Free Summer Family Activities Portland Metro Area

Looking for something to do with the kids? Dont have much money? Or none at all? Well here are some idea's for you. Plan ahead, pack a lunch to save even more money.

earning Experiences

• Oregon Zoo - second Tuesday of the month: $2/person; kids under 3 are always free
  
• The Children’s Museum - first Friday of the month: FREE admission between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Oregon Museum of Science and Industry - first Sunday of the month: $2/person
• Portland Art Museum - kids under 17: FREE, free day for everyone - July 19, 2009
• Discovery Village - June 21: Dads free with one paid child admission from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Playgrounds

This may seem obvious, but playgrounds are a great place to spend a summer afternoon. But you need to branch out beyond your neighborhood. Try exploring a different playground every week.

• Washington Park near the International Rose Test Garden
• Ibach Park on SW Ibach Street in Tigard
• Pirate-themed park off a pathway on NW Graf Streetin the Bethany section of Washington County .
• And don’t forget to seek out a park with a water fountain on hot days like Jamison Park in the Pearl District, Salmon Street Springs in Downtown Portland and the Commons fountain in Tualatin, or a public pool.

Parks

• Oaks Park - two for one Tuesdays - buy one thrill ride bracelet, cotton candy or hot dog and get one of the same for free - no coupon necessary
• Portland Parks and Recreation - Summer Free for All
• Portland Public Parks
• Traveling Rock Wall in Portland Parks
• Vancouver Public Parks
• Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation
• Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation
• North Clackamas Parks and Recreation
• North Clackamas Aquatic Park

Libraries

With free entertainment, free story time and free passes, public libraries are a great place for families on a budget. At Washington and Clackamas County libraries, you can check out tickets to area attractions.

Passes

Passes available from Washington County libraries

• A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village
• Childr en's Museum
• Chinese Classical Garden
• Japanese Garden
• Oregon Sports Hall of Fame & Museum
• Pittock Mansion
• Portland Art Museum
• Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals
• Washington County Museum

Passes available from Clackamas County libraries

• Portland Classical Chinese Garden
• Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
• Japanese Garden
• Museum of the Oregon Territory
• Stevens-Crawford House
• Oregon Garden
• Pittock Mansion
• Portland Art Museum
• Children’s Museum
• Oregon Sports Hall of Fame
  

Summer Reading Programs

• Multnomah County - begins Friday, June 12
  
• Washington County - started June 1
  
• Clackamas County - various days and times – check website
  
• Clark County - started June 1

Museums

It can’t hurt to learn a little something over the summer, and many museums are full of Northwest history.

• Fort Vancouver - kids 15 & under: FREE; Adults: $3, $5 per family
• Oregon Historical Society - every third Saturday of each month: Up to 2 children (age 18 & under) free with each paid adult admission. Free day: June 21st (Father’s Day)
• Oregon Museums

Entertainment

• Oregon Ballet Theater Exposed - public rehearsals in the park blocks: FREE during week of August 25
• At numerous parks around Portland , you can listen to free evening concerts, including performances by the Portland Festival Symphony.
  • Concerts in the Park
  • Portland Festival Symphony
• Free flicks
  • Free Family Film Festival at Regal Cinema - Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 am: FREE kid movies starting in June – check website for locations and movies - OREGON | WASHINGTON
  • Summer Movies in the Parks

Sunday Parkways

Sunday Parkways are 7-8 mile "temporary parks" along city streets connecting neighborhoods and residents in North, Northeast and Southeast Portland. Streets are open to walking, bicycling, rolling and roller blading - without having to watch out for cars!

• Dates - June 21 in North Portland, July 19 in Northeast Portland and August 16 in Southeast Portland / 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Great Outdoors

• Oregon State Parks Camping Deal - From now through Sept. 30, you can camp at one of Oregon's 20 first-come, first served state parks during the week and get three nights for the price of two.
• Visit a national park for free - Entrance fees will be waived at 147 national parks and monuments during three weekends this summer. The weekends are June 20-21, July 18-19 and August 15-16.