What to do with kids in: Portland

Kids will get a kick out of getting around Portland by streetcar. Photo: iStock

Looking to connect with nature? Improve your family’s culture quotient? Eat at great restaurants? Shop at cool, indie stores? Portland’sgot it all.

Hike. Lots.

There are 220 miles of hiking trails within Portland, meaning it’s easy to get a hearty dose of nature from just about anywhere inside city limits. Washington Park has tons of short trails that are great to trek with smaller kids, as well as cultural institutions geared to all ages such as the Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum and Portland Children’s Museum. Try the 3.3 mile hike to Council Crest with older kids who can handle a decent elevation gain (about 820 feet) with a reward of spectacular views of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helen’s from the top.  

Eat. Lots.

Whatchya hungry for? Doughnuts? You can’t visit Portland without a stop at iconic Voodoo Doughnut (note: adults should visit solo and get a box for the kids to go, as some doughnut names and descriptions are R-rated), but you should also try new kid on the block Blue Star Donuts, where the dough is made from a rich brioche recipe. Want pizza? Try Sizzle Pie for slices that’ll satisfy carnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike, or Nostrana for wood-fire pizza topped with house-made mozzarella in a more sophisticated—but fam-friendly—setting. Got a sushi craving? Bamboo Sushi is certified sustainable, has partnered with the KidSafe Seafood program to ensure customers know what fish is safe for children and pregnant women, and is among the best anywhere. Next door is Salt & Straw a “farm to freezer” ice cream parlor where the line is perpetually down the block—and well worth joining—for a rotating list of flavors such as honey balsamic strawberry and pear and blue cheese.

If you’re eating on the fly, check out one of Portland’s many pods where food carts are grouped together, hawking everything from fancy mac-and-cheese to Korean barbecue. And if you’re weary from chasing your kids around and need a caffeine jolt, stop at Stumptown Coffee, the city’s beloved roasters.

Shop til you drop.

The most important fact first: There is no sales tax in Oregon. Might as well take advantage of it, right? A few faves: Finnegan’s Toys and Gifts has a killer selection of everything fun for newborns up to teens and has been a city staple since 1977. The Pearl District is loaded with lovely shops for the whole family. Moulé, in the trendy Pearl District, has a beautifully curated mix of men’s and women’s clothes, homegoods and toys and gifts for kids. Cargo is a treasure trove of Asian goodies, from slippers and stationary to paper lanterns and toy pandas. And don’t forget hometown natives Pendleton and Columbia Sportswear.

Takea new mode of public transportation.

Natives get around by streetcar, which zip along on special tracks that kids in particular will get a kick from. The Portland Aerial Tram travels between two of the city’s hospitals, but you’ll want to take the short ride for it’s spectacular sky-high views of the city.

Get out of town.

Portland’s proximity to stunning natural settings just a quick drive away is a huge bonus. The Columbia River Gorge is one of the area’s most popular attractions, boasting more than 75 waterfalls and a natural playground perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing and more. On the Oregon Coast, don’t miss breathtaking Cannon Beach, which has a small systems of caves, tide pools, sea creatures such as starfish and mussels, and the well-known Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack.

Stay in the heart of it all

It doesn’t get more convenient or family-friendly than Hotel Monaco. The chain’s Portland property has colorful rooms complete with pet goldfish and nightly happy hours that feature wine and beer for adults and Wii games, snacks and a painting area for kids—and it’s located right in the center of downtown Portland.

Ready to book your Portland vacation? Go to Orbitz.com for great trip deals!

Tagged: Family time