There are tons of great schools in the Portland metro area, so when making a choice, it helps to do your homework. To truly take the pulse of a school, consider an in-person or virtual visit. This guide has open house information for private schools throughout the Portland area. Check back as we are always adding new events to the calendar.
Most schools host open house events through April each year. During the spring and summer, the best way to learn about local programs is our Education Guide. We’ll update this page as we learn of more events. Generally, that has been in September. Please email info@pdxparent.com with any questions.
Events
-
-
Storytime at Washington County Libraries
Libraries across Washington CountyThere's a storytime pretty much every day of the week at Washington County Libraries! These range from: Preschool Storytimes, Family Storytimes, Toddler Times, Book Babies, storytimes in various languages, and more! Use the Washington County Library events calendar to find one you love. Libraries may be closed on holidays.
Free -
Storytime at Multnomah County Libraries
Libraries across Mulnomah CountyThere's a storytime pretty much every day of the week at Multnomah County Libraries! These include: Tiny Tots, Family Storytime, Book Babies, Black Family Storytime, Pajama Storytime, Native Family Storytime, Toddler Storytime, storytimes in various languages, and more! Use the Multnomah County Library events calendar to find one you love. Libraries may be closed on […]
Free -
TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition at OMSI
OMSITITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition | March 21, 2026 to October 18, 2026 History comes to life in TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition. This immersive exhibition offers a rare opportunity for audiences of all ages to explore the innovation, ambition, and tragedy of Titanic while connecting personally with the people whose lives were forever changed by her voyage. Step back […]
-
Cool Off at a Splash Pad
It’s no secret that splash pads are a family favorite for cooling down when the weather is hot. They're a safe, fun option for beating the heat with kids of all ages — head to one this weekend! We've made it easy for you to find splash pads by location with our interactive map and […]
Free -
Sunflower Festivals
Sunflower season is here, and there's tons of opportunities to see beautiful blooms all over the Portland area! From full-on festivals to lovely strolls through fields (and plenty of photo ops), we've gathered a comprehensive list of some of our favorite local farms hosting sunflower fun this season. View the list here and enjoy!
-
Train Fest at Molalla Park
The Molalla Train Park 31803 S Shady Dell Rd., Molalla, OREnjoy free admission and free train rides all holiday weekend long.
Free -
Oregon State Fair
Oregon State Fairgrounds 2330 17th St. NE, Salem, ORExperience the excitement of the Oregon State Fair in Salem. From August 28 to September 7, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this annual event showcasing the best of Oregon's culture, agriculture, and entertainment. Indulge in delicious fair food, enjoy thrilling rides, and explore a diverse range of attractions and activities for all ages. […]
Free – $12 -
Bank of America Museums on Us Offers Free Admission Sept. 5-6th
From Sept. 5-6th, Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive FREE general admission to select Portland cultural attractions Saturday and Sunday. Bank of America believes the arts have a unique ability to connect people and communities, and help local economies thrive. Learn something new this month with a visit […]
Free -
Tigard Farmers Market – Family Friendly Fun
Universal Plaza 9100 SW Burnham Street, Tigard, ORJoin us this season at the Tigard Farmers Market, Sundays May 3rd-October 25th 9am-1:30pm. Family friendly fun with the Market Sprouts kids booth, splash pad opening end of May, an amazing lineup of vendors, live music, and food carts. Plus it's dog friendly! Editor’s note: This event is a community submission.
Free -
Centennial Farmers Market
17150 SE Powell Blvd. 17150 SE Powell Blvd., PortlandJoin us for the new Centennial Farmers Market at Chop Chop Food Pod. Directly support local farmers and the sustainability of our community. Editor’s note: This event is a community submission.
-
Play, Bounce, and Feed the Animals of Frog Pond Farm!
Frog Pond Farm 2995 SW Advance Rd, Wilsonville, OR, United StatesLooking for things to do with kids near Portland this summer? It’s all here at Frog Pond Farm. Come meet our animals, including camels, llamas, mini donkeys, goats, pigs, cows, and more. With 10+ acres of space to explore, this is more than a petting zoo, it’s a full day of outdoor family fun. ✔️ […]
$13 -
Bella Organic Farm’s 4th Annual Sunflower Festival
Bella Organic Farm 16205 NW Gillihan Rd., Portland, OR, United StatesCelebrate summer at Bella Organic Farm’s 4th Annual Sunflower Festival, open August 1–September 14! Families can wander vibrant sunflower fields, let kids run and play, cut their own sunflowers, visit baby goats and farm animals, ride the Cow Train, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, and explore the farm store. Admission is just $10 per person, […]
$6 – $10 -
Swan Island Annual Dahlia Festival
Swan Island Dahlias at 995 NW 22nd Ave, Canby, OR 979013Stroll through almost 50 acres of breathtaking fields and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 375 varieties! Take photos, enjoy their shop, and have some food from food truck vendors while you're there! There's live music on the weekend — it's the perfect easy outing in a colorful, beautiful setting. This year […]
Free to attend -
Visit Leach Botanical Garden
Leach Botanical Garden 6704 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR, Portland, United StatesExplore 16 acres of cultivated and natural gardens in outer Southeast Portland! Families especially love The Aerial Tree Walk (fully ADA accessible) and the gathering meadow with room to relax, run and explore at this gem of a garden. The garden is spread across two levels and includes many different types of spaces for gathering, […]
Free – $8 -
Art in the Pearl
The Northwest Park blocks, Portland, OR, between NW Davis and NW Flanders Streets at NW 8 th Avenue.Art In The Pearl Festival celebrates 30 years with a spectacular selection of contemporary art work in Portland’s North Park Blocks. Art In The Pearl is Portland’s largest outdoor art fair, drawing thousands of people to its beautiful location under a canopy of trees. Located on two park blocks within the Pearl District, accomplished artists […]
Free to attend -
Lion Dance and Kung Fu Weekends
Lan Su Chinese Garden 239 NW Everett Street, Portland, OR, United StatesJoin us for two action-packed weekends filled with lion dance performances, martial arts demos, workshops, and family-friendly activities. Learn how kung fu shapes lion dance movements, meet the performers, and get creative with various arts & crafts! Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Hoffman, for being a trusted partner in preserving Lan Su’s historic space. We’re deeply […]
$16.00 -
Woven Light: Washi Sculptures by Yuri Kinoshita
Portland Japanese Garden 611 SW Kingston Ave., Portland, ORThis summer, Portland Japanese Garden is host to a glowing world of light. Woven Light showcases the illuminated washi sculptures of Yuri Kinoshita, a Seattle-based artist who artfully crafts floating landscapes of light through her sculptural lamps that bridge the art and design world. Guests who visit the Calvin and Mayho Tanabe Gallery will see […]
Included with daily admission to Portland Japanese Garden -
Checkmates & Chill at Director Park
Director Park 815 SW Park Ave., Portland, ORJoin a lively game of chess and put your skills to the test. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned player, there’s a spot for you. An instructor will be on hand to guide beginners, while experienced players can jump right in and enjoy the challenge. While you play, enjoy live performances by Curbside Serendade, […]
Free -
Story Time With Patch
Experiment PDX 1421 SE Stark, Portland, ORJoin us for two stories and a related craft the first Sunday of every month! Stories are read by a sweet monster named prometheus patch, and every story time starts with a monster hunt complete with shadow puppets and flashlights! Editor’s note: This event is a community submission.
$5 -
tertulia: Joeanally Gonzalez Book Launch & Puppet Show Celebration
El Centro Milagro 537 SE Stark St., Portland, ORStep into the magic of the forest with author Joeanally Gonzalez, who received a 2026-2027 Milagro Artist Fund grant to support this bilingual (Spanish & English) family-friendly celebration marking the dual-language release of her new bilingual children’s book, Nico the Banana Slug. Kicking off with a brief introduction, Gonzalez shares the heart behind the story, her love for our local […]
Free -
“Follow The CROWS” Group Bicycle Ride (Free)
OMSIOn Sunday 9/6 at 1 PM, come join us (and hopefully a handful of the artists) for an ARTfully crow-mendous time on the GROUP BICYCLE RIDE to 27 of the *30 crows! Meet in front of @omsi... at 1:30, we will ride into downtown. Details and route listed on Shift2Bikes.org website, go to date and […]
Free -
Weekend Train Rides at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Oregon Rail Heritage Center 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OregonClimb aboard for a memorable rail adventure through the heart of Portland! The Oregon Rail Heritage Center’s popular weekend train rides return May 23 through October 11, 2026, with departures every Saturday and Sunday behind historic diesel locomotive BNSF 3613. Perfect for families, visitors, and train lovers of all ages, these scenic excursions offer […]
Free – $17.00 -
Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical
Foster Theater 5444 SE Foster Road, Portland, OR, United StatesShe’s practically perfect in every way! Get ready for Mary Poppins to fly onto stage at the Foster Theater with Motive Theatrics this summer, August 28 - September 6! This family musical has captivated audiences for generations, and now the enchanting story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking production numbers will dazzle and delight theatergoers of all […]
$20 – $35 -
Takohachi & Kotori Kai Shamisen annual recital
Rose City Park Presbyterian Church 1907 Northeast 45th Avenue, Portland, OR, United StatesGet ready for an unforgettable live experience at the 4th Annual TAKOHACHI & Kotori Kai Shamisen Recital! This year’s program features a dynamic blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese performing arts—from powerful taiko rhythms and expressive Tsugaru shamisen to dance, minyo singing, and even pop covers and original works. Editor’s note: This event is a […]
Free with optional donation -
TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition at OMSI
OMSITITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition | March 21, 2026 to October 18, 2026 History comes to life in TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition. This immersive exhibition offers a rare opportunity for audiences of all ages to explore the innovation, ambition, and tragedy of Titanic while connecting personally with the people whose lives were forever changed by her voyage. Step back […]
-
Train Fest at Molalla Park
The Molalla Train Park 31803 S Shady Dell Rd., Molalla, OREnjoy free admission and free train rides all holiday weekend long.
Free -
Oregon State Fair
Oregon State Fairgrounds 2330 17th St. NE, Salem, ORExperience the excitement of the Oregon State Fair in Salem. From August 28 to September 7, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this annual event showcasing the best of Oregon's culture, agriculture, and entertainment. Indulge in delicious fair food, enjoy thrilling rides, and explore a diverse range of attractions and activities for all ages. […]
Free – $12 -
Play, Bounce, and Feed the Animals of Frog Pond Farm!
Frog Pond Farm 2995 SW Advance Rd, Wilsonville, OR, United StatesLooking for things to do with kids near Portland this summer? It’s all here at Frog Pond Farm. Come meet our animals, including camels, llamas, mini donkeys, goats, pigs, cows, and more. With 10+ acres of space to explore, this is more than a petting zoo, it’s a full day of outdoor family fun. ✔️ […]
$13 -
Bella Organic Farm’s 4th Annual Sunflower Festival
Bella Organic Farm 16205 NW Gillihan Rd., Portland, OR, United StatesCelebrate summer at Bella Organic Farm’s 4th Annual Sunflower Festival, open August 1–September 14! Families can wander vibrant sunflower fields, let kids run and play, cut their own sunflowers, visit baby goats and farm animals, ride the Cow Train, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, and explore the farm store. Admission is just $10 per person, […]
$6 – $10 -
Swan Island Annual Dahlia Festival
Swan Island Dahlias at 995 NW 22nd Ave, Canby, OR 979013Stroll through almost 50 acres of breathtaking fields and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 375 varieties! Take photos, enjoy their shop, and have some food from food truck vendors while you're there! There's live music on the weekend — it's the perfect easy outing in a colorful, beautiful setting. This year […]
Free to attend -
MusikLab
The Musikry 43 NW 3rd St, Gresham, ORWhat is a MusikLab? We provide the space and instruments and you do whatever moves you. MusikLabs are unstructured, all ages (we recommend 6 months - 9 years), and all abilities. Visit our website for details. Registration is required for each participant 17 years and under. Up to 2 grownups are welcome per registered participant. […]
$7 -
Tree Time! Preschool Walks
Hoyt Arboretum 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, ORJoin us for a story and guided walk on the trails at Hoyt Arboretum. We will use all of our senses to explore the natural surroundings and maybe even get our hands dirty! Staff and trained Arboretum volunteers will introduce you and your family to the plants, trees, insects, mushrooms, and more found at Hoyt […]
$5 – $8 -
Art in the Pearl
The Northwest Park blocks, Portland, OR, between NW Davis and NW Flanders Streets at NW 8 th Avenue.Art In The Pearl Festival celebrates 30 years with a spectacular selection of contemporary art work in Portland’s North Park Blocks. Art In The Pearl is Portland’s largest outdoor art fair, drawing thousands of people to its beautiful location under a canopy of trees. Located on two park blocks within the Pearl District, accomplished artists […]
Free to attend
