THE 10 BEST Family & Kid Activities in Portland
Things to Do in Portland with Kids
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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85 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Northwest District
Parks • Hiking Trails
Open now
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Northwest District
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Downtown
Neighbourhoods • Antique Shops
Sellwood - Moreland Improvement League
What travellers are saying
- Sara G.Saint Louis, MO721 contributionsThe Portland Japanese Garden, like other Japanese Gardens, is a serene and meticulously designed garden with traditional Japanese landscaping. Located within Washington Park, the garden spans 12 acres, featuring eight unique garden styles, including the tranquil Sand and Stone Garden, the lush Strolling Pond Garden, and the peaceful Tea Garden. It’s peaceful to walk around Japanese Gardens.Written 16 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Philip dUnited Kingdom187 contributionsThe gardens we still worthwhile seeing in late August, the gardens were well worth visiting. These 'Test Gardens' are very interesting. It was well worth seeing and quite interesting.Written 26 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- B4Travel2San Jose, CA319 contributionsThe Grotto is a beautiful sanctuary owned by the Catholic Church, but open to everyone. It is an oasis of lush gardens, walking trails, a beautiful glass-walled chapel with a view overlooking the mountains, trees, and vistas. They hold a Saint Peregrine Mass, as St. Peregrine is the Patron Saint of cancer and life-threatening illnesses, and people often go to these masses that are looking for solace, peace, spiritual healing, and support. We first heard of it from my uncle who was battling cancer.
When visiting relatives from out of state, we came here to look around. We came in December, so it was cold. At night they have a Festival of Lights, but the group I was with were all too cold to want to stay at night. In December, they also had a life-sized nativity scene outside, in front of the rocks.
It just all gives a sense of beauty and peace, and is a great place to go if you are needing some quiet introspection, want to have a peaceful walk, meditate, or, if battling an illness and want to attend the masses, to feel some uplifiting support. There was even a proposal happening, with flower petals strewn into the shape of a large heart while we were there, as the ambience is so serene.
People travel from far distances to visit the Grotto. It gives you a sense of peace, serenity, and nature. It is good for the soul.Written 16 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sara G.Saint Louis, MO721 contributionsThe Pittock Mansion, once home to publisher Henry Pittock, is a beautiful mansion and property in Portland. This historic estate has early 20th-century architecture and history on the Pittock family's legacy. The real highlight, though, is the panoramic view—it’s one of the best spots to take in the entire city of Portland. A perfect mix of history, beauty, and breathtaking scenery! So much history here.Written 16 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- luvthecarribean!Saint Cloud, MN270 contributionsWorth it only if you have a history of Chinese culture or you take the free guided tour. Highly recommend the guided tour. Lucinda does a wonderful job!!
On the other hand, this garden oasis is surrounded by the homeless and a super sketchy area. You actually have to get buzzed in (security gate) by the Garden staff. As a solo woman traveler, I made it there from downtown, but was definitely not prepared to head back the same way alone. It truly freaked me out.Written 17 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CountryGal5759Jackson, OH538 contributionsWe found the park by chance on our way to the Portland Japanese Gardens. The aroma was unforgettable. We smelled the roses before we entered the park. So many beautiful roses overlooking the city. So beautifully maintained. Wish we would have gone here and skipped the entrance fee for the japanese gardens. We actually spent more time here and enjoyed the free park more than the Japanese Gardens.Written 1 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Veronica O3 contributionsGreat place to see. Recommend. Worth of money. Would go again . It's well thought out. Enjoyed every second of it. Would revisit!Written 13 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jen EVancouver, Canada120 contributionsThe science museum itself is fine - lots of stuff for kids to do, but really not for adults. However, the submarine is fantastic! Highly recommended.
Just be aware that everyone needs to be able to step *unaided* through a couple of small doors onboard. That means little kids have to be able to do it themselves. There's a practice door inside the museum and the staff will check that everyone can handle it. A little girl in our tour group was very close to not being allowed to go, but all the other kids in our group worked together to encourage her.Written 26 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Andrew T290 contributionsThis is an incredibly beautiful forest to walk around in. If you have the time you can easily spend the whole day there. Lots of undulation so if that’s a difficulty walking need to be considerate of that. But the walking trails are really well paved. Overall rating 9.7Written 16 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sara G.Saint Louis, MO721 contributionsThe Redwood Observation Deck in Portland, Oregon, is unpopular short hike that you wouldn’t know about. The journey to the deck is enchanting. The trail winds through lush greens and towering redwoods. Their immense trunks and lofty canopies are unmatched by anything I’ve ever seen before. The air is cool and crisp with the heavy scent of pine and earth. As you approach the observation deck, the trail opens up to a panoramic view. Definitely take this short hike if you have 30 minutes.Written 16 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kerry JKenner, LA91 contributionsWe had a great time walking around and looking at the local artist’s work. I even got a cool bracelet! I saw some reviews saying it was in a bad area. We felt unsafe. We parked in a parking garage about 2 blocks away for only $3.Written 17 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Daphna B3 contributionsvery nice but very short, nice views, good if you need a short outing but not a long outing, also quite hot in the car because no windowsWritten 1 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- beetcannerSouthern Nevada732 contributionsIf you love Rhodies and Azaleas, this is the place to be in early May, around Mother's Day. Well kept paths and landscaping plus lovely views of the lake. This is a garden to savor and sit on a bench to gather your thoughts. Highly photogenic.Written 13 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Liz BNovato, CA34 contributionsAn excellent museum with exhibits telling the remarkable history of Oregon and of the city of Portland. We really enjoyed our visitWritten 13 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tony lVancouver, Canada5,047 contributionsSt. Johns Bridge is one of the three suspension bridges in Oregon , and tallest bridge in the city of Portland , connecting between Cathedral park on the North side to Linnton Northwest side , not as famous like Golden Gate or Brooklyn , but beautiful outstanding historical landmark , best of all No Toll , the best view is at the Cathedral Park , just MagnificentWritten 10 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
