Family Friendly Outings and Adventures

Can you believe that August is almost over? Yes, it’s true. School is just around the corner, barbeques are happening and people are looking for fun activities to enjoy with their families.

Check out some of our favorites.

Please call first or check their websites as hours and costs change.

Children's Museum
4015 SW Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221
Tel (503) 223-6500
This is a favorite for Jen and her nieces. From the digging in rubber dirt to making your own clay pots there is something for everyone. Be sure to check out the new pet hospital exhibit.

Jamison Square
810 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97255
An awesome wading pool that even little ones will enjoy. A great place to beat the heat if we ever get some!

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214
A planetarium, omnimax, a submarine tour, laser shows, and lots of hands-on exhibits. Better for children 4 and up but everyone will find something enjoyable and educational.

Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221
All zoos are not created equal...this one has some fabulous natural habitats for its animals to live in that makes it very different from other zoos. Be sure to try one of the trains out as a way to see the whole zoo. This is definately a longer activity.

Audobon Society Care Center
5151 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97210
Go meet the animals who are recuperating in the care center, and then go on a beautiful, very kid-friendly walk/hike on the adjoining trails. It's hard to believe that this is in the middle of town when it feels so remote.


Eastbank Esplanade
Between Hawthorne and the Steel Bridge on the east side of the river
This is a fabulous walking, biking or stroller pushing area along the river in downtown Portland. It is just a huge loop so jump on anywhere. Look for Cindy while you are their as she might be their on a jog or her bike! Water views, no traffic and a great leisurely way to see the city.

Finnegans Toys & Gifts
922 SW Yamhill, portland or, 97205
Jen just had the opportunity to introduce her niece to this store. It was a favorite for scratch and sniff stickers when Jen was growing up and now its where to go for erasers..the newest fad! This is not your average toy store. It is more of an outing then a store but don't tell the kids that!


VooDoo Doughnuts
22 S.W. Third Ave. Portland Oregon 97204
Every had a maple bar with bacon on it or a capt'n crunch donut? Check this place out for a very uniques experience and a great snack!


For those of us on a limited budget (or simply looking for a deal), there are several Portland family hot spots that offer ongoing free and discount days throughout the summer. Here’s just a few that you might want to consider in the next few weeks:

Oregon Zoo: An absolute favorite for all ages! The zoo offers $2 admission on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

Portland Children’s Museum: Highly interactive, educational and FUN! The Children’s Museum offers free admission on the first Friday of each month from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

OMSI: $2 admission on the 1st Sunday of every month.

Oregon History Museum: Two children get free admission with one paying adult on the 3rd Saturday of every month.

Hope that you and your family enjoy the end of summer here in Portland!