There’s no secret that there’s plenty for us adults to do in our charming town of Hood River. After all, there are winds to ride, mountains to climb, wine tours to take, and a plethora of epic journeys awaiting all nestled within our bountiful valley. So many fun, adult adventures await, but what about our kiddos? Well lucky for them they’ll never be left out when it comes to enjoying unique and ample playtime as there are plenty of places within the Hood River community where kids can enjoy some fun activities that are just for them!
Hood River WaterPlay
100 E Port Marina Drive
541.386.9463
Kiddos who love the water can find exciting river adventures at Hood River WaterPlay where they can learn windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, catamaran sailing, and jet skiing! As the Gorge’s premier water sports center, young ones will be in good hands as they ride the waves of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge all while being taught by world-class instructors in an Official U.S. Sailing School environment.
Lessons are held every day from May through September and feature adaptable lesson formats to accommodate all ages and learning styles so even the parents can get in on the action and learn with the kiddos if they wish.
Mount Hood Railroad
110 Railroad Street
541.399.8939
Offering unforgettable train journeys and railbike rides through the scenic valleys of the Columbia River Gorge in the shadow of Mount Hood is Mount Hood Railroad. Here kids can climb aboard a century-old, short-line railroad for a round-trip excursion where they’ll travel through orchards, vineyards, and forests on an epic journey around the mountain.
Head on over during Christmas and find the joy and magic of a real-life “Polar Express” during one of their seasonal Christmas Train rides. Or better yet, spend some quality one-on-one time with the kids with some tandem rail-biking teamwork as you circle around the tracks while enjoying the great outdoors within the wonderful Hood River Valley.
Joy’s Art Studio
1412 13th Street, 100A
541.399.7873
Kids can have fun expressing their creativity at locally owned and operated Joy’s Art Studio where they can all learn from art professor Joy. Children can join in on the experience during any of the many art camps, workshops, and classes that the studio offers throughout the year. There’s even the option to rent out the studio for private birthday party celebrations or even parent and child painting parties so kids and parents alike can show off their creative side while painting some amazing portraits.
Double Mountain Horse Ranch
3995 Portland Drive
541.513.1152
Little ones can giddy up and go at Double Mountain Horse Ranch while participating at their Pony Pals Kids Camp. Here, kiddos will learn about horsemanship, sportsmanship, and husbandry in a fun and nurturing atmosphere all while exploring the hidden treasures that await in the area’s vast Columbia River Gorge.
Seasoned wranglers and counselors will be along for the ride to support and guide your young ones. There are even opportunities for campers to enjoy small break-out group activities based on riding ability and personal interests. Kids will also enjoy games, art, and music that are all about horses and on the last day campers will get a chance to show off their new skills to family before they go home with some swag.
Brimstone Boulders
616 State Street
541.436.3933
Monkeying around can be enjoyed by kids at Hood River community’s first rock-climbing gym Brimstone Boulders. Here, they can let out all their excess energy and join the Youth Climbing Team where they’ll join instructors for sessions that focus on goal setting, strength training, technique drills, and conditioning. Rock climbing itself is a phenomenal way for kids to develop physical and mental strength, balance, body awareness, self-confidence, and friendships so consider signing up for one of their many programs to help your kids build their skills.
Among the programs is a summer camp that runs from June to August, a Fall Youth program where kids can sign up for their new favorite after-school activity, and even Indoor Day Camps where they can enjoy five days of climbing, games, crafts, and exploring local community parks.
The wonderful Hood River really is a bountiful playground for both kids and adults alike with so many exciting adventures awaiting. All you have to do is get out there and play!
