Head to the Friday Night Cruise In at Alderbrook Park to spy classic cars — and romp through oodles of kid-friendly activities that are all included with admission.
Alderbrook Park is your escape from the city in southwest Washington. Located outside the tiny town of Brush Prairie in Clark County — just under one hour from Portland — you’ll quickly think you’re driving to a summertime pumpkin patch in the woods during the weekly Friday Night Cruise In from 4-8pm. Not only is the event fun for the whole family (except the dog; leave the four-legged friends at home), the location boasts playgrounds, pedal boats, and so, so many classic cars — in a surprisingly wholesome and noncommercial way. I recently went with my second grader and his friend and we had a blast.
Alderbrook the Experience
Alderbrook began as a dream in the 1920s and has evolved over time. At one time there was a five-star restaurant in this space and a big band orchestra. The park now boasts a man-made lake, loads of activities, multiple event buildings and an open-air amphitheater.
In a time where it seems like everything nickel and dimes your parental dollar after paying admission to enter, Alderbrook Park is a breath of fresh air (literally, forest air) with all activities included for the price of entry ($10 for adults; $5 for kids 4-13; and ages 3 and under are free) every week during the Friday Night Cruise Ins (which run from May through mid September). There’s plenty of parking in the well-marked and lit lots. Pro tip: Bring your wagon or grab a push cart for the toddlers.
After parking, we walked up and over the hill and got a fantastic view of all the classic and custom cars — we saw around 100! When we visited, we spotted old-school roadsters, hot rods and even a Delorean.
The cars aren’t the only bit of nostalgia, as the entire venue is connected to its long history with old-fashioned, unplugged fun. We began at the Alderbrook Cafe. The park runs three different snack stands that offer traditional American fare like hot dogs and french fries, pretzels, candies and sodas. Prices are very reasonable with a kids corn dog basket for $6, an iced coffee for $5, and $6 for a beer. (You can also bring your own food, but it’s not a BYOB venue, so no booze). Pro tip: We were told there was only one fryer, so all the chicken strips came out, then all the french fries came out. Service was fast, but you may want to plan ahead for hot food.
If you are undecided on what to do first, you can take the family-friendly train on a circle tour. During our visit, we played the Oregon Trail-themed mini golf. My son played out of order, but no one minded. Then we ventured over to the children’s play area. We crossed the bridge above the bubbling creek, where a pirate ship and traditional play structures awaited. The kids had so much fun here, as the shaded playground is also cooled by a little stream. The pirate ship was my personal favorite, but I think the boys liked the slide better.
But wait, there’s more! The park also has fun water activities. We took a four-person pedal boat onto the lake (life jackets for kids were provided). I ended up doing most of the pedaling, as the boys’ legs got “tired” halfway across the lake. Pro tip: Both sets of pedals turn on the same access, so if you have uneven pedalers you won’t get stuck spinning in a circle. There’s also a swimming pool, featuring both zero entry, and a 3-foot deep end. There is a lifeguard, changing area, and seating onsite. Pro tip: Depending on the weather this might be a little cold so be prepared. My kid jumped in, then jumped right out shouting, “Cold!” His friend joining us fared a little better, but pronounced some areas a bit slippery when approaching the deeper end.
We ended our visit at the pink lemonade fountain: It’s free lemonade, served water-fountain style. It actually tastes good, too! Pro tip: Be courteous and don’t fill a cup or water bottle so everyone can have some.
And you’ll even find traditional summer fun like volleyball, cornhole, giant chess and other favorite yard games. Plus there was a DJ onsite playing classic hits while we were there. There’s truly something for all ages.
More Fun Activities at Alderbrook Park
Here are even more activities included with admission!
- Tractor Train Ride. Board near the mini golf course.
- Vendor Alley. Walk through different vendors of food and goods.
- Playground. Basic play area with swings and small climbers over sand.
- Petting Zoo. This attraction wasn’t open when we visited. Call to check.
- Bouncy House. No shoes, jump til you drop.
- Frisbee Golf. The far end of the park has a lakeside frisbee golf course.
If You Go
Alderbrook Park is a drive, but worth it. The park is north of Vancouver, so use your GPS. But there are many clear road signs as you approach the 3-4 mile mark. Paved roads until the very last stretch where you park in the trees and you’ll know you’re on the way to the Cruise In because you’ll see locals lining the streets to watch the cars pull in for the evening. Parking is free and has clear signage, with regular attendees heading towards the parking lot and show cars heading to the field. Handicap parking is available, but pathways are trail-based and can be rather bumpy.
There are multiple bathrooms (not portables) onsite with changing tables, plus plentiful trash cans and seating areas for snacks and cleanliness. Pro tip: Neither us nor our friends on a different plan had either phone or Wi-Fi. Take this visit as time to unplug.
Admission is $5 for veterans and seniors, $10 for adults 14-65, $5 for kids 4-13, and ages 3 and under are free. Pay and get stamped at the door.
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