Check out these fun things to do with kids in Portland, Oregon. If you are headed to Portland, Oregon with the whole family in tow, it’s so much fun to explore a new place!
Fun things to do in Portland
Do you all remember when my family visited 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.
Portland is such a fun and unique city. There are so many activities and family-friendly attractions in Portland that we knew we would find some amazing things to do for both younger and older kids! Whether you love to visit local parks and museums, enjoy local foods, or stroll around and explore, there is plenty to be found here in this Oregon city.
13 Cool and Fun Things To Do With Kids In Portland, Oregon
Is Portland, Oregon worth visit with kids? The answer is absolutely YES!
There are so many fun things to do with kids in Portland, Oregon, we had a very enjoyable stay. From indoor swimming to museums, zoos, and more, here are our top 10 things to do in Portland.
1. Check out the Portland Children’s Museum (Now Closed)
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.
Museums are great for a rainy day, and kids can have a blast in the hands-on clay room, the theater, and performing arts room, create something in the maker’s studio, run around for some outdoor adventures, and even splash around in the water playroom!
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 – Â to achieve that. This is not close to the Downtown Portland area, but definitely one of the more notable things to do with kids in Portland, Oregon! https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/
3. Take public transportation in Portland 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 in Portland
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 in Oregon. 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 in Portland. 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 activities for 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! Afterward, 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 kid-friendly scavenger hunt sheet, which fosters exploration of the gardens and a whole lot of fun! http://japanesegarden.com/
photo: Oaks Amusement Park
11. Head to Oaks Amusement Park
Portland is home to Oaks Amusement Park, a lovely attraction that features Rides, roller skating, miniature golf, midway games, and so much more! Take the family to this fun place to visit in Portland. https://www.oakspark.com/
12. Visit the OMSI Planetarium
If you’re looking for fun places to visit in Portland, the Kendall Planetarium at the Oregon Museum of Science is a great place to take the kids. Learn about the visible planets, constellations, active meteor showers, and the moon in the current night sky, plus enjoy more exciting attractions at the science museum. If you want to know what to do in Portland in the winter, this place is a great one to visit! https://omsi.edu/exhibits/planetarium/
13. Portland Saturday Market
Nationally recognized as the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the country, Portland Saturday Market is proud to provide a marketplace for local small businesses creating handmade arts, crafts, and foods from the Pacific Northwest. Located along the Willamette River, this open-air market is a must-visit for those who love a local marketplace.
What things to do with kids in Portland, Oregon do you recommend?
Subscribe: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube
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!