1. Portland Children's Museum (Ages 0-12)

The Portland Children’s Museum has something for everyone! A water play station where your kiddos can spend time building waterways and pipelines. The museum provides smocks so you can avoid getting soaked but a change of clothes can always come in handy! There is a stage where your children can practice the dramatic arts or a clay station where they can create art with their hands. Not to mention a really fun area for kids that love to dig and play with trucks, a pet hospital, twilight trail, tree house adventure and much more! The Children’s Museum is next to the Oregon Zoo. Plan a morning at the children’s museum and then head over for an afternoon at the Zoo! Click the photo for more information on admission rates and times.

2. Oregon Zoo (All Ages)

The Oregon Zoo is a 64-acre wonderland for animal lovers! Start off your Zoo visit by learning more about the animals of the Great Northwest and check out the family farm where you can brush goats! Visit “Africa” and see all the amazing animals from the predators of the Serengeti to the African Savanna. From there you can head to the Elephant Lands! The primates at the Oregon Zoo are known for putting on a show for their guests! See Polar Bears in Pacific Shores and watch the penguins swim. Get an overall look at the Zoo by taking the Zoo train! Certain to be a full day of walking bring some good shoes! You can rent strollers, wheelchairs and electric scooters. The Oregon Zoo is accessible to everyone. Click the photo and check out their website for hours and pricing.

3. OMSI (All Ages)

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a science and technology museum (Disclaimer: For children under 6, I suggest the Portland Children’s Museum if you are looking for more activity).
Right now OMSI’s featured Exhibit is, Journey to Space: The Exhibition. It is included in General admission. Click here to learn more about this exhibit.
There is so much to see at OMSI whether you want to catch a movie at the IMAX Theater, climb aboard a real submarine or gaze at the stars in their impressive planetarium. There is certainly something for everyone. Visit their website by clicking the photo to plan your visit!

4. Washington Park (All Ages)

We love our parks in Portland! There are so many great parks to visit here. Washington Park is one of the oldest parks in Portland with a rich history. Things to do at Washing Park include: Paths paved and unpaved for hiking or biking (lighted at night), large playground with sand box, soccer field, outdoor stage, tennis court, public art and picnic tables. In the main circle of the park is the Chiming Fountain. Water drips from one bronze pan to another and gargoyles around the base spout water! For more information on Parks in Portland click the photo and visit the City of Portland Parks and Recreation website.

5. Portland Waterfront! (All Ages)

Portland has an amazing waterfront with a loop that you can explore by foot or by bike. On the waterfront next to the Burnside Bridge is the famous Portland Saturday Market. Enjoy some delicious food, check out arts and crafts from local artisans, purchase fresh produce, get your face painted and see the famous “Keep Portland Weird” motto working in action! As you explore downtown Portland you will come across some of the most spectacular fountains you have ever seen! If the sun is out you can always find children playing in the fountains on the waterfront! The most famous for playing is the Salmon Street Springs fountain located at 1000 SW Naito Pkwy. Check out the links below for more information.

• Bike Rentals on the Waterfront
• Fountain Guide
• Portland Saturday Market

6. Tax-Free Shopping! (All Ages)

Go beyond the Lloyd Center Mall and shop in the heart of the city at Pioneer Place 700 SW 5th Ave. Three stories of shopping encompassing 4 city blocks! Pioneer Place sits between Max Light Rail platforms, and faces the Fifth Avenue section of the Portland Transit Mall making getting around a breeze! Shop nearby stores including: Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Macy’s and many more! Click the photo for a link to guide you to shopping Downtown.

7. The Food Cart Experience (All Ages)

Portland has become famous for its food and more specifically Portland loves food carts! With over 500 food carts available most are organized into “pods”. Find a pod to visit or take a food cart tour! Click the photo above for maps of food carts in Portland and for tour information.

8. Underground Portland (All Ages Depending on Time of Day)

Expose the sins of Portland’s past on this tour through Old Town and Chinatown! The tour will show off the remains of the physical underground as well as exploring the underground subcultures, political underground and immoral underground of the city’s sordid history, and expose the myths behind the legend of the so-called “Shanghai tunnels.” Check out the Portland Walking Tours website for more information by clicking on the photo above.

9. Brewvana Portland Brewery Tours (Ages 21+)

Portland is home to 70+ breweries and that number continues to grow! More breweries than any other city in the United States! If you are interested in getting to know the Portland’s craft beer scene this is the company to use. Click on the photo above to find the tour for you or look into the private tours and build your own!

10. Portland Night Life (21+)

What are your favorite nightlife activities? Chances are Portland has something for you! Check out Happy Hours in Portland. Create your own music with a little karaoke at The Alibi Tiki Lounge or catch a live show at one of the many enchanting music venues. If what you really need is a laugh then head down to the Helium Comedy Club. For more information, you can click on the photo above.