Portland is a warm welcoming city that is perfect for families to explore.
While you will find all the amenities you would expect to find in a large city, there is also the feeling of a smaller town.
Yes, there is an international airport, exquisite restaurants, and an efficient public transit system, there are also independent bookstores and many local arts and crafts fairs.
The city also has an abundance of green spaces, hiking trails, and bike paths for everyone to enjoy.
These are some of the best recommendations for a family vacation with kids in Portland, OR. Visit the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge offers spectacular views along its 80-mile canyon.
The canyon itself is 4,000 feet deep in most areas.
The gorge wanders through the PNW’s Cascade Mountain Range with its ridges, spires, and peaks.
This is the perfect place to get close to nature.
Activities include hiking, camping, and fishing.
You’ll also probably spot local wildlife during your visit.
Sunsets, waterfalls, and picking fruit are just some of the activities your kids will love.
Contents
- Things to Do in Portland With Kids
- Take a Cruise on the Willamette River
- Explore the USS Blueback Submarine
- Forest Park Urban Hiking Tour
- Get Moving with a Portland Bike and E-Bike Tour
- Enjoy the Waters at Keller Fountain Park in the Downtown Area
- Lloyd Center Mall in Laurelhurst Portland
- World Forestry Center in Southwest Hills
- Get into the Action at the Historic Belmont Firehouse
- Voodoo Doughnut in Old Town
- Play, Splash, and Explore in Directors Park in Downtown
- Punch Bowl Social in Downtown
- Portland Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
Things to Do in Portland With Kids
Take a Cruise on the Willamette River
Cruising the Willamette River is a wonderful way to experience Portland.
Cruises leave from downtown and last about two hours.
There is a lunch cruise with three courses which is exceptional.
The cruise travels up to the Milwaukie Waterfront letting visitors see the whole city.
During the cruises, information is provided about the landmarks you are passing.
This includes historic bridges and notable parks.
It’s a relaxing and engaging way to experience Portland.
Kids will also enjoy the experience.
The company offers several other boat trips such as one that discusses the legends of Big Foot, explores the gorge more in-depth, and a music cruise.
Explore the USS Blueback Submarine
Tour a US Navy submarine?
Yes!
This Barbel-class sub was the last active diesel-electric one.
It operated from 1959 to 1990.
Tours of the 219-foot sub include interacting with many of its parts.
Kids can look through a periscope, climb into bunks, push buttons in the control room, and see what a torpedo looks like.
Through this 45-minute tour, kids learn what it was like for 85 people to live on the sub for months at a time.
Children as young as three can come on tours.
Older children, 12 and up, can gain more insight by interacting with veterans who volunteer on the sub and “tech tours”.
Forest Park Urban Hiking Tour
This is a great way for the family to take a walking tour of the city.
Guides take visitors to the Goose Hollow neighborhood and Rose Test Garden.
Sights not to miss include the Japanese Garden and the Witch’s Castle.
The tour takes you and your family through urban greenery where kids can spot insects and birds.
During the tour, the guide will provide information about the greenery and animals that your family is finding.
It’s a fun, adventurous activity for the whole family.
Get Moving with a Portland Bike and E-Bike Tour
Tour around the city with the Portland Bike and E-Bike tour.
Your family will visit the city’s most iconic locations.
A guide provides information while everyone bikes along.
Exercise and learning all rolled into one activity!
The tour takes you through the historic Old Town and down to Chinatown.
As you pedal, you’ll see the Waterfront Esplanade and lots of parks and lush green spaces.
Kids particularly love this adventure of biking through the city.
Parents enjoyed learning more about the history and culture of Portland.
The minimum age for tours is 10 years old.
Enjoy the Waters at Keller Fountain Park in the Downtown Area
Keller Fountain Park is a lush 0.92-acre park perfect for families relaxing and enjoying the day.
The main attraction at the park is its impressive and beautiful central water fountain.
The park was originally named the Auditorium Forecourt and has been a park loved by Portland residents for years.
Wading in the shallow areas of the fountain is allowed.
Also, kiddos will have a chance to duck under its waterfalls and then splash about in the other bottom pools.
It’s a great way to cool off and have some fun in the center of the city.
Lloyd Center Mall in Laurelhurst Portland
You might be intrigued to find a shopping mall on a list of suggested family activities.
Yes, there are shopping and restaurants, but this is not your average mall.
Since 1960, families have flocked to the mall for its interesting ice rink.
The ice rink is open all year which makes it a fun activity for the whole family.
Other interesting entertainment options include a magic shop, a chess club, and a bridge club.
After the fun, end your visit with ice cream or another tasty treat.
World Forestry Center in Southwest Hills
The museum, which opened in 1964, lets families interact through hands-on exhibits to develop and understand forests around the world and their importance.
Exhibits cover tree plantings, outdoor recreation, and wildlife.
There is even an exhibit on careers in forestry for your budding outdoorsman.
Kids will learn about conservation and science through hands-on activities.
The museum also discusses the importance of trees in our lives.
Kids will also love the train ride and the virtual Jeep ride.
Note that there is no food service available on site, so many families bring a picnic lunch.
Get into the Action at the Historic Belmont Firehouse
Visit the Historic Belmont Firehouse to learn about what firefighters do and the safety equipment they use.
The firehouse is over a hundred years old and filled with artifacts.
There are educational exhibits on fire prevention, as well as 100-year-old firefighting and safety memorabilia.
Then there is the firefighters’ pole. Everyone gets an opportunity to slide down the pole and then climb around on real fire trucks.
Visitors can also listen to old 911 calls to experience the action.
This is an experience the whole family will enjoy.
Voodoo Doughnut in Old Town
When everyone is ready for a sweet treat, head to the world-famous Voodoo Doughnuts.
This doughnut shop has an enthusiastic and committed following in Portland.
Known for its more eclectic and unusual offerings since 2003, you’ll find something that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Just a few doughnuts include a School Daze “P, B & J”, Voodoo Doll doughnut filled with raspberry and a pretzel “stake”, and Oh Captain My Captain raised yeast doughnut that is covered in Cap’n Crunch.
There are many more to try.
Also, the shop has vegan options.
Play, Splash, and Explore in Directors Park in Downtown
Opened in 2009, this kid-friendly park became an instant hit.
The public park offers many activities for the whole family to enjoy.
One of the park’s favorite activities is the large fountain.
During the summer or on warm days, it turns into a splash pad for everyone to cool off and play.
The park also has year-round free kids’ activities and events.
There is even an enormous chessboard kids can try their hands on.
Everyone in the family will have a great time exploring all that this park has to offer.
If it’s a rainy day or everyone is restless, head to Punch Bowl Social.
This center has a wide range of games from arcade games to bowling.
It is conveniently located near the Waterfront in downtown.
Engage in ping pong competitions, pool, darts, and even karaoke.
To keep the fun going, the restaurant has a wide selection of delicious food options for everyone.
This center is best for older kids and teenagers.
Portland Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Portland Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Portland?
The best time to plan a family vacation to Portland is between June and August.
The weather is consistently warm which means that there will be a lot more activity outside.
However, this is also the peak tourist season so advanced booking is needed.
This is also the period when the city’s beloved roses come into bloom.
For the best views, visit the International Rose Test Garden.
Winter can also be a good time to visit depending on what your family is looking for.
Expect chilly weather and some rain but there won’t be as many visitors at attractions.
Also, Mount Hood is nearby if there are skiers, snowboarders, or winter sports fans in the family.
What should we pack for a Portland vacation?
One thing to pack is a compact umbrella for rain showers that pop up.
Also, consider good walking shoes while in the city.
Hiking boots are good to have when out walking in the woods or by the water.
Consider quick dry hiking tops and pants.
This will dry quickly in the damp climate.
Insect repellent is also good to have, particularly if you are visiting any of the outdoor areas.
A daypack is good for keeping the kiddo’s snacks, drinks, and other necessities close at hand.
Also, they fold up small for packing in your suitcase.
Even in spring when you’re in shorts and tee shirts, pack a few layers such as light sweaters or jackets as the evenings can become cool.
What is the weather like in Portland?
The city is known for cool, wet winters and warmer, drier summers like most of the cities in the Pacific Northwest.
August is the hottest month with an average temperature of 81° F.
December is the coldest, wettest, and windiest month.
The average temperature in December is 46° F.
Are there good fishing spots in the Portland area?
Yes!
For families of fishermen and aspiring fishermen, there are several really nice trout fishing lakes near Portland to check out.
These include Henry Hagg Lake, Blue Lake, Faraday Lake,
North Fork Reservoir, and Trillium Lake.
Larger fish, such as salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead can be fished from area rivers.
Portland is a warm and welcoming city that is perfect for families to explore, offering a balance of city amenities and a smaller town feel, with an abundance of green spaces, hiking trails, and bike paths for all to enjoy.
Portland is a warm and welcoming city with plenty of family-friendly activities, from exploring the Columbia River Gorge to taking a cruise on the Willamette River.