Every year we round up the very best in Portland-area fall fun. We’ve collected some of the quintessential Portland fall fun activities, plus some new ones to try. Happy fall, y’all!
Thank you to our Fall Fun Sponsor Bella Organic Farm! We couldn’t do this work without generous sponsors like Bella Organic. Their 100-acre certified organic farm in Portland has so much to offer during peak farming season here in the PNW, including an incredible pumpkin patch, 7-acre corn maze, cow train and grain train rides, exceptional local wines, a well-stocked farm store, and so much more! Bella isn’t just an organic farm and winery, it’s an experience.
Thanks to Fall Fun Sponsor Bella Organic Farm
Visit a pumpkin patch. No family’s fall is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch. Not only can you pick out the perfect carving pumpkin, but you can also visit with animals, ride on a hay wagon, take part in fall-themed activities and even bite into a delicious caramel apple. Here’s our list of the area’s pumpkin patches.
Take a hike. Check out our recommendations for hikes where you can see great fall colors or just enjoy a crisp autumn stroll. If it’s too early or too late to catch the trees in action, try one of these other fun family-friendly hikes.
Pick some apples. There’s not much more satisfying than that delicious crunch of a freshly-picked apple. There are lots of great apple picking spots around town. Here are a few of our favorites. And once you’ve picked …
Make applesauce. Peel and quarter as many apples as you can stand, throw them in a pot with a splash of water to prevent sticking, boil over medium-high heat until soft, puree and voila — fresh apple sauce! Try adding cinnamon or strawberries to the sauce for a twist on the classic.
Pick even more fruit. Apples picked and sauced? Check. But fall time features additional tasty produce and we one of our favorite traditions is touring the Hood River Fruit Loop. These local family farms have a bounty of apples, as well as pears, plus apple cider, cookies and farm animals.
See the Swifts. Every night in September, one hour before sunset, thousands of Vaux’s Swifts gather overhead as they prepare to roost for the night.
Make a fall craft. The rumors are true: It rains in Portland. While most drizzly days are great for outdoor adventures, there are those times where you just want to stay in and stay dry.
Prefer to avoid messy art at home? Check out our list of arts and crafts studios in PDX for places to make a mess without stress.
Go for a bike ride. Peep the leafs while checking out one of these kid-friendly bike paths.
Get the wiggles out. Speaking of indoor play, check out our list of play spaces. There are enough to keep you busy all fall and winter, too.
Celebrate Oktoberfest. Many of Portland-area Oktoberfests are kid-friendly, from Oktoberfest at Oaks Park to Mt. Angel Oktoberfest. Check our Kids Calendar for the next celebration.
Live on the lawn. Don’t miss the last two performances of the 2024 Porch Concert Series. Red Yarn is playing on September 14 and Tallulah’s Daddy is jamming on September 28.
Thanks to Fall Fun Sponsor Bella Organic Farm
Explore the Oregon Zoo. The Oregon Zoo is an absolute delight in the crisp fall air. Don’t miss their annual Howloween event!
Museum hop. Local library systems offer free and discounted passes to popular museums and attractions — perfect for a rainy fall day. Find your library system here to see where you can go. (Check your library system for the most up-to-date information on where passes are accepted.)
Purrfect scavenger hunt. Can you find all 31 of the locally created cat scultptures in downtown? Look for these fun felines now through October 13 during Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail. Pro tip: download the kitty map here!
Gather leaves. Put on those rain boots and take a stroll around the block trying to find the most beautiful leaves you can. Put them in a mason jar like a bouquet, make them into a craft, or — if you’re feeling really ambitious — rake them into a pile and jump into them. (Hint: taking a slo-mo video of your kids executing the jump will lead to a full afternoon of active fun!)
Visit a minigallery. Portland goes way beyond little free libraries. Follow this handy map to find a fun and funky gallery near you.
Plant fall veggies. Spinach and arugula can withstand cooler temps and grow quickly.
Plant bulbs. Visit your favorite garden supply store for spring bloomers such as daffodils, tulips or hyacinth. Your kids will love the reward of seeing these flowers in the spring.
Puddle stomp. Yes, your child will get wet and dirty. But isn’t that what childhood is all about? This can also lead to our next idea…
Take a bubble bath. Cool, drizzly days call for warm, bubbly baths. Throw in a few caps of bubbles along with measuring cups and other kitchen utensils to change up the regular bath routine. Your kids will love our bath bomb recipe; just sub in pumpkin spice extract for the essential oil!
Get lost in a corn maze. Take your pumpkin patch experience to the next level by venturing into a corn maze. Bring your boots, and be prepared for an hour or more of meandering. And be sure to reward yourself with your favorite fall treat afterwards!
Get a hole in one. While there are still some warm and dry days, try one of these mini golf courses.
Make a fall treat. It’s pumpkin-spiced everything season, plus check out our list of easy, healthy Halloween treats.
Search for rainbows. You know the type of weather — those rainy days with the sun shining through the raindrops — basically October through February. Where there’s that kind of rain, there’s rainbows. Go find one. And if you find that pot of gold, share it around!
Recapture your zen. No matter the season, the Portland Japanese Garden is lovely. Fall can be an especially wonderful time to visit, as the colors become more vibrant and the summer crowds thin. Pick up the scavenger hunt sheet while you’re there, or just enjoy the garden on its own.
Skip the parking fee. September 19 and October 14 and 17 are Metro Free Parking Days. Enjoy free parking at Oxbow and Blue Lake regional parks, Broughton Beach, M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp, and Chinook Landing Marine Park.
Downward dog. Try Cosmic Kids Yoga for a break during the day.
Create a bookshop bucket list. Powell’s is a stunner, but there are lots of other independent bookshops worth a visit. Try Green Bean Books, Annie Bloom’s, and Books With Pictures — or create a list of your own! It’s also a great time to visit your local library.
Read a book. Once you have those new books in hand, grab a blanket and some hot chocolate for a cozy, snuggly family reading session.
Enjoy a cup of joe sans whining. Visit one of our favorite kid-friendly coffee spots on a chilly morning. Readers love Awake Coffee & Art.
See a Blazers game. Fall marks the start of the basketball season. Even if you’re not the biggest sports fan, seeing a professional game can still be really exciting!
Take in a show. We are lucky to have great kids theatre here in Portland. Take the family to see music, a play or musical with Oregon Children’s Theatre, Northwest Children’s Theater or Oregon Symphony’s Kids Series. For a full list of venues, see our Performing Arts Guide.
Learn something new. While we’re all familiar with OMSI, there are many museums around that can get your kids (and you) engaged. Scour some fun and enriching kid-friendly museums here.
Get into the Spirit of Halloween(town). Weekends throughout October you’ll find lots of spooky and not-so-spooky family-friendly fun at St Helens’ Spirit of Halloweentown.
Visit a graveyard. Davis Graveyard is back for more free Halloween thrills! Starting October 1, the spooky effects will be running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.
See Pirates. Speaking of free Halloween displays, don’t miss the Pirates of Pinehurst. On weekends they often offer free performances, too.
Get Inspired at a Pumpkin Display. The artfully carved pumpkins at The Pumpkin Display at West Linn include a wide range of subjects, from Curious George to Jack Nicholson in The Shining. Best part? They’re free to visit!
Tour PDX hoods. Cruise around Portland to gaze upon the city’s spookiest Halloween displays.
Trick or Treat! The ultimate free October event. Get those bags or buckets and get some candy!
For Halloween ideas, check out our list of ways to celebrate Halloween like a Portlander.
Thanks to Fall Fun Sponsor Bella Organic Farm
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