Portland Oregon Weekend with Kids

We love this hotel for its proximity to the river and downtown (the Willamette is just out the back doors) and its family suites. One cool (and oh-so Portland) feature: guests have complimentary use of the hotels fleet of bicycles. Families also enjoy access to the nearby RiverPlace Athletic Club (not under the same roof, but within ea... More >

We love this hotel for its proximity to the river and downtown (the Willamette is just out the back doors) and its family suites. One cool (and oh-so Portland) feature: guests have complimentary use of the hotels fleet of bicycles. Families also enjoy access to the nearby RiverPlace Athletic Club (not under the same roof, but within easy walking distance) where an indoor swimming facility awaits.

2

Mother's Bistro & Bar

Ideally located downtown, Mother's is a local favorite for everything from Sunday brunch to after dinner coffee and desserts. Their homemade soups are heaven-sent on a rainy Portland evening, and kid-friendly dishes like deep-dish mac and cheese and lasagna abound. If you have young (or particularly squirmy) kids, stop in just for dess... More >

Ideally located downtown, Mother's is a local favorite for everything from Sunday brunch to after dinner coffee and desserts. Their homemade soups are heaven-sent on a rainy Portland evening, and kid-friendly dishes like deep-dish mac and cheese and lasagna abound. If you have young (or particularly squirmy) kids, stop in just for dessert! (Closed Mondays)

3

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

You could easily spend an entire day at OMSI, Oregon's crown jewel of hands-on museums...it has that much for families to do. Young kids will like the spacious Turbine Hall best, with its ping-pong ball room (youll know it when you see it!) and traveling exhibits. Upstairs, older kids will lose hours in the Life Science Hall, learning ... More >

You could easily spend an entire day at OMSI, Oregon's crown jewel of hands-on museums...it has that much for families to do. Young kids will like the spacious Turbine Hall best, with its ping-pong ball room (youll know it when you see it!) and traveling exhibits. Upstairs, older kids will lose hours in the Life Science Hall, learning about the human body, viewing insects, and challenging their parents to mind games and puzzles (good luck!). If you have a family membership at another Pacific Northwest museum, check at the Membership desk to see if it grants you free entry into OMSI; most do!

4

The Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo is the perfect size: not small by any means, but not so massive you can't get through it without a toddler meltdown. Its affordable, informative, and relaxed, with plenty of picnic areas and lots of local families packing in their own wagons, coolers, and the like. You can drive yourself to there, of course, but why woul... More >

The Oregon Zoo is the perfect size: not small by any means, but not so massive you can't get through it without a toddler meltdown. Its affordable, informative, and relaxed, with plenty of picnic areas and lots of local families packing in their own wagons, coolers, and the like. You can drive yourself to there, of course, but why would you when the MAX, Portland's lightrail system, takes you there for free?

5

Mount Tabor Park

If you find yourselves with one of those perfect Portland afternoons, Mt. Tabor is where you want to be. Hike the wooded paths to the top of the hill, spread out a blanket, and bask in those rare Oregon rays of sunshine. There are several playgrounds for kids, and sport courts for the young and young at heart alike!

Because you really haven't lived until youve bit into a Voodoo Doughnut maple bacon bar on a chilly Portland Saturday morning.

Portland Oregon Weekend with Kids

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Amy Hagstrom Whitley

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