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

Credit: Aaron Lee

Family Friendly

Discover the best things to do in Portland with toddlers, tweens and every age in between.

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

Credit: Aaron Lee

Ready for the best. family. vacation. ever? Whatever you’re kids are into (science, animals, video games, the great outdoors), there are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Portland. Read on for some of our favorite family-friendly activities, and check out our events calendar for upcoming kid-friendly events.

Know Before You Go

To slow the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, effective Aug. 27, a statewide mask mandate is in place. Oregonians and visitors ages 5 and up are required to wear face coverings in all public indoor settings, as well as crowded outdoor public spaces where physical distancing is not possible, regardless of vaccination status. This rule does not apply to individuals actively eating or drinking.

Additionally, some event organizers and venues may require proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID test, for admission. Other events may be canceled, postponed or held virtually. Please check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information.

Questions About Visiting Portland With Kids

Is Portland family-friendly?

Of course! Portland is home to thousands of families and you’ll find fun things for kids to do in every corner of the city. Scroll down for some of our favorite year-round activities.

Are there things to do with kids when it’s raining?

There’s no such thing as being cooped up inside when you’re in Portland. There’s an indoor skatepark, rock climbing gyms, indoor play areas, a massive indoor soccer field, ice skating and more.

Does Portland have an aquarium?

The Oregon Zoo has a “Penguinarium,” a polar bear exhibit and other areas to see animals underwater. There are aquariums in Newport and Seaside, Ore.

children playing with large interactive toys in an indoor play area at OMSI

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.

adult and baby elephant playing together in water

Oregon Zoo

Located near downtown Portland in Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,600 animals.

Oaks Amusement Park

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

Portland International Raceway

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

an adolescent boy looking through a submarine scope

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: firefighters, astronauts, airplane pilots and sailors.

an airplane with tubes coming out of the sides

Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions

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

Four large headed scary/funny monsters on stage

Children’s Theater

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

people of all ages around a picnic table covered with draft beers and coloring books

Kid-Friendly Breweries in Portland

In a city with so many excellent breweries, parents don't have to choose between spending time with their kids and enjoying a great pint of beer.

a young girl adds chocolate chips and blueberries to a pancake

Kid-Friendly Dining

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

an ice cream shop employee holds a waffle cone stuffed with chunky ice cream

Ice Cream in Portland

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

Family Fun for All Ages

The best things to do with kids in Portland broken down by age group

Let's Play

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

At this family-owned business, 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.

two children sitting on a train, one is dressed like a train conductor

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.

a family roller skating at Oaks Amusement Park

Indoor Activities for Children

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

kids splash in the fountain at peninsula park

Portland’s Public Fountains

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

Swimmers beat the summer heat at the indoor North Clackamas Aquatics Center with slides and pools

Amusement & Water Parks

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

A family with two small children a hike along a tree-shaded stream.

Kid-Friendly Hikes

Portland has numerous kid-friendly hiking spots with trails under 4 miles (6 km) close to the city and bursting with natural beauty.

a large play structure in under even larger evergreen trees

Parks With Playgrounds

If you're not old enough to fully appreciate Portland's beer, bikes and arts culture, we also have many slides and swings perfect for kids.

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.

Editor's Pick

Sept. 18–Oct. 31, 2021

Spirit of Halloweentown

Courthouse Plaza Varies

The historic town of St. Helens, located 45 minutes from Portland, celebrates Halloween all month lo…

Editor's Pick

Halloween

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

The Corn Maize at the Pumpkin Patch

Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch $6-8

The Corn Maize, located on Sauvie Island north of Portland, offers visitors eight acres of physical …

Editor's Pick

For Kids, Halloween, Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Sept. 25–26, 2021

GeekCraft Expo

Oregon Convention Center Free

GeekCraft Expo is a curated craft market specializing in handmade, “geek”-themed crafts of all k…

Editor's Pick

For Kids, Shopping

Editor's Pick

Oct. 15–17, 2021

Hood River Valley Harvest Fest

Hood River Event Site Entry $10, Kids under 12 are free; Friday Military and Seniors Entry $5

This old-fashioned fall festival brings together more than 125 vendors offering local produce and fo…

Editor's Pick

Festival, Food & Drink, For Kids, Outdoors

Vintage toys on display behind glass at Billy Galaxy

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.

A family browses school supplies at Scrap.

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.

$Powell\'s City of Books$

Powell’s City of Books

Covering an entire city block, Powell’s has grown into a Portland landmark and the world's largest new and used bookstore — and its location is now at the heart of the city, bridging the Pearl District, downtown and the West End.

Seasonal Family Fun

For Kids

A woman and three children find their way through the tall corn at the Corn Maize at The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island.

The Corn Maize on Sauvie Island

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

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.

a person standing in front of a pumpkin patch holding a pumpkin in front of their face

Pumpkin Patches in and Near Portland

Get swept up in that autumnal feeling at these friendly farms just outside of Portland with U-pick pumpkin patches and fun family activities like hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos and festive autumn food and drink.

A person sitting inside a large pumpkin paddling across a lake

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

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

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.

$Dozens of jack-o\'-lanterns illuminate the lawn of a park$

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.

A view of city skyline with its trees a fiery autumn orange with a snow-capped mountain in the background.

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.

thousands of small birds swarm around a tall brick chimney at sunset

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.

a person walks through a light installation containing long strands of lights hanging from a panel overhead

Portland Winter Light Festival

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

Building entrance decorated with festive lights at night time

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.

Indoor Activities for Children

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

Family admires coi pond at Portland Japanese Garden

Spend Spring Break in Portland

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

A tuba player wearing a red shirt, marching with a band in a parade

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.

a child collecting easter treats in a basket

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 and expert speakers.

a tractor sits among rows of blooming tulips on a farm

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.

a crowd of people relaxing on blankets outdoors

Where to Celebrate Earth Day in Portland

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

person walking under trees full of cherry blossoms at Waterfront Park

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.

crowd gathered around a street musician as he performs at Last Thursday art walk

Portland Street Fairs

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

a group of people sitting in inner tubes and swimming in a river

The Big Float

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

two smiling people gathered around a piano on a street sidewalk, while one person plays the piano

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.

mother and child walking through a field of wildflowers

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island, the Manhattan-size isle is one of the largest river islands in the country just north of Portland, is where families can find an entire day’s worth of adventures with swimming, hiking, birding and local farms.

Two Portland Timbers soccer players celebrate on the field after a goal

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.

Happy swimmers spend a hot summer afternoon in the cool, clear waters of Punchbowl Falls.

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.

A giant pickle wearing a baseball uniform and hat poses for a photo with a man wearing a Portland Trailblazers shirt

Baseball in Portland

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

Fireworks burst in a night sky above a river, with boats in the foreground and a bridge in the background

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.

a massive crowd of people enjoying music on the waterfront

Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival

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

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