Fun Kid Friendly Things To Do In Portland Oregon

Sample Foods At Portland Food Carts

15 Fun Things to Do in Portland with Kids

When in Portland with kids, you simply must eat at the many food carts dotting the city. It can be hard to make every member of the family happy with a restaurant choice, but visiting a grouping of food carts provides lots of choices to please all palates.

You can find food carts cooking up everything from barbecue, Cambodian cuisine, and tacos to vegan dishes, crepes, and gluten-free baked goods at Prost Marketplace . This outdoor food court of sorts is home to several food carts. When we visited there was also a piano inscribed with the words, Please play me. What a marvelous way to top off lunch! Look at a map of where to find these public pianos throughout Portland thanks to Piano. Push. Play.

Use this Portland food cart finder to discover over 200 food carts by cuisine, dietary needs, and location. Better yet, sign up for the for a family-friendly tasting tour of five to seven carts plus one brewery.

The Wishing Tree Unique Things To Do In Portland

Located on NE 7th Avenue just a couple blocks south of Irving Park youll find the Wishing Tree, one of Portlands more unusual sights. This stately Horse Chestnut tree is on an otherwise nondescript residential street, but the tree itself is impossible to miss because its absolutely covered in peoples wishes!

The wishes cover all manner of topics world peace, love, food for the homeless, ponies, and more time to play video games. No wish is too big or too small.

The Wishing Tree sits directly in front of the house at 2954 NE 7th Ave. and the concept was started by the homes owner, Nicole Helprin. In 2013, before leaving on a weekend trip, Nicole hung a few of her own wishes on the tree along with a set of instructions for anyone passing by.

When she returned home a couple of days later the tree had already collected dozens of wishes and had become one of the unique things to do in Portland.

Youll typically find a plastic bag full of blank manila shipping tags along with a clipboard and a sharpie so you and your kids can all write down your wishes and tie them onto the branches of the Wishing Tree.

As you walk through the neighborhood you might even see a few past wishes that have fallen from the tree and been scattered by the wind perhaps it means those wishes have already come true.

What To Do In Portland With A Toddler: Miscellaneous

There are two other things you should try and do with kids while in Portland, both of which were recommended to us during my research. The first is one of the best books stores Ive ever visited, Powells City of Books. Powells City of books is one of the best places to take toddlers in Portland as this huge book shop has the most amazing childrens book area with shelves upon shelves filled with every book imaginable. There are areas and cushions for customer to sit and read books and I witnessed a mum sitting on cushions reading to her children. No-one bats an eyelid if you pick a book off the shelf to read it to your children. I could have lost several hours in those shelves.

If you are looking for what to do in Portland with a toddler then Finnegans Toy Shop should definitely be on your list Just be prepared to make a purchase. This traditional toy shop is wonderful as there isnt an electronic device of any sort to be found on the shelves. The shelves, instead, are filled with games, dolls, train sets and more traditional toys and there are even some laid out for kids to enjoy. We had to come away with a small Brio motorbike for our motorbike-mad boy. But it was such as refreshing place to visit compared to the likes of ToysRUs or Smyths.

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Other Fun Family Activities Portland

What other kid-friendly and fun family-friendly activities would you add to this list? Roller skating at Oaks Amusement Park? Maybe a day trip to the World Forestry Center?

Theres so much for kids to do in the Pacific Northwest, and fortunately, the weather is never too hot for a coffee shop or too cold for ice cream .

What special events do you know about that are good for kids and families in and around Portland?

Best Kids Activities Portland Introduction

When I think of Portland, I think of four things: beards, brews, bridges, and bicycles. For me, the city had always been a favorite weekend escape without kids. I had heard, however, that there were also tons of things to do in Portland Oregon with kids.

With that in mind, the city quickly became our top destination for a number of family weekend escapes. These trips included visiting Portland with toddlers in tow, and later visiting Portland with kids of elementary school age.

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Best Things To Do In Portland With Kids

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Portland was the first stop on our Oregon Coast adventure and we explored the city in search of the best things to do in Portland with kids. In a city renowned for its thriving food and drinks scene and eccentric vibes, there is an impressive selection of sights, hikes and activities for little adventurers. From its beautiful parks and quirky street art to the fascinating museums and stunning waterfalls, heres our guide to the best things to do in Portland with kids!

Portland fun!

Best Fun Things To Do In Portland For Kids

One of the trendiest cities on the West Coast of the United States is Portland. Located within the state of Oregon, Portland is renowned for its hipster culture and laid-back, outdoorsy atmosphere.

Portland is a must-visit destination for all types of people, including solo travelers, couples, and groups of friends. The City of Roses is also extremely family-friendly. Just a handful of the exciting things to do in Portland for kids include going on a donut tour, visiting amusement parks, and snuggling with kitties at a cat cafe.

Whether you’re traveling with young children, tweens, teens, or a mix, there’s definitely no shortage of things to keep them amused in this vibrant city. If Portland is the next stop for your family, or if you live there and are looking for new activities, read on for 25 kids activities to try!

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Director Park A City Park In Portlands Downtown That Offers A Safe Environment For Children Of All Ages

Located two blocks away from Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland, Director Park is a European-style plaze that boasts a large outdoor seating area, a terrace cafe, an eating place surrounded by food carts, and hand-crafted wooden benches.

The park also has a beautiful fountain whose splashable waters will certainly attract your kids. Director Park is one of the most frequented family spots in downtown Portland. It stays open Mondays through Sundays between 5 a.m. and 12 a.m.

Address: 815 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States

Phone: +1 503-823-8087

Hike To A Real Witchs Castle

4 things to do outdoors this weekend in Portland

Ok, I dont know if theres actually a real witch at this Forest Park destination, but its fun to pretend and makes for an exciting activity for kids in Portland!

Forest Park is the countrys largest urban park, full of miles of trails within Portland. The witchs castle is a stone ruins along one path thats within easy hiking distance even for kids.

The witchs castle is small for something with such a grand name, but you can go inside and walk around the ruins. My kids thought it was pretty much the coolest hike weve ever done. You can see why!

I wrote all about hiking to the Portland witchs castle with kids over on my other blog click on over if you want more details.

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Hike At Columbia River Gorge

If youre looking for an activity that will get your kids exploring the outdoors, hiking at Columbia River Gorge is a must. The Gorge is housed in a beautiful forested area that also features canyons and waterfalls.

A great way to see the landmark is on a Columbia River Gorge hiking tour. This experience will allow your family to explore the park and visit a handful of other waterfalls in the Portland area.

Rivers Edge Hotel And Spa

We stayed at the lovely Rivers Edge Hotel and Spa. I was really happy to be on the edge of the city rather than right in the centre. It made it so much easier for getting to the attractions in Washington Park.

We had a family sized room with a little balcony. The bathroom was huge with a deep bath which is always great. There was a living space where the sofa turned into a double bed. It was nice to have double use for the space so we could hang out during the day, especially if the kids were having a nap.

As the hotel has a spa, the products provided in the room were super luxurious! I dont always use hotel products but the ones at River Edge were lovely. The onsite 13,000 square foot, fully serviced spa have a range of treatments. I made the foolish mistake of not making an appointment in advance so I missed out.

Across from the main building, is the hotel restaurant Aquariva. I guess the name gives it away, it has lovely views over the river. We had made to order breakfast both mornings. The pancakes were awesome, so I highly recommend trying them.

The food is presented impeccably and is all fresh produce sourced from local farmers, purveyors and ranchers. I presume the menu is seasonal for that reason. They have kids menus and always provide crayons at breakfast.

Besides, from that, I cant say there was anything specific for kids at this hotel. However as I say, a huge bonus was the location for getting to everything and it was an otherwise had a nice stay there.

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Enjoy A Thrill At Oaks Amusement Park

Adventurous kids will love a trip to Oaks Amusement Park. Located a few miles south of downtown Portland, this modestly sized park is one of the oldest in the country. Its also one of the best things to do in Portland with kids! Little ones will especially love all the different attractions. Young kids can check out rides like the Frog Hopper, Oaks Park Train, or the Toon Cars. Meanwhile, older kids who want a thrill cant miss Adrenaline Peak, which features a 72 vertical drop! Meanwhile, you can also challenge one another to various midway games, from ring toss to balloon bust, roller bowler, and the shooting gallery! Families who love mini-golf are also in luck, since you can play a few rounds at Oaks Amusement Park. Plus, little ones who love to skate can visit the Roller Rink. They have rentals, lessons, and even host themed nights!

Eat A Totally Weird Donut

My friend and photographer Sarah Giffrow shared these photos of Voodoo Doughnut with me

If youre wondering what to do in Portland with kids, this is the answer! They will flip at all the donut options at Voodoo Doughnut.

Portland has a ton of truly excellent donut bakeries, with more popping up with each passing month, but the original quirky donut place remains Voodoo Doughnut.

Its easy to spot Voodoo Doughnut in downtown Portlandit usually has a line out the door.

Go during the week for shorter wait times, and let your kids indulge in a huge sugar bomb. They can pick from donuts topped with Oreos, cereal, or even bacon. Or go with the signature donut, shaped like a voodoo doll with a stake through its doughy heart.

My friend and photographer Sarah Giffrow shared these photos of Voodoo Doughnut with me

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Visit The Portland Childrens Museum

Wow, what a well thought out, fun and interactive morning we spent at Portlands Childrens Museum. Its set up so kids can immerse themselves in different every day roles.

They can be a vet, doing everything from an X-ray to examining the animals, its made quite realistic. Then there is the water splash area that teaches kids about water movement and a theatre where they can dress up in fancy clothes.

We spent the latter part of the morning getting crafty. They have an entire area dedicated to clay moulding. Its perfect for developing little hands.

Afterwards we went next door to the art and craft section. I have never seen such an extensive amount of materials that could be used for arts and crafts. It was epic. My husband loved it just as much as our toddler.

Best of all there, were no hidden costs for getting involved in the activities. Quite often, museums have extras for those kind of class activities. I really hope we come across something like this elsewhere on our trips. It is definitely one of the most amazing things to do with toddlers in Portland or on any Oregon Coast road trip.

Portland Aerial Tram An Exciting Downtown Activity Where You Can Travel With The Family From The South Waterfront District To The Main Oregon University

Located in the Marquam Hill neighborhood of downtown Portland, Portland Aerial Tram is an aerial tramway that rises 500 feet above the South Waterfront neighborhood. The tramway was originally built for the conveyance of doctors, patients, and students to and from Oregon Health & Science University . However, it has now become one of the most frequented tourist sites in Portland.

With a speed of 22 miles per hour, Portland Aerial Tram is no less than a rollercoaster. It offers mesmerizing views of the Willamette River, Mount Hood, and the city skyline. If your children enjoy rides, theyll have an amazing time traveling through the city in one of the countrys only two commuter aerial tramways.

If you have children under the age of 8, you should ride the tram during midday or on the weekend in order to beat the crowds. The tram is open for tours Mondays through Fridays between 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. On Saturdays, the tram is accessible between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Address: 3303 SW Bond Ave, Portland, OR 97239, United States

Phone: +1 494-8283

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Grand Central Baking Company

Grand Central Baking Company is an acclaimed American bakery chain offering locations throughout the Pacific Northwest, including a beautiful location in Portland’s Beaumont Village neighborhood. The chain was founded in 1972 within the Grand Central Building in Seattle, opened by Gwyneth Bassetti and rebranded to its current name in 1989. Today, its rustic artisan loaves have been recognized by international publications like Travel and Leisure, Saveur, and The Seattle Times, regularly named as one of America’s greatest bakeries. Classic and seasonal sandwiches are served up throughout the week, crafted with the bakery’s signature slow-fermented, hearth-baked breads. Sandwich options range from traditional favorites like tuna melts and vegetarian grinders to decadent specialties like the Green Goat, crafted with local chevre, roasted beets, and hazelnut-parsley pesto.

1154, 4440 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213, Phone: 503-808-9877

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Outdoor Portland With Kids

A Spotlight on Fantastic Fun Things To Do In Portland Oregon

These are activities that are mostly outside

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