Weekend in Portland
This weekend itinerary for Portland families balances thrilling ticketed experiences with engaging free activities, perfect for children aged 3-12. Expect interactive learning, outdoor play, and unique community events designed to create lasting family memories without breaking the bank. We've included practical tips for transportation, facilities, and budget management.
Friday Evening - Family Fun Night
Friday, November 14OMSI Exploration
Dive into hands-on science fun at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).
With five exhibit halls, a planetarium, and a submarine, there's plenty to spark curiosity for kids and adults alike. Explore topics from physics to the natural world.
Perfect for energetic kids aged 3-12. The Turbine Hall and Life Sciences Hall have particularly engaging exhibits. Restrooms are available on all levels, and the museum is stroller-friendly. Allow 2-3 hours for exploration.
Paid parking is available on-site at OMSI. Public transport via the MAX Orange Line (OMSI/SE Water Ave station) is also convenient and stroller-accessible.
Pizza & Play
Enjoy a relaxed family dinner at Sizzle Pie, known for its diverse pizza options, including vegan and gluten-free choices, in a vibrant atmosphere.
After dinner, head to a nearby park or playground for some quick evening playtime before heading home for bed.
Kids will love the creative pizza names and casual setting. They offer slices for quick meals or full pies for the family. Nearby parks like Jamison Square (NW 10th Ave & NW Johnson St) offer open spaces for children to run around. Early timing ensures kids are home and settled before it gets too late.
Sizzle Pie's downtown location is accessible by public transit (MAX or streetcar) and has street parking nearby (metered). Jamison Square is a short walk from the restaurant.
Saturday - Family Adventure Day
Saturday, November 15Oregon Zoo Morning
Spend the morning exploring the Oregon Zoo, home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world.
Kids will love seeing elephants, bears, penguins, and the Great Northwest area.
Perfect for all ages, especially 3-12. The zoo has paved paths, making it stroller-friendly, and numerous restrooms. Allow 3-4 hours to see most exhibits. Many interactive elements and keeper talks (check schedule on arrival) will keep kids engaged.
Located in Washington Park, accessible via MAX light rail (Zoo stop) which avoids parking fees and traffic. If driving, paid parking is available but can fill up quickly on weekends.
Food Cart Lunch
Experience Portland's famous food cart scene for a diverse and budget-friendly lunch.
The carts offer everything from global cuisine to classic kid-friendly options like burgers and tacos.
Kids can choose their own meal, and there's usually plenty of outdoor seating (though covered areas are limited in case of rain). Restrooms can be found in nearby businesses or public facilities. Great for adventurous eaters and picky eaters alike.
Both major pods are accessible by public transit. Parking near food cart pods can be challenging, so consider walking or using ride-shares if possible.
Treetop Adventure
Explore the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, an engaging and interactive museum dedicated to forests and natural resources.
It features hands-on exhibits like a talking tree and a simulated forest fire.
Ideal for children aged 5-12, offering educational fun. The exhibits are designed for interaction, making learning enjoyable. The museum is stroller-accessible, and restrooms are available. Plan for 1.5-2 hours.
Located near the Oregon Zoo in Washington Park. Accessible by MAX light rail (World Forestry Center station) or paid parking at the center.
Park Play & Treat
Wind down with some free play at a local park like Gabriel Park, which features a large playground, open fields, and walking paths.
Afterward, grab an ice cream cone from a local shop as a special treat.
Gabriel Park's playground is great for kids to burn off any remaining energy. Restrooms are available. For ice cream, Salt & Straw (various locations) offers unique flavors, or a local dairy for classic scoops. This is a perfect end to an active day.
Gabriel Park has free parking available. Ice cream shops are generally easily accessible by car with street parking nearby.
Sunday - Relaxed Family Day
Sunday, November 16Farmers Market Fun
Start your Sunday at a lively Portland farmers market.
The Portland Farmers Market at PSU is a large, vibrant market offering local produce, prepared foods, and often live music. Kids will enjoy sampling fresh fruit, pastries, and seeing the bustling activity.
Great for a relaxed Sunday morning stroll. Kids can pick out a treat or help choose ingredients for dinner. Restrooms are available. Stroller-friendly paths. Free samples are often available, making it engaging without constant spending.
Accessible via MAX light rail (PSU Urban Center/SW 5th & Mill St Station). Metered street parking and paid garages are available nearby, but can be busy.
Library Story Time
Enjoy a free story time or family program at a Multnomah County Library branch.
Many branches offer engaging readings and craft activities suitable for young children. This provides a quiet, educational, and free indoor option.
Perfect for younger children (3-7) to sit and listen, while older kids might enjoy exploring the children's section. All libraries have restrooms and are stroller-friendly. Confirm the exact schedule for story times or specific family events on the library's website closer to the date.
Central Library is easily accessible by various bus lines and MAX light rail. Street parking can be found but may be metered.
Playground & Dinner
Conclude your weekend with some free play at a well-loved playground like Harper's Playground at Arbor Lodge Park, known for its inclusive design.
Afterward, grab an early, casual dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Harper's Playground is designed for children of all abilities, making it a fantastic inclusive option for your family. Restrooms are available in the park. For dinner, consider a casual spot like Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) which is known for being very family-friendly with a dedicated kids' menu and play area.
Harper's Playground has free street parking available. HUB has its own parking or street parking nearby.
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.