So today I'm going to be talking about what there is to do in Roseburg, Oregon. Everyone who lives here always seems to be asking "What IS there to do here?" and I have some answers for them, and whoever else may be wondering.
I have only lived here for 11 months so I don't know EVERYTHING, however, we do get out a ton, and I have made every effort to be informed about what is going on in this small town so I think I have a pretty good idea.
I will try to go seasonally and add in if its free or not, which most of it is. Feel free to let me know if I missed something and I will add it in here! :)
SPRING
So one fun thing we did this year was plant some flowers. I didn't do an actual garden because I didn't really plan ahead for that so we just planted some flowers. It was a great was to teach her some responsibility with watering them each day, which she really looked forward to! I know this isn't exclusive to Roseburg, however, it is SOMETHING to do in the spring!
(Helpful hint: cheapest place to purchase is dollar tree!)
There were many events at the local churches here for Easter. In early March, the https://www.nrtoday.com posted a link for all of the church events for Easter which was super helpful to find all of them. I'm certain they will be doing that every year which is a great way to keep up on what's going on for Easter each year. A lot of times there is also free breakfast as well which is always a bonus.
SUMMER
[Located behind the Art Center and Stewart Park]
Chances are if you have been at the splash pad this summer, you probably seen my daughter and I! We have been there almost every single day. It is such a fun place to be and it gives the kids a great way to cool down especially with the temperatures being so high here in the summer. There's a little snack shack with food and drinks and there's also another dry park (pictured below) that will be open all year round. I am so thankful this was opened for the community after all the fundraising it took. I know I was so grateful to have it here this summer. It will be open Memorial Day through Labor Day (September 9th) so get your kiddos there while it is still open!
[Located behind the Art Center and Stewart Park]
This park is so much fun. Even I run around in there like a little kid. In the high temps the black ground is very hot but it IS a very nice soft squishy texture, so I'm confident if she fell she wouldn't ever get hurt.
[Located on Stephens]
Do a Sonic date! It's honestly so much fun even though it's so simple. In the Summer they even do the half off shakes and slushies after 8pm if you like a good deal! We share everything anyways so it's fairly cheap date. If you go, you should get out of the car and sit outside because it's so much more fun that way to watch the cars go by and see the sky and get some fresh air.
[Located at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in August]
One of the best summer events we have! It can be spendy but if you are like me, you will try to find ways to save money any way you can. Parking is $8 but if you park at one of the 3 bus locations and take the bus, it is free! The entrance fee is $10 for adults and free for children, however there is a day called "Dress A Vegetable" which is what I did to get in for free. All day bracelets for the rides if purchased in advanced are decent ($27) but they slowly creep up to $50 so that's something you definitely want to plan if you know for sure you are going and you want to get your moneys worth. For reference: child's ride is 9 tickets, which comes out to $4.50, so if you plan on taking them on at least 6 rides, get the wrist band in advance! The food there averages about $10 a meal. You can bring food in, as well as factory sealed beverages. There's plenty of animals to see, rides to be rode, and music to hear so you should definitely start saving for it!
One of the best summer events we have! It can be spendy but if you are like me, you will try to find ways to save money any way you can. Parking is $8 but if you park at one of the 3 bus locations and take the bus, it is free! The entrance fee is $10 for adults and free for children, however there is a day called "Dress A Vegetable" which is what I did to get in for free. All day bracelets for the rides if purchased in advanced are decent ($27) but they slowly creep up to $50 so that's something you definitely want to plan if you know for sure you are going and you want to get your moneys worth. For reference: child's ride is 9 tickets, which comes out to $4.50, so if you plan on taking them on at least 6 rides, get the wrist band in advance! The food there averages about $10 a meal. You can bring food in, as well as factory sealed beverages. There's plenty of animals to see, rides to be rode, and music to hear so you should definitely start saving for it!
River Forks [Free]
[380 River Forks Park Rd, Roseburg OR 97471]
Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures and I am only using my pictures because I don't want to get in trouble for copyright issues. Anyways, River Forks is awesome! It's out the road a little bit but not too bad. It's along the river. It has sand on the river, shaded areas with grass, swing sets, kid play areas, plenty of parking, the whole nine yards! It really has everything. Even picnic tables. However, the only downfall is at the beginning of the summer there are SO many silkworms hanging down from the trees. Literally everywhere you walk they are in your face. So, if those bother you as much as they do me, I would go a little bit later in the summer but if they don't, then by all means go have fun! 
[Located at Stewart Park]
I know, bad picture-but there's only so good of a picture you can get with her running around having so much fun! Great community event that takes place on Tuesdays throughout the summer here. Bring a chair!
https://halfshell.org
Movie in the Park
[Located at Stewart Park]
I don't have any pictures, but this is a great family-friendly event that takes place in the month of June once a week. The pre-movie festivities begin at 7:30 pm and the actual movie starts at 9pm. You can google what movies will be playing when it gets closer to the month of June. Remember to bring a blanket to sit on!
FALL
Last year we were barely here in time for Halloween but I'm so glad we were. We went to three different church events around town. Again, these were all found through our local newspaper, https://www.nrtoday.com.
Duck Pond [Free]
[Located behind Fred Meyer next to the Skate Park]
This is one of Ava's favorite things to do! These birds are all so used to people that they just hang around while you're there and they're not afraid at all. Of course you have to be careful with the geese and little ones but they are all super friendly. There is a lot of dried bird poop though, so don't wear those shoes around in your house! Haha.
Park And Watch The Sunset [Free]
[Location is up to you!]
Go park on a hill or anywhere high enough to where you aren't seeing all the power lines and what not and go enjoy the sunset. Google what time it sets and plan for some drive time to get up there and just spend some time together. This is a cheap way to get some quality time in together and if you can afford to, get some coffee or hot chocolate on the way to make it even more cozy and special. Of course this isn't limited JUST to Fall (or to Roseburg) but it's just an idea of something to do so you can't say there's nothing! ;)
[Located behind Fred Meyer next to the Skate Park]
This is one of Ava's favorite things to do! These birds are all so used to people that they just hang around while you're there and they're not afraid at all. Of course you have to be careful with the geese and little ones but they are all super friendly. There is a lot of dried bird poop though, so don't wear those shoes around in your house! Haha.
[Location is up to you!]
Go park on a hill or anywhere high enough to where you aren't seeing all the power lines and what not and go enjoy the sunset. Google what time it sets and plan for some drive time to get up there and just spend some time together. This is a cheap way to get some quality time in together and if you can afford to, get some coffee or hot chocolate on the way to make it even more cozy and special. Of course this isn't limited JUST to Fall (or to Roseburg) but it's just an idea of something to do so you can't say there's nothing! ;)
WINTER
[Kane St]
This is something that a family does off of Kane St (the street the Post Office is on) every year. They have a Santa and Mrs.Claus and all these beautiful decorations. It's very sweet and thoughtful. They hand out little gifts for the kids too. Drive by and see if they are out there in the evenings during the Christmas season.
Annual Father Daughter Dance [$10-12]
[Douglas County Fairgrounds]
This dance takes place every year in February. It doesn't have to be their biological Dad in case they are not in their life. My daughter didn't go with hers. Anyone who is a father figure is welcome to go. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Children 24 months and under are free.
[Douglas County Fairgrounds]
This dance takes place every year in February. It doesn't have to be their biological Dad in case they are not in their life. My daughter didn't go with hers. Anyone who is a father figure is welcome to go. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Children 24 months and under are free.
YEAR ROUND
[Off Stewart Parkway]
This one is self explanatory! It's not the most exciting for the younger kids because they didn't really design it very well. They do have little tables with lights and things like that, though. Just remember to wash their little hands after being in an enclosed area like this to keep them from getting all those germs!
[Shopping Center on Garden Valley and Stewart Parkway crossroads]
This is great for a rainy day. Unfortunately to get use out of the stuff here you probably will need to spend money. If your kids are little the machines will probably entertain them as they are and spending money will be pointless, which has been nice for me so far because I honestly hate wasting money on games that I know I'll never win.
Anyways, if your kiddo likes video games and wants to get out of the house, this is something fun to go do. This is also a great place for birthday parties!
Petco [Free]
[Garden Valley Blvd. Shopping Center]
Okay, I know this sounds so odd but going there and looking at all the animals is so much fun. My daughter loves it every time. The cats there that are up for adoption love getting visitors as well!
Anyways, if your kiddo likes video games and wants to get out of the house, this is something fun to go do. This is also a great place for birthday parties!
[Garden Valley Blvd. Shopping Center]
Okay, I know this sounds so odd but going there and looking at all the animals is so much fun. My daughter loves it every time. The cats there that are up for adoption love getting visitors as well!
[On Stewart Parkway]
There are so many things to do at the Y! My personal favorite is the family play gym which is Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9:00 - 11:15 am
$5 drop in fee per child or FREE to members. Ages 0-7
Drop by to check it out or visit their website to see all that they have!
Ava and I were able to volunteer at the trash pick up on Jackson St downtown earlier this year. I think it's a great way to be an example to your kids regarding serving the community, as well as getting them involved with others. It can never hurt to have them think about volunteering. She really enjoyed it even though it was pouring down rain. Check out their website https://oregon.bluezonesproject.com/activity/landing to see what might work for you and your littles.
Wildlife Safari [Price Varies]
[1970 Safari Rd, Winston OR, 97496]
Wildlife Safari can be expensive and it's not technically in Roseburg but I'm still including it anyways since it's pretty close! They have an Always Free Safari Village which is great if you can't afford the drive through and want to walk around and do the petting zoo.
[Location Varies]
There are several parks here. The parks at the schools you should try to wait to use until after school hours. Stewart Park is the main one it seems like but they seem to be scattered throughout various neighborhoods.
Anyways, I'm sure I missed something but just remember I haven't lived here for even a year yet! Feel free to share this or follow for future posts that I will be sharing. :)
[All photos all my own.]
[All photos all my own.]
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