Cheap and Free Family Activities in Eugene, Oregon…Part One

Eugene is a great place to live - regardless of your age and family status. With a thriving university and bustling performing arts scene, there’s always something going on. Alas, these events aren’t always in the family budget! Here are some suggestions for cheap and free family activities in and around Eugene… 

Eugene is home to a large, new library space located right in downtown Eugene at 100 W. 10th. It is accessible by bus and there is plenty of parking in the parking structure below the building and street parking around the perimeter. Most of the first floor is taken up with the children’s section, complete with computers and games and reading areas separated by age-level. The library hosts various reading and writing groups for kids of all ages. To get the calendar and up-to-date information, check out the website at: www.ci.eugene.or.us/Library/. The library generally opens at 10am every morning, closing hours vary. There is also a little café in the lobby if the kids start hankering for a snack and a courtyard off the children’s library area just in case someone needs to escape for a little fresh air. 

The newly renovated Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is now reopened on the University of Oregon Campus. The museum features some wonderful modern art exhibits, as well as a variety of other art to peruse and enjoy. The hours are Thursday through Sunday, Noon-5pm and there is a suggested donation of $3.00 per visitor. You can also call 346-3027 or check out the website at: http://www.uoma.uoregon.edu/ to find out about current exhibits, classes and events, as well as parking and other particulars.