Buckle up and hit the road to McMinnville, a 35,000-person town an hour south of Portland in the heart of wine country. However, this family trip is centered on playing and splashing rather than wine tasting.
First stop is Discovery Meadows Park. This playground has an epic three-story structure that makes exploring and chasing extra fun, but it’s the height of the multiple twirling, twisting slides that causes screams of delight. Your kids will also find spinning cups to sit in, moving balance beams, and a massive rubber hill in the midst of a sand pit. And a water feature activated in the warmer months adds to the fun in the summer.
Next up is City Park where you see imaginative play immediately manifest, thanks to a sprawling, meandering wooden structure, complete with turrets. This structure was destined for epic games of hide-and-go-seek, thanks to its various nooks and crannies. Down the hill and at the other side of the park entrance is a smaller, classic playground and in between both is a proper babbling brook.
Next, head to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. You’ll definitely have noticed the multiple airplanes in hangars and positioned in front by the road on your drive in. This museum holds 150 aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits that tell the story of aerospace history and innovation. Driving past the museum will land you in front of Wings and Waves, an indoor water park. A massive, retired Boeing 747 sits on the roof, with four water slides exiting the fuselage — an indicator of what lies within the glass-walled building.
These slides — the green Nose Dive (the most thrilling), blue Tail Spin (it’s mostly dark), yellow Sonic Boom (the longest), and the orange Mach 1 (the only one a tube isn’t required on) alone make the visit worth it. But there’s also a wave pool, leisure pool, swirling vortex pool, hot tub and splash pad area. The kids don’t seem to mind the 15 to 30 minutes wait in line to ride a slide — and adults appreciate the chance to rest after climbing the 100 plus steps to get to the top each time. The hot tub is properly hot at 102˚F when compared to the pools’ 84˚ F.
Where to Eat
All this fun requires sustenance, so head to the Grain Station in McMinnville’s historic Granary District. Inside the large, renovated timber barn, you’ll discover a wide menu with delicious appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, house-made brews on taps, and a kids’ menu.
Another eating option bound to thrill your child is Joysticks Arcade and Eatery. Featuring 43 arcade games, including pinball and retro options. Over 30 beers on tap are joined by an equally extensive and decidedly fun food menu of classic fried appetizers, hot dogs with lots of toppings options, wings, personal pizzas — and even cotton candy.
For a break from the fried, stop by Pure Vida Cocina. It’s unfussy and child-friendly, but with delectable Latin American dishes, like fresh guacamole and savory tacos alongside arepas, ceviche, chiles rellenos, empanadas and more. Right on Main Street, you can stroll to Serendipity Ice Cream afterwards for a sweet treat.
Where to Drink
Since you’re in town, it would be a shame to miss out on the world-class wine that literally surrounds the parks. Queer and woman-owned, Remy Wines is a low-key winery with outdoor seating and some of the friendliest service. Grown-ups can sip the unique and delicious Italian grape varietals while kids scamper in the grassy area made for playing. They allow outside food with no fee, and reservations aren’t required, which is great when you have to play-it-by-ear with kids.
The more famous Stoller Wines is also child-friendly, to an extent. Reservations are recommended but not required for this hilltop estate with bucolic views. Food is delicious and geared toward wine tastings, so bring your own snacks and let your kids picnic in the far field and swing on the tire swing.
Where to Stay
Stay smack in the middle of downtown at Hotel Oregon. Built in 1905, this hotel is part of the McMenamins franchise, which means there will be whimsical and unique art to spy and appreciate throughout the 36 guest rooms. Follow the 12-page walking guide that explains the fascinating history of this location.
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