Portland Recs with kids please!

[sugarbear1]

We're going to do a quick road trip -- leave early Monday morning and return late Tuesday (from Seattle).
Really, the only thing we NEED to do is go to Powell's Books, and my kids could easily spend a couple hours there. 

I would love recommendations for other fun things to do with kids, and restaurants that have outdoor seating.

Thanks!

[oregonpachey]

Our zoo is fantastic and easy to do even in rainy weather. I have to admit, I am not that familiar with dining protocols in Portland right now, so I don't have any recommendations for good outdoor seating. Henry's Tavern (I think) used to be close to Powell's, and would probably be good with kids. Mother's is also one I see recommended a lot.

[ellipses84]

I know it’s touristy but my kids really love Voodoo donuts.

I’m a Duck so we also have to stop at the UO bookstore. There’s a Lobby area with exhibit space and last time we were there, the exhibit was for my major.

We usually only visit when the weather is nice so IDK if I have great recs for you.

Walk along the river. Probably better when the street fair is happening or on a sunny weekend, but sometimes there is random entertainers like giant bubble blowers.

Go to various parks in the city squares (lots have fountains kids can play in so it’s better in good weather and they might not be running now).

Walk around/ shop / eat in the Pearl District.

We always go to Powell’s too.

[rootbeerfloat]

We went when the kids were 10 and 7. We also liked the zoo. We also visited OMSI.

We got donuts from both Voodoo and Blue Star (not the same day lol). I think Blue Star is pretty close to Powell's?

We rented bikes and pedaled around the river (but that was early summer).

[jg183]

I dont think they have much outdoor seating but they are checking vaccine cards (if you are vaccinated and ok with indoor) but the screen door in the pearl has AMAZING brunch and food all day

[jg183]

this weekend?? how old are your kids?

honestly we haven't been downtown much in the last few years

omsi

[sugarbear1]

Feb 14, 2022 14:11:04 GMT -5 jg183 said:

this weekend?? how old are your kids?

honestly we haven't been downtown much in the last few years

omsi

Next Monday to Tuesday. 
Boys are 8 and 11.

[formerlyak]

My kids liked OMSI.

Also, Slappy Cakes is a fun breakfast place with kids. They bring you all the ingredients you order to make your own pancakes on the griddle built into your table.

www.slappycakes.com/portland

[dutchgirl678]

OMSI or the Zoo would both be great. We have been taking our 10- and 13-year old inside restaurants for the most part. Many restaurants in Portland will have temporary outdoor seating though, some with patio heaters and others with covers. Will you have a car or will you stay / eat in NW/SW Portland? We haven't been in downtown Portland much at all this past year.

We always love going to McMenamins with the kids. Their Kennedy School in NE Portland has a big outdoor area.

For other tips:

pdx.eater.com/maps/outdoor-seating-restaurants-portland
portlandfoodanddrink.com/portland-outdoor-dining-search/

Also check out Verde C

[sugarbear1]

Feb 14, 2022 17:57:23 GMT -5 dutchgirl678 said:

OMSI or the Zoo would both be great. We have been taking our 10- and 13-year old inside restaurants for the most part. Many restaurants in Portland will have temporary outdoor seating though, some with patio heaters and others with covers. Will you have a car or will you stay / eat in NW/SW Portland? We haven't been in downtown Portland much at all this past year.

We always love going to McMenamins with the kids. Their Kennedy School in NE Portland has a big outdoor area.

For other tips:

pdx.eater.com/maps/outdoor-seating-restaurants-portland
portlandfoodanddrink.com/portland-outdoor-dining-search/

Also check out Verde C

We are staying at the downtown Marriott and I will have a car. 

I think we'll check out OMSI! and formerlyak, I just made a reservation at Slappy Cakes. Thanks!

[dutchgirl678]

Walking distance from OMSI is Mt Hood Brewing, they have an old train car as one of their spaces which always has the windows open. They have pizza and beer, might make for a nice lunch after OMSI. Another option is a short drive to the Lucky Labrador also in SW. They have a covered patio with picnic tables for outdoor seating. Mostly sandwiches. Hopworks urban brewery on SE Powell also has great beers and food with outdoor covered seating.

[minzy]

Can I tag on and ask for recs in the spring with kids in the other Portland (Maine)?

[jg183]

Feb 14, 2022 14:35:21 GMT -5 sugarbear1 said:

Feb 14, 2022 14:11:04 GMT -5 jg183 said:

this weekend?? how old are your kids?

honestly we haven't been downtown much in the last few years

omsi

Next Monday to Tuesday. 
Boys are 8 and 11.

looks like you will have good weather. if you are into hiking you could do the 4T trail www.4t-trail.org/
you do a trail, trolley, tram, train loop... the hike is around the zoo, it goes down the tram at ohsu, across the river on the tram and then on the max train and street car trolley back 

UGH it looks like the ohsu tram isn't fully open to the public right now sorry just being used for the hospital

[escrow]

I agree with OMSI. Also Edgefield could be fun but I know it is a bit east of the city.

[oregonpachey]

Feb 14, 2022 19:35:54 GMT -5 minzy said:

Can I tag on and ask for recs in the spring with kids in the other Portland (Maine)?

Will you have a car?  It will probably be busy, but Acadia National Park is absolutely worth doing.

[oregonpachey]

Feb 15, 2022 13:19:14 GMT -5 oregonpachey said:

Feb 14, 2022 19:35:54 GMT -5 minzy said:

Can I tag on and ask for recs in the spring with kids in the other Portland (Maine)?

Will you have a car?  It will probably be busy, but Acadia National Park is absolutely worth doing.

Quoting myself.  If you are willing to drive down to Portsmouth, NH, Strawberry Banke is so much fun!  Portsmouth is an old Naval port and it's fascinating to walk around and just take in the sites.