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3 Days in Portland — Family with Kids

family city-break portland kid-friendly outdoors
Length
3 days
Stops
15
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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What this plan covers

This 3-day itinerary is crafted for families with children, blending Portland's unique culture with engaging activities and natural beauty. Explore interactive museums, lush gardens, and delicious kid-friendly eateries, ensuring smiles and lasting memories for everyone.

Activity 3 Food 3 Nature 5 Shopping 2 Viewpoint 1 Sightseeing 1

Opening hours, prices and routes can change, so check the details before you set off.

Day 1 5 stops · about 8.5 hrs
1

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Activity Half day

Engage curious minds with hands-on exhibits covering science, technology, and natural history, perfect for all ages.

Good to know

Allocate several hours; consider purchasing tickets online in advance, easily accessible via public transit (MAX train or Streetcar).

2

Portland Food Carts

Food 1 hour

Experience Portland's famous diverse culinary scene, offering something delicious for every family member, from global flavors to classic comfort food.

Good to know

Many clusters exist downtown and in various neighborhoods; a great option for a quick, affordable, and varied lunch.

3

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Nature 1.5 hours

Enjoy open green spaces, playgrounds, and scenic views of the Willamette River, perfect for kids to run around and burn off energy.

Good to know

Ideal for a leisurely stroll or bike ride; look for seasonal events or simply enjoy the river views.

4

Powell's City of Books

Shopping 1.5 hours

Explore one of the world's largest independent bookstores, featuring an extensive children's section that will delight young readers and spark imagination.

Good to know

Located in downtown Portland; allow ample time to browse the vast collection, especially the dedicated kids' areas.

5

Voodoo Doughnut (Original Location)

Food 30 minutes

Indulge in uniquely creative and famously quirky doughnuts, a fun and memorable treat that embodies Portland's eccentric spirit.

Good to know

Expect lines, especially during peak hours; consider visiting earlier in the day for the freshest selection and shorter waits.

Day 2 5 stops · about 10.5 hrs
6

Oregon Zoo

Activity Half day

Discover a wide array of animals from around the world in naturalistic habitats, offering engaging educational experiences and conservation insights for the whole family.

Good to know

Located in Washington Park; plan for a full morning or afternoon, and wear comfortable shoes for walking the expansive grounds.

7

International Rose Test Garden

Nature 1 hour

Wander through stunning terraced gardens showcasing thousands of fragrant roses, a beautiful and serene spot for a family stroll with picturesque city views.

Good to know

Best visited late spring through early fall when roses are in bloom; free admission, easily combined with other Washington Park attractions.

8

Portland Children's Museum

Activity 2 hours

Foster creativity and learning through interactive exhibits designed specifically for young children, encouraging imaginative play and discovery.

Good to know

Geared towards younger children; check their website for current exhibit information and recommended age ranges.

9

Pittock Mansion

Viewpoint 1.5 hours

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Portland, the Cascade Mountains, and five volcanoes from this historic estate, a perfect photo opportunity.

Good to know

A short drive or bus ride from Washington Park; the grounds are free to explore, with a small fee for interior tours.

10

Dinner in Nob Hill (NW 23rd Ave)

Food 2 hours

Experience one of Portland's charming historic neighborhoods, offering a variety of family-friendly restaurants and unique boutique shops for an evening stroll.

Good to know

Offers diverse dining options from casual to upscale; great for an evening walk and window shopping.

Day 3 5 stops · about 7.5 hrs
11

Forest Park (Macleay Park entrance / Witch's Castle)

Nature 2 hours

Embark on an easy, magical hike through lush urban wilderness to discover the mysterious "Witch's Castle," sparking imagination and outdoor adventure.

Good to know

Wear appropriate footwear for trails; parking can be limited, so consider carpooling or ride-sharing.

12

St. Johns Bridge

Sightseeing 30 minutes

Marvel at the iconic Gothic-style bridge, a stunning architectural landmark offering fantastic photo opportunities and a sense of Portland's unique character.

Good to know

Best viewed from Cathedral Park below or from the bridge itself; an impressive feat of engineering.

13

Cathedral Park

Nature 1.5 hours

Relax in a beautiful park nestled directly beneath the majestic St. Johns Bridge, featuring a playground and river access perfect for family picnics and play.

Good to know

Free parking available; a lovely spot for kids to play while enjoying the unique backdrop of the bridge.

14

Hawthorne District / Belmont Street

Shopping 2 hours

Explore a vibrant, eclectic neighborhood known for its vintage shops, independent boutiques, and diverse eateries, perfect for finding unique souvenirs and enjoying a casual meal.

Good to know

Great for an afternoon of browsing and people-watching; many kid-friendly food options are available.

15

Mount Tabor Park

Nature 1.5 hours

Hike up an extinct volcano for incredible 360-degree city views, enjoy playgrounds, and explore reservoirs, offering a unique blend of nature and urban recreation.

Good to know

Free admission; multiple playgrounds and walking trails make it suitable for various activity levels; excellent sunset spot.

Where to stay

Hotels in Portland

Book direct on our own Portland hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

Things to book

Tours and activities in Portland

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Keep planning

More Portland itineraries

Other ways to spend a few days in Portland, from our own travel research.

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