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Kids can make their own pancakes at Slappy Cakes, a popular breakfast spot in the Belmont neighborhood.

Kid-Friendly Dining

Gather 'round the table at these kid-approved eateries.

Updated Nov. 20, 2024 5 min read

These family-friendly Portland standouts combine awesome children’s menus, play areas and fun in creative ways.

Breakfast and Brunch

Challenge the family to a flapjack throwdown at this kids’ favorite with built-in table griddles. At Slappy Cakes, select your batter and toppings (like fruit, peanut butter, cheese, chocolate chips and marshmallows), and go to town on your silly, outrageous or just plain over-the-top concoctions.

A kids’ play area full of toys and books lets little ones entertain themselves at Mother’s Bistro, whose menu features classic comfort food (think pot roast, mac and cheese, and chicken dumplings), all sourced from recipes created by moms from around the world.

Tin Shed Garden Cafe is a long-running, family- and dog-friendly spot in the Alberta Arts District. They specialize in tasty takes on American breakfast and lunch classics, like scrambles, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Parents will love that they open early and take reservations. Kids will love the dedicated children’s menu and dog-watching on the patio (okay — parents might love the dog-watching too!).

Pizza Party!

Home to some of Portland’s best pies since 1974, Old Town Pizza’s Old Town Chinatown location is rumored to be haunted (will Nina the ghost join you for dinner?), and its expansive eastside Old Town Brewing location has plenty of room for kids. They’re both good bets for parents seeking a family-friendly, easy-to-access pizzeria and brewpub. (Did we mention that they brew award-winning beers?)

Part music venue and part pizzeria, Mississippi Pizza is one of Portland’s most family-friendly eateries, known for its weekly kid-centric entertainment and a bevy of pizza options, from single slices to 18-inch pies, all available with gluten-free and vegan substitutions.

Pizza Jerk — which has locations downtown and on Northeast 42nd Avenue — captures the spirit of the ‘80s and ‘90s with its classic pies, throwback dining rooms and fun desserts (think Rice Krispies Treats and soft-serve ice cream). Kids might not care as much as grown-ups about the nostalgia — but they’ll definitely care about the delicious eats.

Quick and Casual

Local chain Little Big Burger’s quarter-pound burgers are as addictive as they come — and perfect for little hands — with fresh brioche rolls, local cheese, homemade “Camden’s Catsup” and truffle fries on the side. Don’t miss the root beer floats with local Tillamook ice cream.

With locations in Southeast and North Portland, ¿Por Qué No? has you and the fam covered all across town. This popular spot features an expansive menu of Mexican-inspired favorites, including tasty, reasonably priced options for kids. Order at the counter, grab a table on the patio or in the cheery dining room, and chow down.

Healthy Options

The scene is whimsical and always fun at Portland’s many Laughing Planet cafés. Nutritious options like veggie-loaded bean burritos disappear fast as kids peruse vibrant artwork and more. The smoothies are a hit with diners of all ages.

Some children’s menus lean into hearty, meat-and-cheese-forward fare. It’s tasty, and popular for a reason, but sometimes you have to switch things up — do so with a visit to Boke Bowl, where options for kids include a peanut butter and jelly bao bun and the Bambino ramen bowl (with noodles, broth, snow peas and your choice of pork or tofu). The location is an added bonus — after filling up, you’ll find yourself just a block from eclectic, kid-friendly shops Cargo and Lippman Co, and just half a mile from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).

Family-Friendly Attractions

Portland is packed with attractions kids (and the rest of the family) will love.

More Attractions

OMSI: Portland’s Interactive Science Museum

With its huge exhibit halls, interactive science labs, multiple auditoriums, “After Dark” events and more, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) lures visitors of all ages.

Oregon Zoo

Located just minutes from downtown Portland, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, including elephants, polar bears, rare condors and more.

Oaks Amusement Park

Offering carnival rides, midway games, a miniature golf course, a historic roller rink and more, Oaks Amusement Park has provided family fun since 1905.

McMenamins Kennedy School

Recess never ends at this stay-and-play hotel and entertainment complex in Northeast Portland.

The Best Arcades in Portland

Portland offers a wide range of arcades, from family-friendly game rooms to dive bars and adults-only bar arcades.

Portland Art Museum

Spend a day strolling among sculptures, sketching modern art and soaking in the artistic ambiance at one of the nation’s best art museums.

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 independent toy stores and book stores deliver.

World Forestry Center Discovery Museum

Tree- and forest-lovers of all ages can learn about the importance of sustainability and experience a Portland icon at the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, with exhibits on local and global forests.

Kid-Friendly Breweries

Portland is known for its stellar breweries, which come in all styles and sizes, and plenty of Portland pubs don’t just tolerate youngsters — they welcome them with open arms. One of Portland’s most popular breweries for all audiences, Hopworks Brewery earns rave reviews from families for its play area (fully equipped with toys and books) and a kids menu that features local, organic ingredients. Mom and Dad can enjoy stellar organic brews and grown-up menu options.

When Northeast Portland‘s McMenamins Kennedy School first opened in 1915, it was literally built for children. That’s because it was originally an elementary school that sat vacant for years before being converted into a family-friendly brewpub and hotel in 1997. The biggest draws for kids are the on-site movie theater and warm, shallow soaking pool; parents will enjoy the six restaurants and bars on the premises.

Over in North Portland, Stormbreaker Brewing is another great option that caters to kids and beer-lovers alike. Enjoy the bold brews, spacious taproom and expansive patio — the dedicated children’s menu features classics like chicken tenders, quesadillas and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Family-Friendly Portland

Once the whole family's full, it's time to have some fun.

More for the Whole Family

Indoor Activities for Kids

Portland offers a broad array of indoor activities for kids and families, including story times, indoor playgrounds, arcades, skating and more.

Indoor Activities in Portland

Don’t let a rainy day (or a hot one!) stop you from having fun in Portland — enjoy museums, movie theaters, arcades, shopping and other indoor activities.

Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions

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

Sweets and Espresso Drinks

Treat yourself to a wide array of delicious baked goods at Posies Bakery & Cafe, including cinnamon rolls, pastries, cookies and slices of decadent cake. While the littles get out some energy in the dedicated kids room, boost your energy with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or an espresso drink. For another kid-friendly coffee shop, try Slow Pour Coffee + Bar in Sellwood-Moreland, a friendly neighborhood spot that also has a children’s area equipped with toys, books and more.

In the heart of the downtown Portland’s West End, Petunia’s Pies & Pastries offers a great selection of gorgeous baked goods, all of which are 100% gluten-free and vegan — making ideal treats for the children that so often miss out on sweet goodies because of dietary restrictions. For more special-diet-friendly desserts, Tiny Moreso offers vegan, gluten-free treats that don’t skimp on flavor.

Any day’s a good day for a cupcake — pay a visit to Saint Cupcake for decadent, made-from-scratch creations. They also have cakes, cookies, pies, pastries and more, all baked daily right here in Portland.