Fun Activities to Try with Your Child

Looking for ways to “spark” your child’s interests? Here are some free and low cost local ways to engage your child in new experiences:

• The University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History offers free admission every Wednesday.   
• The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art has free admission the first Friday of every month and is currently offering the Art Pack program free of cost as well.  This as a new program the museum is creating as an interactive way for families to enjoy the museum attractions together. They are offering families free admission to test out their program and give them feedback on what worked and what could be improved. 
• Our communities are crisscrossed with wonderful hiking trails that are fun to explore.  Eugene Running Company has a nice list of local trails that all work just as well for walking, skipping and many for bike riding!
• Parks and recreation organizations such as Willamalane Park and Recreation District, Eugene Recreation Services and River Road Park and Recreation District offer a variety of free and low cost options for sports, swimming, outdoor activities, and community events.  They also offer short-term camps for kids- often with a theme (think gymnastics, science camp, Lego camp, etc) that can be a wonderful way for your child to get a good feel for an activity.
• Both the Eugene and the Springfield Public Libraries have a wonderful array of activities for kids and families.  Eugene Public Library has Family Music Time every Saturday with different local musicians for great, interactive music experiences.  Both libraries offer “book groups” for different ages and celebrations for holidays.   If you are from a smaller community, many of our rural communities have wonderful libraries that offer quality programs and ongoing groups to try. To find a library near you, visit the Libraries of Lane County website.
• MECCA, our local Materials Exchange Center for the Community Arts, has drop in workshops for kids on Saturdays to create crafts and art made out of an amazing assortment of recycled materials.
• Try out Goecaching for an adventuresome way to explore our county or spend some time at the Saturday Market enjoying live music, local crafts and food.