Portland, Oregon is a beautiful, mossy green city known for its primordial natural beauty, vibrantly weird arts scene, and family-friendly atmosphere. With so many activities and attractions, it can be hard to choose what to do when visiting with little ones. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of popular, fun and exciting things to do in Portland with kids, including some off-the-beaten-path adventures that make vacations extra memorable.
From exploring the great outdoors to hidden tunnels, to discovering the arts and culture of the city, there’s plenty to keep you busy but also inspired.
So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in Portland!
When is the Best Time to Visit Portland?
Portland averages 154 rainy days per year, so chances are it will rain when you visit. Not to worry, the rain doesn’t get in the way of many activities. Plus, in the summer you get more sunny days than rainy days.
Portland is amazing year-round, but the most popular time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. Spring and fall are also good times to visit, as the weather is milder and there are fewer crowds.
If you’re toting around strollers and young kids I would choose sometime from June to August.
Getting around Portland
Portland has a great public transportation system, which includes buses, MAX light rail (more than 90 stations), and streetcars. This is the most affordable way to navigate the city, as tickets for one mode of transportation apply to them all. The MAX is also a frequent service line, meaning it runs every 15 minutes or less.
The city is also known for its extensive network of bike lanes and bike-friendly culture, making biking a popular and easy option for getting around. For those who prefer to walk, Portland is a very walkable city with many pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and attractions within close proximity to each other.
Where to stay in Portland?
Portland is divided into five quadrants: North Portland, Northeast Portland, Northwest Portland, Southeast Portland, and Southwest Portland. The city is divided into north and south by Burnside Street and into east and west by the Willamette River.
Some neighborhoods that are particularly great for families:
- Pearl District: Located in Northwest, Portland, Pearl District is a trendy and upscale area with plenty of family-friendly options. It has a lot of parks, restaurants, and shops, and is within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions.
- Nob Hill: This Northwest, Portland neighborhood has a lot of charm and character, and is known for its great restaurants and shops. It’s also close to several parks, including the popular Washington Park.
- Hawthorne District: Located in Southeast Portland, this area is known for its quirky shops, cafes, and restaurants, and has a laid-back vibe that families with children will appreciate. It’s also close to several parks, including the expansive Laurelhurst Park.
- Sellwood-Moreland: Located in Southeast, Portland, this is a quieter neighborhood that’s perfect for families with younger children. It has several parks and playgrounds, as well as family-friendly restaurants and shops. It is situated alongside the Willamette River and is known for its charming, tree-lined streets, vintage shops, and numerous parks.
Feeling Hungry? Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Portland
Taking children out to eat can be difficult unless you know the great family friendly restaurants. I’m talking about restaurants with kids menus, with ample seating options for little legs and wobbly babies, and either cool art, decorations or arcade games to keep kids occupied and entertained. Plus, we need the noise to drown out picky eaters or the inevitable someones-getting-tired meltdown. It happens, we’ve all been there. Here are some restaurants where you will blend in nicely and be glad you went:
- The Waffle Window: This family-friendly eatery specializes in delicious sweet and savory waffle creations. Kids will love the variety of toppings and fillings, from fresh fruits to bacon and cheese. Located at 3610 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
- Slappy Cakes: At Slappy Cakes, families can enjoy a unique dining experience by making their own pancakes right at the table. The interactive griddles and a wide selection of batter flavors and toppings make it a fun and delicious adventure. Located at 4246 SE Belmont St.
- The Old Spaghetti Factory: This classic family restaurant offers a kid-friendly menu with options like spaghetti and meatballs, macaroni and cheese, and chicken tenders. The vintage décor and charming atmosphere add to the dining experience. Located at 0715 SW Bancroft St.
- The Original Pancake House: Known for their mouthwatering pancakes, The Original Pancake House is a popular spot for families. From fluffy buttermilk pancakes to creative pancake specialties, there’s something to satisfy every young palate. Located at 8601 SW 24th Ave.
- ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria: This lively taqueria offers a family-friendly atmosphere and serves up delicious Mexican street food. Kids will enjoy the flavorful tacos, quesadillas, and freshly made guacamole. Located at 3524 N Mississippi Ave.
- Flying Pie Pizzeria: Flying Pie Pizzeria not only serves delicious pizzas but also features an arcade area where kids can enjoy playing classic arcade games while waiting for their food. Located at 7804 SE Stark St.
- Punch Bowl Social: Punch Bowl Social is a restaurant and entertainment venue offering a variety of activities for families. Along with their menu of delicious food, they provide arcade games, bowling lanes, karaoke, and more, creating a fun-filled dining experience. Located at 340 SW Morrison St, 3rd Floor.
- The Rock Wood Fired Pizza: Located just outside of Portland in Wood Village, The Rock Wood Fired Pizza is a family-friendly pizzeria that features a rock ‘n’ roll theme and an arcade area. Located at 22401 NE Glisan St, Wood Village.
- Sizzle Pie: Sizzle Pie is a popular pizza joint that offers unique and delicious pizza combinations. While it may not have a dedicated arcade, its funky atmosphere, tasty slices, and lively vibe make it an enjoyable spot for families. Located at 926 W Burnside St.
Fun Things To Do in Portland With Kids
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best things to do in Portland and help you plan your next visit to this exciting Pacific Northwest destination.
Portland Children’s Museum
The Portland Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum designed specifically for children. The museum features interactive exhibits and activities that encourage creativity, learning, and play. There is also a large outdoor play area with a treehouse, sand play, and water play. The museum is perfect for young children and families looking for a fun and educational experience.
Ghostbusters Firehouse
Yes, we wish it was a museum we could actually go inside, but even seeing the outside is a cool experience. Located at 824 NW 24th Ave, Portland, OR, 97210, this real life size replica of the Ghostbusters Firehouse was created as a perfect visual match to the firehouse in the popular movie franchise. All that’s missing are the ghosts–or not? Take a 3D tour here.
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion, perched atop Portland’s West Hills, is a historic landmark that offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s past. This magnificent mansion, built in the early 20th century, showcases stunning architectural details and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Stepping inside, visitors are transported to a bygone era, as they explore the meticulously preserved rooms filled with antique furnishings, original artwork, and intricate craftsmanship. The mansion’s rich history is brought to life through informative exhibits that delve into the lives of the Pittock family and the evolution of Portland. Beyond the mansion’s walls, the surrounding grounds feature beautifully manicured gardens and walking paths, inviting visitors to soak in the serenity and natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, a visit to Pittock Mansion is sure to leave you enchanted and inspired.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
OMSI is a science museum located on the east bank of the Willamette River in Portland. The museum features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, a theater, and a submarine open for tours. There is also an indoor science playground, which is perfect for young children. OMSI is a great place for families to learn about science and technology in a fun and engaging way.
Portland Aerial Tram
The Portland Aerial Tram is a unique transportation experience that provides stunning views of the city and surrounding area. The tram connects the South Waterfront district to the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) campus on Marquam Hill. The ride takes about four minutes each way and provides panoramic views of the city, Mount Hood, and the Willamette River. The tram is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
The Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is located in Washington Park and is home to over 1,800 animals from around the world. The zoo features a variety of habitats, including a rainforest exhibit, an African savannah, and an Asian elephant habitat. There are also several animal encounters and daily activities, such as animal feedings and talks. The Oregon Zoo is a great place to see animals up close and learn about different species.
Powell’s City of Books
Powell’s City of Books is the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. The bookstore occupies a full city block and features over one million books, including rare and out-of-print titles. Powell’s is a great place to find books for kids of all ages and interests. There are also several events and author readings held at the store.
Oaks Amusement Park
Oaks Amusement Park is a historic amusement park located in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland. The park features rides, games, and attractions for kids of all ages. There is also a roller skating rink, miniature golf course, and a picnic area. Oaks Amusement Park is a fun and affordable way to spend the day with the family.
Washington Park
Washington Park is a large park located in the West Hills of Portland. The park features several attractions, including the International Rose Test Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Portland Children’s Museum. There are also several hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewpoints. Washington Park is a great place to spend a day outdoors and explore some of Portland’s top attractions.
Portland Children’s Theater
The Portland Children’s Theater is a professional theater company that produces plays and musicals for young audiences. The theater also offers classes and workshops for kids of all ages. The productions are high-quality and engaging, and the theater is a great way to introduce children to the arts.
World Forestry Center Discovery Museum
The World Forestry Center Discovery Museum is an interactive museum that explores the science and practice of forestry. The museum features hands-on exhibits, including a simulated helicopter ride, a forest fire lookout tower, and a log-rolling activity. The museum is a great place to learn about the importance of forests and how they are managed sustainably.
The Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest and features over 42,000 works of art. The museum’s collections include American and European art, Asian art, and contemporary art. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for children and families, including art classes and summer camps.
Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum is a unique and quirky museum located in Portland, Oregon. It features an array of strange and unusual exhibits, including oddities, paranormal artifacts, and sci-fi and horror-themed displays. The museum also offers interactive experiences, such as a photo booth where visitors can take pictures with giant monsters and aliens, and a vintage arcade featuring classic games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. The Peculiarium also has a gift shop that sells odd and bizarre souvenirs. The museum is family-friendly and is a popular attraction for both kids and adults who are looking for a different kind of museum experience.
The World’s Smallest Park
Mill Ends Park, located in the median strip of SW Naito Parkway, is officially recognized as the world’s smallest park. It’s only 2 feet wide, but it’s still a fun spot to take the kids for a quick visit. They can tell all their friends they visited the world’s smallest park!! How cool is that??
Shanghai Tunnels
Older kids might enjoy this tour of the underground tunnels that were once used to smuggle people onto ships for forced labor. The tours are a bit spooky, but also fascinating and informative.
The Shanghai Tunnels are an underground network of tunnels and passages that were used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These tunnels transported goods and people between the docks along the Willamette River and the city’s downtown businesses. However, the tunnels also have a darker history, as they were used to “shanghai” unsuspecting men into forced labor on ships.
Legend has it that men would be lured into the tunnels with promises of work or alcohol, only to be knocked unconscious and sold to captains in need of cheap labor for their ships. The victims would then be taken aboard and forced to work at sea, sometimes for years, before being released or escaping.
Today, the Shanghai Tunnels are open for tours, where visitors can learn more about this fascinating and eerie part of Portland’s history. The tours take you through some of the tunnels and rooms where the shanghaiing took place, and you can see artifacts and displays that help bring the story to life. It’s a great way to explore the darker side of Portland’s past and learn more about the city’s unique history.
Oregon Historical Society
The Oregon Historical Society is a museum and research library dedicated to preserving the history of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. The museum features permanent and rotating exhibits, including artifacts from Oregon’s pioneer days, Native American artifacts, and exhibits about Oregon’s natural resources. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of the region and how it has shaped the present.
Portland Saturday Market
The Portland Saturday Market is a popular outdoor market that operates every Saturday and Sunday from March through December. Featuring over 250 vendors selling a variety of goods, you will find handmade crafts, clothing, and food at the Portland Saturday Market. There is also live music and street performers, making the market a fun and lively place to visit with kids.
Woodstock Mystery Hole
The Woodstock Mystery Hole, also known as the Oregon Vortex, is a popular tourist attraction located just outside of Portland in Gold Hill, Oregon. The site features a house built over a mysterious hole in the ground, which is said to cause bizarre and unexplained phenomena. Visitors can take guided tours of the site, which include demonstrations of objects appearing to roll uphill, people appearing to change height, and other optical illusions. The site also features a museum with exhibits on the history and folklore of the area, as well as a gift shop selling a variety of unusual and unique items. The Woodstock Mystery Hole is a popular destination for families and anyone interested in paranormal phenomena or optical illusions.
The Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden is a tranquil and serene oasis located in Washington Park. The garden features several traditional Japanese gardens, including a tea garden, a sand and stone garden, and a strolling pond garden. There are also several cultural events and activities held throughout the year, such as tea ceremonies and cultural festivals. The garden is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Explore Lan Su Chinese Garden
The Lan Su Chinese Garden is a traditional Chinese garden located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown neighborhood. The garden features several traditional Chinese gardens, including a courtyard, a teahouse, and a lake. There are also several cultural events and activities held throughout the year, such as tea ceremonies and cultural festivals. The garden is a great place to learn about Chinese culture and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Forest Park
Forest Park is a 5,200-acre park located in the West Hills of Portland. The park features over 80 miles of hiking trails, including several kid-friendly trails. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and birds, making it a great place for kids to learn about nature. Some popular trails for families include the Wildwood Trail, the Maple Trail, and the Lower Macleay Trail. The park also offers guided hikes and educational programs for kids, making it a great outdoor activity for families.
The Playground Gym
Sometimes kids just need to run around in a safe space. The Playground Gym is an indoor playground designed just for kids, with obstacle courses, trampolines, and other fun equipment that will keep them active and engaged. There is lots to choose from at The Playground Gym, including classes and camps for kids of all ages, open gym playtime, gymnastics, parkour, ninja warrior, and dance classes.
Portland Rose Garden
Portland’s International Rose Test Garden, commonly referred to as the Portland Rose Garden, is a stunning and iconic attraction in Portland, Oregon. The garden is located in Washington Park and features over 10,000 rose plants, representing more than 650 rose varieties.
The Portland Rose Garden was established in 1917, making it one of the oldest public rose gardens in the United States. It serves as a test site for new rose varieties and cultivars from around the world, with the aim of determining which ones are best suited to the climate and growing conditions in the Pacific Northwest.
Visitors to the garden can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the many pathways, taking in the vibrant colors and sweet fragrances of the roses. There are also several viewpoints that offer panoramic views of downtown Portland and the surrounding mountains.
The garden is open to the public year-round, with the peak bloom period typically occurring from late May through early July. Admission to the garden is free, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Portland is an incredibly family-friendly city with plenty of unique and exciting activities to keep children entertained. From exploring the natural beauty of the Rose Garden to discovering the fascinating history of the Shanghai Tunnels, there is something for everyone in this quirky and fun city. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, hands-on learning experiences, or just plain weird and wacky attractions, Portland has it all. Finally, it’s time to pack your bags. So grab the kids, and get ready for a memorable family vacation in one of the most exciting and kid-friendly cities in the United States.