Newman Art Gallery
About
Newman Art Gallery offers a wonderful introduction to contemporary art for creative-minded families visiting Cannon Beach. With rotating exhibits featuring Pacific Northwest artists, children can discover diverse artistic styles and mediums in an intimate, non-intimidating gallery setting that encourages curiosity and conversation about what they see.
Highlights
- ✓Rotating contemporary art exhibits featuring Pacific Northwest artists
- ✓Intimate gallery space perfect for families to view art together
- ✓Diverse artistic mediums and styles that spark creativity
- ✓Educational opportunity to discuss art interpretation with kids
- ✓Free admission to explore local and regional artwork
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on a quieter Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon when kids can take their time viewing artwork without crowds
- 2.Bring a small sketchbook and let kids draw their interpretations of pieces that inspire them,a great way to keep them engaged
- 3.Ask staff about current exhibits beforehand; some shows may be more kid-friendly than others
- 4.Plan your visit as a rainy-day activity,perfect for Cannon Beach's occasional stormy weather
- 5.Combine with a trip to nearby Haystack Rock visible from the beach, just minutes away
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday afternoons offer the most relaxed viewing experience with fewer crowds. The gallery is perfect for Oregon's rainy days when outdoor beach activities aren't ideal, making it an excellent backup plan year-round.
What to Know
The gallery is closed Sundays and Mondays. Free street parking is typically available nearby, and the intimate gallery size means it's easy to navigate with children without feeling overwhelmed.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round Tuesday through Saturday. Makes an excellent indoor activity during Oregon's rainy fall and winter months when beach weather is unpredictable.
Nearby Eats
Head to Pig 'N Pancake for family-friendly comfort food and famous pancakes, or try Insomnia Coffee Co. for quick sandwiches and treats that kids will enjoy.
More Activities Near Cannon Beach
White Bird Gallery
White Bird Gallery offers a wonderful introduction to Pacific Northwest art in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. This charming Cannon Beach gallery showcases beautiful works from local artists and craftspeople, with displays that spark creativity and conversation with children. The relaxed vibe makes it easy to browse with kids in tow while exploring everything from paintings to handcrafted jewelry.
Cannon Beach History Center & Museum
The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum offers a welcoming, compact exploration of the Oregon coast's rich past through interactive exhibits that bring local history to life. Kids can discover fascinating stories about the Tillamook and Clatsop Native American tribes, early settlers, and maritime adventures including shipwrecks and beach life, all presented in an engaging, hands-on format perfect for curious young minds.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach offers families an unforgettable Oregon Coast experience centered around the iconic 235-foot Haystack Rock, one of the most photographed landmarks in the Pacific Northwest. Kids can explore magical tide pools teeming with sea stars, anemones, and hermit crabs, build elaborate sandcastles on the wide sandy shores, and watch for puffins nesting on the rock during summer months. The gentle beach slope and relatively calm waters make it ideal for wading and beachcombing.
Saddle Mountain State Natural Area
Saddle Mountain offers an achievable challenge for adventurous families, with a 5.2-mile round-trip trail that climbs through wildflower meadows to Oregon's third-highest peak. The summit rewards hikers with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Cannon Beach, and the Coast Range,a memory-making experience that active kids will talk about for years.