Yes, Traveling on Public Transit with Kids is Doable. And Fun!

I have a baby and I don’t own a car. Yes, these two things can be true at the same time though being carless with a kid does take a little extra planning. Some people are surprised I take Portland transit with a child. They seem to think it’s dangerous and while, yes, I’ve seen a thing or two, I’ve never felt unsafe. Pro tip: Hang near the driver if you’re feeling wary, or consider getting off early.

Thankfully, in Portland, there’s no shortage of fun outings that involve a short transit trip. Here are four kid-friendly trips to take with your kiddos. Plus, tips on how to get around with a family sans car.

Trip No. 1: Goose Hollow

Already known as one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Portland, Goose Hollow is also great for transit. Both the MAX Blue and Red Line run through the neighborhood while TriMet bus lines #6 and #24 both have multiple stops in the area (the 6 will take you as far north as Jantzen Beach; the 24 cruises around northwest before taking the Fremont Bridge).

However you arrive, make a pitstop at Fehrenbacher Hof, a quaint coffee shop with an illustrious history (it’s named after Sigrid Antonia Fehrenbacher, the wife of former Portland mayor Bud Clark). The breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and pastries offer a lot but if you’re feeling extra hungry, head next door to sibling restaurant Goose Hollow Inn. A large covered outdoor patio is good for kids while the reubens and pizza are good for adults.

Once bellies are full, you can extend your trip by taking the MAX one more stop to the Washington Park station. A short elevator ride up and you’ll find yourself at the Oregon Zoo, not to mention within easy walking distance of Hoyt Arboretum and the World Forestry Center. Pro tip: The tunnel to this station can be nosy. Consider bringing headphones for developing ears.

Trip No. 2: Beaumont-Wilshire

If you need an incentive to take transit, will donuts do? Ride the #24 to Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai on NE Fremont. (Or go the opposite way and ride the MAX out to Beaverton Central to try their more spacious new location in this Beaverton outing.)

Over on NE Fremont, you’ll also be treated to a central street with plenty of kid-friendly food options including Grand Central Bakery and Fire on the Mountain. As for play, Wilshire Park isn’t far from the #24’s route and offers a recently refreshed play structure and off-leash dog area.

Trip No. 3: The Waterfront

You’ve ridden the bus and you’ve hopped on the MAX. Now it’s time for the Portland Streetcar. This fairly recent addition to the Portland transit landscape overlaps with many more established routes but can offer a fun option for kiddos — particularly if you end up at the one and only OMSI.

That’s right: The Streetcar, MAX Orange Line, and several bus lines take the scenic Tilikum Crossing before stopping a mere stone’s throw from Portland’s beloved museum of science and industry. Pair your visit with a walk back over the bridge for a treat at Elephant’s Deli South Waterfront location and you’ve planned an A-plus outing.

Trip No. 4: St. Johns

While St. Johns isn’t easily accessible via the MAX, multiple TriMet routes take you to the north Portland neighborhood.

We recommend the #4 if you’re coming from downtown or the #16 if you’re in the mood for the scenic route through industrial Portland before crossing the St. Johns Bridge. And the #44 and #75 might be your jam if you’re heading from the eastside.
All four will drop you in the heart of St. Johns where a bevy of kid-friendly fun awaits.

From Wonderwood Springs Mini-Golf to Cathedral Park’s new swim dock, there’s no shortage of entertainment to make the trip worth the travel.

Pro Tips for Traveling with Your Kids

• Remember: Little kids ride free! At least until they’re 6. Then it’s $1.40 for two and a half hours.
  
• Strollers — and especially the smaller umbrella-type — are allowed on TriMet. Not allowed: wagons. Read more on what is and isn’t allowed.
  
• If you are bringing a stroller, remember that TriMet buses have accessibility features like boarding ramps, power lifts, and collapsible seats so there’s room for everyone. Just ask the driver, if they don’t proactively help (and they nearly always do).
  
• Babywearing and transit are a match made in heaven, and can often be easier than lugging a stroller on and off the bus or MAX. Just be sure to hold on or stay seated while the vehicle is in motion. Sometimes in lieu of taking a diaper bag, I will also carry a fanny pack with a diaper and a Ziploc bag of wipes. It works great in a pinch.
  
• A toy or two helps but so does “I Spy.” One of my baby’s favorite things to do is look out the window as the city flies by. Make it a game with older children. What do you spy with your little eye?
  
• Not all transit stops have shelters. Pack accordingly, even if you check your weather app before heading out. (I recommend an umbrella for the babywearers among us).