Top Indoor Activities in and Around Medford, OR
We’ve covered many of Southern Oregon’s outdoor adventures in past blogs — hiking miles of scenic trails, chasing jaw-dropping waterfalls, pitching tents in renowned state and national parks, and more. But as the weather gets colder, some of these become a little more difficult to do.
Fortunately, there are also plenty of indoor activities in the Medford area, and beyond, so you can still get out of the house and enjoy something fun.
5 Best Indoor Activities in and Around Medford, Oregon
If you’re looking for things to do in Medford, Oregon — or surrounding towns like Jacksonville, Oregon or Ashland, Oregon — we’re happy to be your guide. Below we’ve listed some of our favorite things to do indoors when the weather gets chillier or the outdoors just aren’t calling your name.
Grab a Bite to Eat (and a Drink to Pair With It!)
Southern Oregon has a vibrant food scene, with various options to please any palette. Whether you’re constantly craving pub food or you’re more of a fine diner, you’re never far from a satisfying meal. If you need directions on what places to try first, check out our Medford restaurant guide or our list of favorite local food trucks!
Need a drink to wash it all down? You’re in luck. If you don’t know already, Southern Oregon is one of the country’s top wine regions, featuring multiple world-class vineyards and wineries. There’s no better place to sit down for a quick sip or go all-in for a full-day wine tour. Here are links to some of our recommendations.
- Best Wineries Near Medford, OR
- An Overview of Southern Oregon Wine Festivals and Events
- Planning a Visit to DANCIN Vineyards
- Planning a Rogue Valley Wineries Tour
If you’re not into wine, don’t fret — there are lots of great breweries in Southern Oregon too.
Explore Your Artistic Side
When’s the last time you channeled your inner creative? In Southern Oregon, there are endless opportunities to view, purchase, and make art. There is beauty all around.
If you’d like to visit and walk around an art gallery, we’d recommend checking out the Rogue Gallery and Art Center. If you’d like to try your hand at creating a piece of your own, there are some great classes available at the Rogue Gallery and Art Center, Central Art, and Lightgarden Glass Art.
Catch a Show Worthy of Multiple Standing Ovations
Perhaps you prefer performing arts. There’s plenty of that here too! Choose from plays and musicals, classical ensembles, comedy shows, concerts from today’s top artists, and more. You might even be curious to check out Ashland, Oregon’s Shakespeare Festival. Yes, it’s real — and yes, it’s awesome.
Some other performing arts venues and shows to check out:
- Craterian Theatre — a venue for just about every type of performance art out there: comedy, musicals, plays, and concerts by local and national musicians.
- Rogue Valley Symphony – Southern Oregon’s talented live orchestra, with over 70 members.
- SOU Theatre — the university’s theatre program that features six plays every year.
- Britt Music & Arts Festival — the region’s premier, nonprofit outdoor music festival, which is hosted in Jacksonville and features acts from popular artists in various genres.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Medford is home to many big-box and chain stores, where you can get everyday items and specialty items. Some of the chain stores you can expect are: Trader Joe’s, Market of Choice, Costco, REI, Carhartt, Hobby Lobby, Dicks Sporting Goods, and more.
If you’d prefer to shop local and find more unique items, head just a few miles over to either Jacksonville or Ashland. Both charming towns have a number of local shops and boutiques. You’ll find old-school grocers, artisan markets, handmade apparel, and a firsthand look at the heart of these close-knit communities.
Visit a Museum
Looking to learn something new? There’s no better way than visiting a museum. Museums are great places to spend hours, even a full day, walking around and immersing yourself in culture and history.
If you need recommendations, the ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum is a big hit. Anyone who grew up in the Rogue Valley can tell you that this was the place to be as a kid.
Or, if you’re not bringing any little ones along, you may instead check out the Crater Rock Museum or drive out to the Oregon Caves and spend the day exploring one of the countries most interesting national monuments.
Our Other Favorite Indoor Activities Near Medford, Oregon
These indoor adventures didn’t quite make our top-five list above, but are still more than worthy of a mention. They’re definitely worth a visit if you’re interested.
- Race go-karts at Rogue Karting
- Catch a Rogue Royals hockey game (part of the United States Premier Hockey League)
- Get an all-in-one fun experience at the Rogue Valley Family Fun Center
- Knock down some pins at Lava Lanes Bowling Center
- Climb to the top at Rogue Rock Gym
Build Your Southern Oregon Home at Stage Pass
There are tons of indoor activities in and near Medford, Oregon to help keep the winter blues away. By building a home at Stage Pass, you’re only minutes from them all. Contact our team to learn more about our gorgeous wine country community and the area that surrounds it.