Ecola State Park
Ecola State Park begins on the north end of Cannon Beach and stretches north along the Pacific coast for miles. Eight miles of the Oregon Coast Trail pass through here, and many routes take you up the bluffs to find spectacular views. Kids love scrambling around the tide pools at Indian Beach, pointing out anemone and starfish — just keep an eye out for the sneaker waves. In winter, look for gray whales and elk.
Nehalem River
Fifteen miles south of Cannon Beach, near Rockaway Beach, the Nehalem River flows into the Nehalem Bay. Several kayak rental companies can set you up with boats and gear, and you can spend the day on the water exploring the coves and looking for harbor seals and bald eagles.
Captain Kid Amusement Park
Seaside, located a few miles north of Cannon Beach, has plenty of summer-resort attractions to amuse children: a carousel, and this amusement park, which offers 18 holes of mini golf and a go-kart track.