Portland is the largest city in Oregon and one of the most visited cities in the great northwest. Each year, nearly 15 million people will visit Portland which doesn’t include the nearly 700,000 people who call it home. There’s plenty of reasons why this metropolis has become one of the hot spots in the US and below we’re going to delve into the many reasons why.
If you’re a local, you probably already know there’s plenty to do in Portland, Oregon, but there is still plenty to do that you’ve probably never thought of. If you’re traveling from afar, planning your trip will help you make the most of your stay which leads us into our next review.
Below, we take a closer look at the Top 10 Things to Do in Portland Oregon for families which help bring in millions of visitors each year.
10. Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden is located in the west hills of Portland and takes up nearly 12 acres of real estate. The Garden has a lot to offer nature enthusiasts including amazing color, unique flowers, and plenty of year long events. The rich in culture escape will take you to Japan in your own backyard giving you a full-days experience packed with plenty of events.
Visit Portland Japanese Garden
9. Forest Park
If you’re looking for recreation, entertainment and scenic views within the city, then there’s one place in Portland that always comes to mind. Forest Park offers an abundance of wildlife with more than 112 species of birds and over 60 types of different mammals. The park offers trails, trail heads, public restrooms, and hiking, but because it’s a city park there are no fires, camping or fireworks permitted.
Visit Forest Park
8. International Rose Test Garden
The International Rose Test Garden is another city park that offers a glimpse into the preservation of the great northwest. Located inside of Washington Park, it gives you a bird’s eye view of over 10,000 rose bushes making up 650 different types. You have to be there during the peak season which June as the roses bloom from the months of April – October.
Visit International Rose Test Garden
7. Lan Su Chinese Garden
The Chinese culture has always been fascinating and their outlook on gardens is hands-down a site to see. The Lan Su Chinese Garden is always a site to see offering lush landscapes spanning 40,000 acres of Portland’s famed Chinatown district. The Garden has a lot to offer including Chinese tea, music, carvings, ceramics, and plenty of events.
Visit Lan Su Chinese Garden
6. Portland Saturday Market
Despite its name, this market is open on both Saturday and Sunday’s. Located in the historic shopping district of Portland offering plenty of to buy including arts, crafts, food and is the largest market in the US that’s continually open. You’ll find plenty of vendors selling anything you can imagine, but the best treasures are plentiful and you won’t find them anywhere else.
Visit Portland Saturday Market
5. Portland Art Museum
Founded in 1892 is the oldest museum on the west coast and 7th largest in the US. This art museum offers a variety of cultural arts highlighted by the Japanese art that brings out a great deal of imagination. From events to collections to detailed history, everyone in the family will find peace in one of the most iconic things to do in Portland, Oregon.
Visit Portland Art Museum
4. Washington Park
Washington Park is an urbanized park in the heart of state’s largest city and boasts numerous things to in Portland including a zoo, arboretum, rose garden, children’s museum, forestry museum and more. The park itself is the seat for the city’s entertainment making it one of the most visited places in Portland each year. From entertainment to relaxation and everything in between, this stop truly has it all.
Visit Washington Park
3. Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is located just outside of downtown Portland and and is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River. Founded in the late 1880’s, its home to a wide array of animals from all parts of the globe. There are nearly 2 million people who visit the zoo each year looking to take in the sights and sounds of what makes nature intended life to be.
There are plenty of exhibits, shows and various events year-round, so be sure to check out there website below for updated information.
Visit Oregon Zoo
2. Portland Children’s Museum
The Portland Children’s Museum was created specifically for younger children and is a great place for parents to interact with their kids on a Saturday afternoon. They offer plenty to do including a popular place to setup a birthday party or other event while offering entertainment and interactive education at the same time.
Visit Portland Children’s Museum
1. Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut isn’t just another doughnut, it’s a whole new experience. The environment itself is truly unique while giving you creative, colorful and doughnuts you just won’t find anywhere else. Whether your family loves doughnuts or not, this is one thing you have to do in Portland, Oregon and conveniently located downtown.
Some of the highlight doughnuts are perfect for weddings, special occasions, or any of the 7 days a week doughnuts, and yes, they’re that good.