Some days I think my kids would take up permanent residence on the couch if I’d let them. Their dream is to spend long, lazy days in front of the TV. But I love being outdoors, especially with my kids. And once I get them outside, they’re usually happy to be there. Oregon is gorgeous and has so many beautiful spots to hike. We’ve made a lot of fun family memories out on the trail. And we’ve got some good stories to tell from unsuccessful hikes full of minor mishaps and unexpected rain storms. Hiking with the kids is a great way to bond as a family and enjoy nature. Here are four of my favorite kid friendly hikes near Albany, OR that you can enjoy with your family.
Kid friendly hikes Near Albany, OR to Explore With Your Kids This Weekend!
Talking Water Gardens
Talking Water Gardens is right in Albany and perfect for little kids who don’t want much of an elevation change and parents who don’t want a long car ride. It’s pet-friendly and has about 2 miles of paths. Because the paths are made of several small loops around ponds, you can go on a short walk or spend a little more time exploring. My kids love looking for turtles, ducks, and other small animals in the man-made wetlands. There are several small waterfalls, a rain wall, bridges, and plenty of plants to enjoy.
Waverly Lake Park
Waverly Lake is another spot right in Albany that’s fun to walk with kids. The paved sidewalk around the lake is just under a mile, and there are spots along the way to stop and look at the ducks and geese. One of the park’s most noticeable features is the giant styrofoam duck floating in the middle. It’s also a great place to fish for rainbow trout. In the summer, paddle boats are available to rent by the half hour. Be sure to check the city website for current hours and prices. (Unfortunately, there are no rentals in 2023 because of work that needs to be done on the lake. Hopefully, they’ll be back up and running in 2024!)
Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
Ankeny Wildlife Refuge is about a 20 minute drive from Albany. This is one of my little kids’ favorite places to explore. The Rail Trail is a little over a mile total (an out-and-back hike), and most of it is on a wooden boardwalk with side rails. Depending on the time of year, you may see frogs, snakes, dragonflies, butterflies, geese, ducks, herons, and other birds. There’s a small observation blind that’s fun to peek out the windows and look for birds. Be sure to bring your binoculars! The sign to the parking area can be easy to miss, but once you’re there the trail is well-marked and very family-friendly.
McDowell Creek Falls
Of the four hikes in this article, this is the one that will feel most like a hike. The others are more nature walks. McDowell Creek Falls is a 30 minute drive or more depending on where you live in Albany (it’s about 15 miles east of Lebanon). We love it. There are 3 miles of hiking trails and two gorgeous waterfalls. In some spots, you can access the pools below the falls if you’d like to wade in the water. It’s a great place to explore with your kids.
Kid Friendly Hikes Near Albany, OR
Getting outdoors is a great way to get some exercise and make memories with your kids. I hope you enjoy these kid friendly hikes near Albany, OR as much as our family does.
Looking for more fun hikes? Check out these other kid friendly hikes in the area:
