Portland, Oregon conjures up images of hipsters, coffee, craft beer, and famously grey skies — but there’s so much more to this city than its reputation suggests. Portland is colourful, quirky, and bursting with family adventures. If you’re wondering what to do in Portland with kids, these 10 fun and interesting things to do in Portland with kids are a great place to start.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now and get our FREE newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
Portland does see a fair amount of rain across the year, but summers tend to be warm and dry, and there’s always something to explore whatever the forecast.
You May Also Enjoy 10 Simply Splendid Things To Do In Seattle With Kids
Fun Things to Do In Portland With Kids
#1. Enjoy Portland’s Parks! Parks! Parks!
Whether you spend the day hiking the trails of Forest Park, America’s largest city park, or look for leprechauns in Mill Ends Park, the world’s smallest park, Portland has a park for you.
Visit Ramona and Henry from the classic Beverly Cleary books in Grant Park, take in the city views from Council Crest, or let the kids cool off in the fountains at Salmon Street Springs or Jamison Square on a warm day.
The list goes on — for a full listing of Portland’s parks, check out the Parks and Rec parkfinder.
You May Also Enjoy These US National Parks Are Perfect For a Family Adventure
#2. Go Book-Mad In Powell’s Books
Powell’s Books on W Burnside is a Portland institution! You will genuinely get lost in over 68,000 sq ft of books covering a full city block. It’s the largest independent bookstore in the world.
The bookstore hosts events, readings, and book launches, and there’s a lovely café where you can enjoy a snack while browsing through your literary finds.
You May Also Enjoy 11 Totally Lit Things To Do in Seattle With Teens
#3. Explore Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
You can easily spend an entire day at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, better known as OMSI. There are hours of hands-on exhibits across five exhibition halls where kids (and adults!) can test, play and learn.
Explore a real submarine, discover how holograms are created, experience a simulated earthquake, or visit the planetarium. There’s even a Science Playground designed for children under 6 to explore and experiment.
#4. Spark Curiosity At Portland Children’s Museum
Take the MAX to Washington Park Station, the deepest transit station in the US, and head up for a day at the Portland Children’s Museum and Oregon Zoo (see #5 below).
The Children’s Museum is a fully interactive space designed to spark wonder and creativity in children of all ages. Create works of art, become a builder or a vet for the day, visit the market, star in your own show, or head outdoors for more adventures.
#5. Enjoy Exotic Animals At Oregon Zoo
If that’s not enough for one day, the Oregon Zoo is just across from the Children’s Museum. The zoo is home to more than 1,800 animals, including several long-term residents that have become much-loved fixtures for local families.
Major exhibits include The Great Northwest, Africa Savanna, Africa Rainforest, and Elephant Lands. During the summer, the zoo also hosts a concert series on the lawn near Elephant Lands.
#6. Meet Fairytales at The Enchanted Forest
About an hour south of Portland is the Enchanted Forest, a family-run fairytale theme park that has been delighting Oregonians since 1971.
Kids can make their way through the dark rabbit hole from Alice in Wonderland, say hello to Humpty Dumpty, slide down There Was an Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe, visit Western Town, or take a turn on one of the amusements.
#7. Go Roller Skating at Oaks Amusement Park
If you get caught in some of Portland’s legendary rainy weather, head to the roller rink at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland’s historic Sellwood neighbourhood.
The roller rink at Oaks Park has been open since 1905 and is one of the last rinks to still play music over an organ. Strap on your skates and go for a spin around this historic floor!
On a sunnier day, the park also offers family rides, kiddie rides, mini golf, go-karts and more.
#8. Say Hello to Herman the Sturgeon at Bonneville Dam & Fish Hatchery
Engineering fans will enjoy a visit to Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, where the turbines generate power for homes across the region.
But the real star of the family day out is a trip to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery. Visit and feed salmon in the fish farm, walk the trails, have a picnic, and be sure to say hello to the hatchery’s famous long-term resident, Herman the Sturgeon.
#9. Sample VooDoo Doughnuts
Feeling peckish? You can’t visit Portland without a trip to the original VooDoo Doughnut in Portland’s Old Town.
From bacon maple bars to doughnuts topped with Oreos, cereal, bubble gum and everything in between, there’s a reason they’ve been featured on countless US and international media outlets — the magic is in the hole!
#10. Learn About Trees at World Forestry Center
Located in Washington Park, the World Forestry Center is a non-profit created to educate visitors about the world’s forests, trees, and sustainability.
Full of interactive exhibits (including a wet-free raft ride!), kids and adults will leave with a new appreciation for the world’s forests. Be sure to say hello to Peggy the Train and the Petrified Stump during your visit.
On the second Saturday of each month, the centre runs TREEmendous Second Saturday events, with special hands-on learning activities about trees and forests.
You May Also Enjoy Awesome Dinosaur Museum Experiences in USA
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland a good city to visit with kids?
Yes. Portland has a great mix of hands-on museums, green parks, and quirky family-friendly attractions, making it easy to fill several days with kid-approved activities.
What is the best time of year to visit Portland with children?
Summer tends to be warmer and drier, which makes outdoor spots like parks and the zoo especially appealing. Portland does see plenty of rain across the rest of the year, so it’s worth having a few indoor options — like the museums and Powell’s Books — on your list as backup.
Are the attractions in this list suitable for toddlers as well as older kids?
Many are. The Portland Children’s Museum has areas designed specifically for younger children, and OMSI’s Science Playground is aimed at under-6s. Older kids will get more out of spots like the World Forestry Center and Bonneville Dam.
Is Portland easy to get around without a car?
Portland has a MAX light rail system that connects to popular family spots such as Washington Park, home to the Children’s Museum, Oregon Zoo, and World Forestry Center.
Related Articles
- 10 Simply Splendid Things To Do In Seattle With Kids
- 11 Totally Lit Things To Do in Seattle With Teens
- These US National Parks Are Perfect For a Family Adventure
- Awesome Dinosaur Museum Experiences in USA
Save These Ideas For Your Next Trip
Planning a family visit to Portland? Bookmark this article so you have all 10 ideas handy when you’re mapping out your trip, or share it with another family who’s heading that way.
Want More Family Day Out Ideas?
Sign up for our newsletter and get fresh, family-friendly day-out ideas, travel inspiration, and parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox every week.
