Looking for fresh ways to do summer with kids around Portland (and beyond)? These reader-voted Favorites cover big-deal adventures, memberships worth the splurge, indoor play for rainy days, bike trails for sunny ones, plenty of great restaurants, and a few easy getaway ideas when you need a change of scenery.
🎢 Adventure Attraction
🏆 WINNER: Enchanted Forest
Enchanted Forest has been crowned your Reader Favorite in our annual awards, thanks to its timeless charm and magical experiences. This beloved destination continues to captivate visitors of all ages with its whimsical attractions and family-friendly fun. From the iconic Storybook Lane and thrilling Big Timber Log Ride to the enchanting Ice Mountain Bobsleds, this family-owned park offers something magical for everyone.
TOP 5
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park — High-energy indoor jumping for kids who need to bounce it out (great for rainy days, too).
- Tree to Tree Adventure Park — An aerial obstacle course in the trees—equal parts challenge and confidence boost.
- Skamania Lodge Zipline Tour & Aerial Park — Big views + big thrills in the Gorge with guided zipline tours and more.
- Escape Games PDX — A family-friendly puzzle adventure when you want an indoor activity that feels like a mission.
- iFLY Indoor Skydiving — Wind-tunnel flying that feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
🦒 Museums & Family Membership
🏆 WINNER: Oregon Zoo
A year-round crowd-pleaser for animal lovers, stroller walkers, and “we need an easy win” days—especially with a membership for repeat visits.
TOP 5
- OMSI — Hands-on science fun that works for a wide range of ages—classic for a reason.
- Gilbert House Children’s Museum — A kid-centered museum experience designed for playful, curious exploration. Worth the road trip!
- Portland Art Museum — For families who love a culture day—or parents who want a beautiful spot to push a baby in a stroller.
- Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals — Sparkly, science-y, and surprisingly mesmerizing for kids who love collections.
- The FLIP Museum — An interactive museum pick that readers love for hands-on fun.
Favorite Kid-friendly Bike Trail
🏆 WINNER: Springwater Corridor Trail
A family favorite for an easy ride with plenty of access points—great for everything from training-wheel cruisers to confident kid cyclists.
TOP 5
- Rock Creek Trail — A reliable, family-friendly ride in the westside mix.
- Tualatin River Greenway Trail — A mellow path for a nature-y ride with kid pace in mind.
- Banks-Vernonia State Trail — A paved, scenic trail that’s great for longer adventures (choose your distance).
- Willamette River Greenway — A scenic option for families who like river views with their ride.
- Eastbank Esplanade — An iconic city ride for a short, fun outing with skyline views.
🎳 Favorite Arcades, Bowling & Family Fun Centers
🏆 WINNER: KingPins Family Entertainment Center
The all-in-one answer when the forecast is iffy (or the group can’t agree): bowling, arcade games, and lots of ways to keep everyone entertained.
TOP 5
- Enchanted Forest — Readers love it in more than one category—theme park fun that keeps delivering.
- Wonderwood Mini Golf — A playful mini golf outing that feels like stepping into an illustrated world.
- Bullwinkle’s Wilsonville — Classic family entertainment center energy—rides, games, and big kid smiles.
- Big Al’s — A reliable pick for bowling + arcade time (confirm locations/hours for your planned visit).
- Electric Castle’s Wunderland Games — A throwback-fun arcade stop for families who love games with a side of nostalgia.
🧸 Favorite Indoor Playspace
WINNER: Playdate PDX
Playdate PDX, a NW Portland treasure, has helped many a parent get work done while the kids have a blast in the three story indoor structure.
TOP 5
- Happy Play — A cheerful indoor option when you need an easy outing.
- Wildlings Play Place — A cozy, kid-forward playspace for imaginative play.
- DiG PDX — Construction-themed fun that’s especially popular with vehicle-loving kids.
- The Wiggle Room — A go-to for indoor movement, wiggles, and play.
- My Gym – Portland — Structured play + movement for kids; check class schedules and open play times.
🏖️ Family-Friendly Vacation Destinations
🏆 WINNER: Sunriver
A classic Oregon family getaway: space to spread out, activities for a range of ages, and that “we’re really on vacation” feeling without a major travel day.
TOP 5
- Seaside — Beach-town energy with plenty of family-friendly classics.
- Lincoln City — Another coast favorite for easy beach days and family wandering.
- Leavenworth, WA — A memorable destination when you want a getaway that feels totally different.
- Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort — A warm-water reset (confirm current booking details and offerings).
- Black Butte Ranch — A reader favorite for Central Oregon family vacation vibes.
Love these? Find the rest of your favorites here!