Bicycling is a fun activity for teenagers in Eugene, Oregon
Eugene, located in central Oregon, is an area filled with rivers that lend themselves to outdoor activities. Eugene is the home of the University of Oregon and is known as the place where Nike athletic shoes originated. The area affords a variety of activities for teenagers, depending on their interests and abilities.
Whitewater Rafting
The rivers around Eugene offer plenty of opportunities for whitewater rafting. There are rafting trips for all levels ranging from half-day to several day adventures. Rentals of kayaks, canoes,and rafts are available as are life jackets, helmets, wetsuits and paddles. Classes are available for instruction.
Willamette Activities
The Willamette River Bike Trail is a 6-mile bike trail along the Willamette River. In the Willamette National Forest there are hiking trails, water activities and winter activities such as skiing.
Cascade Raptor Center
The Cascade Raptor Center is a nature center and a wildlife hospital for birds. It specializes in helping wild birds recover from injuries. There are about 24 different types of bird available as well as 10 species of owls. There are guided tours available. Admission for teens is $6. It is open for visitors on Tuesday through Sunday during the day and in the winter November to March from noon to 5 p.m.
Planetarium and Science Factory
These two museums have been combined. The Lane ESD Planetarium offers educational entertainment. This includes laser shows, images from the Hubble Space Telescope as well as programs on planets and constellations. The Science Factory provides a computer laboratory and summer science camps.
Theatre
The ComedySportz Theatre contains 99 seats and specializes in improvisation shows. Its programs are held on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. in downtown Eugene. These programs vary throughout the year. The theatre serves non-alcoholic beverages.
Fifth Street Public Market
Teens might enjoy walking through the craft boutiques and speciality stores in an open-air courtyard where street entertainers perform. It is open on Saturdays during the spring, summer and part of the fall and offers assorted foods and bargain items.
Art Center
The non-profit community center, Maude Kerns Art Center, offers free art classes. There also are a variety of events such as exhibitions, lectures, workshops and internship programs. Studio space is offered to anyone who wants it.
Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Natural History is located on the premises of the University of Oregon campus. It has materials from 15,000 years of human history and millions of years of geology. It is known as a center of archealogical research and education and is popular with tourists. Admission for those under 18 years is $2, altlhough the museum is free to all on Wednesdays.
Other Teenage Activities
Moose's Billiards and Games in downtown Eugene offers pool tables, video games and air hockey tables.
Downtown Willamette Stationary gives classes in scrapbook making or paper crafts.
Bowling facilities are also available at various locations.
Tags: Cascade Raptor, Cascade Raptor Center, downtown Eugene, Eugene Oregon, Museum Natural