Pre-Trip Fun for Oregon Coast

"Goonies" – Kids go on a wild adventure after finding a pirate map. Steven Spielberg's 1984 movie was filmed in and around Astoria. (School Age and Up)

"Kindergarten Cop" – Watch tough guy Arnold Schwarzenegger try to impersonate a kindergarten teacher in Astoria. (School Age and Up)

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3" – Giant turtles journey back to ancient Japan (where there's no pizza). A hit with comic book collectors and kids of all ages, this movie was also filmed in Astoria. (School Age; Rated PG)

"Free Willy" – The moving tale of a bond between a recalcitrant boy and an orca, Free Willy was filmed in Portland and Astoria. (School Age and Up; Rated PG)

Marionberry cobbler: The acres of blackberry bushes lining the Oregon coast are called "marionberries" in this state. Get into the mood by making some cobbler before you go. (Use this recipe but substitute all blackberries.)

Salmon: It's a coastal delicacy (as is Dungeness crab). (See recipe.)

"B is for Beaver, an Oregon Alphabet" – A lively alphabet book of Oregon with charming illustrations. (Ages 2-8)

"Salmon" [Kids Can Press Wildlife Series] – Get all the facts about Astoria's most important fish. (Ages 9-12)

"Lewis and Clark and Me: A Dog's Tale" – A compelling account of Lewis and Clark's great expedition to the Pacific Ocean, narrated by Meriwether Lewis's dog Seaman. (Grades 3-6)

"Lewis and Clark for Kids: Their Journey of Discovery with 21 Activities" – With entertaining and interactive activities, this book teaches kids about Lewis and Clark's historic journey. (Ages 9-12)

"Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West" – A riveting biography of Meriwether Lewis written by Stephen E. Ambrose, who took his wife and five children along as he followed in the explorer's footsteps. (Older teens)

"John Jacob Astor: Landlord of New York" – To understand why Astoria is named after Astor, older teens will enjoy this biography of one of the nineteenth century's richest and most pioneering men. (Older teens)

Build a Treasure Box: A summer memory box for all the sand, shells, photos, and colored kids' menus your children will be collecting.

The Easiest Kite Ever: Build a handheld wind-powered toy or a kite to prepare for visiting Lincoln City, kite flying capital of the world.

Float a Boat: Make a fun toy boat in anticipation of your visit to the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria.