Portland with Kids
A full-sized submarine docked right on the river, a science playground with a sandpit and water table built for maximum mess, and a bookstore big enough to get lost in on purpose, the version of Portland built for families.
Portland works well with kids in tow, several of its best sights are hands-on or immersive by design, and Washington Park alone offers a whole day of family-friendly space. Here’s how I’d spend a family day here.
OMSI
A properly interactive science museum, hundreds of hands-on exhibits, a planetarium and an IMAX theatre, plus the USS Blueback, a full-sized submarine docked outside that kids can tour. The Science Playground’s sandpit and water table are genuinely the highlight for younger kids.
Oregon Zoo
A proper 64-acre zoo in Washington Park, home to more than 2,000 animals including elephants, polar bears and condors. Natural, park-like enclosures make for an easy, engaging half-day out with kids of any age.
Powell’s City of Books
A properly enormous bookstore, properly fun for kids to explore given how large and maze-like it is, with a dedicated children’s section and plenty of space to browse. The Guilder Café inside offers an easy snack stop mid-visit.
Oaks Amusement Park
A properly old-fashioned family day out, this riverside park has carnival rides, midway games, mini golf and a historic roller rink, running since 1905. A good, lighter counterpoint to the museums, particularly for younger kids.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
A proper green space along the Willamette River, this park has open lawns and easy access to the Saturday Market when it’s running. Free, unhurried, and an easy way to burn off energy between the bigger sights.
Where to eat with kids
A food cart pod is genuinely an easy, reliable win with kids, plenty of variety in one spot and nobody minds a fidgety kid at a shared table. A doughnut from Voodoo works well as a treat too, casual and quick between sights.
A few practical notes
Central Portland is genuinely stroller-friendly, mostly flat, paved streets. Pack a light rain jacket regardless of season, Portland’s weather can turn fast and outdoor plans with kids benefit from being prepared.
That’s everything I’ve got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government’s latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
