34 Things to do in Portland, Oregon with Kids

Portland, Oregon, or what the locals fondly call PDX, is a hip and trendy city known for its rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture. It is easily navigable and has a plethora of free and cheap activities that cater to families with kids. In this post, we will showcase some of the best things to do in Portland, Oregon, with kids that promise to keep everyone in the family entertained and engaged.

Fun and Exciting Things to do in Portland, Oregon with Kids

1. Visit OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)

The OMSI is an excellent place to take curious kids who love science and technology. This museum offers interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, movie screenings, and other programs designed to capture your child’s imagination. From the Paleontology exhibit to the Tinkering Lab, there is something to pique every kid’s interest. It’s located in the south waterfront neighborhood and easily accessible from downtown Portland.

2. Skyhook Ninja Fitness

Skyhook Ninja Fitness is a great place for kids to have fun and stay active. The facility offers a variety of obstacle courses, trampolines, and rock walls for kids to explore. Kids can also take part in classes such as Parkour and Freerunning, which teach them how to move their bodies safely while having fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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3. Ice Skating at Llyod Ice Center

Ice skating is a great way for kids to stay active while learning new skills. Portland has several ice skating rinks that offer public skate sessions throughout the week, as well as lessons for those who want to learn more about the sport. Here’s 50% off.

4. Bullwinkles

Bullwinkles is an indoor amusement park located in Portland that offers a variety of rides and attractions for kids of all ages. The park features roller coasters, go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, bumper cars, and much more!

5. Raindrops Playhouse

Raindrops Playhouse is an indoor play center designed specifically for children with a special soft play area for kids ages up to 3. The play center features age-appropriate activities such as slides, tunnels, ball pits, climbing structures, and more!

6. Liggle Land

Liggle Land is an interactive play space designed specifically for kids. The play space includes slides, tunnels, ropes course, and other activities like VR. 

7. Ground Kontrol Arcade

Ground Kontrol is an arcade bar in Portland that offers a variety of classic and modern video games. They also have a full bar and kitchen, making it a great spot for the whole family to enjoy. The arcade has over 50 classic and modern games, including pinball machines, skeeball, and more.

8. Wunderland

Wunderland is an indoor family entertainment center that offers bowling lanes along with a variety of arcade games and redemption prizes for kids of all ages. They also have a movie theater and laser tag. 

9. Southwest Community Center & Pool

The Southwest Community Center & Pool provides year-round recreation opportunities for people of all ages living in southwest Portland including swimming lessons, fitness classes and open swim times at the pool facility as well as arts & crafts classes at the community center building next door!

10. KingPins

KingPins is an indoor bowling alley located in downtown Portland that offers bowling lanes along with food and drinks from its restaurant/bar area.

11. East Portland Community Center & Pool

The East Portland Community Center & Pool provides year-round recreation opportunities for people of all ages living in East Portland including swimming lessons, fitness classes, and open swim times at the pool facility as well as arts & crafts classes at the community center building next door!

12. Director Park

Director Park is a public park located in downtown Portland that features interactive fountains perfect for cooling off on hot summer days along with benches where visitors can relax or enjoy lunch from one of the nearby restaurants or food carts

13. DEFY Beaverton

DEFY Beaverton is an indoor trampoline park with attractions such as a foam pit, dodgeball court, ninja course, rock wall, airbag jump area, basketball dunk lanes, battle beam arena, slackline course, and much more! This is the perfect place for kids to burn off some energy while having fun at the same time!

14. Explore the Oregon Zoo

Located just six minutes outside downtown Portland, the Oregon Zoo offers an opportunity for kids to meet different animals from around the world. You will get the chance to see the majestic elephants, the cheeky chimpanzees, the playful otters, and many more. The zoo also offers petting zoos, education programs, and thrilling rides like the train or the big slide.

15. World of Speed Motorsports Museum

The World of Speed Motorsports Museum is a must-see destination for car enthusiasts of all ages! Located just outside Portland near Wilsonville this museum features over 50 vintage race cars from different eras along with interactive exhibits that explore racing history from drag racing to IndyCar racing.

16. Explore the Forest Park

The Forest park is among the largest urban parks in the USA and overlooks the Willamette River. It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise, with miles of trails that lead you through lush forests and pristine creeks. Forest Park offers many opportunities for bird watching, wildlife spotting, and hiking. For families with smaller children, the Lower Macleay trail is a good option.

17. Portland Pickles

Portland Pickles are the city’s minor league baseball team playing at Walker Stadium in Lents Park during the summer months! Tickets start at just $5 per game so it’s great fun for all ages without breaking the bank!

18. Voodoo Doughnuts

Voodoo Doughnuts is a world-famous doughnut shop located in downtown Portland. They offer unique flavors such as Maple Bacon Bar, Grape Ape, and Voodoo Dolls. They also offer vegan options for those with dietary restrictions.

19. Quarterworld Arcade

Quarterworld Arcade is another great spot to take the kids featuring over 70 classic arcade games from Pac-Man to Skee Ball plus pinball machines & more! There’s also a full bar & kitchen serving up delicious snacks & drinks throughout your visit!

20. Hopscotch Portland

An artsy place with strange rooms you can take fun photos at. 

21. Blue Lake Park

Blue Lake Park is a sprawling recreational haven nestled in Fairview, just a stone’s throw away from downtown Portland. As you enter this vibrant oasis, a nominal fee of $5 per car unlocks a world of wonders. Delight in the refreshing splash pad, a child’s dream come true, ready to enchant when temperatures soar above 70 degrees. Adjacent to the play area lies a sandy beach, fringed by the tranquil waters of the man-made Blue Lake. Dive into the designated swimming zone, suitable for adventurers over the age of five, while occasional lifeguards ensure safety. Embark on a thrilling escapade as you explore the park’s enticing amenities, including a well-appointed playground, inviting picnic tables, a challenging Frisbee golf course, an archery ranch, and a captivating nature area. Blue Lake Region park promises an unforgettable experience for all. If you plan on visiting more than twice buy a seasonal pass. It’s good for Oxbow Park as well.

22. Oaks Park

Oaks Amusement Park, a hidden gem nestled in Southeast Portland. Boasting a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, it proudly holds the status of being one of the oldest and continuously operating amusement parks in the country. As you step foot into this enchanting park, you’ll be greeted by a delightful collection of classic entertainment, smaller thrill rides that will get your heart racing, and an inviting indoor roller rink.

What sets Oaks Park apart is its idyllic location, nestled between the picturesque Willamette River and the charming Sellwood neighborhood. The park’s secluded ambiance provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, you’ll find sprawling grassy picnic areas, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal while taking in breathtaking views of the river and Portland’s Southwest river shore.

While some outdoor rides may hibernate during the winter months, fear not! The famous roller rink remains open year-round, offering endless fun and excitement. Oaks Amusement Park also plays host to the Multnomah County Fair, a must-attend event held in the early summer, filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.

23. Glowing Greens Mini Golf

Glowing Greens Mini Golf offers 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark mini golf complete with black lights throughout each course making it perfect for nighttime fun with friends or family members of all ages!

24. Top Golf

Top Golf is an entertainment complex located in northeast Portland featuring a three-level driving range with climate-controlled hitting bays complete with HDTVs and food & beverage service from the 19th Hole Bar & Grill restaurant on site!

25. Imagination Station Playground in Troutdale

Imagination Station Playground in Troutdale is a great place for kids to get outside and play! This playground features two large play structures with slides, swings, and much more!

26. The People’s Courts

The People’s Courts Pickleball is a great place for kids to learn the sport of pickleball. Located in Southeast Portland, this facility offers year-round indoor and outdoor courts, as well as private lessons for all ages and skill levels. There is also an arcade.

27. Skycart Indoor Racing

Skycart Indoor Racing is a go-kart track located in sout east Portland offering high-speed electric go-karts reaching speeds of up to 25 mph! This venue also features virtual reality racing simulators as well as snack bar & lounge areas!

28. Punch Bowl Social

Punch Bowl Social offers something unique – bowling combined with food & drinks Plus, they have private karaoke rooms. 

29. Pips and Bounce

Pips and Bounce Ping-Pong Bar is an indoor table tennis venue located in downtown Portland. This venue has recreational play during the day for all ages. 

30. Washington Park Playground

Washington Park Playground is one of the city’s largest playgrounds complete with climbing walls, swingsets, sandboxes & more – perfect for toddlers through elementary school-aged children who love spending time outdoors running around or playing tag with friends or siblings!

31. International Rose Test Garden

International Rose Test Garden is one of the world’s oldest rose gardens featuring over 8500 rose bushes spread across 4 ½ acres complete with walking paths so you can take in all its beauty while learning about different types of roses along your journey!

32. Playdate PDX

Playdate PDX is an exciting and expansive indoor play place nestled in the heart of Portland’s Pearl District, Oregon. This incredible 7,500 square foot facility is a haven for children, offering a myriad of interactive experiences and unending fun. Upon entering, young visitors are immediately captivated by a grand castle, which serves as a magical gateway into a world of imagination and adventure. Inside, children can delight in a vibrant interactive light floor, where they can embark on virtual dance-offs and create delightful musical melodies. Countless slides, some even equipped with thrilling bumps, await to provide endless thrills and laughter. The ballroom offers a thrilling battleground for friendly plastic ball battles and practicing punching skills on the punching bags. Playdate PDX also boasts rings for kids to swing on and tubes to explore and roam through, adding even more excitement to the mix.

For parents, the thoughtfully designed facility includes a cozy cafe where they can relax, savor adult beverages, enjoy WiFi, and indulge in comfortable seating while their kids embark on unforgettable adventures. Check out their website to see upcoming special events like face painting or jugglers and don’t forget to take socks.

33. Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark

Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark offers interactive water slides, a wave pool, kid zones, and splash pads – perfect for families looking to spend some quality time together!

34. Mount Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl

Mount Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl has summertime activities such as mountain biking, disc golfing, an alpine slide, bungee trampolines, and more. 

Conclusion:

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Portland, Oregon, with kids. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor activities, educational or just plain fun, Portland has something to fit your family’s needs. The great thing about most of these activities is that they are free or very affordable, making it easy to experience all of what the city has to offer without breaking the bank. We hope this post has given you some inspiration for fun-filled family outings around Portland.

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