Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Portland - 2021
Best Places for Kids in the Portland area, 2021!
The best places to take kids in the Portland, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. But there is LOTS more to do in the Portland! Get great ideas here! What is listed below are far from the only opportunities for family fun and learning; they're just what was voted this year.
1. Oregon Zoo
The 64-acre Oregon Zoo is located in Portland, a city and surrounding metropolitan area of 2.26 million people. Annual attendance is more than 1.5 million, making the zoo the top paid attraction in the Pacific Northwest.
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is one of the top science museums in the nation and offers brain powered fun for everyone.
3. North Clackamas Aquatic Park
Swimming lessons, recreational programs and party rentals are also available. Join in the fun where the water is consistently kept at a comfortable 86 degrees year-round!
4. International Rose Test Garden
The International Rose Test Garden is a rose garden in Washington Park in Portland, Oregon, United States. There are over 7,000 rose plants of approximately 550 varieties. The roses bloom from April through October with the peak coming in June, depending on the weather.
5. My Local Library
Of course, the libraries in the Portland area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them #5 in best places to take kids this year!
6. Big Al's
Big Al’s is the premier family-owned & family-friendly Entertainment Destination with locations in Beaverton, OR, Meridian, ID, Ontario, CA, Silicon Valley, CA, and Vancouver, WA.
Integrated in to the fabric of local communities and with 45,000-70,000 SQFT of the latest arcade games, 18-42 bowling lanes, and the region’s largest HD projection screens (55’!) as focal points of stadium-style Sports Bars, Big Al’s appeals to families, sports enthusiasts, event planners and anyone looking for a great time with great food in a contemporary NW-style atmosphere.
Perfectly suited for large groups, Big Al’s is also a favorite of corporate event planners, sports teams, community groups, and high schools.
7. Hoyt Arboretum
Founded in 1928 to conserve endangered species and educate the community, Hoyt Arboretum encompasses 190 ridge-top acres and 12 miles of hiking trails just minutes from downtown Portland. Home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents, Hoyt Arboretum is a place of beauty and serenity no matter the season.
8. Leach Botanical Garden
Leach Botanical Garden is a hidden gem in SE Portland connecting people and nature. The Garden highlights northwest native plants and features other unique collections including a pollinator garden, historic Leach collection and riparian zone. The upper garden was recently renovated and includes a beautiful, unique tree walk. Make sure to visit the kids meadow and wander to find our hidden dinosaur.
9. Lee Farms
In 1869, our ancestors began producing row crops to feed their families and then migrated into becoming cattle farmers and milk producers, hay haulers, strawberry pickers and pie makers all right in Tualatin, Oregon.
By opening up our farm to the public to enjoy experiences throughout the year, we have as a result been able to support the 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th generations today! Its a WIN for our guests and a WIN for our family as we constantly adapt to demand while maintaining the integrity of our farmland and deep roots in Tualatin, Oregon.
10. Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is a waterfall located on Multnomah Creek in the Columbia River Gorge, east of Troutdale, between Corbett and Dodson, Oregon, United States. The waterfall is accessible from the Historic Columbia River Highway and Interstate 84. Spanning two tiers on basalt cliffs, it is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon at 620 ft in height.
11. The Oaks Amusement Park
One of America's oldest continually operating amusement park, founded in 1905, features thrill rides, family rides, kiddie rides, go carts, miniature golf, midway games, and the largest roller skating rink west of the Mississippi!
12. Oregon Rail Heritage Center
ORHC provides for the preservation, operation and public enjoyment of Portland’s historic locomotives, railroad equipment, and artifacts, and educates the public about Oregon’s rich and diverse railroad history.
13. PlayDate PDX
We are a 7,500 sq ft indoor play structure in NW Portland that is tailored to create a safe and energetic environment that stimulates the imagination and gives your children space to roam.
14. The Wiggle Room
The Wiggle Room is a play space in NE Portland Hollywood district designed and owned by a local, experienced and licensed pediatric occupational therapist, Jessica Wade.
15. Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals
Nestled on 23-acres in a mid-century ranch style home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals houses a world-class collection recognized as the finest in the Pacific Northwest and one of the best in the world. Located just west of Portland, Oregon, in Hillsboro, the Museum offers tours, hands-on activities, a picnic area, and green spaces to explore. Let us fuel your passion for Earth science.
16. Sauvie Island Farms
Sauvie Island Farms is owned and operated by David and Vicki Egger. Our farm is located on beautiful Sauvie Island...the largest American river island in the U.S.!! We grow berries, peaches, sweet corn, flowers, pumpkins, and more for you to pick. Along with these crops that we offer for u-pick, we also grow cabbage, cucumbers, green beans, sweet corn, pumpkins, wheat and more for the wholesale and cannery markets.
We are the third generation to farm on Sauvie Island. David's dad, Jerry, started u-pick strawberries on the Island in the '60's. We hope that you will help us continue this family tradition by coming to our farm and picking your own 'fresh from the field' fruit and veggies!!
17. Sherwood Orchards
With approximately 1,300 fruit trees, our orchard offers many unique varieties. A fruit orchard for over 150 years, this orchard is a landmark in the Sherwood area under its former name Oliphant Orchards, and current name (as of 2005).
18. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sky Zone is the world’s first indoor trampoline park. We are the inventors of “fun fitness” and the makers of trampolines as far as the eye can see. We give you one of the greatest workouts ever combined with awesome, healthy fun. We are always working to invent epic new ways to play, gather, and compete. Even though we are the originators of wall-to-wall aerial action, we never stand still. The only way to understand it is to come experience it. So, rally your crew and let’s go!
19. Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
Surrounded by warehouses and port terminals in North Portland, Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Take the Interlakes Trail or go by boat to explore one of America’s largest urban wetlands. Either way, you might find beavers, river otters, black-tailed deer, osprey, bald eagles and Western painted turtles. You’ll also find a water control structure that is restoring this network of sloughs, wetlands and forests.
20. Topaz Farm
Topaz Farm is a working farm located on Sauvie Island, 12 miles from downtown Portland. The farm is open seasonally from June to October. Farm store, farm-to-plate dinners, u-pick berries, corn maze, harvest fest music series and more.
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in three categories. Here were their choices.Top Arts Educator
Northwest Children's Theater and SchoolNorthwest Children's Theater's mission is to educate, entertain, and enrich the lives of young audiences -- and they do this through award-winning performances, classes, and camps! Take a trip to the NWCT theater in NW Portland, or look for events happening in your community or at your school.
Top Sports Educator
503 Baseball503 Baseball will foster a positive training environment that teaches individual development, positive competition, and personal commitment. With our focus on empowering, educating and developing both our athletes and coaches we will build a life foundation that unlocks success on and off the field.
Top STEM Educator
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is one of the top science museums in the nation and offers brain powered fun for everyone.
