10 Things to do in Portland with Kids

Portland is a child-friendly city where children can collect wonderful memories to last a lifetime. The foodie offerings, cable car rides and scenic farm tours make Portland an unbeatable holiday. Would you dare to hop on a Segway? The little ones are sure to love the ride.

Sometimes it can be hard to find things to do as a family, so I want to help you with this guide to the best things to do in Portland with kids. You can expect fun-filled adventures like a trip to the zoo, roller coasters at the city's most epic amusement park and sugary trails in search of the tastiest ice cream and doughnuts.

Kids love sweets, so I suggest taking them on a sugary tour of the city's most iconic doughnut shops like Voodoo Doughnut.

You can even join one of Portland's best doughnut tours, known as the doughnut tour, to indulge in two hours of temptations made with soft dough and melt-in-your-mouth fillings. It's a great activity for the little ones and is best done in the morning or at snack time, as there are usually specials between 9:00 and 15:00.

Segway tours are not only a fun way to see the city, they're also the best way to explore as a family. The kids will probably be reluctant to walk for hours, which is understandable. The idea is to make the experience enjoyable for everyone, so a two-hour tour may be the most appropriate for them to get to know Portland's most fascinating places at their own pace and without tiring themselves out.

To participate in these activities you generally have to be over 10 years old and the guide provides all the necessary safety instructions for a smooth ride. It doesn't matter if travellers are inexperienced, as the Segway is a comfortable and flexible mode of transport.

You won't have to worry about traffic or crowded areas either, as the regular programme usually skirts the waterfront and its clear spaces overlooking the Willamette River. From here you can also see:

• The Moda Center arena, where the Trail Blazers, Portland's basketball team, usually play.
• The Japanese American Historical Plaza, a learning place for children where you'll find exhibits on Asian culture and World War II.

An adrenaline rush is a must during your trip to Portland with kids, so I suggest you head to the Oaks Amusement Park Its rides are a paradise for all ages with roller coasters of varying levels of intensity, all-weather skating rinks, playgrounds, escape rooms and mini golf.

It can be hard to keep up with the kids and I can assure you that by the end of the day you will all be tired and satisfied. Entry costs from 11 euros and is the direct pass to experience all these attractions. Some of the most popular are:

• Chipper's Choppers: this is a gentle activity for young children, where they can spin on an age-appropriate roller coaster.
• Adrenaline Peak: climb to the top and then plummet down. Please note that participants must be at least 1.42 cm tall.
• Ferris Wheel: One of the most interesting activities in Portland, this is a Ferris wheel where you stop at the top for panoramic views of the city.
• Disk'O: this is a roller coaster where the cars are shaped like discs.
• The Spider: a thrilling ride with more than 50 years of history that is worth a try. It is a spinning attraction where the bases simulate the legs of a spider and the carriages are its pincers covered by Spider-Man's suit.
• Oaks Park Train: enjoy a leisurely ride on the park's train, which is free and takes you around the grounds.

One plan the kids will definitely appreciate is a visit to the famous Oregon Zoo, where you can meet around 2,200 animals of 260 different species. They receive all the attention of the keepers, who by the way offer talks and workshops that humanise the experience and create an empathetic bond with the stories of each animal.

It is quite large, so I advise you to download the zoo map from their website so you can find the areas of interest more quickly. Note that it's open from 9:30am to 4:30pm, children under 11 get in for free and adults must purchase a ticket for around 23 euros. Overall, I recommend:

• Experience encounters with Africa's native animals.
• Feeding crocodiles, only on Sundays.
• Visit the bat sanctuary.
• Participate in a treasure hunt.
• Attend ZooLights, in case you are planning to visit Portland at Christmas.
• Ride the zoo train.
• Take a ride on the zoo's merry-go-round.

Portland generally has nice weather but the hikes are often exhausting and you need to add a refreshing plan. The kids are sure to be excited to go on a quest to find the best ice cream in town and try different flavours of their choice. Their taste buds will celebrate this stop, especially in summer when temperatures are around 29°.

If you prefer, you can also learn about the history of ice cream and how it is made on a guided tour, as well as the city's most special recipes. Although this delicious dessert has its origins in ancient China and its heyday in Italy, it has undergone modifications in the United States.

These types of experiences usually start at 50 euros per person and take in a selection of renowned gelato shops, where the combinations are daring and unexpected. A must stop is Pinolo Gelato, a shrine to authentic Tuscan gelato. Or dive into the variety of flavours at Staccato Gelato, which makes yoghurt-based gelato.

The city of Portland is breathtaking from above, so treat the kids to a ride on the Portland Cable Car. Here they'll enjoy a three-minute spectacle with dreamy panoramic views. This adventure is quick but rewarding and, unlike the local viewpoints, is often less crowded because some people are unaware of its existence.

You'll be able to see the boats cruising along the Willamette River and the vibrant life of the surrounding area from above.

This option can also save you from walking or driving, as it connects the South Waterfront neighbourhood to the main campus of Oregon Health & Science University.

The Columbia River RV Park is a popular place to camp under the stars or sleep in an RV with all the amenities, depending on your preference. Being in touch with nature is essential during childhood, and if the kids enjoy outdoor activities, they're sure to have a great time here too. This experience guarantees peace of mind for the whole family, as drifting can be risky due to the variety of wild animals in the surroundings.

You will find caravans from 45 euros per day in different sizes, budgets and with VIP equipment. Also, this area is home to other tourists looking for a different kind of adventure without leaving the city, just like you. In particular, you will be in a shared area with at least 35 families. In addition, you'll have access to WiFi, recreation spaces, restrooms with showers, laundry facilities and more.

In the area you can fish as a family, go hiking or biking, watch wildlife, play golf or swim in the nearby waterfalls. Of course, being a campground in the middle of the city it can be a bit noisy, so if you want a completely relaxing experience I suggest booking a trip to the North Oregon Coast from Portland.

Another alternative getaway is a visit to the surrounding farms, which are popular for hosting some of Portland's best activities for kids. There they can participate in a variety of experiences to learn about the county's wildlife.

Please note that there are seasonal farms and others that operate year-round. Here are some of the most popular:

• Topaz Farm: has year-round activities and children can participate in fruit picking, watch country music shows, visit the fields and come in contact with animals or sample free hot chocolate.
• Bella Organic Farm and Maze: The corn mazes are very popular and can be visited all year round. There are also special events at Halloween, Easter and Christmas.
• Alpenrose Dairy: This is a dairy farm with a very active life. In fact, it has racetracks, children's contests, a baseball stadium and an opera house.

There are plenty of things to do with kids in Portland as you can see. But this list wouldn't be complete without naming Westmoreland Park. It's an outdoor space in the southeast of the city, with a playground that's perfect for kids to have a great time and explore a natural environment.

It's open from dawn and has cliff-side cabins available for overnight stays. Here you can climb the tower, take a boat ride, fish from the pier and see a collection of fossils taken from nearby Lake Potomac. It's also a great place for bird watching and to get up close to the caterpillar programme that shows the process of evolution into beautiful butterflies.

If you're planning to get around Portland by public transport you've got to give the tram a try. It's a fun experience that gives you a scenic tour of the city's best sights. In fact, there's a line that connects to the famous Powell's Bookstore, which houses an extensive collection ideal for kids to join a scavenger hunt through popular children's books and even catch a storytelling show.

The habit of reading helps to connect with emotions and symbolises an escape to other worlds that stimulate creativity. This building is where anyone's passion for books can begin, as its electrifying atmosphere is hard to ignore. In addition, you can take part in recreational activities for all ages, through its 10 rooms and 3,500 sections.

A colour-coded map of the building is usually handed out at the entrance to make your visit easier. Are you still not sure if it is a good idea to visit this bookshop? Then you should know that there are children's rooms with books they can easily understand and enjoy.

Travelling with children requires some special considerations, as their routine is affected and you need to find a balance to make them feel at ease. Here are some tips to make your trip to Portland more enjoyable!

Luggage

When travelling with children you need to be more careful with your luggage, as it is important to carry:

• Their documentation.
• Favourite toys.
• Comfortable shoes.
• Sunscreen.
• Insect repellent (for excursions).
• Clothes suitable for the climate.
• Prescription medicines.

Schedules and timing

Adults can handle an impromptu trip with changing routes, but children do better when they have a set schedule. If you plan to spend at least 3 days in Portland I suggest planning flight times and choosing flights with few or no layovers. You should also calculate how much time you will spend at each attraction and avoid long plans that may exhaust the little ones.

Additionally, it is advisable to consider rest times so that they can recharge their batteries and enjoy the whole trip.

Flexibility

I recommend having a plan B, C and even D in case an activity is closed or the kids want to do something different. Also, make the experience interactive and let them participate in the organisation or at least include some of their favourite activities.

Transfers

When you arrive in the city you will need to move from place to place constantly, luckily Portland has the Portland TriMet system which includes bus, tram and cable car lines. However, you can also hire a car so the kids don't have to walk.

Contact card

In general, Portland is a safe city and families can wander its quaint streets at their leisure. However, during the high season it receives many visitors and it is advisable to keep an eye out for children. One precaution is to give them precise instructions on what to do if they lose sight of you, as well as a contact card with all your personal details.