Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Portland - 2022
Best Places for Kids in the Portland area, 2022!
Every May and June, thousands of local parents, grandparents, and caregivers weigh in on their favorite local places to take kids. Typically, we showcase the Top 20 winners... but this year, in honor of KidsOutAndAbout.com's 21st birthday (we originally launched in June of 2001), we bring you the Portland area's
TOP 21 Places to Take Kids!
Of course, there are literally hundreds of wonderful places to take your kids in our area, not just this year's winners! Get great ideas here! After you check out the list, make sure to find great things to do on our packed daily calendar, sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter, and visit our Everything That's Free page for lots more ideas.
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.
3. 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. Train rides are available on Saturdays, April - October, and over the winter holidays.
4. 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!
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 to the list of best places to take kids this year!
7. 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.
9. 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.
12. 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.
13. Lee Farms
Our 1869 farm is open to the public to enjoy experiences throughout the year, supporting the 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th generations today! It's 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.
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.
