10 Best Family Things to Do in Portland

Oaks Amusement Park spans 44 acres (18 hectares) on Willamette River, just over 5 miles (8 km) south of Downtown Portland. It dates back to 1905, making it one of the oldest theme parks in the USA. You can find more than 20 carnival rides, including a Ferris wheel, carousel, roller coasters, and go-karts.

Families can enjoy a leisurely ride on the Oaks Park Train or tee off at the park’s 18-hole miniature golf course. Oaks Amusement Park also has a roller-skating rink that opens year-round. Outdoor rides are only open in the spring, summer, and fall.

Jamison Square is a family-friendly city park located in the vibrant Pearl District of Portland. The highlight of this urban oasis is the interactive water feature that mimics a shallow tidal pool, creating a fun splash pad for the whole family. The fountain operates during warmer months and is a great spot to cool off.

Beyond the water play, the spacious lawns of Jamison Square are ideal for family picnics and a bit of relaxation. Along the park, you’ll also find whimsical sculptures and totem poles that kids will enjoy. If you plan to splash around the fountain, bring a change of clothes and water shoes to protect the kids’ feet while they climb on the stone steps.

Forest Park is a fantastic escape for families looking to get away from the bustling city life, situated just 20 minutes west of downtown Portland. This 5,200-acre (2,104-hectare) nature refuge is home to hundreds of native species of plants and animals, and offers over 80 miles (129 km) of trails perfect for hiking and biking.

With more than 40 access points, it's easy for families to find their way into the park, and the popular trails are all clearly marked.

PlayDate PDX is an indoor playground in Portland, designed to provide endless fun and interactive activities for kids. This fully indoor facility houses a magnificent 3-story castle, vibrant dance floors with lights, climbing walls, and thrilling slides. There's also a separate area for the little ones.

Free puppet shows take place at Playdate PDX every Friday at 6 pm. Parents can relax at the onsite café, which offers free Wi-Fi, a selection of adult beverages, and a variety of delicious western dishes.

The Portland Saturday Market takes place in Tom McCall Waterfront Park every weekend from March to December. This vibrant outdoor market is an excellent place to shop for handmade clothes, unique toys, and beautiful jewelry, as well as a variety of local food products.

There are also vendors offering henna and face-painting services, as well as live music at the Portland Saturday Market. The market regularly hosts fun and free activities for the whole family, so be sure to check their schedule.

The International Rose Test Garden dates back to 1917, making it one of the oldest gardens in the USA. Portland is nicknamed the “City of Roses,” with sunny days and plentiful rainfall creating ideal conditions for these flowers to grow.

Located in Washington Park, the 4.5-acre (1.8-hectare) garden has over 10,000 roses of 610 species. You can stroll past colorful rose bushes and even rose-covered archways. It’s also a popular photo and date spot in Portland. Entry to the International Rose Test Garden is free year-round, though the best time to see the roses in full bloom is between May and October.

The World Forestry Center houses several forest-themed exhibits in Portland’s Washington Park, next to Oregon Zoo. You get to learn about the importance of preserving forests around the world through virtual tours, full-scale models, and interactive experiences.

The first floor focuses on the Pacific Northwest’s forests, with displays ranging from a Timberjack harvester to stuffed wild animals. The Take a Journey exhibit on the 2nd floor offers a virtual tour of forest types in Siberia, China, South Africa, and the Amazon. Outside, you can climb aboard and take photos of Peggy, a 42-ton steam locomotive from 1909.

Quarterworld is a retro-style arcade that specializes in pinball, along with over 60 classic and modern games. Parents can get a sense of nostalgia by playing old-school favorites such as Donkey Kong and Pac Man.

A highlight of Quarterworld is its musical Tesla Coil, which plays songs using electrical bolts. Shows take place on the first Thursday of every month at 9 pm. The arcade also has an onsite lounge where you can relax with a drink and/or light snacks. You can find Quarterworld in Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard, about a 2-minute drive from Mount Tabor Park.

Oregon Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from almost every continent, making it a great place to learn about wildlife. Established in 1888, the Oregon Zoo is in Washington Park, close to notable Portland landmarks like Hoyt Arboretum.

Must-sees include Asian elephants, Amur tigers, and Humboldt penguins. The zoo also hosts seasonal activities throughout the year, such as Hop Into Spring and Howloween in October. One of its most popular events is the wintertime Zoo Lights, which sees 1.5 million LED lights decorating the zoo’s trees, sculptures, train, and carousel.

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a super cool place to explore, whether you’re traveling with or without kids. Otherwise known as the OMSI, the interactive museum has unique halls and labs where you can get hands-on with the exhibits. You’ll have fun learning new and exciting elements of chemistry, physics, paleontology, and more.

The OMSI aims to promote a sustainable society and uses its exhibitions to educate people on how to use modern day skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. While you’re there, visit the on-site empirical theater and planetarium, or head back in the evening for one of the OMSI After Dark events.