Oh Portland, Oregon, oh how I love thee. Let me count the ways: 18. Eighteen ways to have fun for free in Portland. From museums to crazy over-the-top play places to some of the best hiking in the Pacific Northwest, here are the 18 best free things to do in Portland with kids.
Tanner Springs Park in the Pearl District, Portland Oregon- Photo Credit: Julie Bigboy / Day Trips TravelingMomFun Free Things to Do in Portland
Editor’s note: This post was written by Meagan Wristen
Fun Free Things to Do in Portland
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Playdate PDX offers free admission every last Wednesday of the month to anyone who brings two cans of food for the Oregon Food Bank. Here your kids can climb, slide, and play for hours. While you enjoy wifi and a beer.
Punch Bowl Social – An upscale bowling alley with kid’s bowl free deals, food, arcade games, and more. They run free bowling times for kids off and on throughout the year.
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Splash pads are just one of the 18 fun free things to do in Portland Oregon with kids. Photo from Pixabay
Play Outside in Portland
The Springwater Corridor is a free multi-use trail that runs from SE Ivan St. in Portland all the way to Boring, Oregon. The trail is currently 14.2 miles one way. This is a great place to go biking, walking, or roller blading.
Forest Park encompasses more than 5000 acres full of dense trees, rivers, waterfalls, and bridges. It has more than 40 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails for free.
Tryon Creek Nature Center‘s FREE Story and Stroll program integrates nature exploration, art, literature, movement, and outdoor play. It is geared toward families with young children (preferably ages 2-6) but all are welcome.
Keller Fountain – This is a large fountain not suitable for younger children. But for those with older kids this fountain is always free and awesome on a hot day.
Latourell Falls only 35 minutes from Portland. Kids will also enjoy playing across the way from this fall where the water makes an easy stream to play in.
Ponytail Falls only 45 minutes from downtown Portland. This is located behind Horsetail Falls and it more difficult than the other hikes on this list. Parts of this hike are quite steep.
Punchbowl Falls and go cliff jumping only an hour from downtown Portland.
Meagan, I have heard so many great things about Portland. It’s one of those cities that has been on my radar for a long time. This post really makes me want to visit. Hopefully I’ll come see you soon!
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Thank you for all the tips Meagan!! We are going to Portland next week with our 3.5yo and we are very excited to be there.
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Meagan, I have heard so many great things about Portland. It’s one of those cities that has been on my radar for a long time. This post really makes me want to visit. Hopefully I’ll come see you soon!
You definitely should come visit me!