10+ Best Things To Do In Portland With Kids

best things to do in portland with kids

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Voted as the 8th most popular city in America, Portland has sure evolved over all its negative reputation in the past. Now one of the greenest cities in the world, it has tons to offer for the tourists that come here every year and most especially for families visiting Portland with kids.

best things to do in portland with kids

If you are planning a trip to Portland anytime soon, here’s some help your way. Keep reading to discover the 10 best things you can do in Portland with kids.

Hit the Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry

Whether you’re in Portland with kids, The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a wonderful place to go! You’ll find exhibits devoted to everything from physics, paleontology and chemistry and some of them are interactive too! There’s also a planetarium and a submarine exhibit worth checking out.

Visit the Powell’s City of Books

Whether your kids are bookworms at heart or not, Powell’s City of Books is another place worth visiting when you’re in Portland. You’ll be surprised to see a bookstore so big (it spreads over three stories) that you’ll actually need a map to explore it fully! On the building’s pillars, you’ll also find signatures of some great writers that have themselves passed through the hallways – this place has over 500 author visits every year and is a great place to visit in Portland with kids!

Unwind at the Portland Japanese Garden

Portland’s Japanese Garden is a heaven for all those longing for some peace and quiet. Stretching over five and a half acres, this magical place has everything to get the stress out of you – beautiful ponds filled with koi fish, bridges and lush green trees. Stroll through the garden and take part in the tea ceremony for a truly peaceful experience when in Portland with kids.

best things to do in portland with kids

Explore Mount Hood

When you’re in Portland with kids, Mount Hood is definitely worth a visit. Apart from being the primary skiing area of the region, the mount also has a lot to offer from trekking to biking and even mountain climbing. So if a little adrenaline rush and some great scenic views is what you’re looking for, this is the place to be!

Walk Through the Urban Forest Reserve

The Urban Forest Reserve is just outside Portland and is one of the largest forest reserves in the United States. It has more than 70 trails for you to explore when in Portland with kids. These trails are spread across a whopping 500 acres of land. Choose from the different scenic walks it has and grab a pair of binoculars too for some bird watching your kids will love!

Play at the Portland Children’s Museum

This museum is the 6th oldest children’s museum in the world, however the inside is a different story. Your kids will enjoy every moment spent at the Portland Children’s Museum, which has several activities and interactive exhibits. There are also weekly classes offered here, so make sure to check the schedule when in Portland with kids.

best things to do in portland with kids

Check Out the Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo is one of the most famous tourist attractions to visit in Portland with kids, and is a home to over 1900 animals spread across 232 species. You’ll also find endangered species here, African elephants as well thanks to a special breeding program to preserve the species.

Enjoy the Forktown Food Tour

Got a kid foodie in you? You definitely shouldn’t miss out on taking the famous Forktown Food Tour when in Portland with kids. This food tour will take you through some of the best restaurants in Portland, and explore everything from fine dining to street food – just like a local! If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, make sure you mention that when you’re booking the tour!

Go Chasing The Multomah Falls

Portland is home to several beautiful waterfalls. One of them is the Multnomah Falls located just a short drive from Portland. This 611-foot-tall waterfall is equipped with kid friendly hikes that the whole family will enjoy. Make sure to add this to your list when in Portland with kids.

best things to do in portland with kids

Other things to do in Portland with kids

  • World Forestry Center Discover Museum
  • Washington Park
  • Oaks Amusement Park
  • Oregon Rail Heritage Center
  • Portland Farmers Market
  • Oregon Historical Society
  • Portland Art Museum
  • Blue Lake Regional Park


Read more on Portland below – where to stay & where to eat:

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