The Oregon Coast is a favorite destination for families, with seemingly endless opportunities for discovery and fun. In Lincoln City, there are so many opportunities to put smiles on the faces of those you love. We recently checked in with some local kiddos we know, and they assured us that this list gets their “Dino-mite” (that will make more sense in a minute) stamp of approval.
First, renting a kid-friendly house is a great option. When calling or looking online to book your Lincoln City vacation rental, ask about our properties that go the extra mile to make sure kids have fun, too. From stocking in-house games and puzzles to game rooms complete with ping pong tables, pool tables, video games and even air hockey, or a garage stocked with beach toys and beach chairs, our Reservations Team can help you find a home the whole family will love. Make sure you also consider our Oregon Coast Resort Properties Bella Beach and Olivia Beach…with amenities like bike rentals and playgrounds and even a seasonal pool…there are lots of things to keep your favorite kiddos entertained.
Once you have settled into your Lincoln City vacation rental, the top of most kids’ lists is getting to the beach as fast as possible. The Oregon Coast offers year-round opportunities to explore and play. Our favorite way to get the post-road trip wiggles out is to hit the beach in Roads End, Lincoln Beach, or Nelscott Beach. Ample parking and miles of pristine beach and incredible views makes it easy for everyone to enjoy their time at any of these locations.
Once you have had your fill of sand and sea, it’s fun to head into Lincoln City and explore the shops and restaurants. Here are some of our favorite stops:
Say “Hi” to Your Favorite Dinosaurs at Prehistoric!
One of our favorite stops is always Prehistoric, a one-of-a-kind shop that will be a huge hit with every dinosaur, rock, and treasure hunter in your life. When you walk in the door you are greeted by the sounds (and movement) of a to-scale baby T-Rex! It’s so real-looking it can be intimidating for little ones, so make sure they are prepared for this unusual hello. Not to worry if dinosaurs are not their thing, though, there is a lot more fun to be had at Prehistoric. From cracking your own geode in their on-site geode cracking machine, to learning as much as you possibly can about rocks and minerals, to their impressive toy dinosaur collection, kids of all ages will find something to be excited about. They also have a world class collection of fossils from all over the world. Their staff is incredibly well-versed on everything in the store and loves to spend time helping kids learn more about the world around them. Our favorite thing to do is “mine for minerals” in their mineral trough and see what treasures we can discover.
Make time for local sweet treats. After all of that fun, the kids we know are ready for an afternoon treat. We head straight to Read’s Candy.
Located just up the road from Prehistoric, Read’s is exactly what an Oregon Coast candy shop should be…classic, filled with old school favorites and friendly service, too. Stop by for some seafoam and saltwater taffy. If you are lucky one of their candy-makers might be making candy and you can watch how it all comes together.
Pizza and Bowling are a great combo! Next up, we recommend checking out a one-stop-fun-stop for fun the whole family can participate in and dinner in the same place…Olde Line Lanes bowling alley and restaurant.
This recently remodeled and super charming space offers several lanes of bowling as well as really great food. A late afternoon stop for bowling and dinner means fun and fabulous food for everyone. And no one has to do the dishes!
S’mores at the beach are always a good idea.
Once you’ve had your fill of bowling and delicious food, we think it would be fun to head to the community fire pit near your Meredith Lodging Lincoln City vacation rental and toast some marshmallows. Meredith Lodging has installed community firepits in our Belhaven, Olivia Beach and Bella Beach neighborhoods! Or, perhaps, you’ve booked a rental home in our collection with its own private firepit.
Book your Meredith Lodging vacation by visiting MeredithLodging.com or calling our locally based and experiences Reservations Team at (877)778-9055. And if you are looking to book a home equipped especially for kiddos, just let them know and they will help you find the perfect place. We hope to see you soon!
