Oregon, a land of breathtaking natural beauty and a fiercely independent spirit, offers a unique take on amusement parks and water parks. Unlike states boasting sprawling, corporate-owned behemoths, Oregon’s parks are often locally grown, brimming with character, and offer a distinct charm. While those seeking the grandeur of Disneyland, the high-octane thrills of California’s Great America, or the intense drops of Six Flags Magic Mountain will need to venture south, Oregon provides a collection of smaller, more intimate experiences that are perfect for a laid-back day of fun. Looking for Roller Coasters or Water Slides in Oregon? You’ve come to the right place.
Oregon Theme Parks
The theme parks in Oregon, while not as numerous or expansive as those found in other states, offer a diverse range of experiences, from classic amusement park rides to immersive themed environments.
Bullwinkle’s in Wilsonville
Nestled in Wilsonville, Bullwinkle’s is a family entertainment center designed to provide a comprehensive entertainment experience. This isn’t just a theme park; it’s a hub of activity, offering a diverse array of indoor and outdoor attractions. Step inside and you’ll find yourself amidst the sounds of bowling balls crashing into pins, the excited shouts of go-kart racers, and the strategic murmurs of laser tag combatants. Outside, the fun continues with mini-golf courses winding through whimsical landscapes, bumper boats splashing across the water, and a thrilling zipline offering a bird’s-eye view of the park. For those seeking a quick thrill, the Frog Hopper mini drop tower provides a gentle, yet exciting, introduction to the world of amusement park rides.
Beyond the attractions, Bullwinkle’s caters to hungry adventurers with a cafe offering a variety of options, from classic pizzas and satisfying wraps to other tasty dishes. For adults seeking a relaxing break, a full bar is also available. Bullwinkle’s provides a well-rounded entertainment experience suitable for the whole family.
Enchanted Forest in Salem
Enchanted Forest, a beloved Salem institution, is a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of classic fairy tales. Dating back to the early 1970s, this family-owned and -operated park is specifically geared towards children aged 12 and under, creating a safe and engaging environment for younger guests. As you step through the gates, you’re transported to a world of fantasy and wonder, where storybook characters come to life and childhood dreams take flight.
The park is divided into themed areas, each offering a unique and immersive experience. Storybook Lane is a whimsical path lined with scenes from classic fairy tales, bringing beloved stories to life in vibrant detail. Western Town transports you to the Wild West, complete with saloons, general stores, and the spirit of adventure. Old Europe evokes the charm and romance of a bygone era, with cobblestone streets, charming architecture, and a sense of timeless elegance.
One of the park’s signature rides is the Ice Mountain Bobsled roller coaster, a unique and thrilling experience. The cars navigate a series of twists and turns within an enclosed tunnel, creating a sense of speed and excitement. To ensure passenger safety, the cars are equipped with Plexiglas shields, preventing riders from inadvertently placing themselves in harm’s way.
Other attractions include the Big Timber Log Ride, a classic water ride that sends you splashing down a log flume, and a walk-through Haunted House, offering a spooky, but not-too-scary, experience for brave adventurers. The Challenge of Mondor is an interactive ride that equips passengers with shooters and challenges them to hit targets throughout the ride, adding an element of friendly competition. Younger children will enjoy the Kiddy Ferris Wheel and Tiny Tune Train, providing gentle and age-appropriate thrills. In addition to the rides, Enchanted Forest offers a variety of other activities, including a captivating water and light show, the opportunity to pan for gold, and a musical stage show, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Enchanted Forest is open from mid-March to late September, offering a seasonal escape into a world of fantasy and fun.
Interstate Amusement in Seaside
For those seeking a nostalgic taste of classic amusement park fun, Interstate Amusement in Seaside offers a charmingly simple experience. This tiny park features vintage bumper cars, a Tilt-A-Whirl, and mini-golf, providing a delightful step back in time. A small concession stand offers refreshments to keep you energized as you enjoy the classic rides and games. Interstate Amusement is a perfect spot for a quick dose of old-fashioned fun.
John’s Incredible Pizza Company in Beaverton
John’s Incredible Pizza Company in Beaverton offers a unique combination of delicious food and thrilling entertainment. As part of a chain of pizza restaurants, the Beaverton location includes Fun World, an indoor family entertainment center packed with rides, an arcade, and activities. The Twister spinning thrill ride will have you whirling with excitement, while the bumper cars offer classic amusement park fun. The swinging pendulum ride provides a thrilling sensation of weightlessness, and the lazer maze challenges your agility and problem-solving skills. An extensive arcade offers a wide variety of games, from classic favorites to the latest interactive experiences. For younger children, Kiddie Land provides a safe and engaging play area. The costumed character, IncrediBear, greets visitors at the center, adding to the fun and excitement. John’s Incredible Pizza Company specializes in birthday parties, offering a memorable and hassle-free celebration experience.
Oaks Park in Portland
Oaks Park, a Portland landmark dating back to the turn of the century, holds the distinction of being one of the country’s oldest trolley parks. It’s also one of the few remaining free-admission amusement parks, making it an accessible and affordable option for families. Visitors can purchase a la carte tickets for individual rides or opt for a pay-one-price bracelet, offering unlimited access to all the attractions. While Oaks Park offers a mix of thrilling rides, its target audience is primarily families with children 12 and under, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for younger guests.
In 2018, the park introduced Adrenaline Peak, a steel coaster that delivers a rush of adrenaline with its beyond-90-degrees first drop and three inversions. Other featured attractions include the Looping Thunder roller coaster, which includes one small loop, providing a thrilling, yet manageable, experience. Disk’o spins passengers on a large platform that races back and forth on a roller coaster-like track, creating a unique and disorienting sensation.
For 2021, the park debuted AtmosFEAR, a pendulum ride that offers passengers the option of a 180-degree ride or a full 360-degree ride that spins them completely upside down. Regardless of the chosen option, the wild attraction delivers some hair-raising G-forces, ensuring a thrilling experience.
Oaks Park also offers a selection of flat rides, such as a Tilt-A-Whirl and a Scrambler, providing classic amusement park thrills. Younger visitors can enjoy a train ride, the small Zoom Coaster, and other age-appropriate rides. The park also features mini-golf, a historic dance pavilion, and, according to Oaks Park, the country’s largest roller skating rink. The amusement park is open from mid-March to early September, while roller skating at Oaks Park is open year-round.
Oregon Water Parks
Looking for Roller Coasters or Water Slides in Oregon? Don’t forget to cool off at one of Oregon’s indoor water parks. All of the state’s water parks are indoors, offering a year-round escape from the elements. While Oregon lacks major outdoor water parks, the indoor facilities provide a fun and refreshing experience.
Evergreen Wings and Waves Waterpark in McMinnville
Evergreen Wings and Waves Waterpark in McMinnville offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. As part of the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, this indoor water park allows visitors to combine the thrill of water slides with the wonder of aviation and space exploration. It’s an odd, only-in-Oregon combination that is sure to impress.
Water park attractions include the Splashdown Harbor wave pool, providing a fun and relaxing way to cool off, a bowl ride that sends you swirling through a vortex of water, an enclosed speed slide for adrenaline junkies, and a vortex pool that spins riders around, creating a disorienting and exhilarating experience. Evergreen Wings and Waves is open year-round, offering a constant escape into a world of aquatic adventure.
North Clackamas Aquatic Park in Milwaukie
North Clackamas Aquatic Park in Milwaukie is a small, municipal, indoor water park offering a range of aquatic activities. Attractions include a wave pool, a rock climbing wall, a hot tub, and water slides, providing fun for all ages. The facility also offers a lap pool, swimming lessons, and aquatic fitness classes, catering to a variety of interests and skill levels. North Clackamas Aquatic Park is open throughout the year, providing a convenient and affordable option for aquatic recreation.
Splash at Lively Park in Springfield
Splash at Lively Park in Springfield is another small, municipal, indoor water park offering a variety of aquatic activities. Attractions include a wave pool and a water slide, providing fun for the whole family. There is also a lap pool, a kiddie pool, and a whirlpool spa, catering to a range of interests and age groups. Splash at Lively Park is open all year long, providing a convenient and affordable option for aquatic recreation.
Oregon’s amusement parks and water parks may not be the largest or most extravagant, but they offer a unique blend of charm, character, and family-friendly fun. Looking for Roller Coasters or Water Slides in Oregon? You’re sure to find a hidden gem that will create lasting memories.
