Activities, events and local spots to keep the whole family entertained!
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Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Our Kids Calendar is packed with family-friendly events happening all around Portland! Please confirm event details with the host— we do our best to keep things accurate, but event details can change!
Set sail to Maybeland with Cinnamon Bear and friends aboard the Portland Spirit!
Director’s Park transforms into a Snowy Village.
OMSI's new feature exhibit, Monsters of the Abyss, opens on Saturday, October 4 and will be on view through February 16, 2026. Dive back in time to explore what lurked beneath the surface at the newest exhibit in Portland—Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past + Present. Meet massive mosasaurs, a spine-chilling Spinosaurus, and bizarre […]
Panto is Returning for the 2025 Holiday Season! Beauty and the Beast - A Musical Panto is a fun, interactive, family-friendly holiday event filled with slapstick, witty dialogue, great music, dancing, and a few wink-wink jokes for the adults. Kids and adults will laugh, cheer, and have a wonderful time. Panto is Interactive Theater and […]
Don't miss Santa pictures at Cedar Hills Crossing! Walk ups welcome every day until closing time. Please Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time. Hours vary by day, so be sure to check the event host's website before heading out! Visits with Santa are FREE, and photo packages will be available for […]
Twirl Into the Holidays! A sparkling winter tale set to Tchaikovsky’s festive score. When Marie’s mysterious godfather gives her a magical Nutcracker that comes to life, Marie and her Nutcracker Prince set off on an unforgettable Christmas Eve adventure to the Land of Sweets. Performed by Oregon Ballet Theatre. Presented by Fred Meyer | December […]
Come see the magic of The Nutcracker! Performed by Classical Ballet Academy’s Ballet 6-10 dancers with Ballet 3, Teen Beginning Ballet, Teen Intermediate Ballet, and adult dancers as well. Don’t miss this sell-out performance! This show is approximately two hours long including intermission and is recommended for all audience members. Showtimes: 12/18: 6pm 12/19: 7pm […]
A family-friendly abridged version of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker is a magical journey that will enchant the whole family. "A Nutcracker Tea" has been a popular sought after Christmas tradition event in the Portland Metro area since 2004. The traditional classic story of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince is presented by NWDT with elaborate sets, stunning costumes, […]
Put on your skates and take to the rink this winter at OMSI on a unique indoor synthetic ice rink! Experience all the joys of ice skating together while comfortably indoors in OMSI’s auditorium-turned-winter-wonderland. Ticket Information Indoor Ice Rink Admission Adult (14+): $10.00 Senior (63+): $9.00 Youth (5-13): $8.00 Member Pricing OMSI members receive 50% off of ice […]
Don't miss Santa pictures at Washington Square! Walk ups welcome every day until closing time. Please Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase. Santa's Schedule and Hours November 7: Fri: 2pm-7pm November 8-9: Sat & Sun: 11am-7pm (Break: 3-4pm) […]
The North Pole Adventureland Experience is an indoor walk-through, immersive holiday attraction for families of all sizes and ages! Guests will venture down Candy Cane Lane to find The North Pole Post Office, where kids can write their letter to Santa and mail it in our Magic Mailbox (with the help of a mischievous elf, […]
Delight in the Portland Christmas Ships Parade this season! Several events take place throughout December, and Santa might be at a few! Visit the event host's calendar for details. Most events are at 7pm, but times can vary. Over more than half a century, the Portland Christmas Ships Parade has grown into the longest continuously […]
Bring your loved ones, take a short drive, park your car and get hunting for the Christmas tree of your dreams, as you gaze upon thousands of Nobles, Douglas and Grand Fir-trees to be discovered! With over 100-acres of land to be explored, with plenty of parking, facilities, and that much desired “u-cut Christmas tree […]
Pittock Mansion Christmas celebrates the holiday in style, with a new theme every year. This year, they’re bringing back an expanded and reimagined version of the Home for the Holidays event, titled “The Decades Tour.” Visitors will enjoy festive displays across nineteen rooms in the mansion and four in the Gate Lodge, each artfully decorated […]
Say hello to Santa and other Christmas/Winter characters at Yesteryear Farm! Each weekend has a special character to say hello to (like Frosty the Snowman, Elsa and the Grinch!) — visit the event host's website for details including specific times. Pick a precut tree and visit their Holiday Farm Store with tons of cute photos […]
Here at PDX Parent, we love a Christmas tree adventure! Make magical memories at some of the local u-cut tree farms that surround the Portland-metro area. Many farms also offer food and drinks, and a chance to see animals or meet Santa. Some require ticketed entry, so check the farm websites before you go. Use our interactive […]
Santa and his elves will be available for visits and photos at Vancouver Mall through December 24! Sensory-friendly Santa is on December 7 at 9am. Check the event host's website for specific hours each day. Reservations are recommended but not required. Walk-ups are always welcome and will be accommodated as time allows.
Catch Santa by Macy's through December 24 at Clackamas Town Center!
The holidays are the highlight of many children’s year, and combining them with festive train rides and enchanting boat trips will have your kids over the moon! We’ve compiled some of the best holiday train and ship experiences in the area in this guide! Many of these magical journeys feature a special appearance by Santa […]
Zen Penguin went on a trip and we need help getting him home! DEC 6 - DEC 31 12 unique 4ft Zen Penguin cutouts are hiding in local Portland businesses! Find them for your chance to win a FREE YEAR of Swim Lessons! How to Play: Follow our daily social media clues, snap a photo […]
Set sail to Maybeland this holiday season with Cinnamon Bear and friends aboard the Portland Spirit! This year marks the 20th anniversary of the cruise, and it promises to be as enchanting as ever. The whole family will enjoy reserved seating and a plated breakfast, while the kids are captivated by storytelling, music and magic. […]
Looking for a cozy, FUN place to explore and play with your little as we head into the inclement fall & winter months? Join us for sensory play, creative building, intentionally built and set imaginary place zones, dress up and books galore! Not to mention snacks, drinks and coffee (for deeply deserving parents and caretakers). […]
Join longtime educator/state-certified teacher and movement arts instructor Lara Jones and Wally Jones in the padded play space of SWPMA PLAY! at 5315 SW Capitol Highway in Hillsdale Town Center, for a Saturday play session for littles ages 0-4. This monthly meetup involves pulling out a large collection of blue, foam play museum blocks...and working […]
Join 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 […]
Twilight Lanterns, winter storytime, and “snow” playdough! Celebrate light and the Solstice. Donations for WL Food Pantry welcome. Twilight Lanters - Families will create their own lanterns to light up the shortest day of the year and to welcome the first day of winter. Storytime - We'll enjoy the story of Harold Hates to Hibernate by Vern […]
Get inspired by the forest treasures found at Hoyt Arboretum to create your own personal crafts! Join our Nature Educators to create simple, nature crafts using leaves, cones, acorns, sticks, lichens, and more! All materials will be provided with crafting suggestions and instructions available. Crafts are great for ages 5+, but all are welcome! This is […]
Come join us for a jolly good time at Triskelee Farm! Santa will be spreading holiday cheer with his helping farm animals. Bring the whole family for a festive day filled with fun , delicious treats, and of course, a chance to meet the man in red himself. Don't forget to bring your camera to […]
This Portland tradition is back! Black Santa will be making his way through the metro area throughout the holiday season. See a list of events on his website to know where to find him this year and to confirm dates/times listed below. Friday, November 28: 5 pm - 7 pm @ The Workshop, 912 SW Morrison […]
Triskelee Farm Holiday Markets Come join us at Triskelee Farm for our Holiday Market on December 20th at 10:00 AM till 3 pm. Enjoy tasty food, drinks, a local products! Walk the farm and see our ostrich, alpacas and more! Free admission, kids play areas, and more! Get ready to kick off the holiday season […]
Nob Hill Christmas and Santa Land is open once again for the 2025 Christmas Season. We are located at NW 26th and Wilson st in downtown Portland and feature classic department store displays, photos with Santa on the weekends and Christmas decor retail, fresh cut Christmas Trees, Garland and Wreaths. This year we are also […]
Welcome to Open Saturday at Education Center on Pearson Field in Vancouver, WA! Join us on Saturdays from 10am-3pm for a day of STEAM education through aviation. Our center is perfect for youth of all ages to experience hands-on learning and exploration. Explore our flight simulator lab featuring Kerbal Space Program and Microsoft Flight Simulator, […]
“We must walk lightly when we are between worlds with this sacred being.” – Phillip Cash Cash Indigenous peoples have long been in relationship with and shared stories about sacred forest protectors, often called Sasquatch and Bigfoot. The works in this exhibition are made by Indigenous artists and honor generations of spiritual practices, storytelling, and tradition. Leave your preconceived […]
Climb aboard the Imagination Express for train-themed fun December 20th through January 4th! Young engineers can go full steam ahead with hands-on engineering, art, and dream building. Each stop brings brand-new adventures. Go full STEAM ahead in the MakeSpace, get crafty in Art Studio Junction, and visit the Tinker Toyland at East Bay Depot. From crafty […]
Take your family to Gresham Historical Society museum for photos with Santa on Saturday, vote in the Gingerbread Contest, and enjoy lavish holiday decorations, including a miniature village, nutcrackers, and seven Christmas trees! This year’s theme, Christmas Through the Ages, invites you to celebrate holiday traditions across the centuries at Gresham Historical Society. Stroll among beautifully […]
Shop local and support small businesses! Enjoy fabulous talented creative artists, makers, bakers, and more at the Merry & Bright Market!
