Activities, events and local spots to keep the whole family entertained!
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Explore child care, preschool and private school options. Plus after-school activities and enrichment programs to reinforce your child’s learning.
Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Our Kids Calendar is packed with family-friendly events happening all around Portland! Please confirm event details with the host— we do our best to keep things accurate, but event details can change!
Village Green Playdates weekly mornings designed for toddlers — and the grownups who care for them.
Rain or shine, indoors or out, we’ve got ideas for making the most of this summer.
There’s nothing sweeter than an Oregon berry.
Head to a local park and experience free movies, concerts, festivals, and special events as part of Portland Parks & Recreations Summer Free for All Cultural Events series! Check the schedule below and on PP&R's website to ensure there's an event happening on a specific day! Types of Events Include: Festivals: Music, food, dance, activities, […]
It’s no secret that splash pads are a family favorite for cooling down when the weather is hot. They're a safe, fun option for beating the heat with kids of all ages — head to one this weekend! We've made it easy for you to find splash pads by location with our interactive map and […]
Shop local at a Portland-area farmers market this weekend! Think fresh produce, local cheese, and maybe even a little chocolate or wine to round out your haul. Plus, many have kid-friendly activities like crafts. There's several to choose from — our post sorts them by day and location. Try a new one or visit a […]
The longest running free jazz festival west of the Mississippi returns for another weekend of jazz, blues, soul and R&B under the bridge. There will be food carts and booths. Bring your own low chair or a blanket. Dogs are discouraged unless they are service animals. No outside alcohol is allowed. Alcohol consumption is allowed […]
Scooped Ice Cream Festival returns to Esther Short Park in Vancouver, WA on July 18 and 19, 2026. Your ticket includes all you can eat scoops from top ice cream brands across the PNW and beyond, along with live music on the Sugar Rush Main Stage, the Milkshake Throwdown, Sundae Showdown, Sprinkle Zone, and more. […]
Founded in 1954, this historic and free event draws nearly 20,000 attendees each summer, offering a blend of modern and medieval activities. Head to the 73rd annual Summer Festival on July 17-18, 2026, featuring the traditional Summer Community Parade on July 18th at 10 AM, followed by the Sylvan Archers' International Archery Tournament from July […]
Head to the annual Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade, one of the largest donation-based LGBTQIA2S+ Pride events on the west coast, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to Portland each year. LGBTQIA2S+ people travel from all over the Pacific Northwest and beyond to express their individuality and celebrate community in a safe, open environment. […]
June 6 (Sat) - Solstice Celebration (Stub) July 18 (Sat) - Summer Night Sky (Stub) Aug 12 (Wed) - Perseid Meteor Shower Watch (Stub & Rooster Rock) Sept 12 (Sat) - Equinox Celebration (Stub) OMSI, Rose City Astronomers, and Oregon Parks and Recreation invite you to our free public OMSI Star Parties. The Star Parties […]
Enjoy a magical evening under the stars with your friends and family as we enjoy a movie on the big screen! These family-friendly events are free and open to all ages. Movies begin just after dusk, between 8:30-9 p.m. Kona Ice will be available for purchase during the show. Check out the exciting lineup of […]
Pack a blanket or lawn chair and join us for a fun-filled summer evening under the stars at Movies in the Park. Bring the whole family to enjoy Zootopia 2 at Risley Park on July 18. Movies begin just after dusk, between 8:30-9 p.m. Come early for kids activities. See the full movie lineup at ncprd.org/movies. Editor’s note: […]
It’s no secret that splash pads are a family favorite for cooling down when the weather is hot. They're a safe, fun option for beating the heat with kids of all ages — head to one this weekend! We've made it easy for you to find splash pads by location with our interactive map and […]
The longest running free jazz festival west of the Mississippi returns for another weekend of jazz, blues, soul and R&B under the bridge. There will be food carts and booths. Bring your own low chair or a blanket. Dogs are discouraged unless they are service animals. No outside alcohol is allowed. Alcohol consumption is allowed […]
Scooped Ice Cream Festival returns to Esther Short Park in Vancouver, WA on July 18 and 19, 2026. Your ticket includes all you can eat scoops from top ice cream brands across the PNW and beyond, along with live music on the Sugar Rush Main Stage, the Milkshake Throwdown, Sundae Showdown, Sprinkle Zone, and more. […]
Calling all Justins, Justinas, and Justines! It’s Farmer Justin’s birthday and we’re celebrating in Frog Pond Farm style: letting every Justin, Justina, and Justine into the farm for FREE on Sunday, July 19! That’s right. For one day only, we’re reminding Farmer Justin that he is not, in fact, the only Justin in town. Help […]
Explore 16 acres of cultivated and natural gardens in outer Southeast Portland! Families especially love The Aerial Tree Walk (fully ADA accessible) and the gathering meadow with room to relax, run and explore at this gem of a garden. The garden is spread across two levels and includes many different types of spaces for gathering, […]
Each week brings new adventures during the Summer Splash! Festival of Fun! Our event calendar is filled with exciting activities and special guests that spark creativity, curiosity, and wonder. Enjoy roller-skating parrots, circus performers, inspiring artists, border collie athletes, sand carvers, a 25-foot rock wall, and so much more! Editor’s note: This event is a […]
Join us for an hour of magic, music, and storytelling! Our fabulous guest drag queen will lead families through three storybook readings, two dazzling performances, and a sing-along, all wrapped up with an open Q&A before we say goodbye. This will be a welcoming, joyful experience for kids and grown-ups alike. See you at the […]
Join PHAME and Community Vision as We Celebrate Disability Pride Month with Creativity, Community, and Local Art! July is Disability Pride Month and we’re marking the occasion with a FREE joyful mini‑festival honoring the vibrancy, creativity, and power of our community! In partnership with our friends from Community Vision, we’re transforming the street between our […]
Head to the annual Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade, one of the largest donation-based LGBTQIA2S+ Pride events on the west coast, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to Portland each year. LGBTQIA2S+ people travel from all over the Pacific Northwest and beyond to express their individuality and celebrate community in a safe, open environment. […]
Join a lively game of chess and put your skills to the test. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned player, there’s a spot for you. An instructor will be on hand to guide beginners, while experienced players can jump right in and enjoy the challenge. While you play, enjoy live performances by Curbside Serendade, […]
Climb aboard for a memorable rail adventure through the heart of Portland! The Oregon Rail Heritage Center’s popular weekend train rides return May 23 through October 11, 2026, with departures every Saturday and Sunday behind historic diesel locomotive BNSF 3613. Perfect for families, visitors, and train lovers of all ages, these scenic excursions offer […]
Enjoy weekly free swim sessions at these PP&R outdoor pools: Creston Pool – Mondays 6:30pm to 8pm Peninsula Pool – Tuesdays 1pm to 3:45pm* Montavilla Pool – Tuesdays 6pm to 8pm Grant Pool – Wednesdays 1pm to 3pm Sellwood Pool – Wednesdays 6:30pm to 8pm Pier Pool – Thursdays 1:30pm to 3:30pm Outdoor pools open on […]
Looking for things to do with kids near Portland this spring and summer? It’s all here at Frog Pond Farm. Come meet our animals, including camels, llamas, mini donkeys, goats, pigs, cows, and more. With 10+ acres of space to explore, this is more than a petting zoo, it’s a full day of outdoor family […]
Ready, Set, Go! is a 30 minute introductory class that will introduce a new sport every week (think soccer, flag football, golf, kickball, t-ball, obstacle course, track-and-field, field hockey, etc). There will be group stretches, skill practice and then a mini scrimmage/game at the end of the class. Through games, interactive exercises, and fun activities, […]
Join us for a story and guided walk on the trails at Hoyt Arboretum. We will use all of our senses to explore the natural surroundings and maybe even get our hands dirty! Staff and trained Arboretum volunteers will introduce you and your family to the plants, trees, insects, mushrooms, and more found at Hoyt […]
P&R’s Free Lunch + Play program offers nutritious meals and fun activities for kids and families when school is out. There are sports, games, arts, crafts, music, and other activities led by trained staff and community partners. Free Lunch + Play begins in late June and runs Monday through Friday, 10am to 2pm with lunch at noon. […]
Each week brings new adventures during the Summer Splash! Festival of Fun! Our event calendar is filled with exciting activities and special guests that spark creativity, curiosity, and wonder. Enjoy roller-skating parrots, circus performers, inspiring artists, border collie athletes, sand carvers, a 25-foot rock wall, and so much more! Editor’s note: This event is a […]
Come read a book with us every morning in the park! All ages welcome, but geared towards a younger crowd. Bring a picnic blanket (or check one out!), grab a snack and settle in for a morning of books, crafts and outdoor play under the shade of the trees. Editor’s note: This event is a […]
Join Ethos Music Center for a joyful drum circle experience! This all-ages, all-abilities session invites families, musicians, and curious newcomers to discover the joy of hand percussion in the warmth of the summer sun. Whether you want to learn fundamental drumming techniques, pick up an instrument and jump right in, or simply dance along to […]
Enjoy free lunch and fun activities offered at this free summer youth recreation program. This year's host parks are Main City Park and Red Sunset. Activities: Arts and crafts Group games Special guests About SKIP: Free lunches and activities are available to all youth up to age 18. There is no cost to participate. No […]
Stop by The Shack twice daily for FREE All Ages Bingo! Prizes include Oodles Toys Tokens and more. The event happens at both 12-12:30pm and 4-4:30pm. Editor’s note: This event is a community submission.
Enjoy weekly free swim sessions at these PP&R outdoor pools: Creston Pool – Mondays 6:30pm to 8pm Peninsula Pool – Tuesdays 1pm to 3:45pm* Montavilla Pool – Tuesdays 6pm to 8pm Grant Pool – Wednesdays 1pm to 3pm Sellwood Pool – Wednesdays 6:30pm to 8pm Pier Pool – Thursdays 1:30pm to 3:30pm Outdoor pools open on […]
Looking for things to do with kids near Portland this spring and summer? It’s all here at Frog Pond Farm. Come meet our animals, including camels, llamas, mini donkeys, goats, pigs, cows, and more. With 10+ acres of space to explore, this is more than a petting zoo, it’s a full day of outdoor family […]
