10 Things to do in Portland with Kids

Portland is a child-friendly city where children can collect wonderful memories to last a lifetime. The food offerings, cable car rides and scenic farm tours make Portland an unbeatable vacation. Would you dare to hop on a Segway? I'm sure the little ones will love the ride.

Sometimes it can be difficult to find options to enjoy with the family, so I want to help you with this guide to the best things to do in Portland with kids. You can expect fun-filled adventures like a trip to the zoo, roller coasters at the city's most epic amusement park, and sugary trails in search of the tastiest ice cream and donuts.

Kids love sweets, so I suggest taking them on a sugary tour of the city's most iconic doughnut stores like Voodoo Doughnut.

You can even join one of the best tours in Portland, known as the doughnut tour, to delight in two hours of temptations made with soft dough and melt-in-your-mouth fillings. It's a great activity for the little ones that I recommend you do in the morning or at snack time, as there are usually specials between 9:00 and 15:00.

Segway rides not only allow you to see the city in a fun way, they are also the best way to explore as a family. The kids will probably balk at walking for hours, which is understandable. The idea is to make the experience enjoyable for everyone, so a two-hour tour may be the most appropriate for them to get to know the most fascinating places in Portland at their own pace and without tiring themselves out.

To participate in these activities you generally have to be over 10 years old and the guide provides all the necessary safety instructions for a smooth route. It doesn't matter if travelers are inexperienced, as the Segway is comfortable and flexible transportation.

You won't have to worry about traffic or crowded areas either, since the usual program usually skirts the waterfront and its cleared spaces overlooking the Willamette River. From here you can also see:

• The Moda Center arena, where the Trail Blazers, Portland's basketball team, usually play.
• The Japanese American Historical Plaza, a learning place for children where you will find exhibits on Asian culture and World War II.

An adrenaline rush is a must during your trip to Portland with kids, so I suggest you head to the Oaks Amusement Park Its rides are a paradise for all ages with roller coasters of varying intensity levels, all-season skating rinks, playground, escape rooms and miniature golf.

It can be hard to keep up with the kids and I assure you that by the end of the day you will all be tired and satisfied. The entrance fee starts at 11 euros and is the direct pass to experience all these attractions. Some of the most popular are:

• Chipper's Choppers: this is a gentle activity for young children, where they will be able to spin on a roller coaster according to their age.
• Adrenaline Peak: climb to the top and then plummet down. Note that participants must be at least 1.42 cm tall.
• Ferris Wheel: this is one of the most interesting activities in Portland, as it is a Ferris wheel where you will stop at the top to get panoramic views of the city.
• Disk'O: this is a roller coaster where the cars are shaped like discs.
• The Spider: an exciting attraction with more than 50 years of history that is worth giving a chance. It is a rotating attraction where the bases simulate the legs of a spider and the cars are its pincers covered by Spider-Man's suit.
• Oaks Park Train: enjoy a leisurely ride on the park's train, which is free and takes you around the grounds.

A plan that kids will definitely appreciate is to visit the famous Oregon Zoo, where you can meet about 2,200 animals of 260 different species. They receive all the attentions of the keepers, who by the way offer talks and workshops that humanize the experience and create a bond of empathy with the stories of each animal.

It is quite large, so I advise you to download the zoo map from their website so you can find the areas of interest more quickly. Note that it is open from 9:30am to 4:30pm, children under 11 get in for free and adults must purchase a ticket which is around 23 euros. In general, I recommend:

• Live encounters with the native animals of Africa.
• Feed crocodiles, only on Sundays.
• Visit the bat sanctuary.
• Participate in a treasure hunt.
• Attend ZooLights, in case you are planning to visit Portland for Christmas.
• Ride the zoo train.
• Take a ride on the zoo's merry-go-round.

Portland generally has nice weather but the hikes are often exhausting and you need to add a refreshing plan. I'm sure the kids will be excited to go on a quest to find the best ice cream in town and try different flavors of their choice. Their taste buds will celebrate this stop, especially in summer when temperatures reach 29°.

If you prefer, you can also learn about the history of ice cream and its elaboration process in a guided tour, as well as the most special recipes of the city. Although this delicious dessert has its origins in ancient China and its boom in Italy, it has undergone modifications in the United States.

Generally, these types of experiences can be found from 50 euros per person and tour a selection of renowned gelato shops, where the combinations are daring and unexpected. A must stop is Pinolo Gelato, a shrine to authentic Tuscan gelato. Or dive into the variety of flavors at Staccato Gelato, which prepares yogurt-based gelato.

The city of Portland is breathtaking from above, so you have to treat the kids to a ride on the Portland Cable Car Here they'll enjoy a three-minute spectacle with dreamy panoramic views. This adventure is quick but rewarding and, unlike local scenic overlooks, is often less crowded because some people are unaware of its existence.

You'll be able to see the boats cruising along the Willamette River and the vibrant life of the surrounding area from on high.

This option can also save you from walking or driving, as it connects the South Waterfront neighborhood to the main campus of Oregon Health & Science University.

The Columbia River RV Park reservation is a popular place to camp under the stars or sleep in RVs with all the amenities, depending on your preference. Contact with nature is essential during childhood, and if the kids enjoy outdoor activities, they're sure to have a great time here as well. This experience guarantees peace of mind for the whole family, as drifting can be risky due to the variety of wild animals in the surroundings.

You will find caravans from 45 euros per day of different sizes, budgets and with VIP equipment. In addition, in this area there are other tourists who are looking for a different adventure without leaving the city, like you. Specifically, you will be in a shared area with at least 35 families. In addition, you'll have access to WiFi, recreation spaces, restrooms with showers, laundry facilities and more.

In the area you can fish as a family, go hiking or biking, watch wildlife, play golf or swim in the nearby waterfalls. Of course, being a campground in the middle of the city it can be a bit noisy, so if you want an experience of complete relaxation I suggest booking a North Oregon Coast tour from Portland.

Another alternative getaway is a visit to the surrounding farms, which are popular for hosting some of Portland's best activities for kids. There they will be able to participate in different experiences to learn about the wildlife that characterizes the county.

Keep in mind that there are seasonal farms and others that operate year-round. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Topaz Farm: has year-round activities and children can participate in fruit picking, watch country music shows, visit the fields and be in contact with animals or taste free hot chocolate.
• Bella Organic Farm and Maze: the corn mazes are very popular and can be visited all year round. In addition, there are special events at Halloween, Easter and Christmas.
• Alpenrose Dairy: it is a dairy farm with a very active life. In fact, it has racetracks, children's contests, a baseball stadium and an opera house.

There are endless plans you can do with kids in Portland as you can already see. But this list wouldn't be complete if I didn't name Westmoreland Park. It is an outdoor space located southeast of the city, with its playground ideal for the little ones to have a good time and explore an environment surrounded by nature.

It is open from dawn and has cliff-side cabins available for overnight stays. Here you can climb the way tower, take a boat ride, fish off the pier and view a collection of fossils taken from adjacent Lake Potomac. It is also an excellent site for bird watching and to get up close to the caterpillar program that shows the process of evolution until they become beautiful butterflies.

If you plan to get around Portland by public transportation you have to give the streetcar a try. It's a fun experience that gives you a scenic tour of the city's best spots. In fact, there's a line that connects to the famous Powell's Bookstore, which houses an extensive collection ideal for kids to join a scavenger hunt through popular children's books and even catch a storytelling show.

The habit of reading helps to connect with emotions and symbolizes an escape to other worlds that stimulate creativity. Anyone's passion for books can begin in this building, as its electrifying atmosphere is hard to ignore. In addition, you can participate in recreational activities for all ages, through its 10 rooms and 3,500 sections.

At the entrance they usually provide a color-coded map of the building to facilitate the visit. Do you still have doubts if it is a good idea to visit this bookstore? Then you should know that there are children's rooms with books they can easily understand and enjoy.

Traveling with children requires some special considerations, as their routine is affected and it is necessary to find a balance to make them feel at ease. Here are some tips to make your trip to Portland more enjoyable!

Luggage

When traveling with children you must be more careful with the luggage, as it is important to carry:

• Their documentation.
• Favorite toys.
• Comfortable slippers.
• Sunscreen.
• Insect repellent (for excursions).
• Clothing suitable for the climate.
• Prescription medicines.

Schedules and weather

Adults can handle an impromptu trip with changing routes, but children do better when they have a set schedule. If you plan to spend at least 3 days in Portland I suggest planning flight times and choosing those with few or no layovers. You should also calculate how much time you will spend at each attraction and avoid long plans that may exhaust the little ones.

Additionally, it is advisable to consider rest times so they can recharge and enjoy the whole trip.

Flexibility

I recommend having a plan B, C and even D in case an activity is closed or the kids want to do something different. Also, make the experience interactive and let them participate in the organization or, at least, include some of their favorite activities.

Transfers

When you arrive in the city you will need to move from place to place constantly, luckily Portland has the Portland TriMet system which includes bus, streetcar and cable car lines. However, you can also rent a car so the kids don't have to walk.

Contact Card

In general, Portland is a safe city and families can wander quietly through its picturesque streets. However, in high season it receives many visitors and it is advisable to be attentive to children. One precaution is to give them precise instructions on what to do if they lose sight of you, as well as a contact card with all your personal information.