Looking for Portland-area arts and entertainment that works for the whole family? These Reader Favorites highlight kid-friendly arts classes, performing arts companies, movie theaters that welcome families, and kindie performers who know how to keep little audiences fully engaged.
🎨 Arts & Crafts
🏆 Winner: SCRAP PDX
A longtime Reader Favorite for creative reuse: a treasure hunt of affordable craft supplies that helps families dive into art projects without overthinking perfection. It’s a go-to for rainy-day inspiration, classroom projects, and anyone who loves turning “maybe someday” materials into something awesome.
Top 5
Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP) — A Reader Favorite for meaningful art experiences that celebrate creativity and connection.
Portland Child Art Studio — A Reader Favorite for hands-on art classes where kids can explore a wide range of mediums.
PDX Preschool of the Arts & The Hangout — Reader Favorites for playful, process-forward artmaking for younger kids and school-age artists.
Owl & Bee Clay Company — A Reader Favorite for clay-based creativity and getting delightfully hands-on.
Hey! Happy Makers — A Reader Favorite for process art and creative exploration in a kid-centered studio.
🎟️ Performing Arts Company
🏆 Winner: Northwest Children’s Theater and School
A Portland Reader Favorite for bringing live theater to young audiences in a way that feels welcoming, fun, and genuinely memorable. From productions you can attend as a family to classes and camps for kids who want to get on stage, NWCT is a cornerstone for families building arts into their routines.
Top 5
Oregon Symphony — A Reader Favorite for performances that make a big night out feel special (and surprisingly doable with even young kids, thanks to family-friendly programming).
Oregon Ballet Theatre — A Reader Favorite for dance performances and training that bring major artistry to Portland.
Lovegood Performing Arts Company — A Reader Favorite for theater arts education and productions built around community and belonging.
Broadway Rose Theatre Company — A Reader Favorite for incredible musical theatre in the Portland metro area.
Echo Theater Company — A Reader Favorite for movement-based performance and creative community programming.
🎶 Kindie Musician/Performer
🏆 Winner: Red Yarn
A beloved Reader Favorite for high-energy family shows that mix music, puppetry, and big crowd-pleasing singalongs. Red Yarn performances are the kind of outing that works for a wide age range — and leaves kids humming the songs long after you’re back home.
Top 5
Native Story Hour with Karen Kitchen — A Reader Favorite for storytelling and songs that celebrate Native cultures.
Mo Phillips — A Reader Favorite for playful, kid-tuned music and a fun live-show vibe.
Tallulah’s Daddy — A Reader Favorite for upbeat, interactive family music in Portland.
Kelli Welli — A Reader Favorite for clever, warm, and genuinely funny songs for kids.
Hi Joe Kye! — A Reader Favorite for thoughtful, interactive family performances with heart.
🍿 Kid-Friendly Movie Theater
🏆 Winner: McMenamins Kennedy School
Catching a flick at McMenamins Kennedy School theater is like an upgraded movie experience at home. There are comfortable sofas and armchairs where you can watch both new releases and classics. But perhaps the best perk is the ticket price: Adults and youth are $5, kids 12 and under are $3, and toddlers and babies are free. Plus, McMenamins has a solid food menu that’s kid-friendly to boot. Don’t forget the Cajun tots!
Top 5
Family Cinema at The Judy — A Reader Favorite for low-key family moviegoing in downtown Portland, with a beanbag chairs and themed snacks.
Electric Castle’s Wunderland Games — A Reader Favorite for pairing movies with arcade energy and all-in-one entertainment.
Laurelhurst Theater — A Reader Favorite for catching films in a neighborhood theater setting.
Academy Theater — A Reader Favorite for a classic Portland movie theater experience.
McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub — A Reader Favorite for movies plus the full McMenamins vibe in SE Portland.