Portland, Oregon with Kids

1. Oregon Zoo

Formerly known as the Washington Park Zoo, the Oregon Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals that reside in a variety of habitats across 64 acres of land. Founded in 1888, the zoo is one of Portland’s greatest attractions and has millions of visitors every year.

The zoo is renowned for its excellent species survival plans, which include successful breeding programs for the endangered Californian condor, Asian elephant, and African lion. Regional exhibits allow visitors to explore different parts of the world -such as the rainforests of Africa and Amazonia, the Great Northwest, and the plains of the Serengeti - and learn about the animals that reside in them.

The zoo hosts a variety of summer shows, presentations and educational workshops for both adults and children; winter sees the production of ZooLights, a fantastic holiday light show.

Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon 97221, Phone: 503-226-1561

2. World Forestry Center

Located in Portland’s Washington Park, the World Forestry Center is a 20,000-square-foot museum that focuses on the importance of trees and forests and on the vital role environmental sustainability plays in today’s society.

One of Portland’s icons since 1971, the outstanding Discovery Museum was built in a dramatic Cascadian architectural style and features a wealth of hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and educational presentations for all ages. Visitors can see the forest from a bird's-eye view and learn about various cultures and tribes who rely on the forest for their survival.

They can enjoy a “wet-free” raft ride through the woods, or “travel” to Brazil, China, South Africa or Russia to see how other regions manage their forestry systems and the challenges they face. Explore the importance of the Pacific Northwest’s forests and how these forests provide habitats, water and wood for the region.

World Forestry Center , 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, Oregon 97221, Phone: 503-228-1367

3. Portland Aerial Tram

Adventurous travelers can see Portland from the air with an unforgettable aerial tram experience. The Portland Aerial Tram operates 500 feet above the city, allowing passengers to soak up magnificent views.

The tram departs from the South Waterfront and travels 3,300 feet up to Marquam Hill, where an upper deck with an outdoor patio boasts unrivaled views of downtown Portland. The summit of Marquam Hill is a protected natural area and features several walking trails, so visitors can enjoy a hike through the forest.

There’s also the Summit Espresso coffee shop, which serves light meals, snacks, and drinks to enjoy against the backdrop of some of the city’s most spectacular surroundings. The tram consists of two cabins, has a seating capacity of 79 people, and operates on a “load and go” system. Departures are every few minutes.

Portland Aerial Tram, 3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, OR 97239, Phone: 503-494-8283

4. Oregon Maritime Museum

While visiting the historical city of Portland, be sure to come aboard the last operating steam tug in the United States. The sternwheeler, proudly named Portland, is one of the main attractions of the Oregon Maritime Museum and can be found docked along the Williamette River by Waterfront Park. Visitors can learn all about local rivers and maritime history as they tour the boat’s original pilot house and engine room. The museum also showcases other maritime artifacts and memorabilia along with informative displays. At the Children’s Corner, kids have opportunities for interactive learning as they operate nautical objects, blow a ship’s whistle, and more.

Oregon Maritime Museum, 198 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, Oregon 97204, Phone: 503-224-7724

5. OMSI

The world-renowned Oregon Museum of Science (OMSI) and Industry is one of the top science centers in the United States. OMSI’s aim is to inspire curiosity and encourage experimentation and the exchange of ideas through engaging scientific learning experiences.

With five vast exhibit halls housing hundreds of interactive displays, exhibits, presentations and educational programs, this science center sees more than a million visitors a year. OMSI is home to the the USS Blueback, the last non-nuclear-powered submarine built by the U.S. Navy. The Blueback is open for public tours.

The museum also features the Kendall Planetarium, where visitors can get an up-close look at the universe around us. If you are wondering what to see in Portland with kids who love science, this is a great place to visit. Eight fantastic hands-on science labs offer an array of earth science, engineering and nutrition activities, such as “Forest Puzzles,” “Everybody Eats,” and “Engineer It!,” and visitors can take in science- and discovery-themed films at the beautiful Empirical Theater.

OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, Oregon 97214, Phone: 503-797-4000

6. Floating World Comics

Floating World Comics is a delightful bookstore in downtown Portland that specializes in comic books of all kinds. You will always find a crowd of readers, artists, book lovers, and geeks browsing through their packed shelves and tables heaving with comic books for the kids in all of us – old and new, self-published and classic, rare and those sold by pound. If you come on Wednesday, you can go through a fresh batch of all genre comics – superhero, crime, drama, horror, humor, romance, sci-fi, action, fantasy, and adventure. Explore the literary section with new authors or the all ages section with contemporary and classic children’s books and graphic novels. Browse through the selection of self-published, small press, underground, and international comics. You can even bring your own comic and try to sell it there. It might be the only comic book store in downtown Portland, but it is considered one of the best in the country, and for good reason.

Floating World Comics , 1223 Lloyd Center, Portland, OR 97232, Phone: 503-241-0227

7. Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Needing a greenway to preserve the riverbank, construction for the Riverfront Park started in 1974 and its completion in 1978. It instantly grew in favor amongst locals for its beautiful waterfront views, meaningful landmarks, and recreational facilities. One of the park’s popular features includes the Battleship Oregon Memorial, which commemorates the 1893 warship nicknamed “The Bulldog of the United States Army.” Also home to the park is the Founders Stone—a tribute to Portland’s founding fathers Williama Pettygrove and Asa Lovejoy—as well as the 185-jet Salmon Street Springs and local police memorial. Active parkgoers will also enjoy several paved paths and biking trails that trace around the park.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, Oregon 97204

8. The Portland Farmers Market

The Portland Farmers Market is an organization that runs seven different vibrant farmers markets and fresh produce markets in and around Portland. Established in 1992, the organization began with one small market in a parking lot in Albers Mill.

It has since grown into a group of seven markets, featuring over 200 vendors selling a variety of farm-fresh products and handcrafts. Innovation meets industry in all seven of the markets, which are located all over the city: Portland State University, Pioneer Courthouse Square, Shemanski Park, and in the Buckman, Northwest, Kenton, and King neighborhoods.

The flagship market is at Portland State University. The campus is an attractive setting for the market, which buzzes with over 140 stalls and vendors selling fresh produce, homemade and hot foods. Market-goers can also enjoy chef demonstrations, kids’ cooking classes, market music and a selection of food presentations and tastings.

The Portland Farmers Market , 240 N Broadway Suite 129, Portland, Oregon 97227, Phone: 503-241-0032

9. Voodoo Doughnut

Voodoo Doughnut is all about the super-sweet, sugar-coated treats the shop is named for. Founded by Kenneth "Cat Daddy" Pogson and Tres Shannon, who wanted to bring something different to Portland, Voodoo Doughnut has five stores around the city and serves a selection of delicious doughnuts with various toppings.

These toppings include berries, buttermilk, banana cream, sprinkles, chocolate and sugar. Voodoo also serves apple fritters and the famous Voodoo Doughnut Doll. Voodoo Doughnut caters for special occasions like birthdays, weddings and anniversaries.

Voodoo Doughnut , 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, Oregon 97204, Phone: 503-241-4704