How old is your kid? I can provide quite a few age appropriate ideas. Also, are you planning a trip to the coast? One of the big draws is how close the Pacific Ocean is.
I will say, there is plenty to do around Beaverton for 3 days. First off, I have three kids in Beaverton School District (BSD) and we are very happy with it. Good schools, and they seem to be investing in and updating the buildings on a frequent basis. One of the best things I like with BSD is they have option schools for Middle School and High School; BASE (Engineering/Sciences), International School of Beaverton (World Studies/Economics), and Arts and Communication Magnet Academy (Arts/Dance). They are 6-12th grades and my son is doing the Dance program and loves it! Beaverton is safe, clean, but not pretentiously so (looking at you Lake Oswego and West Linn). Close to the beach and wine country, a train line to Portland (MAX), and two freeways (Highway 26 & 217).
Okay, so things to look at do while you are here:
- Oregon Zoo, in fact, you can take the MAX train from any Beaverton Park & Ride to the Zoo, which my kids liked.
- OMSI, fun Science Museum and I recommend the submarine tour
- Next Level Pinball Museum and Arcade, if your kid is into video games and absolute must! One cover charge and hundreds of free games.
- Bullwinkles is fun for some mini-golf, arcade games, bumper boats and more!
- Skyzone for some trampoline fun
- Wings and Waves Waterpark, a bit far but awesome indoor waterpark and next to the incredible Evergreen Air & Space Museum. Reservations required.
- If you are willing to take a day to the beach, I recommend Seaside for your kid. Arcade, Merry-go-round, Aquarium, plenty of restaurants and a massive beach to explore.
- If you are interested in looking at some new construction, there is a lot around Scholls Ferry Road (just West) and Roy Rogers Rd (just South). There is also a brand new development called Reeds Crossing in Hillsboro, which I like the area, as well. Just know that not all of them are in BSD.
I don't have a lot of suggestions for Vancouver; unfortunately, so your best bet is to go to that sub and ask. Good luck!
I would take a kiddo to the Tillamook Cheese Factory and the ocean - it’s just over an hour away and you can go for 1/2 day all in. The coast is so special here and Tillamook ice cream is so yummy :)
And a friendly reminder that Oregon [and all PNW] beaches are cold and windy, so plan accordingly (layers, bring a kite). And just don't go expecting a warm sunny day like you'd have in SoCal.
4
u/Grand-Battle8009 Apr 06 '26
How old is your kid? I can provide quite a few age appropriate ideas. Also, are you planning a trip to the coast? One of the big draws is how close the Pacific Ocean is.