Portland for two days

[Deleted]

We are heading up to Oregon at the end of July. Part of our trip will be visiting SIL and BIL in Portland for two days.  We would like to have a couple of fun things to do with the kids while we are there. BIL and SIL are not sure what would be good because they will not be moving there until 7/15 and they don't have kids so they haven't really explored the kid-friendly activities on their previous visits.

I should also note that the rest of our trip we will be in Eugene and we already have a trip to the coast, a day hike to see some waterfalls, and a trip to the water slide park planned for that portion of the trip. Oh, and possibly a visit to an indoor trampoline place.

Any suggestions?

[thejen626]

How old are your kids?

[atlas]

There's a kids museum. It is right next to the zoo. The zoo is also fun.

[Deleted]

Jul 1, 2015 12:39:07 GMT -5 thejen626 said:

How old are your kids?

Oldest will turn 9 while we are on vacation and the others are 6, 3, and 1.5.

[nannersp]

Powell's bookstore! And ice cream at Salt & Straw. And maybe a trip to OMSI.

[Deleted]

Jul 1, 2015 14:02:51 GMT -5 nannersp said:

Powell's bookstore! And ice cream at Salt & Straw. And maybe a trip to OMSI.

Ice cream is pretty much my spirit animal so I am down for that.  I'm also a huge reader, as is DS1, so I don't think it would be hard to convince the crowd that they would want to hang out at Powell's. I was also looking at OMSI on a website the other day and it looked really fun.  I know my older kids would enjoy it but do you think there will be something to entertain a 3 and 1.5 year old?

[nannersp]

Jul 1, 2015 15:40:57 GMT -5 @forcuatro said:

Jul 1, 2015 14:02:51 GMT -5 nannersp said:

Powell's bookstore! And ice cream at Salt & Straw. And maybe a trip to OMSI.

Ice cream is pretty much my spirit animal so I am down for that.  I'm also a huge reader, as is DS1, so I don't think it would be hard to convince the crowd that they would want to hang out at Powell's. I was also looking at OMSI on a website the other day and it looked really fun.  I know my older kids would enjoy it but do you think there will be something to entertain a 3 and 1.5 year old?

I think so. My friend has been taking her son there regularly since he could walk, so there must be plenty to entertain the younger set. We lived in PDX briefly, and now that I think of it, my daughter was around 3 and had a lot of fun at OMSI. 

[thejen626]

Play date PDX is an awesome indoor play area. They have good good, good coffee, wine, etc. and a smaller area for the little kids to hang out.

On your way to Eugene stop at Enchanted Forest (near Salem), it's so fun and your kids will love it! They have a little kiddy ride area and 2 large roller coasters, and the food is ok.

[robot]

I thought OMSI was not the greatest for the toddler age - they do have a 5 and under play area , which is nice except you also have an older child. I've heard the children's museum is even better for younger kids, but I haven't been there yet. So that would be another good option.

[robot]

And yes - Enchanted Forest is a great suggestion!

[lolo]

I loved OMSI and thought the children's museum was underwhelming. DD was a year old when we went.

We loved going to the Columbia river gorge and checking out all the waterfalls too.

[bugandbibs]

Jul 1, 2015 20:40:58 GMT -5 robot said:

I thought OMSI was not the greatest for the toddler age - they do have a 5 and under play area , which is nice except you also have an older child. I've heard the children's museum is even better for younger kids, but I haven't been there yet. So that would be another good option.

Disagree. My kids are 12, 4 and 1.5- they love OMSI. The little kid area is great (and my oldest enjoys playing with the baby there). The age thing isn't really enforced as long as kids aren't being obnoxious. There is lots to do if your group wants to split up. Usually we do the main exhibits as a family and then I take the littles to the play area while others go back to explore/play more indepth. The Children's museum is fun, but not that great for older kids. The zoo is fun for all!