10 Best Things to do in Portland with Kids!

While many people know Portland for its coffee shops, food trucks, and outdoor spaces, families quickly discover that the city is also full of activities designed for children. From interactive museums and zoos to parks, gardens, trains, and hands-on learning experiences, there is something here for kids of every age. In this guide, we’ll take you through 10 best things to do in Portland with kids, explain each spot in detail, and give tips to make your family trip smooth and memorable.

1. Portland’s Original Delicious Donut Adventure

Joining the Original Delicious Donut Adventure Tour is a fun way to explore Portland while enjoying one of the foods the city is most famous for. This guided walking tour takes visitors through downtown Portland and introduces them to several popular donut shops, allowing guests to sample different styles and flavors along the way. Donut tastings at multiple stops, giving visitors the chance to compare classic recipes with more creative local favorites. One of the highlights is the opportunity to visit both famous donut destinations and local shops that visitors might not discover on their own.

2. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) features interactive exhibits that explore science, technology, engineering, health, and the natural world. Visitors can take part in activities that explain complex ideas in simple ways, making the museum enjoyable for both children and adults. One of the most well-known attractions is the USS Blueback submarine, where guests can step inside and learn what life was like for sailors working beneath the ocean. The museum also includes a planetarium and a giant-screen theater that present educational programs throughout the year.

3. Hopscotch Portland Immersive Art Experience

The Hopscotch Portland Immersive Art Experience is one of the most creative attractions in Portland and offers visitors a different way to enjoy art. This large interactive space features multiple rooms filled with installations that combine light, sound, technology, and visual design. Unlike a traditional museum where visitors simply look at exhibits, Hopscotch encourages people to walk through, interact with, and become part of the artwork. Guests can explore rooms filled with colorful lights, moving projections, soundscapes, and creative environments that respond to movement and participation.

4. Explore Oregon Zoo

Located in Washington Park, Oregon Zoo is one of Portland’s most popular family attractions and is home to hundreds of animals representing many different species and habitats. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring elephants, polar bears, big cats, primates, birds, and many other animals while walking through carefully designed outdoor areas. The zoo focuses not only on animal care but helping guests understand the importance of protecting wildlife and natural habitats. Families enjoy the interactive exhibits, animal presentations, and learning opportunities available throughout the zoo.

5. Take a Cruise Tour on Willamette River

Taking a cruise tour on the Willamette River is one of the most relaxing ways to experience Portland while enjoying beautiful views of the city from the water. The river has been an important part of Portland’s history for many years and continues to connect many of the city’s most recognizable neighborhoods and landmarks. During the cruise, visitors can see the downtown skyline, waterfront parks, and Portland’s famous bridges from a unique perspective. These tours also include narration, and some cruises are designed for sightseeing, while others include dining and special seasonal experiences.

6. Powell’s City of Books

Located in the Pearl District, Powell’s City of Books is known for being one of the largest independent bookstores in the world, covering an entire city block with multiple rooms filled with books on almost every subject. Visitors can browse both new and used books, making it easy to discover rare titles, bestsellers, and local authors in one location. The store is organized into different color-coded sections, which helps guests explore its large collection more easily. In addition to books, the store hosts author events, book signings, on-site café, and community programs throughout the year.

7. World Forestry Center Discovery Museum

Located in Washington Park, World Forestry Center Discovery Museum focuses on the relationship between people, trees, wildlife, and natural resources. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that explain how forests support communities, provide materials used in daily life, and help maintain healthy ecosystems. The museum presents information in an engaging way, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. Many exhibits allow guests to participate in activities, and families often appreciate the hands-on learning opportunities that make science and nature easier to understand.

8. International Rose Test Garden

Established in 1917, International Rose Test Garden is one of Portland’s most famous attractions, recognized as the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States. Visitors can explore thousands of rose plants representing hundreds of different varieties from around the world. The garden was originally created as a safe place to protect hybrid roses during a time when many gardens in Europe were affected by World War I. Today, it continues to serve as a testing ground and visitors come during late spring when the roses are in full bloom and the garden is at its most vibrant.

9. Go for Portland Aerial Tram Ride

Going for a ride on the Portland Aerial Tram is one of the most memorable ways to see Portland from above while enjoying a short and scenic journey. The tram connects the South Waterfront area with Marquam Hill and was originally built to serve Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), but it has also become a popular attraction for visitors. During the trip, the cabin rises about 500 feet and travels more than 3,300 feet, giving passengers wide views of the city below. The upper terminal also offers viewing areas where visitors can spend time enjoying the landscape before heading back down.

10. Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Located near the Willamette River, Oregon Rail Heritage Center helps preserve Oregon’s railroad history through exhibits, historic equipment, and educational programs. The museum is home to several famous locomotives, including the Southern Pacific 4449, Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700, and Oregon Railroad & Navigation 197, giving visitors a chance to see important pieces of railroad history up close. Families enjoy learning about trains through interactive exhibits, and the center also includes railroad artifacts and restoration areas where preservation work is often carried out.

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