Written by Eric Bowman
Last updated: Saturday, October 12, 2024, 7:00 PM ET
International Rose Test Garden in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Eric Bowman)
What’s the key to an epic family vacation?
Granted, what you and your family like to do best is largely subjective, but family vacations are all about having great accommodations and plenty of food options for everyone to enjoy. It should be a well-prepared and safe destination.
A recent adventure to Portland, Oregon exceeded these criteria.
So what can families do in Portland, Oregon? We’ve broken it down into activities, food, and lodging.
Fun Family Activities in Portland, Oregon
Without a doubt, the number one thing every family should do is stop and explore the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park.
The free garden is home to more than 10,000 roses and offers breathtaking views. Particularly on clear days, you can enjoy stunning views of the city.
Other options for families include:
Architectural Heritage CenterCrystal Springs Rhododendron GardensCaves (includes 2 free elevator tokens and admission to special events)Lan Su Chinese GardenOregon Historical SocietyOregon Jewish Museum and Holocaust Education CenterOregon Museum of Science and Industry (planetarium and submarine tours included) Check them out!) Oregon Zoo Pittock Mansion Portland Art Museum Portland Chinatown Museum Portland Japanese Garden (consider reserving tea service) Portland Spirit Cruise (ticket includes river sightseeing cruise) (Food and drinks available for purchase)
Our kids loved all the playful experiences at the zoo and science center. The treasure hunt in the Japanese garden fascinated my wife as much as it did my daughter.
Unless your kids are a little older or you plan to do most of your activities in walkable areas, your best bet as a family is to rent a car. You’ll certainly be paying rideshare fees here and there, so securing a rental car may be a wise choice.
The main reason we suggest this is because a morning or afternoon drive to Multnomah Falls is an absolute must. The beautiful scenery surrounding the waterfall will make for great family memories.
Quarterworld Arcade, with over 30 pinball machines and over 60 arcade games, is another family-friendly option. Admission is $2, games are 0.50 cents to $1 per play, and on Wednesdays all games are 0.25 cents.
Where families should eat in Portland, Oregon
Portland is full of great restaurants.
But first you have to start with the food cart pods.
Portland’s food scene is diverse and delicious, and the growth of food cart pods across the city gives locals and visitors plenty of places to satisfy their taste buds.
Wonderlove Food Cart Pod in Portland, Oregon (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Some of my favorites are Cartopia, Wonderlove, and Hinterland. Food cart pods around Portland feature multiple restaurants in one environment, with everyone seated together in the center. You’ll find great pizza, tacos, burgers, sushi, Greek, Thai, and more. There’s even a spot dedicated solely to potatoes – say hello to Cartopia’s potato champions!
According to the locals, other delicious dishes include the tacos “Pol Que No”, the pasta “Grassa”, and the pancakes “Slappy Cakes”. Another highlight is Apizza Scholls, a classic pizza joint with classic arcade game machines for .25 cents inside. Our night was great as we watched our 4 year old son become completely obsessed with defeating Mrs. Pacman. It’s also two doors down from the aforementioned Quarterworld Arcade.
Don’t worry, moms and dads who love beer. Portland’s breweries have plenty of family-friendly spots. We loved our time at Hopworks Brewery. It was indoors, featured great beer and food, and had multiple play stations for the kids, including a full kitchen setup. Little kids love having a kitchen that’s the right size for them. And seeing my kids love this restaurant feature made me wish all eateries had something similar.
For a unique dining experience, check out Kachka, a restaurant that serves Eastern European cuisine and flavors. The gyoza here is truly divine.
No trip to Portland is complete without a donut. We loved Pips’ donut hole-sized creations, but Voodoo Donuts is very well known for its unique concoctions, and locals love their Blue Star Doughnuts. If you can’t buy it in town, you can also find it at the Portland Airport. .
These are just a few examples of delicious eateries around Portland. Locals are friendly, so don’t be shy to ask someone around town about their favorite flavor.
Wonderlove Food Cart Pod in Portland, Oregon (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Where to stay for families in Portland, Oregon
Of course, Portland has major stay hotel brands where travelers can earn cash and earn more loyalty points.
But a newcomer to the scene and perfectly designed for family travelers is Violet Suites PDX.
Located in the Buckman neighborhood of Portland’s Inner East Side, between popular Belmont Street and Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard, this boutique hotel feels like renting a luxury apartment.
Violet Suites PDX meets the demands of travelers who are turning to Airbnb and VRBO for more space and comfort.
Meadowlark Suite at Violet Suites PDX in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Eric Bowman)
Additionally, we offer the safe comfort of a gated parking lot and secure building. You’re not just approaching a house or a random building.
Violet Suites PDX has a total of five suites, ranging from two- and three-bedrooms to small studio-style suites with full kitchens.
With young children, we loved that Colonel Summers Park has a great playground just a few blocks away.
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