Do you need ideas for family-friendly activities in Molalla, Oregon? Look no further! From trains to farms to playgrounds, this guide has everything you need to plan a fun family adventure.
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1. Molalla Train Park (Pacific Northwest Live Steamers)
Train enthusiasts will love the Molalla Train Park! This beautiful park just outside the city of Molalla offers free train rides on miniature trains (7.5” gauge) on Sundays from May through October.
The miniature steam and diesel locomotives have been run by volunteers for over 70 years. The park also includes a picnic area, covered pavilions and beautiful grounds overlooking the Molalla River.
Check the website for the most up-to-date hours, special events, and concession availability, as well as for the most accurate directions to the park.
2. Molalla River Corridor (Molalla River Recreation Area)
The Molalla River Corridor is a must-visit spot for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. This gorgeous natural area offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas along the Molalla River, including a distinct rosette-like rock formation known as the “Eye of the Molalla.”
With over 20 miles of trails, families will love exploring the natural beauty of the corridor and spotting wildlife along the way. This is one of the best-loved hiking areas in Clackamas County, and it can be busy on weekends and holidays, so plan to arrive early in the day for the best experience.
3. Splat Action Paintball
Older kids and teens will love Splat Action! This paintball facility in Molalla has been open for over 35 years and with over 118 acres of playing fields it’s the largest paintball place in the Willamette Valley.
Bring your family, or book a private group with family friends to enjoy a full day of woodsball in the forested fields. Various terrains, foxholes, bunkers, villages and more provide lots of hiding places and challenges for paintball players of all skill levels.
4. High Score Arcade
High Score Arcade has a huge variety of retro and modern arcade games, some of them beautifully restored by the owner. From classic pinball machines to Pac-Man to the Fast and the Furious, everyone in the family is sure to have a great time playing together.
There are also snacks and Mexican food available on site (as well as food carts next door), and space to host a birthday party for kids. Some of the games are free to play, and the other games are reasonably priced.
6 parks and playgrounds in Molalla
Fun doesn’t have to be expensive in Molalla. Molalla has several fantastic public parks and playgrounds where kids can run, climb, and get their energy out.
@dinkumtribe All of my kids get involved playing this game, and other kids at the playground usually join in too. @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel #1000hoursoutside #playgroundgames #tagyoureit #kidsplaying ♬ Kids & Toys – FASSounds
5. Fox Park & Splash Pad
Fox Park has several fun activities for kids of all ages. The extensive playground area has structures for kids ages 5-12 and another set of structures for younger siblings ages 2-5. All of our kids and teens played here for over an hour.
There’s a fun storybook walk at stations around the park, as well as several public art installations.
A seasonal splash pad near the center of the park is perfect for little ones on hot summer days, and large grassy field areas provide plenty of space to run.
6. Strawberry Park
This is one of the most colorful and interactive playgrounds I’ve ever seen! It’s completely fenced in to keep toddlers and little kids safe, and the rubber play surface provides a soft landing for tumbles. I’d recommend this park for age 8 and under.
@dinkumtribe Strawberry park is such a cute playground in Molalla! The bright colors and creative design of the play structures made a lot of fun to explore for a few minutes even with my big kids. @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel #oregonparks #kidsplayground #allabilitiespark #summervacation ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
7. Long Park
Long Park is centrally located in downtown Molalla and has bike service tools for minor bicycle maintenance. There’s also a play structure and several art installations that are part of the Heritage Art Walk.
8. Ivor Davies Park
Ivor Davies Park is a nature park that includes a wetland, pond and several trails for biking and walking. Families can fish for trout in the stocked pond, view birds and other wildlife on the viewing platform, or play a round of disc golf.
9. Molalla Skate Park
The Molalla Skate Park is a good spot for kids to practice their skateboarding skills. It’s on the smaller side, with a few ramps and features that make it ideal for a beginning skateboarder.
10. Billy Sheets Field & BMX Track
This park has a softball field, an open grass field and picnic tables, making it the perfect place to play ball as a family. Right next to it is the BMX track which is designed for riders of all experience levels.
11. Heritage Art Walk
The City of Molalla honors the indigenous heritage of the original inhabitants of the city, the Molala tribe, with several public art installations.
Designed by sculptor Ben Dye, the sculptures are located in various parks and public spaces around the city. A downloadable map is available on the city website.
12. Molalla Area Historical Museum (Dibble House)
This museum offers a glimpse into Molalla’s past and preserves several historic buildings, including the Dibble House & the VonderAhe House. Families can learn about local history through the exhibits as well as occasional living history events and presentations.
13. Molalla Public Library
The Molalla Public Library is a central hub for learning and community resources. My kids and teens enjoyed exploring the kid and teen reading areas as well as seeing the current kids’ LEGO creations display.
The Library is an ideal indoor activity for rainy days or hot summer afternoons. Check their calendar for upcoming family events including storytime sessions, arts and crafts activities, and other exciting programs.
14. Mini Golf at Molalla River Brewing Company
Mini Golf at Molalla River Brewing Company offers a fun and unique experience for the whole family. The miniature golf course is easy enough for all ages to enjoy, and there are corn hole games as well as grassy areas for kids or dogs to run around.
Two food carts offer burgers and Mexican food, and adults can choose from over 30 beers on tap to enjoy. Molalla River Brewing Company hosts live music, karaoke and other events year-round.
15. Molalla Aquatic Center
This public pool offers open swim hours for families daily. Check the website and pre-register for current swim fees and times.
16. Rosse Posse Acres
Rosse Posse Acres is a family-owned farm that offers tours and a petting zoo by appointment. Visit and learn all about elk, then see elk up close (no petting them though). The petting zoo animals include goats, donkeys, ducks and chickens, and you can also see (but not pet) several exotic small mammals.
After you’ve explored the farm, stop by the gift shop for unique elk gift items including “crappy earrings”, antler jewelry and more.
17. Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch
Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch is a one-of-a-kind experience for families visiting Molalla. During your tour (by appointment only) you’ll learn about alpaca farming, and participate in feeding and walking the beautiful, gentle alpacas.
Our family learned so much about alpacas during our visit! We loved feeding them from our buckets, and petting their soft fleecy fiber. The owner, Jennifer, has over 20 years of experience raising alpacas, and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with visitors.
The gift shop is full of colorful hats, scarves, slippers and more made from high quality alpaca fiber. We all wanted to take home one of the alpaca stuffed animals!
18. Hopkins Demonstration Forest
The Hopkins Demonstration Forest is about privately owned and managed forest with over 5 miles of trails. It also includes the Molalla Log House, which may be the oldest house in Oregon (possibly predating the Lewis and Clark Expedition!).
It’s a great place to learn about forest management, various natural environments and more. Hopkins Demonstration Forest is about 20 minutes’ drive north of Molalla (towards Oregon City).
19. Scotts Mills County Park
Scotts Mills Park is another family favorite, especially in the summertime. It’s located along Butte Creek and there are several great spots for swimming, as well as a large waterfall area that local kids love to jump off into the swimming hole below (jump at your own risk).
Scotts Mills Park has picnic tables, an ADA accessible restroom, short trails to explore and a big playground. Scotts Mills is about 15 minutes’ drive south of Molalla.
Local Seasonal Events
Molalla has plenty of seasonal events that are worth attending. From 5Ks to rodeos, to pumpkin patches, to Christmas trees, you’re sure to enjoy family-friendly fun year-round.
Be sure to check the community calendar to see what’s happening. Here are three well-known annual events in the Molalla area.
20. Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo (at Clark Park)
The Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo showcases horsemanship, roping skills, and Western entertainment for all ages. Don’t miss the excitement of skilled cowboys and cowgirls competing in various rodeo events!
The Molalla Buckeroo happens every year for several days around the 4th of July. With over 100 years of history, this is one of Molalla’s best known and loved events.
21. TulipFEST at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
Every spring, millions of acres of tulips bloom at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in nearby Woodburn. We try to go every year because there’s just something magical about seeing all that color after a rainy gray winter in the Pacific Northwest.
22. Mt. Angel Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest might seem more like an adult activity, but the city of Mt. Angel hosts a family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration every September. Kids can enjoy the free Kindergarten activities, a car show, traditional Bavarian dancing and more.
@dinkumtribe If you thought that Oktoberfest was just a beer drinking festival, you’re missing the best parts! Not angels Oktoberfest is a family friendly event including dozens of performances, music, dancing, classic cars, delicious food, a free kids zone with carnival rides & a petting zoo, and SO MUCH MORE! Best of all, all of the food vendors support local nonprofit organizations, so you can eat all kinds of amazing food and know that you’re helping a good cause! @D@DinkumTribe ADHD family travel@D@DinkumTribe ADHD family travel@D@DinkumTribe ADHD family travelo#oregontravelideaso#oregontravelguidet#thingstodoinoregonm#mtangeloregonm#mtangeloktoberfesto#oktoberfesto#oktoberfest2023t#thingstodowithkidsf#familyfuntimef#fallfestival ♬ Oktoberfest (Germany) – Network Music Ensemble
More things to do with kids in Molalla
We love to drive over from Silverton with our kids and explore Molalla’s excellent parks and activities. Did we miss any great spots? Let us know in the comments or email us.
©️ Copyright Jennifer D. Warren 2025.
