Eugene, Ore.: Kid Town

At the hands-on Science Factory Children's Museum & Planetarium (541-682-7888), little ones can feed balls into a kinetic sculpture or settle in for a comet- and asteroid-filled light show. Imaginations are sure to soar at the Cascades Raptor Center (541-485-1320)—a 20-minute drive away—where kids can check out over 50 birds of prey, including red-tailed hawks and bald eagles. Summer wouldn't be complete without a trip to the pool. Get wet at Splash (541-736-4244), an indoor wave pool and swim center located at Jack B. Lively Memorial Park in neighboring East Springfield.

Photography by John Baugess/courtesy of Splash

This article was first published in July 2005. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.