![Teenager enjoying a game of pickleball]( "Teenager enjoying a game of pickleball")
Pickleball is making a big splash in the Long Beach peninsula, drawing enthusiasts from all corners of the Pacific Northwest. With an impressive six outdoor courts spread between two picturesque parks, and an indoor court that accommodates players all year round, the peninsula has become a hub for this exciting and family-friendly sport. Whether you're a seasoned player or just wanting to try something new during your family vacation, pickleball presents an enjoyable opportunity for everyone. Our guide at Bloomer Estates Vacation Rentals can help you navigate to these courts and maximize your fun. Curious to find more suggestions on where to engage in pickleball on your next trip? Visit our webpage for an extensive list of locations and related tips, all dedicated to ensuring your family activities are filled with laughter, excitement, and memorable moments.
So why wait? Dive into the exciting world of pickleball during your stay with us at Bloomer Estates.With six outdoor courts in two parks and a year-round indoor court, people are coming from around the Pacific Northwest to the Long Beach peninsula to play pickleball. See more ideas on where to play here.
2. Ride the Go-Karts
915 Pacific Ave Downtown Long Beach
These go-karts are super fun and very fast. The Long Beach Go-karts are under new management and have been renovated and renewed. They are a must-stop for every child tall enough to ride. All of our homes in downtown Long Beach are within walking distance of the go-karts.
The tours are perfect for families and what kid doesn't want to ride a horse? Open from May through September there are two horseback riding touring companies at the beach that will fit you on the perfect horse based on your skill level. Both offer wonderful tours for couples as well as large groups. See our horseback riding guide here.
200 Pacific Ave S, Downtown Long Beach
Tel: 360 642-2223
Family-owned and operated in a historic building in downtown Long Beach. After extensive renovation, Funland Family Fun Center opened its doors in 1992 with used games, paper tickets, and a staff-assisted prize counter. Fast forward to today, and Funland has progressed to a state-of-the-art round card-using facility with digital tokens, virtual reality rides, touch-screen games, laser tag, and a self-serve prize store.
200 Pacific Ave S, Downtown Long Beach
Tel: 360 642-222
Enjoy the new mini-golf course in downtown Long Beach, Washington, at the Fun Beach Family Fun Center. Kid-friendly and fun for the entire family! There is a second mini-golf course just behind the Banana Book Store. For serious golfers, there are two golf courses found in our Top Things to do activities.
7. LJ Ranch Goat Petting
3202 318th Street Ocean Park, Washington
(On your way to Oysterville)
Fun for kids, this small family-owned business has about a dozen goats where for a small $5.00 donation, the kids can pet and hang out with. Also on sale is goat cheese, goat soap, and firewood. A visit to LJ Ranch is a fun way to entertain the children and support a local family.
101 Washington Ave
Long Beach, Washington
Just two blocks east of downtown Long Beach on 101 Washington Avenue is the city park, with slides, swings, a baseball field, four outdoor pickleball courts, and a tennis court. Fun for everyone! The park is an easy walk from all of Bloomer Estates' downtown Long Beach vacation rentals.
1 Coxcomb Dr, Astoria, Oregon
Standing in the grass at the Astoria Column, make sure you watch out for low-flying biodegradable balsa wood aircraft. It's a tradition that has been going on at the column for years. Visitors buy the small planes at the gift shop for $1.00 each (proceeds help pay for park renovations), climb to the top of the 125-foot column, and launch them into the air. You will hear shouts and laughter of children (and adults) seeing how far and fast the planes will fly through the air, much like the small planes.
The Astoria Column is the number one purchaser of these airplanes, with over 250,000 sold every year.
US 101 Fort Columbia State Park
Chinook Washington
Tel 360 777-8221
Kids love this old coastal fort with the big guns from WWII and the bunkers still intact. Fort Columbia State Park is a 593 acre Washington state park that preserves the site of Fort Columbia. It is one of several state parks and sites that make up the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks. military and maritime history buffs will appreciate the intact historic coastal defense site. Also listed in one of the BEST museums to visit on the Long Beach Washington Peninsula.
809 Ocean Beach Blvd S
Downtown Long Beach
Tel: 360 6420-8888
This local Neptune Theater plays all the latest movies. Check out their specials on their website. Movies are only $6.50. The Neptune has been recently remodeled and is offering outdoor drive-in movies. All of our vacation rentals in downtown Long Beach, WA, are within walking distance to the theater.
Downtown Long Beach
Remember when you were a kid and had your first piece of saltwater taffy or enjoyed those enormous scoops of ice cream on your beach holiday. Pass the experience down to the next generation by vising some of the best confectionery shops anywhere on the Washington Coast.
244 Robert Grave Drive
Ilwaco, WA
Located in Cape Disappointment State Park with terrific ocean views of the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Fort Canby is a massive hit for families with kids. Children love exploring the old batteries (built-in 1906) that once housed the large guns that protected the mouth of the Columbia River from foreign fleets. Today there are nearly 2,000 acres to explore, including Deadman's Cove, the lighthouse, and the interpretive center. Perhaps best of all, the state park made our list of the top 20 FREE things to do on the Long Beach, Washington Peninsula.
244 Robert Grave Drive
Ilwaco Washington
Normally we wouldn't suggest a museum for kids, but this one is AWESOME. Located high above the ocean surf, this interpretive center takes you along the end of Lewis and Clark's journey near the exact location where they first eyed the Pacific Ocean. Children love exploring and playing in the old batteries in front of the interpretive center.
1792 Marine Drive
Astoria, Oregon
Yes, we recommend two museums for kids! The Columbia River Maritime Museum is located in Astoria, just across the Columbia River and a 20-minute drive from Ilwaco Washington. They have a number of interesting exhibits focused on the dangerous Columbia River Bar known as the Graveyard of the Pacific.
Downtown Long Beach, Washington
Marsh's Free Museum is more of a curiosity and souvenir store than a traditional museum. However, it is a must-stop for families with children. The number one attraction is Jake the Alligator Man, a half-man and half-alligator in a display case near the shop's back. Jake is now world-famous and has been a resident of Marsh's for over 50 years now. Marsh's is also the best place to buy seashells, with dozens of different kinds from which to choose. Don't miss the "World's Largest Chopsticks" just in front of Marsh's Museum.
18. Ocean Park Elementary School Playground
25701 Vernon Ave, Ocean Park, WA
Near the stoplight in Ocean Park, Washington, the Long Beach Elementary school allows children to play in their playground when school is not in session. There is also a covered basketball outdoor court. This park is less than a 5-minute drive from all of our Ocean Park vacation rentals.
19. Play basketball at the Ocean Park Elementary School
25701 Vernon Ave, Ocean Park, WA
This playground is near the light in Ocean Park, Washington, just off the main highway. It is part of the elementary school ( available only when school is not in session); this court is outdoors but covered and without nets on the hoops. Still, it is an excellent place for kids to play a game of basketball. 1303 Beach Retreat Vacation Rental and Weather Beach Vacation Rental are just around the corner, and many of our other Ocean Park rentals are nearby.
Long Beach has many pet-friendly nature trails that are perfect for the entire family. Cape Disappointment has several kid-friendly trails less than 3 miles in length with fantastic views of the lighthouses and Columbia River. See our Best Hiking Trails Guide for more information on where to go.
12410 pacific way
Long Beach, WA
(360)642-8842
Stop by to buy actual paintings by goats and talk to local homesteaders Latresha & Sumer Starling. The kids can see and pet the bunnies, goats, and sheep with supervision. Paintings by Goat is well worth a stop. The homestead is off the main road near the Surfview vacation rentals.
4603 Pacific Way
Seaview Washington
The young ones will love seeing the working electric trains built over decades by the owner. The name of their store comes from their dog Molly and she is still the greeter at the door. Inside is a vast array of collectible toys including train sets and race cars. There is comfy seating for parties of 2 to 3 inside with a bench and picnic table outside.
Children of all ages love to see the old hot rods, cruisers, and convertibles. Beach Barons Rod Run is the largest September Event on the peninsula, starting the weekend after Labor Day every year. The kiddos will especially appreciate the Friday and Saturday afternoon and evening parade of cars through downtown Long Beach, Washington.
Everyone loves a fresh locally made custom pizza and the Long Beach Peninsula has several pizza parlors to choose from. We have done the work by selecting the best of the best. Also, don't miss our list of Cheap Eats with great food at great prices that the young ones will love!
27. Play Boardgames and Puzzles
If you're looking for a fun indoor activity to enjoy with friends and family, board games and puzzles are a perfect choice. The Lake House is stocked with a variety of games and puzzles that you can enjoy together. From classic board games like Monopoly and Scrabble to challenging puzzles, you'll find something for everyone. And on a rainy day, there's no better way to pass the time than with a fun game or puzzle.
