Weekend in Portland
This budget-friendly itinerary for Portland families combines the charm of local fall events with popular kid-friendly attractions. You'll enjoy free community activities like outdoor movies and cultural crafts, alongside exciting paid experiences at science museums and unique indoor play spaces, all designed to create lasting memories with your children. Remember to check attraction websites closer to the date for any specific exhibit changes or additional programming.
Friday Evening - Fall Family Fun Night
Friday, October 3Outdoor Movie
Kick off your weekend with a cozy Fall Friday Night Movie showing of 'Halloweentown' in the pumpkin patch at Yesteryear Farms. This is a delightful free outdoor event perfect for getting into the autumn spirit with your kids. Remember to dress warmly and bring your own seating for comfort.
Ideal for all ages, especially 3-12. Kids will love the outdoor movie experience and the festive atmosphere of the pumpkin patch. Facilities include portable restrooms. The movie starts at dusk, so timing is perfect for an early evening outing. Bring blankets or camping chairs and snacks.
Driving is recommended for Yesteryear Farms, which is located in Wilsonville, south of Portland. Ample free parking is available on-site. The movie area is uncovered, so check the weather.
Casual Family Dinner
Enjoy an early, kid-friendly dinner at Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB).
Known for its commitment to organic ingredients, HUB offers a vibrant atmosphere with dedicated play spaces where kids can burn off energy before or after their meal.
Perfect for families, with multiple play spaces (train sets, crayons) that keep children entertained. The menu includes kid-sized portions of classics like mini pizzas, burgers, and chicken tenders. Restrooms are available, and the venue is stroller-friendly. Early timing ensures kids can eat and play before winding down for the evening.
Parking is available in a dedicated lot and on surrounding streets. The Powell Blvd location is accessible via TriMet bus lines. Stroller access is good.
Saturday - Portland City Adventure
Saturday, October 4Farmers Market Visit
Immerse yourselves in the bustling atmosphere of the Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University.
It's a fantastic spot to browse local produce, artisanal foods, and enjoy the vibrant community feel. Kids will love seeing all the fresh foods and perhaps picking out a special treat.
This market is year-round and perfect for energetic kids to explore. It offers a variety of ready-to-eat foods for breakfast or an early lunch. Stroller-friendly with public restrooms nearby. Great for all ages, with plenty to see and sample.
Located downtown, accessible by TriMet MAX light rail and various bus lines. Paid street parking and parking garages are available nearby. It can get busy, so public transit is often easier.
Farmers Market Lunch
Grab a delicious and affordable lunch right at the Portland Farmers Market.
With numerous food vendors, you can find everything from farm-fresh mole to deep-dish pizza, satisfying various palates and dietary needs. Enjoy your meal picnic-style on the grass of the South Park Blocks.
Kids can choose their favorite foods from a diverse selection, making it a fun and interactive meal. Plenty of open space for kids to move around after eating. Restrooms available at the market or nearby PSU buildings.
No additional transportation needed if already at the Farmers Market. Continue to utilize public transit or nearby parking.
Science Exploration
Dive into the wonders of science at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), a premier interactive science museum.
With its expansive exhibit halls, interactive labs, and engaging demonstrations, OMSI provides hours of hands-on learning and fun for children of all ages.
OMSI is excellent for kids 3-12, offering interactive exhibits that stimulate imagination and develop scientific curiosity. Highlights often include a planetarium, a submarine tour, and various science labs. Allow at least 2-3 hours. Stroller access is good, and family restrooms are available.
OMSI has a large paid parking lot. It is also accessible via the Portland Streetcar and several TriMet bus lines. The Portland Streetcar stops right at OMSI.
Dinosaur Dinner
Wind down your adventurous day with an early dinner at Laughing Planet, a counter-service restaurant known for its healthy, abundant, and reasonably priced food.
Kids will be delighted by the large array of plastic dinosaurs available for play while they wait for their food.
A great choice for families looking for quick, healthy, and engaging dining. The dinosaur toys are a huge hit with the 3-12 age group. Offers options for various dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free. Restrooms are available.
Easily accessible by car with street parking or nearby small lots depending on the location. Check specific location for TriMet bus routes.
Sunday - Relaxed Family Fun
Sunday, October 5Indoor Sandbox Play
Start your Sunday with active play at DiG PDX, Oregon's largest indoor sandbox.
This 4,000 sq ft indoor playground is filled with white sand, construction vehicles, and toy dinosaurs, providing a unique and engaging environment for kids to dig, explore, and build.
Perfect for children ages 0-12, offering a stimulating environment regardless of weather. Kids will love the freedom to play in the giant sandboxes. Socks and shoes are not allowed in the sandboxes. Restrooms are available. A great way to burn energy creatively. Admission includes up to two guardians for free.
Driving is recommended, with a dedicated parking lot available. It's approximately a 15-20 minute drive from central Portland. Check Google Maps for the most accurate directions.
Sukkot Crafts & Stories
Join the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education for a free afternoon of Sukkot crafts and story time.
This family-friendly event welcomes children ages 2 and up to drop in and engage in cultural crafting and storytelling, celebrating the autumn harvest.
An enriching cultural experience suitable for children aged 2+. Kids can enjoy hands-on crafts and engaging stories in a relaxed museum setting. Restrooms and stroller access are available. Activities run from 12-3 PM, allowing flexibility for arrival.
Located in the Pearl District, accessible via TriMet MAX light rail and streetcar. Paid street parking and nearby parking garages are available. Public transit is often convenient for this area.
Park Playground Fun
Wrap up your weekend with some classic outdoor fun at Jamison Square in the Pearl District.
This urban park is famous for its 'tide pool' fountain, which fills and drains like a tide, creating a fun, splash-friendly environment (weather permitting), surrounded by plenty of space for kids to run and play on dry land. There are also nearby grassy areas. (Though note the water feature might be seasonal).
Ideal for letting kids get their last bursts of energy out before the school week. The open space and unique fountain provide a refreshing and engaging environment. Suitable for all ages, especially 3-12. Public restrooms are available in the vicinity, and the park is stroller-friendly.
Located in the walkable Pearl District, easily accessible by Portland Streetcar. Paid street parking and nearby parking garages are available, but can be competitive.
This weekend itinerary for Portland can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.