Little ones love to splash in the public fountain at Peninsula Park in North Portland.

Credit: Aaron Lee

Family Friendly

Families will find lots to enjoy in Portland, from hands-on science at OMSI to baby elephants at the zoo, with plenty of parks and free attractions, too.

Little ones love to splash in the public fountain at Peninsula Park in North Portland.

Credit: Aaron Lee

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

With a planetarium, a giant-screen theater, a retired navy submarine, traveling exhibits and “After Dark” events, OMSI has lures for all ages.

Portland Children’s Museum

Dreaming of a family-friendly afternoon full of hands-on learning? Head to the Portland Children’s Museum, in attraction-packed Washington Park.

Oregon Zoo

The West's oldest zoo, located just minutes from downtown Portland in visitor-friendly Washington Park, is home to 2,200 animals.

World Forestry Center Discovery Museum

Tree- and forest-lovers of all ages can learn about sustainability and experience a Portland icon at the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum.

Oaks Amusement Park

In Southeast Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood, Oaks Amusement Park has been providing families with carnival thrills and family fun since 1905.

World of Speed

Through interactive exhibits and displays featuring 100 historic race cars and motorcycles, the World of Speed car museum tells a vivid tale of America’s love affair with life in the fast lane.

Portland International Raceway

Portland International Raceway hosts a spectrum of exciting events, including cycling, drag racing and motocross, auto shows and obstacle course events.

Portland’s Public Fountains

Cool off with free fun at these kid-friendly fountains in Portland.

When I Grow Up: Portland Attractions for Career-Oriented Kids

At these family-friendly Portland attractions, kids can walk in the shoes of the heroes they idolize: police officers, firefighters, astronauts, airplane pilots and sailors.

Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions

Trips outside the city promise all-ages entertainment. Here are four must-see attractions within two hours of downtown Portland.

Kid-Friendly Breweries in Portland

In a city with more breweries than anywhere else in the world, parents don't have to choose between their children and enjoying a good pint of beer.

Kid-Friendly Dining

These family-friendly Portland restaurants combine healthy children’s menus, play areas and fun.

Ice Cream in Portland

Savor creativity by the scoop at Portland's best ice cream shops.

Hiking with Kids

Allow the little ones to explore the outdoors on these kid-friendly nature walks in Portland.

Head outside

Quarterworld

Opened in 2016, Quarterworld is the largest arcade bar in Portland. Split into adult- and kid-friendly sides, the old theater houses 34 machines and 64 arcade games, along with flavorful eats like bao buns, pizza and banh mi sandwiches.

Ground Kontrol

In addition to a full complement of vintage video games and pinball machines, this two-floor adult arcade features a beer and wine bar, live music and DJs on weekends and a steady stream of joystick-related events.

Avalon Theatre & Wunderland

Two small screens show second-run movies, while the on-site video arcade offers hours of entertainment for mere nickels.

Guardian Games

This massive game store offers all kinds of games and game-related events, plus space to play. Adults will appreciate the availability of beer on tap.

Cloud Cap Games

Cloud Cap Games has classic board games, card games and puzzles, plus work by local artists. They also host regular game gatherings and special events, and provide some games for rent to play at home.

Family Fun for All Ages

Whether your children are just learning to crawl or have mastered their iPhones, Portland’s abundant kid-friendly activities keep the good times rolling.

When I Grow Up: Portland Attractions for Career-Oriented Kids

At these family-friendly Portland attractions, kids can walk in the shoes of the heroes they idolize: police officers, firefighters, astronauts, airplane pilots and sailors.

Indoor Children’s Play Areas

Banish your children’s boredom at Portland’s parent-approved play zones, including castles, bounce houses, obstacle courses and malls.

Indoor Activities for Children

When Portland's weather prevents kids from running around outside, families can choose from dozens of awesome indoor activities.

Children’s Theater

Portland's children's theater companies introduce kids to live theater and teaches them people in costumes are fun, not scary.

Ice Skating in and Around Portland

Here are your best bets for ice skating in Portland and the region, from year-round indoor rinks to winter-only outdoor options.

Amusement & Water Parks

Portland and the surrounding region offer a variety of amusements and entertainments for the young and young at heart.

Editor's Pick

Oct. 19–Nov. 17, 2019

Me…Jane: The Dreams and Adventures of Young Jane Goodall

Newmark Theatre Free

‘With the wind in her hair, she read and reread the books about Tarzan of the Apes, in which anoth…

Editor's Pick

For Kids, Performing Arts

Editor's Pick

Nov. 25, 2019–Jan. 5, 2020

A Pittock Mansion Christmas: Wonderful World of Books

Pittock Mansion $8-$12

From children’s classics to modern-day mysteries, this year’s Pittock Mansion Christmas explores…

Editor's Pick

For Kids

Editor's Pick

Nov. 29–Dec. 15, 2019

Holiday Express Train

Oaks Amusement Park & Roller Skating Rink $16-$22

Join Santa Claus and his elves for a magical ride behind Portland’s famous steam locomotives. Vint…

Editor's Pick

For Kids

Editor's Pick

Nov. 29, 2019–Jan. 5, 2020

ZooLights

Oregon Zoo Pricing varies depending on the date.

As you walk around the zoo, you’ll see a dazzling display of more than 1.5 million lights and experi…

Editor's Pick

For Kids

Portland Toy Stores

Whether you’re a parent looking for an educational game or a collector on the hunt for a vintage action figure, Portland’s toy stores deliver.

Portland’s Best Back-To-School Shopping

This fall, ditch the chain stores and get your kids ready to learn in style by shopping at these distinctly Portland spots.

Powell’s City of Books

Covering an entire city block, Powell's is a landmark, a great bookstore and a microcosm of the city itself.

Seasonal Family Fun

Portland is welcoming and lively year-round, and every season offers its own allures. (And, yes, a couple of seasons offer a little bit of rain, too.)

The Corn Maize on Sauvie Island

The Corn Maize, located on Sauvie Island north of Portland, offers visitors five acres of physical and mental challenges in a corn field.

Apple Picking Near Portland

Freshly-picked Pacific Northwest apples are a local favorite, and many Portland-area orchards allow visitors to pluck the fruit right off the branch.

Pumpkin Patches in and Near Portland

The Portland area has many farms with U-pick pumpkin patches and fun family activities like hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos and festive autumn food and drink.

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a water course.

Halloween Events in and Around Portland

From corn mazes to dance performances, half-marathons to haunted houses, Portland provides the perfect Halloween plans for any scare-seeking witch or warlock.

The Spirit of Halloweentown

The historic town of St. Helens, located 45 minutes from Portland, celebrates Halloween all month long with haunted tours, costume contests and more.

Portland’s Best Spots for Fall Color

Autumnal beauty abounds in Portland, and there are plenty of prime places to revel in leaf-crunching relaxation.

Chapman Swift Watch

Every September, spectators gather to see the world’s largest roost of Vaux’s swifts swarm and spiral into the chimney of a Northwest Portland school.

Portland Winter Light Festival

Brighten your February with glowing sculptures and thousands of twinkling lights at the annual Winter Lights Festival.

Holiday Light Displays in Portland

Portland is full of bright ways to embrace the shorter days of winter; here are some of the stars in the city’s constellation of holiday light displays.

Ice Skating in and Around Portland

Here are your best bets for ice skating in Portland and the region, from year-round indoor rinks to winter-only outdoor options.

Lunar New Year Celebrations in Portland

Portland hosts its own Japanese Mochitsuki Festival, Vietnamese Tet Festival and multiple Chinese New Year events.

Portland Holiday Events

Like an Advent calendar loaded with sugary treats, the days leading up to Christmas in Portland hold an abundance of sweet memories.

Spend Spring Break in Portland

Plan an epic spring break in Portland with our list of activities for families, friends, couples and solo travelers.

Portland Rose Festival

Portland Rose Festival features multiple parades, waterfront carnival rides, concerts, dragon boat races, fireworks and plenty of roses.

Mother’s Day Events in Portland

Myriad Mother's Day events in Portland make it easy (and fun!) to celebrate moms, grandmas and all of the other important women in your life.

Easter Events in Portland

Spring is the harbinger of Easter festivities in Portland. Check out our favorite kid-friendly Easter egg hunts, annual picnics and candy-centric events.

UFO Festival in McMinnville

Every May, thousands of visitors flock to the city’s famous UFO Festival, featuring four days of parades, costume contests, expert speakers

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Colorful fields reminiscent of Holland burst with acres of tulips in full bloom at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn.

Where to Celebrate Earth Day in Portland

Show your love for Mother Earth by participating in one of these Earth Day events in Portland.

Best Spots for Spring Flowers

Find your favorite blooms, from roses to rhododendrons and tulips to trilliums, with our guide to spring flowers in Portland.

Summer Free for All

Portland Parks & Recreation offers over 400 free events including free movie screenings, concerts and rock climbing.

Portland Street Fairs

Come summer, many of Portland’s neighborhoods put on local parties with live music, food and fun.

The Big Float

Every summer since 2011, thousands of people swim and float in the Willamette River for the annual Big Float event.

Piano Push Play Brings Music to the People

Piano Push Play invites local artists to transform old, donated pianos into whimsical works of art which are distributed across the city.

Oregon Zoo Summer Concerts

Musicians and fans alike flock to concerts at the Oregon Zoo each summer to enjoy live music, sunshine and friends.

Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn

With acts that have ranged from Al Green to ZZ Top, McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn are an annual rite of summer and the hottest ticket in town.

Sauvie Island

Families can find an entire day’s worth of adventures on this island just northwest of Portland.

Portland Soccer: Timbers and Thorns

With a fervent following, every Portland Timbers and Thorns match has a festive atmosphere that's enjoyable whether you're a soccer fan or not.

Swimming Holes Near Portland

Stay cool all summer long at these serene swimming spots, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest — and all less than an hour away from Portland.

Baseball in Portland

The Portland Pickles and Hillsboro Hops are two local baseball teams pitching summery good times.

Fourth of July Events

There’s nothing more American than fun, family and, of course, fireworks. Pack all of that into one weekend with these July 4 events.

Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival

Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.