| THINGS TO DO ANYTIME There are lots of ideas here for things to do on any day! The seasonal section is following the general section. With hundreds of ideas, there's always something to do! |
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| Amusement Parks There are several amusement parks in the area. They may not be Disneyland, but they can be just as fun! |
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| Enchanted Forest | If you
haven't been to Enchanted Forest in years, it's time to
go again. They have been adding many new attractions over
the past few years. $9.25 for adults limited ride bracelets $31.25 including admission $8.25 Kids limited ride bracelets $30.25 with admission Prices may vary. |
| Oaks Park | Oaks Park has been open in Oregon for over 100 years. It is a great little park with lots of fun rides, a roller coaster, roller skating, picnic areas, and a midway. Don't miss out on their Halloween haunted house! |
| PlayDate PDX | A 7,500 sqft indoor play space in downtown Portland that is tailored to create a safe and energetic environment that stimulates the imagination and gives your children space to roam...at the same time giving parents a comfortable and soothing environment to relax and enjoy a warm cup of Stumptown coffee. |
| Ski Bowl Adventure Park Summer Only |
This park has all kinds of fun things to do. Bungee Jumping, Reverse Bumgee, Go Karts, Summer Tubing Hill, Alpine Slides, Mountain Lift, Mini Golf, Mountain Biking and LOTS more! |
| Sky High Sports | Wall
to Wall Trampolines for jumping fun! About $10 for first hour
and less after. Air Robics, Dodgeball Tournaments and Free Play. 11131 SW Greenburg Rd, Tigard, OR 97223 Tel: 503-924-JUMP |
| Wild Waves Amusement Park | Large
theme park on I5 in Federal Way, Washington. Formerly
Enchanted Village. $38.99 over 48" tall $29.99 under 48" tall. $84.99 Season Pass Prices may vary. |
| Arcade | |
| Ground
Kontrol Arcade 511 NW Couch St. | NW PORTLAND | 503-796-9364 |
80's
Arcade Open 7 Days a Week Noon - 2:30AM All Ages Admitted Until 5PM 21+ & I.D. Required After 5PM |
| Wunderland | Wunderland is a Nickel
Arcade with several locations throughout the area.
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| Astronomy Look at the stars! They are constantly changing and will amaze you every time. |
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| Haggart Observatory | Located on the campus of Clackamas Community College. They are up in the tower every clear Saturday night this summer. They will point out and show you many stars planets and constellations. You can also take a constellation walk with a knowledgeable volunteer. Bring walking shoes, binoculars if you have some, and a flashlight. $3 donation to go up in the tower, and the walks are free. They also have telescopes on the ground to look through. Go around Dusk. |
| OMSI Kendall Planetarium | |
| OMSI Star Parties | OMSI holds star gazing parties from Spring to early fall, about once per month. They are free and a lot of fun. You don't need any equipment to join. Everyone is quite willing to let you look through their telescopes. OMSI folks on hand to teach and talk about the stars and the events going on. |
| Beach You are about 90 minutes from enjoying the sand and the waves, right now. The only cost is the gas. Take along a picnic and spend the afternoon. There are many nice beaches other then Seaside. Try Rockaway! |
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| Berry
Picking There are many farms around the area where you can pink your own berries, fruits and vegetables! |
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| Kruger's Farm Market | Kruger's farm grows its own, blueberries, boysenberries, raspberries, strawberries, beans, beets, cabbage, corn, cucmbers, lettuce, peas, onions, peppers, squash and tomatoes. They also have other produce available for purchase. The farm also has lots of fun things to do, including parties, concerts, and a corn maze in the fall. |
| Bike Riding Portland is America's best city for bike riding. There are literally thousands of miles of bike trails lanes and routes. Remember that all bikers must follow the rules of the road and be extra aware of cars, don't assume they see or are looking out for you or your kids! |
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| Free Portland Bike Maps | Maps to many of the MILES and MILES of bike routes. There are also Vancouver Bike Maps listed. |
| Order a Portland Bike/Walk Map | Portland
Transportation Bureau offer a variety of walking and biking maps, as
well as other literature and resources to help you walk, bike, and use
transit in Portland and surrounding areas. |
| Books On
Tape There are lots of great books that kids and adults can enjoy! If you have ever had to answer some hard questions while listening to early morning radio, you know that it's not always kid friendly. Maybe a better idea is to get a book on tape that you can listen to on the way to school in the morning, or on a long drive. |
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| Bowling Bowling hasn't always been a family activity, but it is really gaining in popularity, and its lots of fun. AMF Bowling Centers are giving away FREE Bowling Bucks for kids with good grades. |
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| Cemeteries Pioneer Cementeries are a interesting and educational. They aren't great for little ones who might still be scared, but older kids can be taught respect for sacred places, and can gain an interest in their family past, and history. Rubbings are fun to do too. Please be respectful to the grounds of any cemetery you visit. |
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| Portland Pioneer Cemeteries | |
| Cultural Passes | |
| Clackamas County Library | Check out a pass from the library (Clackamas County) in the morning, and spend the day, for FREE, at Portland Classical Chinese Garden, Rhododendron Gardens, Japanese Garden, Oregon Garden, Pittock Mansion, Portland Art Museum, or the CM2 Children's Museum. Multnomah and Washington Counties have more limited selections. |
| Multnomah County | Multnomah County only has the Children's Museum available. |
| Washington County Library Cultural Pass to Adventure | You and your family may reserve a one-day pass to the following locations: Japanese Garden, Portland Art Museum, Classical Chinese Garden, A.C. Gilbert's Discovery House, Children's Museum, Pittock Mansion, The Oregon Garden, Rice NW Museum of Rocks & Minerals, Oregon Sports Hall of Fame & The Washington County Historical Museum, Japanese Garden, Portland Art Museum All passes are not available at every library. |
| Hiking & Walking Trails Nature is the best FREE thing we have in the Northwest, and summer is definitely the best time to enjoy it. Multnomah Falls has a great hiking trail. You can go just up to the bridge, or all of the way to the top. |
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| Metro Parks & Facilities | |
| Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge | Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is a place to discover an ever-changing panorama of wildlife. As the seasons change, so do the wildlife viewing opportunities. Located on the Pacific Flyway, the Refuge is an important stopover where migrating waterfowl, songbirds, and shorebirds stop to rest, refuel, and raise their young. |
| Order a Portland Bike/Walk Map | Portland
Transportation Bureau offer a variety of walking and biking maps, as
well as other literature and resources to help you walk, bike, and use
transit in Portland and surrounding areas. |
| REI Kid Friendly Hikes | This list gives great info on 5 family friendly hiking spots in the Portland Area. |
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Historical Sites |
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| Baker Cabin | Baker Cabin is in Canby Oregon. Check out the website for history and location hours. |
| The
Historic Belmont Firehouse 900 SE 35th Ave. PORTLAND | 503-823-3615 |
Tours are easily
self-guided or, for a $1 donation, take the Audio Tour, which
lasts 30 minutes and employs wonderful sound effects to
supplement your tour. As always, firehouse staff will be
on hand to assist in your tour or answer any questions. |
| Fort Vancouver | The main area for trade in the 1830s and 40s, run by Dr. John McLoughlin. Located in Vancouver, Washington. |
| Phillip Foster Farm | Open Mother's Day (Mother's Day Brunch) to Late September (Cider Squeeze). Suggested $3 donation for entry. Open daily 11-4 with period dressed volunteers. |
| The Pittock Mansion | Portland's
Pittock Mansion Tour the historic Pittock
Mansion, typically decorated to match the holidays! Feb 1–June 30, 11–4PM daily - - - July 1–Aug 31, 10–4PM daily - - - Sept 1–Dec 31, 11–4PM daily - - -CLOSED January |
| Internet The Internet can be a great resource for activities to do with your kids. |
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| Web Sites | |
| Libraries Besides the Summer Reading program, listed below, and Cultural Passes, listed above; the library is a great place to spend an afternoon. Besides books, they have Books on tape, CDs, Videos, Magazine, DVDs and CD-ROMs available for check out. Why rent a video when you can check one out! If you live in Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas County you can have a card with all 3 counties! There are endless possibilities at the library. |
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| Clackamas County Library | |
| Multnomah County Library | A large number of libraries in the Portland Area! |
| Washington County Cooperative Library Services | |
| Miniature
Golf There are a few mini golf courses around the area/ |
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| Bullwinkle's Family Fun Center | |
| Eagle Landing Mini Golf and Golf Course | Eagle Landing Golf Course also has a mini golf course on site. No windmills or castles, more of a nature themed course. Also lighted at night. |
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Glowing Greens Miniature
Golf - Hilton Hotel Portland Oregon Black light min golf is a relatively new phenomenon and it looks pretty cool. This course has a pirate theme and is the only black light mini golf course in Portland. Ahoy matey! |
| Movies There is lots of opportunity for you to enjoy movies as a family. Go to FREE Movies in parks all over the Portland and outer areas, listed below, with a picnic.Go to the FREE movies provided by Regal Cinemas. Check out a movie for free from the library. Or, go to the Drive - In Movies in Newberg on highway 99W, which is a perfect time to talk to your kids about your fond childhood memories. |
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| Drive In Theaters | 99W Drive-In - The nearest local Drive In is in Newberg on 99W! This is a great family activity. Bring your lawn chairs and sit out in front of the car. Bring snacks, the kids in PJs and have a blast. |
| Dallas Motorvu.com - 315 SE Fir Villa, Dallas, OR $18 for the car load. | |
| First Run Theaters | Cinemark - Mega theaters with pretty high ticket prices. Cheaper before 6pm. |
| CINETOPIA - Two locations in Beaverton and Vancouver. These theaters have restaurants, and special theaters with BIG comfy chairs and pillow piles so it feels like you are watching a movie in your own living room. Nice, but pricey! They even serve drinks and food in some theaters. | |
| Columbia Theatre - St. Helens historic theater built in 1928 but fully restored with top of the line digital and 3D technology. | |
| Lake
Twin Cinema - 106 N. State Street, Lake
Oswego OR 97034 First run, usually not the block busters. Only two screens. |
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| Living Room® Theaters - Art Films and General Release films. Environmental and sustainable. Smaller theaters with cushy chairs. | |
| Oak Grove Cinemas - First run movies at cheaper prices!!! $5 before 6pm and $7 after for adults. Kids always $5. The regular price is cheaper than the matinee price at Regal or Cinemark. Nice theater and the popcorn is cheaper too and tastes better! | |
| Regal Cinemas - These are all over town, general prices run from $6-$9. All shows that begin before 6 are at a reduced price. Sign up for the regal card and earn points towards free popcorn, soda, and movie tickets. Tuesdays are $5. | |
| I-Max Theaters | Evergreen IMAX® Theater - Located at the Evergreen Aviation Museum |
| OMSI Imax Theater - With a five-story domed screen and 30-degree, stadium seating, the OMNIMAX® Dome Theater is a cinematic experience unlike any other. .Located at OMSI. | |
| Independent Films | 5th Avenue Cinema - Portland State University student run theater. Open weekends only. Free for PSU students. $2 for other students and seniors. $3 everyone else. They show classics, independents and art films. |
| The Academy Theater - No Minors after 8pm. $3 Adults $2 Kids. Second Run and Art/Independent Films. Babysitting available on some nights. | |
| Cinema 21 - Special Events, classics, and indies. | |
| Clinton Street Theater- Rocky Horror every Sat at Midnight | |
| Hollywood Theater - Art/Independent films, special features, festivals, and more in a very ornanate theater. | |
| nwFilmCenter - Local Filmschool. Plays local filmakers, festival movies, independents and more. | |
| Laurelhurst Theater - $3 for all movies, vintage,
second run and art films. Pizza and beer too! 21 or over after 3pm. |
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| Living Room Theaters - Art and Independent Films with fine dining. Mondays & Tuesdays $5, otherwise $9. | |
| Second Run Discount Theaters
Second Run are movies that are not in current runs at big theaters, or classic movies that haven't been shown in years. |
5th Avenue Cinema - Portland State University student run theater. Open weekends only. Free for PSU students. $2 for other students and seniors. $3 everyone else. They show classics, independents and art films. FREE POPCORN!!! |
| The Academy Theater - No Minors after
8pm. $3 Adults $2 Kids. Second Run and Art/Independent
Films This is a fatastically restored theater that opened re opened recently after 35 years. |
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| Laurelhurst Theater - $3 for all movies, vintage,
second run and art films. Pizza and beer too! 21 or over after 3pm. |
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| Cine Magic Theater - Small theater that shows second run films. Real melted butter! | |
| McMenamin's Theaters - These theaters are second run films in McMenamin's restaurants and pubs. Pizza and beer during your movie. | |
| Moreland
Theater - Neighborhood theater from 1926. Single
Screen. 6712 SE Milwaukie Avenue, Portland, OR 97202 |
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| Mt. Hood Theatre - DOUBLE FEATURE theater for $4. Pick your own double feature of the 4 movies they play. | |
| Portlander Cinema - $3, located at Jubitz Truck Stop. Actually a nice new theater with stadium seating and comfortable seats. | |
| Valley
Theater - Second Run for around $3 9360 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. Telephone is 503-296-6843. |
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| Wunderland Cinemas - The Avalon Theater, Gresham Theater and Milwaukie Cinemas are super cheap second run movies. $2-$3. Along with the Nickel Arcade! | |
| Museums There are tons of museums in this area that are lots of fun. The Kidd's Toy Museum, and the Washington County Museum are fun for kids. The latter has an exhibit of "Doing Time Throughout History". Oregon Sports Hall of Fame has a great exhibit about Steve Prefontaine. The Mount Hood Cultural Center has ever changing exhibits about the mountain, skiing, forestry and other interesting topics. Oregon Museums Association has a list of all museums in Oregon. Hidden Portland Lots of information on little known museums. |
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| 3D
Center of Art & Photography 1928 NW Lovejoy St. | NW PORTLAND | 503-227-6667 |
The only museum in the US dedicated to antique and contemporary 3D Art. Interactive exhibits change monthly. On First Thursdays admission is free. Thurs - Sat 11 - 5 pm, Sun 1 - 5, First Thursday 6 - 9 pm, Adults ($15 and older) $5/ Youth (14 & Under) Free. |
| The
Historic Belmont Firehouse 900 SE 35th Ave. PORTLAND | 503-823-3615 |
Tours are easily
self-guided or, for a $1 donation, take the Audio Tour, which
lasts 30 minutes and employs wonderful sound effects to
supplement your tour. As always, firehouse staff will be
on hand to assist in your tour or answer any questions. |
| Contemporary Crafts Museum & Gallery | Admission to the Museum is always free. |
| End Of The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center | 1726
Washington St., Oregon City, 503-657-9336 Covered wagon shaped buildings off of the freeway. |
| Evergreen Aviation Museum | 500 NE
Capt. Michael King Way (Hwy. 18) Home of Howard Hughes giant wood plane, The Spruce Goose. They have a water park now too! |
| Kidd's Toy Museum | Toys
from as far back as the 1840's.) 1300 SE Grand Ave 503-233-7807 9am-5pm, FREE admission. |
| The
Hat Museum Located in Ladd's Addition | SE PORTLAND | 503-232-0433 |
800+ Hats The Museum is by Appointment Only $15 for a 75 minute tour |
| McLoughlin House Oregon Trail, old Oregon Territory Museum |
713
Center Street Oregon
City, Oregon 97045 U.S.A. 503-656-5146 FREE admission. Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Mount Hood Cultural Center | 88900 E Hwy 26 Government Camp503-272-3301 (Thu-Sun 10-5, $donation) |
| OMSI | 1945 SE
Water, 503-797-OMSI (6674) OmniMaz Theater, Planetarium, Blueback Submarine |
| Oregon Historical Society | 1200 SW Park, Downtown Portland, 503-222-1741 |
| The Oregon Maritime Center & Museum | The Museum is located at the foot of Pine St., at the Seawall in Tom McCall waterfront park. This museum is particially in a boat! |
| Oregon Sports Hall of Fame | 321 SW Salmon 503-227-7466 $10 for the family |
| Pearson Air Museum | 1115 E
5th, Vancouver, WA, 360-694-7026 Oldest air museum in the West. Highlights the development in aviation in 1920's and 30's. |
| Portland Art Museum | 1219 SW Park Ave. 503-226-2811 |
| Portland Children's Museum | 4015 SW Canyon Rd., 503-223-6500 |
| Portland Police Museum | Portland Police Historical Society & Museum 1111 SW 2nd Avenue - 16th Floor Portland, Oregon (503) 823-0019 |
| Rice NW Museum of Rocks & Minerals | Wed - Sun 1 - 5 pm, $5-7 |
| Washington County Museum | 17677 NW Springville Rd 503-645-5353 (Mon-Sat. 10-4:30, FREE Mondays.) |
| World Forestry Center | Located in Washington Park next to the Zoo. (Daily 10-5) $8 Adults, $5 Kids) |
| Picnicking Any nice day is a great time to go on a picnic. Work together to make a nice lunch, or snacks, grab a Frisbee or ball, and head out to your nearest park or green space. |
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| Reading What a great way to bond with your child! Either reading together, or reading the same book and sharing thoughts. |
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| Spaghetti Factory | has brought back their reading program.
Print out the bookmark, read 5 books and bring it in with you for a free kids meal. |
| Roadside Attractions www.RoadsideAmerica.com |
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| Oregon Tourist Attractions and Oddities Index | Oregon has a lot of really odd stuff, check out the site and take a day trip to see something truly weird and cool! You can see Paul Bunyan, A Giant Rabbit, Living Rock Studios, Ship Wrecks and MUCH MORE! |
| Washington Tourist Attractions and Oddities Index | Washington has some great Roadside Attractions too! A tree with a bicycle growing out of it, Big Foot Statues, Space Needle replicas, Giant Yard Birds, and MUCH MORE! |
| Scenic Drives | |
| Canby Ferry | The
Canby Ferry crosses the Willamette River between Canby
and Wilsonville seven days a week from 6:45 a.m. to 9:15
p.m. The drive to the ferry is very nice, and there are picnic areas near by. |
| Skating | |
| Ice Skating A great way to cool down in the summer is to ice skate! |
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| Lloyd Center Skating Rink | In the center of Lloyd Center Mall. |
| Sherwood Skating Center | |
| Roller Skating Fun and great exercise! There are several roller rinks still around. Mt. Scott Park (my favorite), Oaks Park, and Skate World has 2 area locations in Gresham, and another on the West side. |
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| Skateboard Parks OregonSkateBoarding.com |
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| Holly Farm Park | Includes paths – paved, picnic tables, playground, and skatepark. |
| Lake Oswego Skate Park | (Open
through Mid- October) 5520 Willow Lane (M-F 3-7 Sat & Sun 12-7) |
| Oregon City Skate Park | Located
in Clackamette Park West of Hwy 99E. Special "Slow Skate" hours for inexperienced and kids under age 10. These time slots are M,W,F,SAT 9-11. |
| Pier Park Skate Park | New Skate park in St. Johns |
| Tualtin Hills Skate Park | NW 158th
Ave Beaverton, OR 97006-4105 503-629-6330 |
| West Linn Online | Skate Park | Skate
Park at Tanner Creek Park l 3456 Parker Road l West
Linn, OR 97068 l Skate Park Hours: Opens - 9:00 a.m. Closes - Dusk or 8:00 p.m., whichever is first. |
| Skiing | |
| Mt Hood Meadows | |
| Ski Bowl | |
| Sporting
Events Portland has a wide range of sports events to go to. Portland Trailblazers Basketball is the best known, but don't forget Portland Beavers Baseball, Lumberjax La Crosse, Portland Winter Hawks Hockey, Timbers Soccer, Portland Wrestling, Scottish Highland Games, Roller Derby and MORE! |
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| Portland Winter Hawks | |
| Train Take a train trip! |
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| Mount Hood Railroad | Travel aboard the Mount Hood railroad. They have 3-4 hour fun family adventures all year round. In summer witness an old west train robbery. During the holidays travel aboard the Polar Express in your PJ's, or travel to Parkdale Oregon and cut down your own Christmas Tree. |
| Thrift
Stores Go to Goodwill and get a board game, which can give hours of entertainment to the family. Check to see if all of the pieces are there before you buy.There are some super thrifts stores around: Goodwill, Value Village, Red White and Blue, and Desert Industries. |
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| Walking Tours | |
| Northwest Ghost Tours | Walk with the Spirits tours are around the Oregon City area in the evenings. The tour guides take you through history and legend about the first city in Oregon. $12 or less. |
| Portland Walking Tours | They offer several different Portland tours.$30 or less. |
| Order a Portland Bike/Walk Map | Portland
Transportation Bureau offer a variety of walking and biking maps, as
well as other literature and resources to help you walk, bike, and use
transit in Portland and surrounding areas. |
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