Looking for fun things to do in Portland, OR? Read on for five of our favorite Portland-area events from our family-friendly Kids Calendar.
We find fun things to do so you don’t have to, and this weekend is very Portland in the best possible way: llamas at Powell’s, a giant neighborhood parade, tea with the Mad Hatter, a great weekend for kids who love trains, a family bike ride, and enough Mother’s Day options that you can absolutely still make a plan.
Be sure to double-check details on the event host websites, as they are subject to change.
🌷 Mother’s Day Events in Portland
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10, and our calendar editor rounded up more than 40 ways to celebrate around Portland — from easy, free outings to very-worth-it splurges. A few low-cost and free highlights: moms can get a free small scoop at Pinolo Gelato, ride free at Oaks Park with the purchase of a child ride wristband, and free entry at Frog Pond Farm. For more llamas, also check out Mamas and Llamas at Powell’s City of Books. There are garden strolls, brunches, farm-to-plate experiences, tea tastings, cruises and plenty of sweet low-key options if your family is still making a plan.
👉 More info here
🎉 St. Johns Bizarre & Parade
This is one of those classic Portland days that feels like the unofficial start of summer street-fair season. The St. Johns Bizarre brings together music, food, a beer garden, games, activities and more than 200 craft vendors in historic downtown St. Johns. Don’t miss the 61st Annual St. Johns Parade starting at noon.
📍 Historic Downtown St. Johns
🕙 Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; parade at 12 p.m.
💲 Free to attend
👉 More info here
🎩 Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
For kids who like their weekend plans with a little bit of magic and a lot of nonsense, this one is very cute. Travel through the looking glass for an interactive tea party with music, stories, songs, treats and a magic show. Costumes and tea party attire are encouraged.
📍 The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts
🕙 Saturdays and Sundays, May 9-24, at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
💲 $25 youth; $20 adults
👉 More info here
Can’t get enough music? Also check out William Temple House Jam on Saturday, May 9, 2-8 p.m. It’s an all-ages benefit concert with local music, DJ sets, a thrift-store pop-up, food, drinks and raffle packages.
🚂 Celebrate National Train Day at Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Train kids, this is your weekend. Oregon Rail Heritage Center is celebrating National Train Day with two days of historic locomotives, cab tours, turntable demonstrations, model railroad displays, food trucks, family-friendly activities and a chance to explore the museum and rail yard. Cost is choose your own adventure: general admission is only $5, but you can also splurge on a steam-powered excursion behind the historic Polson #2 locomotive.
📍 Oregon Rail Heritage Center
🕙 Saturday-Sunday, May 9-10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
💲 $5 general admission; free for infants under 3 and ORHC members; train rides start at $15-$25 and include admission
👉 More info here
🚲 Bike to Books Family Ride
This free family ride is such a sweet Portland combo: bikes, libraries and kid art in the bike lane. PBOT will lead a roughly 4-mile ride from Woodstock Library to Sellwood Library, with Bike to Books art to spot along the way. Meet at Woodstock Library at 10 a.m., ride at 10:30 a.m., then stick around at Sellwood Library to fill out a Bike to Books design sheet.
📍 Starts at Woodstock Library, 6008 SE 49th Ave., Portland
🕙 Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; ride starts at 10:30 a.m.
💲 Free
👉 More info here
Looking for more FREE things to do?
Looking for free things to do this weekend? Try one of these:
🦎 Reptiles at The Portland Aquarium — Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
🎭 Friday Night Puppet Show — Friday, May 8, 6-7 p.m. Free puppet show; play structure admission is extra.
🛠️ Portland-Area Repair Fair — Saturday, May 9. Bring a toy, small appliance, clothing item or household item that needs some help.
📚 Bard Storytime at Wonderwood Springs — Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
🌼 Wildflower Walk at the Tillamook Forest Center — Saturday, May 9, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
🎶 Music & Singalongs with Mr. Ben at Wonderwood Springs — Sunday, May 10, 10-11 a.m.
🐐 Goats and S’mores Sundays — Sunday, May 10, 1-4 p.m. Goat petting zoo is free; s’mores are available for purchase.
🍓 Storytime at Hoffman Farms — Saturday, May 9, 10:30-11 a.m.
You can always find the full lineup — plus last-minute additions — on our Kids Calendar. Have fun out there!
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