It’s that time of year. Rainy season has arrived and parents everywhere are wondering where to take the kids to burn off some energy. And while Portland has some fabulous indoor play spaces, these spots below don’t cost anything. That’s a playtime victory!
Libraries
Your local library is a prime destination for an indoor adventure. Local libraries have many spaces and amenities set up for kids — and yes, they expect children will make some reasonable amounts of noise. While all of our local libraries are great places to take kids, some of these spaces, like the new Midland Library, Central Library downtown and Vancouver Community Library, to name a few, take things to the next level.
Some great local storytimes include:
- Multnomah County Libraries. Diverse indoor offerings allow you to read with dogs or build your own creations at Lego Club. Traditional storytimes abound as well, from birth to three and preschool age. Plus, there are language-specific storytimes, those for Black and LGBTQ+ families and more.
- Washington County Libraries. Storytimes are offered including babies, ones, bilingual storytimes in multiple languages, inclusive storytimes, pajama storytimes, STEM-based stories and toddler song and dance times too. The Beaverton City Library at Murray Scholls also offers Toddler Stay and Play events and Messy Art.
- Fort Vancouver Libraries – offering traditional baby storytimes (for walkers and non-walkers), preschool parties and family storytimes. A standout offering at these locations is the monthly Read to the Dog events, plus seasonal craft and learning opportunities.
Many of these same spaces now have an added Library of Things to help you bring your next project to life. Take part of your adventure home with new tools, toys, and gadgets to try out before your next visit.
Malls, Shopping Centers and Stores
Vancouver Mall
The Vancouver Mall hosts a variety of free, family friendly areas. Shoppers can stop at the indoor playspace on the lower level with puzzles and climbers or take a break in the family friendly lounges on both first and second floors with kid-friendly tv, games, and nursing areas. Make this outing an event by stopping at the mall’s Little Free Library (also downstairs) with give a book, take a book sharing options and spaces to sit and stop for hosted storytimes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 am.
If you go:
Spaces are available during mall hours, Monday – Thursday 11 am- 8 pm; Friday and Saturday 10 am-8 pm, and Sunday 11 am-6 pm. Check the calendar for special events and occasional feature closures.
8700 NE Vancouver Mall Drive, Vancouver, WA 98662
Clackamas Town Center
The children’s play area offers a nature-themed map of indoor fun. The play area is conveniently located near the baby care and family restroom area on the first floor of the shopping center. Walk down towards Macy’s to enjoy the nearby indoor fish pond as well.
If you go:
Located near Dick’s Sporting Goods and open during mall hours, 11 am, Sunday through Thursday and 10 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
12000 S.E. 82nd Ave., Happy Valley
Portland IKEA Småland
Ikea offers a free indoor playland for store shoppers. Smaland offers small and large toys and typically includes coloring or a similar craft. Parents may drop off kids for up to one hour a day.
If you go:
Guidelines for play include being potty trained and height between of 37″ and 54″ to use this area, which generally works out to kids around age 3 to 6.
And oftentimes kids would be happy frolicking around playgrounds while while Portland has some fabulous
Community Organizations and Centers
Fourth Playn
This twice weekly recurring playdate is a pop-up hosted by the Columbia Play Project at the new Fourth Plain Community commons. Activities are not age limited, but instead focus on on creative and engaging STREAM-based play (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art and Math).
If you go: Verify dates via Columbia Play Project calendar.
Fourth Plain Community Commons: 3101 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., ste.101. Parking in rear (spots marked “commercial”) or on street.
Hidden Creek Community Center
While the Hillsboro community centers typically charge a small free for entry, sometimes there are free events for kiddos. Check out the free Sensational Stations events offered in two-hour activities blocks throughout the year. Explore water play, crafts, bubbles, sand with all ages fun. Pro tip: the center is near the Hidden Creek Park West (aka the Monkey Playground).
If you go:
Ample free parking is available throughout this large park. Find it at Hidden Creek Community Center, 5100 NE Hidden Creek Drive.
More Free Play Opportunities
Many of your local paid indoor spaces will also provide limited opportunities for free community play. Mark your calendar for the next events.
- Playdate PDX offers monthly free play sessions.
- Home Depot hosts monthly kids workshops.
- Lowe’s mini DIYer workshops are great for kids, too.
- Portland Art Museum has free museum days the first Thursday of each month (kids 17 and younger are always free).
- Oregon Rail Heritage Center museum entry is free (additional fee for train rides).
- Oregon Historical Society is free for Multnomah County residents.
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