the Coos Estuary (near Charleston) has miles of hiking trails and waterways for families to explore. Kids can see and learn about wildlife on a self-guided tour, and you might spot birds like Bald Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons, Egrets, and Belted Kingfishers. Download the trail map and get ready to explore this Oregon treasure!
Go Fishing, Crabbing, or Clamming
Reel in some quality family time on Oregon’s Adventure Coast, where fishing , crabbing , and clamming are a part of daily life and the options are unlimited. Cast a line from the shore, from the docks, or out on the open water, whatever floats your boat. Local guides & fishing charters are ready to lead the way, or you can rent a kayak and chart your own course.
Before you go,download our Fishing Information Rack Card for helpful details, connect with local bait and tackle shops for practical advice, and be sure to secure your fishing license through ODFW or an authorized vendor. A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth, memory-making day on the water. Click here to explore all the types of fishing available in our area, and don’t forget your fishing license! Find a list of vendors here or purchase online from ODFW.
See a Movie or a Show!
The Egyptian Theatre is another popular venue for visitors of all ages in downtown Coos Bay. This restored 1925 theater shows classic movies, hosts live performances, and features the famous Wurlitzer Organ. The theatre also shows family friendly movies on the big screen throughout the year, including special Saturday morning screenings designed just for kids, making it an easy and fun weekend outing for families. Learn more.
Bonus Tip: Depending on when you visit, you might catch a family-friendly show by local actors and musicians at The Liberty Theatre or The Dolphin Playhouse . Check their websites for current shows, times, and tickets.
Explore Local Beaches and State Parks Along Cape Arago Highway
If you want to discover beautiful beaches, hiking trails, amazing views of the ocean and wildlife, and visit top state parks like Sunset Bay, Shore Acres, and Cape Arago State Parks, a drive along the Cape Arago Highway Loop is a must for every Oregon’s Adventure Coast itinerary!
Build a sandcastle and have a picnic at Sunset Bay State Park. Take a walk or fly a kite at Bastendorff Beach. Watch seals and sea lions on Shell Island from the Simpson Reef overlook, part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge . Enjoy ocean views and stroll through the gardens at Shore Acres State Park , a highlight of Oregon’s South Coast. There are so many options! Please do not touch the wildlife at any time.
Go Tidepooling
Speaking of state parks on Oregon’s Adventure Coast , exploring marine life up close, also known as tidepooling, is a wonderful way to spend time with the family. Kids of all ages can spot sea stars, crabs, sea slugs, and other coastal creatures while learning about ocean ecosystems. Cape Arago State Park , about 15 miles southwest of Coos Bay, is a favorite for tidepooling, especially at South Cove Beach. Sunset Bay State Park is another great destination. The best time to visit tidepools is during negative low tides. Please observe gently and leave marine life where you find it to help protect these habitats. Remember, “if you pry, it will die.” Only pick up creatures that are unattached, like hermit crabs, and handle them gently and briefly. Many need water to survive, so return them quickly! Click here for more tips on responsible tidepooling .
Go Bowling
North Bend Lanes is a local institution that has welcomed families for over 50 years and is perfect for all ages, especially on days when the weather isn’t cooperating. With cosmic bowling, bumper bowling, and ball ramps, everyone can join in, from kids to experienced bowlers. After bowling, enjoy a meal at the Back Alley Pub & Grill inside the lanes.Learn more.
Get Inspired at a Local Museum
Explore art, history, and culture together at local museums like the Coos History Museum & Maritime Collections on the Coos Bay waterfront. The Coos Art Museum has exhibits by local and national artists, plus memorabilia and photos from Steve Prefontaine’s running career and Olympic medals.
Visit A Local Park
For an easy, family-friendly break between bigger adventures, spend time at Mingus Park in Coos Bay or Ferry Road Park in North Bend. Mingus Park is perfect for kids who need to move, with playgrounds, open green space, and a walking path around the duck pond, while parents can enjoy the peaceful garden areas and shady benches. You may even catch a seasonal community event or outdoor performance at the amphitheater. Just up the road, Ferry Road Park offers picnic spots, a small beach area, and a 9-hole disc golf course with views of the bay and the iconic McCullough Bridge. Both parks give families room to spread out, play, and recharge without straying far from town.
Take a Ride or Hike in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Especially adventurous families may wish to explore the largest stretch of coastal dunes in North America by ATV or on foot. Spinreel’s Follow Me Tour is a good choice for first-time visitors and families with kids. For guides and rentals, click here . The John Dellenback Trail , the only non-motorized area in the Dunes, offers a unique view of the dunes on foot or on a fat-tire bike.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth!
When you visit Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston, stop by Cranberry Sweets for treats made with Oregon cranberries and other tasty flavors. You can watch candy being made on most weekdays and sample as much as you like. In downtown North Bend, Sweet Street offers hand-crafted chocolates, fudge, ice cream, and Boba Tea. Craving a freshly baked treat? Visit some of our local Coffeeshops & Bakeries for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up!
Hike to Golden and Silver Falls.
The Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area (not to be confused with Silver Falls near Silverton, Oregon), about 30 miles from Highway 101 on Highway 241, is a great day trip for families to enjoy nature while hiking through lush coastal forests to two magnificent waterfalls. The drive to the falls is part of the adventure, with winding roads that can take almost an hour. Click here for tips and more info. Note: There is another Silver Falls in Oregon, near Silverton.
Dine in one of the Food Truck Courts!
When it’s time to eat, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, all of which are family-friendly. But when you head to the Front Street Food Trucks in Coos Bay or NoBe Taphouse & Food Cart Pod in North Bend, you get a rotating mix of vendors serving everything from tacos and BBQ to waffles and grilled cheese, so everyone can find something they love. The open-air setting, local drinks, and relaxed atmosphere make it a simple, fun stop after a day of exploring.
Looking for more family ideas? Visit the Coos Bay Visitor Information Center or the North Bend Visitor Information Center for local tips, info, books, maps, and fun Oregon’s Adventure Coast souvenirs. While in Downtown Coos Bay, enjoy the bay views from the Coos Bay Boardwalk behind the building. And while in downtown North Bend, check out all that Main Street has to offer!
