Family-Friendly Inclusive Community Activities in Eugene, Oregon
- Lisa B
- Aug 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 2
Eugene is a city full of creativity, nature, and community—and it’s also a place where people of all abilities can connect, explore, and thrive. In this post, we’re highlighting inclusive activities in and around Eugene, Oregon that welcome children and adults with disabilities, along with their families and caregivers. From outdoor adventures to arts and cultural opportunities, these experiences help make Eugene a truly inclusive community. Scroll to the end to see our favorite!
Check out our posts about Portland and Salem for more fun around the state. We will be covering more cities in the future, so be sure to let us know which cities you want us to highlight. Email us at cen@enable.family.
Family Activities for All Abilities around Eugene
Inclusive Community Events -- Free WREN Celebration
When: Saturday August 30, 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Hult Center, 1 Eugene Center, Eugene, 97401
What it is: A community event with games, activities by community partners, and a live performance by Fooble the dragon at 11 am. Hosted by Willamette Resources and Educational Network (WREN).
Family Friendly Activities -- LTDs Performances at the Plaza (Live music)
When: September 5 & 12, 2-5 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Rosa Parks Plaza at Eugene Station, 10th & Olive 1080 Willamette Street, Eugene 97401
What it is: The last of a series of performances that started this summer, the September 5 performance features Rock 'n Rewind, a Eugene-based band known for energizing crowds with classic rock and blues hits from the 1960s and '70s. On September 12, the SamaZama Koto/Cello Duo performs, a stunning fusion of East and West. This duo blends traditional Japanese Koto with Western Cello--expect tango, jazz, blues and contemporary compositions.
Community Events for all Abilities -- 3rd Annual River Celebration
When: September 7, 11 AM - 3 PM
Cost: Free, bring a water bottle and tote bag for giveaways
Location: West bank path of the Willamette river, McClure to Stultz Filbert Grove. See the RRCO website for more details & parking information.
What it is: A family friendly community event, including musicians, games and art activities, dancing and places to sit under the trees and relax. At Rasor Park, there will be child-oriented hands-on science explorations of water and insect life, butterfly experts, master gardeners, a living beehive observation and honey tasting. You are invited to bring produce from your trees or garden and seeds to share at the community share table.
Stargazing at Dexter State Park
When: Friday September 12, 6-9 PM
Cost: $20, pre-register now
Location: Meet at the community center main lobby, 1400 Lake Drive, Eugene. Transportation will be provided to the stargazing location at Dexter State Park.
What it is: The Eugene Astronomical Society is hosting a family friendly stargazing event at Dexter State Park, perfectly timed with a notable meteor shower for an unforgettable celestial show. Transportation will be provided to and from the park. Register through River Road Park & Recreation district. Transportation, a variety of desserts and drinks are provided; bring a chair or blanket.
Inclusive Family Activities Eugene -- DanceAbility Performance Featuring Mixed-Abilities Dancers
When: Friday September 19, 6-7 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Farmers Market Pavilion and Plaza, 85 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene 97401
What it is: DanceAbility is a performing group composed of dancers with and without disabilities. They will be performing a dance choreographed to music composed by Orchestra Next.
Family Friendly Community Events -- Artistic Encounters
When: Tuesdays until September 23 at Park Blocks, 12-1 PM, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until September 26 at Kesey Square, 12-1 PM.
Cost: Free
Location: Park Blocks or Kesey Square (T: Park Blocks, W, Th, F: Kesey Square)
What it is: An hour of free live music and/or performances in downtown Eugene.
More Family Friendly Community Events -- Nobel Peace Park Community Festival
When: Sunday September 21, noon to 4 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Alton Baker Park
What it is: This is a FREE event for the whole community filled with live performances, arts and crafts, food trucks, games, a ceremony celebrating the International Day of Peace, and a community mural project.
Bright and lively -- Eugene Bright Parade & Afterparty
When: September 27, 7:15
Cost: Free
Location: 8th and Pearl, Eugene
What it is: The Eugene Bright Parade is a one-of-a-kind, illuminated human- and electric-powered parade, where local artists, schools, nonprofits and businesses showcase their creative works. The afterparty is located at the Farmers Market Pavilion, 8th Avenue Downtown Eugene and lasts until 10 PM. It will have food trucks, music, artists and more.
Free Art workshop for Children with Disabilities and Siblings -- Art Access Program
When: Saturday October 4, Saturday November 1, Saturday December 6 12:30 - 2 PM
Cost: Free with museum admission, but pre-registration required
Location: Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon, 1430 Johnson Lane, Eugene 97403
What it is: Studio art workshop for children with disabilities and their siblings, led by artists and teachers in a creative and caring atmosphere. This inclusive family activities workshop is offered in person at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the U of O, in their art studio. Please contact artheals@uoregon.edu to register and for any inquires.
Free Museum Entrance Free First Fridays -- Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
When: Friday September 5, Friday October 3, Friday November 7, Friday 12/5, 11 AM - 5 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon, 1430 Johnson Lane, Eugene 97403
What it is: Free entrance to the museum for everyone on the first Friday of the month. Regular admission is $5/adult, free for children under 18, and $3 for seniors (62+).
Free Community Event for Families -- Fall Family Festival
When: Sunday October 5, 1-4 PM
Cost: Free
Location: River Road Park, 1400 Lake Drive, Eugene
What it is: A fun filled afternoon the whole family will enjoy. From games and live music to seasonal crafts, line dancing lessons, a food cart and more, there's lots to explore.
Downtown Dance Party--Free Outdoor Swing Dance Celebration
When: Saturday October 18, 3:30 - 5:30
Cost: Free
Location: Kesey Square, 10 East Broadway, Eugene 97401
What it is: Part of a swing and jazz dance festival, this free outdoor "Downtown Party" features live music from Stomp off Party. Come enjoy the live music and dancing!
Family Activities for all Abilities -- Aragon Alpaca farm tour
When: Tuesdays through Saturdays
Cost: Free, but a donation is appreciated
Location: Aragon Alpacas, 33005 Dillard Road, Eugene 97405
What it is: Walk in the pastures with the Alpacas and meet them by name. Open Tuesday through Saturday, appointment needed. For more information and to schedule a visit, visit Aragon Alpaca's website. Plan to schedule at least 24 hours in advance.
The activities in this post were suggested by one of Enable's clients. If you have any suggestions of inclusive family activities in Eugene or other cities, send us your favorites! We'd love to share them so all Enable families can participate in great community events. Email your ideas to cen@enable.family.
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