Itineraries for Your Trip to Portland
3 Days in Portland, Oregon for Families
Portland might be known for its hipster culture and craft beer, but visiting Stumptown as a parent has opened up a whole other side of the city—and given me an even deeper appreciation for the parts of town that I already loved.
The pods of food trucks that let me taste the work of up-and-coming chefs also let the kids pick their own meals, eliminating mealtime arguments. The city’s glorious parks and stunning waterfalls are even more interesting when you have a small person or two around to point out the quiet details that adults often miss or take for granted. With three days in Portland, you can hit the city’s best attractions and have some adventures in the great outdoors. Here’s what to do.
Portland’s rainy weather is no joke—be prepared with a waterproof jacket and good boots.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Washington Park.
On your first day, get familiar with the city’s unique mashup of cultural and natural attractions. Hit hotspots like the Pittock Mansion and International Rose Test Garden, then head downtown and stop by the Strand to stock up on reading material for the whole crew.
In the afternoon, make a stop at the small-but-mighty Oregon Museum of Science and Industry for some hands-on fun and a planetarium show. Then end your day by getting a feel for the city’s famous food scene with something everyone can get on board with: a pizza tour.
Start your day off with a sweet local treat: doughnuts. Head to Voodoo Doughnut, one of the city’s cult-favorite shops, or make your kids dreams come true and spend the morning touring a few local spots. (Don’g forget to grab some of the city’s famous coffee for yourself.)
Afterwards, put your sugar high to good use with a hike to some of the many waterfalls that surround the city. Drive to the trail for the popular Multnomah Falls (about 30 minutes west of the city) or take a tour of a few nearby cascades and spend the afternoon hiking.
Today, head out of town for a classic PNW adventure. You can explore the Columbia Gorge or enjoy stunning views of natural wonders like Mt. Hood while you learn to fish for salmon. Alternatively, head to the coast and spend the day playing on Oregon’s stunning beaches and spotting seals, eagles, and elk.
When you return to the city, head straight for the Cartopia food truck pod before ending your trip on a sweet note by visiting a local ice cream shop—or four.
