As mentioned in Part One of “Cheap and Free Family Activities,” Eugene is a bustling and busy little town with plenty going on for folks of all ages and family status. In a town that has proclaimed itself “The World’s Greatest City For The Arts and Outdoors,” Eugene prides itself on the variety and accessibility of goings on about town. Here are some more affordable ideas for fun family outings…
The park at the Northern base of Skinner’s Butte in downtown Eugene has a newly renovated, improved and much larger play area for kids. Located right along the gorgeous Willamette River and within walking distance of the Owen Rose Garden. Skinner’s Butte Park is accessible year-round, with bike and walking trails, restroom facilities and plenty of fantastic play equipment. The park is located on the south side of the Willamette River at about First and Washington Streets.
During the Spring, Summer and into the Fall, the world-famous Eugene Saturday Market operates on Saturdays in the downtown park blocks. While there is plenty to purchase and shop for, including an abundant farmer’s market – the market itself is free. There is always plenty of entertainment on the main stage and throughout the market and generally plenty to see and do. Parking in downtown Eugene is free all day to make it more convenient for folks getting to the Saturday Market. The market has a website at www.eugenesaturdaymarket.org where you can find out exact hours and the months the market is running.
If you’d like to experience some nature up close and personal, then the Cascades Raptor Center might be just the place. Located in the hills in South Eugene at 32275 Fox Hollow, the Cascades Raptor Center is a nature center and wildlife hospital specializing in wild birds of prey. There is a charge – $5 for adults, $4 for teens and seniors, and $3 for children under 12 – but the fees go to support the work of this nonprofit. You can also join as a member for $25 and up and have free admission throughout the year. The hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10am-6pm. Call 485-1320 for information or check out the website at www.eraptors.org.
For more nature, the University of Oregon is home to the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. This is a hands-on education experience – including natural and cultural history exhibits for various areas in Oregon. The exhibits change regularly, so check out the website at www.natural-history.uoregon.edu or call 346-3024 for updated information. The museum is located at 1680 E. 15th Avenue, just East of Hayward Field on the University campus. General Admission is $3, Seniors and Youth are admitted for $2, and Families (2 adults and up to 4 children) can be admitted for $8. Children under two years old are free.
As far as historical museums go, the Lane County Historical Museum is incredibly accessible, and while not free, is pretty cheap. This museum is located at 740 West 13th Avenue as part of the Fair Grounds property. Admission for adults is $2.00, Seniors (60+) is $1.00 and Children ages 3-17 are admitted for $.75. If you join and become a member, then the admission is free. This museum features some wonderful exhibits of artifacts and historical information from years past. Call 682-4239 or go to the web address: www.lcmuseum.org to find our current events and hours of operation.
To get a little art into your day, The Maude Kerns Art Center is located at 1910 E. 15th Avenue – just East of Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus. This center has an ongoing offering of art classes and events for artists of all ages. Call 345-1571 or www.mkartcenter.org for current goings on.
Finally, Eugene is home to many parks and outdoor recreation areas, including bike paths and play grounds. One of the more fun and extensive playgrounds is located at Amazon Park. This park is located at about 26th and Amazon (just South of where Hilyard and Patterson join to become Amazon. The public Amazon Pool is located nearby, but there is also a great playground and plenty of open space, with nearby fields and trails. During the summer months, this and other city parks offer free family concerts and movies in the park. To find out more about the parks and free events in the parks, check out the city web site at http://www.ci.eugene.or.us
There you have it! The second in a two-part series of cheap and free family-friendly fun activities in and around Eugene, Oregon. For information on seasonal events, check out the Eugene Weekly website at www.eugeneweekly.com and the Register-Guard website at www.registerguard.com. These local newspapers do a great job of keeping track of current and upcoming events and both list calendars to help plan your activities.
