10 Not-to-Be-Missed End of Summer Activities in Portland

Hate to say it, but summer’s almost over. We’ve come up with our favorite, iconic, not-to-be-missed, Portland family summertime activities. Make sure you cross these off your list before heading back to school!

Photo Courtesy Juan Salamanca

Splash around. If you’re looking for a fresh, free way to cool down, look no further than a splash pad. From your local pad to the iconic, you can find a list of Portland’s splash pads here.

Amuse yourself. Nothing says summer in Portland like a day at Oaks Amusement Park. If you’ve got young kids, be sure to stop by for Chipper Preschool Mornings. From 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through August 28, you get unlimited access to preschool rides for just $13 per child.

Stroll through sunflowers. Head out to one of our favorite sunflower fields, and don’t forget to snap photos!

Dive in. Ready for a true summer adventure? Hit the road and the water with a trip to a swimming hole. Stay local, or go farther out to spots like Daybreak Park in Washington or Dewey Pool in Vernonia.

Stock up on local deliciousness. Yes, many farmers markets go year round, but summer is when they really shine. In August you’ll find kale, peaches and other stone fruits, cucumbers, summer squash and the first apples of the season. For a truly remarkable farmers market experience, head to the PSU park blocks for dozens and dozens of vendors, music, and food carts. But your local farmers market is just great, too.

Turn in your summer reading card. Did you make it through your summer reading game card? Turn it in for a free t-shirt and bragging rights.

Go to a street fair. We’re still in peak street fair season. This month you can explore a number of cultural festivals.

Explore Sauvie Island. Attend a family-friendly live music event at Topaz Farm, go swimming at the public beach (but probably not Collins clothing optional beach), check out the animals at the Pumpkin Patch, and stop by a local farm stand for some healthy, fresh food for a summer picnic.

Try something new! Looking for inspiration? Try one of this year’s reader poll winners for Family Fun.

Visit the coast. Nothing says summer like a trip to the beach. We’re big fans of hidden gem Short Sand Beach.

Looking for more ideas? We’ve got 101.

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