Spring has sprung! Enjoy the warmer weather with the family, all without spending a time.
Find spring blooms. Spring has sprung! We round up the best places to spot newly sprouted blooms, including free spots like Tryon Creek, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Happy Valley Library and Laurelhurst Park. Looking for cherry blossoms? We’ve got you!
Day with Dads. Hey dads! Head to the Brentwood Darlington Community Center for the weekly Dads Community Play Group. Join other fathers and father figures with kiddos ages 0-5 for playtime, community — and pizza!
Hop to it. Easter is this month and we’ve rounded up some eggcellent egg hunts, Easter Bunny photo ops and more. Even better, there’s a lot happening for free!
Check out art. While kids ages 17 and under are always free at the Portland Art Museum, on the first Thursday of each month, everyone else can also check out the exhibits at no cost. This month, visit on April 3 for Free First Thursdays.
Explore a new neighborhood. In our Neighborhood Guide, we highlight family-friendly spots to eat and play in neighborhoods across the quadrants. And don’t miss these fun, day-long itineraries for the family in Foster Powell and Woodstock.
To market. This month’s theme of the Portland Night Market, April 4-5, is the People of Portland. Plus, check out the market’s new gallery featuring local artists and their incredible works.
Get fabulous. Every teen deserves to look and feel great for prom. That’s why organization, Abby’s Closet is hosting a free prom dress event at the Oregon Convention Center April 5-6. More than 7,000 dresses — vintage and new — have been donated! And don’t miss Queer Prom at the YWCA in Vancouver on Saturday, April 26.
Take flight. Aviation enthusiasts of all ages will love Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center in Vancouver. Each Saturday, from 10 am-3 pm, kids can enjoy STEAM education through hands-on activities. There’s also a flight simulator late, vertical wind table and historical airplanes and collections on display.
Roll out. Check out these kid-friendly bike paths. They’re also great for roller skates (and strollers!).
Craft something. Get crafty with the kids by checking out our Hands On crafts projects. Pro tip: Many of these crafts can be made with items you have at home. Or check our Kids Calendar for free craft times at the library. Many also have make-and-take craft kits to go!
Plant a tree. Celebrate Arbor Month by planting a tree in the Tillamook State Forest (various days and times available). In addition to tree planting, kid-friendly arts and crafts at the Tillamook Forest Center will also be available.
Hear a story. Celebrate the launch of a new book by acclaimed local author Jonathan Hill at the Literary Arts center in East Portland. Hill will read from the second book in his new graphic novel series, Lizard Boy 2: The Most Perfect Summer Ever on April 8, from 7-8:30 pm.
Child’s pose. Visit Mother Tree Farm on April 12 for a free family yoga class! This class is great beginners and offers a unique way to bond with your kids. Afterward, kids can meet some alpacas! Reservation required.
Go in circles. In Ladd’s Addition, spring means it’s time to bike more! Get some mileage in during the Ladds 500 on April 12. Teams, families and individuals will bike around Ladd Circle Park again and again. And again!
Puppet time. Kids can make their very own finger puppets during the April Kids Zone Event at JC Penney on April 12, from 11 am-12 pm.
Explore underwater. Check out the underwater viewing window at the Wildwood Recreation Site near Welches.
B-I-N-G-O. Visit the Camas Public Library the third Friday of each month at 5 pm for Family Bingo Night (this month it’s on April 18). Winners receive their choice of Reading Dragon prize!
Powwow. Enjoy Native made arts and crafts, explore information tables, enjoy food vendors and more at the Rising Generations Traditional Powwow on Saturday, April 19 at College O’Connell Sports Center in Vancouver. There will also be dancing and drumming — don’t miss the fry bread!
Bunny bike ride. Join Kidical Mass on Sunday, April 20 for its Easter Bunny Bike Ride. Families will ride from the Irving Park playground to Grant Park on neighborhood greenways and quiet streets, and then have an Easter egg hunt for the little kids — bring baskets and decorate your bikes and helmets!
Celebrate the planet. Join an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 26 here or here!
Bake for kids in foster care. Check out this kid-friendly volunteer opportunity you can do from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Park for free. Metro Free Parking Day is April 17! Enjoy free parking at Oxbow and Blue Lake regional parks, Broughton Beach, Chinook Landing Marine Park, and M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp. Plus, on April 19, get free entrance to national parks, including including Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Crater Lake.
Keep teens busy. TeenForce is a free, after school program at five community centers around the city and is available for youth ages 10 to 20. The pass includes access to designated open swims, gyms and more.
Looking for more kid-approved fun? Be sure to bookmark our frequently updated Kids Calendar!