There are so many great outdoor spots to play, we could hardly choose a favorite. It’s just as well, because mixing it up keeps my kids happy! When I get the girls packed up and tell them we’re going to the playground, they ask, “Which park, Mama?” Will it be the one with the dinosaur skeleton? Or the one with the giant rocks you can climb in the splash pad? Or the one with the two-story high slide built into the hill?

So many choices!!!

To help you decide where to head first, read on for my guide of the many parks in West Linn, OR. Whether you’re meeting up with a friend, want to take a short trip from Portland or are stopping on a road trip off Highway 205, these West Linn parks are guaranteed outdoor fun.

Quick note: As of this month, Governor Brown announced the re-opening of the state’s playgrounds, even in Phase 1 areas like Clackamas County. Science suggests that outdoor surfaces like play structures are unlikely to spread the coronavirus, as long as children maintain social distance. As always, please be responsible in giving people space. Thank you for helping keep our communities safe and healthy!

The best parks in West Linn, Oregon

I couldn’t decide how to rank these West Linn, Oregon parks, so I’m not listing them in any particular order. If you live in West Linn or the Portland area, try one out—or visit them all! Summer is the perfect time to explore and discover the best parks in West Linn.

That said, these kid-friendly destinations are wonderful year-round. As you can tell, we’ve been enjoying all these parks since my kiddos were super-little. We love West Linn parks in all seasons.

From the blooms of camas wildflowers in the spring to the dramatic colors of the rare white oak savanna in the fall, we love these spots. I’m pretty sure your family will, too.

Willamette Park

The highlight of Willamette Park in West Linn, right near the historic downtown area, is the giant splash pad. It is built on a slope, and kids love to run back and forth between the levels.

Willamette Park also has a ton of sheltered picnic areas and grills, which make it a choice spot for parties. (The volleyball courts, baseball field and horseshoe pits don’t hurt, either!)

You can also access the river, where you can launch your kayak or simply scope out the waterfowl. (Fair warning: The geese at this West Linn park are extremely used to people and are unafraid to approach, so watch young kids around them.)

We love going paddle boarding and kayaking here. The small boat launch is just so convenient! Wakes from bigger boats do make waves, but Max and Edie love this part. They’re always asking me to aim for the wake!

Willamette Park, 1100 12th St., West Linn, Oregon

Maddax Woods

Another one of our favorite kid-friendly hikes in West Linn: The trail at Maddax Woods. We typically park in the small parking area at the address below, which has access to the greenway trail.

The trail is about a half-mile. It leads through a beautiful forest of mostly Doug fir trees. Max and Edie like crossing the bridge over a stream and dropping in pine cones or sticks.

My personal favorite part of Maddax Woods is its river access. From the main parking area, hike to the opposite end of the trail and then turn right down a path. You’ll come to a sandy beach along the Willamette River.

The whole family—dogs, kids, adults—have fun running and digging here.

You can also access this river trail from Burnside Park, at 1375 Buck St, West Linn, OR. This isn’t actually a park, really, but a spot to leave your car in a residential neighborhood to access the Willamette River. This is where we park when we want to bring our paddle board to the river, as the walk is much shorter to the beach.

During the spring, Goat Island—which is visible from Maddax Woods—becomes a rookery for great blue herons. Up to roughly 100 mated pairs find each other, lay their eggs and raise their chicks on this small island every year. Look to the tops of the trees for their big nests!

During regular (aka non-COVID) years, look for heron watch events, when locals peep through telescopes to get a better look at the birds.

Maddax Woods, 5785 River St. West Linn, OR

Marylhurst Heights Park

I absolutely love how this tucked-away neighborhood park in West Linn has something for kids of all ages. Slides and climbing structures of various sizes can be conquered by littles and older kids; in fact, on a recent visit, some kids (and their mom!) created an obstacle course they had to navigate without touching the “lava”—aka the wood chips.

My girls love to play on the rope web and hammock, but the real highlight is the splash pad—complete with water that shoots out of sculptural dinosaur bones and a metal relief T-rex skull embedded in the pavement. No wonder my kids call this the Dinosaur Bone Park!

Marylhurst Heights Park, 1800 Valley View Dr., West Linn, OR.

Mary S. Young Park

We visit Mary S. Young on the regular partly because it feels as if we disappear into its 128 acres as soon as we hit the trail. And as you can see, we’ve been coming to this great West Linn park for years, even since before Maxine was born.

(Squee, isn’t peanut Maxine the cutest?! Look at those cheeks!)

You can wander in the deep forest, hike down to the Willamette River, let your dog play in one of several off-leash areas, watch local kid’s lacrosse and soccer games or relax with a picnic.

We love to walk down to a sandy beach along the river, partly because it changes every time depending on the water levels. (Side note: We chose Mary S. Young to do our maternity photos because it’s one of the best parks in West Linn.)

With so many trails, it’s easy to find a new hike every time you go to Mary S. Young.

Mary S. Young Park, 19900 Willamette St., West Linn, OR.

Swift Shore Park

I’m kicking myself because we only recently discovered Swift Shore Park in West Linn, OR. We’re making up for lost time by visiting as often as we can!

This park is tucked away among a residential neighborhood. As such, there is no parking lot; you just leave your car along a sidewalk and walk down to the river.

The Tualatin River runs through this park. People ride tubes and floats down the little rapid here, and more adventurous folks jump off a cliff and rope swing into a deep pool below.

My kids and I are tamer. We walk upriver, splash around in a knee-deep wading area and play on little waterfalls.

Maxine in particular loves swimming at a deep swimming hole here. (Once she was shivering so hard that her teeth were clacking. When I asked if she needed to warm up, she replied, “Only my teeth are cold!”)

A few sandy beach spots fill up quickly, but folks tend to be easygoing about making room for others.

I recommend wearing water shoes at Swift Shore Park. Stepping on rocks and little underwater critters can hurt!

Swift Shore Park, 25461 Swiftshore Drive, West Linn, OR

Tanner Creek Park

I love the proximity of this West Linn park’s playground to the splash pad—my kids love to play in the water, then go swing or goof off on the teeter totter, then head back in the splash pad. The proximity makes my life so much easier because I can keep an eye on both kids, even if they sprint in opposite directions.

Shaded benches line the splash pad, and families set up blankets and picnics in the shady grass. There are also basketball courts, tennis courts and a skate park just a short walk from the playground.

The covered shelter is a popular spot for birthday parties, and during regular (aka non-COVID) summers, the city runs day camps here.

West Linn also recently installed an outdoor exercise area just outside the park. It has spots for pull-ups and other strength-building exercise.

Tanner Creek Park, 3456 Parker Rd., West Linn, OR.

Camassia Nature Preserve

We adore this park, which is actually owned by the Nature Conservancy, not West Linn. This is one of our favorite spots for hiking with kids near Portland.

The half-mile loop trail takes you through grasslands which bloom with native flowers in the spring, white oak woodlandss and spots that offer a beautiful view of Mt. Hood. My kids particularly love the boardwalks that make for easy crossing of a seasonal stream.

Although spring is definitely the most popular time to visit Camassia, we love this trail year-round. Sure, you might get rained on a bit, but the short distance means you don’t have far to go if it pours.

If you want a longer walk, the Camassia Nature Preserve loop connects to a hike through nearby Wilderness Park (see below).

Remember that dogs aren’t allowed to protect wildlife and the ecosystem as a whole. Importantly, stay on the trail to protect fragile native plants. And if you want to help preserve this beautiful spot, work parties regularly meet to clear out invasive species such as English ivy.

Note: Camassia Nature Preserve is currently closed to comply with social distancing guidance. Trails here are fairly narrow, which makes it impossible to pass others while maintaining a distance of 6 feet.

Camassia Nature Preserve, 4800 Walnut St., West Linn, OR.

Wilderness Park

Tucked amid a West Linn residential neighborhood, 50 acres of woods have been preserved as Wilderness Park. We hike here with the kids weekly—sometimes even daily—because we can make our hike as long or as short as we want, depending on the girls’ energy and our time limits.

It’s also fairly sheltered from the trees during rain, which makes it a great wet weather hike near Portland (just bring boots—the trail can get muddy).

Max and Edie have nicknamed Wilderness the Wood Chip Park. It used to have a mountain of wood chips in the middle of a clearing; now it’s home to enormous felled logs. The kids (and even Finn!) climb the logs and take turns jumping down. Luna, our Great Pyrenee rescue, is more interested in sniffing all the forest smells than climbing.

The city recently renovated the main parking area of Wilderness Park, adding parking spots, but I also recommend parking on Oregon City Boulevard between Oregon City Loop and Prospect Street. About halfway between the two streets on the north side of the street, there are several (unmarked) trail entrances that lead you into the park.

(If you’re lucky, the house here will have at least a few dozen air-filled and 10-foot-high dragons on display! Max and Edie are obsessed.)

Keep an eye out for mountain bikers, who sometimes use this trail. Every time we encounter someone on bike they’re courteous. We simply step to the side of the trail to let them pass.

Make sure to keep your dogs on leash here—it’s a popular spot for dog owners (including us!). Our most recent addition to the family, a Great Pyrenee rescue named Luna, loves it here. Bonus: A dog poo bag dispenser at the base of the trail at the main parking lot will hook you up if you forgot your own bags.

Wilderness Park, 22101 Clark StreetWest Linn, OR

Robinwood Park

Robinwood is a hidden gem among the best parks in West Linn, OR. Nestled among the tall trees of this 15-acre park: a playground, stroller-friendly walking trails, a small skate park, a big field that just asks to be run through and a lovely splash pad.

Edie, forever my lemur, loves to climb the big stones in the splash pad, which shoot water in different directions. Plus, the splash pad is shaded in the morning. Just know that the playground structures aren’t great for kids under 2—they’re designed for older kids.

Very important: Don’t follow the Google Maps directions to Robinwood Park—they send you to the back end of the park where there’s no entrance or parking. Instead, off of Highway 43/Willamette St., turn east on Fairview Way (at the Italian restaurant Bugatti’s). Continue along Fairview and you’ll end up in the parking lot.

Robinwood Park, 3600 Fairview Way West Linn, OR

Sahallie Illahee Park

When we first arrived at Sahallie Illahee Park, I wasn’t terribly impressed. Yes, it had a cute play structure, tire swing and swing set the perfect size for my kids, but I didn’t see what made it special—at first.

Then we wandered down a hiking trail, across a bridge and out the other side—to a two-story high slide built into the side of a hill.

It. Is. Awesome.

This side of the park, which is designed for slightly older children, also has a bridge structure built between two pretend rocks built just for climbing.

Sahallie Illahee Park, 4300 Horton Rd., West Linn, Oregon.

Sunset Park

Sunset Park just got a major makeover. Although the coronavirus slowed down the complete redesign of this West Linn park, my kids can vouch that it’s super-fun!

Sunset Park now has an awesome play structure with a bridge and climbing features. There’s also a new zip line and even a water feature that flows into a sand pit. (There are still a few finishing touches left to be completed here. My kids don’t mind; they’ve already given the new Sunset Park a thumbs-up!)

Folks who have been to Sunset Park will notice big changes. The old swing set and slide are gone.

At the Sunset Fire Hall at the base of the park, play tennis or basketball on the public courts. This is also a great blackberry picking spot in the summer!

Sunset Park, 4665 Bittner Street West Linn, OR—between Sunset Primary and the Sunset Fire Hall

Hammerle Park

Just off Highway 43 is a beautiful park with multiple play structures, a jungle gym, swings, old-school metal slides and a splash pad. It’s shaded—ideal for the hot summer—and includes several fields that host baseball games, especially on the weekends.

During weekdays in the school year, avoid the time immediately after nearby Bolton Elementary gets out—the park becomes overrun with kiddos just finishing their school day. (This isn’t an issue at the moment, since all schools in West Linn are currently online-only.)

If you need a pick-me-up after fun outdoor play, head to Market of Choice just up the street. They have an excellent hot bar and cold bar. (Maxine recommends the macaroni and cheese.)

Hammerle Park, 1505 Lewis St., West Linn, OR.

White Oak Savanna

White Oak Savanna is one of the least known West Linn parks. This nature area preserves native oak woodlands, which were plentiful in this area before white settlers arrived and cleared the forests for agriculture.

Now trails wind through this restored habitat. This West Linn park is home to native plants and animals. (If you’re lucky, you might spot one of the neighborhood’s coyotes!)

Partly because of the White Oak Savanna’s wildlife and delicate ecology, dogs are not allowed in this nature preserve.

White Oak Savanna, 2425 Tannler Drive, West Linn, OR

Phew! Now can you see why I can’t choose the all-time best park in West Linn, Oregon? There’s too much competition! For more details, check out the West Linn Parks and Rec page.

Now get out there and have fun!

PS – If you’re looking for more to do in the area, check out my post on quirky and kid-friendly things to do in Portland.

The post Best West Linn parks: Playgrounds, splash pads, hikes + more in Oregon appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

2020 edit: The trail to Shellburg Falls was burned in the 2020 Labor Day wildfires. Access to the waterfall is currently closed.

This 3-mile out-and-back hike takes you to gorgeous Shellburg Falls. What’s more, you can hike under the waterfall like at Silver Falls State Park, but without the hundreds of other visitors. (For details about visiting Silver Falls as well as other breathtaking spots in Oregon, see my post on the best day trips from Portland.)

This kid-friendly hike near Salem, Oregon was the perfect length for Max (4) and Edie (6). They had plenty of energy on the way up, and I only had to bribe them with M&Ms a few times on the gradual downhill to the Shellburg Falls trailhead. (M&Ms are my go-to treat to “entice” them to walk just a little farther. I dole them out individually and say the candy gives them energy!)

No matter how you bribe your little hikers (or encourage yourself to trek one more mile), you’ll love this waterfall hike near Salem, Oregon.

If you want even more hikes in this area, check out William Sullivan’s 100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades (affiliate link). This book is pretty much a must-read for any Oregon hiker. We refer to it often!

Hiking through pasturelands

The beginning of the Shellburg Falls trail is unmistakable: From the parking lot at the trailhead, simply walk past the yellow gate blocking the road to vehicle traffic.

The Shellburg Falls hike begins on a gently sloping unpaved road. Keep an eye out for wildflowers here, including foxglove, buttercup and stinking chamomile (which Edie has called “daisy funk” since she could talk).

This wide path crosses several cattle guards. (Maxine spotted a garter snake in one!) It’s clear why this path needs the grates: Cattle graze on the grasses along either side of the path. This is private land, which the owners have graciously allowed hikers to use.

The cattle are friendly but are still large animals. Keep dogs on a very short leash here, and don’t make sudden movements—especially around a calf. Mother cows can get defensive.

(Fun trivia facts to impress your fellow hikers: A female cow is called a cow, unless it hasn’t yet had its first calf, in which case it’s called a heifer. Male cows are bulls, unless they’ve been castrated, in which case they’re called steer.)

A little farther along the trail, you’ll pass a tree farm on your right and enter a forested area.

Hiking in the Santiam State Forest

A mile in, you’ll enter the Santiam State Forest. Here, the trees grow more tightly together and sunlight doesn’t reach the trail easily. (That’s a welcome relief on a hot day!) Keep an eye out for Rocky Mountain irises growing here.

A few side paths spur off from the main trail in this section. Just be careful you do not worsen erosion, which you’ll see along the hike. The exposed roots and tumble of dirt and rock offered a clear example to teach my kids about erosion.

About a quarter-mile past the Santiam State Forest sign, you’ll reach a small bridge that crosses Lower Shellburg Falls. A few brave/reckless hikers crawled out onto a boulder overlooking the falls, and experienced hikers can bushwhack down to the base of the 40-foot falls from the far side of the bridge.

I, though, have a paralyzing fear of heights and kept my kids far from the edge. We opted instead to hike the short remainder of the hike to the dramatic Shellburg Falls.

Hike to Shellburg Falls

At the bridge over Lower Shellburg Falls, take a left up the stairs to hike to the real star of the show: Shellburg Falls. Here, the path becomes significantly more narrow. It was also a bit muddy and slippery in parts, so I held Maxine’s hand as we walked the quarter-mile to the waterfall.

You’ll hear the falls before you see it. The roar of water tumbling 100 feet over a cliff alerts you that you’re close!

A very short path spurs on your left that gives you an unobstructed view of the falls from below. We held off on this path until our hike back down the trail. After all, we wanted to hike behind the waterfall as soon as possible.

Just up the trail, the path curves under a natural overhang. Above the path, basalt—a hard, volcanic rock—withstands the power of rushing water. Time and water has carved out the softer rock below, leaving a natural grotto. This cave allows you to hike behind the waterfall without getting wet (though don’t be surprised if you feel a few drops).

The grotto has two layers. In theory, you can easily climb up to the waist-high tier, but I didn’t let my kids walk up there. It’s not reinforced, and even little feet add to the erosion.

Max and Edie saw the names of people who had carved in the soft rock. They wondered if this was cave art left behind “ancient people,” as they said. Whether you consider yourself ancient or not, please don’t add to the carved names. Remember, leave no trace.

At about the halfway point behind the falls, take a rest on a wooden bench. This is a good place to turn back, especially if you have kids: The trail tends to be muddier and more slippery past the bench.

As this is an out-and-back hike, simply turn around and head back the way you came. If you haven’t paused at the viewpoint yet, don’t miss it on the hike back.

Maxine wanted to be in the picture and also didn’t want to be in the picture. Hard choices for a 4-year-old

Kid-friendly hike near Salem, Oregon

Many Oregon waterfall hikes aren’t, in fact, kid-friendly. I don’t take my children on many of the hikes in the Columbia River Gorge because the drop-offs are simply too steep and too close to the trail.

That’s one reason why I was so thrilled to find Shellburg Falls.

The paths are easy for little legs to walk. The entire hike gains only 410 feet in elevation—not a problem for my 4- and 6-year olds.

Plus, not many Oregon waterfall hikes also give you up close and personal introductions to cows! Max and Edie are city kids so were beyond thrilled to meet this docile calf. I had to remind them several times to walk calmly around the cows, as I’m pretty sure the bovines didn’t appreciate Edie’s bubbly enthusiasm.

Finally, pretty much every kid will be thrilled to see the waterfall from behind.

Details to hike Shellburg Falls, Oregon

Shellburg Falls is conveniently located near many of Oregon’s cities. This waterfall hike is about an hour from Portland, 45 minutes from downtown Salem, just over an hour from Corvallis and an hour and a half from Eugene.

The Shellburg Falls trailhead has a small parking lot, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. But the shoulders of the roads are easy to park on—just be careful when crossing the road.

Make sure to use the facilities elsewhere, as this trailhead does not include a toilet.

This trail is open to mountain bikes, so be aware and give bikes plenty of room to pass.

Small, seven-site Shellburg Falls Campground is accessible by the trailhead. The campground has a vault toilet and potable water. I haven’t yet camped here but it would be lovely to camp in such a secluded spot that still has amenities.

There is no fee at the Shellburg Falls trailhead.

Hike under a waterfall in Oregon

Chances are, you’re now more than a little excited to hike Shellburg Falls for yourself. I don’t blame you! This kid-friendly hike near Salem, Oregon is close enough to Portland to feel like an easy day trip but far enough that you leave big crowds behind.

Plus, the payoff—a hike behind the waterfall—is just one more example of gorgeous Oregon waterfall hikes.

A final safety reminder: Keep dogs on leash (the forest trails are narrow, and there are cows on the lower part of the trail). Keep kids very close, as the drop-offs near the waterfall are steep. And observe social distancing while you hike. That way, everyone can enjoy the outdoors while remaining safe and healthy.

See you on the trail!

PS – If you’re looking for more Oregon hikes, click over to my post on exploring Lost Lake. This picturesque Mt. Hood lake is ringed by a kid-friendly trail that’s easy even for the littlest hikers. 

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Swan Island Dahlias, the dahlia farm in Canby, OR that hosts the festival every year, is just a half-hour’s drive from Portland. That made a quick drive to the flower festival a no-brainer for our family.

The trick is that the dahlia festival in Canby is super-short: It is open for only the last weekend in August and the long weekend of Labor Day. That means, unfortunately, that the festival is done for this year. But you’ll want to put the festival on your calendar for 2020!

(I have a shockingly easy but very effective tactic to not miss events like this one that only happen every so often: You’ll want to read about my google calendar hack to never miss one again!)

If you didn’t make it to see the dahlias in Oregon this year, why not feast your eyes on a little flower eye candy? Photos aren’t as good as going to the dahlia festival in person, but I hope these suffice until next year’s event. And when you pin this post for later, you can come back to find out everything you need to know before going to the dahlia festival in Canby: its hours and opening days, parking, festivals, cut flowers and more. Finally, I’ll share how to see these dahlias even if you’re not in town for the festival.

Dahlia Festival, Oregon: What to expect

When you arrive at Swan Island Dahlia Farm in Canby, OR, you’ll park in the field next to the festival. We arrived around noon on the last day of the festival and had zero troubles finding a parking spot that was just a few minute’s walk away from the flowers.

Level 10 travel tip: Try to park on the farthest row, which means you’ll walk a little farther—but increases the chances your car ends up in the shade in the afternoon!

Instead of walking toward the red banner that signals the entrance to the festival, head straight toward the flower fields. You’ll walk among 40 acres of dahlias, each variety different. Edie, our 6-year-old, got a kick out of reading some of their names—Awe Shucks, Bee Happy and Cupcake, to name a few. Maxine and I kept identifying new favorites. We would announce we’d found the most beautiful dahlia in the field, and then a few steps later find a variety that was even more stunning!

You’ll notice that Swan Island Dahlia Farm in Canby has asked that visitors stay on the paths and not walk into the flower rows, unlike my favorite Oregon peony farm. I had to remind the kids a few times, but then they learned quickly.

We entered the dahlia fields closest to the parking lots and then looped around to the other path through the fields, back toward the gift shop and stalls. This gave us a tour of all the 360 varieties growing in this dahlia farm.

Know, though, that these fields are in full sun. It gets quite hot on warm summer days, so plan accordingly!

Features of the dahlia festival in Canby

If you’ve come to the Swan Island Dahlia Festival, you’re definitely here for the flowers. There are even more reasons why we had a great time at this event in Canby.

Live music

Max, Edie and I love dancing to live music so we were thrilled to boogie down at the dahlia festival. The band jamming out while we were there played excellent covers. Yep, I 100% broke out in dorky mom moves—only my kids are still little enough to not be embarrassed by me!

Display garden

Right next to the live music area, a display garden shows how different types of dahlias may grow in a variety of ways. While the flower fields grow entire rows of the same kind of flowers, the display garden displays how you’re more likely to grow them. They’re all labeled, making it easier for those with green thumbs (i.e. not me) to choose which tubers to order for planting.

Stalls + vendors

This dahlia festival in Oregon cultivates a fair feel, in part because of the food and retail vendors. I loved that you could buy food and drinks (from strawberry lemonade to local beer, wine and cider). After all, the festival got warm in the sun—and what better way to cool down than with a real fruit slushie?

The girls, of course, immediately spotted kids with balloon animals and face paint. They dragged us over to a kids’ booth, where they each got a balloon puppy on a leash. (Edie’s dog popped before we even got back to the car, which of course made her sob. Why oh why do I still get them balloon animals?! And am I the only one who feels this way?)

Floral arrangements

In an indoors (and blessedly cool) room, more than 400 floral arrangements were on display. I’m actually complete crap at making flower arrangements, so I was doubly in awe of the gorgeous displays.

The ramp down to the floral arrangement room is very, very steep, though. If you or someone in your group is using a walker, cane or wheelchair, ask a festival staff member for help. I saw an employee help a woman with a walker go down the ramp—slowly, slowly!—so she got to see the flowers, too.

Details for the Dahlia Festival in Oregon

By now you can’t wait to go to the Swan Island Dahlias festival! I don’t blame you. Photos can’t even do this annual event justice. Here’s everything you need to know:

Dahlia festival dates

The dahlia festival happens the weekend (Saturday-Monday) before Labor Day and Labor Day Weekend (Saturday-Monday). In 2020, the dahlia festival dates are:

August 29-31, 2020
September 5-7, 2020

Dahlia festival hours

The dahlia fields are open 8am – 6pm during the festival dates. The indoor display areas are open 10am – 6pm.

Admission to the dahlia festival

Admission and parking are free at the Oregon dahlia festival, making this one of my favorite free family activities near Portland! Swan Island Dahlias partners with a local food bank and accepts donations at the event.

Food and drink at the festival

Food and drink vendors, including wine, beer and cider, keep visitors fed throughout the festival.

You are welcome to bring your own food and drink from home. The many picnic tables throughout provide the perfect place for a meal al fresco! Know, though, that outside alcohol is not allowed.

Dogs at the dahlia festival

Dogs on leash are welcome in the outdoor areas of the dahlia festival, which means they can’t go into the indoor displays. I wouldn’t have brought our dog, Finn, though. The festival is crowded, and I’d be nervous he’d get stepped on or tripped over. What’s more, the festival can get very hot, and I wouldn’t want him to overheat.

Whatever you do, do not bring your pet and leave it in the car while you go to the festival. The parking area is in full sun, and cars heat up to dangerous levels within minutes—even if you leave the windows down.

What if I missed the annual dahlia festival?

If you didn’t make it to the Oregon dahlia festival this year, try a few of these other ways to take in these gorgeous flowers.

1. Run a race through the flower fields

Every August, the Canby Dahlia Run sends athletes jogging through town, the woods—and of course through fields of the gorgeous blooms. The route is either for a 10k or half-marathon race.

2. Visit the dahlia farm 7 days a week

You don’t need to wait for the dahlia festival to visit the farm in Canby; it opens to the public August 1. The fields might not be in full bloom that early, but you can walk through the fields and even eat a picnic lunch on the farm 7 days a week, from 8am – 6pm.

3. Bring cut flowers home

From the end of July through first frost, Swan Island Dahlias sells cut flowers for you to take home. I love having fresh flowers on my kitchen table or counter—they’re just so cheerful!

4. Grow your own dahlias

Swan Island Dahlias is the largest dahlia farm in the US, and they ship dahlia tubers all over. What’s more, this dahlia grower in Oregon develops 5-15 brand-new hybrids each year. So you can order flowers that are exclusively sold from here!

Planning for the dahlia festival in Canby, Oregon

Red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, white—no matter your favorite color, you’re sure to find a whole bunch of dahlias that will make you fall head over heels for this annual event in Oregon.

If seeing these blooms makes you want more, don’t miss my post on the best flower festivals in and near Portland, Oregon!

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Want to tour a decommissioned submarine? Rent an electric-powered boat to see the 17th widest waterfall in the world? Kayak the Willamette at night in the moonlight? Drink the best PDX craft beers on a Beer Barge? The Willamette River in Portland has all this and more.

If you’re looking for things to do in Portland this spring and summer, it’s just about impossible to miss the Willamette. Read on for 10 ways to have fun on the Willamette River!

Willamette River Fun: What to do in Portland

“Rivers are veins of the earth through which the lifeblood returns to the heart.”

-Roderick Haig-Brown

1. Willamette River kayaking

I grew up whitewater kayaking, and the Willamette River isn’t going to give you the same adrenaline rush. Most of the river is deep, wide and calm, which makes it great for a relaxing paddle—not scary drops and rapids. 

The river’s easygoing pace makes it a terrific opportunity for people who are new to kayaking, and for families. 

There are plenty of places to go Willamette River Kayaking in Portland and lots of companies that rent kayaks, including the Portland Kayak Company. Rates there are $14/hour (minimum 2 hours), and they offer tours. REI also offers guided kayak tours, including moonlight paddles when the moon is full!

2. Walk the loop at Riverfront Park

Start at the fountain on Portland’s West side, cross the Morrison Bridge, circle back along the East side and cross again on the Hawthorne Bridge. This is the classic Portland loop you’ll see walked by moms pushing strollers, locals on lunch break and visitors who want to check out the Willamette—without getting wet

3. Go underwater on a submarine

OMSI’s submarine, the USS Blueback, is part of Portland’s science museum—and is a totally unique way to explore the Willamette River. The submarine won’t actually leave the dock, but you can take a 45-minute tour in this watercraft that was used by the Navy for about three decades.

The USS Blueback submarine has since been decommissioned, but you can explore the tiny bunks where sailors slept, peek through a periscope and make all the boop-boop-boop sound effects your heart desires.

4. See Portland’s bridges on a river cruise

Portland Spirit cruise ships depart from the Tom McCall Waterfront Park several times a day and night. The route takes you along the Willamette River and under several bridges. Most tours also include a meal, though TBH, they’re not the star of the show. The real highlight is the perspective of traveling underneath some of Portland’s 12 gorgeous bridges.

5. Rent your own boat

Last summer, we wanted to do something extra-special and out of the ordinary with my in-laws, so we rented a boat on the Willamette River. We chose to rent an electric boat from the Willamette Falls Electric Boat Company in Oregon City, just upriver (aka south) of Portland.

We powered up and down the Willamette (at slow speed) from Clackamette Park—all on electric energy, so we didn’t pollute the gorgeous river we were enjoying. We cruised up to Willamette Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the United States (and the 17th widest in the world). It’s hard to view from most places, and seeing it from a boat below the falls gives you a one-of-a-kind perspective on this horseshoe-shaped falls.

6. Stand up paddle boarding on the Willamette

Rent a stand up paddle board from George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego, a super-mellow park with a wide sand beach. Rentals hear at this mellow, flat stretch of the Willamette start at $19 for an hour.

Older kids can try out SUPing, too. Alder Creek Canoe and Kayak provides life jackets along with a rental, so just show up! Be forewarned they don’t accept reservations, so arrive on the earlier side to ensure you get a SUP.

7. Swim in a tributary

Bring your swimming suit and jump into the Clackamas River where it meets the Willamette. You can swim under the scenic bridge in Oregon City, like all the locals do when the temperatures climb. Park in Clackamette Park to get there. 

8. Swim in the Willamette

So many people ask: Is it safe to swim in the Willamette? The answer is yes—most of the time.

As with any other urban rivers, it’s a good idea to check water quality before you dive in. (You can check Willamette River water quality here.) Once the levels give you a green light, find an urban swimming beach!

We love George Rogers in Lake Oswego (a few minutes’ drive from Downtown Portland), the beaches in Sellwood Park, the swimming area in Cathedral Park and of course the beaches in Sauvie Island. Just pay attention to which one you’re going to; one beach on Sauvie Island is clothing-optional. 

9. Throw the ball for your dog

Does your pup love to fetch in the water? The Willamette is perfect for this. My favorite spots for Fido to enjoy the river are Sellwood Park in Southeast Portland and Mary S. Young state park in West Linn. 

10. Cruise on a beer boat

For the times you have a babysitter, gather a few 21-and-over friends to ride Portland’s beer boat. You BYOB (and sunscreen!) then cruise up and down the Willamette River for a few hours on the BrewBarge. This is a totally Portlandia way to explore the Willamette, and it’s one Portland bucket list experience you won’t forget! ($35-40 per person)

Singing “I’m on a Boat” is optional but encouraged.

Summer fun on the Willamette River

Now that you have some ideas on how to see, paddle, swim, cruise and explore the Willamette River in Portland, are you ready to dive in?? Oregonians love their rivers, and escaping the heat along the water is one of our favorite things to do in Portland. 

Which of these activities would be at the top of your Portland bucket list? 

PS – Looking for more things to do in Portland this summer? Check out my post on our favorite day trips from Portland.

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When you’re planning family travel, I bet you’re a bit like me: You probably fall into a bit of a kid-friendly activities rut. You visit a children’s museum and the city’s main park and the zoo, which are all wonderful—but sometimes, you want a family activity that spices up your trip.

That’s why I’m sharing these quirky and fun things to do in Portland with kids that are slightly different from the usual family activities you may enjoy!

After all, doing something out of the ordinary makes the experience more fun and memorable, research reveals. One study found that changing things up gives us a surge of the feel-good chemical dopamine. That improves our mood—and it also makes us more likely to seek out more new experiences.

So trying something different has a snowball effect, which you can turn into more and more memorable family vacations!

And I’m pretty sure your kids are like mine: They like to do things that are unusual, unexpected and totally surprising. If that’s the case, here are 13 super fun kids activities in Portland.

If you’re planning family travel in Oregon, then, definitely hit the highlights as there are so many awesome family activities to enjoy. But work some unexpected, off-the-beaten-path items into your itinerary, too.

Want some ideas? These quirky things to do in Portland with kids will surprise the whole family!

Best unusual things to do in Portland with kids

I’m so excited for you to explore these hidden gems with your family. I’ve covered everything from outdoor adventures to relaxed activities for kids in Portland, Oregon!

The most memorable periods of our lives are when we break the script.

Chip and Dan Heath, The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact

1. Build a terrarium

Roosevelt’s Terrariums recently invited me to build a terrarium at one of their evening workshops, and I seriously loved it. Not only did I have fun landscaping a tiny habitat for ferns and other plants, I also was thrilled that with close to zero effort from me, the terrarium could survive for generations.

For someone who kills even succulents, this was good news.

A terrarium workshop in Portland would be such a fun and memorable activity to do with elementary-aged kids and older.

This quirky Portland activity would be best for locals and people visiting on a road trip, though, as it’d be hard to bring a terrarium through airport security!

2. Get hands-on with puppets in Portland

You could probably guess that Portland has an art museum, a children’s museum, and a science museum— but did you know it has a puppet museum, too?

The Portland Puppet Museum in Sellwood is home to rotating displays of more than 2,000 puppets from around the world. Yes, some of them are super creepy, but most are supremely cool.

Even better, kids can play with the puppets! If you’re looking for fun things to do in Portland with kids, putting on your own puppet show with these one-of-a-kind creations should definitely be on your list.

3. Explore a submarine

Boop boop boop—submarine sound effects are 100% welcome on the USS Blueback, the submarine permanently docked in Portland’s Willamette River. Kids who are interested in the military or trucks/diggers/emergency response vehicles will be enthralled, but this submarine-museum is a great activity for the whole family.

You’ll have to buy a special, scheduled entry to the USS Blueback along with your ticket to OMSI, Portland’s science museum. Then you can walk around inside the submarine, getting up-close with the controls, periscope, and other equipment.

4. Go rock climbing

This certainly tops my list of the best things to do with kids in Portland.

Most of the time when you’re on a family vacation, kids are told not to climb: Stay off that sculpture, please come down from there, good grief you’re going to break your neck!

The opposite is true when you go to a kid-friendly rock climbing gym.

We recently tried out The Circuit, a bouldering gym with three locations in Portland—and my kids were obsessed. An entire section of the Tigard location (just minutes from downtown Portland) is geared toward kids, with easier walls and slides to get down once they reach the top.

My older daughter also crushed the adult routes, scampering up six different walls, as she reminded us many times.

When it was time to go, the girls cried. “But I want to live here!” Edie said. You probably won’t want to move in to a rock climbing gym, but this quirky family activity in Portland is definitely worth a visit.

Level 10 travel tip: Check out Groupon before you go: The discount site sometimes have cheaper passes for The Circuit bouldering gym.

5. Hike to a real witch’s castle

Ok, I don’t know if there’s actually a real witch at this Forest Park destination, but it’s fun to pretend and makes for an exciting activity for kids in Portland!

Forest Park is the country’s largest urban park, full of miles of trails within Portland. The witch’s castle is a stone ruins along one path that’s within easy hiking distance even for kids.

The witch’s castle is small for something with such a grand name, but you can go inside and walk around the ruins. My kids thought it was pretty much the coolest hike we’ve ever done. You can see why!

I wrote all about hiking to the Portland witch’s castle with kids over on my other blog; click on over if you want more details.

6. Ride the air train

Want a really good view of Portland’s skyline? See it from above on the Portland Aerial Tram.

For just a few bucks, you can ride from the top of a hill all the way down to the Willamette River inside a pod suspended from overhead cables.

You’ll see 360-degree views of the city. On a clear day, you’ll also spot Mt. Hood in the distance.

7. Eat a totally weird donut

My friend and photographer Sarah Giffrow shared these photos of Voodoo Doughnut with me

If you’re wondering what to do in Portland with kids, this is the answer! They will flip at all the donut options at Voodoo Doughnut.

Portland has a ton of truly excellent donut bakeries, with more popping up with each passing month, but the original quirky donut place remains Voodoo Doughnut.

It’s easy to spot Voodoo Doughnut in downtown Portland—it usually has a line out the door.

Go during the week for shorter wait times, and let your kids indulge in a huge sugar bomb. They can pick from donuts topped with Oreos, cereal, or even bacon. Or go with the signature donut, shaped like a voodoo doll with a stake through its doughy heart.

My friend and photographer Sarah Giffrow shared these photos of Voodoo Doughnut with me

8. Pose in front of a giant banana

Portland has truly wonderful street art—just ask my kids, who shout out, “There’s a mural, mama!” whenever we pass one. (And we usually pull over just to take a closer look!)

One of my favorite murals in Portland also happens to be the city’s oldest. The giant banana, also called Art Fills the Void, is one of the Portland-iest quirky things to do in Portland on this list.

If you visit Portland’s banana mural in June, walk a few blocks northeast to the Ladd’s Rose Garden. This historic garden is at the center of the maze-like Ladd’s neighborhood, and it’s a gorgeous spot to relax and let the kids play in the early summer, when roses are at their peak bloom.

Check out my post on even more tips on when and where to see amazing flowers in Portland!

9. Do a downward dog during cat yoga in Portland

At Purrington’s Cat Lounge, you can join an hour-long yoga class along with a roomful of humans—and cats! Kids under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. 

The class also has an extra half-hour for meditating, taking an extra-long corpse pose with a kitty perched on your chest, or simply playing with the cats. Cat yoga is one of the most quirky things to do in Portland—and something you’ll 100% be glad you tried.

You can also sit and sip a drink among all the adoptable kitties. But don’t blame me if your kids want to take one home. Either way, this is one of the best things to do in Portland with kids.

10. Visit Portland’s Wishing Tree

I don’t know how it started, but Portland’s Wishing Tree is home to hundreds of hand-written hopes. Visit this iconic but weird landmark in Portland to read others’ wishes—and leave your own, of course.

The Portland Wishing Tree is located at 2954 NE 7th Avenue.

11. Eat a super weird dessert at Rimsky’s

When I was in high school, I sometimes rode the train from Eugene to Portland to stay the weekend with my older sister, who lived here. She introduced me to Rimsky-Koraskoffee House, the weirdest coffee and dessert place in town.

It’s decorated like your quirky aunt moved in, and it serves over the top sweets and coffees. The tables rotate slowly enough that you won’t notice until your ice cream sundae has moved to the other side of the table!

And the bathrooms are totally weird. Don’t take my word for it; see for yourself by visiting this weird Portland landmark.

12. Drink hot cocoa on a double-decker bus

Portland is crazy about coffee, and I’m crazy about Tov, a totally weird Portland cafe that operates out of a double-decker bus. It serves the usual barista drinks (I recently got a delicious chai latte with a perfectly balanced mix of spices) in an unusual location.

So if you’re looking for quirky things to do in Portland, order a drink and sip it in this twinkle lit, magical bus.

13. Find a toy horse

A century ago, folks rode horses—not cars (or unicycles!)—around Portland. And instead of paying at a parking meter, they simply tied their ride to a ring in the ground.

Luckily, these Portland horse rings are still around!

Although you won’t find any actual horses tethered to Portland’s horse rings, you will find tiny toy ones—if you know to look for them.

As you walk around Portland’s historic neighborhoods, keep an eye to the ground. You’ll spy the Portland horse rings on the curbs of sidewalks. Folks who live here, who love to keep Portland weird, tie little horses to the rings to surprise and delight others walking by.

This quirky thing to do in Portland can’t be done anywhere else, so keep a sharp eye—and your camera—ready!

The best things to do in Portland with kids – ready, set, go!

Now that you’ve read about some of the weird and quirky things for kids to do in Portland, I’ll bet you’re inspired to let your own freak flag fly. (That’s what we do here in PDX.)

After all, the murals and bumper stickers tell us to keep Portland weird!

Which of these activities do you think would be the most fun? Do you have any suggestions for weird family activities in Portland to add? Tell me in the comments!

The post 13 Quirky and Fun Things To Do in Portland With Kids appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

After all, flowers in the Portland area are the perfect antidote to a long, grey, drizzly winter. You can’t help but smile at the sight of tulips, roses or dahlias.

The thought of flower festivals in Portland keeps me going through the winter, in part because going to a flower farm is one of my family’s favorite activities in Oregon. We enjoy the flowers in the field—and of course bring home a bouquet to brighten up the house!

We first started going to the tulip festival in Oregon—or, as I like to think of it, the gateway drug to Oregon flower festivals. But once I realized this state grows much more than tulips, I began seeing flower festivals everywhere!

So if you’re planning travel to Oregon this spring or summer, these best places to walk among the flowers in Portland area are must-see destinations.

Our 10 favorite places to see flowers in Portland

Ready to stop and smell the roses—and lavender, and tulips, and lots of other flowers in Portland? Here are our favorite spots to take in the blooms.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is the most famous flower festival in Portland. Millions of tulips bloom at this tulip festival in Oregon every spring, creating fields of vibrant color my kids and I absolutely love to explore.

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Know that the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is a working farm—so it does get muddy on rainy days! (Spring days in Oregon are as temperamental as a toddler—you never know if you’ll get sunny skies or a downpour.) Wear boots and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty because if your kids are anything like mine, they’ll find the first puddle and fall butt-first into it.

The tulip festival near Portland also has vendors, food, a playground my kids love and some family-friendly attractions, such as a bounce house and pony rides (for an additional charge). Weekends draw big crowds as well as extra activities—like hot air balloons!

If you’re looking for flowers in the Portland area this spring, you can’t miss the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival—the biggest and most colorful tulip festival in Oregon.

(2019 update: The late snows and frost in Oregon delayed the tulip blooms. According to the festival, the second week of April should be the best time to visit the tulips.)

Rhododendrons in Portland

These native flowers, which grow on bushes that can grow several stories tall, are everywhere in Oregon. They thrive in the Pacific Northwest’s rainy climate, and their peak bloom is usually in May.

There’s a rhododendron festival near Portland in Florence, OR on the coast, but you don’t have to drive that far to enjoy them. The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a gorgeous place to see these flowers in Portland.

It’s a meticulously designed and landscaped garden on 9 1/2 acres near Reed College. Your kids will love seeing the ducks on the rhododendron garden’s ponds and marshlands, and the variety of rhodies will impress any flower-lover.

Camas flowers in Portland

I know, you’re thinking, What in the world is camas? Although this wildflower is much less well known than the other flowers in Portland, it was critical for Native Americans, who ate the bulbs of these blooms.

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My favorite place to see camas flowers near Portland is at Camassia Nature Preserve in West Linn. Just three minutes off I-205, a mile-long loop takes you through fields of purple camas when it’s in bloom, usually late April. The trail is mostly flat—perfect for hiking with children—and includes a beautiful view of Mt. Hood on a clear day.

You can also attend the Camas Festival in Tigard in April.

Oregon lavender farms

Get ready to breathe in… and relax. No, you’re not in a spa; you’re in the famous Oregon lavender farms!

Lavender grows extremely well in Oregon, and you’ll find wonderful lavender farms near Portland. Our favorite is Lavender Valley on Mt. Hood, a small farm near Hood River where you can stand in the lavender fields within sight of Mt. Hood’s snowy peak. (5965 Boneboro Rd, Mt. Hood, Oregon)

Early to mid-summer tends to be peak lavender season in Oregon. There are also lavender festivals throughout the summer, where vendors set up their wares, you can wander through the fragrant fields, and you can buy lavender-scented lotions and candles to enjoy back at home.

Here is a map of Oregon lavender farms—find one near you when you visit Portland this spring and summer!

Irises in Portland

When I was growing up, wild irises popped up every spring in our yard, so I have a special place in my heart for these gorgeous blooms. Luckily, I get to see irises in Portland, too!

The absolute best place to see irises near Portland is a bit south of the city, at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens in Salem, Oregon. It’s a 45-minute drive from downtown Portland and you’ll see 10 acres of every color of iris. Iris bloom season is May, and the garden is open daily during the month.

Weekends have vendors, tastings and of course fresh-cut irises to take home. You can also buy rhizomes to plant at home, and workshops on how to plant and separate irises happen periodically through May.

Cherry blossoms in Portland

The best place to see cherry blossoms in Portland is the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, which winds through downtown Portland. The Willamette River separates East Portland from West Portland and has dozens of cherry trees planted along its banks, which makes it one of the most gorgeous places in Portland every spring.

The timing of cherry blossoms depends on weather, of course, and they don’t last long—particularly because of this region’s rain. But look for cherry blossoms March to April.

While you’re here in Portland, Oregon, stop by the Portland Japanese Garden. The gardens have a weeping cherry tree in the Flat Garden and Yoshino cherry trees in the Strolling Pond Garden. They’re beyond gorgeous places to see flowers in Portland!

If you’re up for a longer drive, visit the Northwest Cherry Festival in The Dalles in late April. There’s a cherry-themed parade, local vendors, samples and of course lots of cherry-flavored goodies.

Roses in Portland

The International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park is home to more than 10,000 rose bushes, which makes it the best place to see roses in Portland. This garden is public so it’s free for anyone to explore; you just have to pay for parking along the street or take public transportation.

The best time to see roses in Portland is June, but they bloom late spring through early fall.

Level 10 travel tip: If you’re in Washington Park to see roses in Portland, you’re right next to tons of other family-friendly destinations! Check out my post on the Portland Japanese Garden, the Oregon Zoo and the Hoyt Arboretum, which are all within minutes of the Rose Test Garden.

Roses bloom across the city, so keep an eye out for these fragrant flowers in Portland. One of my favorite places to see roses in Portland is the Ladd Circle Rose Garden, at the heart of the maze-like Ladd’s Addition, an historic neighborhood in Southeast Portland.

Portland Rose Festival

You can’t talk about flowers in Portland without mentioning the Portland Rose Festival, which happens over several weeks from the end of May to beginning of June. The star event of the Portland Rose Festival is the Grand Floral Parade, which shuts down part of the city to allow for hundreds of floats. You can also literally stop and smell the roses at the festival’s rose show.

Festival of Flowers in downtown Portland

Pioneer Courthouse Square is nicknamed Portland’s Living Room because it’s a central meeting place for everyone in town. The open-air area, which covers an entire city block, is home to live music, a gorgeous fountain, a visitor’s center—and a flower festival in Portland.

The Portland Festival of Flowers is an installation of more than 20,000 blooms. Like everything else in Pioneer Courthouse Square, it’s free and open to the public. This year, it will run May 22-June 4, 2019.

Level 10 travel tip: While you’re in Pioneer Courthouse Square, don’t miss a photo with one of Portland’s most recognizable (and Instagrammable) landmarks—the Umbrella Man!

Dahlia Festival near Portland

At the end of the summer—the last weekend in August and Labor Day weekend—brings gorgeous dahlia blooms. This flower festival near Portland is a half-hour from downtown at Swan Island Dahlia Farm in Canby, Oregon. The festival includes food, music and of course thousands of dahlias in bloom.

Not in Portland during the dahlia festival? Swing by the farm anyway for cut flowers July-September. This farm has cultivated many of its own varieties of the flower. Ask staff which ones!

Where to see flowers in Portland

Once spring arrives in Portland, everyone goes nuts for the outdoors: We’ve earned it after a long, grey winter! So do like a local and take in these flowers in Portland. Between dahlias, lavender, irises, a tulip festival in Oregon and more, you have plenty of options to choose from.

Have you visited any of these flower festivals in Portland? Did I miss any you love? Please share below!

PS – If you’re looking for more activities near Portland, take a look at my post on 14 day trips from Portland!

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After all, when you’re on vacation, the last thing you want is to spend hours on Yelp or feel totally embarrassed at a not family-friendly restaurant when your kid drops his silverware for the 95th time. You want to spend your family trip enjoying yourself!

So if you’re visiting Portland with kids, don’t stress over where to eat. Check out these North Portland kid-friendly restaurants instead.

5 North Portland kid-friendly restaurants the whole family will love

Portland has many diverse neighborhoods—and you can spend hours talking with Portlanders about which is the best—but just the basics: Portland is broken up into four areas. The Willamette River separates East from West, and Burnside separates North from South. 

If we’re talking about North Portland, we’re talking about the region on the east side. North Portland has a ton of amazing neighborhoods—Alberta, Hollywood, St. Johns and many more. And good news for Portland families and folks visiting the Rose City: These North Portland kid-friendly restaurants actually serve food you’ll  want to eat, too.

Here are our go-to North Portland kid-friendly restaurants. Make sure they’re on your list when you visit PDX!

Tin Shed Garden Cafe

The Tin Shed is a quiet oasis on one of my favorite streets in North Portland, Alberta. You’ll see neighborhood regulars flocking here on beautiful days to sit in the open-air patio and garden space—and to enjoy the delicious food, of course.

The kids’ menu is extensive, which makes this one of the most kid-friendly restaurants in North Portland. My girls ordered macaroni and cheese (because of course) as well as a kid-sized hamburger. Also, can I get a hallelujah that they make grilled cheese and PBJ on wheat bread? The Tin Shed also has healthier options on the kids’ menu, including jasmine rice, sautéed veggies and seasonal fruit. 

And don’t fret when you have to take your potty training toddler to the bathroom 18 million times; they have giant chalkboards on the bathroom door, so you can draw while you beg your kid to pleasepleaseplease just pee in the potty.

The grown-up menu is on point. When we ate dinner there, I ate a salmon burger with an incredible side salad—with a glass of Duck Pond Rosé. Their happy hour menu is not to be missed, especially because it’s from 3-6 every day—including weekends!

Here’s the cherry on top: Kids eat free on Wednesdays after 4. Boom. Now get yourself to this amazing North Portland kid-friendly restaurant today—or at least next Wednesday. Afterwards, get dessert at Salt n Straw, about 4 blocks up Alberta, for some of the best ice cream you’ve ever eaten.

Want even more to do on Alberta? On my other blog, I wrote a guide to a walking tour of street art on Alberta that my girls just loved doing!

Level 10 travel tip: If you arrive in North Portland before dinnertime, stop at Green Bean Books on Alberta. They have author readings, story times and craft playdates just about every day of the week—not to mention wonderful books to buy. 

Poa Cafe

Poa Cafe makes a point of saying it’s not a kid cafe, but it’s one of the more kid-friendly cafes in North Portland or anywhere in PDX. Its kid play area is spacious, filled with fun toys and within eyesight of every table in the indoor seating area.

The food is healthy and delicious—plus kid-friendly to boot. My girls like the applesauce and popcorn served with PBJs here; they also slurp down the healthy smoothies. Poa also serves mimosas and cocktails in addition to strong coffee and tea. They have an excellent selection of alternative milks for those with allergies.

Parking is tough on North Williams Avenue, but I’ve never had trouble finding free street parking on the side residential streets. 

Level 10 travel tip: While you’re in the neighborhood, visit SpielWerk Toys (which also has a play area) just 3 blocks down Williams. 

Moberi

Any place that gets my kids to eat something green is magic in my book. At Moberi’s North Portland location, my kids not only drank their kid-sized green smoothie; they continue to ask to go back for more. 

The smoothies aren’t only My Little Pony-approved; they’re also picky kid-approved. My 3-year-old doesn’t eat a single vegetable, and she won’t even drink the smoothies I make at home. She devours the smoothies at Moberi, though.

Also, did you know you can ride a bike-powered blender to whip up your smoothie?!

I like a good smoothie, but my favorite items to order at Moberi are the bowls. I like a little crunch with mine!

Level 10 travel tip: Take your smoothie to go and walk down just one block to the gorgeous mural on the wall of the Q Center, on the corner of Williams and Mason. Don’t forget to snap a picture!

New Deal Cafe

When I google North Portland kid-friendly restaurants, what I’m really looking for is a restaurant with a play area. New Deal Cafe on Halsey delivers: Their dining room is divided in two, and there is a large play space that’s within line of sight of all the tables on half of the dining room. 

New Deal Cafe also serves breakfast all day, which is great news for parents of picky eaters. Most kids will eat a pancake or scrambled eggs, so there’s always something for kids to eat at this North Portland restaurant. 

When the weather is nice, we like to get vitamin D along with a scramble and biscuits. New Deal has a lovely outdoor patio, which is behind the restaurant—i.e. not on the side of the busy road. 

Finally, I appreciate that the cafe makes a real effort to sell food and drinks made with local ingredients. I love supporting Portland-area small businesses, farmers and roasters.

Pizza Jerk

This kid-friendly restaurant in North Portland has just about every kid’s favorite: pizza. (Unless you’re my youngest, who is perhaps the only child who refuses to eat pizza. What gives?) Pizza Jerk has two locations, including one on NE 42nd, which has a totally laid-back vibe that is welcoming to families.

The real draw of Pizza Jerk, though, is its enormous outside seating area. Picnic tables give plenty of room for families to spread out, and there’s enough space between tables for kids to meander without bumping into other eaters. Kids may like the food, but they’ll love the play area. Umbrellas shade tables when it’s sunny, and the outdoor patio is next to the few parking lot spots in case your kids need to grab a left-behind lovey from the car. 

Pizza Jerk has all the regular pizzas your kids will probably choose, but adults who are more adventurous might want to try pizza with clams, broccoli rabe or eggplant parmesan. And their pepperoni couldn’t get more local: It’s made from Old Salt, which is across the street! They also serve spaghetti and meatballs—as well as a pizza Bloody Mary. I’m not kidding.

And for kids who eat a good dinner (and the grown-ups, too): Pizza Jerk offers about a half-dozen flavors of soft-serve ice cream! 

Where families eat in North Portland

These are just our 5 favorite North Portland kid-friendly restaurants, but there are so many more! If you’ve been to Portland with kids, please share where you all ate.

I’m curious—what do you look for in a kid-friendly restaurant? Share your must-haves—and your deal-breakers—below in the comments!

PS – If you want to learn more about how to feed your family on vacation, check out my post on finding a kid-friendly restaurant anywhere and tips to get picky kids to eat on vacation.

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So if you want to avoid crowds at the zoo, know what to expect, and overall have the best trip to the Oregon Zoo with kids, then you’ve come to the right place. Below, I’ll cover when to go, the least-crowded areas, what to bring, the must-buy item at the ticket booth and even which route to take to avoid a rough uphill climb.

Whether you’re planning a family trip to Portland or you’re an Oregon family, I know these Oregon Zoo insider tips will help make your family zoo trip an unforgettable one!

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The best Oregon Zoo trip with kids

Ready to have the best trip to the Oregon Zoo? We’ve been members since my older daughter was born nearly six years ago, so we know all the secrets. Here are the insider tips you need!

To avoid crowds at the Oregon Zoo…

Go during a weekday

It’s commonsense that zoos are busier on weekends. So if you can, plan your zoo trip during the week to avoid peak times.

Hit the zoo early

If you want to avoid crowds at this Portland zoo, head to the zoo as close to opening time as you can. Bonus: Many animals are more active in the morning. Especially in the summer when afternoons get too hot.

Level 10 travel tip: Parking is also much easier when you arrive early!

Take the Pacific Northwest path

Most people who visit the Oregon Zoo with kids walk straight down the main path past the mountain goats, not even realizing there’s a super un-busy route hidden nearby. If you walk past the mountain goat enclosure, you’ll see the Pacific Northwest path that takes you to see salmon, condors and other animals native to Portland, Oregon and beyond.

The path is a bit steep, and it’s not stroller-friendly, so go down the main path if that doesn’t work for you. But if you want to avoid crowds at the Oregon Zoo, this is the path for you!

Avoid school holidays

Once I took the kids to the Portland zoo on a weekday, expecting a mellow day checking out the elephants and sea otters. But when we arrived, I was surprised to see every other parent in Portland there.

It turned out that it was a random day off at Portland Public Schools, so tons of families went to visit the Oregon Zoo with kids.

Want to avoid that mistake? Check the Portland Public School calendar to make sure you don’t go on a day off.

Level 10 travel tip: Do the same wherever you go, whether that’s OMSI in Portland or the local children’s museum in your city. In-service days at local schools make museums, zoos and parks bonkers!

To plan your route through the Oregon Zoo…

Avoid a giant hill

Once you’re in the central part at the zoo, I’d guess about 90% of people continue on through the sea lions en route to the primates and elephants. If you want a true Oregon Zoo insider tip, though, listen up: Instead of going underground to see the sea lion tank, keep right to continue on the paved path.

Hardly anyone goes this direction, so you’ll be flowing against traffic. You’ll pass the tiger and the insect zoo before heading downhill toward the bats, flamingoes and crocodiles.

Here’s the best part: You’ll go down a steep hill instead of up on the way out. Believe me, this is pure gold for going to the Oregon Zoo with kids. You won’t have to push a heavy stroller uphill (or bribe older kids to keep going when they’re tired out from exploring).

Visit the carousel—strategically

My kids are wild about the carousel at our Portland zoo. They talk the entire drive to the zoo about what animal they’re going to ride. Little do kids know that the carousel can be prime motivation when they get cranky or tired.

Here’s how it works. Let’s say you spend half a day at the zoo and your kids get whiney. They start to complain and drag their feet. If you just need them to go a little bit farther so you can make your exit, suggest going to the carousel. They’ll immediately find some energy and, if they’re like my littles, will get the oomph to walk back out.

Level 10 travel tip: Buy your carousel tickets at the admission booth to save time. You can also buy them at the carousel, but you won’t want the delay when your kids are itching to climb on.

Leave the right way

Almost everyone who visits the zoo works their way around clockwise by going through the sea lion exhibit and then back up the hill by the bats. Instead, go the opposite route and walk up the steps next to the sand castle. If you have a stroller, you can’t manage the steps. But you can go through the sea lion exhibit, which has a stroller-friendly ramp that connects to the main path to the zoo exit.

To keep your kids from getting hangry…

Bring your own food

The Oregon Zoo absolutely allows you to bring in your own food and drink, so pack it in! I always bring a lunch bag full of snacks, which keeps them from asking for elephant ears and such.

Picnic at the right spots

There are a few great places to sit and have an actual meal:

• The lawn. This wide-open green space is wet and cordoned off during the winter, but during the summer, families post up and picnic!
• Sculpture garden. There are several picnic tables on the hill between the bat habitat and the Insect Zoo, near the sculpture garden.
• Sand box. There are places to sit and eat next to the sand box, at the base of the stairs near the sea lion exhibit.
• The best place to breastfeed. I have been telling breastfeeding moms about my favorite place to breastfeed in public in all of Portland: the sea lion habitat! It’s slightly dark, totally calm, and the best place to chill out and feed your baby without a ton of distractions.

Use your membership discount

If you live in Portland and go to the Oregon Zoo a few times a year, it’s most economical to buy a membership. (We are members of the Oregon Zoo.) If you do buy food (or souvenirs) at the zoo, show your membership for a discount.

We sometimes eat at the restaurants at the Oregon Zoo. Their french fries are so good!!!!

To save money at the Oregon Zoo…

Take TriMet to the zoo

If you take a bus or the Max (Portland’s light rail), show your ticket at the zoo entrance. You’ll save money at the zoo by getting $1.50 off each admission.

Show your benefits card

With the Zoo for All program, Oregon and Washington residents who qualify for food stamps (SNAP), WIC and other programs for low-income households can visit the zoo for $5 per person. Foster families are always eligible as well. Learn more about the Zoo for All program here.

Visit the zoo on the second Tuesday of the month

Once a month, anyone can visit the zoo for just $5. Fall through spring, this day falls on the second Tuesday of the month; the schedule changes a bit during the summer. Double check the Second Tuesday schedule here.

Know that the Oregon Zoo is more crowded on these days than other weekdays, though, so prioritize either low crowds or low price.

Show your military ID

If you are an active service person or a veteran, show your military ID to get $2 off your admission. This discount is only applicable to you, not anyone who visits with you.

Get the most out of your trip to the Oregon Zoo

Whether you live in Oregon or are looking for what to do with kids in Portland, the Oregon Zoo is a wonderful way to spend a few hours or even a full day! We go as often as we possibly can, and my girls never tire of the adventure.

I hope these insider tips help you plan a wonderful trip to the Oregon Zoo with kids. Let me know how your visit goes!

The post Oregon Zoo Insider Tips: Secrets from a longtime member appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

The Hoyt Arboretum is nicknamed “a living museum of trees” for good reason: Within its 190 acres, more than 2,300 species of trees and other plants thrive, including 6,000 endangered or threatened species.

All those numbers are lost on my own children, but one great thing about exploring the Hoyt Arboretum with kids is that there’s just so much to explore. With 12 miles of trails and trees just begging to be discovered, this family hike in Portland is a no-brainer for families—no matter the weather.

If you’re wondering what to do in Portland with kids, head on over to Hoyt Arboretum in Northwest Portland. Here, I’ll share our favorite things about this family-friendly park and how to enjoy it every season of the year.

How to explore Hoyt Arboretum with kids

Hoyt Arboretum, located just up the hill from the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Japanese Garden, is giant—you can go many times and see something different every time. 

Its size, though, means you’ll enjoy it more if you have a plan before visiting Hoyt Arboretum with kids. 

These are my favorite ways to see the best of Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, OR.

1. Walk the stroller-friendly loop

Park in the lot next to the Visitor’s Center (paid parking; you can always use the Parking Kitty app to pay from your phone). Then walk the paved trail that leads up and away from the Visitor’s Center. The 1-mile paved loop is perfect for strollers, though you’ll have to push uphill for some sections.

2. Go off-road

With so many trees, my kids wanted to explore under some of them, too! When visiting the Hoyt Arboretum with kids, observe the trees from every angle—from afar, close-up, even underneath their branches. They don’t have to stick to the trail!

Ask your littles about the similarities and differences among the trees. They’ll begin to appreciate the huge diversity of trees!

3. Collect fallen leaves

Hiking Hoyt Arboretum is one of my favorite things to do in Portland in fall, when many of the park’s trees were showing off their autumn colors. We found tons of differently shaped and colored leaves on the ground. Thankfully, we came prepared: The girls collected leaves in buckets, which we turned into art projects when we got home. (Want ideas? Check out my guide to nature art projects!)

4. Head for cover

When it’s raining, you can still explore Hoyt Arboretum with kids—but you might want to stick to the densely forested section of the park. If you’re coming from the Zoo, drive about 100 yards past the Visitor’s Center and take a left at an unmarked road with a wooden sign that says Hoyt Arboretum. The road will take you downhill, where you’ll find small parking lots and room to park on the shoulder of the road.

From there, you can explore dozens of trails through firs, pines, cedars and even redwoods. The thick forest will keep the heaviest rain from falling on you. See, this is how Oregonians get outside no matter the weather!

5. Hand over your camera

Edie in particular loves to take photos on my phone. I’ve found that she gets really into family hikes in Portland when she is taking photos. She examines leaves up close, looks for banana slugs and, well, doesn’t complain.

Sure, some parents may give me the side-eye for allowing technology into the Great Outdoors. But whatever. Seeing nature through the lens of photography is a great way to inspire kids’ curiosity in the natural world.  

6. Become a Tree Buddy

Simply download and print the Meet the Trees Hoyt Arboretum map and activity sheet (or get a copy in the Visitor’s Center). When you complete the questions, bring the sheet to the Visitor’s Center. Your kids will get a special certificate and a passport with even more fun activities to do on upcoming trips to the Hoyt Arboretum.

7. Tree Time! Preschool Walks

Little ones have an abundance of energy—why not let them walk it out and learn about trees during a Tree Time! Preschool Walk? The activity at Hoyt Arboretum with kids is for children ages 2-6. Every other Monday at 10am, rain or shine, kids will explore a nature-based theme through a volunteer-guided walk, story time and a craft. $3/child.

8. Climb a mini-Stonehenge

Ok, so the big rocks within Hoyt Arboretum aren’t actually a Stonehenge replica, or anything like it, but my kids got a kick out of it anyway. (They thought the big rocks in a semi-circle were a lot like the circle of stones from the Disney movie Brave!)

When we recently took a family hike in Portland, we pretended that we were the first people to discover these stones in the Hoyt Arboretum. And of course we had to document our find with a photo. You can leave finding the stones to chance; if you want a clue, wander around in the spruce and red fir trails. 

9. Feel tall—really tall—on the Redwood Deck

At one end of the Redwood Trail, you’ll find the Redwood Deck—a wooden platform among towering redwoods. When you visit Hoyt Arboretum with kids, you’ll definitely want to find this gorgeous spot tucked among the trees. We tried to get a photo here, but my littlest was too busy sprinting in circles to get a good shot. #realfamilytravel

Fall in love with family hikes in Portland

No matter how you explore Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, come back again and again. The park is free (though you have to pay to park in some sections). And the arboretum is always changing.

Visit the Hoyt Arboretum in the spring for the blossoms, then come back in the summer to see the nuts and fruit. Visit again in the fall to see deciduous trees’ vibrant leaves, and head into the dense forest to appreciate the beauty of evergreens when the rest of the world looks grey. 

And remember: We Oregonians don’t let crummy weather keep us inside. Whether you live in Portland or are visiting from afar, do as the locals do: Enjoy our beautiful state, rain or shine.

While you’re in Northwest Portland, don’t miss visiting the Portland Japanese Garden, which is just down the road from the Hoyt Arboretum. I wrote about how to enjoy the meditative retreat with kids—yes, it can be done, and the garden actually welcomes families! Click on over to read the do’s and don’ts as well as tips from a mama who has visited the Japanese Garden with two kids (and lived to tell the tale, ha!). 

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But I wouldn’t blame you if you’re nervous at the thought of venturing outside for Portland holiday events during the winter—close to your kids’ bedtime, no less. That’s why I wrote this blog post: To help you make the most of visiting the Portland ZooLights with kids. After all, you want your family holiday outings to be more fun and less freezing or frustrating.

I’ve been there, too! But this year going to ZooLights with kids was my best yet, and I’m excited to share with you the tips and insider recommendations I’ve used to make this Portland holiday event one to remember.

My family received free tickets to the Oregon Zoo ZooLights. As always, opinions in this family travel blog are entirely my own, and I only share experiences I know you will value, too.

Portland ZooLights with kids: 12 tips for holiday fun

We typically say no to family events that might interfere with the girls’ bedtime, but we make an exception for ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo. Here’s how to make this Portland holiday event run smoothly.

1. Dress warmer than you think you have to

It was 48 degrees when my family went to ZooLights this year, but we dressed for a day on the mountain! I broke out the kids’ snow pants (and mine), brought hats and mittens, and made sure everyone was toasty warm.

The Oregon Zoo tends to be about 5 degrees colder than other parts in Portland, so keep that in mind. Also remember you’ll be outside for 1.5-2 hours. And while you’ll be walking around, you’re not generating that much body heat—so dress warmly and in layers!

My kids and I may have looked like marshmallows, but no one was cold. I call that a win.

2. Use the bathroom before you leave home

I knew the kids would be wearing snow pants and coats—layers that are a total pain to take off when you need to pee in a public bathroom. So I made sure everyone had used the bathroom before they got dressed warmly.

3. Dress your kids in PJs

ZooLights opens at 5pm, which means you’ll get your kids home around bedtime. Avoid a power struggle over pajamas by putting them in PJs as their base layer.

This year, I actually gave them their new Christmas jammies right before we left for Portland ZooLights, so they were thrilled to get changed! And I didn’t have to cajole anyone into changing once we got home.

4. Bring a stroller for younger children

My kids are now 3 and 5, and my 3-year-old rode in our double stroller for only a few minutes. We probably won’t bring it next year. If your children are younger, though, definitely bring a stroller.

5. Pack blankets

If you do bring a stroller, bring a blanket for each child. They’ll get colder if they’re sitting instead of walking, so having a cuddly blanket will help keep them toasty.

6. Bring all the snacks

This year, my sister and brother came with us to the Portland ZooLights, and my sister laughed when I recited all the snack options to my hungry kids. I brought a tiny cooler filled with sliced turkey, tofu dogs, peeled apple chunks, Goldfish crackers, string cheese, fruit leather, fruit squeezie pouches, bananas, granola bars and PBJs.

I knew the kids wouldn’t be eating an actual dinner, since we were at ZooLights during our regular meal time, so I needed to get them fed on the go.

I saw another family brought a picnic and ate it at a table between the African Rainforest and Discovery Plaza. I thought that was a great idea! (As long as it’s not raining.)

7. Bring your own souvenirs

One of the first things you’ll see as you walk into ZooLights with kids is a stall selling glow-in-the-dark and light-up toys. I didn’t even pause long enough to check out the prices (since I wasn’t about to buy any for my kids!), but I’m pretty certain they’re out of our budget.

If you think your kids will want to buy light-up toys, grab some glow-in-the-dark wands or jewelry from the Dollar Store before you go to the Portland ZooLights.

8. Buy your tickets online

Instead of standing in line, you can now buy Portland ZooLights tickets online here! The link doesn’t work for discounted tickets (for $5 apiece), which you can get if you use assistance programs including WIC, Head Start, food stamps and others, or if you’re a foster family.

Also remember that your Oregon Zoo membership will also get you into ZooLights. (We are Oregon Zoo members!)

9. Go to ZooLights early

ZooLights starts at 5, and I recommend arriving at the Oregon Zoo by 4:45. That will allow you to park before all the lots are full and you have to drive back to the shuttle parking lot. Then you can pay for parking (at $3/hour) and get your tickets, then be through the gates at 5—before the crowds.

10. Visit ZooLights sooner rather than later

The later in the season you go to ZooLights, the busier it will be. Families cram in holiday events toward Christmas (which is another reason why you definitely need to use my family calendar planning hack), so get ZooLights with kids in your schedule now!

11. Look for the hearts

Throughout the light displays at the Portland ZooLights, you’ll find lit-up hearts. Tell your kids to look for them in this holiday scavenger hunt! My kids were so excited each time we found a heart. And by saying, “Let’s go look for more hearts!” we were able to keep them moving along so we didn’t stay all night.

If you locate all six of the hearts, stop by the gift shop and submit an entry for a chance to win a $75 gift card.

12. Plan ahead if your child has sensory needs

If your child is sensitive to light, noise or other stimulation, plan ahead. You might want to bring a stroller that has a pull-down top (like our BOB) and bring noise-canceling headphones. Also know that there are certain parts of the ZooLights loop that will be more triggering for kids with sensory processing disorders or sensitivities.

The steam train, located at the very end of the loop (just pass the Insect Zoo and tiger habitat), lets out an extremely loud blast when it parks and when it sets off again. And the light tunnel, near the Rainforest Plaza (and the bats), is very bright and stimulating.

13. Let kids run around on the playground

If you’re anything like me, when you go to ZooLights with kids you’ll say “Please don’t touch/lean on/pull the lights” an awful lot. It’s hard for kids to control all their little impulses, which is why you should plan on hanging out at the Oregon Zoo sculpture playground for a while.

Up the hill from the bats, kids can climb on stone bears, camels and rams. It’s well lit, thanks to a wall of lights, and it’s actually meant for kids (and aunties!) to use as a jungle gym. So let them go nuts!

Everything you need to know to visit ZooLights with kids

Now that you are prepped with all the tips to make your ZooLights visit a happy one, here are all your logistical questions, answered.

When is ZooLights 2018?

Portland ZooLights 2018 have already started! They run through January 5 but are closed December 24-25. Also, ZooLights becomes BrewLights for November 27-28, which is a 21+ event that includes local breweries and wineries.

ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo runs 5-9 most nights, except it is open 5-8pm on value nights. See the ZooLights calendar for details. Most animal habitats close at 8pm.

Is the carousel running at ZooLights?

Yes! (My kids and I love the carousel and go every time we visit the Oregon Zoo.) But the carousel is in a different place during this month, which totally threw me off!

The carousel is located between the Rainforest Plaza and the Discovery Plaza, right before the tiger habitat. Tickets are $3 ($2.50 for members), and you’ll save time by buying them with your ZooLights entry tickets.

Are there animals at ZooLights?

Yes, there are some animals at ZooLights! But remember that ZooLights happens at night (from 5-8 or 5-9pm, depending on the day), when the lights go on and animals go to sleep.

Animals you may get to see when you go to ZooLights with kids:

• mountain goats
• sea lions
• otters
• penguins
• elephants (inside Forest Hall, not in the open-air enclosure)
• big cats (in Predators of the Serengeti indoors; the outdoor lion enclosure isn’t lit)
• bats
• insects in the Insect Zoo

My girls were thrilled to see the bats so active. As my three-year-old exclaimed, “That’s ’cause they’re nocturnal!” See, Portland holiday events can be educational!

How long does it take to go through ZooLights?

It took us just over 1.5 hours to walk through ZooLights with kids, but we didn’t go to the elephant area. We also didn’t ride the train. If you plan on seeing everything, plus riding the train and carousel, plan on 2.5 hours to go through ZooLights.

Is there food at ZooLights?

Yes, though most options are what you might expect at zoo food carts: elephant ears, cotton candy, etc. There are also food carts at the Portland Zoo Lights—when we went, Verde Cocina, Olympia Provisions and a few other local restaurants had carts set up for actual meals. You can also eat at the Oregon Zoo restaurant at the zoo entrance (across from the mountain goats).

For adults, you can get beer, wine and spiked hot drinks several places throughout the zoo. Check out the Portland ZooLights map for these places, marked by a red circle with a wine glass.

So if you go to the Portland ZooLights with kids every year or are making this year your first, put this holiday event on your calendar. Now that you have all the info and hacks to make ZooLights a blast for the whole family, I know you’ll enjoy it!

If you’re looking for more ideas on family-friendly holiday activities in Portland, read my post on Portland holiday events 2018. I rounded up more than 20 festive activities for kids!

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2021 update note: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we celebrate the holidays in Portland and the metro area. Some traditional Portland Christmas things to do have been modified or canceled due to the pandemic. I’ve done my best to collect the most up-to-date information about Portland Christmas events but recommend you check directly with the event organizer before attending.

Some Portland holiday events are a bust, though, and it’s such a drag to go to one and be disappointed. So read all the way through to the bottom of this post to see a few Portland holiday events to skip.

So no matter what you celebrate, there are festive ways to get in the spirit in Portland, Oregon. Bundle up the kids, put on your Raffi Christmas CD, and get ready for the best Portland holiday yet!

The jolliest must-do Portland holiday events for families

1. Portland tree lighting ceremony

Portland gathers together in Pioneer Courthouse Square, aka Portland’s Living Room, to see the lights go on all over this 75-foot-high Christmas tree. There’s also a massive caroling event. You can’t get much more festive than that! See the website for more information.

2021 update: The city of Portland has made this year’s tree lighting ceremony virtual. The event will be live-streamed online, which you can watch from home (while sipping hot cocoa, naturally). You can still stop by Pioneer Courthouse Square to see the lit-up Christmas tree on your own!

2. Christmas lights at The Grotto

Holly jolly news: Christmas at The Grotto is back!

The Grotto is a Catholic sanctuary in East Portland, and during the holidays it’s filled with gorgeous lights, live music, puppet shows and a petting zoo with a camel! We went with a group of friends last year and had a wonderful time. Bundle up, because it gets cold! Read my full review of the Christmas Lights at the Grotto.

Buy your tickets online ahead of time. Tickets are timed and specific to a given night in order to limit the number of people who visit. This year, there will be no animal petting zoo.

What’s more, you can listen to live musical performances at The Grotto. Listen to Christmas carols and other seasonal music performed by choirs and other musicians.

2021 update: The Grotto has brought back its famous annual Christmas Lights at the Grotto event after taking a year off in 2020. Visitors aged 12 and over must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test within the last 72 hours.  

3. Hipster Santa

Sure, regular Santas are a dime a dozen this time of year. But a Hipster Santa? Now that’s uniquely Portland. He’ll be at Pioneer Square Mall on Thursdays and December 1-2, complete with his white man-bun and Naughty/Nice arm tattoos.

2021 update: The Lloyd Center, home of Hipster Santa, is back to hosting the Big Guy for photo ops! Reservations are not required this year but strongly recommended. (Make reservations, for Hipster Santa or regular Santa, here.) 

If you’re not committed to seeing Hipster Santa, other (more regular) Santas sit for photos elsewhere in Portland, too. I have been told that the Santa(s) at Frog Pond Farm is vaccinated, which I feel great about!

4. Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition

Dozens of vocal groups duke it out, The Voice-style, at the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Bring your kids to this Portland holiday event to sing along or just listen to your favorite seasonal songs. 

2021 update: The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition is back in person this year! And this Portland holiday event is bigger than ever—literally. Caroling groups will sing in public spaces in a 10-block radius around Pioneer Courthouse Square. Then the top three groups will “battle” on stage at The Square on December 4, 2021 from 5:30-7:30. See the Figgy Pudding Facebook page for more info.

5. Tuba Christmas Concert

Roughly 150 tubas will play holiday favorites at this annual outdoor event at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Drop by the Tuba Christmas Concert for a song or two on December 11 from 1:30-3:30pm.

2021 update: The Portland Tuba Christmas Concert returns after a 2020 hiatus. The tuba concert will have social distancing measures in effect to reduce the risk of spreading germs.

6. Portland Zoo Lights

Most of the Oregon Zoo’s animals are asleep and staying warm during Zoo Lights, but you’ll see plenty of Christmas light displays and installations during one of our favorite Portland holiday events. We’re not the only ones who love this Portland holiday tradition: Zoo Lights is popular—and relatively busy.

Ironically, the limitations imposed because of the pandemic have made Portland Zoo Lights more mellow (and enjoyable, IMO). This also means it’s not an epic struggle to find a parking spot. Even better, take public transportation and don’t worry about parking at all!

Read my full post on going to ZooLights with kids for tips and all the details!

2021 update: This year, ZooLights is offering both a walk-through and a drive-through experience. The choice is yours! Buy tickets for timed entry to enjoy the 1.5 million lights, either on foot or from the car.

Zoo Lights runs from November 19, 2021 through January 9, 2022, excluding December 25 (Christmas). Walk-through tickets range from $16-29 and drive-through visits cost $65 per car. All admission is discounted 20% for zoo members.

7. Take a photobooth picture with a giant Christmas tree

If you go to Pioneer Courthouse Square on December 6, you can take a free photobooth picture or boomerang with the 75-foot-tall Christmas tree in the background. The photobooth is sponsored by Stumptown. See the website for more information.

2021 update: The photobooth is not currently operating.

8. Christmas lights on boats

At the annual Christmas Ships Parade, you’ll see regular boats decked out for the holidays—along with more Portlandia-type displays (like a glowing Sasquatch or waterskiing Santa!). See the event’s Facebook page for details on dates, evenings in December. In 2021, the ships float along different parts of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers between December 3 and 21, 2021.

Good news for 2021: The Christmas Ships Parade in Portland is *on*! You can safely watch ships while social distancing, so bundle up and stake out your spot to see this annual Portland Christmas tradition. Look up the schedule to choose a day to watch the Portland Christmas ships. Just remember to bundle up and maintain social distancing while you admire the parade. 

9. Ice skate around a Christmas tree

At the Lloyd Center in Portland, OR, you can skate in a rink in the middle of the mall. During the holidays, they install a tall Christmas tree so you can skate while pretending to be an elf. (If that’s your thing.)

Grown-ups can also skate around the tree to a live DJ on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30-7:30pm. Visit the Lloyd Center skate rink site for more information.

2021 update: Ice skating is on! The Lloyd Center requires face masks for visitors, per Oregon mandates.

10. The Nutcracker

I’ve been taking my older daughter to Portland’s The Nutcracker ballet since she was 2, and we look forward to it all year! The music, the tutus, the dancing—it’s a festive way to kick off the holidays in our family, and will be for yours, too.

Level 10 travel tip: The Oregon Ballet Theater did a discount last year right after Thanksgiving, so follow their Facebook page to keep an eye on cheaper tickets.

2021 update: The Oregon Ballet Theater is once again performing The Nutcracker in-person this year! YAY! In order to attend, members of the audience ages 5 and up must show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test. 

Get excited to twinkle your toes by watching the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy! Then check out my post with 19 top tips to see The Nutcracker with kids.

11. The Nutcracker on Ice

If you’re more into hockey than ballet, you might like seeing The Nutcracker on Ice at the Lloyd Center in Portland. December 12, 11am. Check out this page for more details.

2021 update: The Nutcracker on Ice at the Lloyd Center will be performed on one day only. Dress rehearsal will take place December 11, 2021, and you can watch the performance then, too!

12. Portland Concert-at-Christmas

Can’t decide which holiday musical performance you want to see? Treat your ears to a Christmas smorgasbord of music at the Concert-at-Christmas, performed at the Schnitz.

This concert is like a who’s who of Portland musical performing arts. You’ll see orchestras, wind ensembles and even a percussion-only performance. Each group performs a holiday-ish song or songs, including many you’ll recognize. This year the concert is on December 26 at 7:30pm.

2021 update: The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall requires proof of vaccination or recent negative test result for all concert-goers, including children. All members of the audience are required to wear face masks.

13. Light the night on Chanukah

Every night of Chanukah, communities gather at Pioneer Courthouse Square to light the menorah. This year, Chanukah begins on November 29 and ends December 5, 2021.

The first night of Chanukah, November 29, kicks off the holiday with a uniquely Portland flair: They’ll be carving an enormous menorah made of ice!

Bring the kids each night of Chanukah to sing songs, make crafts and of course play the dreidel! See the Facebook page of Chabad of Oregon for details.

2021 update: The menorah lighting event in Portland is back in person this year. In addition, it is live streaming virtually, so you can Zoom in.

14. Help the Cinnamon Bear save the spirit of Christmas

Toddlers and young children can help the Cinnamon Bear and the rest of this live show’s cast save the spirit of the season. Held at Oaks Park, the performance includes music and interactive elements so your toddler is welcome to shout out responses!

Tickets include a cup of hot cocoa. This Portland holiday event is stroller-friendly. See the Cinnamon Bear site for additional details.

2021 update: Last year this event was a drive-in performance. This year, it’s in person at the Oaks Park Dance Pavilion.

15. Christmas lights and miniature trains at Aspen Meadow

Throughout the grounds of Aspen Meadow south of Portland, kids will see all sorts of holiday lights displays. There are also set-ups indoors, including a miniature village and train display. Visiting the Christmas Lights at Aspen Meadow is free and they accept nonperishable food donations for the Oregon Food Bank. December 8-26; see the website for more information.

2021 update: The event at Aspen Meadow continues to be canceled this year.

16. Ride the Holiday Express with Santa

You and your kids can celebrate Christmas by riding a twinkling vintage steam engine from Oaks Park, through the woods, and back again. Santa meanders through each train car, giving children an opportunity to say hello (and maybe whisper their wish list!). 

Choose from among hourly departure times and buy tickets in advance at the Holiday Express website.

2021 update: The Holiday Express Santa train is BACK!

17. Lights and Christmas events at Victorian Belle

At this historic Portland home that’s open to the public, more than a million lights and 10 Christmas trees make this a beautiful home to tour. Live carolers, Santa and hot cider are inside, too. Admission is between $5-12, most days December 1-26, 2021; see the website for more information.

In addition, the Portland Victorian Belle is hosting other holiday events. You can make a wreath, meet Santa, create kids’ crafts and even a night of live music with a special guest appearance from Krampus himself!

2021 update: The Holiday Belle light display is open again! See the website for general admission tours of the house and holiday events.

18. Holiday displays at Pittock Mansion

Pittock Mansion, the magnificent Victorian house/museum, decorates its many extravagant rooms for the holidays. See more about these events at their website. November 22, 2021 through January 4, 2022.

You’ll want to leave time to wander the grounds in addition to exploring the mansion’s interior. On a clear day, you can see an impressive view of the Portland skyline from the grounds.

This year, the holiday theme is “Critters Make Merry.” Volunteer decorators have turned each room into a themed display.

2021 update: Pittock Mansion is once again open! You can visit the grounds and tour the mansion.

19. Go caroling on a trolley

So you like to sing but don’t love walking around in the cold? Why not carol from the inside of a vintage trolley? The 2-hour trip around Lake Oswego and South Portland on the Fa La La Trolley will help you sing loud and clear for all to hear, complete with song books and seasonal treats. Kids are welcome! December 13 and 16.

2021 update: As of the time I updated this post, the Christmas trolley has not resumed its holiday runs.

20. Eat free cookies!

Holiday cookies are the best. Holiday cookies that you don’t have to bake (or clean up after) are even better! Get a package of locally made iced cookies for free at Pioneer Courthouse Square on December 17 from 1-2pm.

2021 update: This event is currently on hold.

21. Christmas in the Garden / Silverton Christmas Market

Less than an hour south of Portland, Oregon Gardens holds an annual lights extravaganza, Christmas in the Garden. The outdoor displays use a million lights to create imaginative scenes, tunnels and more.

Christmas in the Garden, which has been renamed the Silverton Christmas Market, also includes food and drink carts, a small holiday market, a snow-less sledding hill and indoor ice skating.

2021 update: After closing to the general public in 2020, this holiday event has returned! Now operating under the name Silverton Christmas Market, the lights event will run November 26, 2021 through January 9, 2022, closed December 25 and 26. Ice skating is not available this year.

22. Portland International Raceway Winter Wonderland

Yes, it’s cold outside—but you can enjoy all the Christmas sights from the warmth of your car at Portland International Raceway’s Winter Wonderland.

The Pacific Northwest’s largest Christmas lights event showcases epic scenes and animated displays. Your car will also drive through stunning lights tunnels.

November 29, 2021 is a special bikes-only event called Bike the Lights. The following night, November 30, is open for people walking their dogs!

Entry costs $28-39 per car (online tickets only) from November 26 – December 31.

2021 update: Winter Wonderland is on! No more than six people per car and one household per car.

23. Clackamas County Winter Fair

Just a few minutes’ drive from Portland, the Clackamas County Fairgrounds have been transformed into a festive extravaganza. Christmas lights tunnels and pretty displays line a quarter-mile pathway, making this an easy distance for young’uns.

Tickets cost $15; children 11 and under get in free. Check the Winter Fair website to buy tickets and see when Santa will be onsite, too!

2021 update: The Clackamas County Winter Fair holiday display is now open for walk-through visits.

24. Christmas Fantasy Trail

Feel like you’re walking through a fairy tail at the Christmas Fantasy Trail at Wenzel Farm. This annual, outdoor event includes a wooded trail brightened with Christmas lights.

Admire adorable cottages and walk across a mini-suspension bridge, too. This Oregon City holiday event isn’t fancy but is charming. Kids in particular love it!

2021 update: The Christmas Fantasy Trail is still canceled.

25. Christmas lights trail at Maddax Woods

Just a short drive from Portland, this holiday event is fun for families—including the dogs! Maddax Woods in West Linn is decorated every year with Christmas lights, including displays of native animals like owls and raccoons. 

This short, wooded trail has only a small parking lot so be prepared to park in the residential neighborhood and walk to the trailhead. It starts out with a short, steep hill but is an easy walk otherwise.

2021 update: As of the day I updated this post, I couldn’t find details about the 2021 plans for Maddax Woods. Considering this is an outside event, I am betting it will take place. Make sure you wear a mask and practice social distancing at this Portland-area Christmas event. 

26. Drive-through community events

COVID-19 can’t dampen our holiday spirits! In response to the many closures and cancelations this holiday, some communities are organizing drive-through events.

(We’ll be going to West Linn’s Candy Cane Lane drive-through this year.)

Simply search your neighborhood and “holiday drive through” to find one near you.

27. Help those less fortunate

Whether you volunteer at a soup kitchen, sing at a retirement community or fill a stocking for the homeless, one of the best ways you can celebrate the holidays is to give back. Make helping others a part of your holiday tradition this year.

Every year we buy gifts for a teen who is in the foster care system, through Project 48. Consider how you can make someone else’s holiday happier in a way that feels meaningful to you.

The Portland holiday events to skip

Not all Portland holiday events are created equal. Here are several I don’t recommend.

Reindeer at 7dees

You’ll never see more depressing reindeer, I guarantee it. They’re kept in a small pen on concrete, and they look so sad. This kind of animal display will not bring you holiday cheer.

Christmas lights at Peacock Lane

I may catch flack for this, but I wouldn’t recommend driving Portland’s Peacock Lane to see the Christmas lights there. It is so trafficked that it becomes a madhouse. The exception: Peacock Lane is closed to cars and open only to pedestrians December 15-17, so carpool or take public transportation!

2021 update: After taking a year off due to COVID-19, residents of Peacock Lane reinstated this Portland Christmas event this year.

How will you be celebrating the holidays? Do you have your eye on any 2021 Portland holiday events?

Want more family activities to do in Portland? See my posts on the Chinese Garden and the Japanese Garden, both kid-friendly destinations in Portland.

The post 27 Portland holiday events for families: 2021 update of Christmas things to do appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

The Portland Japanese Garden’s terrain is carefully maintained, finding a gorgeous balance between nature and design. You won’t find an abundance of flowers—the garden relies more on greenery, rocks and water features. The Garden, which includes sections modeled on various Japanese gardening philosophies, was created to inspire serenity and an appreciation of beauty.

That goal certainly succeeded with my family when I visited the Portland Japanese Garden with my kids.

Skeptical that a quiet retreat like the Japanese Garden can actually be family-friendly? Read on to find out why visiting the Portland Japanese Garden with kids is at the top of my recommendations to out-of-town visitors—and to learn how to make the most of your trip.

The benefits of visiting the Portland Japanese Garden with kids

I know, I know, the idea of bringing your kids to as serene a destination as the Portland Japanese Garden probably freaks you out—it did for me, too. After all, bringing children (who have two volumes—loud and louder) to a relaxing retreat can be stressful.

But the challenge of being respectful in a place like the Portland Japanese Garden is good for parents—and children.

Firstly, it gives kids an opportunity to practice respect and empathy. When you explain to them that the Japanese Garden is meant for quiet walking and peaceful visits, it encourages them to think of others’ needs. When I visited the Portland Japanese Garden with my kids, I said, “We need to use our quiet voices here. This is a special garden where people come to be in nature quietly.”

Secondly, it gives kids an opportunity to impress you and show you how they can rise to meet new challenges. I was beyond impressed with how my kids, ages 3 and 5, respected the Japanese Garden. Sure, they ran around a bit and I had to remind them to use quiet voices, but overall they did great.

If even my 3-year-old, whom I sometimes lovingly call The Destroyer, can visit the Portland Japanese Garden, your kids can too!

Finally, being in the Japanese Garden in Portland helps your child grow self-awareness. Kids are learning so much, including how they fit into the world around them. When you give them limits—like not shouting or staying on the path—they see how their voices and actions relate to other people and the environment around them. This awareness eventually translates into self-regulation, the skill that helps your child sit during story time or eat at a restaurant without making a scene.

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Kid-first features of the Portland Japanese Garden

Now that I’ve convinced you it’s totally worth visiting the Portland Japanese Garden with kids, here’s what you need to know to visit this family-friendly destination in Oregon.

Tips for visiting the Portland Japanese Garden with kids

Here’s everything you need to know to make your visit to the Portland Japanese Garden with kids a smooth one.

1. Limited stroller access

The first time I went to the Portland Japanese Garden, my oldest daughter was just 1. I brought a stroller—and ended up sweating and swearing trying to get it up to the Garden’s entrance and rolling it over the gravel paths.

Don’t be like me, and know this: The Portland Japanese Garden isn’t terribly great for strollers.

You can fold up a stroller and bring it on the shuttle (more on that in a second). There is designated stroller parking space near the entrance to the park. But many paths in the Japanese Garden aren’t accessible to strollers (or wheelchairs), so it’s best to leave the stroller in the car.

Level 10 travel tip: If you’re visiting the Portland Japanese Garden with a baby, babywear your little one. You won’t have to deal with parking a stroller, and you’ll have full access to all the park’s paths.

2. Take the shuttle

Again on my first trip to the Portland Japanese Garden, I thought I’d skip the shuttle. After all, there’s a nice little walk/hike up a stone path from the parking area to the Garden’s entrance up the hill.

Mistake.

With kids, you don’t want to wear them out before you even get inside the Japanese Garden. Shuttles come every 15 minutes, and they’ll take you from the base of the hill straight to the entrance. You’ll buy your ticket at the bottom, hop on the shuttle and be inside the gate within minutes.

3. Plan for parking

Parking is tight in Washington Park (home to the Portland Japanese Garden), especially on sunny days and the weekend. Arrive early in the day for the best chance of getting a good spot, and know you might have to drive around a bit for a parking place. Parking is not free.

If there’s no parking, drive to the Sunset Transit Center, the park’s overflow parking spot. You can ride a shuttle back to Washington Park and the Portland Japanese Garden.

Level 10 travel tip: Download the Parking Kitty app to pay quickly right from your phone. (Washington Park is Zone 400 on the app.) Parking Kitty will literally meow when your time is about to expire, and you can add time from your phone if you need more.

4. Skip parking; ride public transportation

Parking in busy locations gives me a headache. Luckily, the red and blue Portland MAX trains stop at the Oregon Zoo nearby, and then you can ride the free shuttle to the Portland Japanese Garden.

The TriMet bus #63 also runs to the Portland Japanese Garden.

Level 10 travel tip: If you do ride the MAX or bus and go to the Oregon Zoo before or after the Portland Japanese Garden, show your ticket stub when you buy tickets: You’ll get a $1.50 discount off admission!

5. Feed your kids beforehand

The Portland Japanese Garden doesn’t allow food within the park. Make sure your kids have eaten their fill of snacks on the way there, or plan on expanding their palate with food at the garden’s Umami Cafe. It serves fried rice, sweets and, of course, tea.

6. Plan for an hour

Adults can sit and meditate in the Portland Japanese Garden—there are many places designed for just this purpose—but families will probably keep moving throughout the park. Going at my kids’ pace, it took us about an hour to walk throughout the entire Portland Japanese Garden.

7. Young kids get in free

Children 5 and under can visit the Japanese Garden for free—see, this is a family-friendly destination in Portland! The kids’ free admission definitely made visiting more budget-friendly.

If cost is an issue and you have SNAP (food stamps) benefits, simply show your card at the ticket office and you’ll get two adult tickets for $5 each, plus up to four children for free.

8. Dress in layers

Much of the Japanese Garden is shaded, and it’s generally cooler here than in other parts of Portland. Wear layers so your kids don’t get cold.

Views of the Portland Skyline

The Portland Japanese Garden is also famous for its incredible views of the Downtown Portland skyline.

The best vantage point: The overlook just outside the Pavilion. (This is where art exhibits and bonsai are displayed.)

Portland is notorious for cloudy and drizzly weather. But if you manage to visit the Portland Japanese Garden on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mt. Hood.

Other kid-friendly destinations near the Portland Japanese Garden

Located in Northwest Portland, the Japanese Garden is near a whole bunch of other kid-friendly destinations. If you want more after visiting the Portland Japanese Garden with kids, make a day of it! Here are ideas for nearby activities.

Hoyt Arboretum

Within the Hoyt Arboretum’s 190 acres, 2,300 species of trees and other plants (including 63 endangered species) grow. If your kids want some unstructured time to hike their wiggles out, the Hoyt Arboretum is a beautiful place to wander. Some of its 12 miles of trails are accessible, which means they’re also stroller-friendly. Click on over to read my full post about visiting Hoyt Arboretum with kids!

Level 10 travel tip: During May through September, plus weekends in April and October, a free shuttle runs ever 15 minutes and connects the Portland Japanese Garden with other nearby destinations, including the Hoyt Arboretum. Don’t mess with parking again—hop on the shuttle.

International Rose Test Garden

As Portland is the City of Roses, it makes sense to visit the Rose Test Garden—one of 11 sites nationwide that cultivate and test a wide variety of roses for the American Rose Society.

Level 10 travel tip: On a clear day, look for Mt. Hood in the distance from Portland’s Rose Test Garden. It makes for a stunning photo!

Children’s Playground in Washington Park

Portland’s Washington Park has acres of green space, but my kids were most thrilled about the Children’s Playground just down the hill from the Portland Japanese Garden. It’s an enormous playground with a structure criss-crossed with bridges, ramps and things to climb on. It also has a swing set (including accessible swings for children with disabilities); my kids favorite part was the giant sand box.

Children’s Playground in Washington Park time lapse from Catherine Ryan Gregory on Vimeo.

Oregon Zoo

We are Oregon Zoo members because my kids and I love seeing the animals in this award-winning zoo. It’s just a quick shuttle ride away from the Portland Japanese Garden.

At the Oregon Zoo, make sure to see the recently renovated Elephant Lands habitat. (My kids say hi to Lily, the baby elephant there, whenever we visit!) You’ll also want to sit for as long as your kids will let you and watch the harbor seals in the underwater viewing area. I still maintain it’s one of the most relaxing places to visit in Portland.

Hike to the Witch’s Castle

In nearby Forest Park, you and your kids can hike to a stone ruins lovingly named the Witch’s Castle. You can park at the Portland Audubon Society and hike down to the spooky ruins; see my full post on hiking to the Witch’s Castle with kids on my other blog, Ten Thousand Hour Mama, to get all the details.

I’m pretty sure you’re ready to head to the Portland Japanese Garden with kids like, now. Or if you don’t live in Portland (but want to visit because it’s one of my favorite family-friendly cities!), make sure to pin this post for later.

If you’re looking for more relaxing yet family-friendly activities in Portland, click over to my full post on visiting Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden with kids. It’s a gorgeous hidden gem within downtown Portland you don’t want to miss!

The post Find your zen at the Portland Japanese Garden with kids appeared first on To & Fro Fam.