Portland Family Things to Do
There are loads of fun family things to do in and around Portland, OR. Beyond the obvious hikes, river walks, summer picnics, or other outdoor activities, Portland has a lot to offer the family on vacation. The city is full of trails and is also less than an hour away from a world class ski resort. Plus, there are a lot of indoor activities to enjoy as well, which makes Portland a great family vacation destination anytime of the year!
Oregon Zoo: The Oregon Zoo is a fun family destination for vacationers all over the Northwest. The zoo’s main goal is conservation, so it is a great place for your kids to learn about the environment, protecting and preserving wildlife, as well as have some fun looking at all of the cool exhibits and animals. It was established in the late 1800’s and is full of history. From primates to penguins you are your family will experience the world’s most amazing animals. The Oregon Zoo also has a special interest in educating kids and has designed exhibits and presentations just for them! Visit the website for more information and about the zoo’s special events and schedule.
Wildlife Safari: An up close and personal look at the world’s wildlife, Wildlife Safari is a fun filled day for any family. It is located in Winston, OR, which is about a 3 hour drive from Portland. But the trip is well worth it because once you are there you won’t feel like you are in Oregon at all. The safari is a drive around the world as you see animals from Africa, Asia and the America’s in their natural habitat, wandering free. It is exciting and thrilling to see for yourself just how big a rhino actually is, or just how fast a cheetah can run. It is an exhilarating experience for kids and parents alike! Plus the drive gives you an opportunity to see the rest of Oregon’s beautiful green landscape. Check out the website for hours of operation and driving directions.
OMSI is a hands-on science and technology experience! It is located right in downtown Portland and is incredibly easy to find. It is full of awesome exhibits and mind-blowing experiments that will literally make your hair stand on end. Whether your kids are fascinated by dinosaurs or computers OMSI will keep them entertained all day long. Plus, OMSI has an IMAX Theater, which takes you even deeper into the world of science or your own imagination!
Mt. Hood: If you and your family love to hit the slopes then you can to the right city! Mount Hood is a world-class ski resort just outside of Portland. It houses two separate parks—Mount Hood Meadows and Timberline Lodge. Meadows, however, probably has a wider range of skill levels for their trails than Timberline but both are amazing. The snow generally starts falling a bit earlier up at Timberline—in mid November or so and you may have to wait a bit longer for Meadows to open its doors. Either way, the mountain has top of the line amenities, great restaurants serving the Northwest’s best beer, wine and coffee, and is generally a great time!