Portland is a lively city that’s ideal for families looking for a fun-filled vacation. With a host of family-friendly activities and attractions, Portland has something for you, no matter what your interests are. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best family-friendly activities in Portland, from outdoor adventures to indoor entertainment.
Learn About the Animal Kingdom at the Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is a perfect attraction for families with young children. Home to more than 2,600 animals from over 200 species, the zoo offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Kids will love seeing animals like lions, tigers, and bears, and parents can learn about the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation.
In addition to animal exhibits, there is also a range of educational programs and events, including behind-the-scenes tours, summer camps, and animal encounters, as well as the zoo’s famous train ride, which takes visitors on a scenic tour of the grounds.
See the Stars at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is an interactive museum that’s great for families with children of all ages. The exhibits showcase topics ranging from space exploration to physics to dinosaurs, and OMSI offers a learning experience that’s educational and fun.
Kids can explore the museum’s many exhibits, including the Science Playground, where they can experiment with water, air, and other materials. The museum also boasts a planetarium, which offers a stunning tour of the night sky.
Experience the Past at the Oregon Historical Society
The Oregon Historical Society is a wonderful attraction for families. With exhibits focusing on Oregon’s history, the museum is designed to encourage education through interaction.
Families will enjoy the museum’s many rotating exhibits, including The Odyssey of the Historic Jantzen Beach Carousel, which features four fully restored carousel horses, now back to their original beauty.
Find a Great Read at Powell’s City of Books
Powell’s City of Books is a Portland institution and a fantastic destination for book lovers young and old. With over a million books, Powell’s is the largest independent bookstore in the world, and a special place for bibliophiles.
While parents will love the store’s vast and impressive book collection, kids will have a great time exploring the many nooks and crannies. Check out the many readings and author events, which offer a chance to meet with some of the great names in literature.
Experience Tranquility at the Portland Japanese Garden
If you want peace and tranquility, head to the Portland Japanese Garden, where you’ll find traditional Japanese architecture, beautiful scenery, and fabulous city views. The Japanese Garden offers a peaceful retreat, away from the traffic and the crowds.
There are water features and paths for the kids to explore, and the peaceful surroundings and Japanese aesthetics are bound to appeal to mom and dad. The garden offers numerous events and workshops that provide insight into Japanese art, culture, and traditions.
Get Your Thrills at Oaks Amusement Park
Oaks Amusement Park is a classic, offering rides, attractions, and games that the whole family will love. This is the place to head for a day of family fun.
Rides include Adrenaline Peak and AtmosFEAR, but there are also arcades, pre-school rides, and mini golf, to ensure that everyone has something to get excited about. The park also offers special events, including fireworks displays and live music.
Travel Back in Time at Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion is an historic, hilltop home overlooking Portland. Built-in 1914, the mansion provides visitors with a glimpse into Portland’s history and its wealthy residents’ lives through its many fascinating exhibits.
If the younger ones aren’t great fans of history just yet, there are walking trails through the stunning grounds, and you can also see one of the best city views around from the mansion’s viewpoint, 1,000 feet above the rest of Portland.
Spend a Sunny Day at the International Rose Test Garden
If flowers and nature are your thing, head to the International Rose Test Garden. With over 10,000 rose bushes and more than 610 varieties of roses, the garden is full of color and fragrance.
Guided tours are available for families, and kids can enjoy the open spaces and the chance to explore.
See World-Class Art at the Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum houses a vast collection of artworks, including paintings and sculptures from around the world. A family visit here will be a unique and educational experience.
Varied exhibitions and events are bound to satisfy the art lovers in the family, and the museum offers family programs to keep the children happy, including family tours and the Miller Family Free Day, a chance to enjoy art-making, demonstrations, performances, and interactive activities.
Hike Through Forest Park
Forest Park, near downtown Portland, has 80 miles of trails that snake across 5,000 acres, making this a wild urban adventure not to be missed.
The park has a variety of trails, some of which can be cycled, and is home to numerous tree species as well as a diverse population of mammals, birds, and invertebrates. For a nature-filled getaway in the heart of the city, look no further.
The 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Portland in Summary
Portland is a great place for families looking for a fun-filled vacation. There’s a range of family-friendly attractions to choose from, and, no matter what your interests, you find something to enjoy. Whether you love outdoor adventures or history and books, Portland will not disappoint. So, get planning, and experience this amazing city for yourself.
