Go ahead — take a vacation from adulthood with a trip to Seaside. We give you permission to feel like a kid again. Forgot how? Here are some ideas.
Ride a Big Wheel
Remember what it was like when your parents let you take off on a bike ride by yourself for the very first time? Recapture that sense of freedom by renting a bike or a multi-person surrey at Wheel Fun Rentals (321 S. Holladay Dr. and 153 Ave. A) or the Prom Bike Shop (622 12th Ave.). Or if you’re really going to embrace your childhood memories, rent a “Funcycle” for the beach. It’s like a Big Wheel for adults.
Blow some quarters
Grab that change you’ve been saving in a jar and head to Funland Seaside Arcade (201 Broadway St.). In addition to arcade games, it’s home to one of the only remaining Fascination parlors — think skee ball meets bingo. You earn tickets and can redeem them for prizes.
Take an old-school spin
Head across the street to Interstate Amusement (110 Broadway St.) and climb into a vintage bumper car. Where else can you hit another car on purpose and not get a ticket? Or take a spin in a go-kart at Captain Kid Amusement Park (2735 S. Roosevelt Dr.).
Go ‘round and ‘round
Admittedly, our days of head-spinning rides are over. But if you’re not there yet, climb on the Tilt-a-Whirl at Interstate Amusement or the classic carousel inside the Seaside Carousel Mall (300 Broadway St.).
High-tech tag
If you’re looking for more high-tech fun, step into the multi-story arena at Seaside Laser Tag & Arcade inside the Carousel Mall. It’s certainly not like the tag you used to play on the school yard.
Eat like a kid
No judgement here. Grab yourself a corndog at The Original Pronto Pup (110 Broadway St.). What are we saying? Grab two! Top off with something sweet at Zinger’s Homemade Ice Cream (210 Broadway St.), where you can order a simple scoop or a fancy sundae, complete with homemade hot fudge, marionberry and caramel sauce.
Feel like a kid in a candy store
Yes, literally. You’re going to need snacks for the ride home, right? There’s no shortage of shops for those with a sweet tooth: Seaside Candyman (21 N. Columbia St.), Philips Candies (217 Broadway St.), Rascals (320 Broadway St.) and Schwietert’s Cones & Candy (406 Broadway St.).
Say hello to the sea life
Find sea stars, sea anemones and hermit crabs at low tide. The best spot to look? Try “The Cove” on the far south side of the beach near Tillamook Head. Here you don’t want to touch or disturb the creatures. However, if you head over to the Seaside Aquarium (200 N. Promenade), you can get hands-on at its touch tank. And make sure to say hello to the boisterous family of seals.
Build a sandcastle & campfire
Of course, you’ll need to kick off your shoes and spend some time on the beach. Try your hand at sandcastle construction. Then when the sun starts to go down, head over to the Seashore Inn (60 N. Promenade) to pick up a fire kit (wood, kindling, newspaper and matches). Don’t forget the s’mores fixings. The inn sells those, too. Do your part to keep the Coast safe and beautiful for everyone and brush up on campfire safety before you go.
