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Home › Donut Guides › Things to Do with Kids › Portland
Things to Do in Portland with Kids
Portland is an easy city for families: a riverfront fountain made for splashing, a science museum with a real submarine, a huge forest park and gardens on the hills. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our Downtown Donut Tour is a tasty way to see the city, and families tell us it's a great first stop in Portland.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: Tom McCall Waterfront Park and Salmon Street Springs, the International Rose Test Garden, Forest Park, Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Pittock Mansion grounds
- Rainy day picks: OMSI, Powell's City of Books, the Oregon Zoo's indoor areas
- Sweet treat: Our Portland donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in Portland, by neighborhood
Downtown and the waterfront
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
FreeA riverfront park with paths and the Salmon Street Springs fountain.
Portland Saturday Market
FreeCrafts, food and music by the river on weekends from spring through the holidays.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
FreePortland's living room, with events and a giant holiday tree.
Parent tip: On warm days, Salmon Street Springs becomes the city's favorite splash pad. Pack a towel.
Washington Park
International Rose Test Garden
FreeThousands of roses and big views of the city.
Parent tip: Washington Park has a free shuttle in warm months, which makes hopping between the zoo and gardens easier.
Across the river and the hills
OMSI
Rainy day pickThe Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, with hands-on labs, a planetarium and a real submarine.
Forest Park
FreeA giant urban forest with easy trails, like the walk to the Witch's Castle.
Day trips
Multnomah Falls
FreeA huge waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, about 30 minutes east.
Parent tip: Check whether a timed permit is needed in summer before you go.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our Downtown Donut Tour walks the heart of Portland with stops for some of the city's most creative donuts and stories about the city along the way. Guides set the pace around your group, which makes it easy with kids.
Taste Portland's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
What families say about our Portland tours
"The other family in our tour group included two girls ten and younger who seemed to have a great time, so I can recommend this tour for kids of all ages!"
Dan G., TripAdvisor, July 2025
"Our tour guide was fantastic and kept our two kids ages 10 and 14 entertained."
Jana M., TripAdvisor, July 2024
"It was a great family tour for all of us... they all loved it and enjoyed the walk for 4 diffrent great dount shops."
Mohamed, Airbnb, April 2023
All 5-star guest reviews.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Portland guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in Portland covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: Downtown
- Morning: donut tour downtown.
- Powell's City of Books.
- Splash at Salmon Street Springs.
- Weekend: Saturday Market.
Day 2: Washington Park
- Oregon Zoo when it opens.
- Lunch.
- International Rose Test Garden.
- Sunset at Pittock Mansion.
Day 3: Science and nature
- OMSI and the submarine.
- Lunch on the east side.
- An easy Forest Park trail.
- Or a trip to Multnomah Falls.
Portland with kids by season
Holidays
- ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo: a big lights display on winter evenings.
- Pioneer Courthouse Square tree lighting: the city's holiday kickoff.
- Christmas Ships Parade: decorated boats on the Willamette and Columbia rivers in December.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in Portland.
The rest of the year
- Spring: gardens bloom and the Saturday Market returns.
- Summer: dry, sunny days, splash fountains and the Rose Festival.
- Fall: colorful trails and cozy rainy-day museums.
- Winter: mild and rainy, perfect for OMSI and Powell's.
Portland with kids FAQ
Is the Portland donut tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, the route is an easy downtown walk, and kids' tickets start at $55.
What are free things to do in Portland with kids?
Waterfront Park and Salmon Street Springs, the Rose Test Garden, Forest Park, Pioneer Courthouse Square and the Pittock Mansion grounds.
Is Portland good with kids when it rains?
Yes. OMSI, Powell's and the zoo's indoor areas keep everyone busy.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
OMSI, Powell's City of Books or a donut tour with a raincoat.