Spring break is the perfect time to take a break from the daily routine and enjoy some quality family adventures! Southern Oregon offers plenty of exciting day trips and overnight getaways, whether you’re looking for outdoor exploration, scenic coastal escapes, or interactive museums. From Crater Lake to the Oregon Coast, here are some of the best places to visit with your family this spring.

---

🌲 Adventure-Filled Day Trips

1. Crater Lake National Park (1.5–2 hrs from Medford)

A stunning winter wonderland in early spring, Crater Lake offers snowshoeing, sledding, and unforgettable views. Stop by the Rim Village Café for hot cocoa and learn about the park at the visitor center.
🛷 Bonus Fun: Bring sleds for some snowy fun near the Rim Village parking area!

2. Table Rocks Hike & Rogue Valley Fun (30 mins from Medford)

One of the best places to see wildflowers in bloom, Table Rocks is an easy, family-friendly hike. Afterward, head into Jacksonville for lunch and a ride on the historic trolley tour.
🦎 Bonus Fun: Visit the Butterfly Pavilion at North Mountain Park in Ashland (seasonal) or stop by DANCIN Vineyards for a relaxing snack while the kids explore the outdoor spaces.

3. Wildlife Safari in Winston (1.5 hrs from Medford)

A classic Oregon experience! Drive through and see zebras, giraffes, and lions up close. Afterward, check out the Safari Village for interactive animal encounters.
🦁 Bonus Fun: Make a full day of it with a stop at the Douglas County Museum of History & Natural History in Roseburg.

4. Oregon Caves National Monument (1.5 hrs from Grants Pass)

Venture underground for a cave tour filled with stalactites and stalagmites! The visitor center has great interactive exhibits, and the surrounding forest offers easy hikes.
🦇 Bonus Fun: Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing fun activities in the park!

5. Rogue River Adventure Day (Grants Pass & Merlin)

Spend a day by the river with:
🚣 Rafting tours (early spring runs available)
🐟 Fishing or wildlife watching at Valley of the Rogue State Park
🛶 Kayaking at Applegate Lake

---

🏕️ Overnight & Weekend Getaways

6. Brookings & Harris Beach State Park (2.5 hrs from Medford)

A perfect overnight trip with gorgeous beaches, tide pooling, and whale watching. Stay in a cozy cabin or camp at Harris Beach State Park.
🌊 Must-do activities:
✅ Tidepooling at low tide – Look for sea stars and anemones!
✅ Short hikes along the scenic Samuel H. Boardman Corridor
✅ Whale watching from Chetco Point Park

7. Bandon & West Coast Game Park Safari (2.5–3 hrs from Medford)

Bandon is a great overnight getaway with stunning beaches and a petting zoo with exotic animals.
🐅 Must-do activities:
✅ Visit West Coast Game Park Safari to pet and feed animals
✅ Explore the rock formations at Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint
✅ Take a horseback ride on the beach with Bandon Beach Riding Stables

8. Gold Beach & the Rogue River (3 hrs from Medford)

Gold Beach is a fun coastal escape with jet boat rides, beachcombing, and river adventures.
🌊 Must-do activities:
✅ Jerry’s Rogue Jets (check for early spring departures!)
✅ Walk the Otter Point State Recreation Site trails for amazing views
✅ Hunt for agates & sea glass at Meyers Beach

9. Coos Bay & Shore Acres State Park (3 hrs from Medford)

Perfect for families who love gardens, crashing waves, and coastal adventures.
🌺 Must-do activities:
✅ Explore Shore Acres Botanical Gardens
✅ Watch the powerful waves at Cape Arago
✅ Visit the Oregon Coast Historical Railway Museum

10. Bend & Sunriver: Outdoor Fun & Family Adventures (3.5–4 hrs from Medford)

Bend is the ultimate playground for families who love hiking, biking, exploring caves, and soaking in stunning mountain views.
🌟 Must-do activities:
✅ High Desert Museum – See otters, raptors, and interactive exhibits about Oregon’s history and wildlife.
✅ Lava River Cave – Explore a mile-long lava tube with flashlights in hand (seasonal).
✅ Pilot Butte Scenic Drive or Hike – A short climb rewards you with panoramic views of Bend.
✅ Drake Park & Downtown Bend – Stroll along the Deschutes River, grab ice cream, and shop in the charming downtown area.
✅ Newberry National Volcanic Monument – Visit Paulina Falls, explore Obsidian Flow, or relax at Paulina Lake Hot Springs.
✅ Sunriver Resort – Stay overnight at this kid-friendly destination with bike trails, a nature center, and the SHARC water park.
🎿 Bonus Fun: If you’re up for winter sports, head to Mt. Bachelor for spring skiing, snow tubing, or a scenic chairlift ride!

---

🌟 Bonus: Unique Spring Break Experiences

🐳 Whale Watching Along the Coast – Spring is peak gray whale migration! The best spots for viewing:

• Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint (Brookings)
• Port Orford Heads State Park
• Shore Acres State Park (Coos Bay)

🚂 Ride the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad – If you’re up for a longer trip, take a ride on a steam train along the coastline near Garibaldi!

🏕️ Stay in a Yurt or Cabin – Many state parks offer cozy yurt rentals—a fun camping experience without the hassle of setting up a tent. Great options include:

• Harris Beach State Park (Brookings)
• Sunset Bay State Park (Coos Bay)
• Valley of the Rogue State Park (near Grants Pass)

---

I feel so lucky to have spring break off with my family, and even more excited that my partner took time off too so we can spend it together. This blog actually came from my own planning—I’ve been brainstorming where we should go, and I think we’ll end up on the coast, though we haven’t nailed down the details yet. If you’re trying to figure out your plans too, I hope this list helps take some of the research off your plate! Do you have any fun spring break adventures lined up? I’d love to hear what you have planned!