Headed to Portland, Oregon with the whole family in tow? Check out these fun things to do with kids in Portland, Oregon, it’s so much fun to explore a new place!
Do you guys remember when my family visited the Seattle in the Pacific Northwest this summer? That wasn’t the only city we explored! We actually started in Portland, Oregon, a bucket list city that we’d been wanting to visit for a while. There are so many cool things to do with kids in Portland, Oregon, we had a very enjoyable stay. Here are our top 10…
10 Cool and Fun Things To Do With Kids In Portland, Oregon
1. Check out the Portland Children’s Museum
Combine education with hands on ways to learn and you’ve got the Portland Children’s Museum! With various materials and a whole lot of creativity, exhibits are built with the goal of immersive learning through the arts and sciences for kids of all ages. Kids can have a blast in the hands on clay room, the theater and performing arts room, create something in the makers studio, run around for some outdoor adventures, and even splash around in the water play room! http://www.portlandcm.org/
2. Kids LOVE Mt. Scott Community Center and Indoor Pool
Get your swim on year round at Mt. Scott Community Center! Kids love to swim, and this place has plenty of water – and even a water slide – to achieve that. This is not close to the Downtown area, but definitely one of the more notable things to do with kids in Portland, Oregon! https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/60939
3. Take public transportation everywhere you go
The public transportation system is absolutely FAB here in Portland! We stayed at the Red Lion Hotel on Hayden Island, which is north of the Downtown area, and were able to get pretty much everywhere around the city with ease. The MAX Light Rail system and TriMet buses were our best friends, it’s awesome to be able to explore the city, and it sure beats renting a car! http://trimet.org/schedules/
4. Spend a day at The Oregon Zoo
It’s always a pleasure to see the beautiful world of animals, and The Oregon Zoo is no exception. Home to over 1,800 animals across 232 species, you can bet that they’re using all 64 acres of land! The Oregon Zoo is also home to many endangered animals, plants, and other habitats, helping them grow and thrive. There are lots of exhibits, classes, and programs to get involved and enjoy what the zoo has to offer! http://www.oregonzoo.org/
5. Fly the friendly skies in the Portland Aerial Tram!
This was one of my kids’ favorite attractions. If you’re looking for a unique attraction that will wow the whole family, spectacular aerial views of the city can be seen from the Portland Sky Tram! Hop on at the South Waterfront District and take a round trip ride 500 feet high in the sky. When you get to the top, there is a seating area where you can see lots of the city, even Mt. Hood on a clear day, there are walking trails, and the campus of OHSU (coffee shop inside) is accessible as well. http://www.gobytram.com/
Here’s the view from the top!
6. Stroll along Alberta Street, and don’t skip ice cream at Salt and Straw!
The Alberta District is a fun place to take your family. Walk down Alberta Street and take in the cool sights, quirky art pieces, unique shops, and street fairs. Don’t forget to stop at Salt and Straw, a delicious ice cream parlor with interesting flavor combinations! http://albertamainst.org/
7. Eat. Eat everything. And eat often.
Portland is known for its diverse culinary scene, and there is no shortage of foods to try! You can hop off of the MAX Light Rail almost anywhere downtown and find something delicious to eat. There are eclectic restaurants, food trucks, farmer’s markets, and other delectable bites city wide.
8. Try one of Portland’s most popular donut spots
There are two donut shops that are local to Portland, but nationally known. Now this is one of the top things to do with kids in Portland, Oregon, I guarantee they’ll be all for this idea! We went to VooDoo Doughnut, known for its sugar laden treats covered with insane toppings, and all I can say is OMG. A friend of mine also recommended Blue Star Donuts, just as popular and full on crazy combinations!
9. Walk, bike, jog across the Tilikum Bridge, South Waterfront
This is a neat, car-free cable bridge that is perfect for pedestrians and bikers. It’s one of the newest additions to the South Waterfront District, the MAX Light Rail and TriMet buses are the only motorized vehicles allowed. Enjoy the walk and take in the view of the Willamette River! Afterwards, there is a little food truck area where you can grab a bite to eat.
10. Visit the Portland Japanese Garden
This tranquil garden is a nod to Japanese culture with a goal to share and maintain an authentic Japanese Garden. There are 5 distinct gardens to explore, and a host of events, educational programs, culture and arts festivals, tours, and more. There is also a scavenger hunt sheet for kids, which fosters exploration of the gardens and a whole lot of fun! http://japanesegarden.com/
What things to do with kids in Portland, Oregon do you recommend?
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What, no breweries? There are a few that are family/kid friendly, including Hopworks, Baerlic, and Laurelwood.
I am gluten free, so visiting a brewery was not on my personal list. I would love to hear more about these places, how fun that the kids can join!