Kids’ imaginations take flight at the Wings & Waves waterpark.

Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions

These family-pleasing destinations are just a short drive from Portland.

Updated Mar. 30, 2021 2 min read

With dozens of urban parks, kid-centric museums and a beloved zoo, Portland is loaded with family fare. But trips outside the city also promise all-ages entertainment — and one-of-a-kind learning opportunities. Here are five must-see attractions, all within two hours of downtown Portland.

Trips outside the city also promise all-ages entertainment.

Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark

This expansion of the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, located in the Willamette Valley, lets visitors body-surf in a gigantic wave pool, stroll the exhibit-packed H2O Museum and then launch down 10 different water slides — several of which plummet from a full-size 747 jumbo jet perched atop the roof.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Newport’s renowned Oregon Coast Aquarium replicates a series of ocean habitats, including canyon-like reefs filled with towers of kelp and open waters that teem with stingrays and sharks. Barking sea lions and playful otters populate outdoor pools, and an aviary hosts a menagerie of chattering seabirds.

Mount Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl

You don’t need snow to go big on Mount Hood. The summer incarnation of Skibowl delivers more than 20 attractions, ranging from an adrenaline-pumping reverse bungee cord, zip line and lift-accessed mountain bike trails to mellow, ranger-led nature walks (held each Sunday in August).

Skibowl is America’s largest night ski area.

The Adventure Park fun doesn’t end when the snow comes, though. America’s largest night ski area is complemented by a winter zip line, cosmic snow tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides and kiddie snowmobiling. And the feature-packed 2,400-square-foot indoor kids’ play area is fun in any season.

Enchanted Forest

Opened in 1971, the Enchanted Forest amusement park offers old-school fun for all ages just an hour south of Portland. Kids and adults will thrill to the Northwest’s biggest log ride and a range of rides and attractions like Storybook Lane, where little ones can see their favorite tales come to life.

Attractions, For Kids, Outdoors

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.

Skyline view of a mountain with snow beyond large pine trees.

Mount Hood

Mount Hood offers scenic recreation ranging from camping, hiking and fishing to nearly year-round skiing.

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.

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.

Oaks Amusement Park

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

pizza and wings in the foreground, a large play structure in the background

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.

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