Do your children ask you to spend time with them? I get asked every single day from each of my children. Sure I’m home with them all day and we do so many things together but it is not the same as spending time because spending time involves doing what your children are interested in. When I was a young mom I believed I was a good mom because I drove my son to so many activities but I was wrong because I was stressed out and had rushed my son from one activity to the other leaving very little or no time to play with him. I’m so sad to share with you that I had complained in the past that my children wanted to spend time with me. I was so wrong. I shared with other mamas and asked others if their children want to spend time with them and just about everyone I spoke with told me that their older children hardly ever wanted to spend time with them. I started thinking that there must be something wrong with my children. How wrong have I been. They ask to spend time with me because they know that I would most likely say yes. They want to spend time with me not because there is something wrong with them but because they enjoy our friendship. Our children feel loved and important when we spend time with them. The kind of spending time that has no hidden agenda. Adolescents need adults because by observing and interacting with us they learn how to become adults.
That is why we love traveling because we are able to simply enjoy each others company while taking in the new sights, experiences, and places.
We had such an amazing time in Astoria and will never forget acting out scenes in a movie set, learning how it feels to be a weather man, experiencing the high winds of a tornado, and sleeping under the bridge.
Museums
Oregon Film Museum:
This county jail is the building in the opening scene of The Goonies and being one of Oregon’s most popular films a proper place to host The Oregon Film Museum. The county jail opened 1914 and stopped operating in 1976. Then in 2010 to celebrate 25 years of The Goonies, The Oregon Film Museum began. As you walk towards the museum you will see a replica of the Jeep Cherokee which was used by the memorable Goonies villains. This museum contains all the memorabilia for The Goonies and when I say that I mean all of it. There are also sets for multiple films filmed in the State of Oregon which you can act out. Movies such as Short Circuit, Stand by me, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2, and many more have been filmed in Oregon. There is also a replica for the opening jail scene which is ideal for photos. This museum is surely a must see for any Goonies fan.
If you have wanted to be on a movie set this is the perfect place to experience it. You can read the lines and act out the movie parts from The Goonies, Come See The Paradise, and Short Circuit. We laughed so hard and had a blast making up our own lines. The cool part is that you can record all of this and have it sent to your email.
Located at 732 Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103.
Heritage Museum:
This is a pretty small Museum. It used to be a City Hall. There are two floors with a variety of diverse exhibits. You’ll learn about the Native American and before the European settlers got here, the early pioneers, John Jacob Astor, the Chinese Community, the Astoria Bridge, and you’ll see a Saloon Bar. If you want to learn the history of Astoria then you don’t want to miss this museum. We loved that the exhibits had something for our children as well as for us.
Located at 1618 Exchange St, Astoria, OR 97103.
Flavel House Museum:
This beautiful Victorian style building was constructed in 1885 by Captain George Flavel which is 11,600 square feet in size. George Flavel was one of the first millionaires to live in Astoria and sadly died in 1893, 8 years after building his home. The home stayed within the family until 1933 when his last child had passed away. Today it is a historical home owned by the Clatsop County Historical Society.
Located at 441 8th Street Astoria, OR 97103.
Columbia River Maritime Museum :
This is a great museum with lots of hands-on learning experiences for children. You’ll learn how the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean and all the danger the sailors have to face especially when weather is not on their side. If you or your child ever wanted to be a weather reporter you’ll love giving the weather forecast. We were surprised to learn so much about weather. You can learn about hurricanes here. For an additional price you can watch a 3-D Hurricane movie. You can also experience the winds in a hurricane wind simulator. You could easily spend half a day here. After visiting this museum you sure will have profound respect for the U.S. Coast Guard.
Located at 1792 Marine Dr. Astoria, OR 97103
Must See
The Astoria Column :
We were so fortunate to have come on a clear morning. The scenery from above is so worth all the 164 steps it takes you to get up this 125 feet high column. You’ll see the city below, Columbia River, Astoria Bridge,and Pacific Ocean.
The column is rich with murals of Astoria’s history. You’ll see Indians greeting the explorers, Lewis and Clark crossing the mountains, and so much more.
It is windy up here and if your afraid of heights you might not want to be up here for too long. We read that a man jumped from this column on a speed glider and was arrested because of it.
Located at 1 Coxcomb Dr. Astoria, OR 97103.
Maritime Memorial:
When you’re in a town that celebrates sailors and fisherman you could expect an memorial. The Memorial is placed in a significant location because it’s right on the waterfront where you get to see the open waters right in front of you and it’s right near the Astoria Megler Bridge so you also get a great view of the bridge from this spot. The memorial is a great reminder of how short our life really is. This memorial honors those who labored in the maritime industry. The bar pilots who guide other ships safely in and out of the Columbia River Bar have an extremely dangerous job since they have to cross a fast flowing river that is three miles wide and six miles long.
Located at 10 Bay St, Astoria, OR 97103.
Food
Baked Alaska:
This is a great pizza place offering brick oven pizzas. The location is right on the pier with windows all around. We ordered two pizzas and enjoyed them very much. On top of your pizza you’ll receive a handful of amazing potato chips. They also offer a variety of brick oven sandwiches, soup, salads, small plates, and dessert.
1 12th St #1, Astoria, OR 97103.
Bridgewater Bistro:
Another place with a great view of the water Bud from this location you also get a great view of the bridge that connects Oregon and Washington all the food was great and tasted really fresh but I really loved their house salad it was the best salad I’ve had in a long time. Their clam chowder was so good. I’ve never had one that tasted this unique. We finished all our food because it was so good.
Located at 20 Basin St. Astoria, OR 97103.
Buoy Beer Company:
Great tasting beer, good food, and beautiful view. As you enter the restaurant you will want to look down because there is glass on the floor where you are able to see underneath the docks and you can see sea lions just chilling. They offer a variety of local fresh seafood. We ordered a sample of their beer which is perfect for those who want to sample what they have to offer.
Located at 1 8th St, Astoria, OR 97103.
Frite & Scoop:
You can never go wrong with ice-cream. This is such a cute and friendly ice cream shop. Esther got bubblegum ice-cream. You can choose from sixteen different ice-cream flavors.
Located at 175 14th street, Astoria.
Hotel
Holiday Inn Express:
Have you ever slept in a fancy, warm, and clean place under the bridge? You can do that in Astoria and surprise everyone with the news that you have slept under the bridge. Astoria bridge as well as the historic river front can be seen right from your room. There is a wonderful walkway that connects you to some amazing restaurants and Maritime Memorial.
The rooms are spacious and clean. We had two connecting rooms which works so well for us.
Thank you for reading our post. We share a new post every Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm.
Thank you Travel Astoria for hosting our stay.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
My youngest daughter asks me to spend time with her a lot. We homeschool too, so we are both always together, but it’s not the same quality time that she is asking for. We love taking day trips, so that we can spend time together. These all look like really great places to visit.
Laura @ MommyDearest
I love spending time with my kids, and I remember too when I first had kids I couldn’t understand as a first time mom, now I get it. I love reading your posts and hearing about all the adventures that you and your family enjoy together. Thanks for sharing
Ayana Pitterson
This post inspired me to immediately set a date night with my little ones this weekend. They are always asking to spend time with me, but as you said, life always gets in the way. Thank you for refocusing on this important aspect of parenthood.
Jessica Joachim
My daughter asks to spend time with her a lot. I do my best, but I still have to work as well. My husband and I do make sure we spend quality time with the kids though and unplug and just go with the flow.
TaraTeaspoon
Since I don’t have children of my own I can’t wait to schedule activities like these with my nephews !! Thanks you for this … also, I need to get myself back to Oregon asap.
Angela Tolsma
I think it’s fantastic that your kids want to spend time with you. I think sometimes we got caught up in the rat race that we forget to just be in the moment. I love that you do so many awesome things with your kids though and give them the time they need! The Astoria Column sounds amazing and kinda terrifying.
Beth Davidson
My oldest is barely talking, so they don’t ask for much yet! I’m a pretty open Goonies-hater, but this trip looks amazing otherwise. 🙂
Cassie S
I love the section on museums! I adore visiting museums in any city I visit. I love learning about the history of the place I am visiting. It so awesome that your kids enjoy spending time with you. I hope for that kind of connection one day when I have children. Thanks for sharing xx
Rachel
My kids really do enjoy spending time with us, especially if it is one on one. My oldest has started the alone time in her room a lot but I got her to watch a movie with me last weekend.
Andrea
Touring museums with my kids is absolutely one of my favorite ways to spend time together. They are interesting for everyone and we usually end up having great conversations! Love your pics too.
Tabitha Shakespeare
What a super fun spot! It looks like ya’ll had the best time exploring and spending time together as a family!
Taylor Aube
This looks like such a cool place to visit! I am moving to Oregon very soon and I can’t wait to go out and explore like this. So fun!
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com
This all looks like so much fun! We travel a lot as a family and it has been a very special way for our family to stay close!!
Maria Katsulos
It is so incredible the amount of travel y’all are able to do and still make it educational!! It’s like one amazing field trip every time I read a post of yours 🙂
Cindy Ingalls
There are lots of great ways to spend time with your kids, if you just ask them. Some of my fondest memories of my childhood are the things I did with my family. Whether it was going on vacation or just going horseback riding, those are the memories I still hold close to my heart today. I’m sure your kids will also remember all the places they were able to enjoy with you.
shandy kaye
Spending time with family is very important, my family spend their time with us during sundays only.
Brittany
Wow it looks like you guys had such a good time! It’s been a long time since I went to Astoria. I would love to take my whole family one day.
Marissa Zurfluh
Wow, it looks like you and your kids really enjoyed the time together. I take my niece out whenever we get a day to go chill!
Kimberly Lewis
your kids are so lucky! you guys take them to the coolest places. Love your pictures
Angela Ricardo Bethea
Oh, It looks like you really had an amazing and fun time with your kids. I will always make a quality time with my newborn son, just waiting for him to grow up.
Heather
Another great getaway with your family. We’ve never visited Astoria but because of this post, would love to! My daughters always ask for one on one time with me and it’s usually right in the middle of my busiest work days.
Melissa Balgobin
I love your posts! I do make sure to spend quality time with my boys. Even if it’s just giving them each separate attention at home. I would love to travel with them more.