Well, we knew it when we came to Portland. It rains here. Often. Have no fear – We Portlanders never let a little pesky rain stop us from having some family fun! We have a lot of options for rainy-day shenanigans, both inside and out.

Outdoor Rainy-Day Fun

What: The Oregon Zoo. Something about the rain gets the animals out and about but makes it more likely that the humans stay home. So you can see way more animals with way fewer distractions. Plus a number of areas are covered, providing you protection in the unlikely event of a downpour.
Where: 4001 SW Canyon Rd.
Cost: $17.95 for adults, $12.95 for ages 3-11, free for 2 and under

What: Lan Su Chinese Garden. Of course, you can visit this garden in the sun too, but the gorgeous scenery and sheltered views make this a great rainy day stop.
Where: NW 3rd and Everett
Cost:$12.95 adults, $9.95 students (6-18 and college students with ID), free for kiddos 5 and under

What: Portland Japanese Garden. Winter in the garden is just as stunning as summer. A perfect chance to get entranced by the rain falling on the koi pond.
Where: 611 SW Kingston Ave
Cost: $16.95 adults, $11.50 ages 6-17, free 5 and under

What: Sellwood Playground. If it’s just drizzling, Sellwood Playground is a great option for outdoor playground fun. Because it is largely shaded, it doesn’t seem to get too wet in there. Plus you’ll have the place largely to yourselves. Bring a towel, though, to wipe off the structures. And careful, those slides go FAST when wet! Many school playgrounds also have a covered area to run or bike around in.
Where: SE 7th and Miller
Cost: Free!

What: Ladybug Nature Walk. Portland Parks & Rec hosts a weekly walk for preschoolers at parks across the city from February through November. Kids don a ladybug backpack filled with tools and get to work exploring nature. These walks are rain or shine.
Where: Various locations across Portland.
Cost: $3 per preschooler

What: Puddle jumping. There are plenty of places where you can find some delicious muddy pools of water to jump in. Grab your rain boots and have at it!
Where: All around you!
Cost: Free!

Indoor Rainy-Day Fun

There are plenty of fun things to do indoors if the weather is just too dreary to venture out.

Take your kiddo out for some artistic fun at these arts & crafts studios. You can unleash some creative energy, make a total mess, and not have to clean up after!

What better weather to snuggle up with a good book than these dreary gray days? Check out one of these popular storytimes at a location near you.

If your little one is brimming with energy with nowhere to unleash it, check out of Portland’s many indoor gyms and pools.

Want something a little more adventurous? How about a turn on one at these rock climbing gyms?

Go retro with some rollerskating fun, or lace up for a spin around the skating rink at one of these local skating rinks.

Treat the kids to bowling, arcade games and more at these readers’ poll winners. Our readers voted these fun centers their favorites.

And don’t forget to check out the daily happenings on our events calendar – maybe seeing a musician in a local coffee shop or checking out a mommy matinee is just what the doctor ordered. Check here to see what’s on tap today.