Traveling with too-cool-for-school teens? I feel you. I have two teenagers myself. But be assured, you’ll find plenty of totally-not-lame activities to do with your hard-to-please traveling companions in Seaside. And while you’re not looking, they may even crack a smile.
Feed Their Competitive Spirits
My boys love to go head-to-head, but they love beating my husband and me even more. Enter Fascination at Funland Arcade. What is Fascination? Think skee ball meets bingo. What makes this game more interactive is that you’re playing against everyone in the room, including your parents. The game only costs a quarter to play, and you can win prizes. But let’s be honest, it’s the bragging rights that will appeal to your teens.
Commune With Nature
Rent kayaks from Cleanline Surf Shop and paddle Neawanna Creek to the Necanicum Estuary, a perfect place for wildlife viewing. It takes about an hour to get to this partially enclosed coastal body of water where river and seawater mix. Ideally, you’ll want to kayak at or near high tide, as some sections of the creek can be quite shallow. Learn more about paddling seaside here.
Learn to Surf
Do your teens need more of a rush? Learn to surf with Oregon Surf Adventures. Instructors offer private and group lessons. Now you’re kids will have a legitimate reason to use the word “dude.”
Take an Ambitious Hike
Seaside offers some challenging hikes, perfectly suited to young legs. But don’t worry, you can do these hikes, too — although possibly while panting. Choose the Tillamook Head Trail that begins at Elmer Feldenheimer Forest Reserve on the south side of Seaside. The entire trail to Ecola State Park just north of Cannon Beach is 6.3 miles (one way) with an elevation gain of more than 1,100 feet. Or just hike half the trail for a glimpse of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse offshore. Or if you’re really looking to feel the burn, hike the Saddle Mountain Trail about a 30-minute drive from Seaside. The trail consists of switchbacks that climb 1,615 feet to the top where you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views. Find more trails here.
Bike Into the Hills
My younger son’s new passion is mountain biking, so we head out on the logging roads in the hills just above Seaside. If you don’t have a hardtail (or don’t even know what that is!), no worries. The folks at Wheel Fun Rental can hook you up with a fat tire rental and map to the best trails. Click here to download a helpful brochure for first-timers.
Eat Like a Teenager
With all those activities, your teenagers will need to fuel up … like only teenagers can. My boys’ picks? For burgers, crinkle fries and root beer floats, head to Ruby’s Roadside Grill. If you want to sneak in some vegetables, I highly recommend the flash-fried brussel sprouts with bacon bits. If you’re looking for no-nonsense seafood, go to Bell Buoy of Seaside for the stacked crab melt. Both restaurants offer quick service and outdoor seating.
