If you live in or near Lane County, then spring break will be a blast for you and your children. KITS has compiled a list of some of our favorite local spots to check out over the break, or any time. As you may have noticed, our weather has been quite variable lately so we are including both indoor and outdoor adventures. Check them out and tag us in your photos! Have a favorite spot we didn’t list? Make sure to share it in the comments so we can add it to the list for next year!
Outdoor Adventures
Spencer’s Butte: Take a climb onto Spencer’s Butte! There are different ways to the top so choose your own adventure! Great way for the whole family to get out and explore.
Find out more: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/spencer-butte-trail
Cost: Free
Friends of the Trees: Planting event March 30th. This is a great event to meet new people, create community and give back to our earth.
Find out more: https://friendsoftrees.org/eugene/
Cost: Free
Pre-K Stories in the Stars
“Stories in the Stars is a weekly planetarium show with younger visitors in mind. This live, interactive program is a wonderful introduction to the universe for kids as they explore the differences between the daytime and nighttime sky. Kids and adults alike will learn the stories that go along with major constellations while viewing the cosmos at the Eugene Science Center’s brand new, state-of-the-art planetarium.”
Find out more: https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/event/pre-k-stories-in-the-stars/43138/
Cost $4-5, free for 2 and under
Cascades Raptor Center 
“Through wildlife rehabilitation and public education, the Cascades Raptor Center fosters a connection between people and birds of prey”. Visit the birds, including eagles, hawks, osprey and owls, daily.
Find out more: https://cascadesraptorcenter.org/
Cost: $9 Adult, $6 Youth 2-12. Free passes available at most Lane County libraries: https://www.eugene-or.gov/2468/And-More
Nearby Nature- Green Start Play Day
“Kids will have fun exploring Nearby Nature’s outdoor play area at Nearby Nature’s Learnscape, where families are invited each month to participate in activities and listen to stories to learn about the natural world. This event is held rain or shine for kids ages five and under accompanied by an adult. Green Start Play Days provide a great opportunity for little ones to enjoy outdoor play and discover in an engaging, safe and beautiful environment. Pre-register online or by calling Nearby Nature.”
Find out more: https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/event/nearby-nature-green-start-play-day/43691/
Cost: $5 per family
KITS Rocks! 
Don’t forget to keep searching for KITS Rocks in our community’s local parks! During spring break we will be hitting several parks a day so stay up to date here and don’t forget to send us your pictures so we can enter you in a drawing for a chance to win fee tickets to laser tag at Putters and free passes to DEFY Eugene (check out the descriptions of these fun places below)!
Find out more: https://kidsintransitiontoschool.org/kits-rocks/
Cost: Free
Indoor Adventures
Volunteer to Help KITS!
Join Little Hands Can to help the KITS Team put together prize boxes. These will be used by kids in the KITS Program this summer!
The event is on Tuesday March 26 from 10:15-12:15 at Oregon Social Learning Center, 10 Shelton McMurphey Blvd, Eugene.
Find out more: https://littlehandscan.org/events/2019/3/26/community-event-help-kids-in-transition-to-schools
Cost: Free
Putters Family Entertainment Center
There is something for everyone at Putters! From laser tag, mini golf, arcade games, and a huge play structure for littles and bigs, Putters will offer something for everyone in the family.
Find out more: http://eugenesgamecentral.com/putters/
Cost: varies by activity.
Join the KITS Rocks Hunt for a chance to win tickets to laser tag at Putters!
Defy Extreme Air Sports
Defy gravity at Eugene’s newest adventure park. With 35 trampolines, launching decks, zip lines, and ninja obstacle courses, you and your children will have blast!
Find out more: https://www.defyeugene.com/
Cost: 1 hour for Ages 7 & over $15, Ages 6 & under $11.
Join the KITS Rocks hunt for a chance to win a Defy gift card!
ELROD Center
The ElRod Center features group therapy classes with a licensed counselor and accomplished artists that focus primarily on artistic expression and play for ages two to 20. Classes include art, dance, music, drama, and much more.
Find out more: https://www.elrodcenter.com/classes.html
Cost: $10 per child per class, family discount for multiple children- $5 per child per class.
Mecca
Check out Eugene’s gem MECCA (Materials Exchange Center For Community Arts). At MECCA you will find a warehouse of extremely affordable second hand art supplies. Shop at the store, join a class or workshop, or use the free materials area to create something of your own!
Find out more: http://www.materials-exchange.org/about/contact-us/
Cost: Little to no cost
Greenhill Humane Society
What better way to spend spring break than by helping our four legged friends! Greenhill Humane Society offers opportunities for youth volunteers ages 12-15 or check out the Cub’s Corner for kids 12 & under interested in helping out.
Find out more:
Youth Volunteers: https://www.green-hill.org/youth-volunteer- program/
Cub’s Corner: https://www.green-hill.org/cubs-corner-ages-12- and-under/
Cost: Free
For other great local ideas check out: http://www.gomomgoeugene.com/calendar.html
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Text: © Kids In Transition to School 2019
Image: © Aleksandr Rybin| Dreamstime.com
