Visiting Portland with Kids

Vanessa M.:  The winter brings skiing, snowboarding, and tubing to Mt. Hood Ski Bowl. They offer the largest night ski area in the country! There are runs for beginners to Black Diamond level skiiers, and offer fun events year round. The summer season is no less action-packed, with bungee jumping, race cars, zip lines, Alpine Slides, and more.

Cost: ski ticket $36-$70, tubing $20-$25

summer adventure park $71+ or individually priced activities

Vanessa M.:  Visiting families will not want to miss Oregon's tallest waterfall, Multnomah Falls. The gorgeous 542-foot cascading waterfall can be seen from the bridge, which is a must-stop family photo opportunity. Choose from the moderate 2.2 mile hike or the challenging 5.4 mile loop.

Cost: free

Vanessa M.:  Portland has loads of coffee houses, but Papaccino's Coffee House & Cereal Bar is a great family-friendly place for weary parents to get their caffeine fix while little ones play in the colorful play area. The Cereal Bar is always a hit with the younger crowd!

Vanessa M.:  Laughing Planet is a chain restaurant local to Portland and several other areas. Known for delicious, fresh, and healthy dishes, they are also a local family favorite because they are super kid-friendly. While some restaurants give children crayons, Laughing Planet supplies toy dinosaurs to keep little ones entertained. Find the menu here.

Vanessa M.:  Salt and Straw is far from your ordinary ice cream shop. The bright and cheery shop offers unique flavors like Roasted Strawberry Coconut, Chocolate Gooey Brownie, and Pear & Blue Cheese that cannot be found anywhere else! Seasonal flavors are a great way to try something new. Several locations throughout Portland mean an ice cream stop is always nearby.

Vanessa M.:  Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is great to explore as a family. The beautiful gardens, waterfalls, and natural wildlife are not to be missed. Paved and unpaved paths are available, and all main trails are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Restrooms are on site.

Cost: $5 admission fee

Vanessa M.:  Breweries are everywhere in Portland, but not all are as kid-friendly as Hopworks Urban Brewery. Both main locations have play areas so the little ones can move around while the adults enjoy good food & drink. The kids menu is picky-child friendly! Tot Thursday at the BikeBar location offers toddler-friendly activities the 2nd Thursday of each month.

Vanessa M.:  The Oregon Children's Theatre has brought the magic of theater alive to children since 1988. Their productions are enjoyed by people of all ages! Check out their performance schedule to find the perfect show for your family.

Age: all ages

Cost: $15+

Vanessa M.:  Oaks Park has provided family fun for generations, since 1905! The amusement park and rollerskating rink is sure to offer a fun day out for your family. Whether you prefer extreme roller coasters or just a ride on the carousel, there is something for everyone and every age.

Cost: seasonal prices found here

Vanessa M.:  If you are looking for a unique way to see Portland, check out the Portland Spirit Cruise. Choose from a downtown cruise, Columbia River Gorge, or cruise on the Explorer. Specialty cruises like the Bigfoot Cruise (learn the legend of Bigfoot in this narrated tour) are great for kids. The holiday season brings a special Portland tradition for children - the Cinnamon Bear Cruise. Kids will love the fun characters!

Cost: starting at $30 per person

Vanessa M.:  With over 200 interactive exhibits for all ages, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) will keep your family busy all day! Six labs offer a chance to try experiments and learn something new. The theater takes your family on an educational journey with documentaries the whole family will enjoy.

Cost: general admission $14.50 adult, youth 3-13 $9.75

Vanessa M.:  You never know what you will see, hear, taste, or buy at the Portland Saturday Market. It is one of the largest year-round arts & crafts markets in the nation! Check the events & live music calendar here. Kids activities change weekly at the Kid's Korner.

Vanessa M.:  Brunch is kind of a big deal in Portland. Visitors looking for a family-friendly brunch spot will want to check out Mother's Bistro. The food has that "made from scratch" quality you don't find just anywhere, and the menu offers a nice kid's section. Coloring sheets and crayons are standard for kids!

Vanessa M.:  When Harper's family realized their daughter wouldn't be enjoy most playgrounds from her wheelchair, they set to creating inclusive playgrounds in the Portland area. Harper's Playground at Arbor Lodge Park is a local family favorite. In addition to large play structures, safety swings, and nature-based play, children of all abilities can enjoy sensory stations like the giant xylophone, sure to be a kid's favorite.