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Planning a family trip to Portland? Or maybe you live in the area? Here are some family-friendly summer activities in Portland Oregon:
Anytime my friends and family talk about visiting Portland, I tell them they have to come in the summer. It is really the best time to take advantage of everything Portland has to offer. If you are planning a trip to the area, anytime from June through early October is ideal. During this window, you are less likely to encounter the gloomy and rainy weather we have most of the year.
Family Friendly Summer Activities in Portland Oregon
Picnic at a Winery
Yes, you read that right! There are family friendly wineries in the Portland area. You can pack a lunch and let the littles play while you have a small sampling of wine.
Who Doesn’t Love the Zoo
Wear your comfy shoes, slather yourself in sunscreen, and visit the Oregon Zoo. During the summer, you’ll want to arrive early. Early arrival will ensure that you can find a good parking spot. Plus you are more likely to see the animals without any crowds.
Pick a Pail of Berries
In my post about things to do with toddlers in the spring, I also included berry picking. Here in the PNW most u-pick farms open on Memorial Day. Different berry varieties are available throughout spring and summer making this an activity you can do throughout the season. Our favorite place to pick is Smith Berry Barn. Not only do they have a ton of u-pick options, they also have animals and cute shop. You can use this website to find other u-pick locations too.
Choo Choo Train Ride
If your kids love trains, there are a few options where they can ride a train or a trolley along the Willamette. Check out the Oregon Pacific Railroad or the Willamette Shore Trolley.
Oaks Amusement Park
This place has a little bit of everything. At Oaks Amusement Park you can play mini golf, go roller skating, or play carnival games.
Become One with Nature
Oregon was made for people who love the outdoors. There are parks, trails, and wildlife refuges galore. There is a trail or path or outdoor activity for all ability levels.
Farmer’s Market Fun
There is so much to do at the local farmer’s market. We personally love the market in Lake Oswego. There are tons of vendors and lots of great food. Keep the kids entertained with live music, a kid’s coloring table, and delicious treats.
Fun with Water
The last few years have been exceptionally hot here. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to cool down. Kids can keep cool and play in splash pads and interactive fountains throughout the community. Looking for an aquatic park? Just take a short drive out of Portland and you can enjoy the North Clackamas Aquatic Park.
Are you coming to Portland this summer? Which of these family friendly summer activities are you excited about?
I lived in Portland for a few years (pre-kids). I never actually made it to their zoo. We loved picking berries, and I remember that they had a pretty cool science museum too!
I visited Portland twice before I had children and absolutely loved it – the zoo and the Japanese Gardens were spectacular. I really would love to visit again, but it’s quite a trip from Florida, especially since we have a 2.5 and almost 7 year old.
Portland is on our family bucket list. It looks like there is plenty to do! I will bookmark this to refer to later when we get to go.
These sound like a lot of fun! I would love to visit Portland someday with my family.