Welcome to the City of Roses, where fun, adventure, and family go hand-in-hand! As the largest city in Oregon, Portland boasts a vibrant mix of urban attractions and natural wonders that create an idyllic playground for families of all ages. This blog post is dedicated to exploring the top picks for family-friendly activities in Portland, where the options range from engaging science museums to sprawling outdoor parks, interactive dining experiences to exciting annual events.
Whether you’re local to the area or planning a visit, our guide will give you all the information you need for a fun and adventurous family time in this uniquely charming city.
Top Family-Friendly Attractions in Portland
Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo, located in Washington Park, offers a diverse range of animals and exhibits. With over 2,000 animals, the zoo aims to educate and entertain families through conservation and sustainability efforts. Some highlights include the Elephant Lands, African Rainforest, and the Great Northwest exhibit.
Portland Children’s Museum
The Portland Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits and creative play areas for children of all ages. Explore their hands-on exhibits like the Outdoor Adventure, Clay Studio, and Pet Hospital, where children can learn through play and have fun with their families.
| Exhibit | Description |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Adventure | Engage with nature in this outdoor playspace |
| Clay Studio | Get creative with clay and pottery |
| Pet Hospital | Learn about animal care and veterinary work |
OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)
OMSI is a popular science museum featuring interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and educational programs that foster scientific curiosity. Some popular attractions within OMSI include the Science Playground, USS Blueback Submarine, and the fascinating Turbine Hall.
- Science Playground: Explore various topics through hands-on experiences
- USS Blueback Submarine: Tour the retired U.S. Navy submarine
- Turbine Hall: Discover engineering and physics concepts with interactive exhibits
Portland has numerous engaging attractions for families seeking to create fun-filled memories. With options like the Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum, and OMSI, families will never run out of exciting adventures to embark on in the city.
Outdoor Activities for Families
Portland offers numerous outdoor activities for families to enjoy together. With its beautiful parks, engaging markets, and famous bookstores, there is something for everyone to explore.
Forest Park
Forest Park is a great destination for families who love hiking and exploring nature. The park features over 80 miles of trails, allowing you to experience the beautiful forests and wildlife in the area. Some popular and kid-friendly trails at Forest Park include:
- Lower Macleay Trail: This easy 1.7-mile trail leads you to the famous Witch’s Castle, an abandoned stone structure that will enchant both kids and adults.
- Maple Trail Loop: A moderate 3.3-mile loop filled with lush greenery, perfect for a family outing in nature.
- Wildwood Trail: This trail is part of the 30-mile long Wildwood Trail system, providing varying levels of difficulty depending on the chosen section, making it suitable for families with older children.
Portland Saturday Market
The Portland Saturday Market is a must-visit for families looking for a lively and engaging outdoor experience. Located along the waterfront, this market offers:
- Local arts and crafts: Discover unique handmade items from Portland’s talented artisans.
- Food stalls: Enjoy delicious freshly prepared local cuisine and treats.
- Live music: Listen to various musicians performing throughout the day.
- Kids area: Engage in fun arts and crafts activities designed specifically for children.
Powell’s City of Books
While not an entirely outdoor experience, Powell’s City of Books boasts a large open-air section that families will love exploring. As the largest independent bookstore in the world, Powell’s offers a vast selection of books on every subject imaginable, including:
- Children’s books: A dedicated children’s section offers a wide variety of books for young readers, with comfortable seating areas to encourage reading and exploration.
- Rare and unique finds: Powell’s is home to a collection of rare and out-of-print books that will intrigue families with diverse interests.
- Events and workshops: Participate in exciting author events, book signings, and workshops suitable for every age group.
By engaging in these outdoor activities, families can create memorable experiences and appreciate the unique charm that Portland has to offer.
Kid-Friendly Dining Options
Laughing Planet
Laughing Planet is a locally-owned and operated eatery that emphasizes fresh and high-quality ingredients, making it an excellent choice for families seeking healthy meals. The menu offers a variety of bowl options, salads, and wraps, with plenty of kid-friendly choices such as quesadillas and mini bean-and-cheese burritos. Parents will appreciate their commitment to sourcing ingredients from local farmers and using reusable containers for take-out orders.
Slappy Cakes
For a fun and interactive dining experience, Slappy Cakes is a must-visit. The restaurant allows families to cook their own pancakes at the table, offering an engaging and memorable experience for children. In addition to pancakes, the menu features a variety of classic breakfast and lunch dishes, such as:
- Omelettes
- French toast
- Sandwiches
- Salads
Located at 4246 SE Belmont St, Slappy Cakes is open for breakfast and lunch, offering families a unique and enjoyable dining option.
Elephants Delicatessen
Elephants Delicatessen caters to families looking for a quick and convenient dining option without sacrificing quality. With an extensive menu of sandwiches, salads, soups, and hot entrees, there’s something for everyone in the family, including picky eaters. Some popular options include:
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Turkey avocado sandwiches
- Spinach lasagna
- Tomato soup
In addition to its kid-friendly menu, Elephants Delicatessen offers a comfortable and inviting atmosphere with bright, spacious dining areas. Families can find them at multiple locations throughout Portland, making it easy to stop by for a meal while exploring the city’s many family-friendly activities.
Annual Family Events
Rose Festival
The Portland Rose Festival is a time-honored tradition and one of the city’s most anticipated annual events. Spanning several weeks, the festival offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including parades, carnival rides, concerts, and fireworks.
Children can participate in the Junior Rose Festival Parade, showcasing their decorated bikes and costumes. The popular CityFair at Waterfront Park provides entertainment for all ages, with games, rides, food vendors, and more.
Bridge Pedal
The annual Providence Bridge Pedal is a unique opportunity for families to bike or walk across Portland’s iconic bridges. This event is held during the summer and offers various routes to cater to different skill levels and ages.
With stunning panoramic views of the city, it’s a fun, active way to bond with family while exploring Portland’s picturesque bridges. Plus, children’s activities, music, and food make it a lively event for everyone.
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway is the largest holiday light show in the Pacific Northwest. Transforming the race track into a spectacular display of over 250 colorful light displays, families can drive through this glittering festival in their vehicles or choose to walk or bike on designated pedestrian nights.
This festive event, typically running from late November to December, allows families to experience the magic of the holiday season while raising funds for local charities.
Practical Information for Families
Getting Around
Portland, Oregon is a family-friendly city that offers various transportation options for families exploring the area:
- Public Transit: The TriMet transit system includes buses, MAX light rail, and the Portland Streetcar. Fares range from $2.50 for a 2.5-hour ticket to $5 for an adult day pass.
- Biking: Portland is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated bike lanes and bike rental services. A popular choice for families is renting a bike through Biketown, which offers family-friendly discounts.
- Walking: Many of Portland’s attractions are located close together, making it a walkable city for families.
Weather
Portland experiences a moderate climate with distinct seasons. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:
- Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures, with highs between 55°F – 70°F. Expect frequent showers and lush landscapes.
- Summer (June-August): Warm and dry, with highs between 75°F – 85°F. Best time for outdoor activities.
- Fall (September-November): Cool and mild, with temperatures between 45°F – 65°F. Fall foliage is visually stunning.
- Winter (December-February): Cold and wet, with highs between 45°F – 50°F. Snow is rare but possible at higher elevations.
Family Lodging Options
Portland offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences:
- Hotels: Many hotels in the city, such as the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel and The Benson Hotel, cater to families with spacious rooms and amenities like cribs, rollaway beds, and kid-friendly menus.
- Vacation rentals: Airbnb and VRBO provide a wide selection of family-friendly rentals, including entire homes, condos, or apartments.
- Budget-friendly: Hostels like HI Portland Hawthorne District offer private rooms for families at affordable prices.
Remember to consider location, budget, and the family’s needs when choosing accommodations.
Exploring Portland with your family is an experience brimming with fun, learning, and adventure. From the interactive exhibits at the Oregon Zoo and OMSI to the tranquil hiking trails in Forest Park and the artistic flair of the Saturday Market, there’s never a dull moment in this city. Add to this the diverse and delicious family-friendly dining options and the lively annual events, and you’ve got a city that truly welcomes and delights families.
So, pack your adventure spirit and come discover why Portland is a top family-friendly destination. Enjoy your journey, and don’t forget to make unforgettable memories along the way!
